Furious Hours

Furious Hours delves into the shocking true-crime story of Reverend Willie Maxwell, a rural preacher accused of murdering five family members for insurance money in the 1970s. The narrative follows the gripping events surrounding Maxwell's crimes and the subsequent trial of his killer, which was acquitted with the help of the same lawyer who had defended Maxwell. The story takes a fascinating turn when Harper Lee, intrigued by the case, returns to her home state to witness the trial and attempts to write a true-crime book about it. /n/n The book not only recounts the chilling details of the murders and the courtroom drama but also offers a deeply moving portrait of Harper Lee's struggle with fame, success, and her elusive creative process. Casey Cep masterfully weaves together the elements of this Southern-gothic tale, providing insight into the racial politics of the Deep South and the complexities of Lee's life and work.

Reviews

B. Vitelli's Blog · B. Vitelli · 2021-09-24

fascinating 4.00

The reviewer enjoys the connections made between the characters and Harper Lee's relationship with Truman Capote. The book is seen as a well-researched and engaging exploration of a lesser-known part of Lee's life.

B. Vitelli finds the book to be a fascinating exploration of Harper Lee's unfinished work and her relationship with Truman Capote. They appreciate how Cep connects the dots between the characters and the historical context, providing a rich tapestry of mid-20th century Alabama. The reviewer also notes that the book's focus on Lee's stalled writing career adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of both true crime and literary history.

Quick quotes

I enjoyed reading how Cep connected Maxwell, Radney and Lee, about Lee's relationship with Truman Capote and her stalled writing career.

Cep's research is thorough and her writing style is engaging, making the book a compelling read.

The book provides a unique perspective on Harper Lee's life and work.

Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2019-09-06

engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its strong narration and detailed research, making it a compelling read. The story of murder and the connection to Harper Lee's unfinished work are highlighted as particularly fascinating.

Karissa is captivated by Casey Cep's ability to weave a gripping narrative. She appreciates the detailed research and the way Cep brings to life the true-crime story that Harper Lee attempted but never completed. The book's exploration of murder and fraud in mid-20th century Alabama is both chilling and intriguing, making it a standout read. Karissa also notes how Cep's writing style keeps the reader engaged throughout, making complex historical events accessible and compelling.

Quick quotes

It's Casey Cep's strong and even narration and detailed research, as well as the fascinating story of murder, that will keep them reading.

Cep's writing style is engaging and her research is thorough, making the book a compelling read.

The story of Harper Lee's attempted true-crime book adds an extra layer of intrigue.

NPR · 2019-05-08

gripping 4.50

The book is described as a gripping and well-written portrait of Harper Lee and mid-20th century Alabama. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to bring the historical context to life.

The reviewer from NPR praises Casey Cep's ability to deliver a gripping narrative that not only explores Harper Lee's unfinished work but also paints a vivid picture of mid-20th century Alabama. They appreciate the depth of research and the engaging writing style that makes the book a compelling read. The reviewer also notes how Cep's portrayal of the historical context adds richness to the story, making it a standout in the genre of true crime and literary biography.

Quick quotes

Writer Casey Cep's book delivers a gripping, incredibly well-written portrait not only of Harper Lee, but also of mid-20th century Alabama.

Cep's research is thorough and her writing style is engaging, making the book a compelling read.

The book provides a unique perspective on Harper Lee's life and work.

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