Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era

by Jerry Mitchell
Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Technical
  • ID: 4401
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
shesprobablyatthelibrary.home.blog · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.50

Race Against Time is a gripping and well-researched book that sheds light on the unsolved murder cases of the Civil Rights Era. The author's investigative work is commendable, and the book serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

Race Against Time is a compelling read that delves into the unsolved murder cases of the Civil Rights Era. The author's meticulous research and investigative work bring these cases to the forefront, highlighting the injustices and the ongoing struggle for justice. The book is not just a historical account but a call to action, urging readers to remember and learn from the past. The personal stories and the emotional weight of the cases make it a harrowing yet essential read. It's a testament to the resilience of those who continue to fight for equality and justice, and it leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    The author's investigative work is commendable

    This book is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality

    The personal stories and the emotional weight of the cases make it a harrowing yet essential read

bookmarks.reviews · Unknown · 2025-10-21
excellent 4.50

Race Against Time is an incredible book that details the bravery and dedication of investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell. His work in reopening unsolved murder cases from the Civil Rights era is both commendable and shocking, highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and the deep-seated issues of racism in America.

Race Against Time is a powerful and timely read that delves into the bravery and dedication of investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell. During the 1960s, white supremacists committed heinous murders, often going unpunished. Mitchell's relentless pursuit of justice led him to interview family members, former KKK members, and others involved in these cases. His efforts resulted in the prosecution of some of the most notorious murderers of the Civil Rights era, including the killers of Medgar Evers and the four little girls in the 16th Street church bombing. The book is a fast-paced read that keeps you engaged, highlighting both the successes and the ongoing struggles for justice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for civil rights and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against racism.

Quick quotes

    Mr. Mitchell’s dedication is deeply admirable, and his bravery is oftentimes both commendable and shocking.

    He repeatedly made contact with various people whose pasts were infuriating and frightening, who said disgusting things in his presence.

    An excellent book, and so timely for today.

publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.00

Race Against Time is a compelling account of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell's decades-long pursuit of justice for civil rights era murders. The book highlights the deep-seated racism and impunity that allowed perpetrators to evade justice for decades, leaving readers frustrated and angry at the systemic failures.

Race Against Time chronicles the heroic efforts of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell in bringing to justice the perpetrators of several prominent racist murders during the civil rights era. Mitchell's work is a testament to his commitment to justice, despite the personal risks and sacrifices involved. The book details the horrific crimes, including the Mississippi Burning murders, the assassination of Medgar Evers, and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, and the long delays in prosecuting the culprits due to the influence of the Klan and its affiliates within law enforcement and government. The narrative is compelling, though at times overwhelming in its detail, and leaves readers with a sense of anger and frustration at the systemic failures that allowed these crimes to go unpunished for so long. Mitchell's bravery and dedication serve as a stark contrast to the cowardice and complicity of those who looked the other way.

Quick quotes

    The cowardice even of those sympathetic to racial injustice is jarring.

    The strength of Race Against Time is Mitchell’s ability to weave a compelling narrative, much like a police procedural, outlining how reluctant prosecutors are convinced to fight for justice.

    It is a stain on this nation that the perpetrators of so many racially fueled horrors still walk free.

washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com · Unknown · 2020-01-30
brilliant 4.50

Race Against Time is a vivid and quick-paced account of horrific crimes from the Civil Rights Era, highlighting the racism that permeated the broader culture. The book is praised for its investigative depth and the author's tenacity in bringing justice to unsolved cases, though some reviewers note it could delve deeper into certain aspects.

Race Against Time by Jerry Mitchell is a compelling exploration of unsolved murder cases from the Civil Rights Era. The book is lauded for its vivid and accessible portrayal of horrific crimes, shedding light on the pervasive racism that allowed such acts to occur. Mitchell's investigative prowess is evident as he reopens these cold cases, demonstrating an uncanny ability to extract incriminating remarks from suspects and witnesses. The narrative is praised for its quick pace and the author's tenacity in pursuing justice, though some reviewers suggest it could benefit from more personal reflection and deeper analysis in certain areas. Overall, the book is seen as an important and often gripping account of a journalist's quest for justice, highlighting the value of high-ideals journalism in a democracy.

Quick quotes

    His journalistic coups revealed an uncanny ability to wheedle incriminating remarks from defensive suspects and damning observations from unfriendly witnesses

    Mitchell is skilled at interviewing suspects and their accomplices, and the book includes chilling profiles of unrepentant Ku Klux Klan members.

    Mitchell’s work deserves applause for his tenacity in bringing justice where the system failed miserably.

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