The Stones Cry Out

Raleigh Harmon Mysteries #1

by Sibella Giorello

Moments after FBI agent Raleigh Harmon arrives at a large rally on Richmond, Virginia's Southside neighborhood, two men plummet from a factory rooftop and lie dead on the sidewalk below. Though over 500 people are at the rally, no one saw what happened. Or are they just not talking? Between pressure from her boss to close the case quickly to avoid racial unrest and her own sense of duty to discover the truth, Raleigh finds herself digging deep into clues that are right underneath her feet. With possible witnesses reluctant to talk and the discovery of chummy connections between supposed enemies, Raleigh knows that this isn't just an ordinary case. Will she find the truth in time? Or will her choices ultimately bring down everyone involved--including Raleigh herself? This first novel from an accomplished journalist and forensic geologist is sure to leave readers guessing until the very end.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Crime

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Sibella Giorello writes the award-winning and bestselling mystery series starring forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon. The first book in the series, "The Stones Cry Out," won a Christy Award for excellence. Since then, many more Raleigh Harmon mysteries have followed, including a bestselling YA series in which the 15-year-old budding geologist uses mineralogy to solve crimes in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. A former newspaper reporter, Sibella's journalism was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Find out more by visiting her website, www.sibellawrites.com.

Reviews

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this novel three times now (both the print version and the expanded Kindle version), and I loved it all three times. Do pick up the Kindle version if you can as there's more depth and Sibella has tightened up parts too. One of my favorite authors!

Special agent Raleigh Harmon has just been assigned a civil rights case her supervisor wants closed yesterday. A white male police detective and a black man with a shady past died when they fell off a factory roof during a "Parade for the People" rally two days prior. The city of Richmond has become divided by color before the facts are even known. The police stand by their man, the African American community by theirs. And if there were witnesses, they're not talking. Especially to the FBI. What really happened on that factory roof? Why were the men together in the first place? Is it really an open and shut case? Raleigh isn't sure. Despite the surmounting odds, she's determined to dig down to the truth, because to a forensic geologist the stones do indeed cry out.

Nominated twice for a Pulitzer Prize, Sibella Giorello has already proven she's a gifted non-fiction writer. But with the publication of The Stones Cry Out, Giorello can now add "gifted novelist" to her resume. Her skillful use of language has created a unique novel that smacks of quality. More than once I found myself awed by her vivid word pictures.

Falling somewhere between plot-driven and character-driven, Stones mixes the sparse writing style of a beat reporter with the attention to detail you'd expect from an artist. Take this description for example: "Her sleeveless housedress exposes large black arms, where deltas of stretch marks flow like sandy estuaries to her elbows." I could literally "see" this character, and Giorello wields this astute word crafting ability throughout the book.

Set in Richmond, Virginia, the city is accurately portrayed, even down to the murder statistics. Life and death's gritty realities aren't glossed over either. Rather than spoil the situation, let's just say I found one scene startlingly frank. But Giorello is never gratuitous. The Stones Cry Out is about real-life. Her prose reflects that. And since its spiritual message is more subtle than overt, it's a great crossover candidate.

Raleigh Harmon is a refreshing addition to Christian fiction's leading ladies. She's strong and independent, but not Wonder Woman--the type of person who could chat with you over coffee one minute, and protect your back the next. Her struggles become your struggles, her keen observations drive you to read on. And while the novel could have been a third longer (I felt cheated a few times when a new chapter skipped ahead in time), its lean storyline is complete and satisfying.

Every once in awhile a book comes along that you want to share with everyone you know. The Stones Cry Out is one of those. With three-dimensional characters who could be your neighbors, fascinating forensic geology tidbits, and a rich attention to details, The Stones Cry Out is easily one of 2007's most compelling novels.

[Tracy Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

All around great book

I was swept up in Raleigh's story from the beginning. The author does a great job of moving the reader along with the characters and plot. She also has a mastery of metaphor usage and imagery that's rarely seen today. Being from a small town near Richmond, also added a fun element to the story, as I know many of the places mentioned.

[Kellyflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not big into Mystery or Suspense, but this book was just right for me. I never felt overwhelmed with too many details. The characters were likeable and it makes me want to keep reading about them in the following books.
The bible passages and message the author used were subtle and I didn't feel like it was preachy at all.

Nice light Mystery

[D.J. Gudger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite mystery authors

[Verity Buchanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had remarkably scintillating descriptions and insightful characters. Also impressively unafraid to give the protagonist some life setbacks that don't get auto-resolved at the end of the book. Not a faves-of-2021 but enjoyable, to be sure. However, I'm tired of reading books that use so much minor deception to advance the plot.

As detective/crime fiction, this definitely included some gruesome/painful details and scenarios. Didn't get overly graphic but... be forewarned. Corpse discovery and examination, violent deaths discussed in retrospect, racial tension and inequality, attempted rape scene.

[Shirley223 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters and the geology forensics. Not being a Christian I had no idea it was supposed to be Christian fiction. I thought the Pentecosts were treated fairly respectfully and did not feel this has had any more to do with religion than many books.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. There really wasn't anything particularly extraordinary about it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. I really liked Raleigh. And of course, that meant that I wanted to read about her case. I enjoyed watching her sort through all the clues and resolve the question of "who done it."

How refreshing it is to read a book without cringing at all the offensive language. This was a regular mystery, and an enjoyable one at that.

A couple favorite passages:

"In my mourning, I realized the most painful place on earth is sometimes the church you attended with the person you loved."

"But I believe we're called to live beyond our fears."

"The truth is, all the competencies we hold so dear eventually turn into our obstacles...At some point, we all feel naked and alone, and the longer we've relied on our competencies the harder it is to surrender."

"...before long she takes out the worn red Bible. The binding is broken from so much use, from her long fingers absorbing the wisdom. And rubber bands stretch across the leather cover, holding all that good news in place."

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like detective novels, writing that is crisp yet rich, suspense that won't let up, unexpected funny quips and an engrossing story then you will love this book. I was hooked from the first chapter and put my Kindle down only when I was forced to, by daily life that couldn't be ignored. This is a detective story so expect some gruesome and really tense parts. I read that it took her 8 years to write this. I am not surprised as the technical information she had about geology and forensics was astounding. The author is Christian so weaves this theme throughout by its various characters, in a skillful way. I will definitely read more from this author.

Here were two quotes that I found amusing.

"I sighed heavily. My sister's politics were so far to the left Karl Marx couldn't catch her in a bullet train."

"But the storm didn't last long. Richmond's summer rains were Napoleonic - short and furious..."

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is the first that I've read by this author and it was refreshing to view a murder mystery from the scientific lab investigators perspective as well as the law enforcement side.
Raleigh is extremely lifelike as a character and was easy to become invested in, particularly when her situation with her mother's mental health is revealed.(Hellooo! Can anyone say schizophrenic meds?)
Well written with a certain "crispness" to it, it was hard to put down as you followed Raleigh's investigation to its conclusion. The one fault that I can find with the novel is the religious aspect - it felt very preachy to me and did have me skipping those parts.
A interesting, enjoyable read.

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting mystery and I kind of found the lack of quirky characters refreshing (don't get me wrong, I like quirky characters. It just seems like a lot of mysteries have them). I loved that it got me thinking and considering the evidence to try and figure out who did it. And I loved how brave the author was to tackle such a sensitive subject of unnecessary force, Black Lives Matter, and the race issue in the south. My only negative about the book is that I found it rather slow so I ended up skimming some parts.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It was just okay. I read through the whole book without forming a connection with any of the characters. It was supposed to be Christian fiction, but I really found no Christian focus in the book at all, besides the main character professing that she sort of believed in God a few times. The "mystery" that is solved within the book is a bit confusing, and when the truth finally does come out, it's definitely not an "aha" moment. It was fairly boring. I was not impressed.

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Raleigh Harmon mystery. Very interesting characters, especially Raleigh, who is an fbi agent, and formly a geologist with the FBI. With the story involving the death of to men, of different races and backgrounds, given for her to look into. She can do no less than keep looking at forensics until she finds the answers. Have read two more since this one. Will probably read the whole series.

[J.M.]

I'm totally hooked on this mystery/suspense series. Raleigh Harmon is a complex and interesting character, and her struggle to find her way through life with all its complexities and challenges is fascinating. I read the YA series first, and now I'm discovering Raleigh as a young adult, an FBI agent who specializes in geology, using her skills to solve difficult crimes.
Great stuff!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady FBI agent Raleigh has to deal with a myriad of opposing forces as she takes on a case with seemingly racial issues. The author filled this story with vivid characters and surrounds the reader with a sense of the Deep South. Raleigh's faith and tenacity are rare and beautiful.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars--Debut Christian mystery. Not entirely cohesive story, but good forensics.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did I wait so long to read this???

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I just realized I like Raleigh Harmon Mysteries. I’m not sure that I’ve read one before, but this one was fantastic! She’s like an intelligent Colombo or like a female Matlock who gets close to answers, then thinks of one more thing, or looks around at something benign and something just clicks.

Just a mini paragraph on what it was about:

Raleigh was a special agent for the FBI tasked with finding out why a cop and a black man fell to their deaths from a building where a crowd was nearby. Surprisingly no one saw a thing, although there was a scream heard before the men hit the pavement. This turned into a civil rights case. Raleigh's background was in geology and mineralogy going to great lengths to find evidence to clear or convict either or both men, including dangling from the building to retrieve samples from the walls of that building, enter a mucky river area for soil samples, as well as paw through refuse at a dump. All the while her boss is getting angrier and angrier because she wanted Raleigh to bury this case, not investigate it.

This was such a great example of Christian fiction. It’s not what I would call overly "religious" or highly spiritualized, but there are incredible discussions on faith, including the topic of creation. She tells her coworker she’s praying for them and she lives a life that is an example of Christ.

This is not what I would call a romance, but I could see one possibly happening in maybe the next book or two.

Really good book. Now I’m off to find the next in the series.

Oh, by the way, there is one scene that might trigger some people. It’s a near rape description. I have to admit to feeling uncomfortable as I was reading it and praying that she would somehow get out of it. There might be a few substitute swears as well.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sibella Giorello is a masterful writer who combines detailed knowledge of Richmond’s socio-political structures with police and FBI workings. Of course, anyone who loves rocks will thrive on her in-depth application of forensic geology in her complex and intense mysteries.

But her real gifting is story and the people who bring her stories to life. Raleigh Harmon, lover of all things geology and a determined pursuer of justice, is an unforgettable character who will draw you into book after book of her mysteries. Her father—the judge—advised her before he himself was carelessly murdered, “I believe we’re called to live beyond our fears. We can’t hide and pretend evil doesn’t exist. The work you’re doing won’t be easy. But it is necessary. The stones cry out. They cry out for justice. And the only way to get those answers is to listen to those cries.”

Raleigh brings her courage, faith and loyalty to life repeatedly in impossible odds. And she earns every “win” despite not getting the accolades she deserves. It’s hard to remember as one reads that this is just fiction, that the characters who work the story beside Raleigh are not real people.

The author doesn’t shy away from difficult themes either: Pentecostal tent revivals, corrupt city politics, jealous vindictive bosses, real and phony racial issues, the glory of Deep South, and the challenges facing both city detectives and FBI agents as they try to operate within the boundaries of legislative paperwork.

From beginning to end, my heart ached for the trauma and abuse the children and youth in this story endured. It’s beautifully written, a work carved out of eight years’ of research and writing.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now a novice FBI agent Raleigh Harmon is handed a civil rights case her superiors wish to kill. Two men fall from the roof of an empty building in Richmond. One is black, a boxer who appears to have reformed his life and the other is a white police officer. Raleigh must navigate racial hatred, political corruption, professional hostility and office politics. With training in science and faith in God, she pursues justice regardless of the consequences professionally and personally. She is still tortured by the unsolved murder of her father and the mental health problems of her mother.

This is a somewhat languid novel. Raleigh is likeable and the story held my interest for the most part. However, Raleigh's encounter on the river was unnecessary and the appearance of DeMott and his privileged family added little. Still, it is nice to see a strong female character who is intelligent and unintimidated by science. Not the best in the series (prequels included) but a decent read.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novel and plan to read more of the books in this series. The book is written in the first person point of view, and I came to sympathize with the main character, Raleigh Harmon. The setting is in Richmond, Virginia, a town I have passed through many times. The plot involves the death of two men who fell simultaneously from a tall building--one white, the other African-American--one a cop. Raleigh, who is assigned to investigate the incident, keeps uncovering all kinds of strange details which make some prominent people uncomfortable.

[Teri de matteo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There were a few grammatical errors... pet peeve for me but the story was well developed with an ending I didn't see coming. Giorello has a unique way of describing things such as the city of Richmond being a horrible overachiever when it came to killings, Raleigh viewing her work cubicle as a cattle stall and rain so intense that it could beat a city into submission. If you like detective mysteries, I'm confident you will like this book! I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I have read by Sibella Giorello and I thoroughly enjoyed. FBI Agent Raleigh Harmon is a strong female charcter struggling to make her life work in two very differnt worlds: FBI agent and daughter trying to keep her agining mom with emptional difficulties in her own home. This is a VERY relevant subject to many in today's world!! I didn't figure out the ending....so hats off to this author who could keep me guessing to the end with little side plots, twists, and turns. I will be back for more of Agent Harmon's adventures!!

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 men fell from an abandoned factory rooftop, one was a detective with the Richmond Police Department. Any information to call her Raleigh Harmon special agent with the FBI. It was a civil case, she was informed not to investigate there has never been one they won. She continued and was supended . Her partner John set to retire would get the glory and the honor to be the first civil case ever won, due to Raleigh, John deserved to go out with the hinors. Alot of detailed to go through as she kept searching for answers.

[Cinnabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this I felt like I was reading a gritty, realistic work of poetry about current events. While the story could’ve been taken out of today’s headlines, the writer still found a way to write in a way that was just pure beauty at times—lyrical. I had to go back and read some parts just because I liked the author’s way of wording things so much. As far as the mystery, I never expected the process in finding out what happened on the roof to be so scientific, so detailed, or that the evidence found could’ve ever led to results so revealing. I was definitely surprised by the ending.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Raleigh Harmon - her case provided enough grit that it felt real, but also not sensationalized. I do wish that the mystery had been a bit better developed with more clues (including red herrings, of course!) to keep me guessing.

Interesting characters in both her family and co-workers. Clean, and a few mentions of faith but no preaching. I'll definitely be reading the next book

[Mary Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written with a lot of good plot twists. Deals with racial prejudice in Richmond, VA. The technical information was interesting, though at times, it lost me. And I had a bit of trouble remembering the different characters and how they related to the protagonist. But none of that would keep me from reading another by this author. This book was an enjoyable read that kept my attention--and kept me tense--to the end.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This was an interesting book to read due to the fact that there were several things happening at once. There was police procedures involved, Christian values were being examined, commitment issues were being examined, mental issues examined somewhat, and a little typical southern stereotyping done. With all these issues going on, the author did a very good job in tying the story into a coherent whole

[Sheila McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book and author!! I was told by a friend to try Ms. Giorello as an author and she is now one of my new favorite authors (top 6)! All the suspense, rich vocabulary, complex characters, and tight plot lines make for an excellent story! There are lots of twists and turns and I have to say I never got bored while reading. Don't plan on buying this book unless you plan on getting hooked on a new author and series!! :)

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needs to be edited. The number of errors is inconceivable. This should not have been published with this many mistakes. I read a Kindle edition, I’m not sure if the printed version has the same issues. The concept of the story is good, but the execution of the writing needs improvement. I finally gave up reading it. I love Christian Fiction novels and don’t like giving bad ratings to Christian authors. I might be willing to read the rest once the errors are fixed.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this week

A stubborn FBI investigator refuses to back down on a civil rights case. She is almost killed and then taken off the case because she left her gun behind. She keeps looking for clues and gets help from her former partner who gets the glory when the case is solved.y