Winston's Book of Souls

by Terresa Cooper Haskew

A novel of 1960s Southern suspense in which two life insurance agents unknowingly carry similar secrets about the same dead man--one leak and each could lose everything.

NEVER TELL A SOUL.

In the fall of 1961, while deer hunting in a North Florida pine forest, Winston Taylor stumbles upon a young colored man lying dead in the dirt, Winston, who is white, is a well-respected life insurance agent from the small town of Pineville. Since the man appears to be the victim of a hunting accident, Winston resolves to do the right thing and take the body to the Sheriff’s Department. He can’t just leave it for the already-circling buzzards. Once he discovers the dead man’s identity, however, he realizes that the deceased has the ability to incriminate him in his own unethical and illegal insurance practices. In the horror of the moment, insanity ensues and Winston dumps the corpse into a wet sinkhole, vowing to clean up his transgressions and keep the whole event a lifelong secret. Two years later, Winston unwittingly hires a new insurance agent with the power to blow that sinkhole secret straight out of the water.

323 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book addresses the time well. But she does an excellent job describing the area, which is near where I live. I found the characters likeable and relatable. In fact a friend's father also was a life insurance salesman and he described going from home to home and developing relationships much the same as Winston did. I liked the acknowledgment of racism and the barriers that were presented by that. She also did a nice job with the handling of Winston's family.
It is so refreshing to read a book about a pretty good guy. He made a foolish decision and made amends where he could.
I kept wondering and guessing how she was going to wrap everything up... She did a great job and i didn't see it coming at all. I would recommend the book as interesting and a pretty good read.

[Roxanne Cordonier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel focused on insurance agent Winston Taylor is set in North Florida in 1961. Racism, segregation, violence and a stark racial divide are sharply drawn by the author. The story reflects the time period in an unflinching, frank manner. The story reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird in the relationships Winston maintains with the "colored" community but at the same time, minds society's rules regulating the interactions of Black and white people. The tale begins with Winston's discovery of a dead man in the forest who, it turns out has a connection to Winston. The complications build from there. Haskew deftly layers the murder mystery with Winston's domestic drama, a portrait of the insurance industry in the early 60's and creates a smalltown community and residents that feels familiar.

Civil rights attorney Bryan Stevens says, "I believe each person is more than the worst thing they've ever done." This holds true for two main characters in this book. They both learn from their mistakes and become better men for the experience.

[Donna Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story of atonement and redemption. Loved this book! Fresh and original characters.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to read while traveling. I started Winston’s Book of Souls in the airport and found myself completely absorbed—so much so that boarding announcements and flight delays faded into the background. The pacing is just right: engaging enough to hold your attention during long waits, yet thoughtfully written so you can pause and pick it back up without losing momentum.

The story is rich with atmosphere and strong character development, making it easy to sink into even in a busy airport or on a plane. Winston’s inner conflict and the moral complexity of the story kept me hooked from gate to gate, and it was one of those rare travel reads that made the journey feel shorter. If you’re looking for a book that’s immersive, well-written, and ideal for flights or road trips, this one is an excellent choice. I’m so glad this was in my carry-on.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terresa Haskew’s Winston’s Book of Souls offers a captivating look at early 1960s America, where racial division is a given. Even so, one man, our hero, Winston, who knows he has much to atone for, learns to do all he can to introduce some sense of equality for one young Black man seeking a career in the insurance game. This is Southern suspense at its best, with true to life characters and a fully convincing setting, in west central Florida. You will find yourself pulling for the gifted Louis Fisher, as two men bond against nature’s elements and institutional racism. Not to be missed! Sue McMaster

[Carol Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One moment’s action on the part of Winston propel the story into a taut, tense adventure. I also loved the author’s use of setting.

[Robert Rich]

Captivating and thought provoking

Loved the story and it brought the area of north Florida to life. Also a story of the benefits you reap from believing in someone.