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Het proces
Jack Lee is een witte advocaat in het Diepe Zuiden van de Verenigde Staten die nooit iets heeft gedaan om zich tegen
Jack Lee is een witte advocaat in het Diepe Zuiden van de Verenigde Staten die nooit iets heeft gedaan om zich tegen racisme te verzetten. Totdat hij besluit om Jerome Washington te vertegenwoordigen, een Zwarte man die wordt beschuldigd van de brute moord op een oud en welvarend wit echtpaar. Het is een zaak waarin zijn cliënt geen eerlijke behandeling kan verwachten en Lee twijfelt ernstig over zijn is hij goed genoeg om het recht te laten zegevieren?
Desiree DuBose is een Zwarte advocaat uit Chicago die haar hele leven heeft gewijd aan gerechtigheid en gelijkheid. Ze reist af naar Virginia om samen met Lee de juridische strijd aan te gaan met een openbaar aanklager die de doodstraf eist. Maar DuBose komt er al snel achter dat er veel meer op het spel duistere krachten zijn aan het werk om de door de burgerrechtenbeweging behaalde overwinningen teniet te doen.
Lee en DuBose, twee advocaten die in alles elkaars tegenpolen zijn, vechten samen voor wat ooit onmogelijk een kans op een eerlijk proces en gerechtigheid in een door rassenstrijd verscheurd land.
Jack Lee is een witte advocaat in het Diepe Zuiden van de Verenigde Staten die nooit iets heeft gedaan om zich tegen racisme te verzetten. Totdat hij besluit om Jerome Washington te vertegenwoordigen, een Zwarte man die wordt beschuldigd van de brute moord op een oud en welvarend wit echtpaar. Het is een zaak waarin zijn cliënt geen eerlijke behandeling kan verwachten en Lee twijfelt ernstig over zijn is hij goed genoeg om het recht te laten zegevieren?
Desiree DuBose is een Zwarte advocaat uit Chicago die haar hele leven heeft gewijd aan gerechtigheid en gelijkheid. Ze reist af naar Virginia om samen met Lee de juridische strijd aan te gaan met een openbaar aanklager die de doodstraf eist. Maar DuBose komt er al snel achter dat er veel meer op het spel duistere krachten zijn aan het werk om de door de burgerrechtenbeweging behaalde overwinningen teniet te doen.
Lee en DuBose, twee advocaten die in alles elkaars tegenpolen zijn, vechten samen voor wat ooit onmogelijk een kans op een eerlijk proces en gerechtigheid in een door rassenstrijd verscheurd land.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
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About the author
David Baldacci
222 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,294 reviews
April 26, 2024
“Maybe in a millennium, if the human race is still around, they might look back at this time and wonder how people could be so. . .cruel and wrong.”
Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Set in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci revolves around a racially charged murder case and the lawyers representing the young Black man, a Vietnam War veteran, accused of murdering the affluent white couple who were his employers.
Representing Jerome Washington is criminal defense attorney, thirty-three-year-old John Robert “Jack” Lee, a White man and resident of Freeman County. Jack, despite being brought up to be respectful of everyone irrespective of the color of their skin or social class, has never done anything to raise his voice against racial discrimination and believes that this would be his chance to do the right thing – not an easy decision given the instant backlash he faces from his own community- both on the professional and personal front- and the threats directed toward him and his family members. Despite having Jerome’s best interests at heart, he is clearly out of his depth. He is approached by Desiree DuBose, an experienced Black lawyer from Chicago whose reputation precedes her. Desiree provides Jack with a much-needed reality check, helping him navigate the machinations of the prosecution who resort to every trick in the book to prevent Jerome from getting a fair trial. The narrative follows Jack and Desiree as they fight for justice for Jerome in the face of much adversity including personal threats from a racially divided community, political bigwigs who want to send a strong message to further their own agenda, and a corrupt criminal justice system that would readily convict an innocent Black man instead of searching for the real killer.
A long time in the making and a departure from his fast-paced action-packed thrillers, A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a brilliantly crafted, deeply thought-provoking novel that combines elements of literary fiction, legal and family drama, historical fiction and suspense. Though the premise might not strike you as completely new or original, the strength of this novel lies in its execution – the rich historical context, realistic characters, and intriguing murder mystery with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the final reveal. The author does a commendable job of establishing the setting – the racial tension in years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act, the volatile socio-political landscape and a legal system conveniently manipulated by those wielding political and judicial power. Several sub-plots featuring Jack and his family members are seamlessly woven into the narrative, allowing us to get to know Jack as a person and follow his personal journey throughout the events described in this novel. Both Jack and Desiree are well-defined characters, as are the supporting characters, each of whom has a significant role to play. Jack and Desiree’s partnership isn’t necessarily an easy one. They are from diverse backgrounds and despite being motivated to do the right thing it is expected that they would be wary of one another initially and I loved how the author addresses the differences in their convictions and life experiences and as they gradually grow to respect the other’s perspective even though they might not always agree with one another.
Please note that this is not light reading. The author captures a time and place where racial tensions are high and needless to say, which features several nasty characters, racially motivated violence and upsetting dialogue, heavy with racial slurs. Some moments will break your heart and some will leave you seething with anger. Despite the length of the novel and the large cast of characters, at no point does the narrative become repetitive or difficult to follow. Relatively slower paced but intense and immersive, this is an exceptionally well-written novel.
David Baldacci is a master storyteller and this novel will definitely be considered among his best works - the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I promptly ordered a personal copy for my collection as soon as I finished reading the ARC.
Do read the Author’s Note where he discusses his inspiration for this novel and the autobiographical elements that he incorporated into the narrative.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
December 31, 2024
My Favorite Mystery/Thriller for 2024
When I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and that is all that mattered to me. And, I can’t believe I didn’t put this in my ‘currently reading’ pile. Oh well. Believe it or not, I have been reading it. It is a book to be reckoned with, in all its 477 pages. But before I get in to discussion of it, back to Baldacci.
I love all his characters. And, who knew if it was going to be someone from the past, or someone new. I just knew I had already developed my relationships with, Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, Amos Decker, Alex Jamison, Travis Devine, Will Robie, John Puller, Sean King, Michelle Maxwell and Oliver Stone.
I never expected to be taken into a historical fiction courtroom drama with two new characters to add to my personal “love” list. But here I was. Ready and willing.
And, to be honest, my heart was on fire from page one. And, that even included the ‘Author’s Note.’
“I wish we lived in a world that was just and equal for all, and that lawyers could concentrate on being simply lawyers and not spokespersons for a cause. …and we can all rise high or fall low, but we should all be judged by the same standard. That is the only way we can move forward as a country, as a people.”
This is a stand-alone featuring two new characters in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia, a hotbed county, and area of the state, filled with hate and prejudice. We meet Jack Lee a white lawyer who is given a case to defend a black couple, Jerome and Pearl Washington that have been accused of killing a rich white couple.
And, when we are talking the south, it doesn’t look like they are going to get a very fair chance at trial with a Judge that has Ku Klux Klan leanings, George Wallace poised to run for President and an all-white jury.
To help Jack on the case is Desiree DuBose a Black lawyer from Chicago who is fierce about justice and equality.
What will this team discover? Will they be able to overcome these odds?
As I turned pages and read, I couldn’t help but feel the 60’s past and today’s present merging too closely together. I wanted to cry out in frustration and sadness that something was wrong – that there was a time machine that had made a mistake – that thought that 2024 was 1968 all over again and to please let me blink myself awake to a better more thoughtful, just present. That I must be dreaming.
And then, I got out of my head and reminded myself I was within the pages of a really excellent story with solid character development. It was describing the 1960’s south realistically. The courtroom drama was spectacular and dramatic and real-feeling.
There will be much to digest within these pages. Be patient. It will be worth the journey.
This story is fresh and intense, and thrilling, and showcases the human corruptness. I can only hope that this is just the beginning of Dubose and Lee as future characters and fighters of justice in an upcoming Baldacci series.
Also, I recommend that everyone read the ‘Author’s Note’ at the beginning. It is heart-felt and timely. What he shares at the end of it, which makes even more sense once it is read and digested, I think is worth including…
“I wanted each to learn from the other, and …to eventually find mutual respect and empathy for one another. In the end, what can we strive for that is more vital, for all of us?”
When I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and that is all that mattered to me. And, I can’t believe I didn’t put this in my ‘currently reading’ pile. Oh well. Believe it or not, I have been reading it. It is a book to be reckoned with, in all its 477 pages. But before I get in to discussion of it, back to Baldacci.
I love all his characters. And, who knew if it was going to be someone from the past, or someone new. I just knew I had already developed my relationships with, Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, Amos Decker, Alex Jamison, Travis Devine, Will Robie, John Puller, Sean King, Michelle Maxwell and Oliver Stone.
I never expected to be taken into a historical fiction courtroom drama with two new characters to add to my personal “love” list. But here I was. Ready and willing.
And, to be honest, my heart was on fire from page one. And, that even included the ‘Author’s Note.’
“I wish we lived in a world that was just and equal for all, and that lawyers could concentrate on being simply lawyers and not spokespersons for a cause. …and we can all rise high or fall low, but we should all be judged by the same standard. That is the only way we can move forward as a country, as a people.”
This is a stand-alone featuring two new characters in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia, a hotbed county, and area of the state, filled with hate and prejudice. We meet Jack Lee a white lawyer who is given a case to defend a black couple, Jerome and Pearl Washington that have been accused of killing a rich white couple.
And, when we are talking the south, it doesn’t look like they are going to get a very fair chance at trial with a Judge that has Ku Klux Klan leanings, George Wallace poised to run for President and an all-white jury.
To help Jack on the case is Desiree DuBose a Black lawyer from Chicago who is fierce about justice and equality.
What will this team discover? Will they be able to overcome these odds?
As I turned pages and read, I couldn’t help but feel the 60’s past and today’s present merging too closely together. I wanted to cry out in frustration and sadness that something was wrong – that there was a time machine that had made a mistake – that thought that 2024 was 1968 all over again and to please let me blink myself awake to a better more thoughtful, just present. That I must be dreaming.
And then, I got out of my head and reminded myself I was within the pages of a really excellent story with solid character development. It was describing the 1960’s south realistically. The courtroom drama was spectacular and dramatic and real-feeling.
There will be much to digest within these pages. Be patient. It will be worth the journey.
This story is fresh and intense, and thrilling, and showcases the human corruptness. I can only hope that this is just the beginning of Dubose and Lee as future characters and fighters of justice in an upcoming Baldacci series.
Also, I recommend that everyone read the ‘Author’s Note’ at the beginning. It is heart-felt and timely. What he shares at the end of it, which makes even more sense once it is read and digested, I think is worth including…
“I wanted each to learn from the other, and …to eventually find mutual respect and empathy for one another. In the end, what can we strive for that is more vital, for all of us?”
April 17, 2024
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
The premise of the novel isn’t entirely new - there have been other books about lawyers who take up the fight against racism in representing black clients unjustly accused. This novel however excels because of it’s characters!!
It’s 1968 in southern Virginia, Fremont county, and a black man has been arrested for the murder of the wealthy white couple for whom he has worked for years.
This story grabbed me from the first pages and didn’t let go. We are immediately thrust into the vitriol hatred that many of the white citizens had towards their black neighbors. The beginning scenes can be hard to stomach - but we know that these things occurred - and still occur today.
Jack is a local white lawyer, he has never tried a murder case, but he is convinced of the man’s innocence.
The case catches the attention of a black female lawyer, Desiree DuBose, from Chicago. She works many cases through the Legal Defense Fund and she wants to add her skills to this case.
In time the two make a great pair. They will go through many obstacles including: handpicking the judge, allowing an entirely white jury, even threats on their lives, and more
I will leave you to discover the incredible plot that unfolds throughout the book. It will make you sad, make you cry but in the end feel hope! There are still good people who are willing to continue the fight against racism.
**The author’s note explains that this book has taken him over a decade to write. He put it aside to work on other projects however this story kept coming back to him. It also explains how some parts of the novel are “autobiographical elements in this story”. I really appreciated the notes at the beginning rather than the end of the novel - they explain a lot!
I highly recommend this standalone novel from David Baldacci. It is really unlike any other book I have read by this author and is perhaps his best novel ever.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
The premise of the novel isn’t entirely new - there have been other books about lawyers who take up the fight against racism in representing black clients unjustly accused. This novel however excels because of it’s characters!!
It’s 1968 in southern Virginia, Fremont county, and a black man has been arrested for the murder of the wealthy white couple for whom he has worked for years.
This story grabbed me from the first pages and didn’t let go. We are immediately thrust into the vitriol hatred that many of the white citizens had towards their black neighbors. The beginning scenes can be hard to stomach - but we know that these things occurred - and still occur today.
Jack is a local white lawyer, he has never tried a murder case, but he is convinced of the man’s innocence.
The case catches the attention of a black female lawyer, Desiree DuBose, from Chicago. She works many cases through the Legal Defense Fund and she wants to add her skills to this case.
In time the two make a great pair. They will go through many obstacles including: handpicking the judge, allowing an entirely white jury, even threats on their lives, and more
I will leave you to discover the incredible plot that unfolds throughout the book. It will make you sad, make you cry but in the end feel hope! There are still good people who are willing to continue the fight against racism.
**The author’s note explains that this book has taken him over a decade to write. He put it aside to work on other projects however this story kept coming back to him. It also explains how some parts of the novel are “autobiographical elements in this story”. I really appreciated the notes at the beginning rather than the end of the novel - they explain a lot!
I highly recommend this standalone novel from David Baldacci. It is really unlike any other book I have read by this author and is perhaps his best novel ever.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
April 22, 2024
A book to make you think of others before yourself. 4. 5 rounded up.
July 7, 2024
Maybe a 4.25
Fantastic read and I'm embarrassed to say my first novel by David Baldacci. Very difficult read and also very upsetting.
I thought the court scenes were stunning and I was gripped throughout the book.
Very realistic and sad to think that this was the way people were treated (although has much really changed?)
Fantastic read and I'm embarrassed to say my first novel by David Baldacci. Very difficult read and also very upsetting.
I thought the court scenes were stunning and I was gripped throughout the book.
Very realistic and sad to think that this was the way people were treated (although has much really changed?)
March 21, 2024
You know those books that just get into your heart? A Calamity of Souls is one of those books. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I am a big David Baldacci fan, but this stand alone may be his best yet. It is a big book, at almost 500 pages but it is worth every word.
Jack Lee, a white attorney in southern Virginia in 1968. He has never worked a murder case before, but he knows it is the right thing to do in this case. A black man has been arrested and accused of murdering his employers, a rich, elderly white couple. This was a time when the colour of your skin was still judged, and most people believe the man to be guilty. Aided by black, Chicago lawyer, Desiree DeBose, he is determined to do everything he can to save his client and prove his innocence.
Now this is a tough book to read. The language and attitudes are of the time, and glue author acknowledges that at the very start. He tells us that this book took him 10 years to complete. The writing is beautiful, it transports you back to that time in every way. I cried, I laughed, I got very very angry. I loved it so much.
This is a book that you just have to read. The characters are realistic, they feel like people you want to either be friends with or ones that you want to give a piece of your mind to.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Australia for sending me an early copy to read. Published in Australia March 26th and the US in mid April.
Jack Lee, a white attorney in southern Virginia in 1968. He has never worked a murder case before, but he knows it is the right thing to do in this case. A black man has been arrested and accused of murdering his employers, a rich, elderly white couple. This was a time when the colour of your skin was still judged, and most people believe the man to be guilty. Aided by black, Chicago lawyer, Desiree DeBose, he is determined to do everything he can to save his client and prove his innocence.
Now this is a tough book to read. The language and attitudes are of the time, and glue author acknowledges that at the very start. He tells us that this book took him 10 years to complete. The writing is beautiful, it transports you back to that time in every way. I cried, I laughed, I got very very angry. I loved it so much.
This is a book that you just have to read. The characters are realistic, they feel like people you want to either be friends with or ones that you want to give a piece of your mind to.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Australia for sending me an early copy to read. Published in Australia March 26th and the US in mid April.
March 8, 2024
A Calamity of Souls is David Baldacci’s best work to date and arguably his most important. Set in southern Virginia in 1968, a black man is accused of viscously murdering a wealthy, white older couple in their home. The case is a flash point following the Civil Rights Act is passed and gathers national attention, including a presidential candidate.
Attorney Jack Lee – the pride of Freeman County, VA and local legend – has been a bystander to racism his entire life and never did anything about it. Until now. Despite never trying a murder case, the backlash of the community, and the not-so-veiled threats, Jack agrees to represent the black man. Teaming up with a black, female attorney, the unlikely pair must confront racism head-on – inside the courtroom and out – to keep an innocent man from the electric chair.
A Calamity of Souls is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not an easy read by any means. It’s tragic, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It forces the reader to confront our past, the present and ultimately our future. A Calamity of Souls might be set in 1968 but could easily take place today. The similarities are striking and maddening.
A Calamity of Souls should be required reading for everyone and has my highest recommendation.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege to read an advanced copy of A Calamity of Souls!.
Attorney Jack Lee – the pride of Freeman County, VA and local legend – has been a bystander to racism his entire life and never did anything about it. Until now. Despite never trying a murder case, the backlash of the community, and the not-so-veiled threats, Jack agrees to represent the black man. Teaming up with a black, female attorney, the unlikely pair must confront racism head-on – inside the courtroom and out – to keep an innocent man from the electric chair.
A Calamity of Souls is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not an easy read by any means. It’s tragic, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It forces the reader to confront our past, the present and ultimately our future. A Calamity of Souls might be set in 1968 but could easily take place today. The similarities are striking and maddening.
A Calamity of Souls should be required reading for everyone and has my highest recommendation.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege to read an advanced copy of A Calamity of Souls!.
July 2, 2024
I typically avoid courtroom dramas because inaccuracies can make me cringe, but given the high ratings and the fact that this one was penned by a lawyer, I decided to give it a chance—and I'm so glad I did.
One standout element for me was the character of Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago. A graduate of Howard University and Harvard, she works for the Legal Defense Fund established by Thurgood Marshall. Desiree's unwavering commitment to justice and equality resonates throughout the novel. She's brilliant, determined, and an impassioned advocate. She is an inspiring role model for any trial attorney, male or female.
The novel's portrayal of injustice is deeply affecting. While some characters verge on being archetypes of good or evil, they are nonetheless well-crafted and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the audiobook version, where the narrators excelled in bringing the story to life.
One standout element for me was the character of Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago. A graduate of Howard University and Harvard, she works for the Legal Defense Fund established by Thurgood Marshall. Desiree's unwavering commitment to justice and equality resonates throughout the novel. She's brilliant, determined, and an impassioned advocate. She is an inspiring role model for any trial attorney, male or female.
The novel's portrayal of injustice is deeply affecting. While some characters verge on being archetypes of good or evil, they are nonetheless well-crafted and engaging. I particularly enjoyed the audiobook version, where the narrators excelled in bringing the story to life.
March 14, 2025
One of the BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN!
Best 10 books of ALL TIME!
Perfect for fans of A Time To Kill and To Kill A Mockingbird
This is a historical fiction legal thriller. It’s 1968 in Freeman County, VA. A very prominent and wealthy white couple has been murdered. The accused is Jerome Washington, a black man who is also their handyman.
Enter Jack Lee, a white lawyer who takes on the case. Can you guess where this is going?
David Baldacci’s best work to date! A stunning tale about a racially charged murder case that is not to be missed.
Massive thanks to Grand Central Pub for my gorgeous copy!
ALL THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I paired the audiobook with my physical copy.
Best 10 books of ALL TIME!
Perfect for fans of A Time To Kill and To Kill A Mockingbird
This is a historical fiction legal thriller. It’s 1968 in Freeman County, VA. A very prominent and wealthy white couple has been murdered. The accused is Jerome Washington, a black man who is also their handyman.
Enter Jack Lee, a white lawyer who takes on the case. Can you guess where this is going?
David Baldacci’s best work to date! A stunning tale about a racially charged murder case that is not to be missed.
Massive thanks to Grand Central Pub for my gorgeous copy!
ALL THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I paired the audiobook with my physical copy.
June 4, 2024
Sometimes 5🌟 is not enough. That is when you don’t want to let a book end. It stays with you a long time.
Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci's is a novel the reaches the readers into the darkest side of racism during the end of Jim Crow laws. Where blacks were just allowed to sit where they wanted, go where they want and are no longer held by racist laws such as interracial marriage. I particularly liked the element of psychological suspense and working with or against (depending on the character) the moral compass. Fear drives hate and prejudice. This who dun-nit novel explores how landing on the easiest, neatest character can drive the legalities into a complex, even dangerous case. The characters are strong and real. Taking place in Virginia in 1968, whites are putted against each other. Love is found and healed. There are many parallels found in Baldacci’s novels can be found still existing in 2024. You just have to be more observant and dig deeper. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a lot of action that hovers on the moral integrity of all involved.
Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci's is a novel the reaches the readers into the darkest side of racism during the end of Jim Crow laws. Where blacks were just allowed to sit where they wanted, go where they want and are no longer held by racist laws such as interracial marriage. I particularly liked the element of psychological suspense and working with or against (depending on the character) the moral compass. Fear drives hate and prejudice. This who dun-nit novel explores how landing on the easiest, neatest character can drive the legalities into a complex, even dangerous case. The characters are strong and real. Taking place in Virginia in 1968, whites are putted against each other. Love is found and healed. There are many parallels found in Baldacci’s novels can be found still existing in 2024. You just have to be more observant and dig deeper. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a lot of action that hovers on the moral integrity of all involved.
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September 20, 2025
3.0-Stars for "A Calamity of Souls" -
3 March, 2025: Edited for "harshness" -from 2.0-Stars and Barely worth Two! - to 2.5-Stars, rounded up🙂.
Unfortunately this Baldacci effort was too contrived. Bad characters were too bad; good characters were too good; and the judge’s behavior in court was totally implausible. The narrators' vocal characterizations and interpretations were generally satisfactory.
3 March, 2025: Edited for "harshness" -
Unfortunately this Baldacci effort was too contrived. Bad characters were too bad; good characters were too good; and the judge’s behavior in court was totally implausible. The narrators' vocal characterizations and interpretations were generally satisfactory.
October 27, 2024
3.5 stars
This review was first posted on Mystery and Suspense. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/a-...
It's 1968, and it's been fourteen years since the United States Supreme Court ordered the desegregation of public schools and four years since the Civil Rights Act outlawed segregation of public facilities, like drinking fountains and bathrooms. This makes no difference in Freeman County, Virginia, where Whites and Blacks live on opposite sides of the McHenry River, and Blacks are expected to know their place.
Black maids and nannies can be seen working on the White side of town, but Black men are considered dangerous and not welcome in any occupation.
Thus it's unusual for Black army veteran Jerome Washington to be employed by Anne and Leslie Randolph, one of the wealthiest and most prominent White couples in Freeman Country.
Jerome drives the elderly Randolphs around in their car, works in their yard, and repairs things around the property.
Jerome gets paid every Friday, forty dollars cash, which Jerome needs for his wife and three children. One Friday Jerome knocks on the Randolph's back door several times, and getting no answer, reluctantly ventures into the house.
Shortly afterwards, Jerome is on his knees, his hands shackled behind his back, being viciously billy-clubbed by a white policeman, while another cop looks on. Anne and Leslie Randolph are in the dining room, dead and covered with blood. Jerome is arrested for murder, and in Freeman County, that means Jerome's conviction is almost a certainty.
Even in Freeman County, however, a defendant is entitled to a lawyer, and White criminal defense attorney Jack Lee takes the case. Thirty-three-year-old Jack has always been aware of the unfair treatment of Blacks, vaguely thought it was wrong, but never did anything about it. Jack now has his chance, and he means to mount the best possible defense for Jerome Washington.
This infuriates White racists in Freeman County, and Jack is called names and violently attacked.
Things get even more fraught when a female Black lawyer from Chicago, Desiree DuBose, becomes Jack's co-counsel. Desiree works for the Legal Defense Fund, and has spent her life fighting for Black rights.
The government stacks the deck against Jerome from the get-go. Working with representatives of segregationist George Wallace, who's running for president, the state picks Virginia Attorney General Edmund Battle to prosecute Jerome.....
.....and Judge Josiah Ambrose to oversee the trial.
This is massive fire power for an out of the way town, and it's clear the government has an agenda.
Though the odds are against them, Jack and Desiree mount a vigorous defense for Jerome. Along the way, they endure public hostility, threats, and violence.
Jack's parents, Hilly and Frank, are ambivalent about Jack defending Jerome, and have other concerns as well. Jack's older sister Lucy has the mind of a child, and Hilly - who had a dental procedure with nitrous oxide while she was pregnant - blames herself.
And Jack's father, a mechanic, can barely stand to think about his son Jeff, a decorated soldier who had a crisis of conscience about Vietnam and deserted the army.
The book is a compelling courtroom drama and a realistic depiction of the struggle for Black civil rights. In his foreword, author David Baldacci explains that he grew up in Virginia during the 1960s and 1970s, and has personal knowledge of the racism, offensive language, and right wing politics of the era.
Civil Right March in the 1960s
Baldacci tries to temper the novel's Jim Crow ugliness with the inclusion of a few touching scenes, but they feel contrived and unrealistic. That said, this is a book that's well worth reading, especially since America still struggles with race relations.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Baldacci, and Grand Central Publishing for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 20, 2024
Baldacci clearly means well, but reading this book made me think he recently took a middle-school (okay, maybe high school) class on the Civil Rights era and wanted to tell everyone what he learned. His attempts to demonstrate race relations in 1968 Virginia are surprisingly heavy-handed for an experienced author, with noble heroes and cartoonish villains, countless tropes of the era, and long expository passages and dialogue that lets him hammer you with his opinions and lessons learned. He finds ways to work in green books, red-lining, sundown cities, and Loving versus Virginia, and it's rarely subtle. He tries to make some characters round but this is always because of a secret past they don't want to reveal, not because people in that era (and ours) are conflicted, confused, and often hypocritical. In one scene, the Black female attorney decides to reconnect with her religious background and enter a Catholic church. This allows Baldacci to show church hypocrisy by the first priest who says she's not welcome, and then redeem it was a younger priest who engages in a lengthy theological dialogue on race relations with the attorney.
I'll add that while Baldacci uses dialogues like this throughout the book, most commonly between the two attorneys, they're essentially arguing different facets of the same side. There is never an honest dialogue between opponents, as Baldacci has no interest in understanding why people in this era were racist other than showing they were mean and/or stupid (I mentioned cartoonish villains; they're all one-note and shallow).
Case in point with how obvious the characterizations are: a villain kicks his malnourished dog and plans to shoot it on the spot while the heroic defense team intervenes, nurses it back to health, and end up with a loving loyal companion. Baldacci apparently thought saving the cat was too concrete, so he decided to save the dog.
The court case and trial are fine, though Lee notes early he was inspired by Perry Mason and this "surprise witness/confession" trope is in full-swing in this book. The trial itself is ridiculous, with a surprise judge (who turns out to be a member of the Klan) making nonsensical rulings and the prosecution planting laughable evidence and witnesses that are taken down by the intrepid defense team. There's no order to the trial, with the prosecution interrupting the defense with surprise evidence and witnesses and the defense calling another witness--the Masonesque confession--after they've closed their case. The judge alternates between siding with the prosecution and playing to the journalists in the audience, but it all comes to a head when he uses THE racial slur in his courtroom. The scene in which this happens is over the top and may have worked in an old courthouse drama but you can't buy it happening in a real courtroom.
I haven't read anything else by this author. If this is his best work, I don't plan to.
I'll add that while Baldacci uses dialogues like this throughout the book, most commonly between the two attorneys, they're essentially arguing different facets of the same side. There is never an honest dialogue between opponents, as Baldacci has no interest in understanding why people in this era were racist other than showing they were mean and/or stupid (I mentioned cartoonish villains; they're all one-note and shallow).
Case in point with how obvious the characterizations are: a villain kicks his malnourished dog and plans to shoot it on the spot while the heroic defense team intervenes, nurses it back to health, and end up with a loving loyal companion. Baldacci apparently thought saving the cat was too concrete, so he decided to save the dog.
The court case and trial are fine, though Lee notes early he was inspired by Perry Mason and this "surprise witness/confession" trope is in full-swing in this book. The trial itself is ridiculous, with a surprise judge (who turns out to be a member of the Klan) making nonsensical rulings and the prosecution planting laughable evidence and witnesses that are taken down by the intrepid defense team. There's no order to the trial, with the prosecution interrupting the defense with surprise evidence and witnesses and the defense calling another witness--the Masonesque confession--after they've closed their case. The judge alternates between siding with the prosecution and playing to the journalists in the audience, but it all comes to a head when he uses THE racial slur in his courtroom. The scene in which this happens is over the top and may have worked in an old courthouse drama but you can't buy it happening in a real courtroom.
I haven't read anything else by this author. If this is his best work, I don't plan to.
April 4, 2025
Well this was fantastic. When I tell you though, this brought out so much anger in me. Like… I felt so much rage reading this whole thing… but Baldacci is doing such an amazing job that it made me feel such strong emotions. I also sort of feel like I’m a little emotionally charged these days any way… but still…
Set in Virginia in 1968, white defense attorney, Jack Lee, surprisingly takes on the case of Jerome Washington who is a black man accused of murdering a wealthy white couple. Jack has all the odds stacked against him, but he meets Desiree DuBose, an accomplished black lawyer from Chicago. The two set out to seek justice, but as I said… due to the horrific racial prejudices they are up against… ugh… I can’t say any more. This book was incredible. An easy 5 stars… but boy… I just will never understand… how people can be so cruel… site this is fiction… but I imagine the true reality of that time was probably even worse… and even TODAY… we are still dealing with racism… and it seems even more blatant than ever… whether it’s learned behavior or not… I’m so tired of hate… I really am. It’s been weighing on me lately.
Set in Virginia in 1968, white defense attorney, Jack Lee, surprisingly takes on the case of Jerome Washington who is a black man accused of murdering a wealthy white couple. Jack has all the odds stacked against him, but he meets Desiree DuBose, an accomplished black lawyer from Chicago. The two set out to seek justice, but as I said… due to the horrific racial prejudices they are up against… ugh… I can’t say any more. This book was incredible. An easy 5 stars… but boy… I just will never understand… how people can be so cruel… site this is fiction… but I imagine the true reality of that time was probably even worse… and even TODAY… we are still dealing with racism… and it seems even more blatant than ever… whether it’s learned behavior or not… I’m so tired of hate… I really am. It’s been weighing on me lately.
July 11, 2024
I absolutely adore a great legal thriller and this was all that and more! I could not put this book down! Fans of this author and this genre are definitely not going to want to miss this one. Well thought out, well researched, and well crafted. If this book is on your TBR list, I highly recommend you get a copy and put it on the top now. 5 riveting stars!
April 24, 2024
Tough story of life with modest updates through time and reversions to the past.
May 2, 2024
In a novel that he has been composing for the last decade, David Baldacci brings readers a story where race ensures that justice is not blind. In the heart of Virginia in 1968, the Civil Rights movement appears to be paused when a black man is accused of killing an elderly white couple. A young lawyer seeks to turn the tables on the pre-conceived notions in the South by defending the accused. Working with another keen attorney, the pair will try convincing a jury of the truth and leave racial sentiments on the shelf. Baldacci offers up a stunning story that checks all the boxes in this courtroom thriller.
Jack Lee has long wanted to be a lawyer, though the law is quite one-sided in Freeman County, Virginia. Growing up in a middle-class white family, Lee had aspirations, though the racial divide in the county and country as a whole never really got to him until now. Wanting to shed his past indifference, Lee decides to represent a black man for a brutal killing of an elderly white couple. It’s 1968 and the assassinations of Kennedy and King are still fresh in the news, but the Civil Rights movement is not yet penetrating the thick skulls of those around the county, where calls for a quick trial and lynching become daily utterances. With Jerome Washington as his client, Jack Lee not only has a great deal on his plate, but he must try to make sense of the vitriol that is spewed from everyone around him. It is as though justice is not colour blind as Lee seeks to make a difference and prove his client’s innocence.
There is a glimmer of hope when Desiree DuBose appears in town. A black lawyer from Chicago, DuBose has some experience with race and the law, having recently argued before the US Supreme Court. She comes with hopes of furthering justice and equality, helping Washington get the trial he deserves and to school Jack Lee on how to handle the racial pressure cooker that he has before him. When they agree to try the case together, new levels of hatred are hurled their way, in a county where mixed race anything is troublesome and accusations occur before any proof can be issued.
While Lee and DuBose are diametrically opposed in how they handle cases, their passion for justice and Washington’s innocence push them onwards Working against a prosecution that will do whatever it takes to send an innocent man to his death in the electric chair, Lee and DuBose work tirelessly to show how race should not be a determining factor in guilt, at the zenith of racial divides in America’s South. A brilliant piece that pulls on the heartstrings for many readers, proving that Baldacci has what it takes in any time period.
While I have long enjoyed the series work that David Baldacci is able to present, some of his standalone novels pull on the heartstrings a little more. Centred around the law and the racial divides of America’s 1968 Civil Rights movement, Baldacci uses his narrative not only to tell a story, but point out the injustice as he saw it growing up. Baldaccci paces the story well and keeps the narrative flowing with great depictions, as well as some strong sentiments. Peppering in the abhorrent language of the time, as well and those thought processes that made the South so backwards in its thinking, Baldacci proves a point, one that could have some relevance today, with new political figures spouting vitriol and numbing sentiments about race relations. A handful of strong characters help flavour the story and prove a point, which is only further helped along by a setting that depicts the struggled of the time. Baldacci knows what he is doing with this piece and does so very well.
Baldacci has long been a superior storyteller, using his various plots to keep the stories fresh and on point. his was no exception, though writing in the past about such an issue that was sure to cause grief, he outdid himself. Race relations in the 1960s was enough to handle, but when Baldacci created this stellar courtroom drama, he did not hold back. The reader is put in the middle of all the action and does not stand down at any point. The storytelling is like nothing else and the raw admissions in the story help shape the America from the recent past, as well as for the reader to ponder how the country has come so far and yet returned to its backwards thinking on race and the place of each group within the larger community. This was something else and I could not have asked for more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a story like no other.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jack Lee has long wanted to be a lawyer, though the law is quite one-sided in Freeman County, Virginia. Growing up in a middle-class white family, Lee had aspirations, though the racial divide in the county and country as a whole never really got to him until now. Wanting to shed his past indifference, Lee decides to represent a black man for a brutal killing of an elderly white couple. It’s 1968 and the assassinations of Kennedy and King are still fresh in the news, but the Civil Rights movement is not yet penetrating the thick skulls of those around the county, where calls for a quick trial and lynching become daily utterances. With Jerome Washington as his client, Jack Lee not only has a great deal on his plate, but he must try to make sense of the vitriol that is spewed from everyone around him. It is as though justice is not colour blind as Lee seeks to make a difference and prove his client’s innocence.
There is a glimmer of hope when Desiree DuBose appears in town. A black lawyer from Chicago, DuBose has some experience with race and the law, having recently argued before the US Supreme Court. She comes with hopes of furthering justice and equality, helping Washington get the trial he deserves and to school Jack Lee on how to handle the racial pressure cooker that he has before him. When they agree to try the case together, new levels of hatred are hurled their way, in a county where mixed race anything is troublesome and accusations occur before any proof can be issued.
While Lee and DuBose are diametrically opposed in how they handle cases, their passion for justice and Washington’s innocence push them onwards Working against a prosecution that will do whatever it takes to send an innocent man to his death in the electric chair, Lee and DuBose work tirelessly to show how race should not be a determining factor in guilt, at the zenith of racial divides in America’s South. A brilliant piece that pulls on the heartstrings for many readers, proving that Baldacci has what it takes in any time period.
While I have long enjoyed the series work that David Baldacci is able to present, some of his standalone novels pull on the heartstrings a little more. Centred around the law and the racial divides of America’s 1968 Civil Rights movement, Baldacci uses his narrative not only to tell a story, but point out the injustice as he saw it growing up. Baldaccci paces the story well and keeps the narrative flowing with great depictions, as well as some strong sentiments. Peppering in the abhorrent language of the time, as well and those thought processes that made the South so backwards in its thinking, Baldacci proves a point, one that could have some relevance today, with new political figures spouting vitriol and numbing sentiments about race relations. A handful of strong characters help flavour the story and prove a point, which is only further helped along by a setting that depicts the struggled of the time. Baldacci knows what he is doing with this piece and does so very well.
Baldacci has long been a superior storyteller, using his various plots to keep the stories fresh and on point. his was no exception, though writing in the past about such an issue that was sure to cause grief, he outdid himself. Race relations in the 1960s was enough to handle, but when Baldacci created this stellar courtroom drama, he did not hold back. The reader is put in the middle of all the action and does not stand down at any point. The storytelling is like nothing else and the raw admissions in the story help shape the America from the recent past, as well as for the reader to ponder how the country has come so far and yet returned to its backwards thinking on race and the place of each group within the larger community. This was something else and I could not have asked for more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a story like no other.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 20, 2024
In his author’s note, David Baldacci states that this is a book he’s been attempting to write for around ten years. A native of Richmond, Virginia, the old capital of the Confederacy, he grew up steeped in the history of the Old South. Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and J.E.B Stuart were names that were revered by many. But in this place he grew up, the black and white divide was long ingrained. Life wasn’t so very different, he felt, to the pre-Civil War years.
This story contains many autobiographical elements. It features a trial lawyer called Jack Lee - Baldacci had also gone down this route, practicing law for nine years before turning to writing full-time – who is questioning the world around him in the same way he had done as a young man. His relationships with family and friends, too, played out in a similar fashion. Even the car Jack drives is based on one the author drove for a period. The story itself is full of racial tension and dark deeds. It’s fictional, of course, but it is a tale of its time – set, as it is, just a little more than fifty years ago!
It’s a tale of a local lawyer who is asked to take on the defence of a black man accused of murdering his employers. The whole set-up looks dodgy from the start, with little to suggest the man committed the act, other than the fact that he was found with the bodies, courtesy of an anonymous tip-off to the police. He says he’d come to get his weekly pay and found the bodies, but the police aren’t interested – they’ve got their man, and they’re sticking with it.
It’s a decent story, and it’s well told, with quite a few twists along the way. But one issue for me is that the police, and indeed just of the local white population, are portrayed as one-dimensional racists. Wasn't there anyone around at that time who had a nuanced view? Not according to this tale. Well, with the exception of Jack and his family – though even his family aren’t perfect in this regard.
The tale is chopped up into many short chapters. It’s easy to read and moves along at a good pace. But here’s the second thing that I believed the story lacked: decent conversation. I love dialogue in a book. It’s what gives a story, depth, and character, I believe. But here, the conversations here are almost exclusively short and transactional.
It’s a four star offering for me, based on the fact that beyond the halfway point, I found myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to see how it all played out. I’m also a sucker for a good courtroom drama.
This story contains many autobiographical elements. It features a trial lawyer called Jack Lee - Baldacci had also gone down this route, practicing law for nine years before turning to writing full-time – who is questioning the world around him in the same way he had done as a young man. His relationships with family and friends, too, played out in a similar fashion. Even the car Jack drives is based on one the author drove for a period. The story itself is full of racial tension and dark deeds. It’s fictional, of course, but it is a tale of its time – set, as it is, just a little more than fifty years ago!
It’s a tale of a local lawyer who is asked to take on the defence of a black man accused of murdering his employers. The whole set-up looks dodgy from the start, with little to suggest the man committed the act, other than the fact that he was found with the bodies, courtesy of an anonymous tip-off to the police. He says he’d come to get his weekly pay and found the bodies, but the police aren’t interested – they’ve got their man, and they’re sticking with it.
It’s a decent story, and it’s well told, with quite a few twists along the way. But one issue for me is that the police, and indeed just of the local white population, are portrayed as one-dimensional racists. Wasn't there anyone around at that time who had a nuanced view? Not according to this tale. Well, with the exception of Jack and his family – though even his family aren’t perfect in this regard.
The tale is chopped up into many short chapters. It’s easy to read and moves along at a good pace. But here’s the second thing that I believed the story lacked: decent conversation. I love dialogue in a book. It’s what gives a story, depth, and character, I believe. But here, the conversations here are almost exclusively short and transactional.
It’s a four star offering for me, based on the fact that beyond the halfway point, I found myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to see how it all played out. I’m also a sucker for a good courtroom drama.
March 23, 2024
This book is like a whirlwind of emotions wrapped up in a gripping tale of justice and redemption. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the echoes of racism reverberate through every facet of society, and justice feels like an elusive dream.
Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, embarks on a journey that challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront the pervasive racism that has long plagued his community. Representing Jerome Washington, a Black man accused of a heinous crime, Jack grapples with doubt and fear as he navigates a legal system stacked against him and his client.
And then there's Desiree DuBose, the fierce and fabulous lawyer from Chicago who swoops in to shake things up. She's like a breath of fresh air in Jack's world, and their partnership is like watching a buddy cop movie—I couldn't get enough of their banter and camaraderie. Together, they face off against formidable adversaries, both in the courtroom and beyond, as they fight for a fair trial and true justice.
Baldacci's storytelling prowess shines brightly in "A Calamity of Souls." This novel is not merely a tale of legal battles; it is a poignant exploration of race, power, and the enduring struggle for equality. With each turn of the page, I found myself captivated, enraged, and deeply moved by the profound themes and richly drawn characters.
This book is more than just a gripping read—it is a catalyst for reflection and dialogue on the pressing issues of racism and discrimination in society. Baldacci's masterful narrative weaves together intricate layers of emotion and insight, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Honestly, "A Calamity of Souls" is more than just a book—it's an experience. It's like going on a wild adventure with characters you can't help but root for, and coming out the other side feeling like you've been through something truly special. David Baldacci has outdone himself with this one, and I can't recommend it enough.
Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, embarks on a journey that challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront the pervasive racism that has long plagued his community. Representing Jerome Washington, a Black man accused of a heinous crime, Jack grapples with doubt and fear as he navigates a legal system stacked against him and his client.
And then there's Desiree DuBose, the fierce and fabulous lawyer from Chicago who swoops in to shake things up. She's like a breath of fresh air in Jack's world, and their partnership is like watching a buddy cop movie—I couldn't get enough of their banter and camaraderie. Together, they face off against formidable adversaries, both in the courtroom and beyond, as they fight for a fair trial and true justice.
Baldacci's storytelling prowess shines brightly in "A Calamity of Souls." This novel is not merely a tale of legal battles; it is a poignant exploration of race, power, and the enduring struggle for equality. With each turn of the page, I found myself captivated, enraged, and deeply moved by the profound themes and richly drawn characters.
This book is more than just a gripping read—it is a catalyst for reflection and dialogue on the pressing issues of racism and discrimination in society. Baldacci's masterful narrative weaves together intricate layers of emotion and insight, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Honestly, "A Calamity of Souls" is more than just a book—it's an experience. It's like going on a wild adventure with characters you can't help but root for, and coming out the other side feeling like you've been through something truly special. David Baldacci has outdone himself with this one, and I can't recommend it enough.
February 15, 2024
It is 1968 in southern Virginia, a place where some of the activities and certainly the attitudes of the abolished Jim Crow Laws are still evidenced to a large extent. Jack Lee is a young White man who has returned to his home town to practice law. Although he does not prescribe to the racial prejudices of many of the people with whom he grew up, he has never really done anything about the hate he sees around him. When a Black veteran of the Vietnam war, Jerome Washington, is charged with murdering the well to do elderly couple for whom he worked, Jack has the chance to do something. When outside forces try to bully him out of defending Jerome, he digs in his heels, just as his mother has taught him to do when facing tormentors.
Jerome’s wife Pearl is then charged as an accomplice. Jack worries that he, who has never argued a homicide case, won’t be up to the task. Desiree DuBoise, a Black litigator from Chicago who has participated in many high profile racial cases and even won one before the Supreme Court, partners with Jack as they face all the tension, lies, and grave danger of this racially charged case. As the trial takes on national notoriety, it also becomes a political issue, particularly for the campaign of George Wallace.
This is a legal thriller; but, oh, it is so much more. It chronicles the racial tension and injustice of the 1960s while also serving as a cautionary tale for our times as so much of the hate and vitriol expressed by some of the characters is still heard today.
Well written and plotted with characters that truly come to life, Baldacci weaves an edge of the seat tale while making a strong case for equal justice and opportunity for all. As I read this book, I felt an entire range of strong emotions from empathy, to sadness, frustration, anger to fear for our present day political situation. A five star read that I highly recommend. I think it is Baldacci’s best!
Thanks to @netgalley and #grandcentralpublishing for the DRC.
Jerome’s wife Pearl is then charged as an accomplice. Jack worries that he, who has never argued a homicide case, won’t be up to the task. Desiree DuBoise, a Black litigator from Chicago who has participated in many high profile racial cases and even won one before the Supreme Court, partners with Jack as they face all the tension, lies, and grave danger of this racially charged case. As the trial takes on national notoriety, it also becomes a political issue, particularly for the campaign of George Wallace.
This is a legal thriller; but, oh, it is so much more. It chronicles the racial tension and injustice of the 1960s while also serving as a cautionary tale for our times as so much of the hate and vitriol expressed by some of the characters is still heard today.
Well written and plotted with characters that truly come to life, Baldacci weaves an edge of the seat tale while making a strong case for equal justice and opportunity for all. As I read this book, I felt an entire range of strong emotions from empathy, to sadness, frustration, anger to fear for our present day political situation. A five star read that I highly recommend. I think it is Baldacci’s best!
Thanks to @netgalley and #grandcentralpublishing for the DRC.
February 16, 2024
This is a book that the author started several years ago and finally finished and decided to publish. A caution for Baldacci fans – this book is not up to his usual standards. It is a stand alone novel and one of his periodic cause books which often do not match those in his various series. It is very predictable, the characters somewhat dull and uninteresting. There are several other novels on this theme that are way better than this one. To Kill A Mockingbird for one.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
July 15, 2024
I liked the story although couldn't help bringing up comparisons to To Kill A Mockingbird. A truly sad story of how things once were over sixty years ago in the deep South.
September 19, 2025
“A wise woman once told me, that if you let the bully win, he never goes away”.
5 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Phenomenal!!
Set in 1968 in Virginia, Jack Lee, a white lawyer is compelled to defend a husband and wife (Jerome and Pearl Washington) who are accused of the murder of a wealthy white couple. Jack thinks he is out of his depth, having never tried a murder case before, and a case as prominent as this is going to be hitting the headlines. Sprinkle in an all white jury, a judge who used to be a member of the KKK, racial prejudice at every turn, and the reinstatement of the electric chair for this case, and Jack wonders what he’s got himself into.
Then in walks Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago who is passionate about equality and justice, and is a force to be reckoned with. She is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. She works alongside Jack in fighting for justice.
I’ve never read a David Baldacci novel before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I’m so glad I’ve now experienced this author, because I’ll certainly be reading more of his work. This book was outstanding, it will obviously draw comparisons to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and the author acknowledges this within the story. It’s way more than a legal thriller, it’s character led and an important historical novel. The racial inequalities still shock me to the core, and I don’t know why in this day and age I’m surprised, but I am. The story closely follows Jack and Desiree while they fight to stop two innocent people from getting the death penalty, and while I would suggest that they are the main characters, there are some very strong supporting characters too. There is obviously Jerome and Pearl, but we really get to know Jack’s family - his parents and siblings which have their own backstory. There is also Queenie the dog. 🐶
It’s an extremely powerful, tragic and heartbreaking story and it will really make you stop and think. I was totally engrossed, the narration was superb, each of the narrators really got under the skin of the characters and brought them to life brilliantly well. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long, long time.
5 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Phenomenal!!
Set in 1968 in Virginia, Jack Lee, a white lawyer is compelled to defend a husband and wife (Jerome and Pearl Washington) who are accused of the murder of a wealthy white couple. Jack thinks he is out of his depth, having never tried a murder case before, and a case as prominent as this is going to be hitting the headlines. Sprinkle in an all white jury, a judge who used to be a member of the KKK, racial prejudice at every turn, and the reinstatement of the electric chair for this case, and Jack wonders what he’s got himself into.
Then in walks Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago who is passionate about equality and justice, and is a force to be reckoned with. She is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. She works alongside Jack in fighting for justice.
I’ve never read a David Baldacci novel before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I’m so glad I’ve now experienced this author, because I’ll certainly be reading more of his work. This book was outstanding, it will obviously draw comparisons to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and the author acknowledges this within the story. It’s way more than a legal thriller, it’s character led and an important historical novel. The racial inequalities still shock me to the core, and I don’t know why in this day and age I’m surprised, but I am. The story closely follows Jack and Desiree while they fight to stop two innocent people from getting the death penalty, and while I would suggest that they are the main characters, there are some very strong supporting characters too. There is obviously Jerome and Pearl, but we really get to know Jack’s family - his parents and siblings which have their own backstory. There is also Queenie the dog. 🐶
It’s an extremely powerful, tragic and heartbreaking story and it will really make you stop and think. I was totally engrossed, the narration was superb, each of the narrators really got under the skin of the characters and brought them to life brilliantly well. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long, long time.
May 5, 2024
Master storyteller David Baldacci returns following series The Edge (The 6:20 Man #2) and Simply Lies (Mickey Gibson #1) with his latest riveting standalone, A CALAMITY OF SOULS. Set during the desegregation of the South, a gripping courtroom drama of racial injustice and suspense combined with a gripping family drama that will leave you breathless until the final page is turned!
I have been a long-time fan of the author—whether a series or standalone, A CALAMITY OF SOULS is one of my favorites. Baldacci at his finest! 5 Stars + and Top Books of 2024!
Set in 1968, in Virginia, as the book opens, we meet a hardworking Black Vietnam veteran, Jerome Washington, husband and father, accused and arrested for the murder of his white employers, Leslie and Anne Randolph.
They are two of the most prominent wealthy family members in the segregated Freeman County.
Jerome had been with the couple for many years and was washing their Buick. He entered the home to pick up his weekly pay when he found them covered in blood. He tried to help by moving them off the floor. Then, the cops arrived and handcuffed him immediately.
A setup? It appears he is taking the fall for someone; however, in this county, a Black man's word is no good. Who will believe him? He is beaten and already assumed guilty when he is innocent due to his color.
Miss Jessup (Black) was Ashby's maid, cook, and nurse (their lawyer neighbor), and everyone knew her. She was a relative of Jerome's family. Jack Lee remembered her when he was a boy delivering the paper. She reached out to Jack Lee to represent Jerome.
Jack Lee, who is just turning 33, is a young local white criminal defense attorney who agrees to take the case. He is unmarried, drives a Fiat, and is eight years out of law school. Lucy, his sister at 37, was born with a deformity after their mother was given a sedative due to an impacted wisdom tooth when she was unaware she was pregnant. He also had a brother, Jeff.
His family believed in kindness and respect, whether you're black, white, rich, or poor.
As Jack becomes engrossed in the case, everyone is against him with much prejudice, and he soon realizes he is out of his element.
However, his salvation came when Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago sent by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, arrived to assist Jack with the case. She is smart and has devoted her life to helping with the justice and equality of her clients.
The two lawyers begin working together to defend Jerome against an unjust and unfair town, fighting them at every turn. They work well together even though different. They have to put on their investigation hats and dig deep in a race against time when the local cops are not that helpful and want to hang Jerome.
However, they know he is innocent and has a family and daughters to get back to. Who is the real murderer, and why are they allowing an innocent man to take the fall? What was the motive?
Both Jack and Desiree are in danger, and the racists will stop at nothing to keep them from working on the case, even getting to the families. Jack learns to respect Desiree and admires her when he has barely left his state and has never flown. She has been everywhere representing those in need of a fair trial.
It is the two of them against an entire town of racial injustice and prejudice. After losing their office and other lives, rather than giving up, they are more determined to bring justice to the forefront and save Jerome.
Two lawyers, black and white, fight against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully accused Black defendant. However, there is a final twist and more surprises you do not see coming, which will leave your jaw dropping in this heartbreaking suspense.
A CALAMITY OF SOULS is a high-octane, action-packed, and moving legal thriller during the civil rights movement. Timely, critical, and essential reading. Even though fictional, the stories are real, then and now. I loved this book and its well-developed characters you care about and root for.
Gripping, character-driven, and plot-driven, with intense courtroom scenes, a stellar blending of historical, legal, psychological, and family drama. Baldacci fans will devour, as well as Grisham, Connelly, Turow, Eskens, Hart, and Dugoni fans.
Thank you, David, for telling this moving story, which has been a long time in the making. No one could have said it better. The author's expertise as an award-winning author. former lawyer, and growing up in the area during this period, shines through on each page, making the characters come alive.
A CALAMITY OF SOULS is exceptional and would make a superb movie or TV series. I hope we see more of Jack and Desiree in the future. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, for a digital early reading review copy. I also pre-ordered the audiobook and cannot wait to listen with narrators MacLeod Andrews (favorite), Sisi Aisha Johnson, Kiiri Sandy, and Cary Hite. The hardcover is a must for your home library! A classic.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: April 16, 2024
April 2024 Must-Read Books
April Newsletter
Top Books of 2024
I have been a long-time fan of the author—whether a series or standalone, A CALAMITY OF SOULS is one of my favorites. Baldacci at his finest! 5 Stars + and Top Books of 2024!
Set in 1968, in Virginia, as the book opens, we meet a hardworking Black Vietnam veteran, Jerome Washington, husband and father, accused and arrested for the murder of his white employers, Leslie and Anne Randolph.
They are two of the most prominent wealthy family members in the segregated Freeman County.
Jerome had been with the couple for many years and was washing their Buick. He entered the home to pick up his weekly pay when he found them covered in blood. He tried to help by moving them off the floor. Then, the cops arrived and handcuffed him immediately.
A setup? It appears he is taking the fall for someone; however, in this county, a Black man's word is no good. Who will believe him? He is beaten and already assumed guilty when he is innocent due to his color.
Miss Jessup (Black) was Ashby's maid, cook, and nurse (their lawyer neighbor), and everyone knew her. She was a relative of Jerome's family. Jack Lee remembered her when he was a boy delivering the paper. She reached out to Jack Lee to represent Jerome.
Jack Lee, who is just turning 33, is a young local white criminal defense attorney who agrees to take the case. He is unmarried, drives a Fiat, and is eight years out of law school. Lucy, his sister at 37, was born with a deformity after their mother was given a sedative due to an impacted wisdom tooth when she was unaware she was pregnant. He also had a brother, Jeff.
His family believed in kindness and respect, whether you're black, white, rich, or poor.
As Jack becomes engrossed in the case, everyone is against him with much prejudice, and he soon realizes he is out of his element.
However, his salvation came when Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago sent by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, arrived to assist Jack with the case. She is smart and has devoted her life to helping with the justice and equality of her clients.
The two lawyers begin working together to defend Jerome against an unjust and unfair town, fighting them at every turn. They work well together even though different. They have to put on their investigation hats and dig deep in a race against time when the local cops are not that helpful and want to hang Jerome.
However, they know he is innocent and has a family and daughters to get back to. Who is the real murderer, and why are they allowing an innocent man to take the fall? What was the motive?
Both Jack and Desiree are in danger, and the racists will stop at nothing to keep them from working on the case, even getting to the families. Jack learns to respect Desiree and admires her when he has barely left his state and has never flown. She has been everywhere representing those in need of a fair trial.
It is the two of them against an entire town of racial injustice and prejudice. After losing their office and other lives, rather than giving up, they are more determined to bring justice to the forefront and save Jerome.
Two lawyers, black and white, fight against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully accused Black defendant. However, there is a final twist and more surprises you do not see coming, which will leave your jaw dropping in this heartbreaking suspense.
A CALAMITY OF SOULS is a high-octane, action-packed, and moving legal thriller during the civil rights movement. Timely, critical, and essential reading. Even though fictional, the stories are real, then and now. I loved this book and its well-developed characters you care about and root for.
Gripping, character-driven, and plot-driven, with intense courtroom scenes, a stellar blending of historical, legal, psychological, and family drama. Baldacci fans will devour, as well as Grisham, Connelly, Turow, Eskens, Hart, and Dugoni fans.
Thank you, David, for telling this moving story, which has been a long time in the making. No one could have said it better. The author's expertise as an award-winning author. former lawyer, and growing up in the area during this period, shines through on each page, making the characters come alive.
A CALAMITY OF SOULS is exceptional and would make a superb movie or TV series. I hope we see more of Jack and Desiree in the future. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. I highly recommend it!
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, for a digital early reading review copy. I also pre-ordered the audiobook and cannot wait to listen with narrators MacLeod Andrews (favorite), Sisi Aisha Johnson, Kiiri Sandy, and Cary Hite. The hardcover is a must for your home library! A classic.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: April 16, 2024
April 2024 Must-Read Books
April Newsletter
Top Books of 2024
July 13, 2025
This book is nothing like any of the others that I have read by this author. It is a standalone that deals heavily with desegregation in the South during the late '60s. As we all know, this was a difficult time for America, especially in the southern part of the country. I find it interesting that Mr. Baldacci would publish this novel now when America is yet again having racial issues and an election is on the near horizon. But as someone else said, this is a "cause" book, and it shines as such.
It is a difficult book to read at times and not just because of the politics, bigotry, and bias - it is also difficult to read because it has been done before, although with a tad more subtlety. This book just pounds you over the head with hatred -aggressively.
It did have an interesting little twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
This book is very predictable, and I felt that the characters lacked something; some emotion, and I couldn't 'feel' for them.
For comparison, try the classic book To Kill a Mockingbird
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing | Hachette Book Group, the author, and NetGalley.
It is a difficult book to read at times and not just because of the politics, bigotry, and bias - it is also difficult to read because it has been done before, although with a tad more subtlety. This book just pounds you over the head with hatred -aggressively.
It did have an interesting little twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
This book is very predictable, and I felt that the characters lacked something; some emotion, and I couldn't 'feel' for them.
For comparison, try the classic book To Kill a Mockingbird
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing | Hachette Book Group, the author, and NetGalley.
June 6, 2024
More of a preachy sermon than an actual good story....
April 12, 2024
My favorite novel of the year so far! I loved everything about it including the beautiful title. A powerful combination of historical fiction, courtroom drama, mystery, and family relationships, but most importantly, an insightful look at racism in the Old American South, very reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
The story is set in Freeman County, Virginia, in 1968, the year Dr Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were both assassinated. It's just four years since the passing of The Civil Rights Act but little has changed for the people, school busing is just beginning and racial tension is high.
It is in this uneasy atmosphere that local attorney, John Robert Lee, agrees to defend Jerome Washington, a black handyman accused of killing his wealthy white employers, Leslie and Anne Randolph. That alone is enough to set off any number of problems for 'Jack' and his family but the case also awakens the interest of some big-time politicians on both sides of the race issue, creating a media storm.
Into this mess walks a high-profile Black attorney, Desiree DuBose, an answer to Jack's prayers. She works for the Legal Defense Fund, goes where she is needed and has handled over two dozen capital murder cases, so she brings courtroom experience of this type where Jack has none.
It's hard to put this novel down--easily one of Baldacci's best works. Great characterizations with a stunning understanding of how good people can do such evil things. I'm looking forward to see where the author takes the team of DuBose and Lee next.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The story is set in Freeman County, Virginia, in 1968, the year Dr Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were both assassinated. It's just four years since the passing of The Civil Rights Act but little has changed for the people, school busing is just beginning and racial tension is high.
It is in this uneasy atmosphere that local attorney, John Robert Lee, agrees to defend Jerome Washington, a black handyman accused of killing his wealthy white employers, Leslie and Anne Randolph. That alone is enough to set off any number of problems for 'Jack' and his family but the case also awakens the interest of some big-time politicians on both sides of the race issue, creating a media storm.
Into this mess walks a high-profile Black attorney, Desiree DuBose, an answer to Jack's prayers. She works for the Legal Defense Fund, goes where she is needed and has handled over two dozen capital murder cases, so she brings courtroom experience of this type where Jack has none.
It's hard to put this novel down--easily one of Baldacci's best works. Great characterizations with a stunning understanding of how good people can do such evil things. I'm looking forward to see where the author takes the team of DuBose and Lee next.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2024
Dad literature (affectionate)
I enjoyed this book, but it definitely did read as though the author had just discovered the history of racism in America and decided it was his job to over-explain every little detail throughout the nearly 100 chapters of the story. Not a lot of “trust the reader” going on.
Bonus points for the self-aware To Kill A Mockingbird references and for the cute dog that kinda randomly shows up in the middle of the book with no real plot significance. Also, who doesn’t love a super dramatic court room reveal scene???
I enjoyed this book, but it definitely did read as though the author had just discovered the history of racism in America and decided it was his job to over-explain every little detail throughout the nearly 100 chapters of the story. Not a lot of “trust the reader” going on.
Bonus points for the self-aware To Kill A Mockingbird references and for the cute dog that kinda randomly shows up in the middle of the book with no real plot significance. Also, who doesn’t love a super dramatic court room reveal scene???
November 2, 2024
While I've always enjoyed Baldacci, this 'pitch' missed the plate by a long shot..plots about white attorneys defending innocent black men accused of killing white folks in the South isn't unique nor is the zealous overuse of hatred in the community. With the current division in the country, I'm not a fan of reading books that emphasize it regardless of time period. Walt Mosley does a far better job in The Right Mistake: The Further Philosophical Investigations of Socrates Fortlow which takes place in L.A. in '64 when racism was at a peak. Regardless, writing is art and individual tastes vary..
November 11, 2024
Set in Virginia in 1968, after the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, racial tension is a fact of life in segregated Freeman County. Jerome Washington, a young Black married father who served in Vietnam is arrested for the double murder of Leslie and Anne Randolph, his wealthy, white employers. Jack Lee, a white criminal attorney with no experience at murder trials, is convinced by the accused man's family to represent Jerome. The local reaction to Jack's decision to defend a Black man of such a horrible crime puts him and his loved ones in danger. Realizing he may be in way over his head, he is approached by Desiree DuBose, a Black attorney from the Legal Defense Fund, to work together. The case takes on national attention with George Wallace's people trying to use the trial to bolster support for him. The prosecution rushes the case to trial where the lack of hard evidence doesn't seem to matter.
A Calamity of Souls is one of David Baldacci's most personal novels. The author, raised in Richmond, Virginia, notes that the book has many autobiographical elements and that he started writing the novel over a decade ago. It's quite a tour de force - perhaps his best. I'm a big fan of his entertaining, action-packed series work but this book is much different given the subject matter. Jack Lee is a great character. While a talented attorney, this case gives him the chance to truly stand for something. Desiree is a force of nature who is brilliant yet realizes she is fighting an uphill, exhausting battle every day of her life. This riveting story kept me glued and very angry.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Novel Suspects Insiders for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this stirring book.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
A Calamity of Souls is one of David Baldacci's most personal novels. The author, raised in Richmond, Virginia, notes that the book has many autobiographical elements and that he started writing the novel over a decade ago. It's quite a tour de force - perhaps his best. I'm a big fan of his entertaining, action-packed series work but this book is much different given the subject matter. Jack Lee is a great character. While a talented attorney, this case gives him the chance to truly stand for something. Desiree is a force of nature who is brilliant yet realizes she is fighting an uphill, exhausting battle every day of her life. This riveting story kept me glued and very angry.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Novel Suspects Insiders for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this stirring book.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
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