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No Truth Left To Tell
February 1994—Lynwood, Louisiana: Flaming crosses light up the night and terrorize the southern town. The resurgent Klan wants a new race war, and the Klansmen will start it here. As federal civil rights prosecutor Adrien Rush is about to discover, the ugly roots of the past run deep in Lynwood.
For Nettie Wynn, a victim of the cross burnings and lifelong resident of the town’s segregated neighborhood, the hate crimes summon frightful memories of her youth, when she witnessed white townspeople lynch a black man. Her granddaughter Nicole DuBose, a successful journalist in New York City, returns to Lynwood to care for her grandmother. Rush arrives from DC and investigates the crimes with Lee Mercer, a seasoned local FBI special agent. Their partnership is tested as they clash over how far to go to catch the racists before the violence escalates. Rush’s role in the case becomes even more complicated after he falls for DuBose. When crucial evidence becomes compromisethreatening to upend what should be a celebrated conviction—the lines between right and wrong, black and white, collide with deadly consequences.
No Truth Left to Tell is a smart legal thriller that pulls readers into a compelling courtroom drama and an illusive search for justice in a troubled community.
For Nettie Wynn, a victim of the cross burnings and lifelong resident of the town’s segregated neighborhood, the hate crimes summon frightful memories of her youth, when she witnessed white townspeople lynch a black man. Her granddaughter Nicole DuBose, a successful journalist in New York City, returns to Lynwood to care for her grandmother. Rush arrives from DC and investigates the crimes with Lee Mercer, a seasoned local FBI special agent. Their partnership is tested as they clash over how far to go to catch the racists before the violence escalates. Rush’s role in the case becomes even more complicated after he falls for DuBose. When crucial evidence becomes compromisethreatening to upend what should be a celebrated conviction—the lines between right and wrong, black and white, collide with deadly consequences.
No Truth Left to Tell is a smart legal thriller that pulls readers into a compelling courtroom drama and an illusive search for justice in a troubled community.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
Michael McAuliffe
1 book18 followersMichael McAuliffe has practiced law for over 30 years. He has served as a supervisory assistant United States attorney and a federal civil rights prosecutor at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.
In 2008, Michael was elected as the state attorney for Palm Beach County managing an office of 125 prosecutors. After leaving public service in 2012, Mr. McAuliffe served as the general counsel for a global company.
He has been a litigation partner at a major law firm, a senior lecturing fellow at Duke University’s School of Law and an adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary Law School. In 1993-94, Michael was a CEP fellow and visiting law professor in the Czech Republic.
Mr. McAuliffe is an alpine mountaineer having climbed and reached the summits of Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Island Peak in the Himalayas, and many other mountains.
He received his JD from the College of William & Mary’s Law School and his BBA, cum laude, from the Business Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. McAuliffe and his wife Robin Rosenberg, a US district judge, have three children, and live in Florida and Massachusetts.
"No Truth Left To Tell" is Michael’s debut novel.
In 2008, Michael was elected as the state attorney for Palm Beach County managing an office of 125 prosecutors. After leaving public service in 2012, Mr. McAuliffe served as the general counsel for a global company.
He has been a litigation partner at a major law firm, a senior lecturing fellow at Duke University’s School of Law and an adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary Law School. In 1993-94, Michael was a CEP fellow and visiting law professor in the Czech Republic.
Mr. McAuliffe is an alpine mountaineer having climbed and reached the summits of Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Island Peak in the Himalayas, and many other mountains.
He received his JD from the College of William & Mary’s Law School and his BBA, cum laude, from the Business Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. McAuliffe and his wife Robin Rosenberg, a US district judge, have three children, and live in Florida and Massachusetts.
"No Truth Left To Tell" is Michael’s debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 2, 2020
I have entered into a big slump lol. I did something I hardly ever do maybe 3 or 4 times a year I skimmed thru the bulk of this book and the previous one. The story was supposed to be deep and serious-it felt way short. I did not like one character -the good guys were hollow-the bad guys hollow and dumb and too many stupid things done at the beginning of the book-I say run from this one and do not give it a spin.
February 23, 2020
What a mind-blowing, riveting page-turner! I enjoyed reading this book. I was completely hooked on to the story until the end.
Well-portrayed characters, well-researched story, I highly recommend you to read No Truth Left to Tell.
The FBI angle, the judiciary's part in convictions, a racial crime and a tinge of romance, this book is a complete package!
I am certainly looking forward to reading more of McAullife's books. Btw, No Truth Left to Tell is his debut - wow!!
Well-portrayed characters, well-researched story, I highly recommend you to read No Truth Left to Tell.
The FBI angle, the judiciary's part in convictions, a racial crime and a tinge of romance, this book is a complete package!
I am certainly looking forward to reading more of McAullife's books. Btw, No Truth Left to Tell is his debut - wow!!
April 4, 2020
This is a mix of legal thriller and courtroom drama which deals with the subjects of racism and civil rights.
It revolves around the horrific acts perpetrated by the kkk, the cross burnings, the hatred they encourage and the consequences of these acts.
It is an emotive read in many ways and will induce feelings of anger at those responsible and of empathy for the victims.
A clever plot and well developed characters make this a compelling thriller from start to finish.
Thank you to Anna at FSB Associates for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It revolves around the horrific acts perpetrated by the kkk, the cross burnings, the hatred they encourage and the consequences of these acts.
It is an emotive read in many ways and will induce feelings of anger at those responsible and of empathy for the victims.
A clever plot and well developed characters make this a compelling thriller from start to finish.
Thank you to Anna at FSB Associates for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
January 20, 2020
No Truth Left to Tell is an incredible story of courage, perserverance, kindness in the face of hatred and racism.
The small town of Lynwood, Louisiana is home to some who still believe that the colour of your skin defines who you are and who want to see those of colour put down and not succeed. A group even brings back the Klan and begins to terrorize the town and citizens. This quickly brings chaos to this small town, something that hasn’t been seen in a few years. A federal civil rights prosecutor is brought in to bring the criminals to justice and the book unravels some very ugly history in this small town.
This is a well written novel that hits on some very difficult topics. The crimes that were committed against these groups in Lynwood were horrific and shocking, but even worse that you can still see this happening in the news today. The flashbacks that this caused for the one victim, broke my heart. I can only begin to imagine how I would feel if I were in those shoes. As the case is investigated, we see so many layers of right and wrong – both in society and in our law enforcement. Some of the actions blur the lines between what is right and wrong – something that can feel so right (justice for the victims) but at the expense of a lie and information obtained against the rights of another could be wrong.
This novel leaves you feeling conflicted, angry, sympathetic and wanting to make a difference. It is well written, with a plot that keeps you reading well into the night. You can’t put this book down, as you want to see criminals brought to justice and the shock you feel at our legal system. The characters are powerful, with a rich history and connections that you slowly learn. You want to reach out and protect some and others you hope they get the justice they deserve. No Truth Left to Tell is a definite must read novel.
You can purchase a copy of thi
The small town of Lynwood, Louisiana is home to some who still believe that the colour of your skin defines who you are and who want to see those of colour put down and not succeed. A group even brings back the Klan and begins to terrorize the town and citizens. This quickly brings chaos to this small town, something that hasn’t been seen in a few years. A federal civil rights prosecutor is brought in to bring the criminals to justice and the book unravels some very ugly history in this small town.
This is a well written novel that hits on some very difficult topics. The crimes that were committed against these groups in Lynwood were horrific and shocking, but even worse that you can still see this happening in the news today. The flashbacks that this caused for the one victim, broke my heart. I can only begin to imagine how I would feel if I were in those shoes. As the case is investigated, we see so many layers of right and wrong – both in society and in our law enforcement. Some of the actions blur the lines between what is right and wrong – something that can feel so right (justice for the victims) but at the expense of a lie and information obtained against the rights of another could be wrong.
This novel leaves you feeling conflicted, angry, sympathetic and wanting to make a difference. It is well written, with a plot that keeps you reading well into the night. You can’t put this book down, as you want to see criminals brought to justice and the shock you feel at our legal system. The characters are powerful, with a rich history and connections that you slowly learn. You want to reach out and protect some and others you hope they get the justice they deserve. No Truth Left to Tell is a definite must read novel.
You can purchase a copy of thi
March 5, 2020
McAuliffe brings this southern setting alive right from the start with detailed descriptions of the neighborhoods in and around Lynwood. Utilizing multiple POVs, readers are treated both to the investigation / prosecutorial side as well as the horrifying vitriol and machinations of the members of the Klan. If nothing else, McAuliffe managed to elicit some serious emotions from this reader in those moments behind the scenes. I just caught myself baring my teeth as I write this.
The biggest issue I had was the style. I am one of those readers that demands to be shown rather than told and I’ve been known to tantrum when I don’t get what I want. No Truth Left to Tell read more like a movie script or a legal brief than a novel. Frequently, scenes end abruptly and often switch to a new POV that left me wondering if I felt satisfied. I also struggled significantly with the male characters and connecting with them, specifically those that operate on the right side of the law (or do they?). For this reader, the men felt like sketches rather than fully formed fictional beings. Adrien Rush is the only one that had any amount of presence but he still came across a bit bland.
That said, McAuliffe had moments where he wandered away from his baseline and wrote a scene or two that gripped me. Nettie Wynn, in particular, was a warm character that made me wish I knew her. Surprisingly, McAuliffe excelled at writing AUSA Battle, Dubose, and Nettie. I love vibrant secondary characters and this book had plenty.
Overall, this is one of those stories that is impossible to say I loved. I appreciated McAuliffe’s efforts to tackle such a heartrending and relevant topic.
*This review appeared first on Dream Come Review (Blog)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The biggest issue I had was the style. I am one of those readers that demands to be shown rather than told and I’ve been known to tantrum when I don’t get what I want. No Truth Left to Tell read more like a movie script or a legal brief than a novel. Frequently, scenes end abruptly and often switch to a new POV that left me wondering if I felt satisfied. I also struggled significantly with the male characters and connecting with them, specifically those that operate on the right side of the law (or do they?). For this reader, the men felt like sketches rather than fully formed fictional beings. Adrien Rush is the only one that had any amount of presence but he still came across a bit bland.
That said, McAuliffe had moments where he wandered away from his baseline and wrote a scene or two that gripped me. Nettie Wynn, in particular, was a warm character that made me wish I knew her. Surprisingly, McAuliffe excelled at writing AUSA Battle, Dubose, and Nettie. I love vibrant secondary characters and this book had plenty.
Overall, this is one of those stories that is impossible to say I loved. I appreciated McAuliffe’s efforts to tackle such a heartrending and relevant topic.
*This review appeared first on Dream Come Review (Blog)
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2022
No Truth Left to Tell is an intense legal thriller that displays multiple layers of cause- and - effect.
The story begins with a maimed Grand Dragon, Frank Daniels, plotting to create a Race War and we quickly learn he'd already used the legal system to his advantage.
Nettie Wynne suffers a heart attack, during the hate crime, Daniels induced and Nettie's granddaughter Nicole DuBose returns to Lynwood to take care of Nettie.
In steps, special agent Lee Mercer with the FBI and federal civil rights prosecutor Adrien Rush. All men on the extremists' lists are looked at closely. Meanwhile, Adrien falls for Nicole.
Detective Jimmy Bastiste gets involved with the case and his deviant behavior leads one to look at issues of authority and influential culture and constitutional rights.
McAuliffe tells it like it is and has an incredible way of expressing situations with compelling characters. I was immediately invested in the story and had strong emotions throughout the trial and impending conclusion. The ending chapter's were a wise choice, but rather hard to take, which made for an excellent storyline.
I received the advance reader copy from Senior Publicity Manager, Anna Sacca, with FSB Associates.
The story begins with a maimed Grand Dragon, Frank Daniels, plotting to create a Race War and we quickly learn he'd already used the legal system to his advantage.
Nettie Wynne suffers a heart attack, during the hate crime, Daniels induced and Nettie's granddaughter Nicole DuBose returns to Lynwood to take care of Nettie.
In steps, special agent Lee Mercer with the FBI and federal civil rights prosecutor Adrien Rush. All men on the extremists' lists are looked at closely. Meanwhile, Adrien falls for Nicole.
Detective Jimmy Bastiste gets involved with the case and his deviant behavior leads one to look at issues of authority and influential culture and constitutional rights.
McAuliffe tells it like it is and has an incredible way of expressing situations with compelling characters. I was immediately invested in the story and had strong emotions throughout the trial and impending conclusion. The ending chapter's were a wise choice, but rather hard to take, which made for an excellent storyline.
I received the advance reader copy from Senior Publicity Manager, Anna Sacca, with FSB Associates.
Want to read
February 23, 2020This was an excellent novel! I found the writing was very effective, the author knowledgeable about the legal system and his ability to intertwine events into a believable and shocking story. The characters were portrayed in their most raw form.
The novel touches on very compelling and sensitive topics about racism and how the color of your skin paints you specifically in the public’s eyes.
The story touches on small towns and the secrets they can hide deep inside.
I love the fact the author brought real life issues and made them profoundly believable.
Excellent novel. I would highly recommend.
*Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy for my honest review.
The novel touches on very compelling and sensitive topics about racism and how the color of your skin paints you specifically in the public’s eyes.
The story touches on small towns and the secrets they can hide deep inside.
I love the fact the author brought real life issues and made them profoundly believable.
Excellent novel. I would highly recommend.
*Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy for my honest review.
March 3, 2020
Read my full review here:
http://infinitefreetime.com/2020/03/0...
http://infinitefreetime.com/2020/03/0...
January 11, 2020
As a lawyer, I loved this book as a combination of a civil rights fight for justice, great portrayal of the criminal legal system and compelling description of what happens in a grand jury and at trial, together with a tender description of its heroine and an intertwining Klu Klux Klan and detective suspense and love story. A quick and fantastic read.
January 13, 2020
A gripping tale of courage in the face of hatred. Not only are the characters well drawn, but by the end I knew so much more about our legal system- its virtues as well as its limits. The novel leaves you thinking about how we deal with racism when it's in our own backyard and the fine lines between right and wrong, legal and moral. A great read!
May 20, 2020
Michael McAuliffe, Author
No Truth Left To Tell
Greenleaf Book Group Press, ISBN 978-1—62634-697-0
Fiction-civil rights, KKK, Louisiana, Washington DC, hate crimes, police scams
315 pages
May 2020 Review
Reviewer-Michelle Kaye Malsbury, BSBM, MM
Review
Michael McAuliffe, author of No Truth Left To Tell, is an avid mountaineer. (2020, inside back cover) He has climbed and summited Denali, Kilimanjaro, Island Peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua and many more. McAuliffe is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin (BBA) Business Honors Program and William & Mary’s Law School (JD). His legal career began as a federal prosecutor as assistant US attorney in the Southern District of Florida. During his tenure with the Southern District he also was an honors program trial attorney in their Criminal section of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of justice in Washington, DC. He ran for and was elected state attorney for Palm Beach County Florida in 2008. There he has the privilege of leading over one hundred twenty prosecutors. He and his wife live between Florida and Massachusetts.
There are several main characters to this story. The primary ones are Frank Daniels, Nettie Wynn and her granddaughter Nicole DuBose, Mercer, McClure, and Adrien Rush.
The book opens with a Klan meeting in the small town of Lynwood in Louisiana. Frank Daniels is leading this crusade against those he finds to be undesirable in this neck of the woods. He has a plan to scare them out of town that involves planning, planting, and lighting on fire several crosses in key locations across town during the darkness of night. His plan mostly comes off without a hitch and it serves his desired and demented reasoning that white people are superior. However, it does get the attention of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC as a possible hate crime.
One of the places that had a cross burnt in its yard was the home of Nettie Wynn. Wynn is an elderly black woman who grew up in this town during the real Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s. She was sleeping when this burning occurred and was awakened by the flames and smoke. She had a heart attack, but luckily did not die.
Other places that also get crosses burnt on their lawns were the NAACP, a Temple, City Hall/Courthouse, and a Muslim place of worship. People are terrified across town. Many close up because they now feel unsafe.
Adrien, McClure, and Mercer are sent to determine what crimes have been committed and to prosecute them. Nicole arrives in Louisiana to see how her grandmother is doing and ensure that she is safe.
Nobody knows Daniels is the Grand Dragon. He keeps his meetings secret and only his tightly knit team know their agenda. Can he manage to keep his secret under wraps while there is an ongoing federal investigation underway? Will Adrien, McClure, and Mercer crack this case and end with any prosecutions for this hateful crime? How does Nettie Wynn fare?
There are many twists and turns to this mystery. I really enjoyed reading it and could not locate many clues along the way to ascertain which way the story would go so much of this read was a complete surprise. I was truly sorry to see it end. Well done Michael McAuliffe.
No Truth Left To Tell
Greenleaf Book Group Press, ISBN 978-1—62634-697-0
Fiction-civil rights, KKK, Louisiana, Washington DC, hate crimes, police scams
315 pages
May 2020 Review
Reviewer-Michelle Kaye Malsbury, BSBM, MM
Review
Michael McAuliffe, author of No Truth Left To Tell, is an avid mountaineer. (2020, inside back cover) He has climbed and summited Denali, Kilimanjaro, Island Peak in the Himalayas, Aconcagua and many more. McAuliffe is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin (BBA) Business Honors Program and William & Mary’s Law School (JD). His legal career began as a federal prosecutor as assistant US attorney in the Southern District of Florida. During his tenure with the Southern District he also was an honors program trial attorney in their Criminal section of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of justice in Washington, DC. He ran for and was elected state attorney for Palm Beach County Florida in 2008. There he has the privilege of leading over one hundred twenty prosecutors. He and his wife live between Florida and Massachusetts.
There are several main characters to this story. The primary ones are Frank Daniels, Nettie Wynn and her granddaughter Nicole DuBose, Mercer, McClure, and Adrien Rush.
The book opens with a Klan meeting in the small town of Lynwood in Louisiana. Frank Daniels is leading this crusade against those he finds to be undesirable in this neck of the woods. He has a plan to scare them out of town that involves planning, planting, and lighting on fire several crosses in key locations across town during the darkness of night. His plan mostly comes off without a hitch and it serves his desired and demented reasoning that white people are superior. However, it does get the attention of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC as a possible hate crime.
One of the places that had a cross burnt in its yard was the home of Nettie Wynn. Wynn is an elderly black woman who grew up in this town during the real Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s. She was sleeping when this burning occurred and was awakened by the flames and smoke. She had a heart attack, but luckily did not die.
Other places that also get crosses burnt on their lawns were the NAACP, a Temple, City Hall/Courthouse, and a Muslim place of worship. People are terrified across town. Many close up because they now feel unsafe.
Adrien, McClure, and Mercer are sent to determine what crimes have been committed and to prosecute them. Nicole arrives in Louisiana to see how her grandmother is doing and ensure that she is safe.
Nobody knows Daniels is the Grand Dragon. He keeps his meetings secret and only his tightly knit team know their agenda. Can he manage to keep his secret under wraps while there is an ongoing federal investigation underway? Will Adrien, McClure, and Mercer crack this case and end with any prosecutions for this hateful crime? How does Nettie Wynn fare?
There are many twists and turns to this mystery. I really enjoyed reading it and could not locate many clues along the way to ascertain which way the story would go so much of this read was a complete surprise. I was truly sorry to see it end. Well done Michael McAuliffe.
November 13, 2020
Before I get into my review, I want to thank the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group Press, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I should also apologize for it taking so long for me to finally get my review up 😅 This one took me awhile… well, we’ll get into it in the review.
Let me start this off saying that I did enjoy this book, in the end. It just… wasn’t what I was expecting? We follow the story of Adrien Rush, a federal civil rights prosecutor who is assigned a case involving cross burnings in Louisiana. The story starts with some graphic images of hate, which definitely draws you in quickly and will have you invested. You want to see the people who commit this crime face justice! The story follows the search for the culprits, the trial, and a little bit of the personal life of our main character, Adrien.
First, I want to say that I really enjoyed this author’s writing. Michael McAuliffe has a way with words that draws you into the story and makes you feel personally invested. I mean, I’m also a Black woman, so I can’t help but be personally invested in a story featuring blatant hate crimes. I think the author handles this extremely touchy topic with care and thoughtfulness. There isn’t a ton of action as most of the story is focused on the procedure of bringing the culprits to justice, but the action that there is will capture you.
But I think the lack of action is where I kind of hit a roadblock with this book. I went into the story thinking it was a thriller and it turned out to be more of a courtroom drama. And, as I am learning my reading tastes, I realize that I’m not a huge fan of courtroom dramas 😅 It just seemed to draaaag and I found myself getting kind of bored. That being said, once the action left the courtroom and focused more on the characters, I became much more interested.
I did enjoy our main character, Adrien Rush. It was interesting getting inside his head and learning more about him. He was a well fleshed-out character that I connected with quickly. The other characters, however, fell a little flat for me. They all seemed kind of one dimensional and like props to boost Adrien’s story. And I didn’t really care for the random romance that was thrown in. It seemed pretty unnecessary, if sweet in a way. I felt like this story should have either focused on the characters and the effects of this heinous crime on the people involved OR on the legal stuff. Bouncing back and forth was a bit jarring.
Still, I did end up enjoying this story and I have to credit the ending. Ugh, that ending! There were a lot of emotions and I thought it was well-paced and compelling. It left me with a feeling of satisfaction, even though it wasn’t the ending that I was expecting. It was a fantastic finish!
Final thoughts: This book had great writing and compelling storyline, though I was kind of thrown off by all the courtroom drama portions. The character study of Adrien is great and the little bits of action are very exciting! Though it hit a lull towards the middle, the end will leave you feeling a lot of feelings. If you enjoy courtroom dramas that also take a look at the human component, I think you would enjoy this book!
Let me start this off saying that I did enjoy this book, in the end. It just… wasn’t what I was expecting? We follow the story of Adrien Rush, a federal civil rights prosecutor who is assigned a case involving cross burnings in Louisiana. The story starts with some graphic images of hate, which definitely draws you in quickly and will have you invested. You want to see the people who commit this crime face justice! The story follows the search for the culprits, the trial, and a little bit of the personal life of our main character, Adrien.
First, I want to say that I really enjoyed this author’s writing. Michael McAuliffe has a way with words that draws you into the story and makes you feel personally invested. I mean, I’m also a Black woman, so I can’t help but be personally invested in a story featuring blatant hate crimes. I think the author handles this extremely touchy topic with care and thoughtfulness. There isn’t a ton of action as most of the story is focused on the procedure of bringing the culprits to justice, but the action that there is will capture you.
But I think the lack of action is where I kind of hit a roadblock with this book. I went into the story thinking it was a thriller and it turned out to be more of a courtroom drama. And, as I am learning my reading tastes, I realize that I’m not a huge fan of courtroom dramas 😅 It just seemed to draaaag and I found myself getting kind of bored. That being said, once the action left the courtroom and focused more on the characters, I became much more interested.
I did enjoy our main character, Adrien Rush. It was interesting getting inside his head and learning more about him. He was a well fleshed-out character that I connected with quickly. The other characters, however, fell a little flat for me. They all seemed kind of one dimensional and like props to boost Adrien’s story. And I didn’t really care for the random romance that was thrown in. It seemed pretty unnecessary, if sweet in a way. I felt like this story should have either focused on the characters and the effects of this heinous crime on the people involved OR on the legal stuff. Bouncing back and forth was a bit jarring.
Still, I did end up enjoying this story and I have to credit the ending. Ugh, that ending! There were a lot of emotions and I thought it was well-paced and compelling. It left me with a feeling of satisfaction, even though it wasn’t the ending that I was expecting. It was a fantastic finish!
Final thoughts: This book had great writing and compelling storyline, though I was kind of thrown off by all the courtroom drama portions. The character study of Adrien is great and the little bits of action are very exciting! Though it hit a lull towards the middle, the end will leave you feeling a lot of feelings. If you enjoy courtroom dramas that also take a look at the human component, I think you would enjoy this book!
April 7, 2020
No Truth Left to Tell
I have been a fan of legal thrillers since Grisham’s The Firm, and have since devoured books by the likes of Turow, Martini, Siegle, Rosenberg and Margolin (to name just a few). When I received an advance review copy of No Truth Left to Tell by Michael McAuliffe, I couldn’t wait to dig in.
After the first couple of chapters, I became worried. I was like, “Oh no.” Small southern town. KKK activity on the rise. Lawyer about to be in over his head . . . Been there. Read that.
Nope. I mean. Yes, it starts that way. In a small town in Louisiana the KKK spearheads a new campaign of terror. The FBI is immediately involved. Working with local law enforcement, they begin a serious investigation. At the get-go, Adrian Rush of Civil Rights Prosecutor, from the Justice Department, is also on the case.
Burning crosses were found in yards, and at businesses. One person was hurt during the chaotic spree. Evidence is thin. There were no witnesses. Rush has the cards stacked against him. And then there is a major break in the case.
Everything is going perfectly for Rush and the prosecution. Ducks in a row. I’s dotted. Ts crossed. Until one day, everything falls apart. One day, Rush realizes he should have known it had all been too easy.
McAuliffe writes clean, concise sentences. There is nothing flowery about his prose. He tells a taut, intense tale. The characters are well-drawn, and the sense of setting and place are perfectly detailed without drowning the reader in unnecessary detail. No Truth Left To Tell appears to be McAuliffe’s first novel. I hope we have not seen the last of Adrian Rush!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of You Choose and Woman in the Woods
I have been a fan of legal thrillers since Grisham’s The Firm, and have since devoured books by the likes of Turow, Martini, Siegle, Rosenberg and Margolin (to name just a few). When I received an advance review copy of No Truth Left to Tell by Michael McAuliffe, I couldn’t wait to dig in.
After the first couple of chapters, I became worried. I was like, “Oh no.” Small southern town. KKK activity on the rise. Lawyer about to be in over his head . . . Been there. Read that.
Nope. I mean. Yes, it starts that way. In a small town in Louisiana the KKK spearheads a new campaign of terror. The FBI is immediately involved. Working with local law enforcement, they begin a serious investigation. At the get-go, Adrian Rush of Civil Rights Prosecutor, from the Justice Department, is also on the case.
Burning crosses were found in yards, and at businesses. One person was hurt during the chaotic spree. Evidence is thin. There were no witnesses. Rush has the cards stacked against him. And then there is a major break in the case.
Everything is going perfectly for Rush and the prosecution. Ducks in a row. I’s dotted. Ts crossed. Until one day, everything falls apart. One day, Rush realizes he should have known it had all been too easy.
McAuliffe writes clean, concise sentences. There is nothing flowery about his prose. He tells a taut, intense tale. The characters are well-drawn, and the sense of setting and place are perfectly detailed without drowning the reader in unnecessary detail. No Truth Left To Tell appears to be McAuliffe’s first novel. I hope we have not seen the last of Adrian Rush!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of You Choose and Woman in the Woods
May 5, 2020
I first accepted this title from NetGalley and the publisher because the author and my mother went to the same college. The author for law school, my mother for her undergraduate studies. The college is not very big, and it is always fun to see what other alums are up to.
This book was captivating from the beginning. It was ugly sometimes, but isn't that the way of the world? Through a courtroom drama, we are shown racism, bigotry, small-mindedness and hate. But we are also shown kindness and loving and grace. I think Mr. McAuliffe did a very nice job on his debut novel of balancing character development with story telling and, of course, revealing some truths many of us would rather ignore.
Set in a small town in Louisiana, the Federal Government has been brought in on a KKK cross burning crime. We get to see some of the thoughts and actions of people on both sides of the law and spend quite a bit of time hearing from the victims and how their lives change.
There were some interesting legal challenges brought up to help keep the suspense taut and the story fresh.
At about the 75% mark, I found this quote: "Prosecutors are empowered to seek justice, and nearly every prosecutor starts off believing in that purity of purpose. But it all flounders when justice isn't obvious, when it's not sitting on open ground waiting to be claimed." There were more great quotes throughout the book, but this one hit me as most appropriate for the biggest conflict in the story: good guy versus himself.
I look forward to reading more by this author and will be recommending this book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my digital ARC of this book.
This book was captivating from the beginning. It was ugly sometimes, but isn't that the way of the world? Through a courtroom drama, we are shown racism, bigotry, small-mindedness and hate. But we are also shown kindness and loving and grace. I think Mr. McAuliffe did a very nice job on his debut novel of balancing character development with story telling and, of course, revealing some truths many of us would rather ignore.
Set in a small town in Louisiana, the Federal Government has been brought in on a KKK cross burning crime. We get to see some of the thoughts and actions of people on both sides of the law and spend quite a bit of time hearing from the victims and how their lives change.
There were some interesting legal challenges brought up to help keep the suspense taut and the story fresh.
At about the 75% mark, I found this quote: "Prosecutors are empowered to seek justice, and nearly every prosecutor starts off believing in that purity of purpose. But it all flounders when justice isn't obvious, when it's not sitting on open ground waiting to be claimed." There were more great quotes throughout the book, but this one hit me as most appropriate for the biggest conflict in the story: good guy versus himself.
I look forward to reading more by this author and will be recommending this book to others.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my digital ARC of this book.
May 24, 2020
No Truth Left to Tell by Michael McAuliffe
Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction (Adult)
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Publish Date: 3 March 2020
Star Rating 4/5
A resurgent Klan wants a new race war... but this isn't a story purely about the Klan, it is a book about the court case that follows after the crime. I haven't had much experience in legal thrillers but having read this one I'll have to look more deeply into them. My interest has been aroused! It's an intense read as we explore racism, bigotry, and hate but McAuliffe is a great storyteller.
This book will be excellent for those who want to read a well researched legal thriller about a very dark group.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group LLC, for an E-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction (Adult)
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Publish Date: 3 March 2020
Star Rating 4/5
A resurgent Klan wants a new race war... but this isn't a story purely about the Klan, it is a book about the court case that follows after the crime. I haven't had much experience in legal thrillers but having read this one I'll have to look more deeply into them. My interest has been aroused! It's an intense read as we explore racism, bigotry, and hate but McAuliffe is a great storyteller.
This book will be excellent for those who want to read a well researched legal thriller about a very dark group.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group LLC, for an E-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2020
This book takes me back to my time in a very segregated South. I never witnessed the darkest side of KKK racism so this book gave me insight into the minds and hearts of perpetrators and victims. McAuliffe lays out the scene and thesis of the book in great detail. The characters have depth, individuality, and the dialog captivated me. Justice, police and civil rights lawyers expressions of civil rights concerns are well-written. The idealism and relative inexperience of Adrien Rush, an attorney employed by the federal DOJ as a civil rights prosecutor, make him a strong, likeable and compelling lead character. The legal twists of his case against KKK grand dragon Daniels kept me reading. That the law holds such a fine point on civil rights of perpetrators makes us appreciate irony.
Read
June 18, 2020Lynwood, Louisiana: Flaming crosses light up the night and terrorize the southern town. The resurgent Klan wants a new race war, and the Klansmen will start it here. As federal civil rights prosecutor Adrien Rush is about to discover, the ugly roots of the past run deep in Lynwood.
I really enjoyed this book. It certainly is timely ,given the recent events worldwide on racial prejudice. Michael McAuliffe's back ground and experience certainly bring credence to the courtroom and investigative subject matter of this novel. The characters were interesting , though the KKK leaders were certainly not the sharpest knives in the drawer. I look forward to his next book.
I really enjoyed this book. It certainly is timely ,given the recent events worldwide on racial prejudice. Michael McAuliffe's back ground and experience certainly bring credence to the courtroom and investigative subject matter of this novel. The characters were interesting , though the KKK leaders were certainly not the sharpest knives in the drawer. I look forward to his next book.
April 11, 2020
Considering that it's a courtroom drama, it is easy to read and the subject matter is interesting.
My Review
My Review
June 25, 2021
Excellent quick read-and very accurate.
This is a good view of the ethical dilemma that prosecutors face-and sadly,many finesse.Very evocative of the courtroom and the relationships between prosecutors and agents
This is a good view of the ethical dilemma that prosecutors face-and sadly,many finesse.Very evocative of the courtroom and the relationships between prosecutors and agents
November 28, 2020
Although this book would probably be even more enjoyable for those more familiar with the world of federal law enforcement, I found myself completely drawn in by the story and the characters, and ultimately, it was one of those rare books that I simply couldn't put down.
March 5, 2020
Adrien Rush is a federal civil rights prosecutor and is called to investigate and prosecute the criminals responsible for burning crosses on the lawns of private and public citizens in Lynwood, Louisiana. The Ku Klux Klan is responsible and is proud of their actions. However, one elderly lady, Nettie Wynn, suffers a heart attack on the night of the attack on the front lawn of her home. She lives in an area of Lynwood that is home to a predominance of people of color.
Rush and an experienced FBI investigator, Mercer, continue their work and after a local police detective brings in one of the responsible persons, they manage to have the perpetrator judged guilty by a grand jury. Nettie’s nice and Rush hit it off but their relationship is about to become complicated by the crime’s process.
What happens if the means by which evidence is obtained turns out to be tainted? Does that mean the rights of the accused become more important than the commission of a crime? Such is the dilemma posed in this tense, controversial plot.
It will leave readers with many confusing and complex questions about justice’s processes and the results obtained. Who or what is the victim of such civil rights crimes and violations? Who deserves a “fair” trial? How are rights protected and guaranteed? What will it take for prejudice and civil rights crimes to be abolished forever? When does the behavior of police become excusable or inexcusable? How many innocent people are sitting in jail because of a perversion of justice?
Rush is a cop with integrity. It’s because of that sense of fairness that the simple plot becomes so fraught with problems that challenge his relationship with both the people in town and the families of victims. There also seems to be a well-known tension between federal and civil authorities. Everyone wants to be top man on the totem pole and somehow justice and fair play are in danger of being obliterated.
No Truth to Tell is a fascinating read that is sure to please those who love crime novels and the stories therein. Nice writing, Michael McAuliffe! Look forward to more of same!
Rush and an experienced FBI investigator, Mercer, continue their work and after a local police detective brings in one of the responsible persons, they manage to have the perpetrator judged guilty by a grand jury. Nettie’s nice and Rush hit it off but their relationship is about to become complicated by the crime’s process.
What happens if the means by which evidence is obtained turns out to be tainted? Does that mean the rights of the accused become more important than the commission of a crime? Such is the dilemma posed in this tense, controversial plot.
It will leave readers with many confusing and complex questions about justice’s processes and the results obtained. Who or what is the victim of such civil rights crimes and violations? Who deserves a “fair” trial? How are rights protected and guaranteed? What will it take for prejudice and civil rights crimes to be abolished forever? When does the behavior of police become excusable or inexcusable? How many innocent people are sitting in jail because of a perversion of justice?
Rush is a cop with integrity. It’s because of that sense of fairness that the simple plot becomes so fraught with problems that challenge his relationship with both the people in town and the families of victims. There also seems to be a well-known tension between federal and civil authorities. Everyone wants to be top man on the totem pole and somehow justice and fair play are in danger of being obliterated.
No Truth to Tell is a fascinating read that is sure to please those who love crime novels and the stories therein. Nice writing, Michael McAuliffe! Look forward to more of same!
March 20, 2020
this book was a great thriller, the characters were great and I was always on the edge of my seat when reading this. Overall I really enjoyed reading this.
May 13, 2021
Read this as part of a law school class, and I enjoyed it for what it was trying to accomplish and the lessons it presented in that context. If I had read it for pleasure, I would say it needed to be at least 50 pages longer, with more character backstory, development, and leavening.
February 26, 2020
This book was a powerful statement on the fight against racism. Every time it seems like progress is made, more trouble turns up. The idea that this book was inspired by true events makes it an even more disappointing picture of some segments of humanity.
This book started out as a strong page-turner for me. But before I was halfway done, I was satisfied with all the storylines and didn’t feel like I needed to know that much more. Maybe legal thrillers just aren’t my jam (although I’ve enjoyed some in the past), but this felt like a grand jury, that led to a trial, that led to another grand jury and another trial … etc.
While it never felt like there was closure to the cases, I think that was part of the author’s point. Even when you know what’s wrong with the world, sometimes there is no way to bring justice. Maybe I’m too attached to my happy endings, but I was kind of over this whole book when everything kept working out almost right, but not quite.
I also found that I couldn’t really describe some of the characters after reading the book. Characters are usually the main point of engagement for me, and I’m not really sure what all the FBI suits and lawyers "looked" like, if you know what I mean.
The fact that it was inspired by true events is pretty heartbreaking. I’m ashamed to live in a world where people think some of these atrocious behaviors are acceptable, and I don’t know what I can do. It’s sad and frustrating.
Overall, I’d give this book 3 out of 5 stars. The writing style was smooth and got the point across, but the whole thing left me feeling kind of sad about the world, which is usually the feeling I’m reading to get away from.
https://booksithinkyoushouldread.blog...
This book started out as a strong page-turner for me. But before I was halfway done, I was satisfied with all the storylines and didn’t feel like I needed to know that much more. Maybe legal thrillers just aren’t my jam (although I’ve enjoyed some in the past), but this felt like a grand jury, that led to a trial, that led to another grand jury and another trial … etc.
While it never felt like there was closure to the cases, I think that was part of the author’s point. Even when you know what’s wrong with the world, sometimes there is no way to bring justice. Maybe I’m too attached to my happy endings, but I was kind of over this whole book when everything kept working out almost right, but not quite.
I also found that I couldn’t really describe some of the characters after reading the book. Characters are usually the main point of engagement for me, and I’m not really sure what all the FBI suits and lawyers "looked" like, if you know what I mean.
The fact that it was inspired by true events is pretty heartbreaking. I’m ashamed to live in a world where people think some of these atrocious behaviors are acceptable, and I don’t know what I can do. It’s sad and frustrating.
Overall, I’d give this book 3 out of 5 stars. The writing style was smooth and got the point across, but the whole thing left me feeling kind of sad about the world, which is usually the feeling I’m reading to get away from.
https://booksithinkyoushouldread.blog...
March 7, 2020
A compelling story about a timely subject, especially now.Thought provoking. enjoyed it, and glad i read it.
February 26, 2020
No Truth Left To Tell, the debut novel by Michael McAuliffe is an intense, action-packed story about a fictional hate crime, that gets told from multiple perspectives.
The prosecutor assigned to the case, Adrien Rush is the main character, who offers a viewpoint, unlike the others. He is likable and oddly relatable, and as a reader, we share in his struggles. As he continues to investigate and then prosecute the case, Adrien is forced to answer a hard question; what if the very laws that punish the guilty can also turn the guilty into the victim?
Thank you to Red Carpet Crash for the ARC. This is an excerpt from the review I wrote for them.
The prosecutor assigned to the case, Adrien Rush is the main character, who offers a viewpoint, unlike the others. He is likable and oddly relatable, and as a reader, we share in his struggles. As he continues to investigate and then prosecute the case, Adrien is forced to answer a hard question; what if the very laws that punish the guilty can also turn the guilty into the victim?
Thank you to Red Carpet Crash for the ARC. This is an excerpt from the review I wrote for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 21, 2020This is a really solid legal thriller. The film Just Mercy is just out and this reminds me of JM only because both are about injustice and racism. This is page turner, and has a number of elements including legal, suspense, and love. Well crafted characters also help make this engaging. Recommended.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
January 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this read. I had hoped it would last a week or so but finished it in two days. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2020
Excellent! As a former prosecutor I found the storyline exciting and the legal proceedings accurate. I'm extremely impressed by this first time author.
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