Murder in the Heart of Dixie: A Collection of Capital Murder Cases

by Fred B. Simpson and Jacquelyn Procter Gr

397 pages, Hardcover

First published February 5, 2003

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was born and raised in Madison County, Alabama and can remember some of the cases in this book. I remember when Fred Simpson was DA in Madison county. Murder is a terrible crime. The reality of the effect murder has on families, friends, and communities is beyond description. The cases in this book were presented factually, with realism and fairness. I appreciate the work the authors put into the research and presentation of these sad cases of violence.

[Wil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great murder stories from North Alabama told by the Prosecutor who tried them.

[Laura Reaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say it was very interesting. This book was written by Fred Simpson, former Madison County DA; and Jacquelyn Procter Reeves, editor of North Alabama's Valley Leaves and associate editor of Old Tennessee Valley Magazine in Decatur. This book is non-fiction and details true capital murder cases that took place in the Huntsville area over a period of approximately 100 years as told from the perspective of Fred Simpson. You'll see in the forward of the book that several of Fred's paralegals had a hand in the research that went into the book. The book gives a historical look at how crime evolved in the Huntsville area. I have never done criminal work, but what was most interesting to me was how quickly criminal procedure took place years ago. There were cases where the attorneys would have a matter of days to get ready for a capital murder trial, and the trial would only last a couple of days. Things seemed very cut and dry back then. If you're looking for great read on criminal cases that took place right here in Alabama, I highly recommend this book.

[RaW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone that lives in the Huntsville, Alabama area. The book is well-researched and well-written. Some of the stories are shocking in their brutality, but these people who are victims of murder deserve to have their stories told and not forgotten.