In the tumultuous year of 1968 in Freeman County Virginia, a murder takes place. When an upstanding wealthy, white, elderly couple are found dead in their home, the local law enforcement isn’t willing to look any further than their black handy man, Jerome. Jack Lee, a white attorney steps up to fight back against racism and takes on Jerome Washington’s case. Jack has no idea how his life is about to change, but he has had it with the deeply unfair system and is willing to put forth whatever effort needed to defend his wrongfully-accused black defendant. Out of his depth, he’s deeply grateful when Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago shows up at his door. Desiree has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality and is willing to second chair alongside Jack. As the case heats up, so does the hatred. Is there any hope for Jerome or is he doomed by the racism that’s railroading him to the electric chair? A compelling story full of emotions, a tale of race, power, justice, redemption, equality, and hope. Always a fan of Baldacci, this was his best book to date. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This book was amazing.

Completely different from anything that I have previously read from Mr.Baldacci, but one I would recommend whole heartedly. It is not easy to read as it deals with some very difficult topics- but it succeeds in pulling out emotions. Lots of them, and many different ones - anger, sadness , empathy, respect, but most of all…..frustration. Frustration that this story is based on truthful facts showcasing the kind of events that have made up parts of our history. A history that I hope we have learned from.

I’d like to think we are better than this now as a nation, and for the most part we are, but I think that we can always strive to be better.

Great job Mr. Baldacci. Truly amazing writing. This was an articulate, impressive and most of all, an enormously impactful story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.

What an intriguing and interesting story!
The pacing of the story is fast and keeps you engaged to the point you don’t want to put the book down!
A very thought provoking story.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am a huge fan of David Baldacci and have really enjoyed his John Puller, Memory Man, and Atlee Pine series. So whenever there is a chance to grab a copy of his latest release, I am chomping at the bit. However, I was not as enthralled with this book as others. It was definitely not his writing style or his ability to tell a wonderful story. The topic of the book is what made it nearly impossible for me to finish. I grew up during the racial riots in the south and lived through some difficult experiences. The intense hatred and unbelievable violence that individuals had to endure due to the color of their skin is extremely difficult to comprehend. While the author does a wonderful job bringing you into the story and having you invested in the characters and storyline, the subject itself is so difficult to read.

However, I am in the minority here and I would encourage you to read the book and make your own decision. I am looking forward to another gift of words by this amazing author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

This was such a great story. Baldacci never disappoints, and this was a different sort of book for him, as it was set in 1968. It deals with some difficult themes, but he handles them well. I am sure our patrons will love this one!

David Baldacci, reaching back into the memories of his childhood and the history of the tumultuous ‘60s, has created a story that is heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and sobering. But, it’s also a story of courage, hope, and vision. All rolled into one, I think this novel is one of Mr Baldacci’s best.

A Calamity of Souls takes place in the 60s, just a short time after the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Rev Martin Luther King. While the South is coming to grips with the changing political and social atmosphere, Jack Lee is a solo law practitioner in Freeman County, Virginia. His fairly quiet and ordered world is upended when he decides to defend a Black man accused of murdering an elderly white couple who are also prominent citizens. It would appear that the case is doomed, given the evidence the prosecution claims to have. But, with the help of a civil rights attorney from Chicago Jack moves forward with the case, despite threats and violence.

I enjoyed A Calamity of Souls. It is well-written with well-drawn characters. It presents many of the issues that Americans faced sixty years ago and, unfortunately, are still issues today. It’s also an enjoyable legal thriller with well-conceived courtroom scenes and dialogue.

This book can be an uncomfortable read and it’s difficult to imagine the indignities and mistreatment people received during that time. But, it’s an eye-opener and certainly reminds the reader that we should never ignore history. It can repeat itself. Thank you, Mr Baldacci, for A Calamity of Souls. It’s a powerful book. NetGalley provided an advance copy.

This is terrific story – different from Baldacci’s usual storylines and definitely worth reading.
I gave it the following SCORE:
Setting: Southern Virginia, 1968
Characters: Jack Lee, a good attorney who has never defended an accused murderer, Desiree Dubose, an experienced Black attorney from Chicago who works for the cause of racial equality, two Black defendants, accused of killing 2 white upper-class seniors, and an entire cast of the Virginia entitled, dead set on finding the defendants guilty at all costs.
Overview: The prosecutors, politicians, community leaders, and nationally known political figures will stop at nothing to find the two defendants quickly, slam-dunk guilty, including legal tricks, threats, and, heartbreakingly, murder. While Lee and Dubose constantly debate their own motivations, they have to be constantly alert and use creative means to accomplish their goal of innocence for the defendants.
Recommendation: I rate this book 5 stars
Extras: This story covers many of the difficult issues still current – racial prejudice, special needs children, and women’s’ freedom of choice - and, while getting a little preachy at times, hits home on so many levels. You cannot help cheering for the defense despite the heavy odds against them.
Thanx to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to provide this candid review.

Bestselling and award winning author, David Baldacci has outdone himself in his novel, A Calamity of Souls. The novel takes place in 1968, in the south where the prejudice against Blacks is rampant. Even though there are new laws in place, many lawmakers and citizens won’t follow them, and there are problems. Jack Lee, a white, small town attorney in Freemont County, Virginia, chooses to represent Jerome Washington, a black man who is charged with the brutal murders of a wealthy man and wife who he worked for. The evidence is circumstantial, and the prosecution manipulates it unfairly. Many residents harass Lee, and his life is endangered while trying to solve the case.

Baldacci is a master at developing his characters, and readers will feel like they are actually living through the period and feeling the pain that the Blacks felt during the time actually felt. The unfairness is frustrating, and definitely a travesty, and those who do their research will find that Baldacci has hit it right on.

His genius storytelling style will keep readers on the edge, and the story is fascinating and unputdownable. Although it is expected that Baldacci will write a good novel, this one is over the top and should even be read by younger readers who didn’t live during the period. Everyone needs to be aware of what took place in the south during those years.

All told, this novel makes most of us who were not in the south during that time ashamed of the attitude of the whites versus the blacks. So much prejudice and unfair practices were experienced during this time, and even though this novel is fiction, Baldacci has woven the characters into a historically correct setting that will make readers feel the pain of those who were mistreated. This novel deserves more than five stars and is highly recommended. Baldacci does it again.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

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.

Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is a book that you will never forget. The book puts you in the tumultuous times of 1968 in Virginia when many white people and black people struggled to get along. The laws had changed but the minds of many white people in Virginia had not. Jack Lee is a white lawyer who has spent his life in Freeman County, Virginia. Jerome Washington, a black man, who worked for a wealthy white couple is accused of murdering them. Jerome was their driver, handy man, and did many other jobs around the house for them. Jerome's mother is someone that Jack and his family know. When Jerome is arrested she comes looking for Jack to help with the case against Jerome. Jerome has never battled against racism, but believes in equality for all. After meeting Jerome and thinking it through, Jack decides to take the case.

Jack soon finds out that he's taken on more than just Jerome's case. He's also taken on the small minded people that are filled with hate before even knowing someone. This case has a national following as it's also quite political. Desiree DuBose is a black lawyer from Chicago who travels all over the country fighting for the rights of black people who are treated unfairly. She's fought in front of the Supreme Court and won. She's well known and she decides to head to Virginia to offer Jack her help. The big guns have been brought in to argue the case and even a judge was handpicked to hear the case. As things turn violent, Jack wonders if it's worth what he, Desiree, and his family have to go through for justice. It's an important case, but a lot is lost as this case is fought in court and outside of court. Will Jack and Desiree be able to convince a jury of 12 white people that their client is innocent? Will the violence get to Jack and Desiree? Will Jerome be able to get back home to his young kids or will he get the death penalty?

This is a very important book covering a very difficult time in the past. At times it is very hard to read the things happening, but stick it out! This book and the characters in it will be with me for a very long time. A Calamity of Souls is available now and one of David Baldacci's very best books. I rate Calamity of Souls 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of Calamity of Souls in exchange for a fair review. #CalamityofSouls

"A Calamity of Souls" by David Baldacci introduces readers to Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who confronts his own complacency towards racism when he takes on the case of Jerome Washington, a Black man accused of a heinous crime. Doubting his abilities and fearing the odds stacked against him and his client, Lee partners with Desiree DuBose, a passionate Black lawyer from Chicago devoted to justice and equality. As they navigate a legal battle against formidable opposition, they realize that the case is emblematic of larger societal forces at play. Despite their differences, Lee and DuBose unite to fight for a fair trial and true justice, challenging the status quo and confronting powerful outside influences. With meticulous detail and vivid storytelling, Baldacci's novel immerses readers in a world that is both distant and familiar, offering a compelling exploration of justice, race, and the complexities of the human experience.

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is an eye opening look at the amount of prejudice in the 1960's. The way the case unravels keeps readers guessing the outcome.

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. But today we saw justice done. It was tragic and heartbreaking and should remind us that we're all human, 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.

David Baldacci went out of his norm to write this one. We have heard this tale so many times of the injustice of the 1960's and the push for equal rights for all. Jack Lee has lived and worked Freeman County, Virgina all his life. When he takes the case of an accused black man, accused of killing his employer and wife, he knows he is way over his head. The system is rigged against his client. His case becomes more interesting when Desiree DuBose a black lawyer from Chicago offers Jack her help in fighting the system. This is a multi tiered story of justice, fighting injustice, racism, and the human heart. Why we do the things we do becomes the question for both Desiree and Jack. They both know for justice to happen for their client, they must find who killed the victims and why. Baldacci a master in unfolding a plot does so again. All in the name of justice.

I also liked that he kept politics out. Racism has gotten worse because of politics not better. It has been used to pit us against each other and not used used to bring us together. Baldacci whole purpose is to bring people together for a greater cause.

A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

1968 Virginia - Old values and prejudices throughout this Mother of States and Baldacci presents a masterful work of historical fiction and legal drama in this nearly 500 page book.
The story brings in Jack Lee- a relatively new lawyer in Freeman County Virginia to defend a black man who was arrested for brutally murdering a wealthy white elderly couple in their home. Enter, Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago who works for the Legal Defense Fund to serve as his co-counsel in the case.
The characters were well developed as was the legal case. I found the courtroom drama to be intense although somewhat predictable, I loved the twist at the end -did not see it coming at all. I remember 1968 as it was the first time that I could vote and I also remember the hatred and the shock surrounding the assassinations of MLK and RFK. I think the author introduced these events into the story to provide background to the atmosphere of the times - the prejudice, and the racial injustice that was pervasive in the country.
This is the first book by the author that I've read and I liked it a lot, although I thought that it was a little heavy on the bigotry (even though the destructive acts and treatment of Blacks was pretty realistic).
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and have reviewed this book with my own opinions.

Really enjoyed this one; while there are similarities to other Baldacci novels I've read, this one also had a different feel to it - more drama and less mystery/thriller/detective, which was a nice change. I enjoy Baldacci's writing, but it was nice to have a slightly different genre. And while its true that this is a subject that has been done before (many times), and this book really didn't bring anything new to the subject, I enjoyed reading it from this author's perspective. In addition, there were so many wonderful characters in this book.

Two issues - I think its a shame that the author had to revise the book to remove the N word. While its not a remotely acceptable word now, for the timeline of the book it was common. And the way he chose to alter it honestly called more attention to it than if he had just used it where it made sense.

Second - why were all the characters called by their first names, except for Desiree? I didn't understand why she was consistently referred to by her last name. It grated on me more and more the further into the book I got.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by the wonderful David Baldacci. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's 1968 in southern Virginia, when a Black man, Jerome Washington, is charged with killing the elderly wealthy white couple he works for. Jack Lee is a white lawyer who decides to represent Jerome, but fears that his legal skills may not be good enough to overcome all the odds stacked against his client. Enter Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago, who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She enters into a partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Will they be able to prevent Jerome from going to the electric chair?

This is such a powerful book. Jack's speech after the trial is well worth the price of the book alone, and are words that each of us needs to really think about. Because while some things have changed from the horrible racial division in this book, many have not, and we all need to step up. Baldacci has once again created characters that make you feel about them and their experiences, which allow those bigger issues of power, racism and discrimination to feel so very personal. I also loved that these characters had recognizable flaws that made them feel more human. The courtroom scenes were gripping and wonderfully written. Highly recommended!

A Calamity of Souls is a legal mystery/thriller that is set in rural Southern Virginia in 1968--a tumultuous year in American history characterized by the Vietnam War, assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, race riots and civil disobedience, cultural wars, you name it. And all of these elements are in this new book by David Baldacci.

A double homicide has occurred in Freeman County, Virginia, and white law enforcement is quick to arrest and name a Black handyman Driver as the guilty party, largely because he is found with the deceased bodies of an older husband/wife. But the picture is much more complicated. Jack Lee, a native of the county and a lawyer, is asked to serve as the counselor for Jerome Washington, the accused. Lee is over his head, having never defended a murder case particularly in a racially charged environment.

Enter Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago who surveys the country looking for cases such as this to prevent a rush to judgment and a fair legal process for African American citizens. Jack is hesitant to accept Desiree as a second chair, but ultimately realizes he needs her help.

The plot moves forward as the two lawyers first sort out their own misperceptions of one another, and then try to focus on defending Jerome whose rights have been abused one after another. The lawyers find themselves in danger, as evil acts begin to occur surrounding each of them and Jack's family.

This is a powerful story, and it is compelling reading. If you like murder mysteries add this to your list.

I want to thank the publisher, author David Baldacci, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this new title.

I’ve been a huge fan of David Baldacci for decades. He never disappoints, but this one delivers in a way unlike most of his other books. While the story isn’t exactly original, (I could point to many similar stories sitting on my bookshelves.) Baldacci adds his own particular style in delivering this raw, emotionally and racially charged story that will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve set the book down. While the stories aren’t the same, I can’t help but compare the impact this one delivers to Grisham’s A Time to Kill. If you aren’t already a fan of David Baldacci you will be after you read this book. I’d like to thank Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eArc of A Calamity of Souls.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R24D39SIYV4N6B/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

There’s nothing better than when a must-read author writes a must-read book! And when David Baldacci says that it’s taken him a decade to write this story, you know it must be something special! In this riveting historical fiction, Baldacci addresses racial injustice in this courtroom and family drama with a rawness that cannot be ignored!
Set in very racially divided Southern Virginia in 1968, Jack Lee agrees to represent a black man accused, and in the eyes of many in the community already deemed guilty, of killing his elderly white and prominent employers. Lee quickly realizes this case is bigger than just the trial on hand, as important as that is. Fortunately, the case has caught the attention of Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life and career to trying to right the wrongs against the black community by bringing national attention to the issues. Faced with threats, violence, and unadulterated hatred Lee and DuBose work together to fight for their client, fight against prejudice, bias and brutality.
In an emotional story, life during the early Civil Rights movement in the South becomes real through the vast array of well developed characters as they grapple with the knowledge that things they have known to be true may in fact be very wrong.

David Baldacci is one of the best writers who can easily write suspense and then come out with a book like A Calamity of Souls which is incredibly detailed historical fiction. The story takes place in 1968 Virginia and involves themes of race, justice, tragedy, and redemption. Whew, what an absolutely genius story with near-perfect writing.

Here is what you need to know:

Jack Lee is a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who has never done anything to push back against racism, until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy white couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his legal skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already stacked against both him and his client. And he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes that what is at stake is far greater than the outcome of a murder trial.

Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She comes to Freeman County and enters a fractious and unwieldy partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Yet DuBose is also aware that powerful outside forces are at work to blunt the victories achieved by the Civil Rights era.

Lee and DuBose could not be more dissimilar. On their own, neither one can stop the prosecution’s deliberate march towards a guilty verdict and the electric chair. But together, the pair fight for what once seemed impossible: a chance for a fair trial and true justice.

Just published, get it now!