Worse Than a Lie  ---  5-stars  *****

This book, “Worse Than a Lie,” by Ben Crum is reminiscent of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in many ways. The story begins with a young African American kid who is enamored by the biography of Justice Thurgood Marshall and his appointment as the first African American appointed to the US Supreme Court. He has read the biography many, many times!!

Fast forward to 2008 and our first Black President is being elected. Maybe the racism that has been around is over – but not so fast. A black Metra cop named Hollis Montrose who is also a former Chicago cop was driving late at night and was homeward bound when the infamous flashing blue lights appear behind him. He pulls over and then his hell begins.

He is drug from his car and ultimately shot multiple times. He is being charged with a crime even though he identifies himself as an officer. That young kid who read and reread Marshall’s biography has now grown up and practices law. He and his law partner also a college fraternity brother, Nelson Rivers, get involved in civil rights cases and this case seems a ripe one for the taking.

Beau Lee Cooper is relentless, but the blue wall is formidable; including even prosecuting attorneys.. The story is fast paced, and lays bare the racial divide that in 2008 was still a deep chasm. The book explores this divide and how law can be a moderating influence – sometimes.

An excellent read and one that was hard to put down. Highly recommended and likely to become at least a made-for-TV movie. Too bad I can only give it 5-stars!!