Between the Lies

Author: Cynthia A. Graham

Publisher: Blank Slate Press

Release Date: March 27, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Racial tensions heat up during the civil rights era that could be just as accurate today!

Sheriff Hick Blackburn has overseen order in Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas since he came back from the war. He stands for justice and truth regardless of skin color.  The same can’t be said for the sheriff in nearby Broken Creek, especially after he arrests a colored boy for a murder.  A local priest comes to Hick asking him to help in any way he can.  The more he pries into the case, the more things don’t add up.  In fact, Hick is 100% sure that this boy couldn’t have committed the crime he is being accused of.  The deputy sheriff at Broken Creek also comes to realize this and works to aid Hick in trying to figure out a way to make this right.  But there is an agenda at stake and the sheriff has everyone in town in his pocket, including the judge.  What sort of miracle would Hick be able to pull out to get this kid freed?

As usual, Cynthia Graham has produced a fantastic southern crime novel that feeds on tension. I was immediately drawn into this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished it!  Best of all with the main character, Hick Blackburn.  He was a good ole boy that saw right and wrong for what it was regardless of who committed the crime.  Throw some other unforgettable supporting characters and it gets entertaining with plenty of wit, banter, and investigating.  I felt like I was right alongside Hick as we tried to figure out what was going on throughout the town.  I felt disappointed when I learned how low people can stoop in the book, even though there are plenty today that would be the same.  There was a little bit of strong language, but nothing that deters the story at all.

The only disappointment that I had was in the last chapter. I’m not giving anything away, but it will be a shock to most readers, it especially was to me.  Even so, I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.