Book Review: A Calamity of Souls

Title: A Calamity of Souls 

Author: David Baldacci

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: April 16, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5

The latest book by Baldacci is not another in a series, nor is it a thriller as such. It's a legal novel set in the south in the 60s, and is more Grisham than Baldacci. Indeed, it reminded me of A Time to Kill, that great story by John Grisham. But this book retains the fine points of a Baldacci tale: strong characters, great plot, and plenty of twists.

Set against the backdrop of the recent assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, a young black man is found in his rich employer's house standing over two dead bodies: those of his rich white employer and wife. Immediately arrested, indicted and all but convicted ... even before his trial. Enter Jack Lee, a young poorish white lawyer who takes on this all-but-impossible case. Then just as he is getting his bearings on the case, Desiree DuBose, a black lawyer from Chicago comes on the scene to take over the case on behalf of the accused and to fight for black civil rights. Jack decides to work with Desiree and discovers the ugliness of racism.

With every turn, obstacles mount. The case is rushed to court. The judge is clearly not impartial. The jury is all white. Evidence emerges almost on demand for the prosecution. And yet, the pair of defense lawyers rise to each occasion, not giving up hope, expecting the best. And this is a story, unlike a non-fiction work, and so we expect a happy ending, a strong conclusion. And it is there that Baldacci wraps it up surprisingly well but in a very unexpected way. Happy ending? You'll have to judge for yourself.

This book excited me, angered me, challenged me and made me think a lot about racism and its effects in society. I suppose that is the sign of good art, to provoke contemplation. It is a great read!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.