65 pages • 2 hours read
In the Heat of the Night
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Book Brief
185
Novel • Fiction
Wells, South Carolina • 1960s
1965
Carroll & Graf Pub
Adult
15+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 1965, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night is a crime novel set in Wells, South Carolina, focusing on the police department’s efforts to solve a recent murder. Virgil Tibbs, a Black detective from Pasadena, California, assists in the investigation, revealing the systemic racism of Wells. The novel highlights issues of racial prejudice and provides hope for a more compassionate future. Sensitive topics include racism and violence.
Suspenseful
Gritty
Dark
Challenging
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
3,818 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night is lauded for its taut, atmospheric storytelling and sharp social commentary on race relations. Critics commend the compelling characters and the tense, gripping plot that stays relevant. However, some note that certain aspects feel dated. Overall, it remains a significant and engaging crime novel.
Who Should Read In the Heat of the Night?
Readers who enjoy gritty crime dramas with social commentary, akin to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird or Chester Himes's A Rage in Harlem, will appreciate John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night. The book delves into racial tensions and justice in a small Southern town, making it a compelling read for fans of thought-provoking mysteries.
3,818 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sam Wood
Sam Wood
A local police officer in Wells, South Carolina, who is initially prejudiced against Virgil but learns to appreciate his skills and judgment. Sam demonstrates both ethical flaws and a capacity for personal growth throughout the story.
Bill Gillespie
Bill Gillespie
The newly appointed chief of police in Wells, South Carolina, originally from Texas. He initially opposes Virgil's involvement in the investigation but gradually learns to value his expertise and reconsiders his own leadership approach.
185
Novel • Fiction
Wells, South Carolina • 1960s
1965
Carroll & Graf Pub
Adult
15+ years
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