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Crimescape #1
After Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
This original edition, published in 2011, is no longer available and has been replaced by the second edition.
The second edition, published in 2013, is 190+ pages and has more than 40 photos and graphics. The 2013 edition has material never published before: interviews with Danny Hansford's girlfriend at the time of this death, details of the short, nasty life of Danny Hansford, key excerpts from trial transcripts, and the closing arguments from the fourth trial by legendary defense attorney Sonny Seiler.
Unlike John Berendt's book that is primarily an entertainment book focused on eccentric characters that once lived in Savannah, Marilyn Bardsley's book is biographical and almost completely focused on the life and trials of Jim Williams -- the evolution of the barber's son to a self-made aristocrat that was nearly destroyed by a decade of persistent prosecution. Williams endured four trials for pre-meditated murder after shooting his young lover, Danny Hansford. The "devil is clearly in the details" of the trial transcripts. If you loved Court TV, this new edition is for you.
The second edition, published in 2013, is 190+ pages and has more than 40 photos and graphics. The 2013 edition has material never published before: interviews with Danny Hansford's girlfriend at the time of this death, details of the short, nasty life of Danny Hansford, key excerpts from trial transcripts, and the closing arguments from the fourth trial by legendary defense attorney Sonny Seiler.
Unlike John Berendt's book that is primarily an entertainment book focused on eccentric characters that once lived in Savannah, Marilyn Bardsley's book is biographical and almost completely focused on the life and trials of Jim Williams -- the evolution of the barber's son to a self-made aristocrat that was nearly destroyed by a decade of persistent prosecution. Williams endured four trials for pre-meditated murder after shooting his young lover, Danny Hansford. The "devil is clearly in the details" of the trial transcripts. If you loved Court TV, this new edition is for you.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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July 13, 2025
AFTER MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL [2012] By Marilyn J. Bardsley
My Review 4.5 Stars
I finally read a true crime novel that had been neglected on my unread shelf for too long. I am not sure how many times I have watched the movie adaptation based on the fictional novel by John Berendt “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. I had purchased “After Midnight” by the esteemed true crime writer Marilyn Bardsley because I was curious about what really did happen in Savannah that night.
Jim Williams was a suave, charismatic devil who had it all, hell, he breathed style and culture. He was a genius entrepreneur who owned valuable architecture in Savannah and was also wealthy from his antique business. The famous film directed by Clint Eastwood was fascinating and Kevin Spacey embraced the quintessential being of Jim Williams. It was reflected in the film that there was a sexual relationship between Jim and the troubled young man Danny Hansford who was shot dead that night.
The true crime version of the man Jim Williams was very different from the movie. It told the true story of how a smart and savvy young guy named Jim became a self-made aristocrat who walked among the Old Money elite of Savannah. It patiently told the story of his educational background and his plans to restore the Old South to its original beauty and glory. The first part of the true crime novel was illuminating in just exactly how Jim managed to become that self-made multi-millionaire.
It is fact-based that Jim achieved his gravitas and wealth by illegal pursuits. One might say quite a variety of ingenious illegal activities. This is fascinating to read, and his returning the mansions and big homes in Savannah to their original beauty is also interesting to read, and the photos that accompany the text are delightful.
The second half of the book focuses directly on the shooting, Jim being charged with cold-blooded premeditated murder and the details of his ordeal, to include the four trials he endured. I was going at warp speed when I got to the court details. It was a revelation to say the least. In the spirit of avoiding spoilers, I will not reveal trials details or results, or for that matter, the final days of the legendary Jim Williams’ life. He was superstitious which does not surprise me. In fact, I would bet that a person who did not believe in the root doctors and the curses in Savanah could not be easily located. The Old South oozes Gothic charm and belief in the black arts.
This was really a good book, and I did enjoy it immensely. Bardsley is a marvelous writer and about as knowledgeable on murder and serial killers as you can get. She had her own convictions about Jim’s guilt or innocence which she shared in the book. I would recommend this novel to any true crime fan. Jim Williams was “larger than life” and her novel really shows this part of the man. That is not to say she cut Jim any slack on his shenanigans that could have put him behind bars long before he shot Danny Hansford.
REALLY ENTERTAINING TRUE CRIME NOVEL ABOUT JIM WILLIAMS OF SAVANNAH
My Review 4.5 Stars
I finally read a true crime novel that had been neglected on my unread shelf for too long. I am not sure how many times I have watched the movie adaptation based on the fictional novel by John Berendt “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. I had purchased “After Midnight” by the esteemed true crime writer Marilyn Bardsley because I was curious about what really did happen in Savannah that night.
Jim Williams was a suave, charismatic devil who had it all, hell, he breathed style and culture. He was a genius entrepreneur who owned valuable architecture in Savannah and was also wealthy from his antique business. The famous film directed by Clint Eastwood was fascinating and Kevin Spacey embraced the quintessential being of Jim Williams. It was reflected in the film that there was a sexual relationship between Jim and the troubled young man Danny Hansford who was shot dead that night.
The true crime version of the man Jim Williams was very different from the movie. It told the true story of how a smart and savvy young guy named Jim became a self-made aristocrat who walked among the Old Money elite of Savannah. It patiently told the story of his educational background and his plans to restore the Old South to its original beauty and glory. The first part of the true crime novel was illuminating in just exactly how Jim managed to become that self-made multi-millionaire.
It is fact-based that Jim achieved his gravitas and wealth by illegal pursuits. One might say quite a variety of ingenious illegal activities. This is fascinating to read, and his returning the mansions and big homes in Savannah to their original beauty is also interesting to read, and the photos that accompany the text are delightful.
The second half of the book focuses directly on the shooting, Jim being charged with cold-blooded premeditated murder and the details of his ordeal, to include the four trials he endured. I was going at warp speed when I got to the court details. It was a revelation to say the least. In the spirit of avoiding spoilers, I will not reveal trials details or results, or for that matter, the final days of the legendary Jim Williams’ life. He was superstitious which does not surprise me. In fact, I would bet that a person who did not believe in the root doctors and the curses in Savanah could not be easily located. The Old South oozes Gothic charm and belief in the black arts.
This was really a good book, and I did enjoy it immensely. Bardsley is a marvelous writer and about as knowledgeable on murder and serial killers as you can get. She had her own convictions about Jim’s guilt or innocence which she shared in the book. I would recommend this novel to any true crime fan. Jim Williams was “larger than life” and her novel really shows this part of the man. That is not to say she cut Jim any slack on his shenanigans that could have put him behind bars long before he shot Danny Hansford.
REALLY ENTERTAINING TRUE CRIME NOVEL ABOUT JIM WILLIAMS OF SAVANNAH
May 9, 2012
Being a huge fan of John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, to the point where I dragged my then-husband along on the walking tour of Savannah based on the book during our honeymoon, the promise of Marilyn Bardsley's
After Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
was too tempting to resist. Billed as a background and "true facts" version of Berendt's book, Bardsley's takes a journalistic approach to the events surrounding the four(!) murder trials of Jim Williams.
While the interviews with Williams' friends and associates were interesting, overall, the book felt like an overlong term paper. On at least one occasion, Bardsley breaks the fourth wall, noting that something will be discussed "in the next chapter" and self-inserting more than once, distracting from the story itself.
The title alone may be responsible for some of the lackluster feelings I had reading it; linking the book so closely with a book known for its remarkable characters, you go in expecting the same larger-than-life drama that Berendt's book had. Instead, you find yourself reading a very dry recitation of facts. Berendt may have oversold Jim Williams, but for someone who led such a colorful life, Bardsley undersells him to the point that the book would probably hold few readers' interest without the tie-in to Berendt's version of events.
While the interviews with Williams' friends and associates were interesting, overall, the book felt like an overlong term paper. On at least one occasion, Bardsley breaks the fourth wall, noting that something will be discussed "in the next chapter" and self-inserting more than once, distracting from the story itself.
The title alone may be responsible for some of the lackluster feelings I had reading it; linking the book so closely with a book known for its remarkable characters, you go in expecting the same larger-than-life drama that Berendt's book had. Instead, you find yourself reading a very dry recitation of facts. Berendt may have oversold Jim Williams, but for someone who led such a colorful life, Bardsley undersells him to the point that the book would probably hold few readers' interest without the tie-in to Berendt's version of events.
June 15, 2012
"After" may appeal to those who can't get enough trivial information on the Jim Williams' trials in Savannah and Augusta, but for most lovers of John Berendt's earlier book, this is a disappointment. The author's investigation led to one important discovery: Williams was not always an honest antiques dealer. Really. She trods the same ground that Berendt did but with far less style. It all comes across as an extended newspaper article, no more. It's a shame that book titles can't be copyrighted. Not recommended.
May 10, 2012
Well, I read the first book, saw the movie, and now this book was supposed to offer a deeper true-to-life story in regards to Jim Williams. Despite some of the reviews, curiosity killed the cat.
As stated in one of the reviews, I did finish this book in a single sitting and I liked it. Having been familiar with the story, it was good to learn more of the details about Jim and his way of life. still, I came away wondering if he really did it. You never can tell about people sometimes, but karma is not something that should be taken very lightly.
As stated in one of the reviews, I did finish this book in a single sitting and I liked it. Having been familiar with the story, it was good to learn more of the details about Jim and his way of life. still, I came away wondering if he really did it. You never can tell about people sometimes, but karma is not something that should be taken very lightly.
August 15, 2022
This book should not be read on its own. If you really want to get the most out of it, you must read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt first. This follow-up by Marilyn Bardsley is more like an appendix to Berendt's book because it assumes the reader knows not only the cast of characters, but also the sequence of events that led to and followed the murder of trouble, drug-addicted, and violent Danny Hansford by millionaire Jim Williams.
The premise of this volume is to explore in depth the character of Jim Williams, offering information—some of which is solid background and some of which is nothing more than odd tidbits—that will better elucidate the crime that rocked Savannah in the early 1980s. (Hansford was employed by Williams in his antiques business, but was really kept around as a sexual partner, a fact that scandalized the city's upper crust when it was revealed at Williams's trial. On May 2, 1981, Williams shot Hansford three times. The murder occurred in the study of Mercer House, the opulent home in which Williams lived. Williams always claimed it was self-defense.)
The most extraordinary part of the story is that Jim Williams was tried four times for the murder of Danny Hansford. The first two trials resulted in guilty verdicts, which his attorneys successfully appealed. The third trial resulted in a hung jury. Finally, at trial No. 4, Williams was found not guilty. He died of heart failure less than a year later.
While Berendt's book focuses more on the storied cast of characters that inhabited Jim Williams's life, this book focuses more on the four trials, including verbatim selections from the trial transcripts. While it's interesting, this is nothing like the powerful and compelling book by Berendt that preceded it.
One annoying thing: There are LOTS of typos.
Bonus: There are many photographs in this book, which add much value—even on a Kindle.
Advice: Read John Berendt's "After Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Skip this one.
The premise of this volume is to explore in depth the character of Jim Williams, offering information—some of which is solid background and some of which is nothing more than odd tidbits—that will better elucidate the crime that rocked Savannah in the early 1980s. (Hansford was employed by Williams in his antiques business, but was really kept around as a sexual partner, a fact that scandalized the city's upper crust when it was revealed at Williams's trial. On May 2, 1981, Williams shot Hansford three times. The murder occurred in the study of Mercer House, the opulent home in which Williams lived. Williams always claimed it was self-defense.)
The most extraordinary part of the story is that Jim Williams was tried four times for the murder of Danny Hansford. The first two trials resulted in guilty verdicts, which his attorneys successfully appealed. The third trial resulted in a hung jury. Finally, at trial No. 4, Williams was found not guilty. He died of heart failure less than a year later.
While Berendt's book focuses more on the storied cast of characters that inhabited Jim Williams's life, this book focuses more on the four trials, including verbatim selections from the trial transcripts. While it's interesting, this is nothing like the powerful and compelling book by Berendt that preceded it.
One annoying thing: There are LOTS of typos.
Bonus: There are many photographs in this book, which add much value—even on a Kindle.
Advice: Read John Berendt's "After Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Skip this one.
June 11, 2014
This book was originally released as an ebook I think. There are numerous spelling and grammatical errors that evidently were not caught when they decided to release it in a soft cover copy. It is basically a retelling of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" but focuses mostly on the crime and trial and what the outcome was with speculation as to whether Jim was guilty or not. Having read the original "Midnight" twice, watched the TV documentary and saw the movie twice plus going to Savannah and going on the tour, I lost interest in this book about halfway through. Nothing especially wrong with it; I've just read and heard enough.
November 9, 2011
This is a rather short Kindle book that should properly be titled Before Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil because the most interesting bits are those about Jim Williams before the murder of his companion. The story of how Williams ingratiated himself into Savannah society and cheated some of his customers out their valuable antiques colors the rest of the narrative of his shooting of Danny and the 4 trials that followed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
Nice synopsis using in depth trial proceedings and finishes with Jim Williams.
September 25, 2016
How do jurors stay awake?
I'm not a fan of the true crime genre, but I did read MIDNIGHT and loved it. I think I even watched some of the movie (rare for me.) Savannah is an eerily beautiful town and the perfect setting for this dark, complicated story. I think the author did a good job of presenting information which adds to the reader's knowledge, although there is inevitably some overlap with the Berendt book.
Some of her claims cannot be proved or disproved at this distance. Jim Williams may have pimped for closeted gay men in return for financial or social favors. In the days when known homosexuals were virtually lepers, such arrangements were common. The author's argument that William's good looks, his apparent masculinity, and his appeal to women were key to his success is perceptive and rings true to this old Southerner. A flamboyant or effeminate man might have been tolerated, but not accepted socially or in business.
I think she makes an excellent argument that the charge of premeditated murder was absurd. If Williams had wanted to get rid of his young lover, he was certainly smart enough to do so without ruining his own life in the process. It could have been a deliberate killing in a moment of passion, but that doesn't jive with William's cool, calculating personality. The most likely explanation is that the older man was infatuated with the youngster, enjoyed the drama he provided, and over-estimated his ability to control him.
Neither the Savannah Police Department nor the District Attorney covered themselves with glory and the whole ugly mess should have been settled in one trial. William's inability to believe that he was in a fight for his life and his insistence on bringing in an outsider for his defense played into the hands of the prosecution. I think most people would agree that the last three trials were a waste of time and money.
It's one hell of a story and this author (although not an outstanding writer) tells it clearly. I skipped over some of the lengthy closing argument. If I had been on the jury, I probably would have dozed off. Just as well I wasn't.
I'm not a fan of the true crime genre, but I did read MIDNIGHT and loved it. I think I even watched some of the movie (rare for me.) Savannah is an eerily beautiful town and the perfect setting for this dark, complicated story. I think the author did a good job of presenting information which adds to the reader's knowledge, although there is inevitably some overlap with the Berendt book.
Some of her claims cannot be proved or disproved at this distance. Jim Williams may have pimped for closeted gay men in return for financial or social favors. In the days when known homosexuals were virtually lepers, such arrangements were common. The author's argument that William's good looks, his apparent masculinity, and his appeal to women were key to his success is perceptive and rings true to this old Southerner. A flamboyant or effeminate man might have been tolerated, but not accepted socially or in business.
I think she makes an excellent argument that the charge of premeditated murder was absurd. If Williams had wanted to get rid of his young lover, he was certainly smart enough to do so without ruining his own life in the process. It could have been a deliberate killing in a moment of passion, but that doesn't jive with William's cool, calculating personality. The most likely explanation is that the older man was infatuated with the youngster, enjoyed the drama he provided, and over-estimated his ability to control him.
Neither the Savannah Police Department nor the District Attorney covered themselves with glory and the whole ugly mess should have been settled in one trial. William's inability to believe that he was in a fight for his life and his insistence on bringing in an outsider for his defense played into the hands of the prosecution. I think most people would agree that the last three trials were a waste of time and money.
It's one hell of a story and this author (although not an outstanding writer) tells it clearly. I skipped over some of the lengthy closing argument. If I had been on the jury, I probably would have dozed off. Just as well I wasn't.
January 27, 2014
Meh
Interesting story, but much of the information about the trials in this book is identically covered in Midnight. The unsubstantiated speculation/hearsay about Jim's supposed predatory behavior and shady business dealings reads more like desperate tabloid trash than unbiased journalism. The entire book from title to cover art to contents creates an uncomfortable feeling of yet another person trying to cash in on this sad story, and even worse, on the heels of someone else's work. Would not recommend.
Interesting story, but much of the information about the trials in this book is identically covered in Midnight. The unsubstantiated speculation/hearsay about Jim's supposed predatory behavior and shady business dealings reads more like desperate tabloid trash than unbiased journalism. The entire book from title to cover art to contents creates an uncomfortable feeling of yet another person trying to cash in on this sad story, and even worse, on the heels of someone else's work. Would not recommend.
March 3, 2015
Much ado about nothing. The first part of the book added a few minute details about Jim Williams and his standing in Savannah's society scene, but nothing overly impressive. The most interesting tidbits were prefaced by the author with "While I can't verify this", which made for a frustrating read. Having exhausted the main resources on this piece of Savannah history, I feel like this is the least essential reading of the lot.
May 6, 2012
Sounded intriguing - but wasn't. The story of Jim Williams and Savannah is much better told in Berendt's masterful book, and this account adds only quotations from some of the legal documents involved in the trials and a few unsurprising comments from some of the people the author interviewed. Poorly written as well, with lots of grammar and usage errors.
April 4, 2013
A good follow up for those who liked the book and/or the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," especially if it's been a while since you've read and/or seen it.
This is basically a short book dealing with the major events in Jim Williams's life, a man who was such a fascinating character that he seems to be fictitious.
Life really is stranger than fiction.
This is basically a short book dealing with the major events in Jim Williams's life, a man who was such a fascinating character that he seems to be fictitious.
Life really is stranger than fiction.
May 8, 2012
Boring and poorly written.
February 1, 2013
Somewhat interesting look at the crime dealt with in the moive. However, the style isn't really my type, and some things get a little glossed over - like the relationships with young boys.
March 1, 2022
4,5 ★
I haven’t read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt but I remember watching the movie when I was a kid (way too young to watch that movie) and thinking how disturbing adults were. After that, I erased the story from my mind for my own good, and years after I kept trying to remember the title of the movie since I wanted to rewatch it as an adult. When I found this book and I found out it was written after another book I searched it and you can imagine my face when I made the connection.
After reading some other reviews, readers were complaining that this book didn’t offer any new information to the case or the 1994 book, but since I couldn’t remember anything I was very intrigued. Whether Jim killed Danny in self-defense or not, he was still a very disturbing man and a predator.
I want to read the 1994 book and rewatch the movie now, and it was very interesting to read about Savannah’s history, it seems like a beautiful place and it makes me want to visit it and tour the Mercer house, and its Southern beauty.
This book also reminded me how important a forensic job is. Growing up watching CSI and Cold Case I never thought too much about it since they always made it look easy and the montages usually lasted 30 seconds, but it’s actually hours and hours of work.
I haven’t read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt but I remember watching the movie when I was a kid (way too young to watch that movie) and thinking how disturbing adults were. After that, I erased the story from my mind for my own good, and years after I kept trying to remember the title of the movie since I wanted to rewatch it as an adult. When I found this book and I found out it was written after another book I searched it and you can imagine my face when I made the connection.
After reading some other reviews, readers were complaining that this book didn’t offer any new information to the case or the 1994 book, but since I couldn’t remember anything I was very intrigued. Whether Jim killed Danny in self-defense or not, he was still a very disturbing man and a predator.
I want to read the 1994 book and rewatch the movie now, and it was very interesting to read about Savannah’s history, it seems like a beautiful place and it makes me want to visit it and tour the Mercer house, and its Southern beauty.
This book also reminded me how important a forensic job is. Growing up watching CSI and Cold Case I never thought too much about it since they always made it look easy and the montages usually lasted 30 seconds, but it’s actually hours and hours of work.
November 6, 2025
So this book and the book midnight in the garden of good and evil were chosen this month by my true crime book club. I saw the movie years ago and read the book and also wanted to check out this one since it was also available at my library and a short read I decided to read both.
Rather than giving so much time to many miscellaneous characters like the other book, this book gave more focus to how Jim Williams became one of Savannah's most well-known and respected residents despite his unconventional lifestyle since he restored so many properties in addition to being an antiques dealer and his friendship and relationship with Danny Hansford, who he was accused of shooting. It was supposedly an act of self defense but there was a lot of evidence that only one gun was fired and that there were a lot of issues between the two men and also signs that the murder was premeditated.
There is also much more information about the actual crime and the trials so this book was much more like a true crime story I'm used to reading. It was interesting and a quick read.
Rather than giving so much time to many miscellaneous characters like the other book, this book gave more focus to how Jim Williams became one of Savannah's most well-known and respected residents despite his unconventional lifestyle since he restored so many properties in addition to being an antiques dealer and his friendship and relationship with Danny Hansford, who he was accused of shooting. It was supposedly an act of self defense but there was a lot of evidence that only one gun was fired and that there were a lot of issues between the two men and also signs that the murder was premeditated.
There is also much more information about the actual crime and the trials so this book was much more like a true crime story I'm used to reading. It was interesting and a quick read.
September 16, 2024
As if a less talented, less charismatic, and less articulate writer were giving a lecture about John Berendt’s book. Fully redundant and intellectually dishonest.
September 25, 2024
This is research done into the actual murder and trial of the case in the original book. It is very interesting but not what I expected
October 21, 2025
If you read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil I highly recommend this as you get the true crime story.
September 6, 2016
In the mid-1990's, John Berendt wrote a sensational narrative that perfectly captured the cultural feel of Savannah. MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL not only provided an involving story, but included such quirky detail that I could swear I was actually there experiencing the unique happenings. It was, in every sense, a "literary event."
Those are daunting footsteps in which to follow, and the writer of this book has the good sense to play in her own arena. Instead, this is the Jim Williams story written as a true crime investigation. It is not as involving as Berendt's version, but it is definitely involving. Lost are many of the memorable characters who populated the Savannah environs because they did not contribute directly to the investigation of the death of Danny Hansford. Here, the writer does not seek to add "atmosphere," but concentrates on a careful retelling of the facts and the ultimate outcome.
The close analysis of the investigation that spawned four criminal trials for one defendant is very revealing. Armchair detectives have the chance to sift through the evidence and decide who will be believed. Photographs are included that often do little more than show the outside of buildings and portrait shots. Yet, there is the occasional gem, such as one of a cat that will have significant reprucussions.
I particularly appreciated having the defending counsel's closing argument from the final trial provided in a complete version. It offered a fascinating perspective to what had been read.
For those MIDNIGHT readers who were mostly intrigued by the descriptions that placed them in the heart of Savannah society, it would likely be a good idea to let AFTER MIDNIGHT pass on by. However, for those whose memories are of the Jim Williams lifestyle and trials, this book provides impressive detail and a refreshing viewpoint.
And if you are not familiar with either MIDNIGHT or the Jim Williams story at all, but are a fan of true crime narratives, I truly believe you'll enjoy this one. Likely as not, you'll find yourself unable to resist visiting the first MIDNIGHT afterward.
Those are daunting footsteps in which to follow, and the writer of this book has the good sense to play in her own arena. Instead, this is the Jim Williams story written as a true crime investigation. It is not as involving as Berendt's version, but it is definitely involving. Lost are many of the memorable characters who populated the Savannah environs because they did not contribute directly to the investigation of the death of Danny Hansford. Here, the writer does not seek to add "atmosphere," but concentrates on a careful retelling of the facts and the ultimate outcome.
The close analysis of the investigation that spawned four criminal trials for one defendant is very revealing. Armchair detectives have the chance to sift through the evidence and decide who will be believed. Photographs are included that often do little more than show the outside of buildings and portrait shots. Yet, there is the occasional gem, such as one of a cat that will have significant reprucussions.
I particularly appreciated having the defending counsel's closing argument from the final trial provided in a complete version. It offered a fascinating perspective to what had been read.
For those MIDNIGHT readers who were mostly intrigued by the descriptions that placed them in the heart of Savannah society, it would likely be a good idea to let AFTER MIDNIGHT pass on by. However, for those whose memories are of the Jim Williams lifestyle and trials, this book provides impressive detail and a refreshing viewpoint.
And if you are not familiar with either MIDNIGHT or the Jim Williams story at all, but are a fan of true crime narratives, I truly believe you'll enjoy this one. Likely as not, you'll find yourself unable to resist visiting the first MIDNIGHT afterward.
October 25, 2013
Finally.
Much as I liked John Berendt's book, and I kind of liked the movie - or maybe I just liked Kevin Spacey - I thought I would like this book. And I guess I kind of did like parts of it. The problem was that this book just dragged. Although she didn't put in the transcripts from each of the four trials, it dragged as if she did. Actually I might have enjoyed it more if there had been transcripts. But it just drags out each detail in each of the trials.
The first half of the book was much more interesting. More about the real story (I don't know if it is actually the"real" story) of Savannah and events leading up to Mr. Hansford's death and the Jim Williams story. Not quite the same as I recall in Berendt's book.
So this is probably more like 2 1/2★.
Much as I liked John Berendt's book, and I kind of liked the movie - or maybe I just liked Kevin Spacey - I thought I would like this book. And I guess I kind of did like parts of it. The problem was that this book just dragged. Although she didn't put in the transcripts from each of the four trials, it dragged as if she did. Actually I might have enjoyed it more if there had been transcripts. But it just drags out each detail in each of the trials.
The first half of the book was much more interesting. More about the real story (I don't know if it is actually the"real" story) of Savannah and events leading up to Mr. Hansford's death and the Jim Williams story. Not quite the same as I recall in Berendt's book.
So this is probably more like 2 1/2★.
July 18, 2021
Not sure what is the justification for this book. Poor choice of title sets expectations of a where are they now scenario or of introduction of “late breaking evidence” which might clarify ambiguousness left after four trials. This does neither. The vaunted never before heard/read additions do little to shed light on the ultimate truth. This feels like a rehash of what is already in the public record. With much less flair than previously presented. Is Jim Williams guilty? Would it not have made more sense to take him out to some some swamp or simply change the locks? Of course. But would he not think himself capable of getting away with the ultimate win….murder? We’ll never know.
April 22, 2020
I found this to be an extremely tedious book about the trial of Jim Williams. As a big fan of the original novel and someone who has visited Savannah, I thought this might be an interesting follow-up, but instead reads much like a trial transcript, recounting Williams's four trials. If intricacies of trials are of interest to you, maybe you would enjoy this book but I found it very difficult to get through.
March 16, 2021
For those of you who are fans of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt this book will not replace it in your heart. The humor and sparkle just isn’t there. However, it does update a few things and gives pretty extensive coverage of the four trials of Jim Williams. The author gives just a tiny bit of her conclusions as to Williams’ guilt or innocence in the very last pages but I’m sure the final conclusion is up to you.
June 21, 2016
If you have read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this is a good book that gives more information of the events leading up to the murder and more details of the 4 trials that occurred over the years.
December 23, 2011
If you read "Midnigiht in the Garden of Good and Evil," this book is a must read. Very interesting. Follows Jim Williams after the original book.
May 6, 2012
This was a quick read. I rewatched the movie before reading this book; so I found it very interesting to know more of the behind the scenes facts surrounding this case.
October 28, 2012
Very interesting and brought to light more of the attitudes of the days around this crime. While having been quite a while since reading the original I enjoyed this recapture. Researched well.
February 28, 2013
Makes me want to see the film again.
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