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Snapshot
Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
The Civil Rights Movement is less than a distant memory to Lisa Waldren—it is someone else’s memory altogether, passed on to her through the pages of history. Her life as a federal prosecutor in Boston feels utterly remote from the marches in the South that changed her father’s generation—and the entire nation—forever.
But the truth is, she was there.
When a photograph surfaces showing a blond, four-year-old Lisa playing with an African-American girl at a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Lisa is faced with a jarring revelation: the girls may have been the only witnesses who observed the killer of civil rights leader Benjamin Gray . . . and therefore the only ones who can exonerate the death row inmate falsely accused of the murder.
Soon, Lisa finds herself in the dangerous world her father had shielded her from as a child. After some searching, the Waldrens find the other little girl from the photo and, in the process, uncover conspiracy mere steps away from the likes of Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and J. Edgar Hoover.
Based on real events and a photograph snapped by author Lis Wiehl’s own G-man father, Snapshot is a remarkably original marriage of mystery and history.
The Civil Rights Movement is less than a distant memory to Lisa Waldren—it is someone else’s memory altogether, passed on to her through the pages of history. Her life as a federal prosecutor in Boston feels utterly remote from the marches in the South that changed her father’s generation—and the entire nation—forever.
But the truth is, she was there.
When a photograph surfaces showing a blond, four-year-old Lisa playing with an African-American girl at a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Lisa is faced with a jarring revelation: the girls may have been the only witnesses who observed the killer of civil rights leader Benjamin Gray . . . and therefore the only ones who can exonerate the death row inmate falsely accused of the murder.
Soon, Lisa finds herself in the dangerous world her father had shielded her from as a child. After some searching, the Waldrens find the other little girl from the photo and, in the process, uncover conspiracy mere steps away from the likes of Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and J. Edgar Hoover.
Based on real events and a photograph snapped by author Lis Wiehl’s own G-man father, Snapshot is a remarkably original marriage of mystery and history.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2014
122 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Lis Wiehl
26 books631 followersLis Wiehl is a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction books, a journalist, an attorney, and a legal expert. She is the former legal analyst for Fox News, former co-host of WOR radio's “WOR Tonight with Joe Concha and Lis Wiehl,” and was an anchor for the Law & Crime network (a multi-media live trial network). Lis Wiehl hosted the podcast Pursuit of Justice with Lis Wiehl and until recently was an adjunct professor of Law at New York Law School. Lis is the author of eighteen books, including the first in The Hunting Series, Hunting Charles Manson: The Quest for Justice in the Days of Helter Skelter, out in paperback from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins on June 25, 2019.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most highly regarded commentators and legal experts. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Wiehl practiced law in a private law firm in Seattle where she also wrote by-lined articles on legal issues for The New York Times. From there she went on to become a third generation federal prosecutor (her grandfather and her father — an FBI agent — were also federal prosecutors) in the US Attorney's Office in Seattle. She served as the Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during President Clinton’s impeachment. From 1995 to 2001, she was a tenured law professor at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, where she ran the Trial Advocacy Program, which won several national awards during her tenure.
During her time at the University of Washington, Wiehl also stepped deeper into journalism by working as a reporter and legal analyst for NPR's All Things Considered, MSNBC/NBC News, and locally at KIRO, the CBS network affiliate in Seattle. After MSNBC and National Public Radio, Wiehl moved to the Fox News Channel where she served as a legal analyst and reporter for over fifteen years. During her time at the Fox News Channel, she appeared on numerous shows including The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Kelly File with Megyn Kelly, Lou Dobbs Tonight, and the Imus morning show. Wiehl also hosted the Legal Lis radio show and the Wiehl of Justice podcast.
In 2005, Wiehl released her first book, Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life. Two years later she released The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It which was awarded the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category. Since then, Wiehl has continued to write bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction.
Lis Wiehl continues to appear in the media as a legal expert and commentator for organizations including CNN, CBS, NBC, and NPR among others. She regularly lectures at colleges and universities, appears as a keynote speaker, and speaks at bookstores, conferences, and literary festivals.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Lis Wiehl currently lives near New York City.
For more information please visit www.liswiehlbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 11, 2014
Snapshot by Lis Wiehl is the second book I've read by this author. FBI agent James Waldren is determined to make right his past failings. He is thrown into action once the date of execution for an innocent man accused of killing a civil rights activist in 1965, closes in. He enlists the help of his daughter, federal prosecutor, Lisa Waldren. They've been estranged for some years so she's less than enthusiastic about helping.
James sends Lisa a photo of her when she was young. The picture was taken the day of the assassination when a black civil rights activist was shot during a rally. This photo was taken of Lisa and another black child the moment of his death. James is hoping to find that other girl, now a woman, because he thinks she may have seen the killer. Ultimately, this probing into the past makes the present very dangerous for Lisa and her father. There is someone who doesn't want the truth of what happened to ever surface.
Much of this Snapshot centers around race relations. There isn't one opportunity missed where someone's race didn't matter. Lisa visits a black church and the first person to talk to her mentions her race as being the reason why she was noticed. I don't know if that is a southern thing but I've been to my fair share of black churches with few whites in the crowd, but I've never heard anyone say "oh! I noticed you because you're white!" Just the same I don't think a black person going to a predominately white church would expect that they are noticed because of them being black. I'm sorry but I had to get that off my chest. It was just weird to me to be reading it. I'm sure it may happen... maybe... but...
Back on subject after the last rant, this book deals a lot with race relations during the 60s. James paints the picture of that time in American history being one of the most tumultuous periods to live in. With the assassination of the Kennedy's, Dr. King, and the looming crisis with other countries, no one trusted anyone. Lis Wiehl also brings to surface that many past prejudices don't die easy.
Snapshot explores other relations besides race. James and Lisa have been estranged for some years and that tension is thick. They are both really well drawn characters. James battles his guilt of not being a better father and essentially doesn't really know how to change that. Lisa struggles with accepting her father's failures and forgiving him not realizing that this burden hinders her own personal growth. She's a workaholic with no life outside of her friend Drew. James and Lisa are what kept me interested in this novel.
I don't have any gripes with Snapshot besides the above rant. It's fast paced, interesting, and a good light mystery. There's nothing better to root for than seeing justice done and making what's wrong right. I look forward to reading more Lis Wiehl novels. She hasn't let me down yet.
James sends Lisa a photo of her when she was young. The picture was taken the day of the assassination when a black civil rights activist was shot during a rally. This photo was taken of Lisa and another black child the moment of his death. James is hoping to find that other girl, now a woman, because he thinks she may have seen the killer. Ultimately, this probing into the past makes the present very dangerous for Lisa and her father. There is someone who doesn't want the truth of what happened to ever surface.
Much of this Snapshot centers around race relations. There isn't one opportunity missed where someone's race didn't matter. Lisa visits a black church and the first person to talk to her mentions her race as being the reason why she was noticed. I don't know if that is a southern thing but I've been to my fair share of black churches with few whites in the crowd, but I've never heard anyone say "oh! I noticed you because you're white!" Just the same I don't think a black person going to a predominately white church would expect that they are noticed because of them being black. I'm sorry but I had to get that off my chest. It was just weird to me to be reading it. I'm sure it may happen... maybe... but...
Back on subject after the last rant, this book deals a lot with race relations during the 60s. James paints the picture of that time in American history being one of the most tumultuous periods to live in. With the assassination of the Kennedy's, Dr. King, and the looming crisis with other countries, no one trusted anyone. Lis Wiehl also brings to surface that many past prejudices don't die easy.
Snapshot explores other relations besides race. James and Lisa have been estranged for some years and that tension is thick. They are both really well drawn characters. James battles his guilt of not being a better father and essentially doesn't really know how to change that. Lisa struggles with accepting her father's failures and forgiving him not realizing that this burden hinders her own personal growth. She's a workaholic with no life outside of her friend Drew. James and Lisa are what kept me interested in this novel.
I don't have any gripes with Snapshot besides the above rant. It's fast paced, interesting, and a good light mystery. There's nothing better to root for than seeing justice done and making what's wrong right. I look forward to reading more Lis Wiehl novels. She hasn't let me down yet.
April 28, 2014
I am torn by this book. It is both a run of the mill, middle of the road mystery and a fairly interesting story. Every time I think about the book I can’t tell if I thought it was just ok or really liked it, because it hit me in two completely different ways.
The first way is in how the book is presented. As a mystery novel there isn’t much that got me going. The mystery is not overly complicated, although the book piles on the intrigue to make it seem more intricate, and it strings along the information given to the reader. Other than the Molly character, who might be my favorite character in the whole book, there is not much to recommend everyone. Most of the characters are on the bland side and fairly one dimensional. The villain of the book is a little more fun to follow, and is evil enough to make him fun, but how his story worked out was really pretty underwhelming. Coupled with that is a rather slow pacing that is really stop and start and does not build or ever feel like it is rushing forward. To be fair I have a preference for series where the characters are built up and a few books in they all feel like they have a real history, but even as a standalone mystery this feels just bland. Not bad mind you; it just doesn’t get my blood going.
What brings this book up from being completely forgettable and plain is the history in it. Although not full of flashbacks beyond the first chapter when the book was set up, Wiehl does a great job of looking at the history of the time. Feeding in details from the past and all the events surrounding the picture of the two little girls is really fun to watch. And knowing this book grew out of a real picture taken during the height of segregation with a little white girl and a little black girl sitting together, a picture where the author herself is one of the little girls, really adds to how connected this book is. Because of this, and the intense research that clearly went into it, the book feels so grounded as to elevate the mystery to the next level.
http://homeofreading.com/snap-shot/
The first way is in how the book is presented. As a mystery novel there isn’t much that got me going. The mystery is not overly complicated, although the book piles on the intrigue to make it seem more intricate, and it strings along the information given to the reader. Other than the Molly character, who might be my favorite character in the whole book, there is not much to recommend everyone. Most of the characters are on the bland side and fairly one dimensional. The villain of the book is a little more fun to follow, and is evil enough to make him fun, but how his story worked out was really pretty underwhelming. Coupled with that is a rather slow pacing that is really stop and start and does not build or ever feel like it is rushing forward. To be fair I have a preference for series where the characters are built up and a few books in they all feel like they have a real history, but even as a standalone mystery this feels just bland. Not bad mind you; it just doesn’t get my blood going.
What brings this book up from being completely forgettable and plain is the history in it. Although not full of flashbacks beyond the first chapter when the book was set up, Wiehl does a great job of looking at the history of the time. Feeding in details from the past and all the events surrounding the picture of the two little girls is really fun to watch. And knowing this book grew out of a real picture taken during the height of segregation with a little white girl and a little black girl sitting together, a picture where the author herself is one of the little girls, really adds to how connected this book is. Because of this, and the intense research that clearly went into it, the book feels so grounded as to elevate the mystery to the next level.
http://homeofreading.com/snap-shot/
July 16, 2015
Based loosely on author Lis Wiehl's FBI father and attending a civil rights march in 1965, she writes the story of an estranged father trying to save an innocent man scheduled for execution of a civil rights leader. He reaches out for help from his daughter, a successful federal prosecutor. Together, this formidable pair seeks answers as the execution approaches. One of the highlights of the book is the snapshot of the daughter at age 4 connecting with a 4-year old black girl. A goodly amount of race relations, especially in some of the afternotes.
January 9, 2014
PROS: Great historical backdrop; personal elements add good depth; fascinating story; nice restraint on the JFK parts; good presentations of civil rights issues
CONS: Needed more environment development; some convenient situations; easy to figure out parts of the mystery
For almost 50 years, Leonard Dubois set on Texas’ death row. Although he was convicted of killing civil rights leader, Benjamin Gray, few believed he was guilty. But in 1965, it was hard for an African American to receive justice in the south and as a result, he spent the majority of his life awaiting execution. Running out of options, he reaches out to former FBI agent, James Waldren, in hopes the real killer can be located before it’s too late.
In April 1965, James brought his young daughter, Lisa, to the civil rights rally where Gray was killed. Shortly before the fatal shots were fired, James took a picture of Lisa sitting beside an African American girl—capturing a beautiful moment in time. Now with Leonard’s time running out, James and Lisa dive back into a case that has haunted him for years and left him with more questions than answers. Who really killed Gray and why? Why was James’ partner and close friend, Peter Hughes, also attending the rally? Does the Kennedy family and a missing key to a cabinet that holds numerous secrets have any connection to Gray’s death? Pulling from her own past, Lis Wiehl creates a complex story of mystery, murder, and conspiracy set against the turbulent backdrop of the Civil Right movement.
I love historical mysteries and this one certainly satisfies my love of the genre. It’s set in a time period that is alien, yet uncomfortably familiar. Taking the background and combining with a touch of JFK history, FBI conspiracy, multiple plot lines connecting at various points and this book really covers much of what I’m looking for in a good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple storylines that run throughout this novel. The starting point is the picture of four-year old Lisa and a black girl of the same age. Just that picture alone is enough to open up a treasure chest of stories. However, Wiehl does a very nice job of staying on track and not deviating too far from the central plot or too deeply into the civil rights movements. Enough information is included to draw the reader into the time period, but not so much that the overall focus of the story is lost. Additionally, Wiehl includes just enough JFK background and information to intrigue the reader, without totally derailing the story and turning it into a conspiracy theory. She also shows great restraint in not following well-meaning yet potentially hokey discoveries. Overall, a fine line is walked in which the reader can enjoy the history without the history becoming the story.
While the historical elements are excellent and very well incorporated, the setting and environment is lacking. I live in the DFW area, but this story did not draw the reader into this area or really the state for that matter. Gratefully local characters didn’t say ‘ya’ll’ every other word, talk with draws so thick the reader needs a translator, eat t-bones for breakfast, or wear cowboy boots and hats. However, conspicuously missing are reference points. DFW is a vast area and saying that someone lives north of Dallas does not narrow down the location. I really wanted town names, points of reference, and better descriptions. At one point the characters visit Leonard in prison at what I assume is Huntsville since that’s where executions take place. Yet the town is never named nor is the prison named. The omission of these types of details makes the story feel like it could be set anywhere, not necessarily Dallas.
When I finished Snapshot, the first word that popped in my head was fascinating. It has a nice blend of mystery and history combined with good social and ethical issues. Wiehl’s personal experience as well as her father’s insight adds depth to the story and makes Snapshot a very memorable read.
CONS: Needed more environment development; some convenient situations; easy to figure out parts of the mystery
For almost 50 years, Leonard Dubois set on Texas’ death row. Although he was convicted of killing civil rights leader, Benjamin Gray, few believed he was guilty. But in 1965, it was hard for an African American to receive justice in the south and as a result, he spent the majority of his life awaiting execution. Running out of options, he reaches out to former FBI agent, James Waldren, in hopes the real killer can be located before it’s too late.
In April 1965, James brought his young daughter, Lisa, to the civil rights rally where Gray was killed. Shortly before the fatal shots were fired, James took a picture of Lisa sitting beside an African American girl—capturing a beautiful moment in time. Now with Leonard’s time running out, James and Lisa dive back into a case that has haunted him for years and left him with more questions than answers. Who really killed Gray and why? Why was James’ partner and close friend, Peter Hughes, also attending the rally? Does the Kennedy family and a missing key to a cabinet that holds numerous secrets have any connection to Gray’s death? Pulling from her own past, Lis Wiehl creates a complex story of mystery, murder, and conspiracy set against the turbulent backdrop of the Civil Right movement.
I love historical mysteries and this one certainly satisfies my love of the genre. It’s set in a time period that is alien, yet uncomfortably familiar. Taking the background and combining with a touch of JFK history, FBI conspiracy, multiple plot lines connecting at various points and this book really covers much of what I’m looking for in a good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple storylines that run throughout this novel. The starting point is the picture of four-year old Lisa and a black girl of the same age. Just that picture alone is enough to open up a treasure chest of stories. However, Wiehl does a very nice job of staying on track and not deviating too far from the central plot or too deeply into the civil rights movements. Enough information is included to draw the reader into the time period, but not so much that the overall focus of the story is lost. Additionally, Wiehl includes just enough JFK background and information to intrigue the reader, without totally derailing the story and turning it into a conspiracy theory. She also shows great restraint in not following well-meaning yet potentially hokey discoveries. Overall, a fine line is walked in which the reader can enjoy the history without the history becoming the story.
While the historical elements are excellent and very well incorporated, the setting and environment is lacking. I live in the DFW area, but this story did not draw the reader into this area or really the state for that matter. Gratefully local characters didn’t say ‘ya’ll’ every other word, talk with draws so thick the reader needs a translator, eat t-bones for breakfast, or wear cowboy boots and hats. However, conspicuously missing are reference points. DFW is a vast area and saying that someone lives north of Dallas does not narrow down the location. I really wanted town names, points of reference, and better descriptions. At one point the characters visit Leonard in prison at what I assume is Huntsville since that’s where executions take place. Yet the town is never named nor is the prison named. The omission of these types of details makes the story feel like it could be set anywhere, not necessarily Dallas.
When I finished Snapshot, the first word that popped in my head was fascinating. It has a nice blend of mystery and history combined with good social and ethical issues. Wiehl’s personal experience as well as her father’s insight adds depth to the story and makes Snapshot a very memorable read.
August 19, 2024
When FBI Special Agent James Waldren takes his four-year-old daughter, Lisa, to a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1965, he does not expect to endanger her life. He takes a picture of her sitting with a little Black girl. Then shots ring out, and a civil rights leader lies dead.
Years later Lisa receives a call from her almost estranged father James, now retired, asking her to come to Fort Worth to help him prove that the Black man accused of the murder of the civil rights leader did not commit it. After a big win as a federal D.A. in Boston, Lisa has some time coming. Her friend/boyfriend convinces her to go, if for no other reason than to make peace with her dad. She joins her dad and his private eye girlfriend in trying to prove the man's innocence before he can be executed, but someone is intent on preventing the truth from coming to light.
Snapshot is a fast-paced story that originated from a picture that her retired FBI agent father found of Lis Wiehl and a little Black girl sitting together at a rally that activated Lis's mind to wonder "What if?" It's fast paced. It deals with questions of justice, racism, and relationships. It mentions some discreet fornication. I don't remember bad language. It is friendly to people of faith.
Years later Lisa receives a call from her almost estranged father James, now retired, asking her to come to Fort Worth to help him prove that the Black man accused of the murder of the civil rights leader did not commit it. After a big win as a federal D.A. in Boston, Lisa has some time coming. Her friend/boyfriend convinces her to go, if for no other reason than to make peace with her dad. She joins her dad and his private eye girlfriend in trying to prove the man's innocence before he can be executed, but someone is intent on preventing the truth from coming to light.
Snapshot is a fast-paced story that originated from a picture that her retired FBI agent father found of Lis Wiehl and a little Black girl sitting together at a rally that activated Lis's mind to wonder "What if?" It's fast paced. It deals with questions of justice, racism, and relationships. It mentions some discreet fornication. I don't remember bad language. It is friendly to people of faith.
January 10, 2015
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
WOW! If I had to describe my favorite genre, and the perfect book—Lis Wiehl’s SNAPSHOT, would be it, wrapped in one unique package. I loved everything about this profound and captivating novel. A mix of a human interest story, family drama, historical mystery, suspense, and a thriller.
When reading the advanced reading copy of Lis’ A Deadly Business (6/10/14)— at the end of the novel, a teaser, for SNAPSHOT was included—I knew this book was for me! Immediately requested it through NetGalley and was delighted to be approved.
When I started reading SNAPSHOT it was late in the evening, on my e-reader, and was hooked immediately, as so intriguing—these two little girls (one black and one white), a shooting, a suicide, a civil right march, a FBI agent and his daughter. Bummer, had to travel for a six hour drive the next morning—this would not work—could not wait to see what would happen next.
So, did what we obsessed readers do—purchased the audiobook. It was perfect, as was able to finish it the next day, while driving (it made my day when I was stuck in traffic for three hours). Amazing read—intense! Then back to the e-book to bookmark all the wonderful references and dive into the tidbits at the end.
SNAPSHOT is like getting an inside look into the scandals of our leaders—secrets, lies, power, and deceit; a powerful history and best of all the personal twist, as you get a glimpse into the author’s life, her family relationship, and the inspiration for the book--which is special and unique.
Thank you, Lis for sharing this remarkable story! A story that had to be told. I hope you meet this girl/woman in real life one day, by writing this moving novel, as agree it is bigger than we know. One of the main attractions of SNAPSHOT was the parallels between the story and the author’s life. How incredible is this!
Everyone loves a good mystery, and especially combined with historical events and intrigues wrapped around our nation’s past. Mixed in, the family dynamics and relationship between former FBI agent, James and federal prosecutor, Lisa. At the heart of the novel these two little girls—and their connection to the real truth. Some powerful fathers—with strong daughters, here as well.
From flashbacks to 1965 in Fort Worth, Texas, where a FBI agent had spent countless hours and overtime investigating the JFK assignation and was assigned to the killer, the deceased Lee Harvey Oswald—his activities, friends, and his Russian wife, Marina Oswald; however, this day he was trying to blend in. Just another bystander, a normal guy who has his daughter with him to witness a historical event. A white dad who happened to have a revolver and FBI credentials. A special agent with the FBI was never off duty and his wife would be furious if she knew he had brought his four year old here. Things he would keep secret for decades, to protect this family.
In the blink of an eye, a photo was taken and at the same time a shot was fired, and a man (a civil rights activist) was killed. However, the wrong man was charged and has been in prison for more than five decades—now he is nearing execution. The wrongful charged man sends this retired FBI agent a message to ask for help before he is executed.
The events which happen next takes us from present day back to Texas in 1965 and to New York in 1971, to Washington, DC when a series of secrets and lies are uncovered layer by layer as one man and his daughter work together to solve a mystery which changed the course of history, with a photo of two little girls which may hold clues to secrets of the past.
Having lived through the sixties, personally— was in the sixth grade when President Kennedy was shot, seems like yesterday. From the racial tensions, Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert Kennedy, The Vietnam War, nuclear water threats, and the hippie generation—some tough times.
As Lis mentions in her book, we live a different life today in America, yet 1965 was not so long ago, and is should not be forgotten. We have not eradicated hatred over skin color, over birthplace, or over differences in beliefs, race, and culture. Some Americans will never know such prejudice, while other Americans live it on a constant basis, even today.
Richard L. Wiehl served as an FBI agent, Federal Prosecutor, and Lawyers from 1960-2003. He is also the father to Lis Wiehl, the author. His word became part of the famous Warren Commission that reported to the President and the world what happened that tragic November day in 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Readers will love the interview at the end of SNAPSHOT, also an Essay from Juan Williams, former NPR News Consultant and Author of Eyes on the Prize: American’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965, and an Interview with Bill O’Riley, Television Host regarding his own experiences reporting during the American Civil Rights Movement.
This was the age in which two little girls, one black and one white, sat together with all the promise of friendship. Highly recommend this entertaining, and highly-moving complex novel and look forward to reading more from this talented author!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
TOP 30 BEST BOOKS OF 2014
WOW! If I had to describe my favorite genre, and the perfect book—Lis Wiehl’s SNAPSHOT, would be it, wrapped in one unique package. I loved everything about this profound and captivating novel. A mix of a human interest story, family drama, historical mystery, suspense, and a thriller.
When reading the advanced reading copy of Lis’ A Deadly Business (6/10/14)— at the end of the novel, a teaser, for SNAPSHOT was included—I knew this book was for me! Immediately requested it through NetGalley and was delighted to be approved.
When I started reading SNAPSHOT it was late in the evening, on my e-reader, and was hooked immediately, as so intriguing—these two little girls (one black and one white), a shooting, a suicide, a civil right march, a FBI agent and his daughter. Bummer, had to travel for a six hour drive the next morning—this would not work—could not wait to see what would happen next.
So, did what we obsessed readers do—purchased the audiobook. It was perfect, as was able to finish it the next day, while driving (it made my day when I was stuck in traffic for three hours). Amazing read—intense! Then back to the e-book to bookmark all the wonderful references and dive into the tidbits at the end.
SNAPSHOT is like getting an inside look into the scandals of our leaders—secrets, lies, power, and deceit; a powerful history and best of all the personal twist, as you get a glimpse into the author’s life, her family relationship, and the inspiration for the book--which is special and unique.
Thank you, Lis for sharing this remarkable story! A story that had to be told. I hope you meet this girl/woman in real life one day, by writing this moving novel, as agree it is bigger than we know. One of the main attractions of SNAPSHOT was the parallels between the story and the author’s life. How incredible is this!
Everyone loves a good mystery, and especially combined with historical events and intrigues wrapped around our nation’s past. Mixed in, the family dynamics and relationship between former FBI agent, James and federal prosecutor, Lisa. At the heart of the novel these two little girls—and their connection to the real truth. Some powerful fathers—with strong daughters, here as well.
From flashbacks to 1965 in Fort Worth, Texas, where a FBI agent had spent countless hours and overtime investigating the JFK assignation and was assigned to the killer, the deceased Lee Harvey Oswald—his activities, friends, and his Russian wife, Marina Oswald; however, this day he was trying to blend in. Just another bystander, a normal guy who has his daughter with him to witness a historical event. A white dad who happened to have a revolver and FBI credentials. A special agent with the FBI was never off duty and his wife would be furious if she knew he had brought his four year old here. Things he would keep secret for decades, to protect this family.
In the blink of an eye, a photo was taken and at the same time a shot was fired, and a man (a civil rights activist) was killed. However, the wrong man was charged and has been in prison for more than five decades—now he is nearing execution. The wrongful charged man sends this retired FBI agent a message to ask for help before he is executed.
The events which happen next takes us from present day back to Texas in 1965 and to New York in 1971, to Washington, DC when a series of secrets and lies are uncovered layer by layer as one man and his daughter work together to solve a mystery which changed the course of history, with a photo of two little girls which may hold clues to secrets of the past.
Having lived through the sixties, personally— was in the sixth grade when President Kennedy was shot, seems like yesterday. From the racial tensions, Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert Kennedy, The Vietnam War, nuclear water threats, and the hippie generation—some tough times.
As Lis mentions in her book, we live a different life today in America, yet 1965 was not so long ago, and is should not be forgotten. We have not eradicated hatred over skin color, over birthplace, or over differences in beliefs, race, and culture. Some Americans will never know such prejudice, while other Americans live it on a constant basis, even today.
Richard L. Wiehl served as an FBI agent, Federal Prosecutor, and Lawyers from 1960-2003. He is also the father to Lis Wiehl, the author. His word became part of the famous Warren Commission that reported to the President and the world what happened that tragic November day in 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Readers will love the interview at the end of SNAPSHOT, also an Essay from Juan Williams, former NPR News Consultant and Author of Eyes on the Prize: American’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965, and an Interview with Bill O’Riley, Television Host regarding his own experiences reporting during the American Civil Rights Movement.
This was the age in which two little girls, one black and one white, sat together with all the promise of friendship. Highly recommend this entertaining, and highly-moving complex novel and look forward to reading more from this talented author!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
TOP 30 BEST BOOKS OF 2014
October 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What's the book about?
Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren’s estranged father wants her to investigate a cold case from his FBI days. Lisa nearly refuses, even though a wrongly convicted man faces execution for murder. Then her father reveals a photograph: a little white girl playing alongside a little black girl at a civil rights rally in 1965 where the crime—the shooting of a civil rights leader—took place. She recognizes herself in the photo.
She was there.
Lisa agrees to help, resolved to boldly seek answers she’s skirted for decades. What she discovers are layers of deception, both personal and professional, reaching as high as the head of the FBI. Possibly even the president.
And though Lisa and the other girl may have escaped the 1965 shooting physically unharmed, her little friend, now grown, bears the scars of it. All because of the color of her skin. As Lisa and her father get closer to the truth, the real killer turns the hunt around.
My review:
I found this novel to be very slow going and was hoping the pace would pick up plot-wise further into the book, sadly it didn't. Whilst the book is pitched as a murder mystery it just didn't have the oomph to it that I wanted it to, the action was sadly missing.
The interesting part of the book is the historical link to relationships and activities around the Kennedys back in the 1960's, I think Lis Wiehl did a really good job of weaving that into the storyline successfully. It was one of the stronger points of the book.
As Lisa and her father seek answers they are slow coming, but revealed gradually, there is not a lot of surprises really in this book, even once the killer is revealed, I kind of already had a hunch about it.
I have not read anything by this author before so went into reading it with a completely clear perspective but found the book too lacking in a lot of things to really love it.
The characters come across as flat and one-dimensional, I could not connect with any of them, they were just names, people, and I love to connect with characters in books. As a positive, the character of Molly, the little black girl from the old photo who is now all grown up would have been the better written of all the characters.
It's an okay read, nothing spectacular, I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, it was a lukewarm read for me. I didn't feel it to be murder mystery or a thriller at all, it was too slow burning for that and not enough surprises and twists. Fans of Lis Wiehl may well love it, who knows?
What's the book about?
Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren’s estranged father wants her to investigate a cold case from his FBI days. Lisa nearly refuses, even though a wrongly convicted man faces execution for murder. Then her father reveals a photograph: a little white girl playing alongside a little black girl at a civil rights rally in 1965 where the crime—the shooting of a civil rights leader—took place. She recognizes herself in the photo.
She was there.
Lisa agrees to help, resolved to boldly seek answers she’s skirted for decades. What she discovers are layers of deception, both personal and professional, reaching as high as the head of the FBI. Possibly even the president.
And though Lisa and the other girl may have escaped the 1965 shooting physically unharmed, her little friend, now grown, bears the scars of it. All because of the color of her skin. As Lisa and her father get closer to the truth, the real killer turns the hunt around.
My review:
I found this novel to be very slow going and was hoping the pace would pick up plot-wise further into the book, sadly it didn't. Whilst the book is pitched as a murder mystery it just didn't have the oomph to it that I wanted it to, the action was sadly missing.
The interesting part of the book is the historical link to relationships and activities around the Kennedys back in the 1960's, I think Lis Wiehl did a really good job of weaving that into the storyline successfully. It was one of the stronger points of the book.
As Lisa and her father seek answers they are slow coming, but revealed gradually, there is not a lot of surprises really in this book, even once the killer is revealed, I kind of already had a hunch about it.
I have not read anything by this author before so went into reading it with a completely clear perspective but found the book too lacking in a lot of things to really love it.
The characters come across as flat and one-dimensional, I could not connect with any of them, they were just names, people, and I love to connect with characters in books. As a positive, the character of Molly, the little black girl from the old photo who is now all grown up would have been the better written of all the characters.
It's an okay read, nothing spectacular, I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, it was a lukewarm read for me. I didn't feel it to be murder mystery or a thriller at all, it was too slow burning for that and not enough surprises and twists. Fans of Lis Wiehl may well love it, who knows?
January 14, 2014
"Snapshot" is utterly fascinating, from beginning to end, made all the more so by the knowledge that the book was inspired by real events and an actual photograph of Lis Wiehl. I greatly enjoyed the twists and turns present in the plot, as murder and conspiracy collide. Wiehl does an excellent job at unveiling the plot through Lisa's efforts to help her father, and the redemption of their relationship is equally as fascinating as the suspenseful scenes. The combination of actual history into the story makes it seem utterly plausible, and Wiehl provides a unique take on the civil justice movement. Lis Wiehl is not only proving to be a master of suspense, but in "Snapshot" also explores deeper themes of racism and gender stereotypes. Some of the scenes are heart-stirring, while others will leave your pulse racing, but no matter what the book will definitely entertain you! You will grow to care about the various characters and the unjust situations they encounter, all while hoping they can make it out alive.
As you can see, Snapshot is a wonderful addition to Wiehl's ever-growing repertoire, and I can't wait to see what is coming next from this talented author!
A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
As you can see, Snapshot is a wonderful addition to Wiehl's ever-growing repertoire, and I can't wait to see what is coming next from this talented author!
A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
September 6, 2020
I could not have chosen a better book during such hard times! It was a pleasant read, and confirmed my interest in novels concerning the American Civil Rights Movement, even though I am nowhere near an American. The civil rights movement is still going on today, and we need more writers like Lis Wiehl to keep writing about the plight of black Americans, because the struggle is not over.
This book has brought back memories not dissimilar to what Lis had experienced. I remember having a maid in our house who would often bring her daughter along as she could not afford school. I used to play with her often as I had no other female friends and was too young to go to school. One day I was instructed by my grandmother not to play with her anymore because "she is not of our kind". I had no idea what it meant, and got scolded for questioning the matter further. My grandmother must have told the maid to not bring the daughter over again, as I had never seen her again after that. Unfortunately there are no snapshots to preserve the memories. I do wonder what happened to her... was she able to go to school? Is she well? Is she alive?
Going back to the story, the characters are well fleshed out, and the struggles between loved ones feel real. However, it was a shame that we did not get to experience Molly's childhood and her experiences with racial prejudice. I am certain that it would have added more to the story to see an innocent child's first encounters with pure evil. Children, unfortunately, are good at arousing emotional connection to political ideologies. Another drawback, albeit personal, is that the book was clearly made for American audiences, which is not surprising. I am familiar with basic modern American history but I can see someone who does not know about those events could struggle to form a meaningful connection with the book.
Other than that... a solid read! Highly recommended!
This book has brought back memories not dissimilar to what Lis had experienced. I remember having a maid in our house who would often bring her daughter along as she could not afford school. I used to play with her often as I had no other female friends and was too young to go to school. One day I was instructed by my grandmother not to play with her anymore because "she is not of our kind". I had no idea what it meant, and got scolded for questioning the matter further. My grandmother must have told the maid to not bring the daughter over again, as I had never seen her again after that. Unfortunately there are no snapshots to preserve the memories. I do wonder what happened to her... was she able to go to school? Is she well? Is she alive?
Going back to the story, the characters are well fleshed out, and the struggles between loved ones feel real. However, it was a shame that we did not get to experience Molly's childhood and her experiences with racial prejudice. I am certain that it would have added more to the story to see an innocent child's first encounters with pure evil. Children, unfortunately, are good at arousing emotional connection to political ideologies. Another drawback, albeit personal, is that the book was clearly made for American audiences, which is not surprising. I am familiar with basic modern American history but I can see someone who does not know about those events could struggle to form a meaningful connection with the book.
Other than that... a solid read! Highly recommended!
February 11, 2014
I loved this. The author, a former prosecutor, wrote this mystery around a picture her father had taken of her in Texas when she was 4 and he had taken her to a civil rights march where she had sat down next to a little black girl. Lis was a funny looking little blonde girl with chopped up hair that made her look like a boy.
In this story, modern day federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren, daughter of former FBI Special Agent James Waldren, is asked by her dad to leave Boston and come to Texas. He had received a letter from an older black man who had spent 50 years on death row for a murder at a civil rights march (a black leader named Benjamin Gray) who he knew had not killed Gray but had backed away from after receiving threats towards his little girl. He now wanted to right this wrong and get Leonard out of prison before his upcoming execution date.
Lisa and her mother had been estranged from James who seemed to keep an emotional distance from them after the incident. Lisa is the mother of a college student son who is in college in London. She decides to go help her Dad. The author has what seems to be like an unnecessary side story of Lisa's black male platonic friend declaring he loved her all of a sudden to add to the racial overtones (Lisa is a widow who raised her son alone and is not interested). Once in Texas, Lisa discovers her stick of a dad has an interesting hippie like private detective named Rosalyn he dates.
We follow along as the three of them- James, Rosalyn and Lisa- joined by the little black girl from the picture, Molly, who pastors a church, Lisa's wannabe lover, and James' old journalist friend are stalked by the real killer and have to unravel the past while on a close deadline.
I enjoyed the sleuthing, the relationships, and the emotional issues all of them explored. I'll be looking at more or Wiehl's work for certain.
In this story, modern day federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren, daughter of former FBI Special Agent James Waldren, is asked by her dad to leave Boston and come to Texas. He had received a letter from an older black man who had spent 50 years on death row for a murder at a civil rights march (a black leader named Benjamin Gray) who he knew had not killed Gray but had backed away from after receiving threats towards his little girl. He now wanted to right this wrong and get Leonard out of prison before his upcoming execution date.
Lisa and her mother had been estranged from James who seemed to keep an emotional distance from them after the incident. Lisa is the mother of a college student son who is in college in London. She decides to go help her Dad. The author has what seems to be like an unnecessary side story of Lisa's black male platonic friend declaring he loved her all of a sudden to add to the racial overtones (Lisa is a widow who raised her son alone and is not interested). Once in Texas, Lisa discovers her stick of a dad has an interesting hippie like private detective named Rosalyn he dates.
We follow along as the three of them- James, Rosalyn and Lisa- joined by the little black girl from the picture, Molly, who pastors a church, Lisa's wannabe lover, and James' old journalist friend are stalked by the real killer and have to unravel the past while on a close deadline.
I enjoyed the sleuthing, the relationships, and the emotional issues all of them explored. I'll be looking at more or Wiehl's work for certain.
January 4, 2018
Probably the reason I enjoyed this book so much is that I am so familiar with the events and time period in which the book deals. I was an adult living in Dallas when President Kennedy was shot. I was not particularly and Kennedy fan, but the event was devastating to me as to all our country. Wiehl’s plot is not a part of that event only in as much as the protagonist's father was an FBI agent who investigated for the Warren Commission. His daughter, Lisa Waldren, is a federal prosecutor and basically estranged from her father. But Lisa responds to his request for her to help him investigate a shooting of a civil rights leader, one at which she was present as a child. I like that the story is based upon Lis Wiehl’s own experiences, as her father was with the FBI, and the snapshot of a little white girl and a little black girl is actually one of the author. The weakness of the book is that some of the characters aren't very well developed—Waldren’s father in particular. Still, it was a good read for me with my specific history
January 24, 2014
Lisa Waldren is a hard working, highly ethical prosecutor who has a very limited relationship with her Dad, retired FBI agent James Waldren. When he calls for help in trying to save a death row inmate from being executed for a crime he did not commit, she reluctantly agrees to help.
This was an enjoyable read. I though the characters were believable and I liked how the different relationships developed as the story progresses. I’ve always liked Ms. Wiehl’s writing and this is a good example why. Good pacing and a nice level of suspense.
I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
3.5/5.0
This was an enjoyable read. I though the characters were believable and I liked how the different relationships developed as the story progresses. I’ve always liked Ms. Wiehl’s writing and this is a good example why. Good pacing and a nice level of suspense.
I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
3.5/5.0
Read
April 7, 2020Engrossing mystery set in the U.S. during the 1960's that explores race, political cover ups, relationships, power and corruption. While trying to free a man who is set to be executed for a murder he didn't commit, a retired FBI agent and his estranged daughter, a Federal Prosecutor, dig through pieces of information trying to discover who the actual murderer was. Peppered with references to the assassination of JFK and Bobby Kennedy's subsequent efforts to hide secrets of his brother's presidency, this tale skillfully weaves genuine and fictional events.
April 13, 2022
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the brief look back into history. The mystery itself was kind of mundane. The bad guy was stereotypical, and the ending hard to reconcile with his character. He would have disposed of the bodies without any thoughts. Except for Molly, I found the characters flat and unrelatable. I found it interesting the way the characters were able to piece together information from a photo.... I had no idea that it could be that easy. All in all it was a decent read, but not one I would revisit, nor was it so good that I have to rush out to find something else by this author.
January 16, 2020
In Snapshot by Lis Wiehl we meet Lisa Waldren. She's a federal prosecutor who (if the "modern" book takes place in 2014) is 53. She's widowed, practices in Boston, and has an 18 year old son who is currently at school abroad. We meet her just as she is finishing up a huge win in a multi-state corruption scandal. She's celebrating with long time friend Drew when her Dad calls her from out of the blue.
Her father, James Waldren, is a retired FBI agent who still lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He's resurrecting a cold case from 1965 concerning the execution of a civil rights activist, Benjamin Gray at a rally outside Fort Worth. James was actually present at the rally with his daughter that day. Four year old Lisa sat down on a bench beside another little girl (incidentally black), and James took a picture. This snapshot is featured on the front of the hardback book and has a basis in real life. A young black man was arrested for the shooting, but James feels he is innocent. James wonders if his daughter has retained memories from the rally and shooting in her subconscious, and begs her to come help with the investigation. Lisa struggles with whether or not to help her father. They are estranged, but in the end she decides to go.
Once there, under a looming execution date for Dubois (the fall guy who is most likely innocent), James, his daughter, his friend/girlfriend Rosalyn, and a growing cast of secondary characters work to uncover clues as to what really happened in 1965, and discover who the real killer is. Unfortunately, the reader doesn't really struggle along with them as the probable killer is introduced very early in the book, and no other possible suspect is ever uncovered. For this reason "mystery" is a very shaky category to place this book in.
As my one star rating is very different from the majority of reviews on Good reads, I feel a bit of an explanation is in order. First, let me be clear that the *premise* of the book (outlined in the book description above) is very interesting. I looked forward to reading Snapshot . I feel that Wiehl had a great story to tell, and outlined it well. However the actual telling of the story fell flat. The prose was amateurish, the dialogue was stilted, and Wiehl resorting to telling us what her characters were feeling instead of showing us. It's a subtle difference, but a huge distinction between average and good books. Secondly, as I alluded to above, there is very little actual mystery (and not much thriller either). It's more of a Nancy Drew type feel where the characters follow a bread crumb trail of clues, and their "sleuthing" is supplemented by a lot of lucky breaks. Finally, as another reviewer pointed out, the main premise of the story--that a man was convicted of murder in 1965, and is finally being executed in 2014--is suspect. Props to that reviewer for immersing me in 30+ minutes of research on the death penalty btw. The death penalty was indeed suspended nationwide in 1972. States worked individually on reform to the process of enacting the death penalty, and the first post-suspension execution was in Utah in 1977. However, I can't find a case where anyone whose sentence was converted to life in prison in 1972 was subsequently executed. It seems, then, that Wiehl's story couldn't actually happen. Perhaps there's a loophole I'm missing though.
All that being said, Wiehl has some interesting insights into how much of a difference new technology (such as facial recognition software, and keyword/pattern searches among others) can make in previously cold cases. She also explores repressed childhood memories, and the real, paralyzing fear that blacks felt in the 1960s south. We may think that we as a society have progressed past all that, but in many ways that viewpoint is still a privileged position.
"You young ones don't know how history makes you. It's not just what's a-happenin' now, it's what happened to our family and everyone we heard about for a hundred years before. Such things make up your DNA. You just don't say things have changed and it's alright to be black now and have rights just like everyone else. The fear gets into your bones, and it don't come out so easily."
Bottom line: this is not a bad grab if you are at the library looking for a light, easy read on a trip, and want a novel with some historical background. I wouldn't recommend buying it though. Given 1.5 stars or a rating of "Below Average."
Her father, James Waldren, is a retired FBI agent who still lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He's resurrecting a cold case from 1965 concerning the execution of a civil rights activist, Benjamin Gray at a rally outside Fort Worth. James was actually present at the rally with his daughter that day. Four year old Lisa sat down on a bench beside another little girl (incidentally black), and James took a picture. This snapshot is featured on the front of the hardback book and has a basis in real life. A young black man was arrested for the shooting, but James feels he is innocent. James wonders if his daughter has retained memories from the rally and shooting in her subconscious, and begs her to come help with the investigation. Lisa struggles with whether or not to help her father. They are estranged, but in the end she decides to go.
Once there, under a looming execution date for Dubois (the fall guy who is most likely innocent), James, his daughter, his friend/girlfriend Rosalyn, and a growing cast of secondary characters work to uncover clues as to what really happened in 1965, and discover who the real killer is. Unfortunately, the reader doesn't really struggle along with them as the probable killer is introduced very early in the book, and no other possible suspect is ever uncovered. For this reason "mystery" is a very shaky category to place this book in.
As my one star rating is very different from the majority of reviews on Good reads, I feel a bit of an explanation is in order. First, let me be clear that the *premise* of the book (outlined in the book description above) is very interesting. I looked forward to reading Snapshot . I feel that Wiehl had a great story to tell, and outlined it well. However the actual telling of the story fell flat. The prose was amateurish, the dialogue was stilted, and Wiehl resorting to telling us what her characters were feeling instead of showing us. It's a subtle difference, but a huge distinction between average and good books. Secondly, as I alluded to above, there is very little actual mystery (and not much thriller either). It's more of a Nancy Drew type feel where the characters follow a bread crumb trail of clues, and their "sleuthing" is supplemented by a lot of lucky breaks. Finally, as another reviewer pointed out, the main premise of the story--that a man was convicted of murder in 1965, and is finally being executed in 2014--is suspect. Props to that reviewer for immersing me in 30+ minutes of research on the death penalty btw. The death penalty was indeed suspended nationwide in 1972. States worked individually on reform to the process of enacting the death penalty, and the first post-suspension execution was in Utah in 1977. However, I can't find a case where anyone whose sentence was converted to life in prison in 1972 was subsequently executed. It seems, then, that Wiehl's story couldn't actually happen. Perhaps there's a loophole I'm missing though.
All that being said, Wiehl has some interesting insights into how much of a difference new technology (such as facial recognition software, and keyword/pattern searches among others) can make in previously cold cases. She also explores repressed childhood memories, and the real, paralyzing fear that blacks felt in the 1960s south. We may think that we as a society have progressed past all that, but in many ways that viewpoint is still a privileged position.
"You young ones don't know how history makes you. It's not just what's a-happenin' now, it's what happened to our family and everyone we heard about for a hundred years before. Such things make up your DNA. You just don't say things have changed and it's alright to be black now and have rights just like everyone else. The fear gets into your bones, and it don't come out so easily."
Bottom line: this is not a bad grab if you are at the library looking for a light, easy read on a trip, and want a novel with some historical background. I wouldn't recommend buying it though. Given 1.5 stars or a rating of "Below Average."
September 25, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It was interesting to see how everything will work back to the killer. There was some interesting twist but I would classify this more as a mystery than suspense.
March 22, 2014
Lis Wiehl in her new book, “Snapshot” published by Thomas Nelson introduces us to Lisa Waldren.
From the inside jacket flap: Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
The Civil Rights Movement is less than a distant memory to Lisa Waldren—it is someone else’s memory altogether, passed on to her through the pages of history. Her life as a federal prosecutor in Boston feels utterly remote from the marches in the South that changed her father’s generation—and the entire nation—forever.
But the truth is, she was there.
When a photograph surfaces showing a blond, four-year-old Lisa playing with an African-American girl at a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Lisa is faced with a jarring revelation: the girls may have been the only witnesses who observed the killer of civil rights leader Benjamin Gray . . . and therefore the only ones who can exonerate the death row inmate falsely accused of the murder.
Soon, Lisa finds herself in the dangerous world her father had shielded her from as a child. After some searching, the Waldrens find the other little girl from the photo and, in the process, uncover conspiracy mere steps away from the likes of Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and J. Edgar Hoover.
Based on real events and a photograph snapped by author Lis Wiehl’s own G-man father, Snapshot is a remarkably original marriage of mystery and history.
Take a FBI agent and a federal prosecutor who just happen to be father and daughter, add in a case from over 40 years ago that, if they don’t solve, an innocent man is going to the death chamber for and you have a formula for action and excitement. Ms. Wiehl has outdone herself here. The hunt for the killer who does not wish to be discovered means the killer will strike again. The father/daughter duo have their own issues to resolve and then there is the issue of race relations and trust. ”Snapshot” is an excellent murder mystery filled with marvelous characters, great plot twists, suspense and thrills. This is an exciting book, extremely well paced and suspenseful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the inside jacket flap: Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
The Civil Rights Movement is less than a distant memory to Lisa Waldren—it is someone else’s memory altogether, passed on to her through the pages of history. Her life as a federal prosecutor in Boston feels utterly remote from the marches in the South that changed her father’s generation—and the entire nation—forever.
But the truth is, she was there.
When a photograph surfaces showing a blond, four-year-old Lisa playing with an African-American girl at a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Lisa is faced with a jarring revelation: the girls may have been the only witnesses who observed the killer of civil rights leader Benjamin Gray . . . and therefore the only ones who can exonerate the death row inmate falsely accused of the murder.
Soon, Lisa finds herself in the dangerous world her father had shielded her from as a child. After some searching, the Waldrens find the other little girl from the photo and, in the process, uncover conspiracy mere steps away from the likes of Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and J. Edgar Hoover.
Based on real events and a photograph snapped by author Lis Wiehl’s own G-man father, Snapshot is a remarkably original marriage of mystery and history.
Take a FBI agent and a federal prosecutor who just happen to be father and daughter, add in a case from over 40 years ago that, if they don’t solve, an innocent man is going to the death chamber for and you have a formula for action and excitement. Ms. Wiehl has outdone herself here. The hunt for the killer who does not wish to be discovered means the killer will strike again. The father/daughter duo have their own issues to resolve and then there is the issue of race relations and trust. ”Snapshot” is an excellent murder mystery filled with marvelous characters, great plot twists, suspense and thrills. This is an exciting book, extremely well paced and suspenseful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 9, 2014
In 1965 Lisa Waldren's father, an FBI agent, takes his daughter to a Civil Rights rally. While there she meets another little girl her age. Her father takes a snapshot of the two little girls enjoying each others company. Then the unthinkable happens and all chaos breaks out.
Jump ahead several decades and Lisa is now a successful Federal Prosecutor estranged from her father who is now retired. When he contacts her to help him solve a murder that he has never been able to forget, Lisa at first is unwilling. But eventually she goes to Ft. Worth, TX to help her father and maybe try to understand why he distanced himself from her all those years ago.
James Waldren is now trying to help the man convicted of murdering the Civil Rights activist before he is put to death for the crime he didn't commit. Government as well as local authority cover-ups, and threats to his family caused James Waldren to stop investigating many years before, but now he is determined to right a wrong. But as with all secrets, some people would prefer they be left alone.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the step-by-step search for the killer and all of the twists and turns to get there. We as the reader know exactly who the killer is, but the "why" is slowly revealed throughout the story. Loved that the two little girls, now grown up, were able to get back together and help each other in the investigation. When I think about the Civil Rights movements for some reason I always think farther in the past than what they really are. I was born in 1965 when the event of the story happened. I honestly can't imagine that time period actually being in my lifetime. The author touches on a bit of the hatred that surrounded the times and some of the events: JFK assassination, Martin Luther King Jr., Viet Nam war etc. Such major events in history while I was just a little girl. Lis Wiehl has written a page-turning snapshot of history, the legal system, and human greed and hatred all wrapped up into an entertaining mystery. If you have never read any of her books before I would highly recommend them.
Jump ahead several decades and Lisa is now a successful Federal Prosecutor estranged from her father who is now retired. When he contacts her to help him solve a murder that he has never been able to forget, Lisa at first is unwilling. But eventually she goes to Ft. Worth, TX to help her father and maybe try to understand why he distanced himself from her all those years ago.
James Waldren is now trying to help the man convicted of murdering the Civil Rights activist before he is put to death for the crime he didn't commit. Government as well as local authority cover-ups, and threats to his family caused James Waldren to stop investigating many years before, but now he is determined to right a wrong. But as with all secrets, some people would prefer they be left alone.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the step-by-step search for the killer and all of the twists and turns to get there. We as the reader know exactly who the killer is, but the "why" is slowly revealed throughout the story. Loved that the two little girls, now grown up, were able to get back together and help each other in the investigation. When I think about the Civil Rights movements for some reason I always think farther in the past than what they really are. I was born in 1965 when the event of the story happened. I honestly can't imagine that time period actually being in my lifetime. The author touches on a bit of the hatred that surrounded the times and some of the events: JFK assassination, Martin Luther King Jr., Viet Nam war etc. Such major events in history while I was just a little girl. Lis Wiehl has written a page-turning snapshot of history, the legal system, and human greed and hatred all wrapped up into an entertaining mystery. If you have never read any of her books before I would highly recommend them.
May 15, 2014
The mid-60s were a turbulent time. The JFK assassination, Robert Kennedy’s death a year or two later, and the civil rights movement all contributed to a coming change to American culture. And in that era a murder takes place in the midst of a civil rights parade - a murder witnessed by two four year old girls and a father. Now, the man convicted of the crime asks the father, a retired FBI agent, for help proving his innocence, even as the date for his death sentence has been set.
The struggles of 1965 and the changes that impacted our nation forever are themes explored throughout Snapshot. Wiehl weaves a difficult father-daughter relationship through themes of race, religion, gender and family. In addition, the lack of open and honest communication fractured multiple relationships throughout the novel. Well-meaning intentions not properly communicated operate at multiple levels throughout the relationships between the major characters in the novel. A little comic relief is also provided in the character of Rosalyn, a private detective with the gift of gab and a heart of gold, and also by Molly, a female African-American minister who understands and appreciates her heritage in the South.
The story held my interest from beginning to end I could not put it down. Snapshot by Lis Wiehl is an intriguing mystery based around some true events and an actual picture Wiehl's FBI agent father took of her as a child. The plot twists and turns will keep the reader engaged until the murderer is exposed. A timely read for exploring more about our nation’s Civil Rights Movement. A fun question and answer time with Lis and her father, along with a Reading Group Guide. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had a very hard time putting it down!
If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of suspense and a dash of humor, give this book a read. I highly recommend it.
I received copy of eBook from the publisher for my review
The struggles of 1965 and the changes that impacted our nation forever are themes explored throughout Snapshot. Wiehl weaves a difficult father-daughter relationship through themes of race, religion, gender and family. In addition, the lack of open and honest communication fractured multiple relationships throughout the novel. Well-meaning intentions not properly communicated operate at multiple levels throughout the relationships between the major characters in the novel. A little comic relief is also provided in the character of Rosalyn, a private detective with the gift of gab and a heart of gold, and also by Molly, a female African-American minister who understands and appreciates her heritage in the South.
The story held my interest from beginning to end I could not put it down. Snapshot by Lis Wiehl is an intriguing mystery based around some true events and an actual picture Wiehl's FBI agent father took of her as a child. The plot twists and turns will keep the reader engaged until the murderer is exposed. A timely read for exploring more about our nation’s Civil Rights Movement. A fun question and answer time with Lis and her father, along with a Reading Group Guide. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had a very hard time putting it down!
If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of suspense and a dash of humor, give this book a read. I highly recommend it.
I received copy of eBook from the publisher for my review
March 5, 2014
I think this may be my favorite Lis Wiehl book. Part of what makes this book so intriguing are the parallels between the story and the author’s life. She really was in a snapshot like the one described in the book. She was a federal prosecutor and her dad did work for the FBI investigating Lee Harvey Oswald after the JFK assassination. Her real life experiences add so much credibility and flavor to the book.
It was also fascinating to me to see how someone would go about trying to identify a little girl in a picture that is several decades old. Lisa Waldron, a federal prosecutor, and her dad, retired FBI, have very different styles and means of investigating which makes for a great read.
The main crime took place during the civil rights march in 1965. Following clues through the era of the Kennedys, presidential cabinets and missing keys, give this book a “National Treasure” (the movie) feel. Will they uncover a conspiracy? You’ll have to read it to find out. :)
This book really made me think about the sacrifices that those who are protecting or serving our country often make. As Lisa struggles with her father’s single-minded devotion to his career, she begins to wonder if she is doing the same thing. I really appreciated the growth that both Lisa and her father made towards each other in the book. It felt very real and hopeful. I REALLY enjoyed this book. I would give it five out of five stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.
It was also fascinating to me to see how someone would go about trying to identify a little girl in a picture that is several decades old. Lisa Waldron, a federal prosecutor, and her dad, retired FBI, have very different styles and means of investigating which makes for a great read.
The main crime took place during the civil rights march in 1965. Following clues through the era of the Kennedys, presidential cabinets and missing keys, give this book a “National Treasure” (the movie) feel. Will they uncover a conspiracy? You’ll have to read it to find out. :)
This book really made me think about the sacrifices that those who are protecting or serving our country often make. As Lisa struggles with her father’s single-minded devotion to his career, she begins to wonder if she is doing the same thing. I really appreciated the growth that both Lisa and her father made towards each other in the book. It felt very real and hopeful. I REALLY enjoyed this book. I would give it five out of five stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review.
January 28, 2014
Lisa was four when her father took her to a civil rights march, where she connected with an African American girl the same age. When a man is shot at the march, the police quickly find and arrest a man. Now, the man is asking Lisa's dad to investigate and prove his innocence. Using her father's skill as a former FBI agent and Lisa's as a federal prosecutor, the estranged pair must work together to uncover the truth.
This is Lis Wiehl's best book (in my humble opinion). At the end of the book, there's a note explaining how the book is connected to events in her own life, so perhaps that's what makes this book stand out from her others, which are also good.
I liked Lisa and her dad and felt bad for both of them. Even though the reader knows who is behind the murder(s), it's a fun ride getting to the action-packed conclusion.
On top of the action and suspense, the author handles the sentiments of the civil rights movement well....realistic.
I recommend this book to those fans of suspense who enjoy a Christian themed book without a lot of preaching.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
This is Lis Wiehl's best book (in my humble opinion). At the end of the book, there's a note explaining how the book is connected to events in her own life, so perhaps that's what makes this book stand out from her others, which are also good.
I liked Lisa and her dad and felt bad for both of them. Even though the reader knows who is behind the murder(s), it's a fun ride getting to the action-packed conclusion.
On top of the action and suspense, the author handles the sentiments of the civil rights movement well....realistic.
I recommend this book to those fans of suspense who enjoy a Christian themed book without a lot of preaching.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
July 28, 2015
I received this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
This intriguing book was a little slow at the start but built up gradually and by the end I didn't want it to end. This novel by Lis Wiehl is a very good read and I would be very interested to read more of her work in the future. The book is a mixture of both true events and fiction and the character development is excellent.
I hope to read more of her work soon.
This intriguing book was a little slow at the start but built up gradually and by the end I didn't want it to end. This novel by Lis Wiehl is a very good read and I would be very interested to read more of her work in the future. The book is a mixture of both true events and fiction and the character development is excellent.
I hope to read more of her work soon.
September 19, 2013
Suspense is not a genre I often read, but the historical angle to this title really caught my attention--the idea of solving a crime and seeking justice years later, based on a photograph from the past. This book not only caught my attention, but did an outstanding job of keeping me coming back for more. Highly recommend this read.
March 21, 2015
I had never read anything by Lis Wiehl before, but I did enjoy this mystery very much and intend to read others by this author. I like listening to her on Fox News ... this made her book seem much more real. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries.
January 10, 2015
Really enjoyed this book with a bit of history surrounding JFK assassination and the civil rights marches. Very captivating fiction. You can read my full review on my blog: http://myseasonsofopportunities.blogs...
May 6, 2017
The story of Snapshot by Lis Wiehl is fictional, but it grew out of reality. The picture on the front is actually of Lis when she was a little girl. Her FBI father had taken her with him to a civil rights march where Lisa and the little girl made friends with each other immediately. Lis grew up to be a federal prosecutor and eventually a legal analyst on NBC News, NPR’s All Things Considered, Bill O’Reilly’s programs, and others. Her father was a part of the investigation into JFK’s assassination.
In the story, Lisa Waldren was a four-year-old girl taken by her FBI father to a civil rights March, where Lisa made friends with another little girl. But at the March, civil rights leader Benjamin Gray was shot and killed. A man was arrested in connection with the shooting, but 50 years later, with his execution date looming, he reaches out to Lisa’s father, James Waldren, asking for his help to exonerate him. James had thought all along that the man, Leonard DuBois, was innocent, but he had been “shushed” and demoted for trying to clear him earlier. Now retired, James feels compelled to do everything he can to clear Leonard, and he asks Lisa for her help even thought they’ve been estranged for years.
Among the leads they try to trace down is the name of the other girl in the photo. The way she is facing indicates that she might have seen the shooting. By some miracle, they do find her, though she doesn’t remember seeing anything. But she joins them in the search, which leads them to a mystery involving Bobby Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, and James’s partner’s suicide. As the search continues, an enemy who does not want the truth to be known tries to hinder them: when every effort fails, his pursuit of them becomes increasingly more dangerous.
This was a fascinating story in itself, but the tie-in with history made it even more so. There is an interview with Lis’s father at the end of the book as well as an afterword from Bill O’Reilly (and a note that a reporter in the story who helps James is fashioned after O’Reilly).
There’s also an essay at the end by Juan Williams, a journalist, news analyst, and author of a book about civil rights talking about the book in connection with the civil rights and racial context of the times.
I had thought when I bought this that it was a Christian fiction book, but there’s not much along those lines except for one character. But as historical fiction, it was quite good.
In the story, Lisa Waldren was a four-year-old girl taken by her FBI father to a civil rights March, where Lisa made friends with another little girl. But at the March, civil rights leader Benjamin Gray was shot and killed. A man was arrested in connection with the shooting, but 50 years later, with his execution date looming, he reaches out to Lisa’s father, James Waldren, asking for his help to exonerate him. James had thought all along that the man, Leonard DuBois, was innocent, but he had been “shushed” and demoted for trying to clear him earlier. Now retired, James feels compelled to do everything he can to clear Leonard, and he asks Lisa for her help even thought they’ve been estranged for years.
Among the leads they try to trace down is the name of the other girl in the photo. The way she is facing indicates that she might have seen the shooting. By some miracle, they do find her, though she doesn’t remember seeing anything. But she joins them in the search, which leads them to a mystery involving Bobby Kennedy, J. Edgar Hoover, and James’s partner’s suicide. As the search continues, an enemy who does not want the truth to be known tries to hinder them: when every effort fails, his pursuit of them becomes increasingly more dangerous.
This was a fascinating story in itself, but the tie-in with history made it even more so. There is an interview with Lis’s father at the end of the book as well as an afterword from Bill O’Reilly (and a note that a reporter in the story who helps James is fashioned after O’Reilly).
There’s also an essay at the end by Juan Williams, a journalist, news analyst, and author of a book about civil rights talking about the book in connection with the civil rights and racial context of the times.
I had thought when I bought this that it was a Christian fiction book, but there’s not much along those lines except for one character. But as historical fiction, it was quite good.
June 3, 2017
A black inmate in a Texas prison is days away from being executed for a murder he didn’t commit, and a small somewhat grainy picture taken in 1965 may hold the key to his freedom. But can the mystery be solved in time?
Four-year-old Lisa Waldren attended a civil rights parade in Dallas in 1965 with her FBI-agent dad. While there she struck up a conversation with four-year-old Molly Carter, a black girl who had come to the parade with her family. The two innocently watched the parade, and the image seemed to represent everything the parade was about; little Lisa’s dad took the picture. At the same time he shot his camera, someone shot a gun and killed a prominent civil rights leader. Days later, police had a black young man in custody who ultimately wound up on the fast lane toward conviction.
Years after the snapshot was taken, Lisa is now a federal prosecutor in Boston. Her dad is retired from the FBI, but he is obsessed with the shooting, because he’s not convinced the right guy is in prison. He and his daughter are somewhat estranged, and as a bit of a last-ditch effort to solve the case, he calls her and asks for help.
The two combine forces, and eventually the little girl who stood by Lisa for that snapshot is found. She’s the pastor of a black church near Dallas, and Lisa soon learns that bridging the gap between races and trying to find the real killer of a prominent civil rights leader is far harder than she ever thought possible.
While the death of a civil rights leader in Dallas is fictional, the snapshot that includes Lis Wiehl and the unknown black child is real enough. It was taken by Wiehl’s FBI-agent dad, who was a member of the Warren Commission, a group that sought to determine whether the Kennedy assassination was done by a single killer or was a conspiracy.
This is well written; the plot moves nicely and flows well. It’s a relatively quick read, and it will leave you with much to think about considering our racially troubled times. I think one of the villainous characters could have used some development work—he just seemed almost too bad to be real. But the suspense is good, and while it won’t leave you gasping and clutching at your book reader, it will at least keep you reading.
Four-year-old Lisa Waldren attended a civil rights parade in Dallas in 1965 with her FBI-agent dad. While there she struck up a conversation with four-year-old Molly Carter, a black girl who had come to the parade with her family. The two innocently watched the parade, and the image seemed to represent everything the parade was about; little Lisa’s dad took the picture. At the same time he shot his camera, someone shot a gun and killed a prominent civil rights leader. Days later, police had a black young man in custody who ultimately wound up on the fast lane toward conviction.
Years after the snapshot was taken, Lisa is now a federal prosecutor in Boston. Her dad is retired from the FBI, but he is obsessed with the shooting, because he’s not convinced the right guy is in prison. He and his daughter are somewhat estranged, and as a bit of a last-ditch effort to solve the case, he calls her and asks for help.
The two combine forces, and eventually the little girl who stood by Lisa for that snapshot is found. She’s the pastor of a black church near Dallas, and Lisa soon learns that bridging the gap between races and trying to find the real killer of a prominent civil rights leader is far harder than she ever thought possible.
While the death of a civil rights leader in Dallas is fictional, the snapshot that includes Lis Wiehl and the unknown black child is real enough. It was taken by Wiehl’s FBI-agent dad, who was a member of the Warren Commission, a group that sought to determine whether the Kennedy assassination was done by a single killer or was a conspiracy.
This is well written; the plot moves nicely and flows well. It’s a relatively quick read, and it will leave you with much to think about considering our racially troubled times. I think one of the villainous characters could have used some development work—he just seemed almost too bad to be real. But the suspense is good, and while it won’t leave you gasping and clutching at your book reader, it will at least keep you reading.
March 5, 2023
I don't know how I feel about this book, but I think other reviewers said it better than I could have. it's an okay book; the best part has to be that it is inspired by a snapshot of the author sitting next to another girl at a civil rights march in the 1960s and her father's life as an FBI agent. It also does a nice job of delving into different historical aspects of the civil rights era. The characters were okay. I actually liked Molly the most, and she does not come into the story as a "major character" until the book is probably 50% over(?), maybe. The other character who was quirky-but-"lovable" was Rosalyn. The main character was "meh" to me, to be honest. Her father was . . . I don't know how to describe, other than "frustrating" at times, hahahah! He loved his daughter, though.
Actually, as I am thinking about it, the characters are probably better written than I am giving the author credit for. Just because I could not really relate to any of them does not mean they are poorly written. They are broken, fallible, hurting "people" in this story trying to make the best choices they can out of the options before them. They are not perfect; they are "normal" and human, which makes them relatable on some level. Molly and Rosalyn (more supporting characters, I'd say, than "main characters") are still my favorite two characters in the book.
The story revolves around trying to acquire the evidence needed to get a man off death row who will be executed "soon" (a week or two from when the story starts). I never really felt like there was much tension generated or that the lives of any of the characters were ever truly in danger. The father of the protagonist is seeking his daughter's help to get this man exonerated and set free as he knows it is impossible for this incarcerated man to have killed the man he was accused of killing. The daughter begrudgingly agrees to help.
The ending was crazy. I had no idea how it was going to end, but it was a crazy ending.
It was a good book. I think I liked it more than 2 stars; 3 stars feels too high but I definitely liked it more than 2 stars, so I will leave it at 3 stars for now. All in all, I am glad I took a chance and read the book.
Actually, as I am thinking about it, the characters are probably better written than I am giving the author credit for. Just because I could not really relate to any of them does not mean they are poorly written. They are broken, fallible, hurting "people" in this story trying to make the best choices they can out of the options before them. They are not perfect; they are "normal" and human, which makes them relatable on some level. Molly and Rosalyn (more supporting characters, I'd say, than "main characters") are still my favorite two characters in the book.
The story revolves around trying to acquire the evidence needed to get a man off death row who will be executed "soon" (a week or two from when the story starts). I never really felt like there was much tension generated or that the lives of any of the characters were ever truly in danger. The father of the protagonist is seeking his daughter's help to get this man exonerated and set free as he knows it is impossible for this incarcerated man to have killed the man he was accused of killing. The daughter begrudgingly agrees to help.
The ending was crazy. I had no idea how it was going to end, but it was a crazy ending.
It was a good book. I think I liked it more than 2 stars; 3 stars feels too high but I definitely liked it more than 2 stars, so I will leave it at 3 stars for now. All in all, I am glad I took a chance and read the book.
June 20, 2020
Added this to my want-to-read shelf quite some time ago, and it seemed fitting to read it now. In 1965, an FBI agent brings his 4-year-old daughter to a civil rights march in Dallas. The young blonde happens to sit next to a black girl. With permission, the dad snaps a couple of photos of the girls -- just as shots are fired, killing the man who was about to take the podium. Fifty years later, as the execution date is set for the black man who was arrested and convicted of the murder, the now-retired agent asks his daughter, a high-profile DA, to help him figure out who really did it to avoid sending a man he knows is innocent to death. The book is fiction, but it is based on real events and there really is a photo of the author and a black girl at an event taken by her father, an FBI agent who was on the Warren Commission.
January 19, 2022
Lisa Waldren gets a phone call from her estranged father saying he found an old photo of her and a black girl during a 1960s rally where a murder occurred shortly after the photo was taken. Believing that one of the girls could possibly have seen what had happened that day and can help release the accused man from prison who her father believes is innocent all these years later.
Lis Wiehl brings up a lot of issues to do with race, especially during the 1960s and how it still relates to this day. That we shouldn't forget what history shows us.
I enjoyed the mystery part of the story and the reconnection with Lisa and her father. I found the story to be a little slow paced, so I had a hard time getting into the story at first.
Lis Wiehl brings up a lot of issues to do with race, especially during the 1960s and how it still relates to this day. That we shouldn't forget what history shows us.
I enjoyed the mystery part of the story and the reconnection with Lisa and her father. I found the story to be a little slow paced, so I had a hard time getting into the story at first.
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