White Lies: Rape, Murder, and Justice Texas Style

by Nick Davies

Describes the case of Clarence Brandley, a black janitor, who was tried, convicted, and nearly executed for the rape-murder of a young white student, despite evidence of his innocence

Genres: Law, True Crime

402 pages, Hardcover

First published February 11, 1991

Reviews

[Becky Steffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story of how Clarence Bradley was falsely accused and charged with rape and murder in Conroe, TX in the 1980s is painful and disgusting, it is certainly not surprising. What I did not know, however, was how deep the corruption in the Montgomery County justice system was. Ugly and unjust to its very core, this corruption put an innocent man’s life in peril, terrorized a community, and exposed intense racism and inequality. The actual rapist(s) and murderer(s) walked freely.

This not-so-distant history provides insight and understanding to current issues in Montgomery County, Texas. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure a more just future.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important, well-researched book about how the state framed (and almost executed) a black man for a rape/murder he didn't commit. The racist language is disgusting, but try to look past it -- it's there to document how people in Montgomery County Texas actually spoke at the time. Unfortunately, other exonerations have shown that 20+ years after the events in this book, racism was still a major issue in the Texas criminal justice system.

[Leighza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started high school in Conroe weeks after the murder of Cheryl Fergeson. I'm horrified by the details in this book, especially by the names of the men in power. This is a must read for anyone who thinks racism is dead in this country.

[Charlie Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exemplifies why Nick Davies is one of the greatest journalists we’ve ever had. He has immersed himself in the case in such minute detail that he is able to write the book like a crime procedural or a thriller, almost hour by hour.

What emerges is a story of such horrific corruption and institutional bigotry that I had to put it down for a while and read something else because I was finding it too upsetting and infuriating.

This is a devastating story about the worst sort of systemic abuses of power, but also an inspiring account of how a few good men and women took the system on and fought back. An outstanding piece of journalism.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend and co-worker of mine. We both live in the Northern Houston area and work in Conroe, and this chilling case still haunts the area today. Never did I ever think a white man from London could not only write a book about a black man on death row but he nailed the essence of life and culture in Texas, the lingering tensions post-civil rights, and the nuances of racism in Texas. Not only was Mr. Brandley a victim of systemic racism rooted in southern culture but he was a scapegoat for legal malpractice and poor police work—and this bs not only still happens in Texas but I expect it to be amplified as a result of the ahem, current administration.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is older but it is such a poignant story of treatment of POCs and just how far racism infiltrates the very systems that are supposed to protect against it. The longer I read the more disappointed and heartbroken I was to discover this happened so recently. Wish this was required reading for students

[Jade Aslain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that's good journalism!

[Sknight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in the 90's...it was an interesting read because I knew many of the people involved.
So many were depicted in such a harsh manner....things were done during the investigation that were questionable. But, many of these men, who participated in the trial, went on to spend their lives in public service, they helped so many people over the years....This death, and the trial that follow was a very sad period for Montgomery County. It was good that it wasn't followed by another death.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this some time ago knowing people that worked the case. The author had limited access to anything, and seemed to put his own spin on it, and not be ultimately truthful which is disappointing. Like a previous reviewer said, showed them in a harsh light.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the 50's with family from Alabama - rings true . Frightening but rings true .

[Danielle Quinlin]

This happened in my school... Conroe High School. If anyone wants to know... Yes it is supposedly haunted. I feel so bad for Cheryl. The cops were so racist...