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Between the Lies: A Novel
When the corrupt sheriff of Broken Creek, Arkansas detains a young black boy on charges of accidental homicide, his sister asks Hick Blackburn, Sheriff of Cherokee Crossing, to investigate. Hick is reluctant at first. Not only is Broken Creek out of his jurisdiction, but Hick and Sheriff Brewster have a history, and Hick knows Brewster won’t look kindly on his interference. But Hick quickly realizes the boy couldn't have committed the crime. With the aid of a New York attorney trying to make a name for herself and a shy new deputy who knows the boy’s family, Hick uncovers a conspiracy that goes to the heart of local corruption, nepotism, and racism. But while Hick is working to free an innocent child in Broken Creek, his beloved Maggie, pregnant with their third child, faces challenges of her own back home. This time, will Hick’s dedication to justice extract too high a price? The third book in Cynthia A. Graham's award-winning series, Between the Lies is as timely as today's headlines.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 10, 2018
Between the Lies is Cynthia Graham's newest book, a contemporary Southern Gothic mystery set in the 1950s.
It tells the story of how Sheriff Hick Blackburn of Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas finds himself enmeshed in a case of a young Black man being railroaded for a crime that Blackburn's pretty sure the boy didn't commit -- but is in a town outside his jurisdiction. This is set in a few hot, humid July days in 1954. And more than the weather is hot and sticky. Graham's story deals with small town corruption and racism, the power and abuse of white privilege, political expediency, Jim Crow, family loyalty, and more. She weaves all these together into a compelling tale well told.
The landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declaring state laws that established "separate but equal" public schools for black and white students were unconstitutional figures prominently in Between the Lies. So does the burgeoning role of the U.S. Department of Justice in the field of civil rights (though the Department of Justice did not have a full division addressing civil rights until 1957).
Primarily, though, this is the story of one man and two towns coming to grips with insidious racism and corruption engendered by it. Broken Creek, Arkansas is not Mayberry, North Carolina. And Sheriff Earl Brewster is no Sheriff Andy Taylor. Broken Creek and Brewster are both dark -- even in the light of day. Perhaps even more so in the light of day.
Graham's story-line is tight and her characters are well-written and believable. Hick is a good guy who's flawed, Brewster is a baddie who you love to hate but who has some (hard to find) redeeming motivations, there's a Pulitzer seeking small town newspaper man, befuddled mostly good-hearted deputies, an earnest young female lawyer, parents trying to do their best for their children, moonshiners, compromised clergy, and more. Each character is integral to the story. There's not a wasted bit of dialogue and the story moves at a good pace.
I won't say more about the story-line. To do so would, I fear, ruin it for readers. Let me just say that this was a book that kept me reading. Though set in 1954, it has a lot to say to us today (without being preachy -- which it could have easily become). It held my interest all the way through. There were a number of things that I didn't see coming (always good in a mystery). And the ending was a mixture of relief, wondering, and sadness.
I am looking forward to reading more about Hick Blackburn. I like this man who struggles with his past and grows into his future.
It tells the story of how Sheriff Hick Blackburn of Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas finds himself enmeshed in a case of a young Black man being railroaded for a crime that Blackburn's pretty sure the boy didn't commit -- but is in a town outside his jurisdiction. This is set in a few hot, humid July days in 1954. And more than the weather is hot and sticky. Graham's story deals with small town corruption and racism, the power and abuse of white privilege, political expediency, Jim Crow, family loyalty, and more. She weaves all these together into a compelling tale well told.
The landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declaring state laws that established "separate but equal" public schools for black and white students were unconstitutional figures prominently in Between the Lies. So does the burgeoning role of the U.S. Department of Justice in the field of civil rights (though the Department of Justice did not have a full division addressing civil rights until 1957).
Primarily, though, this is the story of one man and two towns coming to grips with insidious racism and corruption engendered by it. Broken Creek, Arkansas is not Mayberry, North Carolina. And Sheriff Earl Brewster is no Sheriff Andy Taylor. Broken Creek and Brewster are both dark -- even in the light of day. Perhaps even more so in the light of day.
Graham's story-line is tight and her characters are well-written and believable. Hick is a good guy who's flawed, Brewster is a baddie who you love to hate but who has some (hard to find) redeeming motivations, there's a Pulitzer seeking small town newspaper man, befuddled mostly good-hearted deputies, an earnest young female lawyer, parents trying to do their best for their children, moonshiners, compromised clergy, and more. Each character is integral to the story. There's not a wasted bit of dialogue and the story moves at a good pace.
I won't say more about the story-line. To do so would, I fear, ruin it for readers. Let me just say that this was a book that kept me reading. Though set in 1954, it has a lot to say to us today (without being preachy -- which it could have easily become). It held my interest all the way through. There were a number of things that I didn't see coming (always good in a mystery). And the ending was a mixture of relief, wondering, and sadness.
I am looking forward to reading more about Hick Blackburn. I like this man who struggles with his past and grows into his future.
August 22, 2018
I did not realize that this book was the third in a series. Truth be told I did not know this until after I had finished the book - that shows you just how well it stands alone. I do remember thinking while reading it that I'd like to read more books featuring the protagonist so maybe my subconscious knew? I suppose that also lets you know that I really enjoyed the book.
Perhaps enjoyed is the wrong word. It's always hard with books that tackle difficult topics to call the reading experience enjoyment. It was definitely thought provoking and the issues brought up involving race are certainly still, to some degree under discussion today. Despite the whole Civil Rights Act and our supposed enlightenment people of color are still being treated as second class citizens.
But off of my soapbox and back to the book. Ms. Graham has a deceptively simple writing style - it is brilliant in its simplicity. She provides only the words that are needed without any flowery extras. Often a mood in a book is ruined when an author tries too hard - that doesn't happen here. The perfect atmosphere is there for whatever is happening whether the hero is trying to let his wife know he loves her but just doesn't have the words or the young black boy unjustly imprisoned just goes with the flow.
What you are reading is a tale of good versus evil in the form of two men - sheriffs from neighboring towns. Evil comes in the form of Sheriff Brewster, a man who controls his town by intimidation and blackmail. Good is the hero, Hick Blackburn, a family man returned from the war with memories he can't shake. They have tangled before and Hick knows the lengths Brewster will go to in order to protect his fiefdom.
The hows and the whys of Brewster's need and obsession to pin the hit and run on the young black boy are the drivers of the plot. Hick is determined to prove that the young boy is not the killer but forces are against him as Brewster riles up the town against anyone who is not white. It all comes to a head with a visit of a gubernatorial candidate. Will Brewster be able to prove the young boy's innocence before a mob decides to provide some "local" justice?
I read this book on a car ride and I hardly felt time passing. The writing kept me engaged and the characters were unique and the kind you might want to meet - except for Sheriff Brewster of course. As I noted above I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series. Ms. Graham is going to be another on the very small list of authors I will read even though they write murder mystery type novels.
4.5
Perhaps enjoyed is the wrong word. It's always hard with books that tackle difficult topics to call the reading experience enjoyment. It was definitely thought provoking and the issues brought up involving race are certainly still, to some degree under discussion today. Despite the whole Civil Rights Act and our supposed enlightenment people of color are still being treated as second class citizens.
But off of my soapbox and back to the book. Ms. Graham has a deceptively simple writing style - it is brilliant in its simplicity. She provides only the words that are needed without any flowery extras. Often a mood in a book is ruined when an author tries too hard - that doesn't happen here. The perfect atmosphere is there for whatever is happening whether the hero is trying to let his wife know he loves her but just doesn't have the words or the young black boy unjustly imprisoned just goes with the flow.
What you are reading is a tale of good versus evil in the form of two men - sheriffs from neighboring towns. Evil comes in the form of Sheriff Brewster, a man who controls his town by intimidation and blackmail. Good is the hero, Hick Blackburn, a family man returned from the war with memories he can't shake. They have tangled before and Hick knows the lengths Brewster will go to in order to protect his fiefdom.
The hows and the whys of Brewster's need and obsession to pin the hit and run on the young black boy are the drivers of the plot. Hick is determined to prove that the young boy is not the killer but forces are against him as Brewster riles up the town against anyone who is not white. It all comes to a head with a visit of a gubernatorial candidate. Will Brewster be able to prove the young boy's innocence before a mob decides to provide some "local" justice?
I read this book on a car ride and I hardly felt time passing. The writing kept me engaged and the characters were unique and the kind you might want to meet - except for Sheriff Brewster of course. As I noted above I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series. Ms. Graham is going to be another on the very small list of authors I will read even though they write murder mystery type novels.
4.5
August 18, 2018
Racial tensions heat up during the civil rights era that could be just as accurate today!
Sheriff Hick Blackburn has overseen order in Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas since he came back from the war. He stands for justice and truth regardless of skin color. The same can’t be said for the sheriff in nearby Broken Creek, especially after he arrests a colored boy for a murder. A local priest comes to Hick asking him to help in any way he can. The more he pries into the case, the more things don’t add up. In fact, Hick is 100% sure that this boy couldn’t have committed the crime he is being accused of. The deputy sheriff at Broken Creek also comes to realize this and works to aid Hick in trying to figure out a way to make this right. But there is an agenda at stake and the sheriff has everyone in town in his pocket, including the judge. What sort of miracle would Hick be able to pull out to get this kid freed?
As usual, Cynthia Graham has produced a fantastic southern crime novel that feeds on tension. I was immediately drawn into this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Best of all with the main character, Hick Blackburn. He was a good ole boy that saw right and wrong for what it was regardless of who committed the crime. Throw some other unforgettable supporting characters and it gets entertaining with plenty of wit, banter, and investigating. I felt like I was right alongside Hick as we tried to figure out what was going on throughout the town. I felt disappointed when I learned how low people can stoop in the book, even though there are plenty today that would be the same. There was a little bit of strong language, but nothing that deters the story at all.
The only disappointment that I had was in the last chapter. I’m not giving anything away, but it will be a shock to most readers, it especially was to me. Even so, I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Sheriff Hick Blackburn has overseen order in Cherokee Crossing, Arkansas since he came back from the war. He stands for justice and truth regardless of skin color. The same can’t be said for the sheriff in nearby Broken Creek, especially after he arrests a colored boy for a murder. A local priest comes to Hick asking him to help in any way he can. The more he pries into the case, the more things don’t add up. In fact, Hick is 100% sure that this boy couldn’t have committed the crime he is being accused of. The deputy sheriff at Broken Creek also comes to realize this and works to aid Hick in trying to figure out a way to make this right. But there is an agenda at stake and the sheriff has everyone in town in his pocket, including the judge. What sort of miracle would Hick be able to pull out to get this kid freed?
As usual, Cynthia Graham has produced a fantastic southern crime novel that feeds on tension. I was immediately drawn into this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished it! Best of all with the main character, Hick Blackburn. He was a good ole boy that saw right and wrong for what it was regardless of who committed the crime. Throw some other unforgettable supporting characters and it gets entertaining with plenty of wit, banter, and investigating. I felt like I was right alongside Hick as we tried to figure out what was going on throughout the town. I felt disappointed when I learned how low people can stoop in the book, even though there are plenty today that would be the same. There was a little bit of strong language, but nothing that deters the story at all.
The only disappointment that I had was in the last chapter. I’m not giving anything away, but it will be a shock to most readers, it especially was to me. Even so, I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
November 25, 2018
I am always amazed at the amount of story that Cynthia Graham fits into these short (220-ish pages) books, that satisfies but leaves me wanting more. Hick Blackburn is such a great character, a good, but not perfect man--sheriff, husband, father, friend, and WWII veteran, still troubled by the damages of war. Hick tries his best to do the right thing--even when it means sticking his nose into the policing going on in the next rural town when a corrupt sheriff (who Hick has dealt with before) is railroading a young black boy into a guilty plea for a murder he did not commit. I like Hick so much that I do want to knock the cigarettes he is constantly smoking out of his hands. ;-) The mystery in this third installment is as good as the first two books--there are twists and turns in the story and some tough issues--like racism, sexism, greed, and corruption that hit awfully close to today's headlines and had me shaking my head at how far we have not come. I did not love the ending and I won't say why for fear of spoilers--although there was enough foreshadowing that I had an idea what was coming and I so wanted to be wrong. I am interested to see what transpires in the next book and how it impacts the story and especially Hick's character. If you love good mysteries with well-drawn characters, southern-set books, and historical fiction and mysteries, do give this series a try and start with the first book, Beneath Still Waters (my review is here), you won't be disappointed.
You can read my review and see a recipe inspired by the book here: https://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2...
Note: A review copy of "Between the Lies" was provided to me by the author and the publisher via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
You can read my review and see a recipe inspired by the book here: https://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2...
Note: A review copy of "Between the Lies" was provided to me by the author and the publisher via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2018
Between the Lies has all the elements of a suspenseful mystery. The story takes place during the 1950's in Broken Creek, Arkansas, where a strange set of circumstances has occurred. An unidentified man is killed by someone driving a pickup truck. The town's unscrupulous Sheriff Brewster jails a twelve-year-old child of color for the crime on a cobweb of evidence, and is determined to turn the arrest into a conviction. He's protecting someone, but he didn't count on the interference of neighboring county sheriff Hick Blackburn and a determined young attorney from New York seeking a pathway to ignite her career. This is the third volume in a series about small southern town sheriff Hick Blackburn. It can be read as a standalone, although familiarity with the previous stories would enhance reader appreciation.
I found this book to be a well-crafted journey set in a time when justice wasn't guaranteed for the poor, the helpless, or the disenfranchised. Graham paints her story with twists and turns that will keep a reader guessing, capped with an unexpected ending. Highly recommend!
I found this book to be a well-crafted journey set in a time when justice wasn't guaranteed for the poor, the helpless, or the disenfranchised. Graham paints her story with twists and turns that will keep a reader guessing, capped with an unexpected ending. Highly recommend!
August 24, 2018
extract too high a price?
The first book in this series, Beneath Still Waters, was in my top ten for 2016. So when I saw this one, I was eager to read it. Somehow, I missed the second book, but I will remedy that one soon! Between the Lies did very well as a stand alone. I was able to catch up with the characters and fell right into the story.
Hick is one of my favorite cop characters. In this book, he has really grown into his leadership role and is determined to do the right hing. I was rooting for him to save the day for young Thaddeus. The story may be hard for some to read since it is a reminder of racial attitudes in country, especially the south, in the fifties. Attitudes, some would argue, are still as strong today.
I enjoyed the book. However, I was not prepared for the ending. I'm not a fan of endings like that because it turned a hopeful book into something incredibly sad. I don't like being blindsided. I'm not quite sure what the reasoning was behind it and I'm still not sure how it will affect my wanting to continue on with the series.
The first book in this series, Beneath Still Waters, was in my top ten for 2016. So when I saw this one, I was eager to read it. Somehow, I missed the second book, but I will remedy that one soon! Between the Lies did very well as a stand alone. I was able to catch up with the characters and fell right into the story.
Hick is one of my favorite cop characters. In this book, he has really grown into his leadership role and is determined to do the right hing. I was rooting for him to save the day for young Thaddeus. The story may be hard for some to read since it is a reminder of racial attitudes in country, especially the south, in the fifties. Attitudes, some would argue, are still as strong today.
I enjoyed the book. However, I was not prepared for the ending. I'm not a fan of endings like that because it turned a hopeful book into something incredibly sad. I don't like being blindsided. I'm not quite sure what the reasoning was behind it and I'm still not sure how it will affect my wanting to continue on with the series.
March 28, 2018
"Between the Lies" is the third in the Hick Blackburn mystery series. And, like the other books, the mystery is interesting but the tip of the iceberg. Ms. Graham uses mysteries as a vehicle to explore what drives people and guides their hearts. And there's something for all of us in this book. We will see sacrifices and heroism to help save an innocent boy. We also see greed and corruption lead people to do terrible things. But what I found most compelling is the theme of love of family. Woven through the mystery are people making decisions because of their love and sometimes fear for family. Hick, along with some brave cohorts, follows a tangled and dangerous path to not only clear a young man, but also take a stand against long standing corruption and racism. Hick is likable and admirable. Two new characters, Carol and Royal, are great additions as they grow through the book. They are not perfect yet their desire for justice leads them to be courageous.
August 25, 2018
‘Between The Lies’ is book three in a southern mystery series set in Arkansas during the 1950’s about small town sheriff Hickory Blackman. In this instalment we follow Hick over the course of four days in July, in an ongoing mental fight with an influential bully in the nearby county of Broken Creek.
Sheriff Brewster has brought into custody a local black child, Thaddeus for the killing of a white man even though, obvious to any ‘dumbass’, that physically Thad is incapable of committing the crime. Such evidential facts, however, won’t get in the way of Brewster’s objective of obtaining a guilty conviction for such a convenient scapegoat.
A conversation between Hick and Father Grant, pastor of Broken Creek, brings to light the case of George Stinney a 14 year old black boy who was tried for murder, found guilty, and executed. Now I was intrigued and ‘googled’ George Stinney who from the southern state of Carolina was (rightly or wrongly) found guilty of murder in similar circumstances. I was deeply affected, it was incredibly upsetting and heartbreaking to read about such cruelty, inhumane treatment of a minor and ultimately the horrific execution of a child. Was this a warning of what may be in store for young Thad. Not if Hick has anything to do with it. It’s going to be a fight, but with mental ingenuity to outsmart Brewster it’s not something that Hick will easily allow to happen.
Graham’s style of writing, much like our protagonist, is calm, intelligent and measured. In contrast to the languid pace she also manages, without being preachy or altering style or pace of the novel, to manoeuvre into place a powerful, poignant nugget of historical fact for the reader to mull over. Awareness of this event in history added another layer, dimension and understanding of the characters living within a community steeped in racial hatred, and run by a corrupt and bigoted sheriff. I couldn’t help thinking, with the current worldwide political climate, that we appear to be coming full circle and learned very little if anything from the past.
Now that ending ! Wasn’t what I was expecting at all, and it knocked me for six. A very sad unsettling denouement. Just another chapter in Hicks life to be overcome and I am keen to see how his character develops and moves on from it.
‘Beneath Still Waters’ is the first book in the series, and although there is a sense of growth in Hick’s character, ‘Beneath The Lies’ could easily be read out of sequence or as a stand-alone. I havn’t yet gotten around to reading ‘Behind Every Door’ but do intend on doing so before the next book. I highly recommended this series.
Memorable Lines:
“You white folks are something else. You like to pretend you know what’s best for us, that you got our interests at heart. But at the end of the day you get to go home and be safe and white. We don’t get to leave. We always black.”
“We all had the same orders. Plant fear in the hearts of the townsfolk regarding colored people, because fear will always turn to hate. After the hate starts to grow, point out things like desegregation will cause inter-marriage and inter-marriage will create a mongrel race of half-breeds. Tell them their women are in danger and that a black man touching a white woman is an abomination.”
“...and Uncle Earl told me to never mention that man’s name again. He said for me to shut my trap and let him run the town as he sees fit. Told me I ain’t nothing but a dumbass anyway and that he only hired me ’cause my mama begged him to.”
Thank you to TLC Book Tours, and Blank Slate Press who provided me with a digital copy in order to take part in this tour.
Sheriff Brewster has brought into custody a local black child, Thaddeus for the killing of a white man even though, obvious to any ‘dumbass’, that physically Thad is incapable of committing the crime. Such evidential facts, however, won’t get in the way of Brewster’s objective of obtaining a guilty conviction for such a convenient scapegoat.
A conversation between Hick and Father Grant, pastor of Broken Creek, brings to light the case of George Stinney a 14 year old black boy who was tried for murder, found guilty, and executed. Now I was intrigued and ‘googled’ George Stinney who from the southern state of Carolina was (rightly or wrongly) found guilty of murder in similar circumstances. I was deeply affected, it was incredibly upsetting and heartbreaking to read about such cruelty, inhumane treatment of a minor and ultimately the horrific execution of a child. Was this a warning of what may be in store for young Thad. Not if Hick has anything to do with it. It’s going to be a fight, but with mental ingenuity to outsmart Brewster it’s not something that Hick will easily allow to happen.
Graham’s style of writing, much like our protagonist, is calm, intelligent and measured. In contrast to the languid pace she also manages, without being preachy or altering style or pace of the novel, to manoeuvre into place a powerful, poignant nugget of historical fact for the reader to mull over. Awareness of this event in history added another layer, dimension and understanding of the characters living within a community steeped in racial hatred, and run by a corrupt and bigoted sheriff. I couldn’t help thinking, with the current worldwide political climate, that we appear to be coming full circle and learned very little if anything from the past.
Now that ending ! Wasn’t what I was expecting at all, and it knocked me for six. A very sad unsettling denouement. Just another chapter in Hicks life to be overcome and I am keen to see how his character develops and moves on from it.
‘Beneath Still Waters’ is the first book in the series, and although there is a sense of growth in Hick’s character, ‘Beneath The Lies’ could easily be read out of sequence or as a stand-alone. I havn’t yet gotten around to reading ‘Behind Every Door’ but do intend on doing so before the next book. I highly recommended this series.
Memorable Lines:
“You white folks are something else. You like to pretend you know what’s best for us, that you got our interests at heart. But at the end of the day you get to go home and be safe and white. We don’t get to leave. We always black.”
“We all had the same orders. Plant fear in the hearts of the townsfolk regarding colored people, because fear will always turn to hate. After the hate starts to grow, point out things like desegregation will cause inter-marriage and inter-marriage will create a mongrel race of half-breeds. Tell them their women are in danger and that a black man touching a white woman is an abomination.”
“...and Uncle Earl told me to never mention that man’s name again. He said for me to shut my trap and let him run the town as he sees fit. Told me I ain’t nothing but a dumbass anyway and that he only hired me ’cause my mama begged him to.”
Thank you to TLC Book Tours, and Blank Slate Press who provided me with a digital copy in order to take part in this tour.
August 1, 2021
Solid, fast-paced, historical mystery.
June 26, 2022
With plenty of era detail and southern flavor, this third book into the Hick Blackburn series pits Sheriff against Sheriff in an effort to convict or acquit a young man accused of the theft of a truck and hit and run death of a vagrant. Working largely outside his jurisdiction, Blackburn teams up with a Northern "lady lawyer" and a disgruntled deputy to untangle the web of secrets and lies that have set the town of Broken Creek against the accused.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews