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Dead Weight
Charleston County, 4 October 1910 Hal Hinson/New York Tribune In the Devil s Den, they performed their play. Torchlight in the deep woods was the footlight for evil. I was the fortunate Yankee to witness a backwoods gathering of the Ku Klux Klan, fortunate not from a particular desire to be there, but fortunate that the party didn t include me as the evening s entertainment, the main act, to be sacrificed to a twisted Southern code of honor... ... The Klan here was spoiling for a little night dance at the end of a rope. A trial that starts in a day s time is all that contains this town, these men, from a fury of murder. Someone will hang here and either way, he is likely to be innocent. In the torchlight, in their eyes, I could see the Evil and he is among us. Through the narration of Hal Hinson, we see the beauty of Charleston, the ugliness of the racial divide and a struggle, through the transcripts of actual court testimony, between two lawyers for the life of a man accused of murder. The reader also comes to know the real character of the accused. Daniel Cornelius Nealy Duncan was the last man hanged by the state of South Carolina. It did not go well. Nealy was on the eve of his wedding when he was arrested. A young black man of respectable employment, manners and temperament, his trial and execution presents the reality of a love story in a tragic frame. History wrote the story s ending an intersection of fate and faith that some to this day call divine retribution for the death of an innocent man. Dead Weight is to be read on Dick Estell's Radio Reader starting in May 2010.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Batt Humphreys
4 books15 followersHumphreys, a Georgia native, began his career in television news in Charleston. He spent 15 years at CBS News in New York, most as a senior producer, before leaving to return to his beloved South. He covered the events of Sept. 11, 2001, several wars, elections, and as a reporter hurricanes, executions and more murders than he cares to remember. He now lives on a farm outside of Charleston with his wife and animals of varying populations.
Dead Weight, Humphreys first novel, is also based on a true story on events that took place in Charleston 100 years ago. The book tells the story of the murder of a Jewish merchant, the black man accused of the murder and the white populace primed for a hanging. Thrown into the mix is a reporter from New York who is assigned to cover the hanging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 28, 2018
Dead Weight is a true crime story that occurred in one of the most beautiful cities, Charleston, SC in 1910. This is a riveting story about a murder of a Jewish merchant, Max Lubelsky, and a black man that was accused of the murder. The white population of Charleston was in a rage about the murder and wanted a hanging.
A reporter from New York, Hal Hinson is assigned to cover this story. We see this story through the eyes of an outsider. And through him the beauty of Charleston is portrayed. We also see the ugly side of racial divide and struggles. Transcripts of the actual court testimony and documents of the two lawyers who attempt to defend the life of the accused man, Cornelius “Nealy” Duncan are used. We learn the true character of the accused and that he was innocent. He was arrested for allegedly killing Lubelsky when he went to the merchants shop to get the clothes he needed for his wedding the next day and was seen entering this shop by passer- byes. He did not get the justice he deserved. He was the last man hanged in South Carolina. After the hanging, Charleston was hit by a major hurricane that became known as the Duncan Storm. Many people believed that it was due to hanging an innocent man.
The author sought to have the injustice of Daniel Duncan pardoned posthumously. He wanted to correct and restore honor to the family. Many people, including Mayor Joseph Riley believed the same thing and backed Humphreys. In a public release, Riley said, “The history of Charleston spans centuries, yet those of us who cherish history must acknowledge our responsibility to it. There are reasons to believe Daniel Duncan is innocent. Where there is doubt, there is darkness. With a pardon, we would seek to shine a better light.” However, the board was split in half so the pardon was denied because it needed a majority vote.
This book grabs your attention and holds you. The author does a great job with weaving the setting of Charleston and detailing the historical facts of the crime into a fascinating story.
A reporter from New York, Hal Hinson is assigned to cover this story. We see this story through the eyes of an outsider. And through him the beauty of Charleston is portrayed. We also see the ugly side of racial divide and struggles. Transcripts of the actual court testimony and documents of the two lawyers who attempt to defend the life of the accused man, Cornelius “Nealy” Duncan are used. We learn the true character of the accused and that he was innocent. He was arrested for allegedly killing Lubelsky when he went to the merchants shop to get the clothes he needed for his wedding the next day and was seen entering this shop by passer- byes. He did not get the justice he deserved. He was the last man hanged in South Carolina. After the hanging, Charleston was hit by a major hurricane that became known as the Duncan Storm. Many people believed that it was due to hanging an innocent man.
The author sought to have the injustice of Daniel Duncan pardoned posthumously. He wanted to correct and restore honor to the family. Many people, including Mayor Joseph Riley believed the same thing and backed Humphreys. In a public release, Riley said, “The history of Charleston spans centuries, yet those of us who cherish history must acknowledge our responsibility to it. There are reasons to believe Daniel Duncan is innocent. Where there is doubt, there is darkness. With a pardon, we would seek to shine a better light.” However, the board was split in half so the pardon was denied because it needed a majority vote.
This book grabs your attention and holds you. The author does a great job with weaving the setting of Charleston and detailing the historical facts of the crime into a fascinating story.
April 26, 2011
This is a great semi-true portrait of the final execution by hanging that occurred in Charleston in 1910. The man that was hanged, Cornelius "Nealy" Duncan, was falsely accused of the murder of a Jewish merchant and given very little by way of a trial.
Nealy is a young, African-American man on the brink of his wedding day. His purpose in life is to marry the woman he loves and work hard at his job as a baker. But sadly, Nealy took the wrong street on the wrong day during a time when discrimination was still rampant and the Klan was actively led by officials in high places.
All of this is known going into the book so why read it when you already know the ending? Batt Humphreys has done a great job of fictionalizing supporting characters who bring this tragic story to life. It is told from the view of visiting New York journalist Hal Hinson who offers a fresh perspective of historical Charleston and her quirky, steadfast inhabitants, many of whom were real people famous for their role in this very story.
The reader is pulled into Charleston during a time when she was holding vehemently to the past yet the rest of the country was forcing her forward. This is a great historical fiction account of a crucial point in Charleston history, full of memorable people/characters, told with a bit of romance and humor. You will be thinking about the story long after you put it down (and quite possibly googling for more information).
Nealy is a young, African-American man on the brink of his wedding day. His purpose in life is to marry the woman he loves and work hard at his job as a baker. But sadly, Nealy took the wrong street on the wrong day during a time when discrimination was still rampant and the Klan was actively led by officials in high places.
All of this is known going into the book so why read it when you already know the ending? Batt Humphreys has done a great job of fictionalizing supporting characters who bring this tragic story to life. It is told from the view of visiting New York journalist Hal Hinson who offers a fresh perspective of historical Charleston and her quirky, steadfast inhabitants, many of whom were real people famous for their role in this very story.
The reader is pulled into Charleston during a time when she was holding vehemently to the past yet the rest of the country was forcing her forward. This is a great historical fiction account of a crucial point in Charleston history, full of memorable people/characters, told with a bit of romance and humor. You will be thinking about the story long after you put it down (and quite possibly googling for more information).
October 7, 2011
I am reading this for the second time. Our book club chose this for October's discussion. It is better the second time around. Love it, since I have been to Charleston, I can visualize walking down the street to the grand homes, the court house, the Jewish cemetary,and the battery. Thank you for a great riveting read. I will review further when I finish.
Now finished, further note after I finished....
The second time, I wonder who really did kill the Jewish merchant. Alot of empty holes.
Why was he murdered? Why was he's wife attacked? Did the person that killed her husband come back to kill her? Why? For religious reasons? Mr. Levin was upsset because, some stores were staying open on Saturday, did he have something to do with it? They were looking for someone to finger, because the Jewish community did not want to look like one of them killed their own. Interesting concept.
Then a hurricane comes after the suspect is hanged. Interesting story line. Makes you think, was he the Messiah? Or just coincidence?
This story is based on true events even the hurricane.
If you read it, leave your comments would like to know what you think too.
Now finished, further note after I finished....
The second time, I wonder who really did kill the Jewish merchant. Alot of empty holes.
Why was he murdered? Why was he's wife attacked? Did the person that killed her husband come back to kill her? Why? For religious reasons? Mr. Levin was upsset because, some stores were staying open on Saturday, did he have something to do with it? They were looking for someone to finger, because the Jewish community did not want to look like one of them killed their own. Interesting concept.
Then a hurricane comes after the suspect is hanged. Interesting story line. Makes you think, was he the Messiah? Or just coincidence?
This story is based on true events even the hurricane.
If you read it, leave your comments would like to know what you think too.
February 2, 2018
What a great read! Truly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. Would definitely suggest reading if you enjoy American history.
April 12, 2021
I thought this was a good premise for the book. I am interested to learn how he researched the information, the ties to the old Morris Brown AME church, the Jewish community, etc. I wasn't a huge fan of Hal Hinson. There were some white savior moments with Mojo and with orchestrating the whole ending. I didnt like that Nealy was code switching for the book and wondered how true that was. I enjoyed the Charleston setting albeit in a darker time. Sad that we're still fighting similar injustices today.
March 22, 2010
Dead Weight will totally hold you. This wonderfully written novel ~ with it's depth and it's strong characters, adds great insight and gripping emotion to complete the story of an unsung historical tale. You will feel injustice for 'Nealy' Duncan ...and fall in love with Hal Hinson. And you may never look at Charleston the same.
May 1, 2010
I started reading this on my Kindle yesterday and cannot put it down. I am so amazed at how quickly I was drawn into the story and the period in which it takes place (early 1900 Charleston, SC).
August 10, 2021
This is the third and at this time final book in my Charleston reading spree. It was recommended by the gal at Blue Bicycle Books. It is historical fiction based on a very real 1910 murder and court case. It took me a minute to get into the story, but once I did I was engrossed. If you want to learn some history, especially about the lack of justice in the American legal system, I highly recommend Dead Weight.
October 15, 2017
This book should grab your attention right away. Once in awhile, a book will hold you. This one sure held me.
December 30, 2019
Very interesting and I bet there are many stories of innocent black men being The authordid n excellent job of weavingthe true story with some fiction.hanged at this time in Charleston history.
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December 20, 2020Thoroughly enjoyed Humphrey's book. A different look at a 1910 crime but, no different than today 2020!
This is a required reading for crime thrillers!
This is a required reading for crime thrillers!
April 9, 2021
This had potential to be a great story but the writing was very mediocre.
July 1, 2021
Historical fiction about the reported last black man executed by hanging. Takes place in Charleston, SC in 1910. Trial information is supposed to be mostly factual.
August 3, 2023
Great tale of 1810 murder
February 16, 2010
Dead Weight is a novel based on a true story. It is the story of a nearly hundred-year-old injustice. One in which a man, wrongly accused and swiftly prosecuted, paid the ultimate price for the prejudice, folly and deceit of others.
Through the eyes of fictional character, Hal Hinson- a New York reporter sent to Charleston, South Carolina to cover the trial of a black man accused of killing a Jewish merchant, we meet the accused: Daniel Cornelius “Nealy” Duncan. Duncan is a quiet man, a baker’s assistant, who worked hard and never got into trouble. He was arrested for the murder days before he was to be married ,in a bizarre and contrived manner. The trial was swift, the conclusion foregone by those in power, his conviction was sealed before the first arguments were made. Nealy Duncan, sentenced to death by hanging, was the last man sentenced to die in this manner in Charleston. As Hinson chronicles Duncan’s trial and its conclusion, we see a more realistically diverse and sometimes darker side of a city long known for its gentility, grace and beauty.
Far from being a dry recitation of an event that occurred ninety-nine years ago, this story comes alive in Humphrey’s hands. From the day that Hal Hinson arrives in Charleston (to cover a story he originally considers punishment from his editor) he is swept into a society and way of life that he is both enchanted and repulsed by. His guide, on arrival in Charleston, comes in the form of a precocious and street-smart orphan named Mojo. This unlikely duo forms a quick friendship of mutual admiration and protectiveness. Hinson, in his quest to find the truth surrounding the events of Duncan’s arrest and resulting conviction, makes other interesting alliances and finds himself involved in far more than the objective coverage of a murder trial.
In truth, Dead Weight is far more than a legal thriller that chronicles the bigotry and injustice of a time long past. It is a story of love and devotion that transcends circumstance and time. It is testimony to the endurance of faith and both the simple goodness and awfully treachery that humans are capable of.
Batt Humphreys, a Georgia native began his career in television news in Charleston, S.C. He spent 15 years at CBS News in New York before returning to his beloved south. He has petitioned the state of South Carolina to clear Duncan’s name. “The pardon is a chance to correct an injustice, to restore honor, even if it never connects to his immediate family. For those who believe in the continuity of souls, somewhere he will know and somehow we will have helped restore what was taken from him.”
Through the eyes of fictional character, Hal Hinson- a New York reporter sent to Charleston, South Carolina to cover the trial of a black man accused of killing a Jewish merchant, we meet the accused: Daniel Cornelius “Nealy” Duncan. Duncan is a quiet man, a baker’s assistant, who worked hard and never got into trouble. He was arrested for the murder days before he was to be married ,in a bizarre and contrived manner. The trial was swift, the conclusion foregone by those in power, his conviction was sealed before the first arguments were made. Nealy Duncan, sentenced to death by hanging, was the last man sentenced to die in this manner in Charleston. As Hinson chronicles Duncan’s trial and its conclusion, we see a more realistically diverse and sometimes darker side of a city long known for its gentility, grace and beauty.
Far from being a dry recitation of an event that occurred ninety-nine years ago, this story comes alive in Humphrey’s hands. From the day that Hal Hinson arrives in Charleston (to cover a story he originally considers punishment from his editor) he is swept into a society and way of life that he is both enchanted and repulsed by. His guide, on arrival in Charleston, comes in the form of a precocious and street-smart orphan named Mojo. This unlikely duo forms a quick friendship of mutual admiration and protectiveness. Hinson, in his quest to find the truth surrounding the events of Duncan’s arrest and resulting conviction, makes other interesting alliances and finds himself involved in far more than the objective coverage of a murder trial.
In truth, Dead Weight is far more than a legal thriller that chronicles the bigotry and injustice of a time long past. It is a story of love and devotion that transcends circumstance and time. It is testimony to the endurance of faith and both the simple goodness and awfully treachery that humans are capable of.
Batt Humphreys, a Georgia native began his career in television news in Charleston, S.C. He spent 15 years at CBS News in New York before returning to his beloved south. He has petitioned the state of South Carolina to clear Duncan’s name. “The pardon is a chance to correct an injustice, to restore honor, even if it never connects to his immediate family. For those who believe in the continuity of souls, somewhere he will know and somehow we will have helped restore what was taken from him.”
November 17, 2010
The trial of Nealy Duncan is a riveting historical story to begin with but Hal Hinson retells it in a masterful way. Batt Humphreys only facts are historical records and paper clipping but he illustrates the events as if we are witnessing it today. The addition of the KKK meeting and Hal's adventure to Hyde Park Plantation paints a picturesque portrait of Charleston in the early 1900's. Although the ending is predictable and the love story with Ida somewhat corny I enjoyed getting to know Nealy Duncan through Hal's eyes and the Baker's eyes. It is hard to believe the Charleston I live in today could be scandalized by such prejudice and death wished on such an innocent man. I also enjoy that Hal Hinson is a northerner and has a perspective on seeing Charleston for the first time. The description is unforgettable and he has a way of connecting with his interaction with other southerners and how they treat him as an outsider. I know there are other books out there recounting the Duncan trial and I am eager to read them to gain another perspective on an historical story.
June 27, 2009
“A stunning story, masterfully told. This is historical sleuthing with a journalist's eye: real people and a real tragedy. ”
HARLAN COBEN, New York Times bestselling author
“Compelling and satisfying, Dead Weight, is a moving historical novel, a heart pounding legal thriller and a poignant love story. Batt Humphreys debuts with a memorable and beautifully written book which illustrates the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. ”
MARY JANE CLARK, New York Times best selling author of It Only
Takes a Moment
“Batt Humphreys brings both a reporter's gift for research and a novelist's imagination to his vivid recreation of 1910 Charleston and one of the city's most shameful episodes of racial injustice. ”
RON RASH, New York Times bestselling author of Serena
HARLAN COBEN, New York Times bestselling author
“Compelling and satisfying, Dead Weight, is a moving historical novel, a heart pounding legal thriller and a poignant love story. Batt Humphreys debuts with a memorable and beautifully written book which illustrates the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. ”
MARY JANE CLARK, New York Times best selling author of It Only
Takes a Moment
“Batt Humphreys brings both a reporter's gift for research and a novelist's imagination to his vivid recreation of 1910 Charleston and one of the city's most shameful episodes of racial injustice. ”
RON RASH, New York Times bestselling author of Serena
December 31, 2010
This is an interesting true story that I wasn't aware occured even though I live in Charleston. I like that it's told from an outsider point of view allowing you to get a feel for the city without really knowing what is going on or what really happened. The main character is a bit too good along with his female counterpart and doting orphan. I do like that the characters help keep the novel light while telling a very sad story of injustice. I like that you see how each character is constrained by the restrictions of their place in societal order and how they try to make small changes to improve their situation or those around them. Great picture of life in Charleston in the early 20th century and the beauty and fragility of the city. Not exactly To Kill a Mockingbird or In Cold Blood, but a story I'm glad was told.
Read
October 6, 2009Another really good one - an enlightening glimpse into the post-Civil War era of the South and the so-called end of slavery and injustice. This was a well-balanced fictional story, based on historical fact that gave it a very authentic feel, as well as an intensely personal glimpse into the motivations of people and the societal influences that were characteristic of the time period. A definite must read for lovers of Southern fiction or historical fiction.
April 25, 2014
I met the author at a book signing while on vacation in Charleston, and not only was he a really likable guy, I could tell he had a lot of passion for the story.
The book is a factionalized account of actual events, and the author's love of Charleston is obvious, but not in a hokey way. He excellently weaves in setting and historical detail to a story that is well-paced and fascinating with interesting characters.
Definitely read this.
The book is a factionalized account of actual events, and the author's love of Charleston is obvious, but not in a hokey way. He excellently weaves in setting and historical detail to a story that is well-paced and fascinating with interesting characters.
Definitely read this.
October 21, 2009
I love books on Southern History, and while this is fiction, it captures turn of the century Charleston wonderfully - for all its aristocratic eccentricities, and lower escelon color and injustice. This is a departure from a true incident that might be called Charleston's version of the Mary Phagan case.
August 3, 2010
Saw the author on TV and since I have a fondness for Charleston, I was eager to read this book and was not disappointed. I knew going in that it was fiction based on a true story - not everyone's cup of tea. It takes place in 1910 and tells the story of a black man wrongly accused of murder and his eventual hanging. Very well written.
September 17, 2010
I loved this book and would like to give it a 4.5. It reminded me a lot of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The city of Charleston becomes its own character. The wide array of characters keeps the reader vested in each and every one of them. Quick read based on a true story - highly recommend.
April 3, 2011
I think this book was quite well done. It held my interest, as I learned about a true episode in the history of nearby Charleston. The fictional characters may have been a little too good to be true,but made the story more readable. Unfortunately, a recent attempt to have Nealy's conviction overturned, instigated by the author, was unsuccessful.
March 16, 2011
About a local crime here in Charleston that took place 100 years ago and the racial tension and inequality at that time. Narrated by a fictional reporter who was in town from NYC covering the trial of an innocent black man.
February 9, 2015
Good story. Sad. Prejudice in the South was responsible for the jailing and hanging of an innocent man. True story. The author has tried to have the murder verdict overturned, but has been unsuccessful so far.
September 15, 2014
WOW WOW WOW!!!
If you liked Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, you will enjoy this book!
There were some BAD things that happened in Charleston in the early 1900's, and this brings one very much to light.
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and never lost my interest.
If you liked Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, you will enjoy this book!
There were some BAD things that happened in Charleston in the early 1900's, and this brings one very much to light.
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and never lost my interest.
July 31, 2009
Dead Weight was a first experience, and will always be a first love.
June 15, 2010
A sharp look at American history told through the eyes of a NY journalist visiting Charleston, SC to report on a controversail crime. History repeats itself - don't we ever learn?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews