In the Cold Light of Day

by Ann Williams

Gripping, nonfiction crime novel about an infamous 1960 Southern murder and its aftermath, involving the coat hanger strangulation of beautiful socialite and mother of four, Gene Tate. Author Ann Williams, who was ten years old when the murder occurred in her Columbus, Mississippi neighborhood, deftly describes the chilling events leading up to the murder, and then offers front row observations of the colorful courtroom drama that electrified the small town, drew unprecedented crowds to the old, historic courthouse, and made headline news from coast to coast. Suspenseful, poignant, and at times humorous, In the Cold Light of Day offers a fast-paced, compelling account of the horrific tragedy that rocked the South.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...I have lived here in Columbus, MS since 1971 and just heard about this murder a few months ago. I must say I could not put this true story down and had to do a "drive by" the street and area where this occurred. I attend church with folks who knew these people and the author too. A good read and scary one too. This guy did his time and is now living in Alabama. Bravo to the young college girl who told what she knew and helped to solve this crime. Margaret in Mississippi

[Nancy Arbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I was in first grade when this took place. One of the sons of the victim was in my class at school. This account is exactly as I remembered it but so many details I did not know. Thanks for researching and writing this.

[Hannah Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating.