Goodreads asked Stephen Doster:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Stephen Doster Jesus Tree was inspired by the real-life murder of a pastor in my home town back in 1938. A black man was sentenced to prison for life for the crime, which he may or may not have committed. He recanted on his original testimony. Others were certainly involved in the shooting. He had no real motive as far as my research shows. In my novel, he returns to his hometown after serving 40 years to confront the real murderer, who happens to now be the richest man in town.

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