65 pages 2 hours read

John Dudley Ball

In the Heat of the Night

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Published in 1965, John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night is a crime novel set in Wells, South Carolina, focusing on the police department’s efforts to solve a recent murder. Virgil Tibbs, a Black detective from Pasadena, California, assists in the investigation, revealing the systemic racism of Wells. The novel highlights issues of racial prejudice and provides hope for a more compassionate future. Sensitive topics include racism and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night is lauded for its taut, atmospheric storytelling and sharp social commentary on race relations. Critics commend the compelling characters and the tense, gripping plot that stays relevant. However, some note that certain aspects feel dated. Overall, it remains a significant and engaging crime novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Heat of the Night?

Readers who enjoy gritty crime dramas with social commentary, akin to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird or Chester Himes's A Rage in Harlem, will appreciate John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night. The book delves into racial tensions and justice in a small Southern town, making it a compelling read for fans of thought-provoking mysteries.

RecommendedReading Age

15+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Realistic Fiction

Topics

Race / Racism

Civil Rights / Jim Crow

Diversity

Themes

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger

Society: Community