Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era

Jerry Mitchell's account of going after these unsolved, or rather un-prosecuted, cases is remarkable. The shocking reality of the involvement, not only of the clan, but the police, state and government officials is appalling. Mitchell sought the truth and found it. The dirty little secrets that they tried to hide were torn wide open. Finally there would be some justice.

This book details the re-opening of 4 murder cases from the civil rights era: the case of Chaney, Goodman & Schwerner who were working for civil rights, the case Medgar Evers who was assassinated, shot in the back, in his own driveway, the case Vernon Dahmer who died when the KKK firebombed his house, and the 4 young girls (Collins, McNair, Robertson and Wesley) who were killed when their church was bombed. The book is well written and explores how the murderers of all these people walked free for years escaping justice due to the stacked juries and a biased criminal justice system. It then details how the cases were re-opened and at least some of the perpetrators were brought to justice. If you're interested in social justice and those who gave their lives for it, this is a must read.

This incredible book reads like the best legal thriller-fiction, but it's true, and the real-life hero who solves crimes and hunts down killers and sees justice done is Jerry Mitchell. This is nothing short of remarkable. A big hat tip to RACE AGAINST TIME--it's easily the best non-fiction book I've ever come across.

I couldn't put this book down until I finished it, It's such an important read, extremely well written, and details the horrors of the many murders in the civil rights era and the failure and corruption of the police and justice system during that time all the way forward to 2005 when Edgar Ray Killen was finally convicted and sent to jail for his involvement in the killing of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, MS over 40 years earlier.

I am young enough not to remember the murders of Medgar Evers, Vernon Dahmer, or the Neshoba County murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner....however; I am old enough to remember when the men primarily responsible for their deaths were finally held accountable, due in large part to the efforts of the author of this book, Jerry Mitchell. Mississippi is full of residents who would rather not "open old wounds." My wife is a native, and it was not until she was an adult, with a decade of post-secondary education, that she first learned about the Freedom Riders or Neshoba County or many of Mississippi's (my adopted home-state) worst moments. (Her Mississippi History class in high school spent its time making sure the students could memorize the names of the 82 counties, instead.) Thankfully, Mitchell was not raised to let bygones be bygones and refused to allow the power structure in place, at the relevant time, to let the men responsible for these terrible deaths do so either. I am not convinced that all of the prosecutors in each of the different trials would have pushed as hard, had they themselves not been pushed. I'd recommend this book to any fellow Mississippian, any person at all interested in the Civil Rights era, any trial attorney (or would-be trial attorney) and especially to any journalism student. This book is a ready reminder of the ultimate power of ability of a free press to effectuate change for good. Excellent work.

In 1989, Jerry Mitchell went to see the controversial film “Mississippi Burning,” the movie based on the real-life murders of civil rights workers Mickey Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney. By happenstance, an FBI agent working the case sat next to Mitchell and added his insight into the movie’s series of events. What Mitchell learned from the FBI agent that the “Mississippi Burning” case was never solved, which sent Mitchell into investigative mode, which helped solved the case and get convictions after so many decades. What Mitchell didn’t know was that the Mississippi Burning case was only the beginning of his quest to open other cold cases, before it was too late. “Race Against Time” is the story of one journalist’s persistence, patience, and tenacity in making sure civil rights cold cases see the light of day. One of the first cold cases Mitchell investigated was the 1964 murder of Medgar Evers, and how Mississippi’s highest officials sought to silence Evers and his civil rights activities. The paper trail led back to Byron De La Beckwith, an odd man with a gift of gab. Though Mitchell’s investigations and reporting, the State of Mississippi convicted De La Beckwith of murder. Other cold cases “Race against time” which were solved through Mitchell’s investigative journalism was the death of Vernon Dahmer, Sr. a Mississippi civil rights worker who died after his home was firebombed, the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, where four young girls were murdered in 1963. It is quite possible had Mitchell not worked on these cases, they would have died with the suspects. “Race against time” is an imperative call to justice, because as years go by, the civil rights movement and its cold cases will fade with time, and die through the perpetrator’s death. This book was good, but not a great read. At times it was repetitive and meandering and could have used better editing. “Race against time” also rehashed information that is already well-known and documented, and I found the book somewhat boring. Despite its flaws, “Race against time” is how one courageous reporter, one who risked his own life, believed that justice could be served through the power of investigative journalism.

I have studied American history for many years, including the various times of racial strife in this country and was amazed at the additional information provided in this well written book. The author miraculously initiated investigations into four of the worst racial crimes in our history and the results were outstanding, despite his own possible fear of injury or death from some of the terrible individuals who caused said crimes. One of the best books I have ever read.

Thus book is a phenomenal read!!! I could not put this book down!!! I read this book in just a few nights. If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I wanted to read a book about the Mississippi Burning case. I'm so glad I ordered this book, I got so much more than what I expected. I cannot recommend this book enough!!! I'm so glad that JUSTICE prevailed after all these years for the victims, their families, and for this Country. Good, Truth, and Justice SHALL ALWAYS PREVAIL over evil. ALWAYS!!!

We must bring the blinding light of day to this kind of malignant human behavior so that it can be fully exposed for its horror, terror, and human devastation. We must also understand that this human evil exist because good people fail to take appropriate measures to destroy its bidding places. This kind of evil isn't exclusive to any political thought (including nationalist beliefs), nation, religion, religious sect, culture, or race. This is a human failure of conscience, a evil virus that has existed throughout human history.

If you don’t know the history that spurred the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s, you will be stunned by this book, the personal account by investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell of how he brought racist killers to justice decades after their crimes. Even though I knew how his investigations eventually succeeded, I felt I was reading a thriller, not a book of nonfiction. It’s a page-turner, and at the end you might want to stand up and cheer.

Jerry Mitchell's account of going after these unsolved, or rather un-prosecuted, cases is remarkable. The shocking reality of the involvement, not only of the clan, but the police, state and government officials is appalling. Mitchell sought the truth and found it. The dirty little secrets that they tried to hide were torn wide open. Finally there would be some justice.

This book details the re-opening of 4 murder cases from the civil rights era: the case of Chaney, Goodman & Schwerner who were working for civil rights, the case Medgar Evers who was assassinated, shot in the back, in his own driveway, the case Vernon Dahmer who died when the KKK firebombed his house, and the 4 young girls (Collins, McNair, Robertson and Wesley) who were killed when their church was bombed. The book is well written and explores how the murderers of all these people walked free for years escaping justice due to the stacked juries and a biased criminal justice system. It then details how the cases were re-opened and at least some of the perpetrators were brought to justice. If you're interested in social justice and those who gave their lives for it, this is a must read.

This incredible book reads like the best legal thriller-fiction, but it's true, and the real-life hero who solves crimes and hunts down killers and sees justice done is Jerry Mitchell. This is nothing short of remarkable. A big hat tip to RACE AGAINST TIME--it's easily the best non-fiction book I've ever come across.

I couldn't put this book down until I finished it, It's such an important read, extremely well written, and details the horrors of the many murders in the civil rights era and the failure and corruption of the police and justice system during that time all the way forward to 2005 when Edgar Ray Killen was finally convicted and sent to jail for his involvement in the killing of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, MS over 40 years earlier.

I am young enough not to remember the murders of Medgar Evers, Vernon Dahmer, or the Neshoba County murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner....however; I am old enough to remember when the men primarily responsible for their deaths were finally held accountable, due in large part to the efforts of the author of this book, Jerry Mitchell. Mississippi is full of residents who would rather not "open old wounds." My wife is a native, and it was not until she was an adult, with a decade of post-secondary education, that she first learned about the Freedom Riders or Neshoba County or many of Mississippi's (my adopted home-state) worst moments. (Her Mississippi History class in high school spent its time making sure the students could memorize the names of the 82 counties, instead.) Thankfully, Mitchell was not raised to let bygones be bygones and refused to allow the power structure in place, at the relevant time, to let the men responsible for these terrible deaths do so either. I am not convinced that all of the prosecutors in each of the different trials would have pushed as hard, had they themselves not been pushed. I'd recommend this book to any fellow Mississippian, any person at all interested in the Civil Rights era, any trial attorney (or would-be trial attorney) and especially to any journalism student. This book is a ready reminder of the ultimate power of ability of a free press to effectuate change for good. Excellent work.

In 1989, Jerry Mitchell went to see the controversial film “Mississippi Burning,” the movie based on the real-life murders of civil rights workers Mickey Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney. By happenstance, an FBI agent working the case sat next to Mitchell and added his insight into the movie’s series of events. What Mitchell learned from the FBI agent that the “Mississippi Burning” case was never solved, which sent Mitchell into investigative mode, which helped solved the case and get convictions after so many decades. What Mitchell didn’t know was that the Mississippi Burning case was only the beginning of his quest to open other cold cases, before it was too late. “Race Against Time” is the story of one journalist’s persistence, patience, and tenacity in making sure civil rights cold cases see the light of day. One of the first cold cases Mitchell investigated was the 1964 murder of Medgar Evers, and how Mississippi’s highest officials sought to silence Evers and his civil rights activities. The paper trail led back to Byron De La Beckwith, an odd man with a gift of gab. Though Mitchell’s investigations and reporting, the State of Mississippi convicted De La Beckwith of murder. Other cold cases “Race against time” which were solved through Mitchell’s investigative journalism was the death of Vernon Dahmer, Sr. a Mississippi civil rights worker who died after his home was firebombed, the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, where four young girls were murdered in 1963. It is quite possible had Mitchell not worked on these cases, they would have died with the suspects. “Race against time” is an imperative call to justice, because as years go by, the civil rights movement and its cold cases will fade with time, and die through the perpetrator’s death. This book was good, but not a great read. At times it was repetitive and meandering and could have used better editing. “Race against time” also rehashed information that is already well-known and documented, and I found the book somewhat boring. Despite its flaws, “Race against time” is how one courageous reporter, one who risked his own life, believed that justice could be served through the power of investigative journalism.

I have studied American history for many years, including the various times of racial strife in this country and was amazed at the additional information provided in this well written book. The author miraculously initiated investigations into four of the worst racial crimes in our history and the results were outstanding, despite his own possible fear of injury or death from some of the terrible individuals who caused said crimes. One of the best books I have ever read.

Thus book is a phenomenal read!!! I could not put this book down!!! I read this book in just a few nights. If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I wanted to read a book about the Mississippi Burning case. I'm so glad I ordered this book, I got so much more than what I expected. I cannot recommend this book enough!!! I'm so glad that JUSTICE prevailed after all these years for the victims, their families, and for this Country. Good, Truth, and Justice SHALL ALWAYS PREVAIL over evil. ALWAYS!!!

We must bring the blinding light of day to this kind of malignant human behavior so that it can be fully exposed for its horror, terror, and human devastation. We must also understand that this human evil exist because good people fail to take appropriate measures to destroy its bidding places. This kind of evil isn't exclusive to any political thought (including nationalist beliefs), nation, religion, religious sect, culture, or race. This is a human failure of conscience, a evil virus that has existed throughout human history.

If you don’t know the history that spurred the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s, you will be stunned by this book, the personal account by investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell of how he brought racist killers to justice decades after their crimes. Even though I knew how his investigations eventually succeeded, I felt I was reading a thriller, not a book of nonfiction. It’s a page-turner, and at the end you might want to stand up and cheer.

This is a must read to avoid making the mistakes of the past. The author says it better than I ever could. “I’ve been told time and again to let the past be. But I have long found that a true account of a painful past does more good than murky optimism. In our current fight against a new wave of white supremacists, a clear memory is important. We must remember the past waves of white supremacy and the myths they spread. We must remember the many innocent African-Americans and activists the Klan killed. We must remember what civil rights activists like Medgar Evers fought for—American values as simple as equality and the right to vote. And we must remember what they fought through—the intimidation and violence, the death threats eventually made real. We must remember, to point our compass toward justice. We must remember, and then act.”

Wow, it read like a thriller, on several occasions I kept wondering why Jerry was driving out to meet with these scary people? Some of these kkk members were clearly evil… He was writing articles about them to bring justice to those who were wronged …. And on top of that he would go out and question them at his own risk. I would cringe and think, why are you even talking to these people…. But he would pursue them and ask them them the hard questions that I would be to afraid ask. And their answers scared me! In the end, it was very satisfying knowing these cases were eventually giving justice to those who had waited so long for it.

A powerful and deeply moving book. Every American should read this in hopes that we will not repeat our disgusting racial and brutal history. A much needed book for our time. We must be reminded of our history so we will not repeat it and this book does just that. I am grateful to its author and all who made this story possible! It’s been some time since I’ve been moved by a book. Powerful!

I'm reading this book for our women's bookclub and I think it's excellent. Mr Mitchell's writing is straight forward and direct, nothing fancy, but he clearly tells these four important stories. He is a wonderful man who doggedly pursued justice for the families' of the victims by doing the thorough and detailed research necessary to ferret out the perpetrators of these heinous murders. He is the one who pushed the criminal justice system to try these murders who had evaded justice for 30 years. Thank you, Jerry Mitchell, for a job well done!

I recommend this book for everyone. The author, a Mississippi newspaper reporter, devoted decades to unearth new information about the handling of horrific civil rights murders in the 1960s. His efforts contributed to belated prosecutions of murderers who had been dealt with leniently at that time due to the entire system of racist practices in the state. This book is a riveting, face paced look at four of the most infamous cases which put the author at great personal risk as he interviewed White Supremacist figures to glean information. A timely and important book in our current moment of racial strife.

I grew up in Mississippi and remember the civil rights fights during my teens and 20s. Jerry Mitchell is a terse, easy-to-read writer and a hell of an investigator. The Sovereignty Commission had a paragraph about me from my time as a student journalist at Mississippi State. That's not as good as being on Nixon's enemies list, but I am proud of it. Highly, highly recommended.

Jerry writes in such a way that you will have a hard time putting this book down. An amazing story of courage, resilience, tragedy, and people surviving one of humanities darkest atrocities - racism. Jerry paid a price for the work that he did. His legacy will live on through his work. Grateful that he was able to bring relief and closure to some families that had suffered for decades.

I had no idea that a journalist helped solved cold case crimes from the 60s. Kudos to you Mr. Mitchell. The stories of racial hatred throughout history have parallels that unfortunately still ring true today. Important insights into why and how people attack other humans fill these pages. The stories are riveting, and the book is hard to put down.

One of the most important books I have ever read. As a native Mississippian, history haunts me. Much of the truth was omitted from the Mississippi history books I was taught from as a public school pupil growing up in the 60's. I am educated now. Thank you to the author for transparency and truth.

Jerry Mitchell's investigative and determined styled to find the truth is a great read. I could not put it down and learned so much and how the past impacts today. This is a TIMELY READ!!! Race Against Time is about Justice. It's about the past but gives insight on racism then but more importantly makes one open their eyes to see and question how far have we really come since then.

In a day where news can be whatever you choose to hear, it's refreshing to see what true journalism can still accomplish. Well written and an inspiring true story.

I love history. Although these stories are horrific and were a curse on our culture, I love the energy that this writer had to bring justice to bear on these crimes.

This is an important work about the inequality of justice and the KKK's vicious place in our society. The rise of racism and hatred now is reflected in the lives of the people who murdered Merger Evers and many others. A lesson that still needs to be learned in our complicated country.

Jerry Mitchell's memoirs are a fascinating read. These cases ; undermined by the politics of the Deep South in the 60's all went officially unsolved for decades. Jerry's skill as an investigating reporter caused people to take notice and seek justice for those families that were left. This is the duty of good journalism.

Great! Just an amazing book. I good not put it down. I picked up by chance. I am very pleased I did.

A compelling read by a driven man driven to see that some measure of justice reached Mississippi decades after the deaths of civil rights workers and activists intent on voter registration. An author who deserves accolades for his bravery and persistence as well as his narrative.

Although I'm Texas born and raised, I spent 1990, 1991, and 1992 living a working in Mississippi. I heard and saw the racism that still existed there. Through Jerry Mitchell's writing, my mind was transported back to that time. I have read many books on the struggle for Civil Rights but none as fascinating as this one. Mr. Mitchell, thank you for bringing these stores to life (again) and for your efforts to bring those responsible to justice. We may never meet, but you will always be a hero of mine.

Excellent book on a tough subject and a sad time period. Well paced and well told.

Great work! I especially like the first person accounting and the short chapters. Wd b nice to see a writing on the crimes of today by Mr Mitchell. Thank you for having the courage to pursue such an uncomfortable subject. Thank you to your wife for not shutting you down.

Mr. Mitchell did a great job of telling the stories of terrible crimes and long delayed justice. Brilliant! I highly recommend you read this book.

Eye opening reading of investigative journalism. Dedication ten fold to hold those responsible for their crimes of injustice to our fellow men and women and children.

The more things change,the more they stay the same. The history of the Klan and Mitchell’s role in bringing some of the guilty to justice is an important reminder of our responsibility to never let this happen again.

I can't recommend this book enough. Even if you think you knew a lot about this case and/or civil rights, you WILL learn so much more. Great writing!

Excellent and thrilling book. Could not put it down.

An excellent read on a very sad history of events. Hard to believe that was only 60 some years ago.

Required reading to understand history of racial disparity, incarceration, capital punishment, American legal system, variation of community standards throughout the U.S.

Great read, didn't know some of the things that happened in this book.

Outstanding book by an incredible author

Just started it this morning. Can't put it down. Have no words to describe how it has already affected me.

A great read a greater lesson that we should all benefit from understanding how evil can outstrip justice but not forever!

This would have been a great book if the word “share” weren’t used 111 times in 449 pages. It was very distracting and interfered with my enjoyment of the book. Where was the editor?

Mr. Mitchell writes in a way that keep you locked in the pages, learning more about our shared American history. Mr. Mitchell has changed MY worldview. Read this book and expand yours.

A+ Love Love the book, Kudos to Jerry Mitchell!

Fantastic book.

It’s a great book. I highly recommend it to everyone who believes all lives matter.

Satisfying to know these murderers were finally held accountable. Terrific reading experience!

Fantastic book.

Jerry did such a great job pulling me into every facet of the investigations. I was reliving these times all over again.

Deserved the Pulitzer.

nice book

Jerry Mitchell's "Race against Time" is a riveting look at the author's work in bringing attention to significant acts of destruction by the KKK during the Civil Rights era. While this is a easy book to read, it is a very hard book to like. People being murdered due to their skin color and due to some sick, perverted beliefs of the killers is very hard to read about. The movie "Mississippi burning" is about the most famous case profiled here (and that was a movie I had to stop watching due to the violence depicted in it) of James Chaney, James Goodman and Michael Schwerner being killed by the KKK and being covered up by cops. No justice was served in this case until 2005, and this occurred in 1964. The cases of Medgar Evers, the firebombing of Vernon Dammer (a case I'd never heard of) and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist church were all very public events where many suspects were alive, and had been let go or never investigated by law enforcement in Mississippi. Mitchell writes with authority. He reviewed evidence, and pursued leads in the case that law enforcement missed or due to their own racism simply did not pursue. The State of Mississippi's law enforcement really looks inefficient and racist with Mitchell's reporting. Some of them aided and abetted major racist crimes committed in the state. This is a powerful book, one that can benefit from a second or third read from time to time.

These are all poignant stories that need to be told, digested and examined as examples of past failures and future successes. The cases are all real and gut wrenching but vital to moving forward. I was struck at how blatant some of the issues were and that they were just considered common place. In A Race Against Time (a very apt title) the author captures the feelings, emotions, transgressions and failures that each of these cases had. He also manages to sell his purpose, that the race of justice knows no bounds, no color, not class and no gender. This book read like a thriller yet it was real. This is a must read for anyone interested in true crime, social justice, or and those interested in the justice system in general and learning from our mistakes. Also a quick note: I never felt lead or like the author was trying to sell me on his point of view. The book comes off very balanced and lets the reader ultimately decide (based on facts) the outcome of the story.

What is ultimately depressing about this book is that not only has the unredeemed evil of many of the villains not been eradicated, but I don't think we have the journalism that Jerry Mitchell practiced to fight against it. Without Mitchell raising questions, there would have been little motivation for any of the 1990 DAs to dig into these decades-old crimes. Even with him poking around, it took a combination of motivations from many directions and in today's culture it's often easier to put your head down - or worse, take the other side. Even in 2005, it was acceptable for Edgar Killen to be celebrated with a "day" in his honor following his manslaughter conviction. But - regardless of what happens in the future, Mitchell did push for justice and found it in these brutal cases - some well known like Medgar Evers and Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner, and others less known like Vernon Dahmer. So all we can hope is that other journalists and prosecutors are ready if and when they're needed again. The book reads as history of these events, and also the difficult progress to prosecute them in more recent times. It is amazing in a bad way how much these former Klansmen were not ashamed of their past, but hubris gets them in the end. This is a powerful and grim book. Certainly not happy reading, but essential for those interested to see how justice sometimes - not always - has a long memory. Javert is the bad guy in Les Mis, but there are crimes for which the world needs lawmen and journalists as singleminded as he was, to bring cold justice to evil old men who the tide finally washes in.

it’s true; every single, horrifying, historical word. Author, Jerry Mitchell, is an investigative journalist for The Clarion-Ledger, of Jacksonville, Mississippi, for well over 30 years. “Race Against Time” is the summary of his life’s work, righting wrongs and bringing completion to cold cases from the 1960’s Civil Rights horrors that over ran daily life. White supremacy was at its peak and Justice was hard to be found, especially for people of color. Mitchell’s book takes the reader on a day by day journey with him as he interviews family, suspects, witnesses and law personnel to get cold cases opened again. We feel his fear, passion, hope, frustration and palpable tension. Words like stark, gritty, tragic and others better left blank filled my thoughts. This accounting is comprehensive. Mitchell breaks the book down into 5 large sections the first 4 pertain to unique cases: the Mississippi Burning murders, Medgar Evers, Vernon Dahmer SR. and the Birmingham Church bombing murders. The final chapter takes us to court for resolutions; totally gripping. The copy I had for review was not quite finished so the Acknowledgements, Notes, Bibliography and Index were not complete. Based of the level of detail in the body of the book, I can surmise these parts will be excellent as well. “Race Against Time” is so much more than a fine piece of investigative writing. It’s a snapshot of an important, albeit disturbing period in our history that needs to be known and understood by all, so as not to repeat the sins of the past📚

OK...I dare you to listen to the free audio sample of this book and not be desperate to read or listen to the rest. It is read by the author, who grew up in the Deep South and recreates the accent and mannerisms of the unusual and often vile characters very well. I read the book first and thought it was extraordinary in many ways, but that audio sample was really really scary! Yikes! The author, Jerry Mitchell, an investigative journalist, spent several decades investigating the murders of civil rights workers that occurred in the 1960s but were never successfully prosecuted because of the racism that permeated the society. His relentless efforts led to the cases being reopened. The story of how these decades-old murders were solved, the cases tried, and the KKK members who had gotten away with these murders finally brought to justice is fascinating. This eye-opening memoir is deeply moving, sometimes horrifying, and some parts strangely funny in a creepy sort of way. No matter how much you think you know about these murders, you will learn so much more. If you read the glowing reviews in the front of the book by people like John Grisham, Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, who played a major role in bringing these murderous cowards to justice, and the daughter of Medgar Evers, among others, you will be further convinced to make this a priority read. Very highly recommended. Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a mind blowing account of Jerry's fight against the evils of Humanity. Jerry has spent a lifetime going after some of the lowest of the low and winning his war against racism and the clowns that have terrorized innocent people and taken valuable lives for something as insignificant as skin color. You gained my respect Jerry, you are a true value to society. This book gives blunt detail to the crimes and the efforts to stop them by a reporter who went way above and beyond what he was obligated to do in order to make things right where these clowns had done wrong. He helped families heal and solved mysteries that would have went cold otherwise. This book gives you a good peak at all of it. great book 4 stars. *If this review helped you make an informed choice about this product in any way I would appreciate it if you take a moment of your time and let me know by hitting the Helpful button and letting me know. I appreciate that you took the time to read my review, Thank you!*

"Race Against Time: A Reporter Reopens the Unsolved Murder Cases of the Civil Rights Era" by Jerry Mitchell is a compelling read. The author has a writing style that engages from the start. I thought it would be a slow read but it is kind of amazing how well paced the author makes the read and that is considering that he goes over the start of the incidences and then through the years. He weaves the case(s) with the present which makes it very relevant. At times, it reads like a fantasy/alternate history novel with all the different variations in associations. Some of the people are hard to believe are real but they are. It is a book that made me sad that it took so long to get justice but also appreciative of the doggedness of those, like the author, who persisted. An excellent and fascinating read.

As a former journalist, I was interested in an opportunity to look at how Jerry Mitchell's investigative reporting for the Clarion-Ledger led to re-opening four of the most important unsolved cases of the civil rights era. The "Mississippi Burning" case, the murders of Medgar Evers and Victor Dahmer, and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing are all examined through the eyes of his interviews with witnesses and participants who, in many cases, were more than willing to boast of their involvement. I was appalled at the casual racism displayed by many of the police officers, prosecutors, and judges during the 1960s and well into the 2000s as the cases first occurred and were subsequently tried. The book presented a solid case for why we are not doing nearly as well in matters of justice and equality than many of us would like to believe and, in an epilogue, addresses the current rise of white supremacy and the causes of that. The book is brilliantly written, which one might expect from a journalist of Mitchell's caliber. It's fascinating and disturbing, and concerns an important part of US history that we ignore at our own peril. Highly recommended.

This book is about klansmen who murdered 3 innocent people during the civil rights era. The journalism is phenomenal. It seems to be accurate and detailed. I never want to stop learning about the hidden secrets and cruelty of this era. This book is not only a fast read but a real eye opener. It’s educational as well. We need to love each other. We are all humans.

I am a big fan of long form journalism and when reporters turn to writing history, it's even better. Race Against Time is one of the best I've read in this genre. It's laid out like a police procedural, as we follow the reporter (the author) in his search for the facts. It is not only a page turner, but it is incredibly important. The issues that created a dangerous situation for civil rights workers in the 1960s exist today. History, Civil Rights, True Crime, Journalism, it's all in there.

Many of us BabyBoomers achieved our majority during these crucial years - 1964-1976. It was a time of turmoil and change in the U.S. and the beginning of what is now a deeply held distrust of Washington DC officeholders. Jerry Mitchell is an excellent newspaper journalist - one who has always had the pulse of the U.S. citizens and has always told it like it is, regardless of whom it exposes or offends. This memoir too is cutting edge, an authentic look into racial divides in especially the south in this timeframe, and the lengths some prejudiced southerners were able to go to to keep the status quo. Generations of southern citizens willing to perpetuate Jim Crow ideology into each new generation of potential voters - white voters - borne to southern women, women almost as deeply sinned against at that time as were the Blacks and First Nation Citizens. A voiceless injustice that still prevails today in isolated places. Race Against Time is an excellent reckoning of those crimes, those tumultuous times in the deep south. Mitchell follows the trials of the Klan members and even the odd policeman who was responsible for some of these atrocities - trials trailing 40 years after these hate crimes were committed. Many of the perpetrators had already died of old age before this light of enlightenment was shed on these crimes. We need to ensure that this sort of prejudice cannot happen in our children's time and their kid's generation as well. Please, get out there, and VOTE!

Library book. No purchase. Fantastic book. My wife recommended it to me. J. Mitchell is a reporter for a major Jackson, MI, newspaper. He is a reporter on the court beat. On his own time he decided he would look into some of the major civil rights cases of the 1960s, involving murders by the KKK, and how they had turned out. Not very well, it seems. Mitchell therefore became a pit bull and an agitator in order to bring those guilty to justice some 25 years later. As the title implies, he had little time. Most of the perps were, by that time, pretty dang old. Mitchell said, however, that just like Israel prosecutes ex Nazi criminals no matter their ages MS should do the same. Amazing the amount of government collusion that took place in MS w the Klan @ that point in time. This barbarity was basically state sponsored. A new MS as a result? Well, one can only hope so! Grand book. Great scribe.

In my undergraduate, we read Ghosts of Mississippi in my Modern American history course. Jerry Mitchell was a name that cropped up several times in that telling of the murder of Medgar Evers. I was drawn to the importance of that book for not only its history but for its fight against injustice. This book, Race Against Time, is in that vein. Jerry Mitchell has committed his life to the solving of murders during the civil rights era. This book is culmination of more than 30 years work & dedication. I consider this book important to civil rights history and Jerry Mitchell sits as a key figure in the solving of all these cases. As a journalist, Mitchell’s work is akin to a autobiography of his first hand account on these cases. In a historical sense, much of this work is a primary source that reads like the most enthralling crime drama you’ve ever read. I couldn’t put this book down. I am eager to read more Jerry Mitchell. His work is of the highest caliber & this book speaks volumes to his dedication of justice to the victims of these cases. I highly recommend this book. It left a lasting impression on humanity’s hope rests on people doing what’s right, like Mr. Mitchell. 5 stars.

I've said on other book reviews that one of my favorite sub-genres of True Crime is "Klan member goes to jail." In this book you get synopses of four cases that the author, Jerry Mitchell, was deeply involved with. His reporting on each of these cases was integral to the ultimate conviction of some of the worst human beings to ever live. It's also fascinating reading this book after having read Never Too Late by Bobby DeLaughter, and Bending Toward Justice by Doug Jones. It's very interesting getting another person's perspective on those cases after reading the prosecutors thoughts. Jerry Mitchell is even referenced in both books, if I recall correctly. Read this book, and then read those. You can thank me later.

Without Jerry Mitchell, some of America’s most notorious racist murderers may never have seen justice. This Pulitzer-nominated (and indefatigable) journalist condenses into one page-turning book the decades he spent in hot pursuit of some of the most cynical, cruel and hateful terrorists our country has ever produced. Not only had they murdered and terrorized mothers, fathers, children and communities, but they had done so with the complicity — and often active support — of the local governments that were supposed to protect these citizens. “Race Against Time” is not only an exploration of a terrible time in our history but also a warning about our present and the need for communities to rise up for justice in real time. Not just decades later. It also carries an implicit warning about the grave danger presented by the silent complicity of communities where local leaders turn a blind eye to — or participate in — crimes against their citizenry. And the stain on those communities that can never be washed away. I would also add that Mitchell shows genuine modesty in telling the story: passing up numerous opportunities for self-congratulatory asides and instead focusing on the families who lost loved ones, the pursuit of justice, and the legal heroes that secured convictions. But make no mistake: history and justice look very different in America without heroic investigative reporters like Jerry Mitchell. His passion for truth and justice is a true marvel. The fact that he can tell the story with clarity, drama and urgency makes it even better. The fact that one person, standing with many others, can make such an important difference is truly inspiring. Do not miss out on this essential chapter in American history. It’s a great read and an important one.

A book that is fifty years in the making. It chronicles four different crimes is Mississippi where for years the perpetrators got away Scot free including the assassination of Medgar Evers and the church bombings that killed four young Black girls in their Sunday school class. The things that binds these events together is the Ku Klux Klan. The author is an intrepid reporter who with others kept these killings in the news always hoping that those responsible would be held accountable. It took over forty years but ultimately some were. A testament to dogged persistence.

I am so mad I didn’t know more about this until I read Mr. Mitchell’s book on the subject. I have lived in the South most of my life, but the violence during the Civil Rights era is still debated and discussed on one side or another. Jerry Mitchell points out that not all cases have happy endings, or even satisfying endings, like the indictments of those behind the murders of these remembered Civil Rights workers in the South, which took decades alone to prove due to regional fear and loyalty. Unfortunately, there will always be hatred of differences out there and the evidence to take it down will be a battle all on its own. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Read this book to find out how the arc of the universe bends, albeit slowly, to find justice when people are brutally murdered for the sake of human rights. Jerry Mitchell, an investigative journalist in Jackson, Mississippi, set out bravely to probe into the lives of people who would scare most of us away. He also had to be brave enough to keep nudging prosecutors and district attorneys who weren't always in a hurry to act, especially when others before them had failed to convict. Or worse, when those who represented the law were involved in the crimes. From the Medgar Evers assassination to the Mississippi Burning murders, Mitchell recounts his dogged efforts to find out just a little more with each phone call or visit. Not only is this book riveting storytelling, it's a heartbreaking reminder of how much more still needs to be done to establish civil rights and dignity for all people.

This nonfiction book is the story of trying to get justice for slain civil rights workers, long after the crimes were committed. For me, the first quarter or so of the book seemed a bit on the dry side, but I got more interested when it got to the murder of Medgar Evers. Justice has been served, to an extent, but there was far too little, and far too late. Corrupt government, and officials who were part of the terrorists (which is what these thugs are) compounded the problems. This was in interesting story, mostly heartbreaking but also uplifting when you look at the courage of these people trying to make the system right. However, I think the story could have been told a little more concisely.

This is a disturbing book to read - disturbing in that it should not have taken so long for these cases to have come to light. I was born in the '60s so do not have any real first hand memories of this tumultuous time but in Race Against Time, the sad history of racism in the US is laid bare. The book is well researched with thorough investigative work on the cases included here. While the saying "justice delayed is justice denied" rings true, this is a good first step in setting the record straight and brings a small bit of closure to these events.

Wonderfully written and educational. Truly a gift for all to read and reflect on. Thanks you for your bravery and unselfish giving.

Jerry Mitchell’s book Race Against Time, is one of the most fascinating, inspirational, and timely books I have ever read. It is fascinating in the descriptions of how one man was able to bring about the convictions of murders for crimes that were decades old. It is inspirational because of the courage and dogged persistence of one reporter in the face of numerous and dangerous obstacles. Race Against Time is timely because racial prejudice is raising its ugly head again in America. Jerry Mitchell shows us what can happened if we allow hatred to fester unabated.

This book details some of the 1960s Civil Rights cases that the author wrote about as a reporter for the Jackson, Mississippi Clarion-Ledger. This was an interesting and informative read. Highly recommend this book.

Though it is a harrowing read, this book is important, and—sadly—probably timely. Our current state of play with respect to racially-motivated violence makes the book a cautionary tale as well as a grim chronicle of violence in the Civil Rights Era.

Clarion-Ledger reporter Jerry Mitchell’s story is at once an inspiration and an electrifying affirmation of the merits of persistence and the Fourth Estate. And if that sounds too heavy, know that Race Against Time is as hard to put down as the finest legal thriller. It would be a serious mistake to start this book on a night when you have to get to bed early.

This is an epic tale, but told with such humility you forget every once in a while that it is being told by one of the real certifiable heroes of our time – a gutsy never-one-to-give-up reporter whose passion for justice rivals his investigatory skills. When people ask me who my heroes are in journalism, the name Jerry Mitchell is at the top. And this book tells you why - James B. Steele (Barlett and Steele)

A thorough review of five famous civil rights murders where the criminals were never punished—- until now. The author is significantly responsible in getting these cases retried, and we follow each case closely, with justice finally served!

So much great info. It was a lot to process - my rating is more about how hard it was for me to get through it all without switching to something a little lighter