Race Against Time

By: Jerry Mitchell

Narrated by: Jerry Mitchell

An investigative reporter tells the harrowing story of three unsolved civil rights era murders and how he reopened these cold cases, ultimately bringing Klansmen to justice, decades after they'd gotten away with murder.

“For almost two decades, investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell doggedly pursued the Klansmen responsible for some of the most notorious murders of the civil rights movement. This book is his amazing story. Thanks to him, and to courageous prosecutors, witnesses, and FBI agents, justice finally prevailed.” —John Grisham, author of The Guardians

On June 21, 1964, more than twenty Klansmen murdered three civil rights workers. The killings, in what would become known as the “Mississippi Burning” case, were among the most brazen acts of violence during the civil rights movement. And even though the killers’ identities, including the sheriff’s deputy, were an open secret, no one was charged with murder in the months and years that followed.

It took forty-one years before the mastermind was brought to trial and finally convicted for the three innocent lives he took. If there is one man who helped pave the way for justice, it is investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell.

In Race Against Time, Mitchell takes readers on the twisting, pulse-racing road that led to the reopening of four of the most infamous killings from the days of the civil rights movement, decades after the fact. His work played a central role in bringing killers to justice for the assassination of Medgar Evers, the firebombing of Vernon Dahmer, the 16th Street Church bombing in Birmingham and the Mississippi Burning case. Mitchell reveals how he unearthed secret documents, found long-lost suspects and witnesses, building up evidence strong enough to take on the Klan. He takes us into every harrowing scene along the way, as when Mitchell goes into the lion’s den, meeting one-on-one with the very murderers he is seeking to catch. His efforts have put four leading Klansmen behind bars, years after they thought they had gotten away with murder.

Race Against Time is an astonishing, courageous story capturing a historic race for justice, as the past is uncovered, clue by clue, and long-ignored evils are brought into the light. This is a landmark book and essential reading for all Americans.

Wonderful book

Thank you for writing this Mr. Mitchell. This book should be mandatory reading for every high schooler in the country.

Great book

The narration is outstanding. This is a very informative book about some dark times in our history. The book also delivers a great message about resilience, hope, and justice.

One of the best books of a lifetime

This will be a book I come back to you time and time again. Although it centers around the delayed justice of Civil Rights era murders, it is a reckoning and warning for our country today.

Fantastic

This is an excellent narration of a fascinating book and time. Jerry Mitchell’s efforts to right history’s wrongs deserved to be told. I bought the book and read it and listened to the narration on the way ti work when I couldn’t read it. I have recommended this book both in copy and audible. It’s one of my favorites—do yourselves a favor and give it a chance.

Phenomenal narrative performance

One of the best narrations I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Great story as well.