This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
Violence including murder and assault
Language
Some
Some strong language; the Southern setting is rendered authentically
Sexual Content
Barely any
Brief sexual content
Substance Use
Barely any
Drinking in the rural Southern setting
Emotional Intensity
Some
Race, friendship across racial lines, and the way suspicion destroys innocent lives
What this book is about
Larry Ott and Silas Jones were unlikely childhood friends in rural Mississippi in the 1970s. When a girl disappeared after a date with Larry, his life was destroyed by suspicion — even though he was never charged. Thirty years later, another girl disappears and Silas — now the local constable — must confront the truth. Franklin's crime novel is also a meditation on race, class, and friendship.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Murder mystery violence
Racial themes in American South
Character trauma
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read Crooked letter, crooked letter? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Mystery books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.