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David Baldacci
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A Calamity of Souls Hardcover – April 16, 2024

by David Baldacci (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 5,436 ratings
Amazon Charts #10 this week
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Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.  
 
Jack Lee is a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who has never done anything to push back against racism, until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy white couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his legal skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already stacked against both him and his client. And he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes that what is at stake is far greater than the outcome of a murder trial. 
 
Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She comes to Freeman County and enters a fractious and unwieldy partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Yet DuBose is also aware that powerful outside forces are at work to blunt the victories achieved by the Civil Rights era.  
 
Lee and DuBose could not be more dissimilar. On their own, neither one can stop the prosecution’s deliberate march towards a guilty verdict and the electric chair.  But together, the pair fight for what once seemed impossible: a chance for a fair trial and true justice. 

Over a decade in the writing, A Calamity of Souls breathes richly imagined and detailed life into a bygone era, taking the reader through a world that will seem both foreign and familiar.
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  1. Print length
    496 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    April 16, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 1.56 x 9.35 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1538765020
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1538765029
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci is the immovable object of history slamming into the irresistible force of truth. An examination of a fractured place and time where the mores of the past were confronted by the implacable ferocious tenacity of justice. A tour de force."―S. A. Cosby, bestselling author of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED and RAZORBLADE TEARS

“A Calamity of Souls, the story of a murder in southern Virginia in the mid-1960’s, may be the best novel David Baldacci has ever written, which is saying a great deal.  It has a gripping plot and a shocking ending, and even better than that, is also a perfect evocation of a difficult time in America’s history, propelled by deep and moving characters and beautiful writing. It captured me completely from the very first page.”―Scott Turow, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"This is David Baldacci at his best. Using the law and the courtroom as the stage for a searing parable on race and the cost and courage to do the right thing."―Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Baldacci deftly weaves together legal thriller and historical drama—a tale of high tension, false assumptions and stubborn humanity, where the law is a crucible for who we imagine ourselves to be and how much effort still lies ahead.”―Stacey Abrams, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A high-octane legal thriller anchored by a family drama that will break your heart.”―Ken Follett, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“From its disturbing opening onwards, I couldn’t stop turning the pages, fascinated, moved, horrified. Packed with a richness of detail and prose so evocative it works like a time-machine, effortlessly transporting you to a troubled time in U.S. history; with characters that linger in the mind long after you have finished the book. An instant classic, I will be recommending this to everyone I know. Not just a great American crime story; this is a great American novel.”―Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“David Baldacci vividly recreates Virginia in the throes of the civil rights movement, when the laws had moved forward, but the people had not. A Calamity of Souls is a big-hearted page-turner about fighting for what’s right in a world filled with wrong.”―Jeannette Walls, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“This is the book David Baldacci was meant to write. Of course it’s filled with rich characters and a mystery at its core, but what makes this novel such a standout is the way Baldacci pours his own past into it. Terrifying, dazzling, and a true reckoning, A Calamity of Souls is a time machine that proves the Civil War never ended—and that the only way out is together.”―Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A Calamity of Souls is a modern masterpiece, a court room drama set in 1968 in a divided Virginia, a fraught powder keg in the American south. A young, inexperienced white attorney, Jack Lee, and his client, Jerome Washington, a hardworking black man beloved by his family, is falsely accused of murder. Jerome is in a fight for his life in a courtroom where he has been condemned before the gavel hits. This page turner is resplendent, timely and surprising, written in glorious prose that will captivate and enthrall readers. Nothing in Jerome and Jack's world is what it appears to be. There are secrets, and a shocking buried history among the families trapped in a legal system calcified in racism. In Baldacci's hands, this story is personal and the reader feels its urgency. This lustrous, atmospheric novel takes us back and moves us forward in one riveting read. An instant classic from America's favorite storyteller."―Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author

"Baldacci on top form - a tragic, gripping and intensely believable thriller."―Peter James, Sunday Times bestselling author

"Bestseller Baldacci’s stirring latest... generates satisfying tension from Jack and Desiree’s clashing personalities, and his real-life experiences both as an attorney and as a child in 1960s Virginia lend the proceedings an air of uncommon authenticity. This ranks among the author’s best."―Publishers Weekly

“A nuanced portrait of a time and place, brought to vivid life by a writer at the top of his game… Ever-popular Baldacci at his best will have his legions of readers flocking.”―Booklist

About the Author

DAVID BALDACCI is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world's favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (April 16, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538765020
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538765029
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.52 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.56 x 9.35 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 5,436 ratings

About the author

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David Baldacci

David Baldacci

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David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she'd given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.")

David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. The feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 48 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into over 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.

David is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs across the United States.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
5,436 global ratings
A great legal thriller - 4.5 stars
4 Stars
A great legal thriller - 4.5 stars
This new legal thriller of David Baldacci's is charged with racial tensions and interesting characters. If you love courtroom drama and Civil Rights stories from the South stemming from stagnant prejudices of decades past, grab this book that drops April 16th. We meet characters that we fall in love with and ones that we absolutely despise because of their mindset and actions. I loved all of the late 60s historical references, but probably most of all, the To Kill a Mockingbird and Atticus courtroom references.It's 1968 in Virginia. The Lovings interracial marriage was just recognized as lawful. Plessy vs. Ferguson has been overturned with Brown vs Board of Education over a decade ago. Desegregation (of schools, military, workplace, establishments...everything) has supposedly already happened. Sadly, none of these events make a difference in this Southern setting. George Wallace would soon be the first 3rd party candidate to really make a three way race in the presidential elections. Vietnam is raging and hometown boys are deserting. The times were tumultuous, and Jim Crow was far from being dead in Freeman County Virginia as a Black man is wrongly accused as murdering his two upper class, White employers. It's about injustices; ignoring laws; making one's own laws; fighting for justice; and lingering, ugly prejudices.Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC. Definitely read this book in 2024. It will evoke so many emotions and pull at your heartstrings. 4.5 stars. So glad I read this one.
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Top reviews from the United States

TwoCatMomma
5.0 out of 5 stars I’ve never…
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
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…listened to or read such a compelling and powerful story as this before. I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird and others set in the south from periods during the early racial divide, but this story was absolutely riveting with all of the twists and turns throughout. I highly recommend listening and reading this book. Well done David Baldacci and the entire cast of narrators!!
6 people found this helpful
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Tucson Jan
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
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This is one of the best books I've ever read. It tugs at your heart strings; it's an extremely well written book. I read a book a book and this is one of the most engrossing reads I've experienced in a long while. So relevant, even now.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars engaging book
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
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Once I got over the fact that this was not a John Grisham book I was reading I realized how interesting this book was. The characters were fabulous, the plot was solid and te ending mostly surprising. And of course the author left the door open for more books with his characters.
2 people found this helpful
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Donna Reeves
5.0 out of 5 stars His best book
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
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I love this author, his books are engrosing, well plotted, with engaging characters. This book is on another level, it struck my heart and taught me some hard truths. Just a beautifully written amazing book.
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Barbara L Jacobs
5.0 out of 5 stars the most moving book I’ve read in a long time
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
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I knew when I read the introduction that it would be an outstanding read. I couldn’t put it down. Very fast paced from every movingly shocking detail to amazingly shocking detail. It was so predictable, but when the next well written word was exposed, it didn’t cease to amaze. I knew what was coming, and yet when it happened, I was shaking my head in disbelief. Just the very best book I have read in a long time.

I think this is the best of David Baldacci.
9 people found this helpful
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Bcooper
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written legal thriller
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
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Very well written legal thriller. The book is set in 1968 in rural Virginia. RFK and MLK have been assassinated. The protagonist is Jack Lee who represents a Black couple accused of killing a rich white couple. The expectation is that the accused couple cannot get a fair trial. Baldacci does a great job developing the main characters, the defense lawyers, the accused couple, and their families. Jack Lee is a white criminal lawyer who pairs with an experienced Black female attorney from Chicago. I am a fan of legal thrillers. This is probably the best one I have read. No spoilers here. The ending is unexpected, but I won't ruin the book. Many of Baldacci's books have sequels. I hope there is a follow up to this book.
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David R. Svetcov
5.0 out of 5 stars History Repeats
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
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A classic whose theme emulates 'To kill a Mockingbird'. Categorized as fictional, but more historical fiction. It recasts an unfortunate view of current events. Fifty years later, we endure racism, anti-semitism, global hostility, extremism, right wing white backlash, George Wallace (er) Donald Trump. In a sad way, the depth of the story is meaningful, yet sorry full. Atticus Finch, Jack Lee and Desirae DuBois, Jerome and Pearl Washington. You are in our thoughts and thank you
David
2 people found this helpful
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JLP
5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Story
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
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This book is beautifully written. It's a riveting story that really shows the depth of hatred and loathing many white people had and still have for people of color. It truly is America's original sin.
Baldacci does a wonderful job of telling that story, but also shows the possibility of change through compassion, courage, hard work, and hope. Recommended for high school and adults.
This is David Baldacci's "To Kill a Mocking Bird".
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Top reviews from other countries

Arlene
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart wrenching.
Reviewed in Canada on April 28, 2024
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This was a great story. Very difficult at times to digest what it was like years ago for people of colour.
I myself am Metis Canadian. I married an American black Army soldier. Growing up I experienced racism but nothing like what was written in this book. My husband had a difficult time living with the attention he got married to someone not of his race. Luckily times changed and life got easier for people of colour but it’s still there. This book was so great on touching all the experiences of white and black through history.
David Baldacci is a great writer and I buy his books hot off the press.
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Clover
5.0 out of 5 stars This book compels us to ask difficult questions about progress, equality and advocacy
Reviewed in Australia on April 1, 2024
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"A Calamity of Souls" is David Baldacci’s deep dive into the heart of American history during one of its most tumultuous times. Set in 1968 in southern Virginia, this courtroom drama thrusts us into a racially-charged murder case with the wrongful accusation of Jerome Washington, a Black man, at its centre.

Baldacci presents us with Jack Lee, a white lawyer from Freeman County who faces his own inaction against systemic racism when he decides to represent Washington. Partnering with Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago, they stand against a biased system and outside forces resistant to the strides made by the Civil Rights era. Their partnership, fraught with cultural and personal differences, becomes a battle for justice in a community—and a country—at odds with itself.

What unfolds is a narrative that captures the essence of the heroes' journey. Lee and DuBose, though initially reluctant participants in a greater cause, are pulled into the thick of moral and ethical battlefields. As they fight for justice, they are tested in ways that stretch beyond the courtroom, challenging their beliefs and their very identities.

The book's engagement with themes of racial tension, justice, and personal transformation is as heartbreaking as it is necessary. As an Australian reflecting on the book, I found the narrative to be a heart-wrenching yet vital portrayal of a period I am distanced from geographically but connected to through a shared sense of humanity and justice. It's a stark reminder that the scars of racial injustice remain raw, despite the passage of time.

In the author’s note, Baldacci shares that the seeds of this story are personal and rooted in his own upbringing in Richmond, Virginia. This personal touch adds authenticity to the story, as he tackles the challenging representation of race, bias, and the slow march towards progress.

The book shows Baldacci's strength in creating poignant moments and complex characters. The finale, a combination of victory and tragedy, underscores the bitter reality that justice in such a time comes at a high price.

"A Calamity of Souls" is not just a historical legal drama; it’s an ode to those who fought—and continue to fight—for equality and fairness. It’s for those who are moved by stories that encapsulate the best and worst of the human condition, and for those who find solace in narratives that echo the timeless struggle for a better world.

David Baldacci has given us more than a novel; he has offered a lens through which we can examine the past and gain insight into our present. The book compels us to ask difficult questions about progress, equality, and what we can strive for as a society. For lovers of the romance genre, this might be a departure into heavier themes, but the emotional journey and the resolve for a better world resonate deeply with the roots of any profound love story. It's a sobering read, but one that leaves you with a sense of hope—the kind that is hard-won but fiercely cherished.
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chihuahuaonmyshoulder
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Thought Provoking
Reviewed in Canada on April 19, 2024
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This is one of those books that stays in my mind. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. A Calamity of Souls is a courtroom drama with the racial tensions of the late 60’s. I have always been a big David Baldacci fan, but this book may be his best yet. I’m hoping this will become a series like his other books, and we can read more of Jack and Desiree.
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Peter Carter
5.0 out of 5 stars A Calamity of Souls
Reviewed in Australia on March 31, 2024
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I have been reading David Baldacci’s novels for more years than I care to remember and, in my estimation, this story has to be the best of the best. i was born in 1950 and was, in the late 60’s, aware of the struggles black people were faced with in the USA. The bigotry, the segregation and the fight to try and change the was things were. For me, this story is an encapsulation of those times and of the small but steady movement forward in the struggle for racial equality and the prices exacted in that struggle. Still, here we are in 2024, and whilst there has been much improvement, racism and bigotry are alive and well and I guess the sad thing I have learned is that, legislate all you can but there is a fundamental failing in the human condition that allows these things to perpetuate.
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dianne donovan
5.0 out of 5 stars hooked from the beginning
Reviewed in Australia on April 23, 2024
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This is another great novel from a brilliant author. So much history and sadness . The story just captivates your.
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