Harper Lee and her true crime story

For years the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," and a best friend of "In Cold Blood" author Truman Capote, had researched and written a true-crime novel based on a series of deaths in Alabama, for which a small-town preacher had been rumored to be responsible. Though never found guilty, the reverend did collect life insurance policies on several family members who'd mysteriously died, until he himself was murdered by a vigilante. Rita Braver reports on Lee's fascination with the case, and talks with Casey Cep, author of the book "Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee."

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[shlondamccoy]

This is my immediate family and I appreciate the kind comments. I think that Harper Lee would have done a wonderful job on the book.

[chrisfinch]

There's so much to know and remember, through the life of Harper Lee. I really enjoy her work. God Bless her.

[Growft]

I hope that in my lifetime they release "The Reverend" and I get to read it, this book sounds absolutely fascinating.

[omargoodnesssake]

So sad for the victims and their families. But there are TWO fascinating stories here!

[mcmc]

It would be unfortunate if the only reason we didn't have the opportunity to experience and enjoy more of Harper Lee's work was due to pushy unscrupulous publishers. While I respect Ms.Lees decision to not move forward with publication, I would however love to get the opportunity to read even just the possible first chapter of this unfortunate story.

[AustinthGenTexan]

Calling a minister a "reverend" is like calling a Congressman an "honorable". It is not a job title (noun), it is a courtesy title (adjective).

[kyleebrock]

Lawyers always just doing their best work, ethics are not a real requirement.

[amyjoyce]

I don't believe Lee authored most of "Watchman'. Her characters wouldn't change so dramatically and it being close to her death when she wasn't able to make decisions makes it all the more suspicious that much of it wasn't her sequel (regardless of when it was supposedly written).

[mistychenoweth]

Just finished the book. What might have been.

[shttc]

Didn't another author cover this story long before Cep?