Furious Hours by Casey Cep expertly combines true crime, biography, and literary history, delving into novelist Harper Lee's unfinished work. Reviews commend its meticulous research, narrative depth, and engaging prose. However, some find its multi-layered structure occasionally disjointed. Despite this, it is praised for its illuminating and evocative storytelling.

Readers who appreciate true crime and Southern Gothic literature will enjoy Casey Cep's Furious Hours. Comparable to books like Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, this book delves into murder, courtroom drama, and racial tensions in the Deep South. Fans of meticulously researched narratives with a historical backdrop will be enthralled.

Furious Hours by Casey Cep is a work of literary nonfiction in the true-crime genre that details the story of Willie Maxwell, an Alabama minister suspected of murdering several family members for insurance money, and Robert Burns, who killed Maxwell at a funeral. The book also covers Harper Lee’s unsuccessful effort to document these events. The story involves themes of violence, murder, and mental health challenges.

Informative / Mysterious / Contemplative / Suspenseful / Emotional

- Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee combines the intrigue of a murder mystery with the insight of a literary biography, offering a unique glimpse into the life and unfinished work of To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee.
- Harper Lee spent years investigating a true crime case in Alabama, striving to craft a nonfiction book akin to what her friend Truman Capote achieved with In Cold Blood.
- The book not only examines the enigmatic life of Harper Lee but delves into themes like justice and storytelling, blending meticulous research with compelling narrative.

**Nelle Harper Lee**  
An American writer from Alabama, best known for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," which explores themes of justice and racism in the 1930s.

**William “Willie” Maxwell**  
A minister from Alabama whose mysterious life and rumored dabbling in voodoo are overshadowed by accusations of multiple murders for life insurance payouts.

**Tom Radney**  
A charismatic and successful trial lawyer in Alabama who represented Willie Maxwell in insurance cases and later defended his killer.

**Truman Capote**  
A childhood friend of Harper Lee and a well-known writer whose career path diverged significantly from Lee's, particularly noted for his book "In Cold Blood."

**Mary Lou Maxwell**  
The first wife of Willie Maxwell and his first alleged victim, whose death raised suspicions about Maxwell's possible involvement in a series of murders.

**Dorcas Anderson Maxwell**  
Once a neighbor who accused Willie Maxwell of suspicious behavior, she later became his second wife and provided an alibi that contributed to his acquittal.

**Ophelia Burns Maxwell**  
The third wife of Willie Maxwell, who stood by Maxwell despite the rumors of his involvement in multiple murders and mysterious practices. 

**Shirley “Shell” Ellington**  
An adoptive daughter whose mysterious death catalyzed the murder of Willie Maxwell, drawing further scrutiny to the allegations against him.

Casey Cep

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Furious Hours and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Furious Hours Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Reverend”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6

Furious Hours Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Lawyer”

Part 2, Chapters 7-14

Furious Hours Part 2, Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Writer”

Part 3, Chapters 15-19

Furious Hours Part 3, Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 20-Epilogue

Furious Hours Part 3, Chapter 20-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Furious Hours Key Figures

theme

Themes

Furious Hours Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Furious Hours Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Furious Hours Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Furious Hours Essay Topics

Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Furious Hours?

Reading Age

Book Details