In the Heat of the Night (Virgil Tibbs, #1)

Ball creates a setting brimming with racist behavior. By alternating between multiple perspectives, he shows how deep and ingrained racism is in Wells, South Carolina. When the story opens, Sam, a white officer sworn to protect his entire community, is reluctant to visit poor Black neighborhoods. Soon after, he casually remarks that Black people don’t feel pain the way white people do. The white chief of police is no better, sneering at the polite, well-dressed, and calm Virgil while doubting that Black men could earn large amounts of money. Ball uses main characters like Sam and Bill to show that racism permeates the town’s police department. It even impedes their investigation: They resent Virgil, so they don’t take his advice, despite his being a noteworthy detective. They’re only able to solve the murder after they overcome their prejudices enough to listen to Virgil’s expertise.

Virgil’s perspective further enhances Ball’s commentary. Virgil is an idealized version of Black excellence—a man who stays focused on his job and rarely loses his temper no matter the provocation. His rigorous professionalism makes the racist behavior of Wells stand out even more. Citizens refuse to speak with him, opting to stay silent than help a Black police officer.