Worse than a Lie: A Beau Lee Cooper Novel

In this gripping thriller, truth and justice are called into question when a Black man is gunned down in cold blood—the first novel in a riveting series from renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

“A sensationally good crime and legal thriller… This is exactly what a book should be.” — Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of the Reacher series.

It’s the night of November 4, 2008. America’s first Black president has just been elected. And fifty-three-year-old Hollis Montrose—a Black ex–police officer from the suburbs of Chicago—has become the latest victim of a brutal attack. Shot ten times by four white men who could have been his former colleagues, Hollis miraculously survives only to face a wrongful prison sentence.

Beau Lee Cooper was born serious, as if on an urgent mission. Ten years into running his own law firm, he is determined to find the truth alongside his dedicated team:

Nelson “Nellie” Rivers: Beau’s best friend and partner in crime.
Brent “Cape” Capers: His suave right-hand man.

As Beau Lee Cooper investigates the night the car was pulled over, he must uncover:

• Whether the stop was random or if Hollis was targeted
• How the Chicago police department spun the narrative so quickly
• Evidence to free an innocent man while treading in dangerous waters

Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird, Beau Lee knows that with troubling powers at play, one innocent man’s life hangs in the balance.