Truth Be Told (Book Review)

Scripture Connection

Fret not thyself because of evildoers… for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

Psalm 37:1-2

This is the epigraph included before the start of the novel. In some cases, I find that epigraphs feel only loosely, if at all, related to the book. Truth Be Told, however, is such a powerful illustration of this passage. It’s neat to reread the epigraph, having read the book, because I can now see how the passage informs the book, as well as how the book illustrates the Scripture.

Spiritual Themes

Justice is a significant theme in the book, as Annalee and those in her community must decide how to respond to evil. For Annalee and her friends, the decision to speak out or keep quiet about injustice goes far beyond convenience, or even reputation. They are putting their very lives on the line.

The novel also deals with the theme of hypocrisy, as we see that even institutions touted as honorable, like the local seminary and the police force, are hotbeds of violence and malice.

Powerfully, Raybon also addresses what it looks like to trust God in the face of unspeakable oppression. This is evidenced particularly, in the reaction of Pastor Blake and his congregation. Insights are also offered on the lips of a character who is inspired by a real-life person.

The novel is also peppered with short, but meaningful moments of insight that are grounding for Annalee—and the reader.

What I Liked

Raybon set a high bar in her writing of the first two Annalee Spain mysteries, but the third installment shatters that bar. It is easily my favorite in the series, which I had already been enjoying.

Treatment of Murder/Injustice

When reading murder mysteries, I’ve experienced a tension. On one hand, I really like to use the part of my brain that pieces together puzzles, and it doesn’t have to be a murder. (I also really like trying to figure out things like Secret Santas). On the other hand, murder is a terrible thing.

I think that in most cases, reading the genre means simply accepting that murder is terrible, but that we get to come along for the ride of the puzzle. I really appreciate that Raybon explicitly addresses this tension, through a conversation between Eddie and Annalee. When the orphan boy expresses eagerness to join her on the latest case, she discusses the gravity of the situation, but also acknowledges that the investigation can be fun.

Beyond this conversation, the weight of the murder is more than just an isolated event. And it’s not exactly fiction, in the sense that Raybon bases her writing on real events and time periods. The victim isn’t based on a single real life person, but her story is the story of far too many killed by perpetrators of ruthless racism. Firmly planted in the time period, the book shows that the victim’s death is, unfortunately, not uncommon.

Even more than the first two books in the series, Truth Be Told is a vivid window into the racism of the time period, and, in an honest end note, Raybon writes about how the events of the story are not ancient history. Lynching didn’t become punishable as a hate crime until 2022! Although I’m definitely aware of continued injustices like police brutality, this fact really surprised me.

Social Class

Also more than the first two books in the series, Truth Be Told explores differences in social standing. The book opens with Annalee, accompanied by her friend Mrs. Stallworth, attending a garden party. Many of the guests, both black and white, occupy the higher echelons of local society. In addition to the parity between members of higher and lower social classes, there’s also a large gap between the treatment of white and black people.

Throughout the story, we see that, for blacks, even those who have fought their way into higher tiers of society are regarded as inferior because of the color of their skin. And that inferiority is blind to apparent social standing. Any white person, regardless of “class,” is treated as more important and valuable, simply because of their whiteness.

I have to confess that, before reading this book, I hadn’t really thought about differences in social class. Truth Be Told reveals a painful reality: for the black people fighting their way into upper society, even at high costs, the fight is futile.

Real Life Character

Without spoiling who it is, I want to mention how pleased I was with the inclusion of a real life person in the story. This was a historical figure that I knew very little about, prior to reading, and I really liked that he was integrated into the story. Raybon explains, in the author’s note, that certain lines are taken from primary sources, and others are extrapolations. This character powerfully contributed to the beauty of the story.

Content

There’s a lot of difficult content in Truth Be Told, but it’s the sort of content that needs to have light shed on it, and it is by no means gratuitous.

In shedding light on the evils of racism, the book includes numerous instances of abuses of power, depicting injustice as horrific and yet all-too-common.

There are instances of both physical and sexual assault, with more detail to the physical violence than the sexual assault. The book also examines the dynamics of power and abuse in relationships between men and women.

Annalee frequently uses the word, “mercy,” colloquially. However, there are unfortunately a smattering of instances where the Lord’s name is used colloquially.

Recommendation Status

Truth Be Told is my new, uncontested, favorite in the Annalee Spain series. The mystery plot line is brilliantly executed, but the historical element powerfully fleshes out the narrative. I’m so glad that the author is bringing this period of history to light, and her Author’s Note provides more context, as well as a frank connection to the racial injustice that bridges the past and present times.

I am a big fan of mysteries, but Truth Be Told brings a richness and roundness that I don’t typically encounter in the Christian mystery subgenre.

Highly recommended (albeit with reader discretion) to readers who enjoy period fiction, puzzling plots and honest depictions of history.