I'm not sure how to describe this book. I needed to read a true crime story for a reading challenge. This book tells about how the author moved to Savannah, enjoying the city while getting to know some of its colorful people. He comes to know Jim Williams, a rich antique dealer. One night Williams shoots and kills Danny Hansford, a volatile young man who worked for him. Jim claimed self-defense, but the evidence tells something different.
This did not read like a non-fiction book. The author introduces us to various unique individuals who lived in Savannah in the 1980's. There is a man who walks an invisible dog, a con artist who lives in empty mansions while the owner is away, a Voodoo Priestess, and a drag queen. Each person had their own little story told in an amusing fashion. The crime portion of the story doesn't happen until nearly the middle of the book; then the trial, appeal, and re-trials are woven throughout the rest of the story.
I visited Savannah last year and heard some of the stories in this book while touring the historic district and Bonaventure Cemetery. It's a beautiful city and the author does a great job of making you visualize the city with its stunning architecture and parks. I thought the true crime portion of the story was weak, maybe because it was spread out through the second half of the book. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jeff Woodman whose narration was outstanding. Each character had a different unique voice. Overall, I'd give the book 3.5 Stars on a scale of 1-5; but the narration gets a 10.
This did not read like a non-fiction book. The author introduces us to various unique individuals who lived in Savannah in the 1980's. There is a man who walks an invisible dog, a con artist who lives in empty mansions while the owner is away, a Voodoo Priestess, and a drag queen. Each person had their own little story told in an amusing fashion. The crime portion of the story doesn't happen until nearly the middle of the book; then the trial, appeal, and re-trials are woven throughout the rest of the story.
I visited Savannah last year and heard some of the stories in this book while touring the historic district and Bonaventure Cemetery. It's a beautiful city and the author does a great job of making you visualize the city with its stunning architecture and parks. I thought the true crime portion of the story was weak, maybe because it was spread out through the second half of the book. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jeff Woodman whose narration was outstanding. Each character had a different unique voice. Overall, I'd give the book 3.5 Stars on a scale of 1-5; but the narration gets a 10.
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