65 pages 2 hours read

John Dudley Ball

In the Heat of the Night

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night is lauded for its taut, atmospheric storytelling and sharp social commentary on race relations. Critics commend the compelling characters and the tense, gripping plot that stays relevant. However, some note that certain aspects feel dated. Overall, it remains a significant and engaging crime novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Heat of the Night?

Readers who enjoy gritty crime dramas with social commentary, akin to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird or Chester Himes's A Rage in Harlem, will appreciate John Dudley Ball's In the Heat of the Night. The book delves into racial tensions and justice in a small Southern town, making it a compelling read for fans of thought-provoking mysteries.

Recommended

Reading Age

15+years

Book Details

Genre
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Topics
Race / Racism
Civil Rights / Jim Crow
Diversity
Themes
Identity: Race
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger
Society: Community