Spies of the Mississippi

The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement

By: Rick Bowers

Narrated by: Peter Jay Fernandez

Author Rick Bowers uncovers a tragic episode from American history in this “informative and fascinating” (VOYA) book. During the civil rights movement, the state of Mississippi created an elaborate spy network. Its mission was to preserve segregation by any means necessary—including voter interference, sponsorship of white supremacy groups, and even murder.

©2010 Richard J. Bowers (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"With all the books on the civil rights movement for young people, it’s hard to believe there’s a topic that hasn’t yet been touched. But Bowers, through impeccable research and personal investigation, seems to have come up with something chillingly new.... Those with knowledge of the era will find this a vivid depiction of those turbulent days, but for them as well as students new to the history the extremes will be an eye-opener." (Booklist)

That the book lacked more information.

Enjoyed the information; however, it seemed more of a synopsis than it did a book. It left me wanting more information. Awesome!!

Good but Short

This feels more like a quick summary of all the most well known moments during the civil rights movement days in Mississippi. Not as in depth as what you’d find in other books but a good read to hopefully wet your appetite and go down that proverbial rabbit hole.

Good Story

Would you listen to Spies of the Mississippi again? Why?

Well researched account of our history that happened not to long ago. Its strange to think how bad race relations were. I think about how things are with our society today and how we got to the point we are at now. This book is insightful and gives a glimpse into our American history.

Very engrossing book

What made the experience of listening to Spies of the Mississippi the most enjoyable?

The reaffirmation of the belief that there were many people who stood up for their rights despite the great odds against them,

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clyde Kennard because his individual personal struggle seems so worthy.

Have you listened to any of Peter Jay Fernandez’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many incidents were sad. For instance, I remembered little about the tragic life and heroic actions of Clyde Kennard. Throughout the book, I was hoping something would be done to remember his sacrifice. The author assures us of that near the end of the book.

Any additional comments?

The read was quite short for a book spanning so many years. I was left wanting to hear more details, especially about the black spies and their motivations.