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Grievous Deeds: The True Story of Four Years of Fury in Chattanooga, Tennessee
“Cold cases, especially old historical ones, need to be meticulously researched and written about in order for justice to have the opportunity to swing its prophetic hammer. Kimberly [Tilley] has made sure that has been done properly here.” –Detective Kenneth Mains, host of the Unsolved No More show and the History Channel’s Hunt for the Zodiac Killer
Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1906. When a young white woman is assaulted in a dark cemetery, the town erupts.
Despite questionable evidence and a flawed trial, a black man named Ed Johnson is convicted of the crime and sentenced to death. Before he can be executed, the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes. Despite their order, a bloodthirsty mob attacks the county jail, and lynches Johnson.
The infuriated high court is determined Ed Johnson's murder will not go unpunished, and they charge Joseph Shipp, the county sheriff, with contempt. Desperate to save his political career and fearful of the reckoning he faces, the ambitious sheriff deteriorates under the strain of the case against him.
After failing to solve another shocking crime, Shipp does the unthinkable. He gambles on the ability of Dave Edwards, a notoriously violent inmate in his jail, to solve the high-profile cold case. Despite a pending trial for first-degree murder, the sheriff releases Edwards.
It's not long until Dave's madness manifests itself, with dreadful consequences.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1906. When a young white woman is assaulted in a dark cemetery, the town erupts.
Despite questionable evidence and a flawed trial, a black man named Ed Johnson is convicted of the crime and sentenced to death. Before he can be executed, the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes. Despite their order, a bloodthirsty mob attacks the county jail, and lynches Johnson.
The infuriated high court is determined Ed Johnson's murder will not go unpunished, and they charge Joseph Shipp, the county sheriff, with contempt. Desperate to save his political career and fearful of the reckoning he faces, the ambitious sheriff deteriorates under the strain of the case against him.
After failing to solve another shocking crime, Shipp does the unthinkable. He gambles on the ability of Dave Edwards, a notoriously violent inmate in his jail, to solve the high-profile cold case. Despite a pending trial for first-degree murder, the sheriff releases Edwards.
It's not long until Dave's madness manifests itself, with dreadful consequences.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
About the author
Kimberly Tilley
4 books98 followersKimberly Tilley unearths fascinating, forgotten crimes from the early twentieth century and brings them to today's readers.
Her books, Grievous Deeds (2023); Has it Come to This? (2022); Cold Heart (2020); and The Poisoned Glass (2019) are Amazon category best-sellers.
Subscribe to Kimberly’s website, OldSpirituals.com, to read more of her stories, enter giveaways, and share your thoughts on the books.
Kimberly is the co-founder of Pivot Talent Development. We inspire big ideas and rejuvenation by working with companies to create a culture that celebrates quality and excellence. Our Raise Your Standards approach is designed for companies that are focused on elevating their business and need something to set them apart, facilitate their growth, and retain their talent.
Her books, Grievous Deeds (2023); Has it Come to This? (2022); Cold Heart (2020); and The Poisoned Glass (2019) are Amazon category best-sellers.
Subscribe to Kimberly’s website, OldSpirituals.com, to read more of her stories, enter giveaways, and share your thoughts on the books.
Kimberly is the co-founder of Pivot Talent Development. We inspire big ideas and rejuvenation by working with companies to create a culture that celebrates quality and excellence. Our Raise Your Standards approach is designed for companies that are focused on elevating their business and need something to set them apart, facilitate their growth, and retain their talent.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 8, 2023
Grievous Deeds: The True Story of Four Years of Fury in Chattanooga, Tennessee by Kimberly Tilley is a true crime novel based on the events that took place in Chattanooga Tennessee from 1906 until 1910. I live in Tennessee and I was somewhat aware of these happenings but not in such detail. This book brings forth many facts that I would have never known about if I had not read it. Kimberly Tilly has a talent for digging up many small and overlooked facts and weaving them into a compelling story. She also puts a face to the many people involved in this event. Many terrible things happened during this four-year period so long ago. We would like to think about how far we have progressed since that time but recent events show that we haven't really progressed at all in our relations with one another. We are supposed to learn from history but sadly most people seem to have failed at that task.
If you enjoy true crime books or even true crime television shows I would highly recommend this book.
If you enjoy true crime books or even true crime television shows I would highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2023
This book just goes on and on. That's because the events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, just go on and on. Just when you think one matter is resolved, there's another to follow.
From 1906 to 1910, things were happening in Chattanooga. To begin with, a young woman on her way home from work was assaulted and raped. The sheriff rounded up two suspects and the young lady was asked to identify her attacker. Well, she only had two choices, so she picked Ed Johnson, a black man who had already been accused of the crime.
The citizenry of Chattanooga were outraged that a black man would so disgrace a white woman in the bloom of her youth. What followed was mob justice, a lynching, as law enforcement stood by. But that's not the end of the story.
That's only the beginning.
8
From 1906 to 1910, things were happening in Chattanooga. To begin with, a young woman on her way home from work was assaulted and raped. The sheriff rounded up two suspects and the young lady was asked to identify her attacker. Well, she only had two choices, so she picked Ed Johnson, a black man who had already been accused of the crime.
The citizenry of Chattanooga were outraged that a black man would so disgrace a white woman in the bloom of her youth. What followed was mob justice, a lynching, as law enforcement stood by. But that's not the end of the story.
That's only the beginning.
8
May 6, 2023
Terrific
I love this author and have read all her books. She is relentless in her research and presenting all sides of the story. She tells the tales of lesser known legends. They are written in such a way to keep you thoroughly engaged and never bored. I also love how she places pictures and documents throughout the book. Do yourself a favor and read one of her books - you'll be hooked!
I love this author and have read all her books. She is relentless in her research and presenting all sides of the story. She tells the tales of lesser known legends. They are written in such a way to keep you thoroughly engaged and never bored. I also love how she places pictures and documents throughout the book. Do yourself a favor and read one of her books - you'll be hooked!
May 3, 2023
Who knew Chattanooga was such a hotbed?
A well written and documented true story of some criminal history of Chattanooga Tennessee. My reading tastes generally turn to lighter fare than this, but I was completely enthralled by it. If you are a fan of fictional crime and punishment for reading material, you’ll find this book enthralling and hard to put down.
A well written and documented true story of some criminal history of Chattanooga Tennessee. My reading tastes generally turn to lighter fare than this, but I was completely enthralled by it. If you are a fan of fictional crime and punishment for reading material, you’ll find this book enthralling and hard to put down.
April 24, 2023
What a story!
I am now a dedicated Kimberly Tilley fan! I'd never heard of her before I read Grievous Deeds but this book is so well-written that it brought the past to life. Just as no life is 'secondary,' neither does she treat any person woven into this tragedy. (Complete aside: as I read about D.D. Edwards, Sam Rockwell's character in 'The Green Mile' kept crossing my mind.) The writer did her research! I've raved enough for now. Needless to say, I am eager to read my next Kimberly Tilley book!
I am now a dedicated Kimberly Tilley fan! I'd never heard of her before I read Grievous Deeds but this book is so well-written that it brought the past to life. Just as no life is 'secondary,' neither does she treat any person woven into this tragedy. (Complete aside: as I read about D.D. Edwards, Sam Rockwell's character in 'The Green Mile' kept crossing my mind.) The writer did her research! I've raved enough for now. Needless to say, I am eager to read my next Kimberly Tilley book!
June 5, 2023
Interesting History
A story that some may believe could easily be fictional. The real life characters are intriguing and “very human.” One vacillates between the true mental health of Dave Edwards. This case could easily be a news story in 2023.
A story that some may believe could easily be fictional. The real life characters are intriguing and “very human.” One vacillates between the true mental health of Dave Edwards. This case could easily be a news story in 2023.
May 2, 2023
I felt compelled to review this finely detailed and yet engrossing work of history during a very unsettled time in the early 1900’s of Tennessean Law and Order … or closer to disorder.
The author has a knack for blending actual history with a well developed and believable story. The cast of characters is well researched and portrayed.
This story is so much more. Many disturbing and tragic events are brought to a cohesive light in understanding the true face of insanity and bigotry.
Powerful and Poignant.
Glad I read it
The author has a knack for blending actual history with a well developed and believable story. The cast of characters is well researched and portrayed.
This story is so much more. Many disturbing and tragic events are brought to a cohesive light in understanding the true face of insanity and bigotry.
Powerful and Poignant.
Glad I read it
November 15, 2023
I won a copy of this book, and it was an interesting read. It is hard to think of all that black people suffered in the past, just because their skin is a different color. The amount of melanin a person has should never determine their worthiness or unworthiness. It is even sadder to think that some of these things still happen today, in 2023!!
July 14, 2023
Tale from back in the day
Interesting stories woven together into a great tale of life in 1908-1910 in Tennessee It will keep you turning the pages until you're done.
Interesting stories woven together into a great tale of life in 1908-1910 in Tennessee It will keep you turning the pages until you're done.
April 26, 2023
Crimes Committed and The Capacity for Extreme and Wanton Physical Cruelty
Kimberly Tilley has written an excellent history book and true crime novel based on the events that took place in Chattanooga Tennessee from 1906 until 1910. Kimberly has really done her research extensively and has intricately woven three murder cases into a tightly woven package. When a young white woman is assaulted in a dark cemetery close to home, she is not sure who attacked her or his colour but despite her questionable evidence a black man named Ed Johnson is convicted of this crime and sentenced to death. Sadly, after the supreme court intervened despite their order to relook at his conviction a blood thirsty mob attacks the county jail and Lynch Johnson.
Kimberly then weaves the excellent story of Ed Johnson, Sherriff Shipp, and felon Dave Edwards on the crimes that took place at the turn of the century. This Book reveals the depraved nature of the crimes committed and the capacity for extreme and wanton physical cruelty inflicted in these times.
Kimberly Tilley has set the era wonderfully in this book and the pages pull you into the story’s as they unfold so that you feel like you are their watching the terrible evil and murder that unfolds before your eyes. The book is a powerful reminder of the need for justice and equality. I recommend this book to people interested in true crime and history as it is beautifully set in the era and an excellent read.
Kimberly Tilley has written an excellent history book and true crime novel based on the events that took place in Chattanooga Tennessee from 1906 until 1910. Kimberly has really done her research extensively and has intricately woven three murder cases into a tightly woven package. When a young white woman is assaulted in a dark cemetery close to home, she is not sure who attacked her or his colour but despite her questionable evidence a black man named Ed Johnson is convicted of this crime and sentenced to death. Sadly, after the supreme court intervened despite their order to relook at his conviction a blood thirsty mob attacks the county jail and Lynch Johnson.
Kimberly then weaves the excellent story of Ed Johnson, Sherriff Shipp, and felon Dave Edwards on the crimes that took place at the turn of the century. This Book reveals the depraved nature of the crimes committed and the capacity for extreme and wanton physical cruelty inflicted in these times.
Kimberly Tilley has set the era wonderfully in this book and the pages pull you into the story’s as they unfold so that you feel like you are their watching the terrible evil and murder that unfolds before your eyes. The book is a powerful reminder of the need for justice and equality. I recommend this book to people interested in true crime and history as it is beautifully set in the era and an excellent read.
May 26, 2023
First, although this is certainly not a textbook, it is history and as such more focused on informing than entertaining. I read history, biographies, etc. frequently so I'm sure that helps to manage my expectations. I found this story interesting. I was not familiar with the events and I found them significant. While the author filled in dialog/events that were impossible to know, I thought she did so credibly and with a reasonable basis. It appears thoroughly researched and footnoted. While I don't think it is for everyone and it is not a page-turner, I found it a worthwhile read and sufficiently interesting to make it to the end.
April 8, 2023
Disturbing yet fascinating in its realism
Written in a no-no sense prose that makes it all the more chilling, Grievous Deeds: The True Story of Four Years of Fury in Chattanooga, Tennessee by Kimberly Tilley makes light of three troublesome years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the turn of the 20th century.
It's a time filled with violence and uncertainty that Mrs. Tilley's narrative reveals in all its gory details. Without embellishments or outraged excessiveness, the bloody tale is made starker and vividly clearer.
It's scary at times, most tragic when not downright sad, yet Mrs. Tilley tries to be as objective as possible. I like how she maintains her unwavering impartiality despite the heavy pulp contents of her story. She sets out to let readers draw their own conclusions regarding the facts, and in my mind, she has achieved it to perfection.
Written in a no-no sense prose that makes it all the more chilling, Grievous Deeds: The True Story of Four Years of Fury in Chattanooga, Tennessee by Kimberly Tilley makes light of three troublesome years in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the turn of the 20th century.
It's a time filled with violence and uncertainty that Mrs. Tilley's narrative reveals in all its gory details. Without embellishments or outraged excessiveness, the bloody tale is made starker and vividly clearer.
It's scary at times, most tragic when not downright sad, yet Mrs. Tilley tries to be as objective as possible. I like how she maintains her unwavering impartiality despite the heavy pulp contents of her story. She sets out to let readers draw their own conclusions regarding the facts, and in my mind, she has achieved it to perfection.
May 5, 2023
What’s intriguing to me is how author Kimberly Tilley’s books slowly entrap you in a carefully unraveled story that progresses methodically, sometimes teasingly…all without straying from meticulously researched facts that leave you wondering, “…why did I never hear about this story before?”
Where she gets this stuff and then artfully constructs a meaningful and relevant tale out of the dust of history is beyond me, but I’m grateful she’s there to do it. She’s seems to be the unchallenged boss of this literary genre.
When I finished this author’s previous turn-of-the century true crime book I immediately began to look forward to her next effort. As expected, she did not disappoint.
This solidly constructed revisit of nearly forgotten history, based upon the facts of a series of early 1900s crimes in Chattanooga, TN, breaths new life into several old courtroom and police dramas that involve multiple players who commit multiple crimes that once again give us an unerring portrait of that era’s law enforcement procedures. Crooks and courtroom liars, a crazy killer and misfired justice populate this book, along with the flawed media coverage of early 1900s newspapers, most of which seemed to enflame instead of inform its readers.
Grievous Deeds is about much more than the assault of a woman in a cemetery and the crimes, convoluted violence and strange justice that held a small town in its grip more than a century ago.
This book hits it out of the park. I highly recommend Grievous Deeds and of course once more look forward to the author’s next true crime home run.
Where she gets this stuff and then artfully constructs a meaningful and relevant tale out of the dust of history is beyond me, but I’m grateful she’s there to do it. She’s seems to be the unchallenged boss of this literary genre.
When I finished this author’s previous turn-of-the century true crime book I immediately began to look forward to her next effort. As expected, she did not disappoint.
This solidly constructed revisit of nearly forgotten history, based upon the facts of a series of early 1900s crimes in Chattanooga, TN, breaths new life into several old courtroom and police dramas that involve multiple players who commit multiple crimes that once again give us an unerring portrait of that era’s law enforcement procedures. Crooks and courtroom liars, a crazy killer and misfired justice populate this book, along with the flawed media coverage of early 1900s newspapers, most of which seemed to enflame instead of inform its readers.
Grievous Deeds is about much more than the assault of a woman in a cemetery and the crimes, convoluted violence and strange justice that held a small town in its grip more than a century ago.
This book hits it out of the park. I highly recommend Grievous Deeds and of course once more look forward to the author’s next true crime home run.
May 15, 2023
Glad I preordered this excellent book. Set in Tennessee in the early 1900s, this true story pulls you back in time to experience the world as it was. Rather than a simplified, false version of history, we get a complex picture of an imperfect world. The author tempers this dark, engrossing tale with unexpected bits of humor and examples of contradictory human nature.
The horrific story of Ed Johnson exposed the role the newspapers and elected leaders played in the 1906 tragedy. As the newspapers incited hatred and violence, cowardly elected leaders refused to even condemn the violence, let alone take necessary action. It was disturbingly similar to the role today's media and politicians have played on a much larger scale.
The story of Dave Edwards is what made the strongest impression on me. It was difficult to believe one man could be responsible for inflicting such terrible cruelty yet, at the same time, be genuinely intelligent and funny. His love for his mother shows what a different man he could have been, had treatment been available to him!
The horrific story of Ed Johnson exposed the role the newspapers and elected leaders played in the 1906 tragedy. As the newspapers incited hatred and violence, cowardly elected leaders refused to even condemn the violence, let alone take necessary action. It was disturbingly similar to the role today's media and politicians have played on a much larger scale.
The story of Dave Edwards is what made the strongest impression on me. It was difficult to believe one man could be responsible for inflicting such terrible cruelty yet, at the same time, be genuinely intelligent and funny. His love for his mother shows what a different man he could have been, had treatment been available to him!
April 13, 2023
I have read all of Kimberly's books. I have not been disappointed from the beginning to the end. This book was especially interesting as a former Tennessee resident I couldn't wait for this one to come out.
Excellent research, as usual, she makes the characters come to life from the beginning to the end.
The practices of the way the crimes were processed were really surprising., especially compared to current policies.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves true crime, it won't disappoint.
Excellent research, as usual, she makes the characters come to life from the beginning to the end.
The practices of the way the crimes were processed were really surprising., especially compared to current policies.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves true crime, it won't disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews