Getting Away with Murder

The True Story of the Emmett Till Case

By: Chris Crowe

Narrated by: Victor Bevine

This Jane Adams award winner is an in-depth examination of the Emmett Till murder case, a catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement.

"Crowe pays powerful tribute to a boy whose untimely death spurred a national chain of events."—Publishers Weekly

The kidnapping and violent murder of fourteen-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 was and is a uniquely American tragedy. Till, a black teenager from Chicago, was visiting family in a small town in Mississippi, when he allegedly whistled at a white woman. Three days later, his brutally beaten body was found floating in the Tallahatchie River.

In clear, vivid detail Chris Crowe investigates the before-and-aftermath of Till's murder, as well as the dramatic trial and speedy acquittal of his white murderers, situating both in the context of the nascent Civil Rights Movement. This reissued edition includes a chapter of additional material--including uncovered details about Till's accuser's testimony--this book grants eye-opening insight to the legacy of Emmett Till.

Critic reviews

A Jane Addams Book Award Honor book
An Orbis Pictus recommended book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A School Library Journal Best Book


"This book is a mandatory addition to all libraries because of the impact and importance this crime had on our history." —School Library Journal

"Crowe's powerful, terrifying account does justice to its subject in bold, direct telling, supported by numerous archival photos and quotes from those who remember, including Emmett's mother." —Booklist

"Crowe pays powerful tribute to a boy whose untimely death spurred a national chain of events." —Publishers Weekly

Great Book

I loved the narrator of this book. It was easy to get through. It only takes a couple of hours to get through.

Awesome Histical Account.

As sad as this story was, I honestly enjoyed the account of how and why this young boy died at the hands of those racist murderers. But I blame the woman. She wasn't touched and nobody had to know. She was just as much at fault as the men who killed him. Plus, I recently learned that in another book, the woman, who by then was in her 80s, was interviewed and said she lied.

For some Getting Away with Murder is Easy

Well done. not overly dramatic but factual. Should be required reading.listening for everyone.

Especially liked the statistics at the beginning and the observations at the end.

History Lesson for the Masses

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s in Tennessee and knew nothing about this ugly part of United States history until I began to travel and learn about it on my own as a young adult. This is not my first time learning about this part of our shameful history but I wanted a refresher before the movie ‘Till’ is released. This should be required reading in every Junior High School across America.

Well Written Heart Breaking Story!

Heart Breaking Story!! But needed to be told and always Remembered. May God Bless these souls that lived a life cut short!