Harper Lee, the author of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, traveled from New York to Alexander City (Ala.) to study and write about the life of the Rev. Willie Maxwell was on the trail Robert Burns who shot and killed Maxwell before hundreds of witnesses. Casey Cep examines Maxwell’s life as a minister/laborer who is known for his elegant clothing and speech. Tom Radney, Maxwell’s loyal national Democrat, lives in a country that is beginning to embrace Republican politics. Lee, the beloved and enigmatic American author, is also featured in “Furious Hours” Cep, a Maryland native, will present Saturday’s Mississippi Book Festival. She extensively researched the book and captured much of rural Alabama during a period that spanned from the 1940s to the 1970s. The story moves into modern times as well, with Harper Lee’s death and the publication of “Go Set A Watchman”, her second book. Many people, especially in Alexander City believed that the book would tell the story of Burns’ trial for the shooting death Rev. Maxwell. It was not. Cep tells three stories in “Furious hours” – Maxwell’s, Radney’s, and Lee. But despite all the mystery surrounding Maxwell it was the core of Cep’s story. There were many rumors about what happened to the book at the trial. One manuscript was stolen, another was started and never completed. Lee, who was rich shortly after Mockingbird’s publication, didn’t manage to capture that lightning in the bottle again. But it is not because she wasn’t trying. Cep correctly pointed out that she wrote many letters throughout her life that were insightful, artistic and sarcastic. However, she never published another book. “Go Set A Watchman” was published before “To Kill A Mockingbird”, and was rejected by the publisher in the 1950s because it was promising, but needed more work. Cep can sometimes get lost in the details, as when she was involved in the construction and maintenance of Lake Martin. This landmark is a major landmark in Alexander City, and in the history of insurance. She brings to life a fascinating collection of interconnected stories. She reveals fascinating details about Lee, who was in some ways a misfit in Monroeville but was raised in a wealthy family that nurtured and supported her. Lee was talented, independent and sometimes fragile, and many people helped her care for. Cep explores the many demons that Lee faced. The book describes Lee’s role in Truman Capote’s report on a grisly homicide in rural Kansas that led to the novel “In Cold Blood.” Cep says it is difficult to believe “In Cold Blood” could have been written in spite of Lee’s efforts to build trust with Kansans, many of whom shied away Capote’s quirky and eccentric ways. Although the Alexander City trial was to have been Lee’s “In Cold Blood”, she wanted her efforts to be absent some questions about Capote’s facts. Maxwell, a veteran of the military, returned home to work in his hometown. He worked as a mill worker and a pulpwood hauler as well as as a minister. In a short time, Maxwell lost several family members, including his two wives, to mysterious causes. Maxwell was the beneficiary of multiple life insurance policies. Maxwell’s deaths were never pinned on Maxwell by law enforcement. In most cases, they were not homicides. Maxwell was feared and feared in rural East Central Alabama, where voodoo was a common belief. It is not unusual to think that rural Alabama law enforcement would have little time for deaths in the African American community, such as those involving the Maxwell family. Cep says that law enforcement officers tried, but couldn’t solve the cases. Maxwell’s stepdaughter died and law officers were optimistic that they would be able to bring a case against Maxwell. Maxwell, the uncle of the girl who had just died, was killed in the funeral home. Another Burns relative assured Maxwell that “Big Tom” would get him out of this. Big Tom was Radney who is a small-town attorney, politician, and unabashed Kennedy liberal from the heart of Dixie. Radney had helped Maxwell get life insurance payouts after the mysterious deaths his family members. Radney stated at the time that he wouldn’t have defended Maxwell in the case of Maxwell’s stepdaughter’s death. Radney did however defend Burns and was acquitted for insanity. Radney might have been Atticus Finch’s next victim if Harper Lee had not written her account. We will never know. Casey Cep will be appearing on the panel “True Crime Across America” starting at 2:45 p.m. In the Old Supreme Court chamber, the state Capitol. Curtis Wilkie and Karen Abbott are also on the panel. A. Brad Schwartz is another panelist. In room 204, she will also be participating in a panel discussion. You can also read our staff picks which we will update throughout the week.