In the Heat of the Night by John Dudley Ball

He patrols the city at night, but he grows more fearful that the killer is watching him, waiting to strike. Virgil remains unfazed and shows that Harvey didn’t kill Enrico. Virgil questions Harvey, who berates Virgil. During his questioning, Virgil proves to be a skillful detective, but Sam resists admiring him because of his race. Enrico’s daughter Duena’s beauty staggers Sam. Sam and Virgil return to the Endicott home so Virgil can ask more questions. Bill and the mayor don’t like the idea, but they rationalize that Bill can take credit for Virgil’s detective work, and, if the investigation fails, Virgil can take the fall. He uses his influence to convince the mayor to let Virgil help solve the case. Endicott, a Northerner by birth, treats Virgil with respect and as an equal. Endicott about the murder, and they return to the police station to identify the body. Endicott, a wealthy man who was hosting Enrico before he died. Virgil, accustomed to getting respect in California, stands his ground. Bill wants to close the case, but Virgil explains that Harvey can’t be the killer: From his examination, Virgil knows that the killer is right-handed, but Harvey is left-handed. Harvey Oberst, a suspect found with Enrico’s wallet, is brought in.

Meanwhile, Bill decides that since in the South Black people can’t be officers, he’ll get rid of Virgil as soon as possible. Bill reluctantly asks Virgil to examine the body. Raised to distrust Black people, Sam and Bill now realize they might need Virgil’s help with the murder investigation. They learn that Virgil is a detective in California with an excellent record. Sam and Bill keep Virgil in a cell while they check his credentials. Sternly and rudely, Sam takes Virgil to the station. There, Sam finds a Black man, Virgil Tibbs, waiting for a train. Bill orders Sam to search the railroad station to see if anyone is trying to leave town, and Sam reluctantly obeys. Sam and Bill Gillespie, the gruff and demanding new chief of police, both lack formal training and are ill prepared to conduct a murder investigation. The deceased is Enrico Mantoli, an Italian man who was planning a music festival. Sam Wood, a police officer in Wells, South Carolina, discovers a dead body lying in the road while out on a night patrol.

Note: This study guide quotes and obscures the author’s use of the n-word. In 1988, it became a television series as well. In 1967, it was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. Upon its release, In the Heat of the Night won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America.

In the Heat of the Night by John Dudley Ball