The Statement - Paperback

The Statement: A Powerful Historical Murder Mystery

Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1968 America, The Statement by Albert Stark delivers a gripping murder mystery that explores themes of justice, identity, and moral complexity during the Civil Rights Era. This compelling young adult novel follows fifteen-year-old Lester Gold as he navigates the aftermath of his father's brutal murder and the devastating consequences of a single decision.

A Murder That Changes Everything

Shortly after Martin Luther King's assassination, Lester Gold's world shatters when his father, Julius Menachem Gold, is shot dead in their family's kosher butcher shop in Trenton. In the chaos, Lester catches only a fleeting glimpse of the killer wearing an Orioles cap. This sole clue becomes the foundation of a case that will haunt him for years.

Justice or Injustice?

Under pressure from his Holocaust-survivor mother Minnie, his best friend Santo Bassani, and local cop Bertram Randolph, Lester signs a statement implicating Salim Johnson, a Black radical and community leader. Salim is convicted and sent to Death Row. But as Lester matures and pursues journalism at Columbia University, doubts begin to surface about Salim's guilt.

A Journey of Redemption

Returning to Trenton as a young reporter, Lester embarks on a mission to uncover the truth and exonerate an innocent man. His investigation is complicated by his growing feelings for Naima, Salim's sister, and his conflicting loyalty to his father's memory. The search for the real killer forces Lester to confront his deepest beliefs about justice, family, and the meaning of doing what's right.

Rich Historical Context

This literary thriller masterfully weaves together multiple cultural perspectives—Jewish-American, African-American, and Italian-American—against the explosive social changes of the late 1960s. The narrative explores how personal tragedy intersects with broader social movements, creating a nuanced portrait of a divided America.

Perfect for Readers Who Love

Detective stories with moral complexity, coming-of-age narratives set during pivotal historical moments, and character-driven mysteries that examine themes of guilt, redemption, and truth. This paperback edition from Outskirts Press offers 14.95 MSRP value for readers seeking thought-provoking historical fiction.

The Statement challenges readers to consider how far one should go to correct past mistakes and whether redemption is possible when the stakes are life and death.