"For good measure, and because of its brilliance, I include Douglas Botting’s biography of Maxwell, as the Germans say, “in partnerlook.” An immersive portrait of a fascinating and haunting man, traveler, naturalist, shark fisherman, art historian, bon viveur, classical romantic adventurer and tragic hero of his own high drama. A great life story, written by a friend, of a life lived with legendary vigor, idealistic courage and a heartbreaking undertow."

"For fans of To Kill a Mockingbird who always wondered (at least until Go Set a Watchman came out) why Lee never produced another book, this story will answer, at least in part, that question. Willie Maxwell was a preacher and a con man and a murderer. This is an intriguing, though I wouldn’t say totally unique, combination. Well, it was enticing enough for Harper Lee to sit in on the trial and spend years trying to make a book out of it as a follow-up to the sui generis Mockingbird. She never managed to do it, but Cep has brilliantly presented for our reading pleasure the full story here. She does so in lyric prose and concise presentment of facts. Maxwell is enough to justify a book all by himself. When you throw in Harper Lee, perhaps the most enigmatic and reclusive author of modern times (with the possible exception of J.D. Salinger), this is a no-brainer of a read. Enjoy."