Description

Book Synopsis

A 50th anniversary edition of the classic crime novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film starring Sidney Poitier.

''They call me Mr Tibbs!''

A small southern town in the 1960s. A musician found dead on the highway. It''s no surprise when white detectives arrest a black man for the murder. What is a surprise is that the black man - Virgil Tibbs - is himself a skilled homicide detective from California, whom inexperienced Chief Gillespie reluctantly recruits to help with the case. Faced with mounting local hostility and a police force that seems determined to see him fail, it isn''t long before Tibbs - trained in karate and aikido - will have to fight not just for justice, but also for his own safety.

The inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier, this iconic crime novel is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the American South in the sixties, and a brilliant, suspense-f

Trade Review
Penguin has picked the perfect time to re-issue John Ball's brilliant debut story ... This is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the times and a brilliant, suspense-filled read ... If you haven't read it, do so * Crime Review *
Compelling * The Times Literary Supplement *

In the Heat of the Night

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 15 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by John Ball

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of In the Heat of the Night by John Ball

      Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 05/05/2016
      ISBN13: 9780241238622, 978-0241238622
      ISBN10: 0241238625

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A 50th anniversary edition of the classic crime novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film starring Sidney Poitier.

      ''They call me Mr Tibbs!''

      A small southern town in the 1960s. A musician found dead on the highway. It''s no surprise when white detectives arrest a black man for the murder. What is a surprise is that the black man - Virgil Tibbs - is himself a skilled homicide detective from California, whom inexperienced Chief Gillespie reluctantly recruits to help with the case. Faced with mounting local hostility and a police force that seems determined to see him fail, it isn''t long before Tibbs - trained in karate and aikido - will have to fight not just for justice, but also for his own safety.

      The inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier, this iconic crime novel is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the American South in the sixties, and a brilliant, suspense-f

      Trade Review
      Penguin has picked the perfect time to re-issue John Ball's brilliant debut story ... This is a psychologically astute examination of racial prejudice, an atmospheric depiction of the times and a brilliant, suspense-filled read ... If you haven't read it, do so * Crime Review *
      Compelling * The Times Literary Supplement *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account