Wanda M. Morris Any Where You Run Murder Mystery and Suspense in the Jim Crow South

I recently read Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris, murder mystery and suspense set in Mississippi during the voting rights of black Americans and like her previous novels, I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and the writing. Set in the early to mid-1950s in Mississippi a time when racism was still deeply embedded in society, this novel explores themes of justice, survival, and the fight for Black Americans' right to vote. At its heart, it's a story about two sisters, each carrying secrets and running from different truths.

In Anywhere You Run, sisters Violet (also called Vera) and Marigold find themselves in trouble. Violet, the so-called wild child of the family, flees Mississippi after committing a murder; one she believes was justified. She lands in Chillicothe, hoping to lay low and remain unseen.

Marigold, on the other hand, remains in Mississippi, hoping the father of her unborn child will marry her. But when he abandons her, she leaves town with another. Pregnant and vulnerable, she ends up married to someone who turns out to be abusive and unreliable. Fearing for her safety, she eventually escapes him and heads to Chillicothe to find her sister. But unknowingly leading danger right to her sister’s doorstep.

Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free):Violet’s new life in Chillicothe includes both romance and heartbreak. Her past catches up to her when an old boyfriend, whose wallet she took, hires someone to track her down. Meanwhile, Marigold begins to suspect she's being followed by the same man who once came looking for her sister Violet in Mississippi. After fleeing her toxic marriage, she reunites with Violet, but not without consequences.

Character Development:I loved both Violet and Marigold, they felt real, layered, and well-developed. I didn’t care much for one particular deception Marigold engaged in, though I understood her reasoning.

Writing Style:Wanda M. Morris’s writing is absolutely superb. She has a gift for pulling you into the era and holding your attention. Her storytelling is rich, compelling, and full of emotional depth.

Pacing:The pacing was solid. It did feel like the story lingered near the end, but not enough to make me want to stop reading. Which is credit to how invested I was.

Themes:A central theme was the idea that no matter how far you run, your past always finds a way to catch up. It’s a powerful message that resonates deeply, especially within the context of the societal and personal challenges these women faced.

Personal Impressions:I loved the book from beginning to end. My only disappointment was the male character Marigold married. I wished he’d been written with more depth or redemption, instead of being so clearly sleazy. But I also recognize that his character served a purpose in driving the plot forward.

Conclusion:Anywhere You Run was a compelling, emotional, and beautifully written novel. I finished it in just three weeks, faster than her previous books. I’d recommend it to fans of historical fiction, readers interested in civil rights-era stories, murder mystery and suspense and anyone who enjoys character-driven narratives filled with tension and heart.

Final Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4 out of 5 stars)A gripping story with strong characters and important themes. While not as compelling to me personally as What You Leave Behind, it’s still an outstanding read that sheds light on the complex experiences of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era.