Miburn


Fiction - Crime
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/03/2026
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite

Miburn by Don VanLandingham Sr. is a well-written book based on historical events about the civil rights movement in America, particularly in Mississippi, in the 1950s. The book is divided into four parts, which begin with a description of the political tension, racial injustice, violence, and early activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi. The National Civil Rights Organizations embarked on a project called the Mississippi Freedom Summer to register more Black people to vote. However, in 1964, three civil rights workers were murdered, leading to one of the greatest manhunts in Mississippi's history. The other parts of this book explore the investigation into the deaths of the civil rights workers and the trial of the Klan members arrested.

Beyond the emotions this book stirred up in me, I was truly inspired by the bravery of the civil rights workers. I did further research on the historical events in this book and found them to be authentic. The characters were well developed, and I commend Don for making this story as realistic as possible, which made reading it more engaging. The writing is organized, well-paced, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. It features themes of racism, history, bravery, politics, and more. This book will always be a reminder to me of how hate, racism, injustice, and more can negatively impact a society. I found this book to be both educational and inspiring. I recommend Miburn by Don VanLandingham Sr. to all history enthusiasts and those passionate about equality and human rights advocacy.

Keana Sackett-Moomey

Miburn by Don VanLandingham Sr. is based on the real-life murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964. The narrative captures the fear and strain of that period, showing how white supremacist groups, local law enforcement, and even government agencies worked to shut down civil rights efforts. The story centers on Ben Hawkins, a white accountant who relocates to Mississippi and slowly becomes caught up in the struggle for justice. From his point of view, readers witness the dangers Freedom Summer activists faced and the personal cost of choosing to stand against deeply rooted racism. Blending historical events with individual experiences, the book reveals a harsh world shaped by brutality, terror, and hard-earned courage. Will Ben ever uncover the truth and find his role in the fight for justice?

Don VanLandingham Sr.'s Miburn is both gripping and revealing. Using history to shed light on crucial concepts, the book places readers in Mississippi during a time of deep racial tension. Ben and the other characters are portrayed as grappling with the challenge of seeing injustice in a system designed to maintain inequality. The prose is straightforward, blending facts and emotions in a genuine way. Although the book revisits familiar civil rights events, it feels fresh because the struggle is seen through the life of one deeply involved individual. The emphasis on courage, moral responsibility, and the lasting impact of systemic racism leaves a strong impression. It will resonate with readers drawn to history, social justice, and thoughtfully told stories rooted in real events.

Carol Thompson

Miburn by Don VanLandingham Sr. is an account of the Mississippi Burning case, one of the most infamous and pivotal events in the American civil rights movement. The book offers a detailed exploration of the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers—Michael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman—who were killed while working to register Black voters in Mississippi. It vividly portrays the racial tensions and systemic injustices that plagued Mississippi in the 1960s. It also explores the roles of the Ku Klux Klan, local law enforcement, and the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission in perpetuating violence and suppressing civil rights efforts. VanLandingham’s writing captures the fear and courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo, as well as the chilling determination of those who sought to maintain it.

Don VanLandingham draws on historical records, courtroom testimony, and personal accounts to reconstruct the events leading up to the murders, the investigation that followed, and the landmark trial. The author’s unique perspective enriches the narrative: his father was an FBI agent involved in the case, and he is a forensic accountant with a deep understanding of investigative processes. Miburn is a reflection on the broader struggle for civil rights in America. It underscores the importance of standing up to injustice and the lasting impact of those who risked their lives for equality. This book is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement and the ongoing need to confront prejudice and inequality. Miburn is a significant contribution to understanding this critical chapter in American history.