The Price of Borrowed Coffee endeavors to tell the story of the wrongfully accused and murdered man, Charlie Lee Price. On June 9th, 1945, a well known white woman from the most prominent family in Cooktown, GA was murdered. The next day, Charlie Lee Price is accosted, accused of and promptly killed by an angry white mob, led by the town’s sheriff, for the murder.

Richard Price tells the harrowing family story through oral history and personal testimony given throughout the years by his family members. More than true crime, this book serves as an examination into racial injustice, generational trauma, and the consequences of a justice system that failed to protect the most vulnerable.

The author possesses extreme dedication to uncovering the truth through investigation and explores he emotional impact of a family dedicated to reclaiming their cousin’s story. A compelling and thought provoking read that implores its audience to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past of America’s Jim Crow South and recognizing the impact of these events on today’s society.

A story that needed to be told. As you can tell from the title this is not only a quest for justice but a true labor of love. It's a damn shame that this kind of inequity not only was prevalent back then but unfortunately continues today. I do hope that this story goes viral and not only will Charlie Lee Price be vindicated but the generations of his family today and tomorrow will finally find peace. Thank you for writing this heartbreaking story. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

“When “Mae” Cook was found murdered, the town’s rage fell onto Charlie Lee Price, a young Black man whose speech disorder left him defenseless against a mob. He was accused, hunted, and killed without trial after already enduring a lifetime of abuse.
This is his story, decades later. His family refuses to let his name be forgotten.”


3.5/5 — This book offers a devastating account of Charlie’s experience, presented with the depth and precision of an investigative historical study rather than a conventional true crime book. The most challenging moments are those that lay bare the cruelty Charlie faced.

What makes the story resonate is how clearly it illustrates the long shadow of American racism and how its effects remain visible in today’s social and political climate.

The Price of Borrowed Coffee: The Eighty-Year Pursuit of Justice for Charlie Lee Price
by Richard Price
Publication Date: 28 July 2026

The Price of Borrowed Coffee is a powerful and deeply moving account of a tragedy that remained buried beneath decades of silence. Through meticulous research, personal testimony, and oral history, Richard Price shines a light on the life of Charlie Lee Price, a young Black man who became the victim of racial injustice in the Jim Crow South.

More than a true crime narrative, this book serves as an important examination of systemic racism, generational trauma, and the devastating consequences of a justice system that failed those it was meant to protect. The story unfolds with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that Charlie Lee Price is remembered not simply as a victim, but as a person whose voice was taken from him long before his life was.

The author's dedication to uncovering the truth is evident throughout, blending historical investigation with the emotional impact of a family determined to reclaim their relative's story. The result is a compelling and thought-provoking read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past while recognising the lasting effects these events continue to have today.

Heartbreaking, insightful, and ultimately an act of remembrance, The Price of Borrowed Coffee is an important contribution to both historical nonfiction and true crime. It is a story of loss, resilience, and a family's unwavering pursuit of justice after eighty years of silence.

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Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This was truly a rough and heartbreaking read. It's going to sit with me for a long time.