Following the release of his debut courtroom to crime Fiction book, Worse Than a Lie, A Beau Lee Cooper Novel, in February 2026, attorney Ben Crump has quickly added another distinction to his already accomplished career, becoming both a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Gripping thriller, truth and justice are called into question when a Black man is gunned down in cold blood in the first novel in a riveting series from this renowned civil rights attorney. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys, Crump has built his reputation advocating for justice in high-profile cases involving racial inequality, police misconduct, and social justice. Now, he is bringing that same purpose and focus to the literary world.
368 pages, $30, Available on Penguin Books.
Crump’s new book marks a significant step into fiction, offering readers a narrative that reflects the same themes of truth, justice, and systemic challenges that have defined his legal work. With a career that has spanned decades, he has represented families in landmark cases and has often been a central voice in the national conversation on civil rights. His transition into writing allows him to reach audiences in a new and impactful way.
As interest in his work continues to grow, Crump is expanding his national book tour, with plans to add up to 100 additional stops between April and August. What sets this tour apart is the intentional structure behind it. From the outset, Crump has made a deliberate decision to partner with Black-owned bookstores whenever possible, ensuring that each stop contributes directly to the communities he visits.
This commitment has only strengthened as the tour grows. By collaborating with NAB2 and working alongside Kevin Johnson, Crump’s team is identifying and engaging local Black-owned bookstores to serve as official booksellers for each event. The approach is both strategic and mission-driven, designed to ensure that the economic impact generated by the tour supports these businesses in meaningful ways.
“Black-owned bookstores are more than places to buy books. They are spaces that preserve our stories and serve our communities. This partnership ensures those bookstores are part of the opportunity, so the visibility and economic impact reach the communities they represent. That kind of intentional alignment helps these spaces continue to grow and thrive,” said Johnson.
Rather than being incidental, this initiative reflects a broader philosophy that aligns with Crump’s lifelong work—creating opportunities, building equity, and uplifting underserved communities. As the tour continues to expand nationwide, it stands as an example of how influence and platform can be leveraged not only to amplify a message, but also to create lasting economic and cultural impact.
