True Crime Book Launch and Reception at the Courthouse Where it all Began

By Cindy Pitts Gilbert  Buford Weekly Illustrated April 20, 2016

Local Author Carole Townsend Launches 4^th Book at the Historic Courthouse and focal point where the crime occurred.  On Thursday evening, April, 14, 2016 many of Gwinnett County’s movers and shakers including three of our Gwinnett County mayors, numerous city council members came together with many her students, friends and family met at the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville for a reception for author Carol Townsend to launch her new book, “Blood in the Soil,” A True Tale of Racism, Sex, and Murder in the South. It is estimated that about 200 people were in attendance to honor Georgia girl done good to stand in line to get their personally signed copy of her new book, which has already earned over three thousand dollars in pre-sales. Townsend who has a reputation for writing southern humor books such as Magnolias, Sweet Tea and Exhaust and Red Lipstick and Clean Underwear has changed genre’s to write a true crime drama about the infamous shooting of Larry Flint during a trail in Lawrenceville, GA  and the serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin who shot him.  Her interest in writing the book was sparked by the execution of Franklin in 2013. This true account is written from the perspective of Detective Michael Cowart and the life from childhood through his execution.

Speakers included Madam Chairmen Charlotte Nash welcoming the guests and good friend Ron Goodbub who introduced Townsend with a few personal and humorous antidotes about her. A somewhat touching part of the evening was a personal reading of a chapter from the book from Detective Michael Cowart from whose perspective the book was written.

The event was hosted by Michelle McGill Couch and Natalie Miller who brought in local sponsors, good food and some of Townsend’s students as volunteers. The décor was both interesting and entertaining including some blood stained gauze, crime tape, historical pictures and loads of bullet casings.  A special southern touch included the centerpieces of hand picked cotton arrangements.

Carole Townsend is local reporter and columnist for the Gwinnett Citizen and has appeared on CNN and FOX, ABC and CBS news, and talk shows. You can get the book in local book stores and on amazon. 

I was honored to be able to cover this event for the Buford Weekly Illustrated. Carol is both a mentor and friend.  You are an inspiration Carole.