In the Heat of the Night

Twenty years after a woman is gruesomely murdered, a repeat crime of the same style is committed, and Chief Gillespie and Virgil must unravel the mystery.

A respected citizen of Sparta is murdered in his own home and the prime suspects are his own family members.

A unexpected visit from Virgil's best friend and former partner coincides with the murder of two federal agents and an organized crime witness.

Gillespie discovers that long time friend and sheriff of neighboring Butler County is a racist and he therefore must investigate the deaths of black prisoners.

Bubba falls in love with a beautiful newcomer to Sparta.

Virgil shoots and kills a young black girl that he mistakes for a thief.

Virgil's niece and Bubba's nephew, teenagers from different worlds, find common ground and trouble.

Chief Gillepsie suspects a new man in town named Clay Calder may be involved in the recent murder of a young prostitute.

Prejudice and murder result when Virgil and Althea integrate an all white church.

Gillepsie struggles with the dilemma over capital punishment as cruel and unusual or appropriate punishment for a crime.

Twelve years ago, Joann convinced two friends to testify against their pimp for the murder of a prostitute. Now, three convicts escape from prison and one of them is out for revenge.

A newborn infant is found dead in the Sparta city dump and more than just the teenage mother is suspect.

Elderly citizens are being beaten and robbed and the investigation is complicated by Virgil's bad back and his visiting in-laws.

Virgil takes a special interest in a wife beating victim and in the process unlocks part of his past.

Virgil and Gillespie solve a murder case which reveals the true relationship between two sisters.

When Virgil and Gillespie solve two murders, a violent strike is averted at a Sparta river plant.

Bubba becomes the center of racial controversy in Sparta when he is accused of raping a black woman.

The citizens of Sparta are celebrating their high school's victory at the regional basketball tournament game, but the shock of a deadly hit and run accident turns their happiness into a nightmare.

An arson suspect helps Sparta police discover the unlikely criminal who killed her own husband in a house fire.

A strange old woman who raises pigs and then kills them draws police attention in a bizarre murder case.

Virgil unwittingly meddles with a terrorist organization responsible for Gillespie's kidnapping and Dugan's murder.