Through extensive interviews, research, and Freedom of Information Act requests, the author analyzes the official investigations, the evidence, the performance of law enforcement officials, the role of James Earl Ray, and the questions of conspiracy. Much of the data presented has not been published prior to this book. The book argues that the FBI's conclusion that James Earl Ray acted alone is not supported by the evidence. Neither does the book support the conclusion of the House Select Committee on Assassinations that Ray was backed by a conspiracy of St Louis-based white supremacists. Although the author concludes that Ray did not act alone, he contends that the official investigations were so flawed that the conspirators behind Ray are still unidentified. The author's own conclusions regarding the probable source of the conspiracy offer an indictment of the ways in which powerful interests, left unchecked, can wreak havoc on American democratic processes. Chapter references, 51-item bibliography, subject index. (Publisher summary modified)