This is John Grisham's first foray into the world of true crime.

As one would expect from such an experienced author, the writing is very good. It is not the best true crime book I have ever read, nor is it the worst. There is a sense of detachment from the characters in the book that I felt detracted from the story.

The big issue highlighted in this book is the number of innocent people, especially those who cannot afford their own defense, who are convicted and sentenced to death in America. The cases featured in this book range from the 1980s to the present day. Some of the people involved in very dubious convictions are still in place today.

DNA was a brilliant discovery that exonerated many people wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. However, they should never have been on trial in the first place. Sloppy police work and political pressure for a result were major factors in the wrongful conviction of innocent people.

It is worth a read for the eye-opening facts that are brought to light in these cases.

So, I completed this book late last night, and ever since then, I have been deeply pondering what I should pen down in this review. How did I truly feel about this book? Well, I still find myself in a state of uncertainty.

On one hand, I am inclined to give it a high rating. The reason being that it vividly portrays the extremely messed-up state of Oklahoma's justice system. It shows how this system unrepentantly robbed years and even lives from innocent men, seemingly for no justifiable reason. For bestselling author John Grisham to have brought this story to the kind of attention it rightfully deserves and to have shone a spotlight on it, it seems like it should receive all the stars.

But at the same time, I have perused many other works by John Grisham, and it is arguable that this is not among his best-written ones. I have also read quite a number of other true crime books, and this doesn't rank among the best-written in that genre either. The narrative jumps around between different timelines and people. It could have benefited from a bit more structure in terms of the chapters and sections. Perhaps a timeline and a "character list" would have been helpful to keep track of the numerous lawyers, inmates, police, and others who are all involved in the story. However, my main gripe with this is that it reads like a high school report, complete with all the immature snark one would expect when an irritated teenager doesn't really care for the assigned subject.

And, granted, derision was indeed warranted when it came to the "investigation," the prosecutor, the judge who allowed this travesty of a trial to proceed, the judges who upheld it on appeal, and all the other people and systems that failed or were trampled upon in the process of obtaining a conviction, despite having no evidence at all. But the issue I have is that it no longer feels like objective reporting and journalism; instead, it feels like propaganda.

It's more about "Look how evil and cruel the prosecution was" rather than "This is what actually happened and this is why that SHOULDN'T have happened and this was how it was wrong."

I had higher expectations from Grisham. He used to be a lawyer, and he is still a writer, so he should be an expert at objectively explaining the facts of the case, the law, why it matters, and in this instance, how the system failed these men, and doing so with skill. Let the reader handle the anger and derision on behalf of these guys - you just present the facts to them. Or if you MUST include such emotions, put them in your introduction or author notes or something.

Also, it annoyed me that this book was titled "The Innocent Man" as if only one person had their life ruined. In fact, there were two innocent men convicted of this murder. Additionally, two other presumably innocent men were convicted in Ada, without any evidence and even without a body, of the abduction and murder of another woman. And several other men were mentioned with similar stories of wrongful conviction - but Grisham chose to title this in the singular, as if the other men were not also innocent victims of injustice.

All that being said, it wasn't a terrible book. I read it relatively quickly, though that was likely more because I was eager to know if they were going to be freed and receive justice... I needed to know what would transpire.

All in all, I think this book had significant flaws, but it was a story that needed to be told, and so I'm not regretful that it was written. This kind of thing still occurs all the time, although hopefully not quite as blatantly. Prosecutors are supposed to work for the people, and let's not forget that. If they are more concerned with their conviction rate than with accuracy, that's a problem we should all be worried about. Not just because anyone could potentially be wrongfully accused and convicted - but also because that leaves the real perpetrator(s) free. Free to commit rape, or murder, or assault or whatever, once again. We should all be concerned with ensuring that convictions are based on solid evidence and truth, not a desire for a quick conviction statistic.

Originally, I was inclined to award this book five stars due to its readability, in-depth research, and high relevance. However, my main concern was the overall disturbing essence of the story. It delved into a truly horrendous miscarriage of justice that occurred in my own state, involving two innocent men. This case explored the all-too-common occurrence of incarcerating and even executing those who had no connection whatsoever to the crimes in question.

Upon conducting further research, I discovered that the author, Mr. Grisham, might not have performed as impeccably as I initially thought in researching and presenting the facts of this case. Or perhaps, I should state that while he did his research well, at times, his own personal agenda seemed to overshadow how he presented those facts. That agenda appeared to be centered around the idea that corrupt officials succumb to pressure and unjustly imprison the innocent.

In this book, Mr. Grisham seems determined to depict the prosecutor, Bill Peterson, as a classic villain. After finishing the book, I偶然 came across Mr. Peterson's view of the situation, which offered a different perspective on Grisham's portrayal of events in his book. According to Peterson, The Innocent Man isn't non-fiction because Grisham failed to present Peterson's side of the story, omitted crucial information, and 'compromised (the truth) in favor of dramatic license'. Having read just some of what Peterson says on his website, I find myself inclined to concur with him.

That Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz deserved justice and were unjustly denied it, I have no doubt. However, that the events unfolded precisely as Grisham portrays them, I have more than a few reservations.

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I heard John Grisham speak about The Innocent Man Murder and Injustice in a Small Town on the 13th of October 2009 at Oklahoma City University School of Law. The book itself focuses on the wrongful conviction of two men in Ada, OK. During his address, Mr. Grisham stated that wrong arrests and executions are a national phenomenon and problem.

It was a worthwhile event that not only included a fascinating talk by the renowned author but also selections from the play, The Exonerated A Play. This event provided a platform for a deeper exploration of the complex issues surrounding wrongful convictions and the importance of seeking justice for all.

Sometimes reality is far more cruel than any fiction. Ron Williamson was an unpleasant fellow and an egocentric lazy drunkard. However, even such a poor creature didn't deserve the treatments he received.

The saddest part of the story is that a purulent garbage like Peterson, after destroying innocent lives forever, was able to keep his odious job as a prosecutor for almost a decade. This shows the flaws and injustices in the system. How could someone so corrupt and irresponsible be allowed to continue in a position of power and authority?

It makes one question the integrity and fairness of the legal system. The consequences of Peterson's actions had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those he wronged. It is a tragic example of how the actions of a few can cause so much harm and suffering.

We need to be vigilant and demand accountability from those in positions of power to ensure that such injustices do not occur again.

This is a true story you need to know about!

The capital punishment issue has sparked numerous intense arguments on both sides. However, one of the most potent arguments against its use is that, on occasion, the justice system can severely malfunction and make a tragic error. Take the case of Robert Williamson. As a young man, he was an exceptionally talented baseball player, believing he was bound for the major leagues. But he soon embarked on a self-indulgent and debauched lifestyle that led to trouble, self-destruction, and severe mental illness. Williamson and his alleged co-conspirator were far from being nice people, but they were not rapists either.

THE INNOCENT MAN details the blind and single-minded pursuit of the Oklahoma judicial system to arrest, imprison, and execute a man for the 1982 rape and murder of a cocktail waitress. It was a very close call, but ultimately, Williamson was proven innocent and released just before his impending date with the executioner. Even those who support the deterrent or punishment argument in the capital punishment debate will be shaken by this near miss of a system gone so horribly wrong.

Unfortunately, the writing in THE INNOCENT MAN is not as captivating as it could have been given the nature of the subject matter. Nevertheless, it is still quite gripping and important enough that every thoughtful citizen should read it and be aware that this kind of miscarriage of justice can and does occur. Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

A True Story by John Grisham

John Grisham is a renowned author, and this book presents a true story that has its merits. Although I did find certain aspects of it enjoyable, I must admit that I felt it could have benefited from some serious editing. In fact, it seemed to me that approximately 100 pages could have been trimmed to eliminate the tedious parts.

The story is, without a doubt, very disturbing. Grisham has done a decent job of writing it for the most part. However, there are times when the narrative rambles on with an overabundance of unnecessary details and subplots. These digressions can sometimes disrupt the flow of the story and make it a bit of a chore to get through.

I firmly believe that if this book had received a good edit, it would have been a much more engaging read. I would have been able to immerse myself in the story without being distracted by the extraneous elements. As a result, I feel pretty certain that I would have enjoyed it far more and would have been inclined to award it a higher rating.

A Fantastic Read

I must say that this book is an absolute page-turner. I found myself returning to it not once, not twice, but three times, such was its captivating nature. John Grisham has truly outdone himself here. He has not only proven to be a great fiction novelist but has also shown his prowess as a terrific True Crime writer. It is truly a shame to see what sometimes transpires in our society. Thank goodness for initiatives like the Innocence Project and the advent of DNA testing.

In this book, Mr. Grisham introduces us to Ron Williamson, a once-successful baseball player. However, his life takes a tragic turn after an injury and the development of a drinking problem. Struggling with his demons in the small town of Ada, Oklahoma, Ron is unjustly accused and charged with a gruesome murder he did not commit. Sadly, he finds himself on death row, where he endures years of incarceration, untreated mental health problems, and the use of psych meds that ultimately lead to chronic health issues.

Mr. Grisham presents the justice system in a rather unflattering light in this book. Having spent 25 years as a veteran of the California Prison system, I can attest first-hand that there are indeed some bad apples among the ranks. I spent nearly three years working on San Quentin's death row, always being mindful to leave my personal convictions at the gate. I like to think that I did a good job in my role. I have the utmost respect for peace officers and first responders who put their lives on the line daily to ensure the safety and security of the public. That being said, it is undeniable that some officers simply do not deserve to wear the badge. The same can be said for some cops on the streets and even District Attorneys.

I would be remiss if I did not admit that this book had a significant influence on me while I was writing the Bloodline Chronicles. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to my peace officer brothers and sisters. It is a highly insightful read that serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for us to remain professional at all times.

The Innocent Man commences by描绘 the harrowing rape and murder of Debra Sue Carter, a cocktail waitress residing in Ada, Oklahoma. The case remained unresolved until 1987, when Ron Williamson and a friend, Dennis Fritz, were apprehended and charged with the heinous crime. The prosecution's key witness asserted that the duo had been at the club where Carter was employed on the fateful night of her murder.

The author then proceeds to meticulously document the abhorrent abuse perpetrated by the prosecutors during this trial. It is truly appalling to read about such a blatant miscarriage of justice, especially when one is aware that there are likely countless other similar cases lurking in the shadows.

I am an avid enthusiast of true crime, and this was a captivating story. However, I did not particularly relish the style that Grisham employed to document the narrative. It appeared to be one extensive, drawn-out summary, interspersed with his own caustic sarcasm. I suppose it is understandable, given the extremely biased nature of the prosecution. Grisham lays bare the flaws within the American justice system, which is perpetually under pressure to deliver justice to criminals, even if those individuals may not actually be culpable.

This work is more saddening and yet less engaging than Grisham's fiction.

The central character, while pitiful, is not easy to empathize with. It's as if the author has created a persona that elicits a sense of pity on the surface but fails to draw the reader in on a deeper emotional level.

Meanwhile, Grisham villainies the law enforcement community as a whole. He does this without seeming to regard the fact that not every case was like this one. By painting the entire law enforcement community with a broad brushstroke of villainy, he may be oversimplifying a complex and diverse group of individuals.

This approach can be both unfair and inaccurate, as it fails to recognize the many good and dedicated officers who work hard to uphold the law and protect the public.

Overall, this work leaves much to be desired in terms of both its character development and its portrayal of the law enforcement community.

My New Year's resolution for this year is to refrain from impulse buying books from Tesco.

I have a tendency to pick up books on a whim when I'm shopping there. Recently, I bought a particular book that seemed interesting at first. However, as I got to page 400, I found myself getting bored with the story.

Instead of reading through the remaining pages carefully, I skimmed the last 100 pages just to finish it.

This experience has made me realize that I need to be more selective when it comes to buying books. I think I'll give true crime books a rest for a while. Maybe I'll explore other genres and see if there are any that can hold my interest from start to finish.

By making this resolution, I hope to save money and also have a more enjoyable reading experience.

Grisham's first true-crime book is, in many respects, superior to his fiction. The characters, all of whom are real, are even more astonishing. The cops, prosecutors, judges, jailers, doctors, scientists, and everyone else evaded their responsibilities, violated the rules, and essentially framed five innocent men for three murders. It is a gruesome and disheartening story.

To be impartial, it commences with a police-induced confession, manipulating the dream of a mentally ill man to conform to the desired facts. Once the confession was on record, everyone else felt entitled to manipulate the results - 'oh, he confessed, so this fingerprint must be his.' All the fabricated evidence stems from this initial abuse by the cops.

This narrative is far more perturbing than fiction: these murders are genuine, and the ruination of five innocent lives is just as real. Grisham largely maintains an even and neutral tone, yet he cannot refrain from taking a few jabs at these indolent frauds who pretend to serve justice in Oklahoma.

This is an extremely disturbing nonfiction book that delves deep into our judicial system, revealing a heinous crime and a life that was tragically wasted.

It vividly shows how several innocent men were wrongly convicted of murder. In reality, it seems that one is truly considered guilty until proven innocent, rather than the other way around.

This is a very sad documentary about a talented high school athlete who unfortunately ruined his life through excessive drinking and drug use. He was then framed for murder, which led to the development of both mental and physical illnesses.

It is truly unbelievable that these innocent men spent a staggering 12 years in prison, while the appeals courts continuously upheld the verdict, despite all the bungling and lack of evidence in the first trial.

The main lesson I learned from this is that if you are ever brought in for questioning by the police, it is essential not to answer any questions without an attorney present, even if you are completely innocent and have nothing to hide.

The fact that this actually happened is truly horrific. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in legal thrillers, the justice system, or prison life.