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martinbihl's review against another edition
2.0
What do we learn from this book? That justice often isn't just, and that truth can get lost in the endless tedium of legal argument. This book ground inexorably to its obvious conclusion, through round after round of legal arguments. It was like reading trial transcripts. In short, probably an accurate view of death penalty law, but as fiction, at times, almost unreadable.
madladym's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very difficult for me to read. It's about a death row inmate and his lawyers attempts to have his execution stayed.
My feelings and thoughts regarding the death penalty have changed over the years. The recent execution in Georgia made me start thinking about it again. I was at the library browsing the shelves and ran across this book. I've read many of RNP''s novels and like his style so I picked this up and started it. It's a difficult subject to read about.
The book follows Renell Price's attorneys through the days preceding his scheduled execution. It takes you through the crime and the investigation and trial. The subsequent maneuvering through the justice system. I sincerely hope that the Supreme Court of the US isn't as petty as this book portrayed them.
My feelings and thoughts regarding the death penalty have changed over the years. The recent execution in Georgia made me start thinking about it again. I was at the library browsing the shelves and ran across this book. I've read many of RNP''s novels and like his style so I picked this up and started it. It's a difficult subject to read about.
The book follows Renell Price's attorneys through the days preceding his scheduled execution. It takes you through the crime and the investigation and trial. The subsequent maneuvering through the justice system. I sincerely hope that the Supreme Court of the US isn't as petty as this book portrayed them.
louisecalder's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Suicide
voracious_reader_j's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
measiwitch's review against another edition
4.0
This book started off slow, but about halfway through it really grabbed me, and I had to finish it in an evening. It's a bit depressing, really - but the worlds these characters came from are depressing. It's essentially Law & Order in book form, including some good chapter pauses for the dun-dun beats.
The only thing that flew over my head was what was going on with Elena. I definitely missed something, unless my assumption of teenage pissy behavior for the sake of being pissy is on the mark.
The only thing that flew over my head was what was going on with Elena. I definitely missed something, unless my assumption of teenage pissy behavior for the sake of being pissy is on the mark.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 STARS
"When the body of nine-year old Thuy Sen is found in the San Francisco Bay, the police quickly charge Rennell and Payton Price with her grisly murder. A twelve-person jury, abetted by an incompetent defense lawyer, is nearly as quick to find the brothers guilty, and to sentence them both to die for their crimes.
Fifteen years later, overworked pro bono laywer Teresa Peralta Paget, her husband Chris, and stepson Carlo, a recent Harvard law graduate, become convinced not only that Rennell didn't receive a fair trial but that he may well be innocent. Racing against the clock and facing enormous legal obstacles, Teresa, Chris, and Carlo desperately try to stay Rennell's execution, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court, and to an enormously moving and powerful conclusion." (From Amazon)
I thought this novel was a standalone novel but there were hints to back stories of the main characters. I will reread when I read the series. I love the suspense and the case from this book still stays with me.
"When the body of nine-year old Thuy Sen is found in the San Francisco Bay, the police quickly charge Rennell and Payton Price with her grisly murder. A twelve-person jury, abetted by an incompetent defense lawyer, is nearly as quick to find the brothers guilty, and to sentence them both to die for their crimes.
Fifteen years later, overworked pro bono laywer Teresa Peralta Paget, her husband Chris, and stepson Carlo, a recent Harvard law graduate, become convinced not only that Rennell didn't receive a fair trial but that he may well be innocent. Racing against the clock and facing enormous legal obstacles, Teresa, Chris, and Carlo desperately try to stay Rennell's execution, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court, and to an enormously moving and powerful conclusion." (From Amazon)
I thought this novel was a standalone novel but there were hints to back stories of the main characters. I will reread when I read the series. I love the suspense and the case from this book still stays with me.
stamdl99's review against another edition
2.0
The last half of this book was slow going for me. Way too much detail about the legal system and death row. I ended up skimming the last 100 pages.
margardenlady's review against another edition
2.0
listened to this on cd in the car... WAY too much legal machination, from my perspective, but the characters finally showed some humanity at the very end.
erikashmerika's review against another edition
3.0
Can we agree that this is an excessive use of the word ‘sardonic’. I mean, eleven is a lot.