REVIEWS
Shocking behavior, examinations, testimony for and against the system. A must read that will hold your interest, bring tears to your eyes, and cause doubt to yourself and a wanting to reach out and give help to those who desperately need it. Congrats to the Author David Miraldi.
This is a must read for all who appreciate that our criminal system has and will continue to make decisions that causes the imprisonment of the innocent. The novel will enlighten and broaden your scope to view a glaring tragedy of injustice.
I have to tell you this story will open your eyes and occasionally make you feel like you, yourself, are falling off the edge of doubt. Those of you too young to remember the rash of 1990s cases nationwide involving the sexual abuse of children by child-care workers or divorcing spouses seeking sole custody may not be aware of how prevalent the cases were for a time – years. With David Miraldi we will follow the criminal charges, trials, and incarcerations of Nancy Smith and Joseph Allen in the small Ohio town of Lorain. Rumor, innuendo, and rage flowed out from the city center, and justice was defined as ‘Who will pay? Who will pay for these atrocities against our children? Someone has to pay NOW.” But Justice was lost. Lost in the shuffle. And we know who will suffer the repercussions. Nancy and Joseph. But are they guilty? Does it matter?
This true crime novel, is normally not something I would read however something made me want to read this one and boy was I right. This story is put together very well by the author and sometimes it’s hard to fathom that this actually happened.
We know that people talking and gossiping can spread like wildfire, however you can’t always believe what you hear or what you think is right. People’s lives were ruined and while the read of the story was well written and truly kept my interest, it’s sad that this happened.
This was a well-done book and one everyone should read in these days where media is king and can do no wrong. There are also certain crimes that always call for emotion Crimes against children are at the top of the list. Mass hysteria is certainly no way to run an investigation. Extremely well done.
This is the horrible story about Nancy Smith and Joseph Allen and the abuse case against them. The book is Gripping and intense! As you read this story you will be alarmed to think such an injustice could occur but as you follow the meticulously researched book it provides a great deal of information to allow the reader to determine their own views.
There are so many flaws in the case from the police breaking all the fundamental rules when questioning young children about potential sexual abuse. The author does an excellent job of leading the reader through the evidence. From reading trial transcripts, combing through newspaper you will follow the criminal charges, trials, and incarcerations of Nancy Smith and Joseph Allen in the small Ohio town of Lorain. This book would be one of the most injustice cases I have read and it ends up taking 30 years before justice finally prevails.
This book is a very fascinating True crime of Innocents denied and is extremely superbly detailed and researched by the author David Miraldi. Definitely check this book out as is a must read to help fight against injustice and to right the wrongs of the people who are innocent and wrongly convicted. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You will find multiple reasons to disbelieve the flawed investigations. Poor police practices, witness contamination, and manipulation of (very) young children brought a story with minimal evidence to trial. Local political leaders demanded a trial with an expected a verdict of guilty.
The prosecutor held back exculpatory evidence and wowed the jury with his ability to make defense witnesses freeze up at the trial. The jury came to a quick decision. Initially, reasonable doubt was discarded, and two innocent adults were found guilty and sentenced to long jail terms. After the initial trial, multiple people discovered information that was not disclosed at the trial; Ohio state law blocked attempts to try to re-open the case.
When you persevere through the details, you will find that persistence convinced many professionals, jurists, and family members to see things in a different light. Guilt changed to innocence after two decades.
Gripping Book Inhabited by Rich, Engaging Characters
[T]he legal scenes . . . are both gripping and a fascinating insight into the everyday workings of the American justice system. It is well-told, feels accurate and authentic, and it’s inhabited with rich, engaging characters. An excellent account of an event that altered many people’s lives forever.
A Superbly Crafted Nonfiction Drama That Transcends True-Crime Genre Expectations.
With a seasoned storyteller’s panache, attorney Miraldi narrates the harrowing true-life tale of Marie Grossman, whose life was irrevocably altered in 1987 when she was victimized by a random point-blank shooting. The author’s strong narrative voice hooks readers from the beginning, as he demonstrates a natural dramatic and novelistic flair for setting and pacing with more than a hint of Joseph Wambaugh and John Grisham throughout. Miraldi switches effortlessly between points of view . . . . vividly re-creating her legal battles ‘scene by meticulous scene’ later in the text. The author also turns in some appealing observational writing along the way … with an unanticipated twist. A superbly crafted nonfiction drama that transcends true-crime genre expectations.
Another Winner!
Miraldi’s second novel doesn’t disappoint! Once again, this read is a page turner. The author’s style allows one to get caught up in the intrigue of a case with just enough legalese without overwhelming the reader.
The story is compelling and the details are delivered in a way that keeps you enthralled from start to finish.
I highly recommend reading this gripping story of one who comes in harm’s way.
Marie Grossman was a remarkable woman–a lawyer and health care executive who faced the biggest challenge of her life. A criminal act took over her thoughts and dreams and hopes. Everyone warned her against the tactics and strategies she wanted to take to overcome the beast that haunted her.
Author David Miraldi, an attorney, takes us deep inside a criminal case that he viewed from afar and a civil case that he played a part in. We see witnesses and victims intimately: their fears, their anger, their courage, and their compassion. Miraldi has a sharp eye for the telling detail. He unfolds the story gradually, like a mystery, with lots of cliffhangers to pull us along.
All of the detail is based on deep research and dozens of interviews. We get to experience the tension and the drama that is part of the legal process. The memorable characters include a meticulous record-keeping bureaucrat, a quick-thinking police detective, two observant parolees, an ex-Marine with a big heart, an exuberant and observant law student, and the judges whose life experiences inform their legal judgments.
I especially liked the attention to the power of particular words and phrases to trigger responses that change the trajectory of an interaction, a legal proceeding, a family meeting, a career, a person’s life. Your words are your destiny. I read the book in one sitting. Each surprise made me want to see what the next one would be. A case is never closed. The lives of those involved must go on.
Very well written and fun to read. This book has it all if you enjoy reading stories that involve the legal system, human nature, the power of the human spirit, and ultimately redemption.
This is such a wonderful book and the author tells the story in such an easy manner that keeps the reader drawn in and never wanting to put the book down. The main character is so inspirational and although there was a horrible crime done to her the ability to forgive was a major take away and soul searching for myself
This is a powerful, moving story about the shooting and attempted robbery of Marie Grossman. It details the devastating injuries she suffered and the courage and determination she showed as she moved on with her life. The author also provided information on her assailant and the effect on his life. Well worth reading!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book- well written and fascinating. Marie Grossman is a remarkable human being. An incredibly moving story of the power of forgiveness.
This is a compelling, true life story of one woman’s journey of recovery, rage, reconciliation and forgiveness. If it were a novel, the ending might seem contrived. As a true story, it’s a great life lesson for all of us.
There is a force of intellect behind it too, which is appealing – it offers an insight into the jury system, and reveals how much of it depends on presentation, persuasion, and spin, regardless of how the legal world strives to privilege objectivity and fact. Miraldi, who is himself an attorney, tells it with an insider’s understanding of that world, and he seems to be a natural storyteller. It also gives an appealing view of America at a certain point in history: the sense of community; the significant contribution of immigration; the inevitable demise of that world when confronted with technology, a loss of innocence and cynicism. It’s a very impressive book.
The book is a fast read, peppered with adultery, evidence by ambush, and unusual expert medical testimony.
I highly recommend this book, whether you are a member of the legal community, or a lay person.
Once reading commenced, I was intrigued by the plot as it was presented – from beginning through to the final chapter.
The result – which I was familiar with still is amazing but, prospective readers will have to process themselves through the intrigue of the characters, the “touch points” and one’s own views.
Which is part of the interest the author has created. A MUST READ by anyone!
Miraldi orchestrates the forces of history, forensic mystery, and courtroom drama with the confidence of a man who knows deeply from where he speaks. He exposes how commonly-flawed individuals, ambitious, subject to prejudice and simple fatigue, interactively process these forces to create a real-life human drama. Drama to which Miraldi’s many future readers will relate.
What the novels of Turow and Grisham demonstrate in clever contrivance, Miraldi delivers thru ironic authenticity. Thoroughly enjoyable: Five Stars!