From Real-life to the Pages
I was asked a question this week: What is a topic you could talk about for hours on end? I thought the question was silly at first, but for some reason it has stuck with me this week and I've given it a lot of thought. It might seem twisted, but I could talk about crime and the ethics of it for hours if you ask the right questions. Lately, I've been drawn into the world of true crime books focusing on the ethical questions that come with solving real-life mysteries. I've only made my way through of a few of titles listed below, but the rest are either on hold at my local library or on their way to me from Amazon. Once I'm done reading them all I plan to upload an updated post with new thoughts. If you've read any of these or have recommendations of your own, I'd love to hear!!
My List on Amazon
The Innocent Man by Josh Grisham - When Justice Gets it Wrong
True crime fans may know Josh Grisham for his bestselling legal thrillers in the world of fiction, but The Innocent Man is something different. This book is arguably one of the most chilling and emotionally grabbing murder mystery books I've ever read. This non-fiction work follows 4 innocently condemned "criminals"; however, it follows more closely the story of Ron Williamson, a former minor league baseball player who was wrongfully convicted of a brutal murder in small town Oklahoma.
What makes this book chilling and emotionally grabbing in my opinion is the raw tragedy of it all. The book is powerful, infuriating, and emotional as it dives into the criminal justice system, and how terrifyingly easy it is for an innocent person to be condemned to a death sentence.
As I was reading this, I not only found myself deeply horrified, but deeply reflective. What does justice look like if the truth is buried beneath bias (race, mental health, etc.,)? What drives the pressure of closing a case and how does this destroy justice? What happens to a community when it chooses certainty over caution?
If you are interested in the intersection of laws, ethics, and real human consequences, The Innocent Man is a must-read. Let me know your opinions!
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - First Impressions
I've just started Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, and even a few pages in, I can already tell this book is going to be powerful. It dives deep into the justice system, racial injustice, and the fight for mercy in a system full ran imperfect people. Stevenson, a lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, brings a deeply personal and compassionate perspective to cases that most people would ignore.
I have just been introduced to the story of Walter McMillian - a man wrongfully sentenced to death - and I'm struck how the author balances the emotional weight of the cases with legal insight.
It led me to wonder what "just mercy" means and how we as a society can offer mercy along with justice? Justice isn't just about punishment and condemning the guilty but is a factor in protecting the innocent. I recently came across an altered quote by Ghandi, "the justice of a society is measured by how it treats its worst citizens not its best."
I'd love to hear what stood out to you when reading this book!
The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin - A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Supreme Court
The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin just made its way onto my reading pile, and I’m really looking forward to getting into it. I haven’t cracked it open yet, but from what I’ve heard, it offers an inside look at the personalities, politics, and power struggles within the U.S. Supreme Court. Toobin dives into the lives and decisions of nine influential justices during a pivotal time in American legal history.
What interests me most about this book is the human element—how personal beliefs, backgrounds, and relationships influence some of the most important legal decisions in the country. It's not just about the rulings themselves, but about the people behind the bench who shape the law in ways we often don’t see.
If you've read The Nine, I’d love to know what you thought! And if it’s on your list too, let’s start it together—I’ll be sharing thoughts once I’m a few chapters in.
On My Desk: Gideon’s Trumpet by Anthony Lewis – Next Up on My Reading List
Gideon’s Trumpet by Anthony Lewis is currently sitting on my desk, waiting to be opened—and I’m genuinely excited to dive in. This nonfiction classic tells the story of Clarence Earl Gideon, a man who defended his right to legal counsel all the way to the Supreme Court, resulting in the landmark case Gideon v. Wainwright. It’s a major moment in legal history that changed how the Sixth Amendment is interpreted in the U.S., especially for people who can’t afford a lawyer.
I haven’t started it yet, but I’m expecting a mix of legal insight, human interest, and a deeper understanding of the fight for fair representation. I’m especially interested in seeing how this book explores the ethical foundations of the right to counsel, and how it connects to current justice system issues.
If you’ve read it, I’d love to know your thoughts—or if it’s also on your TBR, maybe this is your sign to start it with me!
Honorary Mentions
The Five by Hallie Rubenhold
The Five takes a completely different approach to true crime—focusing not on the killer, but on the women whose lives were taken. I’m really looking forward to reading this one because it shifts the narrative from sensationalized violence to empathy and context. These women had stories, struggles, and real lives before they were reduced to headlines. I can already tell this will be a powerful, necessary reframing of history.
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
This memoir by Anthony Ray Hinton—who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit—is one I’ve heard incredible things about. I’m expecting it to be heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Books like this remind me why I’m so interested in the criminal justice system—how it fails, and how people fight back with unbelievable strength. I can’t wait to dive in.
Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton
Next Up: A Story of Wrongful Conviction and Forgiveness
This book tells the true story of a woman who wrongly identified a man as her rapist, leading to years of wrongful imprisonment—and their eventual journey to understanding and forgiveness. The emotional and ethical layers here are deep, and I’m really interested in how it handles justice, trauma, and healing. It’s been on my list for a while, and I’m glad it’s finally on the way.
A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett
On Its Way: A Memoir About Redemption and the Fight for Justice
This memoir follows Brittany K. Barnett’s journey as a young Black lawyer fighting for clients sentenced to life in prison for nonviolent drug offenses. I’m looking forward to this one because it sounds like a mix of legal insight and personal storytelling—plus, it centers on real, systemic change. I have a feeling this will be one of those books that stays with me long after I turn the last page.
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
Coming Soon: A Deep Dive into Secrets, Silence, and the Troubles
Say Nothing has been on my radar for a while now, and I’m finally getting my hands on it. It explores the murder of Jean McConville during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, but from what I’ve read, it’s about so much more than one crime. This book seems to blend political history, true crime, and moral complexity in a way that’s both journalistic and deeply human. I’m expecting a layered, haunting narrative about the cost of silence and loyalty—and I can’t wait to dig in.
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
TBR: Journalism, Power, and the Stories They Tried to Bury
Catch and Kill is on its way to me, and I’m genuinely eager to get into it. This investigative memoir by Ronan Farrow uncovers how powerful men—and institutions—tried to silence survivors and journalists alike. It’s not only about the Harvey Weinstein case, but about the broken systems behind the scenes: the media, politics, and corporate protection of abusers. I’m anticipating a fast-paced, jaw-dropping read that blurs the line between true crime and whistleblowing journalism.
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