Sam Amirante is a great storyteller, and I enjoyed this story immensely. Amirante had just hung out his shingle on his law office after a long stint as head of the public defender's office. John Wayne Gacy was his first client in his new endeavor. What is powerful about this book is that the author wanted to remind Americans of the basis of our criminal justice system. Under our Constitution, we are all promised a fair hearing of guilt or innocence.
Considering Gacy fell apart and started telling everyone who would listen about his murder spree, it is impressive he even got a trial. First, Amirante tried everything to get Gacy hospitalized, but Gacy would disagree, and the police immediately arrested Gacy. Then, of course, the prosecution pushed for the death penalty. The defense asked that Gacy be hospitalized and studied (in the hopes of learning enough about serial killers to prevent future rampages).
Fortunately, some lawyers stick with their clients even when the case is hopeless. In this case, Gacy destroyed his case with his rambling confessions and court antics. However, by listening to the closing statements by both sides, it is evident that Gacy's lawyers tried to remove the emotion from the juror's decision-making process.
This true-crime novel is excellent; I read it in less than two days (14 hours, 13 minutes long). This book didn't dilly-dally around; the author made his points and moved on. I hope this author keeps writing. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Considering Gacy fell apart and started telling everyone who would listen about his murder spree, it is impressive he even got a trial. First, Amirante tried everything to get Gacy hospitalized, but Gacy would disagree, and the police immediately arrested Gacy. Then, of course, the prosecution pushed for the death penalty. The defense asked that Gacy be hospitalized and studied (in the hopes of learning enough about serial killers to prevent future rampages).
Fortunately, some lawyers stick with their clients even when the case is hopeless. In this case, Gacy destroyed his case with his rambling confessions and court antics. However, by listening to the closing statements by both sides, it is evident that Gacy's lawyers tried to remove the emotion from the juror's decision-making process.
This true-crime novel is excellent; I read it in less than two days (14 hours, 13 minutes long). This book didn't dilly-dally around; the author made his points and moved on. I hope this author keeps writing. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
