The Innocent Man

Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

By: John Grisham

Narrated by: Craig Wasson

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best seller

John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction: a true crime story that will terrify anyone who believes in the presumption of innocence.

Soon to be a Netflix original documentary series

“Both an American tragedy and [Grisham’s] strongest legal thriller yet, all the more gripping because it happens to be true.” (Entertainment Weekly)

In the town of Ada, Oklahoma, Ron Williamson was going to be the next Mickey Mantle. But on his way to the Big Leagues, Ron stumbled, his dreams broken by drinking, drugs, and women. Then, on a winter night in 1982, not far from Ron’s home, a young cocktail waitress named Debra Sue Carter was savagely murdered. The investigation led nowhere. Until, on the flimsiest evidence, it led to Ron Williamson. The washed-up small-town hero was charged, tried, and sentenced to death - in a trial littered with lying witnesses and tainted evidence that would shatter a man’s already broken life, and let a true killer go free.

Impeccably researched, grippingly told, filled with 11th-hour drama, this audio edition of The Innocent Man plays like an edge-of-your-seat legal thriller. It is a book no American can afford to miss.

“Grisham has crafted a legal thriller every bit as suspenseful and fast-paced as his best-selling fiction.” (The Boston Globe)

“A gritty, harrowing true-crime story.” (Time)

“A triumph.” (The Seattle Times)

©2006 Belfry Holdings, Inc (P)2006 Random House Audio

long....

get the abridged version. There are soooo many names and it is not very exciting. I found it hard to keep track of everyone and all the many details.

Good Stuff!

I am a Grisham fan, and still am after reading this book. After years of treating us to his classic non-fiction, I respect his taking on new challenges such as The Painted House and now this well written piece of non-fiction. For those who love Grisham’s traditional writing style, this is a bit different -- weaving multiple characters and facts into an accurate account. I imagine it would have been easier for Grisham to embellish the facts, “Grishamize” it, and claim the book to be based on a true story. Instead, he stuck to the facts, but told the story well. As a result, the reader is able to appreciate the book for its fascinating portrayal of a true story. While I still love his traditional writing style, I also enjoyed this book immensely, and hope Grisham keeps surprising us with new things.

Scary that this is a true story

This is the epitome of injustice. The narration was a bit slow for me, but the story was fascinating. Grisham did a good job of switching around times, places and personalities and still kept it all straight. Not a happy story, but it needed to be told.

Captivating

From beginning to end, I was enthralled. Gives you a whole new perspective on the "injustice system" in this country. If you ever thought all suspects are treated fairly, think again.

Great entry into true crime

A great story of the tragic prosecution of an innocent man. The journey Grisham takes his readers (listeners) is filled with dismay and anger at the incompetent and malicious attack of the story's main character. You will find yourself yelling at your iPod!

Justice

Great account of a sad story of lives changed and lost. May the lord bless all those involved.

Still Interesting

Although definitely dry & written like a casefile, the book is still interesting & makes me want to keep listening. When i first started this book, i was a bit shocked at the style of writing & had expected to hear a little more emotion in the story. Even though i'm not drawn to these 'characters', i'm still interested to hear how this turns out - and am shocked at the legal system in OK.

Innocent Man

The book was vary good. At times it was hard to follow.

Truth stranger than fiction

I think this may be the first non fiction Grisham book I have read. Grisham is one of my favorite authors, but this book is a different twist, the twisted legal system and two poor men’s story of how it almost consumed them. Faith that justice may prevail eventually.

Excellent story!

This was my first book by Gresham and I am now a huge fan. This story was very well researched and written. I will now watch the movie made from this book.