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james1star's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I really enjoyed this and totally recommend giving this a read. I think if I hadn’t read Notes on an Execution before this I’d have loved it just a little bit more and whilst the two aren’t the same, they’re similar with Notes being better imo. That being said this was still great, it’s a super fast read that pulls you forward.
The plot is dual-POV from Justine who is a prosecutor who has only requested the death penalty for one case, Jake Milford, as it’s clear he’s the culprit in a child murder. Jake makes up the other chapters in the form of a letter/diary style on his final day before being executed. In the present day, Christine is dealing with the struggles that come with being a prosecutor with people demanding she push for the death penalty more but then she receives a note from Jake’s wife saying she’s found something… And this is not to be taken lightly because in this alternate USA, if someone who’s been executed is found out to be innocent the prosecutor must pay with their life too. What ensues is a great literary thriller with her trying to find out what really happened before others can find out. Jake is also telling his tale about what really went down on that fateful day. Alongside these storylines, Christie thinks back on her past in law school where she met her husband Ian who’s later killed as they discuss their politics around capital punishment.
This book is so well theorised and put together and I was here for it all the way. This would make a great book club pic as there’s lots to unpack and discuss. The main one being how Dalcher uses lots of characters, their ideas, thoughts and actions to put forward the many sides and arguments surrounding capital punishment in contemporary American society. There is loads here and you the reader are made to think other these things… just amazing. The thriller aspect was super intriguing too, making you question many things, where you’re being lead and on the whole I loved how it concluded - I wished an alternative could’ve happened but given the way things panned out, this ending was superb. A lot of the time I was on the edge of my seat, was feeling anxious and also shocked too with me needed to put this aside a couple times too - the graphic execution scenes were visceral! I think this is more ‘literary’ then full on ‘thriller’ as Dalcher muses on the debate mentioned above wrapped up in a crime thriller but personally that worked out better for me as these were the best parts. I do think I’d have preferred some more parts from Jake’s POV but as it was was still really good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Murder, and Grief
Minor: Cursing, Violence, Police brutality, Rape, Classism, and Child death
janbmann's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book starts a bit clunky feeling a bit like a pamphlet against capital punishment. Afterwards, the story flows better and becomes more interesting and engaging.Otherwise, it is quite interesting that two possible endings are presented and that this leaves a part of the moral judgement to the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Vomit, and Death of parent
anapthine's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is truly reflective of the controversy of the death penalty and the impact that can have on the family of the accused. The plot really does thrill you and have you on the edge of your seat.
Personally, I do not support the death penalty. I thought this was a really interesting take on it and I don’t think it is spoken about enough when a person is wrongfully accused and given a death sentence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Death
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