A Terrible Guilt
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Published by: Black Rose Writing
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Pages: 298
ISBN13: 978-1685134754
Synopsis
When the owner and the chef of a popular diner in a small north Georgia town are found shot to death early one morning, Joseph Owens, a hot-tempered busboy fired three days earlier, quickly becomes the prime suspect. District Attorney Paul Chastain, facing a serious challenge in his bid for reelection, charges Owens with the murders despite pleas from the lead detective for more time to investigate. After a hard-fought trial in which the Judge Janice Hinson allows Chastain to present highly emotional testimony over Public Defender Michael Delaney’s strenuous objection, Owens is convicted and sentenced to death.
Two Atlanta lawyers, Elena Samuels and Greg Williams, observed part of the trial. Shocked by the outcome, they get permission from their firm’s managing partner to represent Owens "pro bono" -- for free -- in his final appeal. But as the appeal drags on, and the amount of uncompensated time being devoted to the case continues to increase, tensions at the firm begin to rise. Their involvement has a drastic impact not just on Owens, but on the lives of many others involved in the case, including themselves.
Praise
"Rothman maintains a brisk narrative while showcasing the complexities of the American judicial system. ... A dynamic cast drives this worthwhile legal thriller."
–Kirkus Reviews
“Rothman expertly guides the reader through the intricacies of a capital murder case while detailing the emotional toll the case takes on all those involved. Fans of legal thrillers will not want to put this book down.”
–Bob Carlson, Butte, Montana, trial lawyer for more than 40 years
“A fast-paced blast through the legal maze of a capital murder case. Bob Rothman’s powerful realism, and ear for courtroom conversation, made the courtroom scenes so genuine they transported me back onto the trial bench, against my will.”
–Morris Hoffman, retired Colorado state trial judge, author of Pinch Hitting
“The believability of this novel sets it head and shoulders above other legal whodunits. Rothman’s deftly developed characters face real-world problems in a fast-paced plot filled with crime, corruption, and law firm politics.”
–Nancy Scott Degan, New Orleans, LA, trial lawyer
“Bob Rothman's new legal thriller starts with a sensational murder and ends with a desperate fight to save a man's life. The story will grip you from the opening pages as it tells the tale of a seemingly impossible fight for justice. An entirely realistic and immensely satisfying read!”
–Robin M. Maher, Executive Director, Death Penalty Information Center
“A riveting tale of a double-murder suspect caught up in the struggle between a zealous district attorney who demands the death penalty and two lawyers who believe in his innocence.”
–Gail Ward Olmsted, best-selling author of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist trilogy
“A poignant and masterful story about a capital murder case, and the devastating impact it has on everyone involved. Rothman’s knowledge of the courtroom, and his empathy for the people whose lives intersect with the justice system, shines through.”
–Gary Gerlacher, MD, MBA, author of Last Patient of the Night: An AJ Docker Thriller
“A brisk-paced legal thriller packed with twists, turns, and tension!”
–Cam Torrens, award-winning author of Stable and False Summit
“A riveting legal thriller. Rothman ratchets up the suspense of a murder trial through skillful use of dialogue that pushes the action forward.”
–Karen Brees, author of The Esposito Caper
Excerpt