⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Framed: Astonishing, True Stories of Wrongful Convictions
By John Christian and Jim McCloskey
Publisher: Doubleday
Pub Date: 10/15/24
I can’t come up with any other way to describe this book other than it is sad. John Grisham and Jim McCloskey did an excellent job telling the stories of these cases and the harm that was done not only to the person who was wrongfully convicted, but to the families and people around them. This book is full of real life scenarios where the police tried to make the evidence fit the crime instead of the other way around. Hopefully more of these insane stories come out to continue to put a spotlight on wrongful convictions.

It took me a while to finish this book but finish it I did because that is one thing that I really do not like to do, start a book and not finish it no matter how long it takes. I don’t know if it was because it was a combination of different cases and two different authors or what it was that didn’t really hold my attention. The topic and the cases are interesting.

This book was well written kept the reader interested.. at times it felt like it dragged a little but definitely an eye opening book showcasing stories of innocent people wrongly jailed or on death row. Another Grisham best seller

This collection of 10 stories of innocent people who were convicted of terrible crimes was difficult to read. Though these incidents mostly happened decades ago and often involved the presence of bodily fluid that couldn’t be tested against suspects due to DNA testing not existing back then, I wouldn’t be surprised to know that these kind of injustices still happen now. After the first 4-5 stories, though, they became a little repetitive. I don’t want to diminish what these people have been through—and some are still going through—but I considered stopping partway through when I could too easily anticipate how the rest of the stories would go.

Another reason I struggled to read the book was due to the matter-of-fact and graphic nature in which some of the terrible acts were described, particularly multiple sexual crimes, one of a child. So let that be a warning to anyone who is interested in the book but wouldn’t want to read about those kinds of things. I applaud both McCloskey and Grisham, though, for desiring to bring these terrible facts to light and appreciate that people like McCloskey work tirelessly to bring the truth to light. Most fans of true crime will likely enjoy this book, especially if they’re interested in organizations like the Innocence Project or Centurion Ministries (which was founded by McCloskey).

Framed is the work of John Grisham and Jim McCloskey of ten individuual stories of injustice by the police officers, investigators, prosecutors, judges, so called experts, and even the always present jail house snitches. Each story really has almost the same basic starting point. A crime has been committed. Too close to another crime with the same set of circumstances. Emotions run high so critical thinking skills are basically thrown out the window as the pressure is on to 'catch the bad guy' at any cost. Literally any cost. Commen sense thrown out. I have seen more and more of this as time has gone on, as amazing organizations like the Innocence Project and even Jim McCloskey's own Centurion Ministries, and those who fight in the trenches to right the wrongs of the incompetence of mishandled evidence and trials just to close out a case. There were a few instances touched on that I always wondered about. Why don't we have more proescutors held accountable for the gross injustice they've done? What about the individuals that were innocent and yet still executed for crimes that they didn't do? While I do believe in the justice system, I have seen and heard of too many instances, as the authors here even highlight ten specific stories...how many more are there? Absolutely fascinating and yet so very heartbreaking to the individuals who lived this out, and those that still do to this day. Thank you for your honesty, hard work, and morality of tellhing these difficult stories so that we as a people know and are aware of these instances. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Framed Astonishing: True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey

Ten stories about wrongful convictions, five told by Grisham who admittedly read about his chosen victims, and five told by McCloskey who helped with the victim’s (potential) exonerations. Most, if not all, the stories were from the 70’s. Each story was both interesting and terrifying. Based on the details given by the authors, the police, detectives, judges, prosecutors were narrow minded and vengeful and the jurors were easily influenced (aside from two who saved the life of two of the victims, but paid the price in their own lives.)

I fully back the police and would fear a world without justice. But these stories were terrifying, how easily these victims were arrested and convicted with essentially no proof or connection to the crimes at all. It was a bit hard to read story after story of wrongdoing by those who are there to do right.

This book was well-written and told in a respectful and mindful manner. Although what knocked a star off was at times it felt like they gave too much information while also not giving enough information. Maybe, they just weren’t giving me the right information.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title for review.

Almost heartbreaking to read about the injustices here. No system is perfect, but the corruption and ineptitude is truly tragic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the book in return for my honest opinion.

Ever since watching the Kalief Browder story, the 16-year-old boy who was held for over 1100 days at Riker's Island without a trial, I've become obsessed with cases of wrongful conviction.

The stories in this collection will leave you angry, speechless, and absolutely questioning the idea of justice. It was just mind-boggling to see how these people were treated and how many years they lost to a system that will leave them all irrevocably changed. It was difficult at times to keep reading because of the sheer injustice and outrageousness of these true stories, but they need an audience. These stories need to be told.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

As much as I loved this book, it was also a gutpunch due to it being completely true. The ten stories in this book are all about people (mostly men) who are convicted of crimes they did not commit. All of them murders, some involving rape or arson, but which results in death as well.

Each short story is written by either Grisham or McCloskey, who both did their research. I have read The Innocent Man and was impressed, so I knew this one would be as well. Similar themes run through each of these stories, as well. Most of the falsely convicted are people of color, or have a low IQ, or are of low income, or a combination of these. None of them asked for a lawyer. The book stated that up to 90% of innocent people don’t ask for an attorney because they know they are innocent and have nothing to hide.

This book should be required reading, honestly, about how police and district attorneys can railroad people to close the case and have a successful conviction on their records. I have no doubt these stories are but a handful in our prejudicial justice system.

Really well researched but important to note this is two white men who still have a lot of biases to work through.

This is a book I will recommend to all and reread more than once. It highlights the ineptitude of our justice system and brings to light the horrors that are often swept under the rug. Ten innocent people who were wrongfully convicted are spotlighted through this nonfiction novel that feels like it should be the stuff of fiction in the 21st century. This is a difficult read, but worth the endeavor. These are the true crime stories that need to be amplified. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

The subject matter of these stories is very grave and sobering. It seemed at times, that Grisham's writing was a bit flippant and arrogant, like we're lucky he's giving his opinion. I didn't get that impression from Jim McCloskey's writing. He feels more reserved and more respectful of the subject.
Thank you to Doubleday Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a depressing book for me. Sad and scary that these are true stories. I think the telling of the stories has a purpose and is important but not entertaining.

It wasn't written with the character development or authors flare. Very boring like reading a case file or financial papers.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

Outrageous. Nauseating. Should be required reading by all those public servants who wield the power discussed in these convictions. And those who vote for such laws.

Seriously upsetting, and a very difficult read. The message is clear and needs to be accepted - those to whom we afford the power of life and death need more oversight than they are given. Kudos to Centurion Ministries, Innocence Project, Innocence Network and other organizations who advocate on behalf of those who are wrongfully convinced. Kudos to all who don't accept what we now have in place and continue to strive for a criminal legal system that is just, and to impose accountability on those whose work rests the questionable power of granting life or death.

We need a better system, and in this book is found a loud call to arms x 10. Thank you to Authors Grisham and McCloskey for their raised voices, flags and call to action. All the stars for awareness and changed minds.

*A sincere thank you to John Grisham and Jim McCloskey, Doubleday Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #Framed #NetGalley

This was definitely not an easy read. I took my time with this book and read usually a story a day. There was just so much information in each of the stories that I needed time to reflect about each case. I think that the authors really missed the mark on making the people m0re human to the reader. It was all very disconnected to me and read like the notes as opposed to reflecting the person that experienced them. I was more interested in reading things from Jim McCloskey as this is his realm and do not really get why Grisham is doing all these co-authored things that have nothing to do with him. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

This book was very informative. I could not believe how many lives were destroyed by our justice system. I to think of how many more we don't know about is unbelievable.

Disturbing. It's a very good read but disturbing! You're never prepared for such stories. It was a hard read and at times wanted to believe it's fictional.

I had to take breaks while reading this
because it was so heartbreaking and
emotional. Our system is horribly
flawed! The evidence showing the
innocence of those in these stories and
yet they are not being released had me
angry and in tears. For people who
believe our system is perfect or rarely
gets it wrong and if it does, it fixes it,
this book is a must read. I can only
imagine the others who are wrongly
accused.

FRAMED: ASTONISHING TRUE STORIES OF WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS.
BY: JOHN GRISHAM, AND JIM MCCLOSKEY

This was a STUNNING and meticulously researched, well written non-fiction book that John Grisham, and Jim Mcloskey masterfully recreated ten cases of heartbreaking wrongful convictions of innocent people. You can tell throughout the writing that both of these two men, who both tell of five cases each, are very passionate about their work exonerating the falsely convicted The chosen title, "FRAMED," is aptly the most perfectly way to describe how I felt as I read each story told. Making it in my opinion, a well matched moniker for this book that's BRILLIANTLY told. "FRAMED," was the word that I couldn't help thinking over, and over, as I read the details from beginning to end, that are included in this IMPECCABLY written, and GRIPPING narrative. I felt so upset as I learned about how twenty-one innocent lives were destroyed when they were truly innocent. This is the first non-fiction book that JOHN GRISHAM has written since, "THE INNOCENT MAN." He collaborated with JIM MCCLOSKEY, who is the FOUNDER of CENTURION MINISTRIES, who has devoted forty-five years of his life, tirelessly trying to overturn wrongful convictions of innocent individuals. There are hundreds of stories just like these, that sadly happened within a flawed United States Criminal Justice System that makes this book required reading by all citizens, since this book illuminates a vast amount of eye-opening experiences that shocked me. Until reading this important book, I knew that there are miscarriages of justice vaguely, but had no idea how often it happened, and that those who I've trusted to protect the population caused some of these injustices in the first place. This terrific and insightful careful examination that zeros in on ten cases impacted me from changing my vague idea of what I thought I knew, to learning about truly horrifying examples how innocent people lost so much from those who I never could have imagined possible. They are all true. This masterful well written book was so powerful that I felt a visceral reaction that I hope others will, and I will be recommending this highly to every reader in this Country, since this book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. I don't know how anyone who reads these harrowing accounts, and witnesses the ten cases that these two have chosen to highlight will finish this, and not be influenced to do what they can to do their part to raise awareness. Or at the very least take these cases of useless suffering more seriously.

IT"S NOT AN EASY BOOK TO READ EMOTIONALLY, BUT IT IS A NECESSARY ONE!

John Grisham is at the top of his game, as he expertly has informed me of misconduct of those who are entrusted with power to serve justice, and have unbelievably abused it. Once I read these gripping, miscarriages of how law enforcement from detectives, prosecutors and even judges acted unethically to put it mildly, these innocent people didn't stand a chance, and once convicted how it's next to impossible to exonerate them. There are innocent lives that have been devastated in this book that I will never forget. It happens due to law enforcement in the legal community who act unlawfully, and morally that have abused their positions of power to make some of these wrongfully convicted innocent lives suffer needlessly that I will never forget. I was astounded that some lives were never the same, and how some persevered after things were as bad as it could get as their stories unfolded. The writing was so strong, yet accessible that I felt like an eye witness. I really loved this non-fiction book by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey. There are of course, other factors that contributed to wrongful convictions like prison snitches looking to gain something, false eye witnesses, perjury, etc. Thankfully, with science and advances in DNA technology, there has been nothing that I read that would suggest these ten cases have happened recently. More like years ago, but still it happened and the innocent paid and some lives were destroyed and luckily with advances in forensic science have made things improved and harder to frame innocent people. It still happens, but it's less frequent. Thankfully these heartbreaking. cases happened years ago., , Which makes me think of the second story about the High School Custodian that landed on Death Row, falsely convicted of raping and murdering the pretty High School girl. Today, socioeconomically speaking, can affect your ability to get a competent Criminal Defense Attorney
versus a Public Defender, along with Detectives with tunnel vision, could easily get someone innocent spending years incarcerated. I keep thinking of those men in the military in the first story, and I can't stop thinking how one of them was married with children, who put it behind him, juxtaposed with the one who never recovered and can't keep a steady job.

I don't want to give too much away, but both John Grisham, and Jim McCloskey are still devoting their time working on exonerating the wrongly convicted. John Grisham, I think works with both the Innocence Project, and with Jim McCloskey at the Centurion Ministries. I want to leave you with this small quote from the synopsis: "A fundamental principle of our legal system is the presumption of innocence, but once someone is found guilty there is very little room to prove guilt.''

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, John Grisham & Jim McCloskey and Doubleday Books--Doubleday for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#Framed #JohnGrisham #JimMcCloskey #DoubledayBooks #NetGalley
FRAMED: ASTONISHING TRUE STORIES OF WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS.
BY: JOHN GRISHAM, AND JIM MCCLOSKEY

This was a STUNNING and meticulously researched, well written non-fiction book that John Grisham, and Jim Mcloskey masterfully recreated ten cases of heartbreaking wrongful convictions of innocent people. You can tell throughout the writing that both of these two men, who both tell of five cases each, are very passionate about their work exonerating the falsely convicted The chosen title, "FRAMED," is aptly the most perfectly way to describe how I felt as I read each story told. Making it in my opinion, a well matched moniker for this book that's BRILLIANTLY told. "FRAMED," was the word that I couldn't help thinking over, and over, as I read the details from beginning to end, that are included in this IMPECCABLY written, and GRIPPING narrative. I felt so upset as I learned about how twenty-one innocent lives were destroyed when they were truly innocent. This is the first non-fiction book that JOHN GRISHAM has written since, "THE INNOCENT MAN." He collaborated with JIM MCCLOSKEY, who is the FOUNDER of CENTURION MINISTRIES, who has devoted forty-five years of his life, tirelessly trying to overturn wrongful convictions of innocent individuals. There are hundreds of stories just like these, that sadly happened within a flawed United States Criminal Justice System that makes this book required reading by all citizens, since this book illuminates a vast amount of eye-opening experiences that shocked me. Until reading this important book, I knew that there are miscarriages of justice vaguely, but had no idea how often it happened, and that those who I've trusted to protect the population caused some of these injustices in the first place. This terrific and insightful careful examination that zeros in on ten cases impacted me from changing my vague idea of what I thought I knew, to learning about truly horrifying examples how innocent people lost so much from those who I never could have imagined possible. They are all true. This masterful well written book was so powerful that I felt a visceral reaction that I hope others will, and I will be recommending this highly to every reader in this Country, since this book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. I don't know how anyone who reads these harrowing accounts, and witnesses the ten cases that these two have chosen to highlight will finish this, and not be influenced to do what they can to do their part to raise awareness. Or at the very least take these cases of useless suffering more seriously.

IT"S NOT AN EASY BOOK TO READ EMOTIONALLY, BUT IT IS A NECESSARY ONE!

John Grisham is at the top of his game, as he expertly has informed me of misconduct of those who are entrusted with power to serve justice, and have unbelievably abused it. Once I read these gripping, miscarriages of how law enforcement from detectives, prosecutors and even judges acted unethically to put it mildly, these innocent people didn't stand a chance, and once convicted how it's next to impossible to exonerate them. There are innocent lives that have been devastated in this book that I will never forget. It happens due to law enforcement in the legal community who act unlawfully, and morally that have abused their positions of power to make some of these wrongfully convicted innocent lives suffer needlessly that I will never forget. I was astounded that some lives were never the same, and how some persevered after things were as bad as it could get as their stories unfolded. The writing was so strong, yet accessible that I felt like an eye witness. I really loved this non-fiction book by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey. There are of course, other factors that contributed to wrongful convictions like racism, prison snitches, false eye witnesses, perjury, etc. Thankfully, with science and advances in DNA technology, there has been nothing that I read that would suggest these ten cases have happened recently. More like years ago, but still racism is still rampart, and very much alive, which makes me think of the second story about the High School Custodian that landed on Death Row, falsely convicted of raping and murdering the pretty High School girl. Today, socioeconomically speaking, can affect your ability to get a competent Criminal Defense Attorney
versus a Public Defender, along with Detectives with tunnel vision, could easily get someone innocent spending years incarcerated. I keep thinking of those men in the military in the first story, and I can't stop thinking how one of them was married with children, who put it behind him, juxtaposed with the one who never recovered and can't keep a steady job.

I don't want to give too much away, but both John Grisham, and Jim McCloskey are still devoting their time working on exonerating the wrongly convicted. John Grisham, I think works with both the Innocence Project, and with Jim McCloskey at the Centurion Ministries. I want to leave you with this small quote from the synopsis: "A fundamental principle of our legal system is the presumption of innocence, but once someone is found guilty there is very little room to prove guilt.''

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, John Grisham & Jim McCloskey and Doubleday Books--Doubleday for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#Framed #JohnGrisham #JimMcCloskey #DoubledayBooks #NetGalley

Wow, this book will shake you and your belief in the justice system to the core. In this book, Grisham and McCloskey highlight 10 men who were wrongfully convicted of crimes that they did not commit. Some spent their entire lives in prison due to this grave injustice. As I read this book, I was literally flabbergasted when all the evidence pointed to other perpetrators - including DNA evidence - and police and prosecutors refused to look at anyone else for the crime (or re-worked their crime narrative to "make it fit"). I don't usually read nonfiction, but this was a page turner and I highly recommend it.Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy.