What an interesting book! It mostly centers on the notorious Casey Anthony trial, which may have dominated the majority of Judge Belvin JR's career. Other facets of the judge's life, including his upbringing, his pursuit of justice, and his opinions on the death penalty, are also discussed. The reading experience was engaging and varied.

4.5 stars. Such a fascinating read. It focuses mostly on the infamous Casey Anthony trial that arguably overshadowed most of Judge Belvin JRs career. A case I was not familiar with before this book, one that broke my heart. It also touches on other aspects of the judges life, his background, his desire for justice and his views on the death penalty. All of which was interesting to read and wasnt repetitive.

If you enjoy shows like criminal mind and/or enjoy reading about crimes etc then I highly recommend this book for you.

I really enjoyed the parts of this book where Judge Perry talked about his upbringing, his education, and his legal experience. I especially enjoyed the sections describing his perspective as the sitting judge on various cases. Those parts, I'd give a solid 4.5 stars. The portions where Judge Perry discusses the facts of cases, to give the reader perspective, felt more routine. I followed the Casey Anthony trial as I was a young prosecutor at that time, so I didn't need the lengthy introduction to her case, but I understand why it was included for those who may not know many facts. I'd give those parts of the book 3.5 stars, hence an overall rating of 4. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book early. This review contains my honest thoughts and impressions about the book.

The Velvet Hammer by Belvin Perry and Amy Mitchell is an insightful and gripping look into the life and career of a judge known for his firm yet compassionate approach to justice. Perry and Mitchell delve into high-profile cases, courtroom dynamics, and the complex balance between the law and empathy. The narrative is both informative and compelling, highlighting Perry's dedication to fairness and the challenges faced within the legal system. The Velvet Hammer offers readers a behind-the-scenes view of the courtroom, wrapped in powerful stories that reflect the human side of justice. It’s an inspiring read for anyone interested in law, ethics, and the pursuit of equity.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF from me. I had quite a few issues with beliefs this author shared, and I just did not care to continue this book because of them.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In The Velvet Hammer, Judge Belvin Perry Jr., with the assistance of Amy Mitchell, offers readers a gripping and unflinching look into the world of capital murder cases. This memoir is a recounting of high-profile trials and a deep dive into the complexities of the American criminal justice system, seen through the eyes of a man who has spent decades at its helm.

The book is structured around some of the most notorious cases Judge Perry presided over, including the infamous Casey Anthony trial. Each chapter delves into a different case, providing a detailed narrative that is both informative and chilling. The authors do an excellent job of balancing the legal intricacies with the human stories behind each crime, making the book accessible to both legal professionals and general readers.

Judge Perry emerges as a multifaceted character—stern yet compassionate, methodical yet empathetic. His journey from growing up in the segregated South to becoming a prominent figure in the judiciary is inspiring. The memoir also introduces us to a cast of real-life characters, from victims and their families to the accused and their defense teams, each portrayed with depth and sensitivity.

One of the intriguing themes of The Velvet Hammer is the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the death penalty. Judge Perry provides a nuanced perspective, arguing for its necessity in certain cases while acknowledging its profound implications. The book sheds light on the systemic issues within the criminal justice system, including racial biases and the challenges of mental health and substance abuse among defendants.

The writing is clear and engaging, with a narrative style that keeps readers hooked. Amy Mitchell’s contribution is evident in the seamless flow of the prose, making complex legal concepts understandable without oversimplifying them. The vivid descriptions of courtroom drama and behind-the-scenes deliberations add a layer of authenticity and tension to the storytelling.

The Velvet Hammer is a compelling memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the life and career of one of America’s most respected judges. It is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the intricacies of the justice system. Judge Perry’s candid reflections and the meticulous recounting of his most challenging cases make this book an educational and an emotional journey.

Whether you are looking for a deep dive into the legal world or a thought-provoking read on the human condition, The Velvet Hammer delivers, highly recommended.

I am not normally one for memoirs and I was expecting this to give more information on the bigger cases that Judge Perry worked on, to see them from his point of view but that is not really what I got.
Instead it felt like more of a collection of the smaller cases with hints to the bigger ones.
An interesting read overall, just felt quite slow in places

This was a great collection of Belvin's cases and his background, some very hard hitting and well known cases discussed.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

This book touches on early life, career development, and crime cases that Judge Belvin Jr presided over in the State of Florida.

While much of his career is overshadowed by the infamous Casey Anthony Trial, Judge Belvin allows readers into his less talked about lifestyles, including his view on the death penalty, growing up in the South, and his desire for justice.

I don’t often read memoirs, but this one has influenced me to look into more in the future!

Again, thank you NetGalley 🫶🏼

This was my first true crime book and it didn’t disappoint! It read like a documentary at times in my head which kept it a fast paced and interesting read.

The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. I was particularly pleased at how different law involved in the different cases was explained so effortlessly, making it easy to understand and follow along. I already knew a little about the Casey Anthony case going into this, but the amount of added detail and Perry’s perspective made it feel like fresh knowledge to me.

The only reason I’ve given it a 4 star rating instead of 5 is because I would have liked there to be a bit less on the different motions denied to the defence during the Casey Anthony chapters (this made it really drag at one point where I was tempted to skip a couple of chapters).

#NetGalley #TheVelvetHammer

Thoroughly enjoyed this read by Judge Belvin Perry Jr. and Amy Mitchell. My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

While the book is primarily a memoir, it touches upon some of the biggest cases in Judge Perry's life. On account of being a memoir, you will learn the story of a man who grew up in the segregated south and rose to be the dispenser of justice. On account of it being the story of a Judge, you will learn about what it is to hold court, what the difference between justice and revenge is and the responsibilities on a presiding judge. I especially appreciated the part where Judge Perry describes the impact of any ruling. He explains how the case law allows judicial decisions to be cited as precedents and the impact of this on the judicial system as a whole. This brings to the fore the huge responsibility that rests on the shoulders of these giants that uphold the law in our society. Truly, "with great power comes great responsibility."

Yes, a good chunk of the book focuses on the (in)famous Casey Anthony case that the Judge is now known for. You will hear a first person account of the happenings from Judge Perry's point of view. While he has not set out to defend his decisions, he does explain the happenings to shine light on how the events unfolded, so that we may understand the circumstances in which the verdict was announced. We also explore the other capital murder cases where Judge Perry presided, which make for a fascinating read.

I would caution readers that some of the content in this book is gory and unpleasant as expected. It is not for the faint-hearted as it describes in good measure what some human brings are capable of. Despite that, I would recommend this book to those that have an interest in true crime, court procedural and criminal psychology. I would also recommend it to those that have an interest in law and the justice system.

I really enjoyed this book. It brought some humanity to the side of the courtroom few see. It was interesting to hear what the Judge thought and felt when he presided over some of Florida's toughest cases.

I think that that Judge and the co-author have another book in them. I would love to learn more about Mr Perry and his father and step mother. I would love to learn more about the first few cases written in the book.

The book got a little bogged down with the Casey Anthony trial. I felt like some of the details were hashed over all the time. However, I did like how the Judge presided over the courtroom.

Overall this is a good true crime book told from the perspective from a Judge. Any true crime fan will appreciate it for the new perspective on crime.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was an interesting read about the cases Belvin Perry was involved as a prosecutor or presided over as a judge. Some were brutal and hard to read. Tidbits of his professional career sometimes randomly found themselves in chapters regarding a case, however, this was still a great read.

I used to want to be an attorney for a long long time, then somehow I got into a finance class in high school and fell in love with accounting and finance. Why is this relevant? It isn't, but I have always been fascinated with court cases, judges and everything that happens to lead them to where they are today.

Seeing that Judge Belvin Perry Jr wrote a book, I had to grab it because he has seen some brutal, gruesome, and just horrific things in his time as a prosecutor, and now judge. Naturally my curiosity got the best of me, and I am so glad it did.

Did I want to read this to see/read more about the infamous Casey Anthony? Yes.

Did I realize all the other cases he had done previously, and how messed up they were? No.

Would I read more books like this? Absolutely yes.

Incredible read, be ready for some heavy hitting topics, and heavy talks.

Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for my E-ARC.

The Velvet Hammer offers a captivating and insightful look into the life and career of Judge Belvin Perry, best known for presiding over the high-profile Casey Anthony trial. The book delves deeply into the details and behind-the-scenes aspects of this infamous case, providing readers with an insider's view of the courtroom drama. In addition to the Casey Anthony trial, Perry also touches on other notable cases, including the Judy Buenoaño case, showcasing his extensive experience in the legal field. While the book is rich with insights into his professional life, I found myself wanting to learn more about Perry's personal story and the other significant trials that have shaped his career. Nonetheless, The Velvet Hammer is a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime and the workings of the justice system, offering a unique perspective on one of America's most well-known judges.

Thank you to the publisher Post Hill Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley

An intriguing and different perspective on this case, and insight from the judge's life.

A bit dry at times, but interesting.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

“The Velvet Hammer" is an engrossing and insightful memoir by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who offers readers a rare glimpse into some of the most harrowing death penalty cases of his career. Among these is the infamous Casey Anthony trial. Perry's personal reflections and insights as the presiding judge offer an unparalleled view, going beyond the courtroom proceedings, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at his thoughts and deliberations during the trial.

I liked this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in true crime, the judicial process, or the intricacies of capital punishment. Perry's firsthand account provides an interesting perspective on why some individuals support the death penalty, presenting arguments grounded in his experiences and the gravity of the crimes he encountered. His explanations are candid and thought-provoking, shedding light on the often-controversial stance.

I am unsure whether it is primarily a recounting of Perry's life and career, or does it aim to provide an in-depth exploration of the Casey Anthony case and others like it? Ultimately, this duality did not detract from the overall experience, as both aspects are equally compelling and well-written.