#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction: a true crime story that will terrify anyone who believes in the presumption of innocence. NOW 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 … 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 eleventh-hour drama, The Innocent Man reads like a page-turning legal thriller. It is a book no American can afford to miss.
Praise for The Innocent Man
“Grisham has crafted a legal thriller every bit as suspenseful and fast-paced as his bestselling fiction.”—The Boston Globe
“A gritty, harrowing true-crime story.”—Time
“A triumph.”—The Seattle Times
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from John Grisham’s The Litigators.
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One of the best works of non-fiction I’d read in a long time. Both haunting and tragic. Depending on your political/moral leanings, it can make you rethink what you believe.
I enjoyed this book very much as I have most of John Grishams. Being as it is a true story set in Oklahoma makes it more interesting since my family came from there.
John Grisham is one of the best, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
This story gives great insight into the tragedy of how far one will go to demonstrate their power over those with little resource. A sad tale, indeed.
Absolutely stunning. The temerity of so-called “authority figures” goes beyond belief, yet sadly, it’s a true account of heinous happenings in the little town of Ada, Oklahoma. If you’re a true crime fan this one’s for you.
Wonderful read!
I love John Grisham’s books. I think he is the best writer of legal drama, and this book does not disappoint.
This really made me want to cry.
True story and written very well by John Grisham, my favorite author.
John Grisham’s first nonfiction book. Good true crime read.
This book was so good, I ended up reading almost all of it to my husband, constantly saying, “Listen to this!” I have to wonder where justice is in the US justice system.
This may be John Grisham’s only non-fiction book and it may also be my favorite that he has written. This is an outstanding book and points out what can happen to you in smaller town justice if the cops don’t like you. Very good read.
Great read
He is a great writer and to keep guessing on who did it. You are good/
My favorite author
It is not a page turne, but I am enjoying a hard copy while waiting for appointments.
Love the authors books.
A great legal thriller!
A very good read, wonderful characters, easy to read with twists and turns.
I didn’t realize it was a true story. Unbelievable that it really happened