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The Innocent Killer: A True Story of a Wrongful Conviction and its Astonishing Aftermath
An instant true crime classic, this is the story one of the nation s most notorious wrongful convictions, that of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who spent eighteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit. But two years after he was exonerated of that crime, and poised to reap millions in his wrongful conviction lawsuit, Steven Avery was arrested for the exceptionally brutal murder of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach, who had gone missing several days earlier. The Innocent Man had turned into a cold blooded killer. Or had he? This is narrative non-fiction at its finest. A page-turning true crime thriller.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
98 people are currently reading
1478 people want to read
About the author
Michael Griesbach
8 books63 followersMichael Griesbach is a veteran prosecutor in the state of Wisconsin where the events recounted in his books occurred. He wrote The Innocent Killer as a gripping true crime novel, but also as a challenge to the system. He hopes to leave readers better informed about the inner workings of the criminal justice system and more concerned about those whose lives it deeply affects. He lives in northeastern Wisconsin with his wife Jody and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 27, 2016
Note- if you just finished Making a Murderer on Netflix and are looking for more information regarding the murder trial I DO NOT recommend this book. If you are looking for more information regarding the initial rape charge then you will be satisfied.
First off, Mr Griesbach is not a writer by trade so I can forgive his boring prose, however I cannot forgive his repetition and disorganization. I guess a good lawyer needs to be repetitive to hammer home a point but when it reaches a certain point the reader begins to feel like the author just doesn't have much to say.
The first part of this book was interesting. The Netflix documentary really only spends an episode on the investigation into the rape of Penny Beerntsen. The rundown provided in this book is even more detailed and the revelation of the police misconduct even more obvious.
However, once the murder trial begins, the narrative really falls apart. The author is employed by Manitowoc county as a DA and is shamelessly bias. This in itself could be excused if it was at least well written or thoughtfully crafted, but adds nothing to the conversation.
I believe that this book was written and published after Steven's exoneration and was then updated with the murder trial information and republished. As a result, the murder trail is tacked on and a lot of information is glossed over.
Very disappointing.
First off, Mr Griesbach is not a writer by trade so I can forgive his boring prose, however I cannot forgive his repetition and disorganization. I guess a good lawyer needs to be repetitive to hammer home a point but when it reaches a certain point the reader begins to feel like the author just doesn't have much to say.
The first part of this book was interesting. The Netflix documentary really only spends an episode on the investigation into the rape of Penny Beerntsen. The rundown provided in this book is even more detailed and the revelation of the police misconduct even more obvious.
However, once the murder trial begins, the narrative really falls apart. The author is employed by Manitowoc county as a DA and is shamelessly bias. This in itself could be excused if it was at least well written or thoughtfully crafted, but adds nothing to the conversation.
I believe that this book was written and published after Steven's exoneration and was then updated with the murder trial information and republished. As a result, the murder trail is tacked on and a lot of information is glossed over.
Very disappointing.
February 16, 2016
Having had two crime writers and lawyers debating the Steven Avery case recently on my blog (you can see that article HERE ) and having watched the controversial “Making a Murderer” documentary on Netflix, I was very interested to read this book and get another insight.
It should be noted that this book concentrates for the most part on the original wrongful rape conviction and only slightly on the later murder case – so if you are hoping for more on the case featured in MAM then this will not necessarily satisfy although there are some thoughts on that in here.
I found this fascinating – the original conviction, whilst touched upon in the documentary, is looked at in a lot more detail in “The Innocent Killer” – as such, this is a great companion read to the show and to the many social media discussions going on in the wake of the latest developments.
Michael Griesbach, the writer,is a prosecuting attorney for the Manitowac County Prosecutor’s Office which makes things interesting and he puts his points across well and in a highly informative lay fashion which helps garner understanding of the real issues behind this case. There are points raised that you may not have heard before and overall it was a very engaging read.
I’m not sure it adds that much to the discussion but it does give pause for thought on some of the issues and it is entirely successful in making you give due consideration to any original feelings you may have had after watching the show. In that respect I would definitely recommend it. I would also recommend it if you like true crime and especially if you are reading to hear different viewpoints and opinions.
It should be noted that this book concentrates for the most part on the original wrongful rape conviction and only slightly on the later murder case – so if you are hoping for more on the case featured in MAM then this will not necessarily satisfy although there are some thoughts on that in here.
I found this fascinating – the original conviction, whilst touched upon in the documentary, is looked at in a lot more detail in “The Innocent Killer” – as such, this is a great companion read to the show and to the many social media discussions going on in the wake of the latest developments.
Michael Griesbach, the writer,is a prosecuting attorney for the Manitowac County Prosecutor’s Office which makes things interesting and he puts his points across well and in a highly informative lay fashion which helps garner understanding of the real issues behind this case. There are points raised that you may not have heard before and overall it was a very engaging read.
I’m not sure it adds that much to the discussion but it does give pause for thought on some of the issues and it is entirely successful in making you give due consideration to any original feelings you may have had after watching the show. In that respect I would definitely recommend it. I would also recommend it if you like true crime and especially if you are reading to hear different viewpoints and opinions.
February 10, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley, Random House Uk and Michael Griesbach for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written book about Steve Avery who had a reputation that was definitely not for being a model citizen. He had violently confronted a cops wife so it looked like the police were after him to get a conviction no matter what it took. An attempted rape which left a women badly beaten quickly led to Avery being arrested, even thought they did not have much evidence connecting him to the crime. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to 18 years for a crime he did not commit. Two years after his release, a woman's body was found on Avery's property. There is ore evidence to connect him to this crime, but it does make you wonder if the Police added more to it because Avery had a large lawsuit against them. I will leave you to make your own judgement.
This is a well written book about Steve Avery who had a reputation that was definitely not for being a model citizen. He had violently confronted a cops wife so it looked like the police were after him to get a conviction no matter what it took. An attempted rape which left a women badly beaten quickly led to Avery being arrested, even thought they did not have much evidence connecting him to the crime. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to 18 years for a crime he did not commit. Two years after his release, a woman's body was found on Avery's property. There is ore evidence to connect him to this crime, but it does make you wonder if the Police added more to it because Avery had a large lawsuit against them. I will leave you to make your own judgement.
April 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book! It is written by a prosecuting attorney from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He helped get Steven acquitted in his first case. I’ve never seen Making a Murderer (on Netflix) but if I remember from what I was told, the series is about Steven's second case. This book really goes through the first case and his acquittal.
"An instant true crime classic, this is the story one of the nation's most notorious wrongful convictions, that of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who spent eighteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit. But two years after he was exonerated of that crime, and poised to reap millions in his wrongful conviction lawsuit, Steven Avery was arrested for the exceptionally brutal murder of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach, who had gone missing several days earlier. The Innocent Man had turned into a cold blooded killer. Or had he? This is narrative non-fiction at its finest. A page-turning true crime thriller."
"An instant true crime classic, this is the story one of the nation's most notorious wrongful convictions, that of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who spent eighteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit. But two years after he was exonerated of that crime, and poised to reap millions in his wrongful conviction lawsuit, Steven Avery was arrested for the exceptionally brutal murder of freelance photographer Teresa Halbach, who had gone missing several days earlier. The Innocent Man had turned into a cold blooded killer. Or had he? This is narrative non-fiction at its finest. A page-turning true crime thriller."
February 12, 2016
Trying to avoid spoilers for the few who don't know the Steven Avery story. The first 75% of this book was excellent. I, along with I'm sure most others, picked it up because I was interested in the case after watching the Netflix documentary "Making a Murderer" and I wanted to know if there were more details I could glean from this telling. I was impressed with the author's fact-based play-by-play of Steven Avery's initial trial and the ensuing events. Had I stopped listening after the coverage of that portion of the Steven Avery saga, I would have probably given this book an excellent rating, and it is only because of the well-detailed majority of the book that the rating is as high as it is now. I learned a lot of details about that first case, which only comprised one episode of the 10-part series, and I do think it provided a less biased (and thus, less favorable) view of Avery than the show did, which I enjoyed. I don't think you need to gloss over Avery's past transgressions to provide a compelling case that he should not have been imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
However, the last chunk of the book, dealing with Avery's second trial, was awful. First, the author began to insert himself into the story about halfway through as he himself moved to Manitowac and became more directly tied to the Avery case. As soon as he joined the plot as more than an objective third party, I should have known the story would devolve. He proudly admits the fact that he is obviously acquainted with and in some cases friends with many of the key players in Avery's second trial and discredits any notion that Avery could be innocent without ever delving into the substantial facts of the case. He conveniently chooses the very end of the book to count and detail Avery's past transgressions to help readers draw a path between his past crimes and the one for which he was on trial. The author clearly believes Avery to be guilty, and while I myself have my doubts as to the man's innocence, the fact alone that the author would spend a third of the time on the second trial as he did on the first, when the first trial had far fewer pieces of hard evidence and points of contention, is astonishing.
In addition, I started to feel that the author's intention in writing this book in the first place was not so much to delve into an interesting case as much as to clear his own conscience of any guilt for freeing a man he believes went on to commit a serious crime, as well as attempting to shift any blame off his friends at the sheriff's department. How he could easily believe there would be foul play in one case but that there was no chance of foul play in the second case does not make sense to me.
In short, I wish the book would have ended before Avery's second trial. If the author did not have the space to recount the full telling of the intricacies of the charges against him and the arguments presented in court, he should not have told it at all.
However, the last chunk of the book, dealing with Avery's second trial, was awful. First, the author began to insert himself into the story about halfway through as he himself moved to Manitowac and became more directly tied to the Avery case. As soon as he joined the plot as more than an objective third party, I should have known the story would devolve. He proudly admits the fact that he is obviously acquainted with and in some cases friends with many of the key players in Avery's second trial and discredits any notion that Avery could be innocent without ever delving into the substantial facts of the case. He conveniently chooses the very end of the book to count and detail Avery's past transgressions to help readers draw a path between his past crimes and the one for which he was on trial. The author clearly believes Avery to be guilty, and while I myself have my doubts as to the man's innocence, the fact alone that the author would spend a third of the time on the second trial as he did on the first, when the first trial had far fewer pieces of hard evidence and points of contention, is astonishing.
In addition, I started to feel that the author's intention in writing this book in the first place was not so much to delve into an interesting case as much as to clear his own conscience of any guilt for freeing a man he believes went on to commit a serious crime, as well as attempting to shift any blame off his friends at the sheriff's department. How he could easily believe there would be foul play in one case but that there was no chance of foul play in the second case does not make sense to me.
In short, I wish the book would have ended before Avery's second trial. If the author did not have the space to recount the full telling of the intricacies of the charges against him and the arguments presented in court, he should not have told it at all.
September 3, 2017
The story of Steven Avery which most of us have heard of by now. it encompasses the full story from before Avery was arrested for the attempted murder and rape of the woman on the beach, then convicted put away and later exonerated... right up to when he was arrested and tried for the Halbach murder. A well written true crime book by a former prosecutor from the area.
December 30, 2018
With no preconceived ideas about this tale (I had not seen the much talked about documentary) it sounded rather bizarre and therefore worth a read. I was not wrong, for Michael Griesbach tells the story most vividly and often from first-hand involvement.
Steven Avery was a relatively small time offender until he stopped a neighbour's car and made sexually advances to her while threatening her with a gun. He was duly arrested, charged and was awaiting trial when, just six days after his wife had given birth to twins, he allegedly went down to the beach in Manitowoc County and there he spotted Penny Beerntsen.
It was alleged that he violently attacked and assaulted her while she was running along the sand; she was eventually discovered and rushed to the Memorial Hospital where her wounds were treated. And while being treated she was interviewed by a deputy and the county sheriff. She described her attacker, about 30 years old, five foot six or seven, stocky build, brown eyes, long sandy hair with a straggly beard and he was wearing a black leather jacket.
The officials quickly thought of Steve Avery even though he was only 23 years old, barely five feet tall, had blue, not brown, eyes but on the other hand he did have long hair and a beard, that would possibly pass as straggly and he had known form for this sort of behaviour. From that moment on there was nobody else in the frame for the crime even though others in the law enforcement office considered that it was more likely to be another known offender by name of Gregory Allen. This latter information was offered to the officers dealing with the case but nothing came of it.
Avery was arrested and offered what appeared to be a watertight alibi as the time line of his activities around the crime time would appear not to have enabled him to be on the beach at the time Penny Beerntsen was assaulted. This seemed to matter not one jot to the prosecutors for when a series of photographs were shown to the victim she did, after some lengthy consideration, pick out Avery. The authorities knew they were right.
Avery eventually went to trial and with the prosecutors being selective with their evidence and the defence somewhat lax in pursuing certain lines of investigation, the jury, after lengthy deliberations, found him guilty and he was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment. Two subsequent appeals failed and he remained in jail for 18 years. That is until DNA evidence, procedures for which had advanced considerably from the time of his conviction, proved that the assailant was indeed Gregory Allen, who already had previous convictions for similar action in the same area.
Avery was released and immediately began claims against the authorities for wrongful imprisonment; he filed a $36 million dollar suit. However, before anything came of this, Teresa Halbach, a freelance photographer, had an assignment at the Avery Salvage Yard. Unfortunately she went missing and intensive investigation eventually led to her burnt remains and her abandoned vehicle being found in the Salvage Yard.
Avery was interviewed and denied everything even though one of his relatives admitted assisting in the killing of the lady concerned. The evidence seemed overwhelming and he was duly arrested and tried once more for this particular crime. He was found guilty once again and sentenced to life without parole. Twenty-one years after passing through them for the first time and less than four years after walking out a free man, Steve Avery was escorted through the gates of Dodge Correctional Institute in Waupun where he would spend the rest of his life.
Later on his relative that had stated that he had assisted in the killing of Teresa Halbach was also arrested and jailed for life.
The book presents a harrowing tale that highlights deficiencies in the trial procedures and evidence presentation and it also contains as a postscript a poignant statement by the first victim, Penny Beerntsen.
On a second read (I had forgotten that I had already read it, although it did seem familiar!!) nothing had changed, unsurprisingly, as the offender in the first crime was quite dissimilar to the one described by the victim. However, the police felt sure that it was Steven Avery who committed the crime so all the work in securing evidence and identification went into proving that to be the case.
Some evidence was not presented at the trial and the consensus of opinion was that he would be found not guilty. He was not, guilty was the verdict and so behind bars he went, protesting his innocence all along the way. Presumably many thought this just a ploy for Avery had been in trouble before and was, at the time of the crime, awaiting trial on another serious issue.
Eighteen years on another name came into the frame; came into the frame not strictly true because he had been there before, at the time the crime was committed. And what is more many of the officials working the case then felt sure that he was the assailant and told the authorities so. But they cocked a deaf ear to all the entreaties and so Avery was jailed.
When DNA advancement allowed much more scientific proof, it appeared that Avery was innocent and that this other, then jailbird, was the guilty party. And so it was proved and Avery was freed to pursue a claim for compensation against the state. The case was for $36 million so he would have been set up for life.
But he could not, it appears, keep out of trouble and despite trying to go straight he ended up as a murderer. His family ran a salvage yard and he arranged for a photographer, who had worked for him previously, to visit to take some shots. She disappeared and after much investigation it transpired that Avery had killed her and burnt her body, this despite, once again pleading his innocence.
Once more he was found guilty and back to jail he went.It is a sad and tragic story but very readable - as my unknowing second read proved!
Steven Avery was a relatively small time offender until he stopped a neighbour's car and made sexually advances to her while threatening her with a gun. He was duly arrested, charged and was awaiting trial when, just six days after his wife had given birth to twins, he allegedly went down to the beach in Manitowoc County and there he spotted Penny Beerntsen.
It was alleged that he violently attacked and assaulted her while she was running along the sand; she was eventually discovered and rushed to the Memorial Hospital where her wounds were treated. And while being treated she was interviewed by a deputy and the county sheriff. She described her attacker, about 30 years old, five foot six or seven, stocky build, brown eyes, long sandy hair with a straggly beard and he was wearing a black leather jacket.
The officials quickly thought of Steve Avery even though he was only 23 years old, barely five feet tall, had blue, not brown, eyes but on the other hand he did have long hair and a beard, that would possibly pass as straggly and he had known form for this sort of behaviour. From that moment on there was nobody else in the frame for the crime even though others in the law enforcement office considered that it was more likely to be another known offender by name of Gregory Allen. This latter information was offered to the officers dealing with the case but nothing came of it.
Avery was arrested and offered what appeared to be a watertight alibi as the time line of his activities around the crime time would appear not to have enabled him to be on the beach at the time Penny Beerntsen was assaulted. This seemed to matter not one jot to the prosecutors for when a series of photographs were shown to the victim she did, after some lengthy consideration, pick out Avery. The authorities knew they were right.
Avery eventually went to trial and with the prosecutors being selective with their evidence and the defence somewhat lax in pursuing certain lines of investigation, the jury, after lengthy deliberations, found him guilty and he was sentenced to 32 years imprisonment. Two subsequent appeals failed and he remained in jail for 18 years. That is until DNA evidence, procedures for which had advanced considerably from the time of his conviction, proved that the assailant was indeed Gregory Allen, who already had previous convictions for similar action in the same area.
Avery was released and immediately began claims against the authorities for wrongful imprisonment; he filed a $36 million dollar suit. However, before anything came of this, Teresa Halbach, a freelance photographer, had an assignment at the Avery Salvage Yard. Unfortunately she went missing and intensive investigation eventually led to her burnt remains and her abandoned vehicle being found in the Salvage Yard.
Avery was interviewed and denied everything even though one of his relatives admitted assisting in the killing of the lady concerned. The evidence seemed overwhelming and he was duly arrested and tried once more for this particular crime. He was found guilty once again and sentenced to life without parole. Twenty-one years after passing through them for the first time and less than four years after walking out a free man, Steve Avery was escorted through the gates of Dodge Correctional Institute in Waupun where he would spend the rest of his life.
Later on his relative that had stated that he had assisted in the killing of Teresa Halbach was also arrested and jailed for life.
The book presents a harrowing tale that highlights deficiencies in the trial procedures and evidence presentation and it also contains as a postscript a poignant statement by the first victim, Penny Beerntsen.
On a second read (I had forgotten that I had already read it, although it did seem familiar!!) nothing had changed, unsurprisingly, as the offender in the first crime was quite dissimilar to the one described by the victim. However, the police felt sure that it was Steven Avery who committed the crime so all the work in securing evidence and identification went into proving that to be the case.
Some evidence was not presented at the trial and the consensus of opinion was that he would be found not guilty. He was not, guilty was the verdict and so behind bars he went, protesting his innocence all along the way. Presumably many thought this just a ploy for Avery had been in trouble before and was, at the time of the crime, awaiting trial on another serious issue.
Eighteen years on another name came into the frame; came into the frame not strictly true because he had been there before, at the time the crime was committed. And what is more many of the officials working the case then felt sure that he was the assailant and told the authorities so. But they cocked a deaf ear to all the entreaties and so Avery was jailed.
When DNA advancement allowed much more scientific proof, it appeared that Avery was innocent and that this other, then jailbird, was the guilty party. And so it was proved and Avery was freed to pursue a claim for compensation against the state. The case was for $36 million so he would have been set up for life.
But he could not, it appears, keep out of trouble and despite trying to go straight he ended up as a murderer. His family ran a salvage yard and he arranged for a photographer, who had worked for him previously, to visit to take some shots. She disappeared and after much investigation it transpired that Avery had killed her and burnt her body, this despite, once again pleading his innocence.
Once more he was found guilty and back to jail he went.It is a sad and tragic story but very readable - as my unknowing second read proved!
January 2, 2016
I read this book after binge watching Making A Murderer on Netflix and being unable to stop thinking about the case. This book presents some evidence and background info on Steve Avery that wasn't divulged in the documentary series. While this book shows Avery in an unfavorable light, it still highlights aspects of the case that are fishy.
The author clearly believes Avery is guilty, but even with his troubled past I still feel Avery is innocent. The evidence still doesn't add up and the police officers made plenty of mistakes and wrong judgement calls. I'll still be thinking a lot about this case for a long time to come because it's so terrible.
The author clearly believes Avery is guilty, but even with his troubled past I still feel Avery is innocent. The evidence still doesn't add up and the police officers made plenty of mistakes and wrong judgement calls. I'll still be thinking a lot about this case for a long time to come because it's so terrible.
March 16, 2016
I would say, among all the books that followed the Netflix series 'Making a Murderer', this one is probably is the best. It is written by Michael Griesbach who was an actual prosecutor and who even met Avery on a certain occasion.
Like many other viewers, I was very intrigued by the beginning of the book, and it was like the author felt confident there as well. He tells quite a lot of new details of the first crime for which Steven Avery was convicted and it simply is a very interesting read. For example, when the author talks about the way Steven was accused he mentions that it is actually possible for the victim to completely change their memory under circumstances. For instance, I didn't know that Penny Beernsten (who was violently attacked on the beach) still couldn't quite get Avery's face off her mind, because she was absolutely 100% convinced it was him who assaulted her. In the book it is explained that this disturbing thing of inability of retrieving the actual memory is quite a big problem for victims in general (so the 'pushing' by the investigation should be very cautious).
Also, quite a lot of time is devoted to the real perpetrator of the first case - Gregory Allen. In the series they only mention him and it is quite clear he is dangerous. But in the book you can actually see what a complete psychopath he was and therefore it is more shocking that the authorities let him be free for 10 years, whilst he continued doing his perverted stuff ending up attacking another woman. This is a pretty disturbing read.
However, when it comes to the recent case, the author turns from facts to speculations. Phrases like "I knew these people personally, they wouldn't plant the evidence" are really annoying and then Griesbach starts spreading some details that nobody actually quite sure about (just like Ken Kratz in his famous "sweaty" interview). Whilst the author has all the rights to be convinced that Avery is guilty, he doesn't provide any prove for the reader to feel the same way. Moreover, you could see that he is getting frustrated and he really actually hates Avery. Whilst my own opinion remains neutral, I was really interested to read somebody's legitimate work on the fact that Avery WAS in fact guilty, however this book's second part left me disappointed.
I'd still recommend this book for the people who watched the series and want some more details about the case (mainly, the first one).
I received this book from for free from NetGalley in exchange for this review.
Like many other viewers, I was very intrigued by the beginning of the book, and it was like the author felt confident there as well. He tells quite a lot of new details of the first crime for which Steven Avery was convicted and it simply is a very interesting read. For example, when the author talks about the way Steven was accused he mentions that it is actually possible for the victim to completely change their memory under circumstances. For instance, I didn't know that Penny Beernsten (who was violently attacked on the beach) still couldn't quite get Avery's face off her mind, because she was absolutely 100% convinced it was him who assaulted her. In the book it is explained that this disturbing thing of inability of retrieving the actual memory is quite a big problem for victims in general (so the 'pushing' by the investigation should be very cautious).
Also, quite a lot of time is devoted to the real perpetrator of the first case - Gregory Allen. In the series they only mention him and it is quite clear he is dangerous. But in the book you can actually see what a complete psychopath he was and therefore it is more shocking that the authorities let him be free for 10 years, whilst he continued doing his perverted stuff ending up attacking another woman. This is a pretty disturbing read.
However, when it comes to the recent case, the author turns from facts to speculations. Phrases like "I knew these people personally, they wouldn't plant the evidence" are really annoying and then Griesbach starts spreading some details that nobody actually quite sure about (just like Ken Kratz in his famous "sweaty" interview). Whilst the author has all the rights to be convinced that Avery is guilty, he doesn't provide any prove for the reader to feel the same way. Moreover, you could see that he is getting frustrated and he really actually hates Avery. Whilst my own opinion remains neutral, I was really interested to read somebody's legitimate work on the fact that Avery WAS in fact guilty, however this book's second part left me disappointed.
I'd still recommend this book for the people who watched the series and want some more details about the case (mainly, the first one).
I received this book from for free from NetGalley in exchange for this review.
January 14, 2016
*Disclaimer: I've been forced to edit my review of this book. I've left my initial review below for reference, but I've chosen to supersede it with an updated review.
My intention was to elaborate on what I enjoyed about this book, but further research has caused me to do so for different reasons. On a number of instances, Michael Griesbach appears to have printed unfactual information. It would be speculative to say they made the information up. Perhaps his sources were wrong. Still, I see little excuse for such shotty work. At this time, I refuse to indict him as part of the Manitowoc conspiracy. He makes claims about the trial that I've been unable to corroborate. For instance, he reports that the jury sought to reexamine Sherry Culthane's testimony, during deliberations. I've found no record of this and it's eerily similar to the juries request to reexamine the Bobby Dassey testimony, which is not reported in the book. Perhaps he is correct, that the jury did request Culthane's testimony to be reread, there is no excuse to leave out the verified request. In fact, there's little excuse to leave out a lot the wealth of pertinent information that he did. I stand by my review of the books aesthetics; I condemn it for it's ethics.
*I plan on updating my review of this book in the days to come, but since the Netflix program "Making a Murderer" has reached such heights of popularity, it is only prudent for me to gloss over some important elements in this book. First of all, it is written, at-the-time of Avery's 2005 trial, by the Assistant District Attorney for Manitowoc County, so you can expect a certain level of bias. Michael Griesbach spends the majority of the book, over two-thirds, dealing with the 1985 rape case and Avery's wrongful conviction. If you are interested in learning more about that than what appears in the Netflix program, you will be pleased. The book contains less information about the Halbach trial, but does delve into Avery's struggles to adjust and criminal conduct post-release, details which are either glossed in the Netflix program or are not treated at all. For Griesbach's first book, it is written well. He is in no way more biased than the Netflix program and for that he should not be judged based on his opinion in regards to Avery's guilt.
My intention was to elaborate on what I enjoyed about this book, but further research has caused me to do so for different reasons. On a number of instances, Michael Griesbach appears to have printed unfactual information. It would be speculative to say they made the information up. Perhaps his sources were wrong. Still, I see little excuse for such shotty work. At this time, I refuse to indict him as part of the Manitowoc conspiracy. He makes claims about the trial that I've been unable to corroborate. For instance, he reports that the jury sought to reexamine Sherry Culthane's testimony, during deliberations. I've found no record of this and it's eerily similar to the juries request to reexamine the Bobby Dassey testimony, which is not reported in the book. Perhaps he is correct, that the jury did request Culthane's testimony to be reread, there is no excuse to leave out the verified request. In fact, there's little excuse to leave out a lot the wealth of pertinent information that he did. I stand by my review of the books aesthetics; I condemn it for it's ethics.
*I plan on updating my review of this book in the days to come, but since the Netflix program "Making a Murderer" has reached such heights of popularity, it is only prudent for me to gloss over some important elements in this book. First of all, it is written, at-the-time of Avery's 2005 trial, by the Assistant District Attorney for Manitowoc County, so you can expect a certain level of bias. Michael Griesbach spends the majority of the book, over two-thirds, dealing with the 1985 rape case and Avery's wrongful conviction. If you are interested in learning more about that than what appears in the Netflix program, you will be pleased. The book contains less information about the Halbach trial, but does delve into Avery's struggles to adjust and criminal conduct post-release, details which are either glossed in the Netflix program or are not treated at all. For Griesbach's first book, it is written well. He is in no way more biased than the Netflix program and for that he should not be judged based on his opinion in regards to Avery's guilt.
January 10, 2016
It was really interesting to read this after watching _Making Of A Murderer_. The Netflix series covered the same ground, albeit from a perspective far more sympathetic to Steven Avery. It is also far more damning to Kratz and Lenk than this book, but the author DOES pause in his general complimentary demeanor to say that Kratz loves playing to the spotlight. (Since I find Kratz the grossest human in a long while I'd personally call that an understatement.) I struggled to finish this because by the end I was tired of living in Manitowoc. But I'm honestly glad I read it because it underscores why the jury decided the case in the manner they did. I don't agree with them, but I understand.
March 22, 2015
Book: The Innocent Killer: A True Story of a Wrongful Conviction and Its Astonishing Aftermath
Author: Michael Griesbach
Release date (if applicable): Published
Synopsis: Steven Avery was convicted of a horrible rape even though he had an alibi. An innocent man who spent 18 years in jail. for a crime he didn't commit. Two years after he was released and ready to claim millions of dollars for his false conviction, he is arrested for the brutal murder of a missing journalist. Did he do it or was he a victim of a justice system gone wrong?
My rating: 4 Stars
My opinion: Creepy and horrific in its own way. Sometimes the old saying that truth is stranger than fiction is true. This story is living proof. Living in the area, never heard of this case.
With the good comes the criticism. This book did have drawbacks. Periods of it were very dryly written, particularly the court room scenes. It is critical since these tend to flow well as just the nature of the beast is that court room scenes are dry. I tend to see this in books written by attorneys and Mr. Griesbach is a former prosecutor.
A second criticism is that the book had periods of being too wordy and "overwritten". It felt as though he was going too deep into the weeds. This made it a much longer read to me.
Had the author developed these areas in a more concise manner, yet engaging manner, this book easily would have been a five star read for me.
Source: Publisher for Review
Would I recommend? : Yes, I have. It is a very important story.
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone
Author: Michael Griesbach
Release date (if applicable): Published
Synopsis: Steven Avery was convicted of a horrible rape even though he had an alibi. An innocent man who spent 18 years in jail. for a crime he didn't commit. Two years after he was released and ready to claim millions of dollars for his false conviction, he is arrested for the brutal murder of a missing journalist. Did he do it or was he a victim of a justice system gone wrong?
My rating: 4 Stars
My opinion: Creepy and horrific in its own way. Sometimes the old saying that truth is stranger than fiction is true. This story is living proof. Living in the area, never heard of this case.
With the good comes the criticism. This book did have drawbacks. Periods of it were very dryly written, particularly the court room scenes. It is critical since these tend to flow well as just the nature of the beast is that court room scenes are dry. I tend to see this in books written by attorneys and Mr. Griesbach is a former prosecutor.
A second criticism is that the book had periods of being too wordy and "overwritten". It felt as though he was going too deep into the weeds. This made it a much longer read to me.
Had the author developed these areas in a more concise manner, yet engaging manner, this book easily would have been a five star read for me.
Source: Publisher for Review
Would I recommend? : Yes, I have. It is a very important story.
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone
January 10, 2016
For anyone who was a fan of the Netflix series "Making a Murderer," this book is a must-read. The author is Michael Griesbach, who is a prosecuting attorney for the Manitowac County Prosecutor's Office. His name is mentioned in the MAM documentary and his firsthand knowledge is very informative and really helped answer some of the questions that I was left with upon the conclusion of Making a Murderer.
The story is mostly about the Avery's first conviction and the additional information provided is very interesting and also, astonishing. The book is definitely an inspiration to me to ensure that I do my job to the letter of the law and has renewed my desire to protect and defend the Constitution in my role as a prosecuting attorney in both the civilian and military worlds. I do wish that the book included more information about the Theresa Halbach trial as well as Brendan Dassey's involvement but I'm sure that, as a current APA for Manitowac County, Griesbach's freedom to share information was probably very limited. Regardless, I did learn a lot more about the Stephen Avery case from this book and am further convinced that he killed Theresa Halbach but also pretty convinced that his wrongful conviction likely bolstered his deviant nature and contributed to mental illness that caused him to commit such a heinous crime.
The story is mostly about the Avery's first conviction and the additional information provided is very interesting and also, astonishing. The book is definitely an inspiration to me to ensure that I do my job to the letter of the law and has renewed my desire to protect and defend the Constitution in my role as a prosecuting attorney in both the civilian and military worlds. I do wish that the book included more information about the Theresa Halbach trial as well as Brendan Dassey's involvement but I'm sure that, as a current APA for Manitowac County, Griesbach's freedom to share information was probably very limited. Regardless, I did learn a lot more about the Stephen Avery case from this book and am further convinced that he killed Theresa Halbach but also pretty convinced that his wrongful conviction likely bolstered his deviant nature and contributed to mental illness that caused him to commit such a heinous crime.
August 30, 2025
A good companion piece to 'Making a Murderer', which shows the weaknesses in the jury system - but also the dogged work done by lawyers on behalf of their clients.
The book can be read independently of the series, and perhaps should be, since it mostly deals with Avery's exoneration from an earlier conviction before his being charged and convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach.
Griesman paints a picture of a legal system beyond breaking point, but with plenty of good people on both sides of the courtroom trying to improve it for everyone.
The book can be read independently of the series, and perhaps should be, since it mostly deals with Avery's exoneration from an earlier conviction before his being charged and convicted of the murder of Teresa Halbach.
Griesman paints a picture of a legal system beyond breaking point, but with plenty of good people on both sides of the courtroom trying to improve it for everyone.
May 16, 2022
It’s a good book if you want to learn more about the details of the first case Steven Avery was conficted for. If you’re more interested in the Teresa Halbach case I’d recommend to watch the Netflix series instead.
It took me some time to finish this book, but when I was on 50% I really wanted to read a fictional story. It was really interesting to learn more about the first case and how weak the evidence was. I think we can all agree that Steven didn’t do everything right in his life, but I don’t think he’s guilty of murder.
Kathleen Zellner is still working on the case and I’m hoping that one day there’ll be a breakthrough. Especially for Brandon.
It took me some time to finish this book, but when I was on 50% I really wanted to read a fictional story. It was really interesting to learn more about the first case and how weak the evidence was. I think we can all agree that Steven didn’t do everything right in his life, but I don’t think he’s guilty of murder.
Kathleen Zellner is still working on the case and I’m hoping that one day there’ll be a breakthrough. Especially for Brandon.
February 9, 2016
This is the story of Steven Avery told by Michael Griesbach, who is a prosecuting attorney for the Manitowoc County Prosecutor’s Office. He got involved in the case when Steven was finally exonerated.
There were a couple of reasons I wanted to read this book. One of them was (how could it not) the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer that I’d just finished watching. Another reason was just my general interest in true crime.
Because of the release of the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer it is impossible to not compare this book with the documentary. I am very much aware of the fact that the documentary was biased and very much favourable to Steven Avery. I expected this book to have a certain level of bias as well, because of Michael Griesbach’s job.
About 45% of the book focuses on the trial in the Penny Beerntsen case. It is told step by step with loads of detail. Then there is about 25% of how the author got involved in the case when Steven was proven to be innocent. The last 30% of the book is a mix of the Teresa Halbach story and personal anecdotes and thoughts of the author. This part is rushed, with mostly speculation and accusation, loads of repetition and hardly any detail. So if you are looking for more information regarding the murder trial, this book is not for you as there is hardly any information about the murder trial. If you are looking for more information about the initial rape charge, then this is it.
But is it really? Is it all about innocence and guilt? Isn’t it, regardless of Steven’s innocence or guilt, mostly a story about justice and injustice? I must admit, after this quote (which is in the beginning of the book) I had a pretty hard time getting through it, because it made very clear from the get go, where the focus of this book would be and what the conclusion of the author was going the be.
Turns out, I don’t like my non-fiction to be a narrative. Especially in the beginning of the book there are loads of examples I could give. If a car drives away, I don’t need to know whether or not it left a trail of dust. And how does the author know what Lori Avery was thinking back in the 1980’s, before anything had happened at all?
But there are also loads of little gems like this quote. It gives you a pretty good inside on how a trial by jury (and the American justice system) works.
The first part of the book was really interesting, especially since Making a Murderer only really spends one episode on the Penny Beerntsen case. The author of this book tells the story of Penny in a lot of detail, but without the conspiracy theory of the documentary, but he does point out that there could be some misconduct. However, once the murder trial begins, the narrative falls apart. It feels rushed, and all the detail used for Penny Beerntsen is gone when it comes to Teresa Halbach. Also this:
This was before the trial even started. Then, later on, the author even calls Steven Avery a monster. This probably disappointed me the most. I expected some bias, sure, but this is just a big no for me. The author of the book glorifies the justice system and portrays it like there is no room or possibility for error. Every juror in the murder case is good willing and perfect. There is nothing wrong with the case and the people who are involved in Steven’s trial. There’s just something wrong with Steven (and maybe his family) and therefor he is convicted according to the author.
I received a copy of this book for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were a couple of reasons I wanted to read this book. One of them was (how could it not) the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer that I’d just finished watching. Another reason was just my general interest in true crime.
Because of the release of the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer it is impossible to not compare this book with the documentary. I am very much aware of the fact that the documentary was biased and very much favourable to Steven Avery. I expected this book to have a certain level of bias as well, because of Michael Griesbach’s job.
About 45% of the book focuses on the trial in the Penny Beerntsen case. It is told step by step with loads of detail. Then there is about 25% of how the author got involved in the case when Steven was proven to be innocent. The last 30% of the book is a mix of the Teresa Halbach story and personal anecdotes and thoughts of the author. This part is rushed, with mostly speculation and accusation, loads of repetition and hardly any detail. So if you are looking for more information regarding the murder trial, this book is not for you as there is hardly any information about the murder trial. If you are looking for more information about the initial rape charge, then this is it.
“It’s a case of violent crime with a mind-numbing twist. But mostly, it’s a case about innocence and guilt”.
But is it really? Is it all about innocence and guilt? Isn’t it, regardless of Steven’s innocence or guilt, mostly a story about justice and injustice? I must admit, after this quote (which is in the beginning of the book) I had a pretty hard time getting through it, because it made very clear from the get go, where the focus of this book would be and what the conclusion of the author was going the be.
“Sometimes it seemed like he just didn’t care, Lori thought to herself, and she was getting tired of it.”
Turns out, I don’t like my non-fiction to be a narrative. Especially in the beginning of the book there are loads of examples I could give. If a car drives away, I don’t need to know whether or not it left a trail of dust. And how does the author know what Lori Avery was thinking back in the 1980’s, before anything had happened at all?
“There are two things to remember for effective cross-examination: First, never ask a question if you don't know the answer; and second, don't beat around the bush - get in and out quickly.”
But there are also loads of little gems like this quote. It gives you a pretty good inside on how a trial by jury (and the American justice system) works.
The first part of the book was really interesting, especially since Making a Murderer only really spends one episode on the Penny Beerntsen case. The author of this book tells the story of Penny in a lot of detail, but without the conspiracy theory of the documentary, but he does point out that there could be some misconduct. However, once the murder trial begins, the narrative falls apart. It feels rushed, and all the detail used for Penny Beerntsen is gone when it comes to Teresa Halbach. Also this:
“Who cares that a depraved sociopath like Steven Avery was wrongly convicted of an earlier crime – look what he did to Teresa! He was a dangerous deviant then and is apparently no less of a dangerous deviant now”.
This was before the trial even started. Then, later on, the author even calls Steven Avery a monster. This probably disappointed me the most. I expected some bias, sure, but this is just a big no for me. The author of the book glorifies the justice system and portrays it like there is no room or possibility for error. Every juror in the murder case is good willing and perfect. There is nothing wrong with the case and the people who are involved in Steven’s trial. There’s just something wrong with Steven (and maybe his family) and therefor he is convicted according to the author.
I received a copy of this book for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2022
Interessant boek over een waargebeurd verhaal waar je verbaasd zult zijn over het onrecht bij deze rechtszaak. Wel zitten er een aantal moeilijke woorden in waaronder termen die gebruikt worden door onder andere rechters en advocaten. Hierdoor moest ik vaak die termen opzoeken.
July 10, 2017
Not Sure What To Make If This Book. Before I Started It, I Read Plenty Of Reviews But Then Put The Book Down Halfway Through And Watched The TV Series. It Showed Me That The Book Hadn't Gone Into As Much Detail As I Usually Like And Glossed Over Certain Aspects Of The Cases.
June 11, 2016
Firstly, the title of this book is confusing and the little blurb on the cover doesn't help. You would expect this book to be all about the murder case as displayed on the Netflix documentary series. It's not. The first three parts of the book are an in-depth analysis of the crime Avery was wrongly convicted for. The fourth part of the book is dedicated to the murder case.
The first three parts are filled with details and explanations - not all shown in the documentary. Griesbach shows the evidence for exactly what it is and shows how the police department did what they could to ensure Avery was convicted, even when there was proof that they knew he wasn't the assailant. These parts make for an excellent read on their own and provide proof that it is necessary to improve our justice system as a whole across the country - there is room for improvement (Read Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice by Adam Benforado for suggestions on how to do so). There were so many errors in regards of handling the entire case and they are all put on display here.
The fourth part, Griesbach summarizes the Teresa Halbach murder. Personally, I am still on the wall about Avery's guilt. To me it's probable enough that he didn't commit the murder - there are just too many open questions - the prosecutors have a theory but the way they explain it just does not make sense due to the lack of evidence. Griesbach submits his own opinion, but he does not analyze the evidence as thoroughly or reason both sides as he did in the previous 3 parts. I think this is mostly because he works for the county and knows all the men being accused of being unethical personally. For me, the biggest fact about the last part of the book is that there was no rehabilitation for Avery - whether he is ultimately guilty or not, the justice system should have some sort of fail safe in place to prevent those exonerated from failure and troubles. I feel Griesbach could have been more fair here - after all he discovered with the first trial, how could he not question things more the second time around...
The book is well written (at least the first 3 parts) and an important part of re-analyzing how we carry out investigations and honoring protocol. It's worth the read whether you agree with Griesbach on Avery's guilt with the Halbach murder or not.
The first three parts are filled with details and explanations - not all shown in the documentary. Griesbach shows the evidence for exactly what it is and shows how the police department did what they could to ensure Avery was convicted, even when there was proof that they knew he wasn't the assailant. These parts make for an excellent read on their own and provide proof that it is necessary to improve our justice system as a whole across the country - there is room for improvement (Read Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice by Adam Benforado for suggestions on how to do so). There were so many errors in regards of handling the entire case and they are all put on display here.
The fourth part, Griesbach summarizes the Teresa Halbach murder. Personally, I am still on the wall about Avery's guilt. To me it's probable enough that he didn't commit the murder - there are just too many open questions - the prosecutors have a theory but the way they explain it just does not make sense due to the lack of evidence. Griesbach submits his own opinion, but he does not analyze the evidence as thoroughly or reason both sides as he did in the previous 3 parts. I think this is mostly because he works for the county and knows all the men being accused of being unethical personally. For me, the biggest fact about the last part of the book is that there was no rehabilitation for Avery - whether he is ultimately guilty or not, the justice system should have some sort of fail safe in place to prevent those exonerated from failure and troubles. I feel Griesbach could have been more fair here - after all he discovered with the first trial, how could he not question things more the second time around...
The book is well written (at least the first 3 parts) and an important part of re-analyzing how we carry out investigations and honoring protocol. It's worth the read whether you agree with Griesbach on Avery's guilt with the Halbach murder or not.
May 4, 2016
Interesting and informative, a gem of a book
The author has presented a well-written, well-researched and easy to understand account of the Steven Avery case. Being one of the handful of people who did not follow "Making a Murderer" I knew very little about the case.
Avery's wrongful conviction for a sexual attack on Penny Beerntsen was nothing short of tragic and, I believe, a deliberate act on the part of the sheriff and prosecutor. Regardless of their reasons, no American citizen should be subjected to this.
The exoneration of Avery by DNA evidence after 18 long years behind bars was insufficient as reparation for the loss of his freedom, his family, and everything he was entitled to but was deprived of. I applauded his decision to file a lawsuit against those who wronged him.
The next chapter in his life left me gobsmacked. Why would Avery risk everything he had going for him? He was not a sadistic killer; why on earth would he decide to become one? The trial did nothing to answer these questions. Then there's the 17-year-old nephew. I still don't know what to think about him. They both were convicted on very little solid evidence that definitively linked them to the crime. It left me unsure about opportunity and completely lost on motive. The burn pit was just that and didn't point to anyone in particular. No fingerprints, two drops of blood.
The author can be proud of this book. There were a few errors, enough that I felt I needed to deduct one star. One part I spent too much time trying to figure out was the assailant standing in the midst of a poplar tree. I've seen poplar trees but never one that a person could stand in the middle of.
Concerning the attack on the beach when they were struggling with the timeline, the author states, "...when she first saw the man hiding in the poplar trees...it had been ten minutes to four." That was the second time she saw him, on her return trip. She had passed him earlier, between 3:00 and 3:30. If this had been pursued, it may have changed the outcome of the trial, or negated the need for a trial.
The author has presented a well-written, well-researched and easy to understand account of the Steven Avery case. Being one of the handful of people who did not follow "Making a Murderer" I knew very little about the case.
Avery's wrongful conviction for a sexual attack on Penny Beerntsen was nothing short of tragic and, I believe, a deliberate act on the part of the sheriff and prosecutor. Regardless of their reasons, no American citizen should be subjected to this.
The exoneration of Avery by DNA evidence after 18 long years behind bars was insufficient as reparation for the loss of his freedom, his family, and everything he was entitled to but was deprived of. I applauded his decision to file a lawsuit against those who wronged him.
The next chapter in his life left me gobsmacked. Why would Avery risk everything he had going for him? He was not a sadistic killer; why on earth would he decide to become one? The trial did nothing to answer these questions. Then there's the 17-year-old nephew. I still don't know what to think about him. They both were convicted on very little solid evidence that definitively linked them to the crime. It left me unsure about opportunity and completely lost on motive. The burn pit was just that and didn't point to anyone in particular. No fingerprints, two drops of blood.
The author can be proud of this book. There were a few errors, enough that I felt I needed to deduct one star. One part I spent too much time trying to figure out was the assailant standing in the midst of a poplar tree. I've seen poplar trees but never one that a person could stand in the middle of.
Concerning the attack on the beach when they were struggling with the timeline, the author states, "...when she first saw the man hiding in the poplar trees...it had been ten minutes to four." That was the second time she saw him, on her return trip. She had passed him earlier, between 3:00 and 3:30. If this had been pursued, it may have changed the outcome of the trial, or negated the need for a trial.
June 9, 2016
Griesbach’s direct involvement in exonerating Steven Avery for sexual assault makes him an authority on this twisted and compelling scenario. Though I was not, many will be familiar with the case from the documentary Making a Murderer. Since this was new to me, I was riveted from page one. Avery’s wrongful conviction for attempted rape and murder that kept him locked up for 18 years was overturned when DNA analysis became accessible. But just 4 years after his release, with a pending multi-million dollar lawsuit on the horizon, he was accused of murder when a missing woman’s remains are found on his property.
There are so many issues addressed here in relation to miscarriages of justice. Because the actual perpetrator of the assault Avery was convicted of was not apprehended, another woman was raped. Because Avery was not on parole when he was released from prison, he did not receive the guidance and counseling parolees receive. If he had, would his murder victim still be alive? Because of his violent history and the police investigation’s unwavering determination to prosecute him, they influenced his victim to identify him as the perpetrator. When he was vindicated of this crime, she had to live with unfathomable guilt.
Another reason this book was so captivating was that Griesbach makes complex legal issues accessible to layman readers like me. The narrative, which involves so much legal jargon, was approachable. Besides the overall particularities of the case, it is Griesbach’s personal experiences and perspective that makes this such an intriguing book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
There are so many issues addressed here in relation to miscarriages of justice. Because the actual perpetrator of the assault Avery was convicted of was not apprehended, another woman was raped. Because Avery was not on parole when he was released from prison, he did not receive the guidance and counseling parolees receive. If he had, would his murder victim still be alive? Because of his violent history and the police investigation’s unwavering determination to prosecute him, they influenced his victim to identify him as the perpetrator. When he was vindicated of this crime, she had to live with unfathomable guilt.
Another reason this book was so captivating was that Griesbach makes complex legal issues accessible to layman readers like me. The narrative, which involves so much legal jargon, was approachable. Besides the overall particularities of the case, it is Griesbach’s personal experiences and perspective that makes this such an intriguing book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
March 1, 2016
Anyone with a passing interest in the Internet and a Netflix subscription is familiar by now with the story of Steven Avery. Definitely a book of two halves, the first half covers his wrongful conviction for rape and is incredibly detailed to the point where large parts of court transcripts are copied ad verbatim. It makes for very dry reading at points, without any of the flourish a seasoned writer or journalist would sprinkle across the pages. The second half covers the more contentious, if possible, murder conviction and feels quite rushed. I don't claim to be one of the self appointed websleuths obsessed with this case but there's a lot of things left out and if you were to solely read this book you'd be fairly convinced of Steven Avery's guilt.
I feel like there's still a great book to be written about this case, but sadly this isn't it. Not every true crime book can be In Cold Blood but Manitowoc is a town with a story to be told and needs a writer who can really get under the skin of the town and its people. This starts off as a fairly solid effort but, unfortunately, never quite hits the mark. Disappointing.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
I feel like there's still a great book to be written about this case, but sadly this isn't it. Not every true crime book can be In Cold Blood but Manitowoc is a town with a story to be told and needs a writer who can really get under the skin of the town and its people. This starts off as a fairly solid effort but, unfortunately, never quite hits the mark. Disappointing.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
February 18, 2016
3.5 stars
Huge thanks to Michael Griesbach, Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having not watched Making a Murderer and not really hearing much about it I decided to request this book and was extremely happy to be approved.
How someone can be sent to prison when there was no evidence to prove them guilty is unbelievable! His previous behaviour, though unpleasant and horrible, wasn't nearly as horrifically violent as the attack he was originally sent down for. The complete lack of police work in making sure they 'had the right man' is shocking especially with all the stuff that comes to light as you continue to read.
The only thing I've heard about the tv show is that it's biased towards Steve Avery, that he's innocent and the last part of this book is very much the opposite, he's guilty. I know what I'm inclined to believe like, I'm sure, you know what you believe.
Huge thanks to Michael Griesbach, Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having not watched Making a Murderer and not really hearing much about it I decided to request this book and was extremely happy to be approved.
How someone can be sent to prison when there was no evidence to prove them guilty is unbelievable! His previous behaviour, though unpleasant and horrible, wasn't nearly as horrifically violent as the attack he was originally sent down for. The complete lack of police work in making sure they 'had the right man' is shocking especially with all the stuff that comes to light as you continue to read.
The only thing I've heard about the tv show is that it's biased towards Steve Avery, that he's innocent and the last part of this book is very much the opposite, he's guilty. I know what I'm inclined to believe like, I'm sure, you know what you believe.
January 11, 2016
"The Innocent Killer" is an AD's take on the exoneration of Steven Avery for rape, and his subsequent arrest for alleged murder. This is a fascinating case (see: "Making a Murderer," the Netflix series), but the book is rather dry. The majority of the text reads as a transcript of trial records, with little additional insight. The exoneration and movement to the second trial is only in the last third of the book--and given that's part of the title ("Killer"), you'd think that would have a greater piece of the text. All in all, while the book is interesting (especially the author's role in the Avery exoneration), I didn't feel it added significantly to the known body of knowledge about these cases.
February 4, 2016
Very well-written! What I found most interesting, though, was the author being aghast at the slip-shod, semi-conspiratorial running of the Manitowoc County's DA office prior to his employment there as an assistant DA, and his perspective shift at how well-run, diligent, and mistake-proof it became AFTER he became employed there. Simply put: Steve Avery's first trial for the sexual assault of Penny Beernsten was a sham due to poor/lax police procedure and long-held grudges; Avery's second trial, for the rape and murder of Teresa Halbach, was well-run and without blemish. I'm looking forward to the opposing perspective of Buting or Stang, should they ever record their impressions of the case.
March 6, 2016
I will begin with the statement that I did watch the documentary "Making A Murderer," so I already felt moderately-informed on the goings-on with the Steven Avery trials. This book didn't change my opinions, but solidified how I already felt.
The book itself was good in its content, but there were a lot of editing and grammatical errors that bugged me. My husband asked, "Why read the book if you already know what's going to happen?" I feel like just because you knew the Titanic sank doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy the movie. The saga of Steven Avery's forays into the legal system are perverse and strange, yet I can't look away.
The book itself was good in its content, but there were a lot of editing and grammatical errors that bugged me. My husband asked, "Why read the book if you already know what's going to happen?" I feel like just because you knew the Titanic sank doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy the movie. The saga of Steven Avery's forays into the legal system are perverse and strange, yet I can't look away.
August 12, 2014
I was particularly drawn to this book, because, having lived in Wisconsin all my life, I remember the Steven Avery case well. This book, written by one of the ADAs of Manitowoc County who was associated with the case, gives details and insight that were not previously made public. This book has twists and turns made all the more ironic, fascinating, and horrifying because they actually happened. And despite the fact that I already knew about the subsequent events and their outcome, this was no less a very riveting page-turner.
January 19, 2016
The author covers the Steven Avery cases. If you have seen the Making of a Murderer you will be familiar with Avery's story. Although the author is intimately familiar with the Teresa Halbac murder trial it is not covered as comprehensively as Avery's 1985 trial where he is accused of attempted murder and sexual assault. The author, an assistant DA wrote this book I believe 2014 two years before the aforementioned movie. My two star rating was because of what has been brought out since the murder trial, the author has smoothed over a lot and that is his prerogative but true will out.
Read
February 26, 2016The Innocent Killer was a good book to read if you haven't watched the Netflix documentary of Making a Murderer. Its a different set of biases in this one when comparing it to the documentary. I was fascinated by the turn of events in both the cases that were discussed. The writer is a lawyer who was involved in one of Steven Avery's cases and I could tell that he is a newbie. So I was left with a verdict in my mind even if the writing wasn't as polished. This is based on real events and that really pulled me in. Can't wait until I watch the documentary.
July 8, 2017
Michael Griesbach n'est pas forcément un bon écrivain. Ce n'est pas son métier. Mais par contre, en tant que procureur et acteur de l'affaire Avery, il en est un témoin brillant. De ce fait, ce livre, malgré ses lourdeurs de forme, est digne d'intérêt. En effet, Griesbach, sans jamais chercher à justifier l'acte final et odieux de Steve Avery, montre à quel point la présomption d'innocence est fondamentale à tout système judiciaire. En cela, cette triste affaire est un cas d'école que le lecteur aurait tort de ne pas connaître.
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