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A Terrible Guilt
“A brisk-paced legal thriller packed with twists, turns, and tension!” –Cam Torrens, award-winning author of Stable and False Summit
When the owner and the chef of a popular diner in a small north Georgia town are found shot to death shortly before opening early one morning, Joseph Owens, a hot-tempered busboy, quickly becomes the prime suspect. District Attorney Paul Chastain, facing a serious challenge in his bid for reelection, charges Owens with the murders despite pleas from the lead detective for more time to investigate. After a hard-fought trial in which the judge allows the prosecutor to present highly emotional testimony despite the defense lawyer's objections, Owens is convicted and sentenced to death by the jury.
Two Atlanta lawyers, who observed part of the trial, become convinced the prosecution's case is flimsy at best. Shocked by the outcome, they get permission from their firm's managing partner to represent Owens in his final appeal. But as the appeal drags on and costs the firm more and more in lost legal fees, tensions begin to rise. Their involvement has a drastic impact not just on Owens, but on many others involved in the case, as well as on their own lives and careers.
When the owner and the chef of a popular diner in a small north Georgia town are found shot to death shortly before opening early one morning, Joseph Owens, a hot-tempered busboy, quickly becomes the prime suspect. District Attorney Paul Chastain, facing a serious challenge in his bid for reelection, charges Owens with the murders despite pleas from the lead detective for more time to investigate. After a hard-fought trial in which the judge allows the prosecutor to present highly emotional testimony despite the defense lawyer's objections, Owens is convicted and sentenced to death by the jury.
Two Atlanta lawyers, who observed part of the trial, become convinced the prosecution's case is flimsy at best. Shocked by the outcome, they get permission from their firm's managing partner to represent Owens in his final appeal. But as the appeal drags on and costs the firm more and more in lost legal fees, tensions begin to rise. Their involvement has a drastic impact not just on Owens, but on many others involved in the case, as well as on their own lives and careers.
297 pages, Paperback
Published September 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 21, 2024
Bob Rothman’s debut novel is a tense, fast moving passionate look at the injustice and inconsistency of applying the death penalty in American courtrooms. When the popular owner of a diner in rural Georgia is shot dead, Joseph Owens, a worker at the diner with a serious anger management issue is arrested. Evidence is all circumstantial. Not even a weapon can be found and there are no eye witnesses. But circumstantial evidence is no friend of a black suspect in the USA, especially when there are two unsolved local murders and the DA, Paul Chastain, is facing a formidable opponent in his bid for re-election.
A court appointed attorney represents the defendant and he’s no match for a highly motivated DA and a judge who summarily rejects all of the defense motions. When two high powered attorneys, Greg Williams and Elena Samuels, from a prestigious Atlanta law firm, are asked to attend the trial as representatives for a media company client , they become concerned about wheels of justice in this life or death case. Ultimately they agree to represent the condemned Mr Owens in his last hurrah Habeas Corpus appeal.
What ensues is not only a courtroom travesty, where the life of an innocent man means very little to those intent upon scoring a win, but also an in depth look into the machinations of big very wealthy law firms where lucrative billable hours take priority over a pro bono attempt to save a human life. Both the dialogue and interpersonal relationships were so well depicted that there were times I wanted to jump right in and tell the law partners just how greedy and soulless they were.
There have been other novels written about the spurious and cruel nature of the death penalty, the most famous being To Kill A Mockingbird, yet the topic remains a vitally important one because the finality of the sentence precludes the possibility of future evidence exonerating the defendant. In this book, Bob Rothman does an impeccable job of telling how the defendant might just become another victim. I will look for any future book by this author. Five glorious stars for a book that must be read, digested and discussed to be understood. . It was published on September 12,2024 and is a must read for those who enjoy courtroom drama with a punch. Many thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC in exchange for my very honest review.
A court appointed attorney represents the defendant and he’s no match for a highly motivated DA and a judge who summarily rejects all of the defense motions. When two high powered attorneys, Greg Williams and Elena Samuels, from a prestigious Atlanta law firm, are asked to attend the trial as representatives for a media company client , they become concerned about wheels of justice in this life or death case. Ultimately they agree to represent the condemned Mr Owens in his last hurrah Habeas Corpus appeal.
What ensues is not only a courtroom travesty, where the life of an innocent man means very little to those intent upon scoring a win, but also an in depth look into the machinations of big very wealthy law firms where lucrative billable hours take priority over a pro bono attempt to save a human life. Both the dialogue and interpersonal relationships were so well depicted that there were times I wanted to jump right in and tell the law partners just how greedy and soulless they were.
There have been other novels written about the spurious and cruel nature of the death penalty, the most famous being To Kill A Mockingbird, yet the topic remains a vitally important one because the finality of the sentence precludes the possibility of future evidence exonerating the defendant. In this book, Bob Rothman does an impeccable job of telling how the defendant might just become another victim. I will look for any future book by this author. Five glorious stars for a book that must be read, digested and discussed to be understood. . It was published on September 12,2024 and is a must read for those who enjoy courtroom drama with a punch. Many thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC in exchange for my very honest review.
February 8, 2025
Having just recently found the love of reading, completing 137 books for 2024 and this being my 25th for 2025….this book warrants my first review.
Simply delightful. A truly unique writing style by this author and I’m looking forward to future titles.
Simply delightful. A truly unique writing style by this author and I’m looking forward to future titles.
October 29, 2025
Excellent book!
This book is incredibly well written and gives the reader a clear example of courtroom procedure and the behind the scenes work that goes into a trial. I loved every part and page!
This book is incredibly well written and gives the reader a clear example of courtroom procedure and the behind the scenes work that goes into a trial. I loved every part and page!
January 25, 2025
A very enjoyable legal procedural about the efforts of a team of lawyers at a big legal firm who work to free an innocent man who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A wonderful first effort novel from Mr. Rothman who spent years in the legal profession.
May 10, 2024
A gripping story of how a death sentence affects the accused and those in the orbit of his case.
Television would have you believe that a homicide can be investigated and solved, and the murderer arrested and tried, in one hour minus space for commercials. In A Terrible Guilt, the author, a long-time trial lawyer, takes the reader deeply into the real-life processes of investigation, arrest, and trial, as well as the ramifications for everyone involved.
The defendant, Joseph Owens, is a down-on-his-luck man with anger management issues, who is accused of the cold-blooded murders of two well-regarded citizens in a small town in north Georgia. Though the physical evidence is sparse, Owens had motive, means, and opportunity. Despite the inconclusiveness of the evidence, the county district attorney, who is running for re-election in a hotly contested race, decides to charge Owens with murder.
The trial scenes are realistic, with a you-are-there quality. There was enough ambiguity in the evidence that I wondered not only how the trial would turn out, but also about whether Owens had committed the crimes.
The trial ends with Owens convicted and sentenced to death, but that’s only the first part of the story. Enter Greg Williams and Elena Samuels, partners at a large, prestigious law firm in Atlanta, who volunteer to represent Owens in the ensuing habeas corpus proceedings at no charge. With only limited grounds for overturning a conviction, Williams and Samuels have their work cut out for them. Their representation of Owens requires a massive effort that jeopardizes their careers, meaning that Owens, Williams, and Samuels all have stakes in the outcome.
Fiction isn’t just about the events in a story; the best fiction shows how those events affect the people involved. Rothman does a masterful job of conveying the ripple effects of the murders on the defendant, the police, the prosecutors, the defense counsel, the witnesses, and others. More than just a legal procedural, A Terrible Guilt is a story of how two murders can have many more victims.
My thanks to the author for providing a complimentary advance reader copy of this book.
Television would have you believe that a homicide can be investigated and solved, and the murderer arrested and tried, in one hour minus space for commercials. In A Terrible Guilt, the author, a long-time trial lawyer, takes the reader deeply into the real-life processes of investigation, arrest, and trial, as well as the ramifications for everyone involved.
The defendant, Joseph Owens, is a down-on-his-luck man with anger management issues, who is accused of the cold-blooded murders of two well-regarded citizens in a small town in north Georgia. Though the physical evidence is sparse, Owens had motive, means, and opportunity. Despite the inconclusiveness of the evidence, the county district attorney, who is running for re-election in a hotly contested race, decides to charge Owens with murder.
The trial scenes are realistic, with a you-are-there quality. There was enough ambiguity in the evidence that I wondered not only how the trial would turn out, but also about whether Owens had committed the crimes.
The trial ends with Owens convicted and sentenced to death, but that’s only the first part of the story. Enter Greg Williams and Elena Samuels, partners at a large, prestigious law firm in Atlanta, who volunteer to represent Owens in the ensuing habeas corpus proceedings at no charge. With only limited grounds for overturning a conviction, Williams and Samuels have their work cut out for them. Their representation of Owens requires a massive effort that jeopardizes their careers, meaning that Owens, Williams, and Samuels all have stakes in the outcome.
Fiction isn’t just about the events in a story; the best fiction shows how those events affect the people involved. Rothman does a masterful job of conveying the ripple effects of the murders on the defendant, the police, the prosecutors, the defense counsel, the witnesses, and others. More than just a legal procedural, A Terrible Guilt is a story of how two murders can have many more victims.
My thanks to the author for providing a complimentary advance reader copy of this book.
April 8, 2025
In a small north Georgia town, Joseph Owens is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or is he? At a local diner, the owner and his chef are found murdered. Although no one can place Owens at the crime scene, he soon becomes the number one suspect because of an earlier altercation with his boss and his checkered past. Evidence is circumstantial and thin, but District Attorney Paul Chastin needs a conviction. He’s got sympathetic victims with grieving families, a community on edge, and a reelection campaign with a serious challenger to fend off. “A Terrible Guilt’ by Bob Rothman takes readers on an inside tour of a justice system fraught with problems.
It’s not surprising when Owens, a Black busboy with a temper and a sketchy past, is convicted by a mostly white jury—with the death penalty on the table. Attorneys Elena Samuels and Greg Williams from an Atlanta firm get wind of the case and investigate, each with their own motivations for digging deeper into the case. They take on Owens’ appeal pro bono, much to the chagrin of some of the firm’s principals, and what they find shocks them to the core. Now their careers and the very lives of the Atlanta lawyers may be in jeopardy as well.
The story is familiar and all too common, the perfect storm of an aggressive prosecutor, systemic racism, and a justice system that’s not foolproof. Rothman’s legal expertise is on display throughout the book, with detailed trial scenes, political wrangling, and the wider repercussions of the death penalty and its imperfections laid bare for readers.
A light touch of sweet romance between two of the characters is a welcome respite from the case. The book could have benefited from a more in-depth treatment of Owens, who doesn’t get much page time, especially initially, making it harder for the reader to invest emotionally in his predicament.
“A Terrible Guilt” by Bob Rothman would appeal to hardcore legal thriller fans who appreciate a detailed and accurate portrayal of the justice system and enjoy rooting for the underdog. A meticulous legal thriller with heartwarming idealism.
It’s not surprising when Owens, a Black busboy with a temper and a sketchy past, is convicted by a mostly white jury—with the death penalty on the table. Attorneys Elena Samuels and Greg Williams from an Atlanta firm get wind of the case and investigate, each with their own motivations for digging deeper into the case. They take on Owens’ appeal pro bono, much to the chagrin of some of the firm’s principals, and what they find shocks them to the core. Now their careers and the very lives of the Atlanta lawyers may be in jeopardy as well.
The story is familiar and all too common, the perfect storm of an aggressive prosecutor, systemic racism, and a justice system that’s not foolproof. Rothman’s legal expertise is on display throughout the book, with detailed trial scenes, political wrangling, and the wider repercussions of the death penalty and its imperfections laid bare for readers.
A light touch of sweet romance between two of the characters is a welcome respite from the case. The book could have benefited from a more in-depth treatment of Owens, who doesn’t get much page time, especially initially, making it harder for the reader to invest emotionally in his predicament.
“A Terrible Guilt” by Bob Rothman would appeal to hardcore legal thriller fans who appreciate a detailed and accurate portrayal of the justice system and enjoy rooting for the underdog. A meticulous legal thriller with heartwarming idealism.
September 12, 2024
Bob Rothman writes an amazing crime thrilling tale with A Terrible Guilt
In A Terrible Guilt, the reader is faced with the double murder of a diner owner and his chef. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I'm not sure, but I think this is his debut novel, and if it is, I am impressed. If it's not, I am still impressed. I just became a fan of Bob Rothman. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. This is a wonderfully written thriller, and just when you think this case is going nowhere, something happens, and they name their person of interest, as a suspect with a subsequent arrest and trial. Insert two high powered lawyers observing the trial, and they don't understand why a case like this is even this far into a trial. Sometimes first impressions of a person of interest, stop right there, and there is not even a look for another suspect. This story is a grand suspenseful story. This story is a wondrous trail of words, and both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The premise and the plots, and subplots were gripping and incredible. The characters had their own depths, and even looking into the background of the victims, provides that sense of the horrendous murders. A Terrible Guilt is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In A Terrible Guilt, the reader is faced with the double murder of a diner owner and his chef. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I'm not sure, but I think this is his debut novel, and if it is, I am impressed. If it's not, I am still impressed. I just became a fan of Bob Rothman. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. This is a wonderfully written thriller, and just when you think this case is going nowhere, something happens, and they name their person of interest, as a suspect with a subsequent arrest and trial. Insert two high powered lawyers observing the trial, and they don't understand why a case like this is even this far into a trial. Sometimes first impressions of a person of interest, stop right there, and there is not even a look for another suspect. This story is a grand suspenseful story. This story is a wondrous trail of words, and both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The premise and the plots, and subplots were gripping and incredible. The characters had their own depths, and even looking into the background of the victims, provides that sense of the horrendous murders. A Terrible Guilt is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
October 15, 2024
In this riveting legal thriller, debut author Robert Rothman crafts a tightly plotted indictment of the death penalty. It’s an issue with firm beliefs on both sides, but at the crux of it is the simple question, “If one person is wrongfully incarcerated and ultimately executed for a crime that person did not commit, how can the death penalty be justified?
The victim in this story is a poor black man in the deep south whose only crime is a temper that sometimes gets out of control. His name is Joseph Owens, but in a way, his name is Tom Robinson, the man Atticus Finch defends in the classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird, or any of countless others – regardless of their race. He’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his temper makes him a target of suspicion in a gruesome double murder.
Rothman ratchets up the suspense of the murder trial through skillful use of dialogue that pushes the action forward. The conviction is a foregone conclusion from the outset, and the death penalty comes as no surprise. After serving years in prison, his case is reopened, there’s a glimmer of hope due to the persistence of two attorneys who have kept the faith.
It’s a riveting tale and an uncomfortable reminder that without champions who work for the common good, none of us are safe if those in power decide we are expendable.
The victim in this story is a poor black man in the deep south whose only crime is a temper that sometimes gets out of control. His name is Joseph Owens, but in a way, his name is Tom Robinson, the man Atticus Finch defends in the classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird, or any of countless others – regardless of their race. He’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his temper makes him a target of suspicion in a gruesome double murder.
Rothman ratchets up the suspense of the murder trial through skillful use of dialogue that pushes the action forward. The conviction is a foregone conclusion from the outset, and the death penalty comes as no surprise. After serving years in prison, his case is reopened, there’s a glimmer of hope due to the persistence of two attorneys who have kept the faith.
It’s a riveting tale and an uncomfortable reminder that without champions who work for the common good, none of us are safe if those in power decide we are expendable.
September 1, 2026
When I finished this book and read the author's bio, I was surprised to learn it was his first novel. I was not surprised, however, that he was a long time practicing attorney. The best scenes in this legal thriller are the courtroom ones and it's worth the read just for those. It's a good story of an innocent but very flawed individual who is railroaded into arrest for murder due to political and probably racial reasons. I'll leave other plot details out to avoid spoilers. I enjoyed the story and learned a good deal about legal procedures and what is probably an accurate portrayal of real life in a huge "profit first" law firm. The writing is clean and straightforward. If I had to quibble with anything it is that some of the characters are stereotypical. One exception is our protagonist, law partner Greg Williams, who has a unique back story that makes him a lot more complex than some of the other players. The chapters are often short which always encouraged me to read just one more! I hope to read more from this author.
September 11, 2024
A Terrible Guilt is not your typical legal thriller. While there’s a murder and a trial, there is so much more. The author provides an insider’s keen perspective of our criminal law system and the personal impact of a capital murder case on all the participants - defendant, prosecutor, defense attorneys, and judge.
The short crisp chapters compel the reader to charge ahead as the plot twists and turns. In similar novels, the trial narration is often stilted or unbelievable, but here the trial dialog and its unfolding are both authentic and page-turning.
Readers will find that they have not only been thoroughly entertained, but have been given sobering insight into the moral complexities of capital murder cases.
The short crisp chapters compel the reader to charge ahead as the plot twists and turns. In similar novels, the trial narration is often stilted or unbelievable, but here the trial dialog and its unfolding are both authentic and page-turning.
Readers will find that they have not only been thoroughly entertained, but have been given sobering insight into the moral complexities of capital murder cases.
December 6, 2024
Absolutely riveting
As a retired state prosecutor, I simply could not put this book down. While I never prosecuted anyone who I thought was innocent, I also worked in a place where the DA’s ethics were beyond reproach. But the ethics of 30 years ago are long gone; the daily news reflect that staying in political power is far more important than being honest and ethical. This book gives a spellbinding account of what happens when justice takes a backseat to winning an election. This book gives a fascinating recounting of legitimate legal strategies and proceedings, an interesting perspective on a prosecution, and a distressing insight into how unlikely it may be for grievous wrongdoings to be discovered.
,
As a retired state prosecutor, I simply could not put this book down. While I never prosecuted anyone who I thought was innocent, I also worked in a place where the DA’s ethics were beyond reproach. But the ethics of 30 years ago are long gone; the daily news reflect that staying in political power is far more important than being honest and ethical. This book gives a spellbinding account of what happens when justice takes a backseat to winning an election. This book gives a fascinating recounting of legitimate legal strategies and proceedings, an interesting perspective on a prosecution, and a distressing insight into how unlikely it may be for grievous wrongdoings to be discovered.
,
September 15, 2024
A Terrible Guilt is a fast-paced blast through the legal maze of a wrongful capital conviction, from the crime itself through the trial and post-conviction proceedings. I didn’t want to like the book, because of the mass incarceration and wrongful conviction mythologies out of which it seems to spring. But Robert Rothman’s powerful realism, and ear for courtroom conversation, made me forget these larger misgivings. The courtroom scenes were so genuine they transported me back onto the trial bench, against my will. A Terrible Guilt is a good read for anyone who loves legal page turners.
Morris Hoffman, retired trial judge and author of the novel Pinch Hitting.
Morris Hoffman, retired trial judge and author of the novel Pinch Hitting.
May 11, 2024
Joseph Owens faces a harrowing accusation of murdering two men in a diner. He definitely had the motive. Attorney Greg Williams is a bystander during the trial. Haunted by the similarities of this case with one he was connected to years prior, and falling in love with a fellow lawyer who can’t tolerate a miscarriage of justice, Williams steps forward for a pro bono habeas case.
Hang on for a courtroom ride as Williams battles a district attorney, his own legal firm, and the demons from his past. This one will have you up late, flipping pages toward the startling conclusion!
Hang on for a courtroom ride as Williams battles a district attorney, his own legal firm, and the demons from his past. This one will have you up late, flipping pages toward the startling conclusion!
September 21, 2024
Insightful retired attorney Bob Rothman shows his chops in this fascinating tale of murder, prosecutorial process, and general investigative mayhem. Innocent folks end up on death row - precisely as this tale describes – when another’s ambition usurps their ability to do the right thing. But who? Is it the sheriff? The DA? The detectives? The eyewitnesses. You’ll have to read on to find out - and that won’t be a problem. This fast-paced legal thriller will keep you turning the pages as Rothman serves up heroes you can really root for!
December 16, 2024
A good first effort well put together but characters too stereotyped. Not stereotyped from the last century but from 2024. When the accused is identified from a certain racial ethnicity at the beginning its like a spoiler as to where it is going to go. Add in the dishonest individuals and their backgrounds only adds to the disappointment as the story develops. If the roles were reversed have my doubts if the book would even be published. Hope in future books Mr. Rothman spends less time on Race and more on law.
November 9, 2025
really interesting and detailed
This book goes over every detail of a capital murder case. I like the fact that you hear how each person involved is affected, and you get to see the outcome in the future for everyone. The book tends to read like a court document rather than a novel or story, which is just fine. You definitely feel like you’ve seen just how complicated this kind of case csn get, and why it’s so important to understand this when listening to the news. All is not always what it appears.
This book goes over every detail of a capital murder case. I like the fact that you hear how each person involved is affected, and you get to see the outcome in the future for everyone. The book tends to read like a court document rather than a novel or story, which is just fine. You definitely feel like you’ve seen just how complicated this kind of case csn get, and why it’s so important to understand this when listening to the news. All is not always what it appears.
September 15, 2024
The author does such a good job of developing the characters, that the reader really cares what happens. When a man is wrongfully convicted of a double murder, interested parties recognize the rush to judgment and work through the arduous process of exoneration. Lots of detail in an excellent story. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
September 18, 2024
This is a new to me, author, but I will definitely be looking for more of his stories. He pulled me in from the beginning and did not let me go till the very end.There was lots of surprises and lots of twist and turns. This may be his debut, but I say keep on going Mr. Rothman and I’ll keep on following you. I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys an intense and thrilling read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 20, 2024
When political expedience collides with a murder investigation, does justice go off the rails? Elena Samuels thinks it has and convinces a colleague in her high-powered law firm to join her in investigating. Will they find the answers or be stymied by the same forces that prevailed in the first place and by the economics and partnership politics of their firm? Rothman's legal thriller will keep you turning the pages, as eager for answers as Elena and her colleague.
November 17, 2024
Guilt
Realistic and well described characters moved the plot in an emotional manner. Being pressured for increasing billable hours is a reality in a law firm. Two characters gave of their time and talent to save a man’s life. The repercussions of the actions of the managing partner in the law firm as well as the illegal actions of the elected official made this story memorable.
Realistic and well described characters moved the plot in an emotional manner. Being pressured for increasing billable hours is a reality in a law firm. Two characters gave of their time and talent to save a man’s life. The repercussions of the actions of the managing partner in the law firm as well as the illegal actions of the elected official made this story memorable.
December 11, 2024
Innocent or guilty , what did the jury decide?
A riveting story! When a couple of lawyers witness a gross injustice they refuse
to look the other way. They are determined to fight for justice to prevail. Some wonderful characters amid a few unsavory ones. I liked the location since I live in the suburbs of Atlanta Georgia and am familiar with some of the places mentioned. The story is well worth reading.
A riveting story! When a couple of lawyers witness a gross injustice they refuse
to look the other way. They are determined to fight for justice to prevail. Some wonderful characters amid a few unsavory ones. I liked the location since I live in the suburbs of Atlanta Georgia and am familiar with some of the places mentioned. The story is well worth reading.
October 9, 2025
A legal thriller written by Bob Rothman. I enjoyed reading this book and was amazed to find it for free in the Kindle edition. Rothman was an attorney for over 35 years and from the beginning with two crimes being committed, jury selection, trial and sentencing it held my interest and was interesting and well written. No spoilers here, but this is how I think the legal system should work when it operates fairly. This is Rothman's first novel and I hope it's the first of many.
January 7, 2026
What impact a death sentence has on those involvednot the defen
This novel weaves the stories of all those who are involved in a capital court case. It is an interesting take on the impact a death sentence has on everyone involved. The author clearly has misgivings about States still allowing capital punishment. Occasionally small sections come across a little preachy but on the whole this is an interesting approach to a complex issue and we'll worth the read.
This novel weaves the stories of all those who are involved in a capital court case. It is an interesting take on the impact a death sentence has on everyone involved. The author clearly has misgivings about States still allowing capital punishment. Occasionally small sections come across a little preachy but on the whole this is an interesting approach to a complex issue and we'll worth the read.
January 17, 2026
Decent story
This was a good story for one of those made-for-TV movies. It had some not-too-obvious turns that would have been fun to watch for 90 minutes. However, it became slow reading when the author added more description than necessary. I found myself skimming paragraphs to get to the next piece of plot-specific information. Watching the story acted out would have been more entertaining than reading it.
This was a good story for one of those made-for-TV movies. It had some not-too-obvious turns that would have been fun to watch for 90 minutes. However, it became slow reading when the author added more description than necessary. I found myself skimming paragraphs to get to the next piece of plot-specific information. Watching the story acted out would have been more entertaining than reading it.
September 23, 2024
I love legal page-turners, and this one did not disappoint! Rothman shows his knowledge of the legal system, law firms, and the risks of political expediency in this debut work. I highly recommend this book. Its characters are believable and the plot’s twists and turns make it hard to put down. I look forward to reading future novels by this author.
September 28, 2024
Great read.
Honestly I started this book and wasn’t through first 2 chapters and started to remove from Kindle. So glad I didn’t because the characters began to evolve after that I kept my attention to the end. If reading this book doesn’t make you rethink death role sentencing you have no conscience.
Honestly I started this book and wasn’t through first 2 chapters and started to remove from Kindle. So glad I didn’t because the characters began to evolve after that I kept my attention to the end. If reading this book doesn’t make you rethink death role sentencing you have no conscience.
October 8, 2025
Without a Conscience
If you work in the justice system, it is imperative that you have a conscience that guides you in your work life. Far too often that is not the case. You see examples of people abusing their power in the system every day. This book seemed to get bogged down in the middle, so I skimmed through it until the last 30 pages.
If you work in the justice system, it is imperative that you have a conscience that guides you in your work life. Far too often that is not the case. You see examples of people abusing their power in the system every day. This book seemed to get bogged down in the middle, so I skimmed through it until the last 30 pages.
September 14, 2024
A Terrible Guilt is a riveting tale of a double-murder suspect caught up in the struggle between a zealous district attorney who demands the death penalty and two lawyers who believe in his innocence. 5 Stars for page-turning drama and memorable characters.
September 19, 2024
This book grabbed my attention from the start and was VERY hard to put down!
The story was fast moving and exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.
The story was fast moving and exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.
September 28, 2024
Excellent!
Before retirement I worked for over 40 years in the executive management of law firms. The author gets it right based on his own career and the ability in his writing to be both entertaining and thought provoking. I cannot wait for his next book....which I understand he is currently writing.
Before retirement I worked for over 40 years in the executive management of law firms. The author gets it right based on his own career and the ability in his writing to be both entertaining and thought provoking. I cannot wait for his next book....which I understand he is currently writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews