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Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection
In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep. It is performed by well-qualified medical professionals. It is regulated and carefully conducted. And it usually provides a "humane" death. In reality, however, not one of those things is true.
Secrets of the Killing State pulls back the curtain on this clandestine punishment practice, presenting a view of lethal injection that states have worked hard to hide. Botched executions are a part of this story, but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
The story of lethal injection is a story of gross incompetence, law breaking, torturous deaths, and a stunning indifference to the way in which human beings die at the hands of the state. These are the secrets of the killing state―all that we know from litigation files, scientific studies, investigative journalism, autopsy reports, interviews, and scholarship across a number of fields. Death penalty expert Corinna Barrett Lain uses this groundbreaking journey into the dark reality of lethal injection to shine a light on the American death penalty more broadly and show that the state at its most powerful moment is also the state at its worst.
Secrets of the Killing State pulls back the curtain on this clandestine punishment practice, presenting a view of lethal injection that states have worked hard to hide. Botched executions are a part of this story, but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
The story of lethal injection is a story of gross incompetence, law breaking, torturous deaths, and a stunning indifference to the way in which human beings die at the hands of the state. These are the secrets of the killing state―all that we know from litigation files, scientific studies, investigative journalism, autopsy reports, interviews, and scholarship across a number of fields. Death penalty expert Corinna Barrett Lain uses this groundbreaking journey into the dark reality of lethal injection to shine a light on the American death penalty more broadly and show that the state at its most powerful moment is also the state at its worst.
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First published April 22, 2025
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March 2, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Corinna Barrett Lain, and NYU Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
While the topic of the death penalty has been simmering in the United States (and elsewhere) for long periods, no one really talks much about the nitty-gritty. Many headlines about botched executions appear in the press, though there has been little to really peel back to see what's going on. Many of these mistakes are tied to lethal injection, the 'humane' way that states have chosen to put prisoners to death, but Corinna Barrett Lain has chosen to take up the cause to explore this form of killing. Is it as calm and peaceful as states would have us believe, or is there an underlying issue there? What Barrett Lain discovers will surely open the eyes of many, as it did me, and leave the reader wondering just what sort of circus is being done behind closed doors. A stellar look into lethal injections and the faux science that is being peddled by US states to try making the death penalty appear worthwhile.
While the topic of capital punishment is highly divisive, it is worth exploring. Corinna Barrett Lain does so in depth within the pages of this book. Her first foray into the topic is how the US got to the point of using lethal injections and why it is so popular. Interestingly enough, lethal injection is seen to be the most humane way to kill a human being, by inserting a three-drug cocktail into the vein. What few know is that this collection of drugs was never tested or properly assessed by any medical professional. Rather, it was pulled out of thin air in the late 1970s based on what one prison official thought might work best and then peddled to others. There is no science here and when asked about using something that is known to prevent pain, some scoffed at trying to be 'too gentle' to those who had done so wrong in society. This mentality makes such little sense, though it is pushed out. Why not use a single drug, as is done by veterinarians for pets? It has never been considered and might make people feel prisoners are pets on the same level.
Barrett Lain then ventures into a discussion of the execution itself. She explores the drugs being used and what they do, as well as how they interact with one another. This includes their preparation, which is sometimes not done beforehand and left to prison officials. Issues arise in the mixing, which changes concentration and thereby alters effectiveness. As nothing is formally regulated, changes are not usually frowned upon and the courts have steered clear from making mandates in this regard. The delivery of these drugs is open to success or failure, which has been documented many times, as prisoners have been turned into pin cushions while searching for a vein. One might question how this happens, which advances the discussion to who is administering the drugs. Rarely are medical professionals involved at all, leaving the poking and prodding (not to say the steady nerves) to those with little training at all about how to properly find a vein and ensure the drugs enter effectively. The entire system ought to be examined under a microscope, as the author posits repeatedly.
Discussion of medical ethics also enters the conversation, so much so that many medical professionals and their associations have refused to allow members to be involved in the process. Drug companies, some outside of the US, have also boycotted providing products destined for lethal injections, thereby making it harder to procure needed drugs and items that would pave the way for 'humane' solutions. This is surely worth noting and a problem, as Bennett Lain suggests, yet there has not been a halt to the process, at least permanently.
One final area worth mentioning is the legal perspective to the entire process. As Barrett Lain discusses throughout her tome, the courts (especially the US Supreme Court) have remained at arm's length on the matter of lethal injections. It would seem recent Supreme Court decisions have denied the power of the Eighth Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment) as it relates to lethal injections. This divorce from concern adds questions to the issue of being able to advocate for changes to lethal injections. The author does not pull any punches that this could pose advocacy issues. Additionally, states have started to use secrecy rules to protect themselves and any businesses who might play a part in supplying things for lethal injections. This is also concerning and opens additional confusions for those seeking to keep the discussion open and forthcoming.
Corinna Barrett Lain offers up this thrilling piece of analytical writing about the death penalty and the specifics of lethal injection. While not trying to engage in a debate around the usefulness or morality of capital punishment, there is surely a chance to pull back the curtain on this keep and shed light on some of the troubling aspects. Barrett Lain delivers her arguments with many facts and keeps the narrative moving along effectively. She is sure to provide supporting arguments and synthesises many of the arguments for the curious reader to enjoy. While there are technical aspects to the subject matter, Barrett Lain keeps the writing for the layperson to enjoy, not just legal or medical minds. I could not get enough of all the details, the revelations, and even then debunking of half-truths found throughout the book. It opened my eyes to a great deal and left me to wonder about even more. I will have to look through many of the references and bibliographical material to add some more books to read on this topic, when time permits!
Kudos, Madam Barrett Lain, for this enriching read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While the topic of the death penalty has been simmering in the United States (and elsewhere) for long periods, no one really talks much about the nitty-gritty. Many headlines about botched executions appear in the press, though there has been little to really peel back to see what's going on. Many of these mistakes are tied to lethal injection, the 'humane' way that states have chosen to put prisoners to death, but Corinna Barrett Lain has chosen to take up the cause to explore this form of killing. Is it as calm and peaceful as states would have us believe, or is there an underlying issue there? What Barrett Lain discovers will surely open the eyes of many, as it did me, and leave the reader wondering just what sort of circus is being done behind closed doors. A stellar look into lethal injections and the faux science that is being peddled by US states to try making the death penalty appear worthwhile.
While the topic of capital punishment is highly divisive, it is worth exploring. Corinna Barrett Lain does so in depth within the pages of this book. Her first foray into the topic is how the US got to the point of using lethal injections and why it is so popular. Interestingly enough, lethal injection is seen to be the most humane way to kill a human being, by inserting a three-drug cocktail into the vein. What few know is that this collection of drugs was never tested or properly assessed by any medical professional. Rather, it was pulled out of thin air in the late 1970s based on what one prison official thought might work best and then peddled to others. There is no science here and when asked about using something that is known to prevent pain, some scoffed at trying to be 'too gentle' to those who had done so wrong in society. This mentality makes such little sense, though it is pushed out. Why not use a single drug, as is done by veterinarians for pets? It has never been considered and might make people feel prisoners are pets on the same level.
Barrett Lain then ventures into a discussion of the execution itself. She explores the drugs being used and what they do, as well as how they interact with one another. This includes their preparation, which is sometimes not done beforehand and left to prison officials. Issues arise in the mixing, which changes concentration and thereby alters effectiveness. As nothing is formally regulated, changes are not usually frowned upon and the courts have steered clear from making mandates in this regard. The delivery of these drugs is open to success or failure, which has been documented many times, as prisoners have been turned into pin cushions while searching for a vein. One might question how this happens, which advances the discussion to who is administering the drugs. Rarely are medical professionals involved at all, leaving the poking and prodding (not to say the steady nerves) to those with little training at all about how to properly find a vein and ensure the drugs enter effectively. The entire system ought to be examined under a microscope, as the author posits repeatedly.
Discussion of medical ethics also enters the conversation, so much so that many medical professionals and their associations have refused to allow members to be involved in the process. Drug companies, some outside of the US, have also boycotted providing products destined for lethal injections, thereby making it harder to procure needed drugs and items that would pave the way for 'humane' solutions. This is surely worth noting and a problem, as Bennett Lain suggests, yet there has not been a halt to the process, at least permanently.
One final area worth mentioning is the legal perspective to the entire process. As Barrett Lain discusses throughout her tome, the courts (especially the US Supreme Court) have remained at arm's length on the matter of lethal injections. It would seem recent Supreme Court decisions have denied the power of the Eighth Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment) as it relates to lethal injections. This divorce from concern adds questions to the issue of being able to advocate for changes to lethal injections. The author does not pull any punches that this could pose advocacy issues. Additionally, states have started to use secrecy rules to protect themselves and any businesses who might play a part in supplying things for lethal injections. This is also concerning and opens additional confusions for those seeking to keep the discussion open and forthcoming.
Corinna Barrett Lain offers up this thrilling piece of analytical writing about the death penalty and the specifics of lethal injection. While not trying to engage in a debate around the usefulness or morality of capital punishment, there is surely a chance to pull back the curtain on this keep and shed light on some of the troubling aspects. Barrett Lain delivers her arguments with many facts and keeps the narrative moving along effectively. She is sure to provide supporting arguments and synthesises many of the arguments for the curious reader to enjoy. While there are technical aspects to the subject matter, Barrett Lain keeps the writing for the layperson to enjoy, not just legal or medical minds. I could not get enough of all the details, the revelations, and even then debunking of half-truths found throughout the book. It opened my eyes to a great deal and left me to wonder about even more. I will have to look through many of the references and bibliographical material to add some more books to read on this topic, when time permits!
Kudos, Madam Barrett Lain, for this enriching read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 11, 2025
While the language in this book invokes a bit too much emotion for me to really call it an academic text, it is truly exceptional at every level. Working in the anti-death penalty movement, I know about the (deep, irreparable) flaws in lethal injection, but I’ve never seen them laid out as cogently as they are here. Regardless of your feelings about capital punishment more broadly, it would be difficult to read this book without at least feeling pause about the incompetence our government has repeatedly shown during what is meant to be its most powerful moment.
July 18, 2025
WOW!! This was an excellent and thought-provoking, yet absolutely horrific, read about the unknown story of lethal injection. I found it eye-opening and shocking, but sadly not surprising considering all the atrocities committed by the government. It was full of information and facts delivered in an extremely compelling narrative that never failed to hold my attention. She did an amazing job researching, and it really showed in her final product. The narrator did a fantastic job at bringing the story to life. She was very articulate with a clear and engaging voice that was just as compelling as the narrative itself.
September 18, 2025
Wow! Parts of this book left me completely flabbergasted. A must read for people interested in ethics in medicine, pharmacy compliance/supply chain/procurement, and criminal justice.
October 5, 2025
This was a hard one to read. The author does a great job of putting all the information in front of you. It doesn't feel like a non-fiction work. But it is soooooo depressing and anger inducing.
I'm more convinced than ever: abolish the death penalty.
I'm more convinced than ever: abolish the death penalty.
May 4, 2025
Corinna Barrett Lain’s "Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection" takes us behind the curtain of 45 years of lethal injection executions. We quickly learn that there is an actual curtain in the execution chamber on the window in which witnesses view the execution—a curtain which closes the minute things go wrong. But Lain pulls back yet another layer when she explains to us that there is also a chemical curtain, a drug called midazolam, which acts as a powerful paralytic, giving the appearance of serenity even as prisoners struggle with grievous pain from torturous drugs. What’s more one of her premises is that the whole notion of lethal injection is a sociological curtain, a trick to convince us that there can be an easy, peaceful death delivered with drugs that does not shock the conscience in the way that the electric chair does. Or hanging. Or firing squad. Sanitized killing.
Through nine chapters, Lain deftly examines the intricacies of lethal injection. But she has found a way to do it through a compelling narrative with characters that we cheer for from Dr. Greenblatt, a midazolam expert horrified by its misuse, to villains like Dr. Jay Chapman, a medical examiner with no expertise in lethal drugs, who came up with the three drug combo adopted by many states, to Chris Harris, an unsavory but entrepreneurial, drug exporter reselling drug samples from a rented office in India.
The science behind lethal injection is well not science. Dodgy doctor Chapman made it up, executions using his three-drug protocol are his drug trials conducted on actual prisoners. These drugs are used in a clinical setting but not together and not in these large doses. Medicine does not in fact seek to kill but that’s another chapter (literally). We only learn the effect of these drugs from the postmortems. 84 percent of executed prisoners experienced pulmonary edema which left them gasping for air, chemically water boarded, without an anesthesia drug that would leave them insensible of the torture.
But there are more problems. Mixing the drugs is a delicate procedure done by department of corrections staff with no medical training. It’s also important to store the drugs at the correct temperature, a direction often ignored. The large doses require many syringes of different sizes to be delivered in a certain order. Corrections personnel often get it wrong which is easy to understand because there are no detailed guidelines on how to perform the killing. At one point, Lain gives us a moment of levity by telling us the methodology is handed down orally like a family recipe.
And it’s a medical procedure but doctors understandably want no part of it. Constrained by their tried-and-true oath of do no harm. The procedure falls to corrections personnel without the training and experience to find a vein easily—there’s a lot of difficulty finding veins for an IV sprinkled throughout the book. Lain puts us in the execution chamber with prisoner after prisoner poked and cut like subjects in a mad scientist’s lab. During an autopsy, a medical examiner found makeup on the corpse of a prisoner trying to disguise numerous failed attempts to find a vein.
There’s also a fascinating chapter on how the drug supply chain dried up for many state departments of corrections. European companies objected to providing drugs for use in lethal injection. A domestic supplier went out of business and closed their facility. Prisons illegally export drugs. Breaking laws getting them across the border. Corrections have other state agencies order the drugs disguising their ultimate use, in violation of contracts and the law. It all sounds too crazy to be true but sadly, this is the truth of lethal injection.
Lain has tirelessly and immaculately researched the history of lethal injection. And then she has done the thing that only great non-fiction books achieve: crafted a book that folds all of this research into a beautifully written story. This book will be an invaluable resource for law students and scholars but it’s also a book that everyone should read. If we live in a society that allows the state to kill in our name, we need to understand the brutal act in all the grisly detail that Lain delivers. Importantly, as the title reveals, the state has one final curtain—secrecy mandates. These mandates forbid us from learning who performed the execution, where they procured the drugs for the execution, what happened during botched executions, and more.
For people of conscience who love well-crafted, important nonfiction, I strongly recommend Secrets of the Killing State. A gripping read that will change hearts and minds. In the epilogue, Lain introduces us to some of the men who were killed by lethal injection. In telling their story, she reminds us to consider “not who they were in their worst moment, but who they have become.” The book’s larger purpose may be to persuade society away from lethal injection, its worst moment.
Through nine chapters, Lain deftly examines the intricacies of lethal injection. But she has found a way to do it through a compelling narrative with characters that we cheer for from Dr. Greenblatt, a midazolam expert horrified by its misuse, to villains like Dr. Jay Chapman, a medical examiner with no expertise in lethal drugs, who came up with the three drug combo adopted by many states, to Chris Harris, an unsavory but entrepreneurial, drug exporter reselling drug samples from a rented office in India.
The science behind lethal injection is well not science. Dodgy doctor Chapman made it up, executions using his three-drug protocol are his drug trials conducted on actual prisoners. These drugs are used in a clinical setting but not together and not in these large doses. Medicine does not in fact seek to kill but that’s another chapter (literally). We only learn the effect of these drugs from the postmortems. 84 percent of executed prisoners experienced pulmonary edema which left them gasping for air, chemically water boarded, without an anesthesia drug that would leave them insensible of the torture.
But there are more problems. Mixing the drugs is a delicate procedure done by department of corrections staff with no medical training. It’s also important to store the drugs at the correct temperature, a direction often ignored. The large doses require many syringes of different sizes to be delivered in a certain order. Corrections personnel often get it wrong which is easy to understand because there are no detailed guidelines on how to perform the killing. At one point, Lain gives us a moment of levity by telling us the methodology is handed down orally like a family recipe.
And it’s a medical procedure but doctors understandably want no part of it. Constrained by their tried-and-true oath of do no harm. The procedure falls to corrections personnel without the training and experience to find a vein easily—there’s a lot of difficulty finding veins for an IV sprinkled throughout the book. Lain puts us in the execution chamber with prisoner after prisoner poked and cut like subjects in a mad scientist’s lab. During an autopsy, a medical examiner found makeup on the corpse of a prisoner trying to disguise numerous failed attempts to find a vein.
There’s also a fascinating chapter on how the drug supply chain dried up for many state departments of corrections. European companies objected to providing drugs for use in lethal injection. A domestic supplier went out of business and closed their facility. Prisons illegally export drugs. Breaking laws getting them across the border. Corrections have other state agencies order the drugs disguising their ultimate use, in violation of contracts and the law. It all sounds too crazy to be true but sadly, this is the truth of lethal injection.
Lain has tirelessly and immaculately researched the history of lethal injection. And then she has done the thing that only great non-fiction books achieve: crafted a book that folds all of this research into a beautifully written story. This book will be an invaluable resource for law students and scholars but it’s also a book that everyone should read. If we live in a society that allows the state to kill in our name, we need to understand the brutal act in all the grisly detail that Lain delivers. Importantly, as the title reveals, the state has one final curtain—secrecy mandates. These mandates forbid us from learning who performed the execution, where they procured the drugs for the execution, what happened during botched executions, and more.
For people of conscience who love well-crafted, important nonfiction, I strongly recommend Secrets of the Killing State. A gripping read that will change hearts and minds. In the epilogue, Lain introduces us to some of the men who were killed by lethal injection. In telling their story, she reminds us to consider “not who they were in their worst moment, but who they have become.” The book’s larger purpose may be to persuade society away from lethal injection, its worst moment.
December 1, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Corinna Barrett Lain’s Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection is a meticulously researched and profoundly unsettling examination of the realities behind one of the most controversial methods of capital punishment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethics, legality, and human impact of the death penalty.
Lain pulls back the curtain on the practice of lethal injection, revealing a system fraught with incompetence, secrecy, and inhumanity. Contrary to the popular belief that lethal injection is a humane and painless method of execution, Lain presents evidence of botched procedures, unqualified personnel, and the use of torturous drugs.
Strengths: One of the book’s greatest strengths is its thoroughness. Lain leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of lethal injection in the United States. Her writing is clear and compelling, making complex legal and medical issues accessible to a broad audience. The inclusion of real-life cases and personal stories adds a poignant and humanizing touch to the narrative.
Weaknesses: While the book’s depth is a strength, it can also be overwhelming at times. The sheer volume of information and the graphic nature of some of the content may be difficult for some readers to process. Additionally, the focus on U.S. practices may limit its relevance for international audiences, although the ethical questions raised are universally significant.
Lain’s writing is both scholarly and engaging. She balances detailed analysis with narrative storytelling, ensuring that the book is informative without being dry. Her ability to convey the gravity of the subject matter while maintaining a clear and accessible style is commendable. The book is well-organized, guiding readers through the complexities of the topic with ease.
Secrets of the Killing State explores themes of justice, morality, and the abuse of power. It challenges readers to reconsider their views on the death penalty and the methods used to carry it out. The book also highlights the broader implications of state-sanctioned violence and the ethical responsibilities of those involved in the process.
Secrets of the Killing State is a powerful and eye-opening book that sheds light on the dark realities of lethal injection. Corinna Barrett Lain’s rigorous research and compelling writing make this an essential read for anyone interested in criminal justice, human rights, and ethical governance. The book’s revelations are both shocking and necessary, prompting critical reflection on the practices carried out in the name of justice.
Highly recommended for readers interested in criminal justice, human rights, and ethical issues surrounding the death penalty. Secrets of the Killing State is a crucial contribution to the ongoing debate about capital punishment and the methods used to enforce it.
Corinna Barrett Lain’s Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection is a meticulously researched and profoundly unsettling examination of the realities behind one of the most controversial methods of capital punishment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethics, legality, and human impact of the death penalty.
Lain pulls back the curtain on the practice of lethal injection, revealing a system fraught with incompetence, secrecy, and inhumanity. Contrary to the popular belief that lethal injection is a humane and painless method of execution, Lain presents evidence of botched procedures, unqualified personnel, and the use of torturous drugs.
Strengths: One of the book’s greatest strengths is its thoroughness. Lain leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of lethal injection in the United States. Her writing is clear and compelling, making complex legal and medical issues accessible to a broad audience. The inclusion of real-life cases and personal stories adds a poignant and humanizing touch to the narrative.
Weaknesses: While the book’s depth is a strength, it can also be overwhelming at times. The sheer volume of information and the graphic nature of some of the content may be difficult for some readers to process. Additionally, the focus on U.S. practices may limit its relevance for international audiences, although the ethical questions raised are universally significant.
Lain’s writing is both scholarly and engaging. She balances detailed analysis with narrative storytelling, ensuring that the book is informative without being dry. Her ability to convey the gravity of the subject matter while maintaining a clear and accessible style is commendable. The book is well-organized, guiding readers through the complexities of the topic with ease.
Secrets of the Killing State explores themes of justice, morality, and the abuse of power. It challenges readers to reconsider their views on the death penalty and the methods used to carry it out. The book also highlights the broader implications of state-sanctioned violence and the ethical responsibilities of those involved in the process.
Secrets of the Killing State is a powerful and eye-opening book that sheds light on the dark realities of lethal injection. Corinna Barrett Lain’s rigorous research and compelling writing make this an essential read for anyone interested in criminal justice, human rights, and ethical governance. The book’s revelations are both shocking and necessary, prompting critical reflection on the practices carried out in the name of justice.
Highly recommended for readers interested in criminal justice, human rights, and ethical issues surrounding the death penalty. Secrets of the Killing State is a crucial contribution to the ongoing debate about capital punishment and the methods used to enforce it.
July 19, 2025
To say that this book is "eye-opening" would be a massive understatement. Corinna Barrett Lain makes the case, with copious research and numerous mind-boggling examples of botched executions, that lethal injection is not the humane, peaceful government-assisted death that we are led to believe.
Lain explores at great depth the inner biological workings of lethal injection, including the dubious origins and questionable efficacy of the widely-used "three drug protocol." Unlike pet euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, lethal injection is neither quick nor painless. Furthermore, it is not necessarily overseen or approved by medical professionals, and is not designed with patient comfort in mind. Because of this, government agencies incorporate a degree of smoke and mirrors for the benefit of the execution witnesses; the appearance must present as a painless death, although even with these attempts at concealment (or conceal-er… in one case literally using concealer on the wounds of a deceased inmate), witnesses have seen evidence to the contrary.
The chapters on supply chain issues and lethal injection drugs are a unique angle. Drug companies don't want to associate with government-assisted killing, so the state has had to resort to shady, and sometimes illegal, means to obtain lethal injection drugs. Naturally, this means that the drugs are not always reliable, leading to further potential for botched executions.
If you aren't convinced by the amount of informational evidence presented by Lain, the numerous examples of botched lethal injection cases covered in this book will push you over the edge. There is a reason convicted inmates facing the death penalty have started to request the electric chair over lethal injection. Throughout the book, Lain presents her case effectively and engagingly; truly, the information is like nothing I have ever heard or read before. Absolutely shocking -- this needs to be required reading for law students.
If you are listening to the audiobook, the narrator is fantastic. She manages to cover this incredibly dark topic with a respectful yet engaging vocal cadence. That said, I may be purchasing a written format as well so that I can more easily go back to reference content. This book is unforgettable and will be on my mind for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Corinna Barrett Lain, and Highbridge Audio for sending me this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Lain explores at great depth the inner biological workings of lethal injection, including the dubious origins and questionable efficacy of the widely-used "three drug protocol." Unlike pet euthanasia and physician assisted suicide, lethal injection is neither quick nor painless. Furthermore, it is not necessarily overseen or approved by medical professionals, and is not designed with patient comfort in mind. Because of this, government agencies incorporate a degree of smoke and mirrors for the benefit of the execution witnesses; the appearance must present as a painless death, although even with these attempts at concealment (or conceal-er… in one case literally using concealer on the wounds of a deceased inmate), witnesses have seen evidence to the contrary.
The chapters on supply chain issues and lethal injection drugs are a unique angle. Drug companies don't want to associate with government-assisted killing, so the state has had to resort to shady, and sometimes illegal, means to obtain lethal injection drugs. Naturally, this means that the drugs are not always reliable, leading to further potential for botched executions.
If you aren't convinced by the amount of informational evidence presented by Lain, the numerous examples of botched lethal injection cases covered in this book will push you over the edge. There is a reason convicted inmates facing the death penalty have started to request the electric chair over lethal injection. Throughout the book, Lain presents her case effectively and engagingly; truly, the information is like nothing I have ever heard or read before. Absolutely shocking -- this needs to be required reading for law students.
If you are listening to the audiobook, the narrator is fantastic. She manages to cover this incredibly dark topic with a respectful yet engaging vocal cadence. That said, I may be purchasing a written format as well so that I can more easily go back to reference content. This book is unforgettable and will be on my mind for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Corinna Barrett Lain, and Highbridge Audio for sending me this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2025
This has to be one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read ( and over some 7 decades, I’ve read thousands). I listened to the audio version, very well narrated throughout, with clear, inflective delivery. It was perfect. I’m against capital punishment and over the years I’ve followed a few cases in the US where the death penalty has been handed out. The electric chair was appalling and when death by lethal injection was introduced as an option in the mid 1970’s, it seemed a more humane alternative. After all, most of us have experienced humane end of life treatment for pets and assisted dying for humans is possible. Rather like the author, my belief about this being a humane option was based on an entirely incorrect set of assumptions.
Corinna Barrett Lain has undertaken extensive research to determine the truth behind legalised killing and its barbaric. Virtually every assumption I had was wrong. The drugs used; single, combination or whatever often not tested or their application in lethal injection was not appropriate. That’s the first mind boggling fact, The way in which they’re administered, by incompetent, inexperienced and unqualified people is unbelievable. The whole ‘show’ of the final minutes, behind a screen in front of an audience is a facade. The author takes the reader on a journey they’ll never forget. With minute by minute accounts of the final hours (yes, hours in some cases) of death penalty victims and the subsequent enquiry or autopsy report make fir stomach churning reading, Prisoners with 18 or more stick holes trying to find a vein, cut ins and use of needles that are too short. Incorrect timing so the subject was septillion conscious after allegedly being sedated. Evidence that they died from drowning due to pulmonary embolism. It’s truly horrifying. I have little sympathy for those who’ve committed dreadful crimes, but in a civilised society, this is not the way to resolve the problem.
This is a harrowing read but it certainly reinforces my belief that the death penalty never be right. I’d urge anyone with an interest in society to read this book and not be swayed. The author shoukd be commended for an intelligent and informed insight presented with honesty and compassion.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
Corinna Barrett Lain has undertaken extensive research to determine the truth behind legalised killing and its barbaric. Virtually every assumption I had was wrong. The drugs used; single, combination or whatever often not tested or their application in lethal injection was not appropriate. That’s the first mind boggling fact, The way in which they’re administered, by incompetent, inexperienced and unqualified people is unbelievable. The whole ‘show’ of the final minutes, behind a screen in front of an audience is a facade. The author takes the reader on a journey they’ll never forget. With minute by minute accounts of the final hours (yes, hours in some cases) of death penalty victims and the subsequent enquiry or autopsy report make fir stomach churning reading, Prisoners with 18 or more stick holes trying to find a vein, cut ins and use of needles that are too short. Incorrect timing so the subject was septillion conscious after allegedly being sedated. Evidence that they died from drowning due to pulmonary embolism. It’s truly horrifying. I have little sympathy for those who’ve committed dreadful crimes, but in a civilised society, this is not the way to resolve the problem.
This is a harrowing read but it certainly reinforces my belief that the death penalty never be right. I’d urge anyone with an interest in society to read this book and not be swayed. The author shoukd be commended for an intelligent and informed insight presented with honesty and compassion.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
May 10, 2025
I want to start by saying this book was incredibly well written and such a powerful, thought-provoking read. There are almost 100 pages of notes/citations/sources of researched information at the end of the book, allowing you to not only trust how thoughtfully this was written, but also allowing you full access to dive deeper into whatever topics the book covered.
I will be honest. The very beginning had me questioning if this would be heavy-handed in religious aspects vs. science. I am happy to report that thought quickly disappeared as I began reading farther. The author shared Bible verses that spoke to her throughout the journey of writing this book, but it remained only within the first page or two and the authors notes.
This book is incredibly dense. However, somehow it still reads like a story instead of a textbook or research paper. It's honestly impressive how well balanced and engaging it is to read through. The distinct choice to discuss such a dark and polarized topic in such a truly neutral way, I think, was the perfect choice. I believe it will allow many people from various backgrounds to read and absorb this information without immediately being disregarded because of a potentially opposing viewpoint. This book also keeps on topic, and disregards a lot of added fluff. There was a specific choice to discuss the topic of lethal injection without diving into the crimes of those on death row committed. It really allowed for a thought-provoking and level-headed read that was separate from the often heated feelings of talking about the inmates themselves. In the same regard, because of this choice, I believe this could be read by those interested in the topic, but have a hard time with detailed accounts of true crime stories. (if that makes any sense)
Overall, I am happy that I read this book. I learned a lot about a topic I hadn't put deep thought into the details of, or how it's done. I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about picking it up and hope it finds it's way to anyone who is willing to listen to what it has to tell.
I will be honest. The very beginning had me questioning if this would be heavy-handed in religious aspects vs. science. I am happy to report that thought quickly disappeared as I began reading farther. The author shared Bible verses that spoke to her throughout the journey of writing this book, but it remained only within the first page or two and the authors notes.
This book is incredibly dense. However, somehow it still reads like a story instead of a textbook or research paper. It's honestly impressive how well balanced and engaging it is to read through. The distinct choice to discuss such a dark and polarized topic in such a truly neutral way, I think, was the perfect choice. I believe it will allow many people from various backgrounds to read and absorb this information without immediately being disregarded because of a potentially opposing viewpoint. This book also keeps on topic, and disregards a lot of added fluff. There was a specific choice to discuss the topic of lethal injection without diving into the crimes of those on death row committed. It really allowed for a thought-provoking and level-headed read that was separate from the often heated feelings of talking about the inmates themselves. In the same regard, because of this choice, I believe this could be read by those interested in the topic, but have a hard time with detailed accounts of true crime stories. (if that makes any sense)
Overall, I am happy that I read this book. I learned a lot about a topic I hadn't put deep thought into the details of, or how it's done. I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about picking it up and hope it finds it's way to anyone who is willing to listen to what it has to tell.
December 4, 2024
Before this book, I had assumed (retrospectively very naively) that lethal injection in the United States was like pet euthanasia (quick, painless, humane) but for humans. To my surprise, people incarcerated on death row will choose the electric chair over lethal injection when given the choice on their method of execution.
The author, Corinna Barrett Lain, is a law professor who specializes in the death penalty and clearly is extremely knowledgeable on the topic. Barrett Lain is not directly advocating for or against the death penalty in this book and focused on the issues associated with lethal injection (although her position on death penalty is clear). She covers the scientific fallacies of states' lethal injection methods, moral issues of the state sponsor of torture and cruel punishment, the financial drain on taxpayers to execute prisoners, gross misconduct and disregard for human life by government employees, indirect implications for public health, and concerted cover up by the government of the above.
Barrett Lain's writing itself is digestible for those of us who are not pharmacological or legal experts. The book provides a mix of eyewitness testimony, legal reviews, and expert opinions in a professorial tone (paraphrasing, like "as we learned in the previous chapter", "as we will learn in chapter 3"). I was very surprised with the sheer amount of information and evidence provided in less than 300 pages. Regardless of your position on the death penalty, I think this book is an important read for any taxpaying American whose tax dollars go to the lethal injection effort (and that's all of us- we all contribute to federal executions regardless of our state's opinion on death penalty!)
Thank you, NYU Press, for the arc!
The author, Corinna Barrett Lain, is a law professor who specializes in the death penalty and clearly is extremely knowledgeable on the topic. Barrett Lain is not directly advocating for or against the death penalty in this book and focused on the issues associated with lethal injection (although her position on death penalty is clear). She covers the scientific fallacies of states' lethal injection methods, moral issues of the state sponsor of torture and cruel punishment, the financial drain on taxpayers to execute prisoners, gross misconduct and disregard for human life by government employees, indirect implications for public health, and concerted cover up by the government of the above.
Barrett Lain's writing itself is digestible for those of us who are not pharmacological or legal experts. The book provides a mix of eyewitness testimony, legal reviews, and expert opinions in a professorial tone (paraphrasing, like "as we learned in the previous chapter", "as we will learn in chapter 3"). I was very surprised with the sheer amount of information and evidence provided in less than 300 pages. Regardless of your position on the death penalty, I think this book is an important read for any taxpaying American whose tax dollars go to the lethal injection effort (and that's all of us- we all contribute to federal executions regardless of our state's opinion on death penalty!)
Thank you, NYU Press, for the arc!
May 31, 2025
What do we really know about putting another human being to death under the aegis of a humane method ? Is killing another person, even a killer ever justified? Can we really close our eyes to the inhumanity involved in selecting a weapon of death and assuming it is painless and swift? These questions and much more are addressed by Corinna Barrett Lain in her meticulously researched book, “The Secrets of the Killing State”, which was published on April 22, 2025.
What is legal injection? We euthanize animals swiftly and painlessly in an attempt to end their suffering. Most of us assumed that lethal injection did the same for death row inmates. This book is an eye opener. . Medical professionals have been absent in the formulation of the drug protocol for lethal injection. It is jailers themselves who become the chemists. I found myself shocked and appalled by the botched executions and the lack of scientific knowledge of those in charge of executions in this country described in detail by the author.
This book is an eye opener and a must read for those in favor of the death penalty as well as members of a jury charged with sentencing another human being to death. We have all been party to a sanitized version of the state’s role in selecting this method of execution. It is a very difficult book to read, filled with descriptions of errors that the public doesn’t get to see. Congratulations to the author for researching and exposing the facts. Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for allowing me to read a prepublication copy in exchange for my honest review.
What is legal injection? We euthanize animals swiftly and painlessly in an attempt to end their suffering. Most of us assumed that lethal injection did the same for death row inmates. This book is an eye opener. . Medical professionals have been absent in the formulation of the drug protocol for lethal injection. It is jailers themselves who become the chemists. I found myself shocked and appalled by the botched executions and the lack of scientific knowledge of those in charge of executions in this country described in detail by the author.
This book is an eye opener and a must read for those in favor of the death penalty as well as members of a jury charged with sentencing another human being to death. We have all been party to a sanitized version of the state’s role in selecting this method of execution. It is a very difficult book to read, filled with descriptions of errors that the public doesn’t get to see. Congratulations to the author for researching and exposing the facts. Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for allowing me to read a prepublication copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.
Thank you, NYU Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished Secrets Of The Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, by Corinna Barrett Lain.
This book will be released on April 22, 2025.
This book was an excellent look at the horrors of lethal injection. The author made an extremely strong case for how inhumane that method of punishment is. There is no way that someone could read this book and not be convinced that it is the very definition of cruel and unusual punishment.
The book backs up its claims with both anectodal and medical evidence, along with plenty of information from people involved in the system.
Out of all of the books that I have read on the death penalty, this was the best one.
I give this book an A+ and inducted it into the Hall of Fame.
Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on November 3, 2024.
Thank you, NYU Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mr. Book just finished Secrets Of The Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, by Corinna Barrett Lain.
This book will be released on April 22, 2025.
This book was an excellent look at the horrors of lethal injection. The author made an extremely strong case for how inhumane that method of punishment is. There is no way that someone could read this book and not be convinced that it is the very definition of cruel and unusual punishment.
The book backs up its claims with both anectodal and medical evidence, along with plenty of information from people involved in the system.
Out of all of the books that I have read on the death penalty, this was the best one.
I give this book an A+ and inducted it into the Hall of Fame.
Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews
Mr. Book finished reading this on November 3, 2024.
July 13, 2025
Absolutely chilling and revolting. And I don't mean the convicts.
Lain has given us a masterclass in reporting on lethal injection in the states. I'm sure most readers will be just as shocked as I was to learn that there's not only misconduct but secret, illegal markets driving a terrible state of affairs, where people on death row aren't given the proper treatment when it's their time, usually leading to drawn-out, terrible deaths or even stays due to the illness and impairment that occurs. I hesitated to write "unexpectedly." Some of this relates to incompetence. Not a shocker given the regular downturn in the states for decades on that front. Some of it, though, relates to greed and dirty deals. A hidden drug market, cover-ups, use of expired products, and so on. The medical profession and the oaths taken brush up against the state and the legal system in ways that end up being worse for society, yet nothing changes.
May this act as a treatise for fundamental shifts in the lethal injection system and the entire death row system altogether.
Elizabeth Miller is the perfect narrator, a calm and humane voice for such a dreadful topic.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.
Lain has given us a masterclass in reporting on lethal injection in the states. I'm sure most readers will be just as shocked as I was to learn that there's not only misconduct but secret, illegal markets driving a terrible state of affairs, where people on death row aren't given the proper treatment when it's their time, usually leading to drawn-out, terrible deaths or even stays due to the illness and impairment that occurs. I hesitated to write "unexpectedly." Some of this relates to incompetence. Not a shocker given the regular downturn in the states for decades on that front. Some of it, though, relates to greed and dirty deals. A hidden drug market, cover-ups, use of expired products, and so on. The medical profession and the oaths taken brush up against the state and the legal system in ways that end up being worse for society, yet nothing changes.
May this act as a treatise for fundamental shifts in the lethal injection system and the entire death row system altogether.
Elizabeth Miller is the perfect narrator, a calm and humane voice for such a dreadful topic.
Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.
August 4, 2025
Wow!
First of all, a big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this insanely informative read. Seriously. I mean that. This one... this one was well-worth the read and the review.
The book is an incredibly eye-opening read (or in my case - listen) that brings to light the deep and often shocking problems within the lethal injection system in the United States. Corinna Barrett Lain expertly weaves together history, investigative journalism, and harrowing real-life cases to reveal just how flawed and fraught the process truly is. As someone who thought I was fairly knowledgeable about the death penalty, I was genuinely surprised by how much I learned and how widespread the issues are. We're talking everything from botched executions to hidden agendas and bureaucratic missteps.
What I appreciate most about this audiobook is how it forces listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about a system many assume is clinical and humane. The book isn't so much an attack on one's underlying beliefs about capital punishment itself; instead, the author focuses on the practical realities and ethical quandaries of lethal injection.
Personally, while this book didn’t change my fundamental perspective on the necessity of capital punishment for certain crimes -- I truly believe there are some people who shouldn't live in this world -- it did ensure that if I'm ever in the hot seat myself, I'll be sure to ask for the firing squad.
The narration is engaging and clear, making complex legal and medical topics accessible without feeling overwhelming. My only real critique is that the book can be a bit dense in places. There were a couple of times when I had to go back and re-listen to a bit that I'd kind of zoned out on.
But still! It’s well worth your time if you're interested in justice, ethics, or the inner workings of the legal system.
In all, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read that challenges assumptions, sparks critical thinking, and sheds much-needed light on a hidden corner of the American justice system. An easy four stars!
First of all, a big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this insanely informative read. Seriously. I mean that. This one... this one was well-worth the read and the review.
The book is an incredibly eye-opening read (or in my case - listen) that brings to light the deep and often shocking problems within the lethal injection system in the United States. Corinna Barrett Lain expertly weaves together history, investigative journalism, and harrowing real-life cases to reveal just how flawed and fraught the process truly is. As someone who thought I was fairly knowledgeable about the death penalty, I was genuinely surprised by how much I learned and how widespread the issues are. We're talking everything from botched executions to hidden agendas and bureaucratic missteps.
What I appreciate most about this audiobook is how it forces listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about a system many assume is clinical and humane. The book isn't so much an attack on one's underlying beliefs about capital punishment itself; instead, the author focuses on the practical realities and ethical quandaries of lethal injection.
Personally, while this book didn’t change my fundamental perspective on the necessity of capital punishment for certain crimes -- I truly believe there are some people who shouldn't live in this world -- it did ensure that if I'm ever in the hot seat myself, I'll be sure to ask for the firing squad.
The narration is engaging and clear, making complex legal and medical topics accessible without feeling overwhelming. My only real critique is that the book can be a bit dense in places. There were a couple of times when I had to go back and re-listen to a bit that I'd kind of zoned out on.
But still! It’s well worth your time if you're interested in justice, ethics, or the inner workings of the legal system.
In all, it's a compelling and thought-provoking read that challenges assumptions, sparks critical thinking, and sheds much-needed light on a hidden corner of the American justice system. An easy four stars!
April 1, 2025
"This is what studying executions does: it forces us to pay attention to who these people are at the end. Not who they were in their worst moment, but who they have become..."
Wow. After finishing this book, I want to throw it at the wall – not due to frustration with the author or the piece, but rather with the ball that you find out has been hidden after finishing. Lain does an incredible job speaking to the human experience within the framework of law; you will find yourself questioning the meaning of justice, your perception of ethics, and many things you have heard or seen on the news that is not as accurate as the government would like you to believe.
What stands out most to me is how this book remains accessible and compelling, whether you're a lawyer or someone with no legal background at all. The complexities of the legal world are presented in a way that is both engaging and enlightening, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on larger societal issues without feeling like you are reading a criminal law textbook (which I have read many of, and I can vouch that I very much prefer this one!!). A must read!
Wow. After finishing this book, I want to throw it at the wall – not due to frustration with the author or the piece, but rather with the ball that you find out has been hidden after finishing. Lain does an incredible job speaking to the human experience within the framework of law; you will find yourself questioning the meaning of justice, your perception of ethics, and many things you have heard or seen on the news that is not as accurate as the government would like you to believe.
What stands out most to me is how this book remains accessible and compelling, whether you're a lawyer or someone with no legal background at all. The complexities of the legal world are presented in a way that is both engaging and enlightening, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on larger societal issues without feeling like you are reading a criminal law textbook (which I have read many of, and I can vouch that I very much prefer this one!!). A must read!
December 23, 2024
"In 2018, cultural historian Colin Dickie wrote: 'The work of American torture has always been twofold: not just the violence itself, but the complex legal and rhetorical strategies that obfuscate it away to maintain a myth of America as a civilized place without cruel and unusual pun-ishment.' He wasn't writing about lethal injection. But nowhere are those words more true than here..." p.273
That pretty much sums it up. This is peak investigative journalism - the receipts, the absurdity, the tea-spilling. Whether you're a proponent or protestor of the death penalty, this is a must read. Lain's well-researched and in-depth analysis of modern capital punishment draws attention to huge flaws in the system that are deplorable, inhumane, and impossible to ignore. (The states know that too, hence secrecy laws. Wowzer.)
Also a reminder that we aren't much different than we were 200 years ago hanging people in the public square. We like to think we've matured, that we've grown more consciously aware, but we haven't. Not really.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
That pretty much sums it up. This is peak investigative journalism - the receipts, the absurdity, the tea-spilling. Whether you're a proponent or protestor of the death penalty, this is a must read. Lain's well-researched and in-depth analysis of modern capital punishment draws attention to huge flaws in the system that are deplorable, inhumane, and impossible to ignore. (The states know that too, hence secrecy laws. Wowzer.)
Also a reminder that we aren't much different than we were 200 years ago hanging people in the public square. We like to think we've matured, that we've grown more consciously aware, but we haven't. Not really.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
April 9, 2025
I did not think much about the history of the lethal injection-how it came about, where the protocols came from or how often things go wrong. This book was quite eye opening and very well researched. It is scary to think about that the protocol used to execute had no scientific backing and this is being used on human lives, while research mice, have way more protections to be treated humanely and are euthanized and treated much better. Even with evidence and botched execution after botched execution, you would think things would change for the better, but it seems that most of the justice department just does not care and would prefer to put their heads in the sand. This book explores botched executions, the history of drugs that are used in lethal injection, errors made previously made about the drugs. This book should be required reading for anyone studying criminal justice, criminology, criminal law, and even for those jurors sitting on a case where the outcome could be a death sentence.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC copy.
April 29, 2025
This is such an impressive and important book. Yes, it pulls back the veil and shows how lethal injection as carried out is anything but the “humane” method that government officials promised – indeed, the author’s revelations would be almost unbelievable if she did not bring the receipts (and, boy, does she does bring the receipts in astonishing and meticulous detail). But the book also is a much larger case study about how we shouldn’t complacently think that the government has done its “homework” and must know what it is doing even on matters as profound as putting an individual to death – the story of the sloppiness and callousness with how lethal injection protocols have been developed (think, for example, bureaucrats and lawyers consulting Google rather than medical professionals) shocks the conscience. A must read for anyone interested in the death penalty.
October 30, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this already knowing the basics of a lot of it. There's a difference, though, between knowing and having it all set out before you in such an easy-to-read way. The descriptions of what happens to the prisoners were horrifying and helped drive the point home, and the book flowed well. Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but I suppose that's par for the course when trying to write something like this.
If this is a topic you're interested in, I would absolutely recommend it. I look forward to being able to get a physical copy when the book is released.
I went into this already knowing the basics of a lot of it. There's a difference, though, between knowing and having it all set out before you in such an easy-to-read way. The descriptions of what happens to the prisoners were horrifying and helped drive the point home, and the book flowed well. Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but I suppose that's par for the course when trying to write something like this.
If this is a topic you're interested in, I would absolutely recommend it. I look forward to being able to get a physical copy when the book is released.
April 4, 2025
Wow this book is a lot to take in but the information really needs to be known across the country if we're going to continue to allow such a horrendous practice to be done in our name. I have the issue where I already knew a large chunk of this, so I wasn't as wow-ed by the research and the information as many people are. My biggest complaint with this book is the tone. It is extremely anti-death penalty. I am extremely anti-death penalty, so you might wonder why that bothered me. Well, you're not going to persuade anyone with that kind of attitude. I think Lain has so much information on her side for why the death penalty is bad (hence this book) that if she had presented it more objectively, then the reader, no matter their prior thoughts, would be forced to agree with her. Her tone, in this day and age, would be enough to turn off someone who disagrees with her.
That all being said, this book was great. There was SO much research, and the secrecy of the death penalty makes the amount of research Lain was able to do even more incredible. This book has encouraged me to do more research into what I can do to help end the death penalty, because it truly is cruel and unusual punishment. I still don't know how I can do that, but I'm looking!
Thank you to NYU Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That all being said, this book was great. There was SO much research, and the secrecy of the death penalty makes the amount of research Lain was able to do even more incredible. This book has encouraged me to do more research into what I can do to help end the death penalty, because it truly is cruel and unusual punishment. I still don't know how I can do that, but I'm looking!
Thank you to NYU Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2025
Regardless your position on the death penalty, this book should be essential reading. With careful, thorough research Lain shows that our governments are inflicting cruel and unusual punishments with impunity- all in the name of achieving painless, humane deaths for condemned prisoners (a goal which is rarely, if ever achieved). For the most part Lain does not need to explicitly make this argument because the facts speak for themselves. It should be shelved along books like Just Mercy and The New Jim Crow.
I also commend Lain for the book’s readability. She takes a heavy, legalistic, and science-dense topic and makes it accessible for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
I also commend Lain for the book’s readability. She takes a heavy, legalistic, and science-dense topic and makes it accessible for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
January 1, 2025
Whether or not someone supports capital punishment, it should be done in a humane manner. This book provides ample evidence that that is not happening. Inadequate drugs are used, and the people approving and administering them don't know enough about them. There are multiple descriptions of times when the state attempted an execution and it went badly wrong, which shouldn't be happening. If it's possible to euthanize pets humanely, it should be possible for humans. This was appalling and depressing.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
June 23, 2025
This book provides a compelling and thorough investigation into lethal injection and the problems surrounding it. Corinna Barrett Lain presents difficult truths in a clear, accessible way that really made me reconsider the death penalty’s current state. It’s a challenging but essential read for anyone interested in justice and human rights.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
July 18, 2025
This book is absolutely amazing. Though it's long and technical, it’s incredibly informative and compelling. The writing flows smoothly, and the author explains complex topics with clarity, holding my attention from start to finish.
I highly recommend it to everyone—regardless of political beliefs or opinions on capital punishment—this is a must-read.
4.5 stars
Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for an audiobook arc of this book.
I highly recommend it to everyone—regardless of political beliefs or opinions on capital punishment—this is a must-read.
4.5 stars
Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for an audiobook arc of this book.
October 28, 2025
Unbelievably upsetting book but it is so so good! I learned so much about lethal injection and she provided amazing context for other stuff too. Like compounding pharmacies, didn’t know about that. This is a book I think everyone should read but I think it’s important added info for prison abolitionists. Just really good stuff!
July 1, 2025
Meticulously researched and cited, well structured and well argued, detail oriented but pithy and not too dense. Not once was I bored. This book, the laying bare of our state, incited many emotions. For law students, I would call this a must read.
May 4, 2025
Extremely compelling.
August 21, 2025
The story of lethal injection in America is one of gross incompetence, torture, and ugly death. The author is a death penalty expert and if I wasn’t anti-death penalty before, I sure as hell am now.
September 18, 2025
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. We Americans are not who we like to pretend that we are. Read this.
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