Misunderstood: Six People, Three Incidents, One Courtroom

by Gail Matelson

This emotionally-invasive, fictional short story highlights people who legitimize their crimes. A man commits a horrific murder... but claims self-defense. Another man professes his innocence after he's involved in a fatal car crash. A third person insists that his actions are justified. They don't admit their guilt. In fact, they complain that no one understands them. All three cases go before the same judge, a judge who has also spent a lifetime feeling misunderstood. Corrupt emotions lead to distorted excuses! How will the judge rule?

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2014

About the author

It wasn't until I returned from a year-long, solo driving trip around the United States that I wrote my first book, a personal memoir that I haven't as yet published. Thoroughly enjoying the experience of writing, I spontaneously wrote my first mystery novel. The experience was so 'novel', the characters so willing to tell their own story, that I never stopped writing. Twenty-one books and seventeen years later, my unique stories cover a wide spectrum, from humorous metaphysical fantasy in "Last 90 Days, Archie Trilogy Book 1," and magical realism in "Between the Trees," to a psychological thriller in "The Building." Blending multiple genres, my stories have inspiring stories of transformation, as well as humorous and romantic threads woven into the plots.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent legal based short novella tying three accounts into the last three cases a judge will hear before taking early retirement.
It was interesting to see the many different legal counsel trying to approach cases in their personal way and their actions both inside and outside the courtroom.
I liked very much that despite the brievy of the narrative in each one all had a rounded story and each had various avenues the story could have taken. The judge was impressive and seemed to have planned beyond his working life.
Fundamentally it is a tale about relationships; how they can end and the actions one takes as a consequence. Be that a disgruntled defendent, a neglected partner or a sibling rivalry. Sometimes when things get out of control a court has to decide; life may already have changed in the act, but who are the victims and is justice always seen in your day in court.
Excellent writing boardering on a smile producing style; this is an entertaining tale that grips and surprises in equal measure.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story, vey well written. I found it very engaging and it left me wanting more. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Hemant Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story ... the climax could have been more impactful

The short book weaves together 3 stories connected to each other by a 4th story

I expected that in the climax there will be some explosive and mind boggling connections between the 3 stories , besides the 4th track but it did not turn out so. it was more like my expectation was greater.