Wrongful Conviction: A Jean Jankowski Mystery

Wrongful Conviction Mystery #3

by Janet Heijens

Leland Booker is serving a life sentence for killing his wife and their two
daughters. All hope for justice is lost until forty years later when Adam
Bennett, a young law student, takes on the case. Adam determines that his only
chance for success rests on his ability to prove Leland was wrongfully
convicted. His research leads him to Jean Jankowski, a close friend of the
family. When Jean hears the case is reopened, the past rushes back. As she spins
her story of the events leading up to the murders, Adam begins to suspect that
the police withheld critical evidence, a basis for wrongful conviction. They
travel to Florida to secure the proof they need, but arrive too late,
discovering their witness has been murdered. The two cases intertwine when
fingerprints found at the scene implicate Henry Rusak, the Bookers' handyman.
Jean refuses to believe Rusak is a killer, even after the police turn up
evidence that confirms his guilt. When Jean visits Leland to give him the news,
she is shocked to learn all was not as it appeared in the Booker household. She
sets out to expose the real killer, a cold-blooded murderer who will stop at
nothing to protect a dark secret. With a myriad of twists and turns, Wrongful
Conviction explores the world of a justice system gone wrong. This legal
thriller will keep the reader guessing until the last page is turned.

Genres: Fiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Janet Heijens is the author of the Wrongful Conviction Mystery Series including SPANISH POINT, SNOOK WALLOW, CASPERSEN BEACH and WRONGFUL CONVICTION.

Detective Lalo Sanchez returns in SPANISH POINT to solve another Wrongful Conviction Mystery. Once again he partners with retired Lawyer, Cate Stokes, to prove their client, Jez Landon - currently serving time in Florida's infamous Lowell Women's Prison - is innocent of murdering her pimp. Armed with very few clues, Lalo and Cate are determined to find justice for Jez. A dark look at the underbelly of human trafficking and abuse, SPANISH POINT delivers a surprise ending that has become the signature style of Ms. Heijens' novels.

Pinnacle Book Award winning SNOOK WALLOW transports Heijens' readers back to South Florida where the death penalty is the law of the land and drug-dealing traffickers abound. Earning a Starred Kirkus Review, Heijens keeps readers guessing until the last page is turned.

In CASPERSEN BEACH, an innocent man is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a small child. Years later, as a homeless woman lay dying, she confesses to knowing who murdered the little girl. With another child's fate hanging in the balance, Cate and Lalo rush to find the real killer.

WRONGFUL CONVICTION, the prequel to Heijens' other three books, exposes flaws in a racially biased legal world. Cate Stokes attempts to clear a wrongfully convicted man who is serving a life sentence for killing his wife and two children. With a myriad of twists and turns, WRONGFUL CONVICTION premiers a cast of characters who won't soon be forgotten.

Ms. Heijens lives with her husband, Pieter in Sarasota, Florida

Reviews

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Wrongful Conviction by Janet Heijens from Goodreads.

In her novel, Wrongful Conviction, Janet Heijens transitions smoothly back and forth in time as the protagonist, Jean Jankowski, revisits painful and confusing memories in an effort to help find the truth in an old murder case. Readers are instantly drawn into the story and into the characters' lives and secrets. Those secrets affect Jankowski throughout the novel, leading to a surprising, yet satisfying, ending.

Wrongful Conviction is a great mystery for readers who enjoy solving the puzzle along with the protagonist. Readers who favor mysteries with an emphasis on character will also appreciate this well-crafted whodunit.

I look forward to more Jean Jankowski mysteries.

[Kathleen Till Stange · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read a book by this author previously and really enjoyed it, so I bought another in the series at the local bookstore in Venice, Florida. The protagonist is the same as the previous book I read, lawyer Cate Stokes. The book is a great mystery as I was not able to guess who was the murderer. It involves a 30 year old case and a college student who looks at the case as part of a class project. It's an easy, enjoyable read. This book was set priamrily in the northeast, but involved a trip to meet with a witness in Venice, Florida. I preferred her previous book, which was set 100% in Florida, but this was still good and I would read more of her series.

[Cindy Neanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrongful conviction. Circumstancial evidence. 40+ years time. Errors in judgment. Possible? This mystery kept me reading and reading and reading! The twists, turns, and results were unexpected.

[R. Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent debut novel by Janet Heijens. The characters were well crafted. Her main character, Jean Jankowski, was immediately likeable. The story line was engaging and well plotted. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Can't wait for her next book.Wrongful Conviction

[Leslie Valeska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery!

Relatable characters you can bond with. If you like Iris Johansen, Mary Higgins Clark, Patricia Cornwell, Janet Evanovich, or the like, this will not disappoint. My only "criticism" is a couple parts that seemed to drag a little. Minor drawback. Have fun with this one!

[Betsy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first book from the author and I am excited to see more. She creates a very believable lead character and the plot has a satisfying twist or two. But I most appreciate her writing, which draws the reader in, builds suspense, and keeps you interested long after you should have gone to sleep. Highly recommend this!

[Janet Heijens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical praise from Kirkus Reviews for Wrongful Conviction. "A high school teacher's world goes haywire when a law student probes a 30-year-old case. Heijens premiers a rare heroine who's both gritty and reflective. Here's hoping for a series."

[Mwall2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the narrator of this book, a high school chemistry teacher, teams with a law student to examine the conviction of the father of the girls she babysat for one summer. Interesting ending - not expected but logical. Kept me reading!

[Elenute · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting twists, but I couldn't get over the fact that the heroine initially neglected to tell the police about a break-in, which she should have realized could be important--so I never identified with her.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carefully constructed and well written. Lots of red herrings as the story evolves. Really felt engaged with the narrator and Adam, the college kid investigating earlier murders for a class. Can't wait to start her next book, Snook Hollow.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! The end totally took me by surprise. Hope Janet has more to come

[Kally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Suspenseful and interesting. Keeps you guessing. I hope there is more to come!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel. Wonderful characters and well developed story. Hope this is the beginning of a long series.

[Jvcthomas]

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