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Indefensible: The Missing Truth about Steven Avery, Teresa Halbach, and Making a Murderer
An insider exposes the shocking facts deliberately left out of the hit Netflix series Making a Murderer--and argues persuasively that Steven Avery was rightfully convicted in the 2005 killing of Teresa Halbach.
After serving eighteen years for a crime he didn't commit, Steven Avery was freed--and filed a thirty-six-million-dollar lawsuit against Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. But before the suit could be settled, Avery was arrested again--this time for the brutal murder of Teresa Halbach--and, through the office of a special prosecutor, convicted once more.
When the saga exploded onto the public consciousness with the airing of Making a Murderer, Michael Griesbach, a prosecutor and member of Wisconsin's Innocence Project who had been instrumental in Avery's 2003 exoneration, was targeted on social media, threatened--and plagued by doubt. Now, in this suspenseful, thorough narrative, he recounts his own re-examination of the evidence in light of the whirlwind of controversy stirred up by the blockbuster true-crime series.
As Griesbach carefully reviews allegations of tampering and planted evidence, the confession by Avery's developmentally disabled nephew, Brendan Dassey, and statements by Avery's former girlfriend Jodi Stachowski, previously sealed documents deemed inadmissible at trial by Judge Patrick L. Willis--and a little-known, plausible alternate suspect--Griesbach shows how the filmmakers' agenda, the accused man's dramatic backstory, and sensational media coverage have clouded the truth about Steven Avery.
Now as Avery's defense counsel files an appeal and prepares to do battle in the courtroom once more, Griesbach fights to set the record straight, determined that evidence should be followed where it leads and justice should be served--for as surely as our legal system should not send an innocent man to prison, neither should it let a guilty man walk free.
Includes 16 pages of photos
After serving eighteen years for a crime he didn't commit, Steven Avery was freed--and filed a thirty-six-million-dollar lawsuit against Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. But before the suit could be settled, Avery was arrested again--this time for the brutal murder of Teresa Halbach--and, through the office of a special prosecutor, convicted once more.
When the saga exploded onto the public consciousness with the airing of Making a Murderer, Michael Griesbach, a prosecutor and member of Wisconsin's Innocence Project who had been instrumental in Avery's 2003 exoneration, was targeted on social media, threatened--and plagued by doubt. Now, in this suspenseful, thorough narrative, he recounts his own re-examination of the evidence in light of the whirlwind of controversy stirred up by the blockbuster true-crime series.
As Griesbach carefully reviews allegations of tampering and planted evidence, the confession by Avery's developmentally disabled nephew, Brendan Dassey, and statements by Avery's former girlfriend Jodi Stachowski, previously sealed documents deemed inadmissible at trial by Judge Patrick L. Willis--and a little-known, plausible alternate suspect--Griesbach shows how the filmmakers' agenda, the accused man's dramatic backstory, and sensational media coverage have clouded the truth about Steven Avery.
Now as Avery's defense counsel files an appeal and prepares to do battle in the courtroom once more, Griesbach fights to set the record straight, determined that evidence should be followed where it leads and justice should be served--for as surely as our legal system should not send an innocent man to prison, neither should it let a guilty man walk free.
Includes 16 pages of photos
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 30, 2016
267 people are currently reading
1530 people want to read
About the author
Michael Griesbach
8 books63 followersMichael Griesbach is a veteran prosecutor in the state of Wisconsin where the events recounted in his books occurred. He wrote The Innocent Killer as a gripping true crime novel, but also as a challenge to the system. He hopes to leave readers better informed about the inner workings of the criminal justice system and more concerned about those whose lives it deeply affects. He lives in northeastern Wisconsin with his wife Jody and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
September 5, 2016
I personally think Avery killed Halbach, but that Dassey's involvement was minimal. I want to be very clear that I am NOT on the "Avery is an angel" bandwagon.
I checked this out of the library to get more insight into the crime and to go through the evidence that was glossed over in the Netflix documentary.
There is some of that...but in order to get to it you have to read Griesbach's narcissistic ramblings about how vital he is to manitowoc county, how essential he was in freeing Avery initially and how disappointed he was that he wasn't in the documentary more. You have to read his blow by blow account of watching the documentary and being too busy to chat about it around the Prosecutorial water cooler but not too busy to check the Amazon rankings of his book. I did not go to this book for a detailed sob story about Griesbach's woes in the world of self-publishing.
Ultimately all of the additional evidence scattered through here in between The Greatness Of Griesbach is readily (Reddit-ly?) available online in fora, blogs and opinion pieces.
If you want to know all about Michael Griesbach's binge watch of MoaM, this is the book for you. If you're looking for info about Steven Avery, save your money and practice your Google-Fu.
I checked this out of the library to get more insight into the crime and to go through the evidence that was glossed over in the Netflix documentary.
There is some of that...but in order to get to it you have to read Griesbach's narcissistic ramblings about how vital he is to manitowoc county, how essential he was in freeing Avery initially and how disappointed he was that he wasn't in the documentary more. You have to read his blow by blow account of watching the documentary and being too busy to chat about it around the Prosecutorial water cooler but not too busy to check the Amazon rankings of his book. I did not go to this book for a detailed sob story about Griesbach's woes in the world of self-publishing.
Ultimately all of the additional evidence scattered through here in between The Greatness Of Griesbach is readily (Reddit-ly?) available online in fora, blogs and opinion pieces.
If you want to know all about Michael Griesbach's binge watch of MoaM, this is the book for you. If you're looking for info about Steven Avery, save your money and practice your Google-Fu.
October 9, 2016
Steven Avery killed Teresa Halbach.
I was pretty sure of it after watching Making a Murderer, and I'm 100% sure of it having read this book. More precisely, I'm 100% sure of it after reading the final 80 pages of this 230-page book, the first 150 pages of which are pure filler written at a ninth-grade level.
When Griesbach finally gets to the point -- as the book's tag line promises, the "Missing Truth" about the Halbach murder -- he's excellent. As a prosecutor in Manitowoc County, WI, he's obviously biased (as were the makers of Making a Murderer), but it's impossible to argue with his analysis of why it's clear Avery committed murder.
The evidence of his guilt, most of which is actually in the documentary despite the book describing it as "missing', is just overwhelming: Halbach was last seen driving into Avery's salvage yard to photograph a vehicle for AutoTrader magazine. Soon after, her bones and cell phone were found in a burn pit in his yard, his blood was found in her car, her car was found on his property, and bullets that were determined to have been fired from his gun were found with her DNA on them in his garage.
The documentary would have us believe that this evidence was planted by Manitowoc County police in order to frame Avery, who was suing the county for $36 million over a wrongful rape conviction.
To believe that the police planted all this evidence, you would have to explain how they managed to find bullets fired from his gun and with her DNA on them. And most convincingly to me, you'd have to explain why the lab sample of Avery's blood the police supposedly stole to plant the blood in Halbach's car had a preservative in it that was not found in the blood in her car.
Where Griesbach is most helpful is not in pointing out this primary evidence, which even the documentary attempting to exonerate him for the most part acknowledges. It's in pointing out how lucky the police and the actual killer have gotten if Avery didn't commit the murder.
Whoever killed her must have been overjoyed after the fact to learn that: Avery just happened to be seen setting a large bonfire in the pit where Halbach's remains were found on the night of the murder, Avery had been calling Halbach repeatedly with a *67 to conceal the number he was calling from, that on the day of the murder he made 11 calls, only two of which were done with *67 and these were both to to Halbach before the murder, that he actually called her once that day without the *67 -- after she was dead (obviously to make it appear he didn't know she was dead),that he called her magazine a few days later to say she never came (when multiple witnesses saw her driving onto his property, and he later told police she did come), that he made the appointment for her to come photograph his sister's car in his sister's name using his sister's number even though she told him she didn't want to sell the car (again concealing his identity), that witnesses saw him cleaning his garage the night of the murder ... Oh yeah, and that no evidence that anyone else might have committed the murder has ever been found. And also just hope that the preservative that was in the blood sample you stole out of the evidence lockup would be found in the vial but not in the blood found in the car.
This is all good stuff. Why it takes Griesbach 150 pages to get down to business is anybody's guess. He spends an inordinate amount of time talking about how hard it was to be a Manitowoc County prosecutor after the documentary came out, about his kids, about how he trusts his wife's judgment, about how his dad taught philosophy, his thoughts on the sacredness of Christmas Eve (really!). Most infuriating, he tries to build suspense by suggesting that maybe -- just maybe -- Avery was actually innocent after all! Obviously anyone interested in this case is interested having watched Making a Murderer, and most people who watched Making a Murderer think Avery is innocent. For Griesbach to try and re-create this suspense is cheap, a waste of time, and terribly executed.
I actually considered giving this book both 1 star and 3 stars. Three stars because the analysis of the actual evidence and the consideration of the possibility that he was framed are so expertly done, and a sorely needed antidote to the inexcusable bias the documentarians brought to their project. But 1 star because it takes him so long to get to the point, and also ... What about Brendan Dassey? Griesbach treats Dassey's conviction as an afterthought, giving all of one chapter to explain why he thought Dassey's confession was truthful. As persuasive as Griesbach is on the subject of Avery's guilt, he is equally unpersuasive on Dassey's. This is a true flaw to those of us already believe that Avery is probably guilty but Dassey is possibly not.
Moreover, Griesbach seems completely oblivious to how egregiously law enforcement behaved in this case, even though Avery was guilty. Even if the police didn't plant any evidence in this case, their very presence at the crime scene (as defendants in a lawsuit brought by the suspect) would cast doubt on anything they found. Griesbach is willing to consider the possibility that police misbehavior put an innocent man in prison, but the more realistic possibility that by compromising evidence the police risked letting a guilty man go free doesn't occur to him.
If you really think Steven Avery is innocent, please give Griesbach the chance to prove you wrong. Just start at page 104.
I was pretty sure of it after watching Making a Murderer, and I'm 100% sure of it having read this book. More precisely, I'm 100% sure of it after reading the final 80 pages of this 230-page book, the first 150 pages of which are pure filler written at a ninth-grade level.
When Griesbach finally gets to the point -- as the book's tag line promises, the "Missing Truth" about the Halbach murder -- he's excellent. As a prosecutor in Manitowoc County, WI, he's obviously biased (as were the makers of Making a Murderer), but it's impossible to argue with his analysis of why it's clear Avery committed murder.
The evidence of his guilt, most of which is actually in the documentary despite the book describing it as "missing', is just overwhelming: Halbach was last seen driving into Avery's salvage yard to photograph a vehicle for AutoTrader magazine. Soon after, her bones and cell phone were found in a burn pit in his yard, his blood was found in her car, her car was found on his property, and bullets that were determined to have been fired from his gun were found with her DNA on them in his garage.
The documentary would have us believe that this evidence was planted by Manitowoc County police in order to frame Avery, who was suing the county for $36 million over a wrongful rape conviction.
To believe that the police planted all this evidence, you would have to explain how they managed to find bullets fired from his gun and with her DNA on them. And most convincingly to me, you'd have to explain why the lab sample of Avery's blood the police supposedly stole to plant the blood in Halbach's car had a preservative in it that was not found in the blood in her car.
Where Griesbach is most helpful is not in pointing out this primary evidence, which even the documentary attempting to exonerate him for the most part acknowledges. It's in pointing out how lucky the police and the actual killer have gotten if Avery didn't commit the murder.
Whoever killed her must have been overjoyed after the fact to learn that: Avery just happened to be seen setting a large bonfire in the pit where Halbach's remains were found on the night of the murder, Avery had been calling Halbach repeatedly with a *67 to conceal the number he was calling from, that on the day of the murder he made 11 calls, only two of which were done with *67 and these were both to to Halbach before the murder, that he actually called her once that day without the *67 -- after she was dead (obviously to make it appear he didn't know she was dead),that he called her magazine a few days later to say she never came (when multiple witnesses saw her driving onto his property, and he later told police she did come), that he made the appointment for her to come photograph his sister's car in his sister's name using his sister's number even though she told him she didn't want to sell the car (again concealing his identity), that witnesses saw him cleaning his garage the night of the murder ... Oh yeah, and that no evidence that anyone else might have committed the murder has ever been found. And also just hope that the preservative that was in the blood sample you stole out of the evidence lockup would be found in the vial but not in the blood found in the car.
This is all good stuff. Why it takes Griesbach 150 pages to get down to business is anybody's guess. He spends an inordinate amount of time talking about how hard it was to be a Manitowoc County prosecutor after the documentary came out, about his kids, about how he trusts his wife's judgment, about how his dad taught philosophy, his thoughts on the sacredness of Christmas Eve (really!). Most infuriating, he tries to build suspense by suggesting that maybe -- just maybe -- Avery was actually innocent after all! Obviously anyone interested in this case is interested having watched Making a Murderer, and most people who watched Making a Murderer think Avery is innocent. For Griesbach to try and re-create this suspense is cheap, a waste of time, and terribly executed.
I actually considered giving this book both 1 star and 3 stars. Three stars because the analysis of the actual evidence and the consideration of the possibility that he was framed are so expertly done, and a sorely needed antidote to the inexcusable bias the documentarians brought to their project. But 1 star because it takes him so long to get to the point, and also ... What about Brendan Dassey? Griesbach treats Dassey's conviction as an afterthought, giving all of one chapter to explain why he thought Dassey's confession was truthful. As persuasive as Griesbach is on the subject of Avery's guilt, he is equally unpersuasive on Dassey's. This is a true flaw to those of us already believe that Avery is probably guilty but Dassey is possibly not.
Moreover, Griesbach seems completely oblivious to how egregiously law enforcement behaved in this case, even though Avery was guilty. Even if the police didn't plant any evidence in this case, their very presence at the crime scene (as defendants in a lawsuit brought by the suspect) would cast doubt on anything they found. Griesbach is willing to consider the possibility that police misbehavior put an innocent man in prison, but the more realistic possibility that by compromising evidence the police risked letting a guilty man go free doesn't occur to him.
If you really think Steven Avery is innocent, please give Griesbach the chance to prove you wrong. Just start at page 104.
March 31, 2017
Should've been titled "The Unmaking of a Documentary." Interesting to see the sleight-of-hand performed by some very gifted documentary makers in depicting a previously wrongly-convicted man as the victim of a shady/corrupt/inept/vengeful law enforcement operation in his current conviction as a murderer. Interesting to see some of the vital bits of evidence omitted from the documentary, and how these omissions helped shape popular opinion
September 21, 2016
I was sucked into the Making A Murderer drama when it came out. As with everyone else I questioned the conviction but before I made me decision I did my research and the direction the show went was very one sided. This book takes all the facts into account. I can't believe the amount of people who would sign a petition to have a criminal released without doing their research. Not everything you see on tv is the way things are. Don't be sheep!!!
December 21, 2016
I have no problem with the author's conclusions that the producers of Making of a Murderer presented a biased account of the investigation, the producers ignored relevant evidence, downplayed behavior that Avery engaged in that was quite troubling, and made much of things that are easily explained (the needle hole in the blood tube).
The reason I gave this one star is it is the worst written book I have come across. I gave up on it for a while and returned and finished it because I wanted to see the evidence the author gave to support his argument. It was tough to finish because he never makes a clear point but rather talks about how he reacted to news, or better put overreacted to news. He will come across a statement of a witness and ask himself whether he is completely wrong in his belief that Avery was the killer. I hope that this was not the way he behaved as a prosecutor and it is not the way any rational individual should behave. You should consider new evidence but wait to jump to any conclusions.
I think the real problem is that he had a good 20 page essay but wanted to write a full length book. We get all these pointless stories and breathless responses to new evidence (all of which is shown to have no impact in assessing Avery's guilt). Was this self published? What editor allowed this to go to market
The reason I gave this one star is it is the worst written book I have come across. I gave up on it for a while and returned and finished it because I wanted to see the evidence the author gave to support his argument. It was tough to finish because he never makes a clear point but rather talks about how he reacted to news, or better put overreacted to news. He will come across a statement of a witness and ask himself whether he is completely wrong in his belief that Avery was the killer. I hope that this was not the way he behaved as a prosecutor and it is not the way any rational individual should behave. You should consider new evidence but wait to jump to any conclusions.
I think the real problem is that he had a good 20 page essay but wanted to write a full length book. We get all these pointless stories and breathless responses to new evidence (all of which is shown to have no impact in assessing Avery's guilt). Was this self published? What editor allowed this to go to market
November 26, 2016
There can be spoilers...just be aware....I read this because I ...like so many...saw the Netflix series...and knowing how things can be slanted one direction felt it was only fair to see the other side...Right from the beginning Griesback states over and over how he was going to be impartial...and at first I believed him...but about page 80-100 he started to show that he was not impartial and was at least leaning toward guilty...as the book moved forward he made multiple comments about "the confession" ...as if it was golden...the evidence ...as if it was perfect...
when the officer called in to check the license plate for Halbach's car...before it was found...the reason the office gave was because he many times would call and have a license ran just to refresh his mind about it...what???...he called a number to have it run..and he knew what it was..but just wanted to have it checked to check his memory? when he can call in anytime? but to Griesbach...this made perfect sense...
The key falling out of the bookcase...the officers said...he was getting irritated...at the bookcase...even though he could pick it up...move it...shake it...he shook it hard...because he was getting irritated with it...didn't evidently get irritated with any other pieces of furniture..just this one...that just happened to have the key hidden in it...Griesbach says...absolutely...
he never talked about the officer checking the car without signing in
didn't find any blood in the trailer ..even though they cut her throat...and shot her multiple times...because ...in many instances there is no blood spray..so no blood in the trailer...no problem..
found the bullet under the air compressor...after what..four other checks? and the reason was...it was underneath a large piece of equipment...so they didn't move it before? they didn't look underneath it? really? Griesbach says...yep...makes total sense...the bullet in the crack in the floor...looked like a nailhead...must be lots of nails in concrete floors up there...but down here..unless it is a concrete nail...and so they see it...and it doesn't fit the rest of the floor...but never before noticed it or tried to move it...Griesbach says yep...they must really suck up there at evidence collection...
They found skull pieces...and bone fragments...but why only fragments...shouldn't her whole skeleton be there? cremation requires incredibly high temps...but there were pieces left...they only found a few bullets...even though it was said they shot her about ten times...Griesbach says ..makes sense...the other bullets were no doubt in her head...if so ..why were they not found in the fire? ...no problem for Griesbach...they just evaporated...
leaving the car and just putting some branches on it...don't want to crush it..cause that would make noise...so he was leaving it for later...later for what? they had a pile of cars waiting to be crushed...why not do it..that gets rid of that problem...but he didn't...says that Avery wasn't that organized..but was evidently organized enough to completely clean a trailer and garage...Griesbach says Avery was very clean...so this wasn't a surprise...he was such a clean person he missed bullet fragments laying in the middle of the garage floor...
There was another suspect right from the beginning...and he was not pursued...his wife called and said she thought her husband had something to do with it...the police didn't pursue it...Griesbach says later...the man and wife moved from the state...and since she stayed with him..she must have decided that he had nothing to do with it..because of course..no woman has ever stayed with a man out of fear...
the confession...he doesn't talk about the phone call that was made to his mother saying he didn't do it and that they got into his head...didn't talk about the drawing that was directed by the guy questioning him...because no one ever has had a false confession...especially a person of lower intelligence...
also leaves out the fact that without the confession they additional search warrant would be invalid...
Griesbach also talks about the jurors...and leaves out how at the beginning only three were for conviction...and that the one juror says they were bullied...
There are many details about Avery that are disturbing...and many details that were left out of the series...and these gave me issues to contemplate...but reasonable doubt...sorry..still have it...as a matter of fact..if this is him being impartial...well ...I feel for the people of Wisconsin...
there were many more details...I got this from the library...would never pay for it...and would recommend you not either...read it if you are interested...I think anyone who watched the show should..but I would NOT give this man any money for it...
when the officer called in to check the license plate for Halbach's car...before it was found...the reason the office gave was because he many times would call and have a license ran just to refresh his mind about it...what???...he called a number to have it run..and he knew what it was..but just wanted to have it checked to check his memory? when he can call in anytime? but to Griesbach...this made perfect sense...
The key falling out of the bookcase...the officers said...he was getting irritated...at the bookcase...even though he could pick it up...move it...shake it...he shook it hard...because he was getting irritated with it...didn't evidently get irritated with any other pieces of furniture..just this one...that just happened to have the key hidden in it...Griesbach says...absolutely...
he never talked about the officer checking the car without signing in
didn't find any blood in the trailer ..even though they cut her throat...and shot her multiple times...because ...in many instances there is no blood spray..so no blood in the trailer...no problem..
found the bullet under the air compressor...after what..four other checks? and the reason was...it was underneath a large piece of equipment...so they didn't move it before? they didn't look underneath it? really? Griesbach says...yep...makes total sense...the bullet in the crack in the floor...looked like a nailhead...must be lots of nails in concrete floors up there...but down here..unless it is a concrete nail...and so they see it...and it doesn't fit the rest of the floor...but never before noticed it or tried to move it...Griesbach says yep...they must really suck up there at evidence collection...
They found skull pieces...and bone fragments...but why only fragments...shouldn't her whole skeleton be there? cremation requires incredibly high temps...but there were pieces left...they only found a few bullets...even though it was said they shot her about ten times...Griesbach says ..makes sense...the other bullets were no doubt in her head...if so ..why were they not found in the fire? ...no problem for Griesbach...they just evaporated...
leaving the car and just putting some branches on it...don't want to crush it..cause that would make noise...so he was leaving it for later...later for what? they had a pile of cars waiting to be crushed...why not do it..that gets rid of that problem...but he didn't...says that Avery wasn't that organized..but was evidently organized enough to completely clean a trailer and garage...Griesbach says Avery was very clean...so this wasn't a surprise...he was such a clean person he missed bullet fragments laying in the middle of the garage floor...
There was another suspect right from the beginning...and he was not pursued...his wife called and said she thought her husband had something to do with it...the police didn't pursue it...Griesbach says later...the man and wife moved from the state...and since she stayed with him..she must have decided that he had nothing to do with it..because of course..no woman has ever stayed with a man out of fear...
the confession...he doesn't talk about the phone call that was made to his mother saying he didn't do it and that they got into his head...didn't talk about the drawing that was directed by the guy questioning him...because no one ever has had a false confession...especially a person of lower intelligence...
also leaves out the fact that without the confession they additional search warrant would be invalid...
Griesbach also talks about the jurors...and leaves out how at the beginning only three were for conviction...and that the one juror says they were bullied...
There are many details about Avery that are disturbing...and many details that were left out of the series...and these gave me issues to contemplate...but reasonable doubt...sorry..still have it...as a matter of fact..if this is him being impartial...well ...I feel for the people of Wisconsin...
there were many more details...I got this from the library...would never pay for it...and would recommend you not either...read it if you are interested...I think anyone who watched the show should..but I would NOT give this man any money for it...
April 10, 2017
Let me just say...I only got through two episodes of the the documentary and as fascinating as it was at first? All I kept thinking was... wrongfully convicted for a second time? Nope. Noway. I'm actually glad I picked up this book at the library. Your always told there are two sides to every story right? At least in this book unlike the documentary The author really does try to distinguish what is really going on. Mind you it was a really slow start and I almost put it down for good a few times. He does get to all the facts. In my mind Steven Avery is absolutely guilty. This just kind of reinforced that. If you watched the documentary, I would suggest doing a bit more research as that is all one sided. My thoughts? I think he completely thought he could get away with this. He was wrongfully convicted of a crime and I think he knew that would work in his favor. They planted evidence etc. I call bs. Yet, that seems to be working a bit for him doesn't it? I think he's smarter than people think and a lot more evil than they realize.
December 31, 2016
I don't disagree with his conclusions but it was painful getting there. He could easily made the same argument in about 100 pages less
February 8, 2017
If you binge watched Making a Murderer - you need to read this - actual police documentation versus the highly edited docu-series. It's worth the read & then form your opinions.....
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November 23, 2016I was seduced into reading this book, not because I had watched the Netflix Documentary (if that’s what it can be called) but by the hope to cut through some of the hype and get to facts. Michael Griesbach’s book does that – though it takes a long road to get there.
As a true crime author I carefully watched the chatter/buzz about the Making of a Murderer documentary. What I took note of was the gross omissions that many claimed the producers made. In fairness, I’ve only seen snippets of the documentary myself. I wanted to know the truth about the crime without having to binge-watch the documentary. I wanted the truth.
Mr. Griesbach gets us there. The first few chapters tell us why he wrote the book and his role in the prosecutor’s office. It was okay, but dragged. I found myself chomping at the bit to get to the details of the crime.
When I finally got there, I got the book I purchased…it delivered. I have seen some professional debunking in true crime before, (Gerald Posner’s JFK book Case Closed as well as Vince Bugliosi’s Reclaiming History). This book isn’t on par with those epics, but does a stalwart job of tearing apart the documentary with the skill that only a professional prosecutor could.
The author did a masterful job of picking apart even the background story of Mr. Avery as presented in the films. The entire incident of the cat being set on fire, which I found online, was presented in almost a “boys having fun,” manner when in reality, it was pure, vicious animal cruelty.
I’m not getting into his guilt or innocence and the book does a good job of not laying that framework – only dismantling of the “evidence” presented in the documentary.
With a slow start – I give this book four out of five stars. My only words of caution: I think you’ll enjoy it more if you have watched the documentary.
As a true crime author I carefully watched the chatter/buzz about the Making of a Murderer documentary. What I took note of was the gross omissions that many claimed the producers made. In fairness, I’ve only seen snippets of the documentary myself. I wanted to know the truth about the crime without having to binge-watch the documentary. I wanted the truth.
Mr. Griesbach gets us there. The first few chapters tell us why he wrote the book and his role in the prosecutor’s office. It was okay, but dragged. I found myself chomping at the bit to get to the details of the crime.
When I finally got there, I got the book I purchased…it delivered. I have seen some professional debunking in true crime before, (Gerald Posner’s JFK book Case Closed as well as Vince Bugliosi’s Reclaiming History). This book isn’t on par with those epics, but does a stalwart job of tearing apart the documentary with the skill that only a professional prosecutor could.
The author did a masterful job of picking apart even the background story of Mr. Avery as presented in the films. The entire incident of the cat being set on fire, which I found online, was presented in almost a “boys having fun,” manner when in reality, it was pure, vicious animal cruelty.
I’m not getting into his guilt or innocence and the book does a good job of not laying that framework – only dismantling of the “evidence” presented in the documentary.
With a slow start – I give this book four out of five stars. My only words of caution: I think you’ll enjoy it more if you have watched the documentary.
September 9, 2016
Getting both sides
I highly recommend reading this book especially if you have seen the documentary Making a murderer. It shows the evidence that the filmmakers edited out and gives the reader some background into the life of Steven Avery
I highly recommend reading this book especially if you have seen the documentary Making a murderer. It shows the evidence that the filmmakers edited out and gives the reader some background into the life of Steven Avery
May 18, 2025
Interesting read….
June 19, 2022
This book was well-researched and digs deeper into the Steven Avery case, far more than the Netflix documentary. It shares the other perspective and more evidence. The author is not as lopsided as the Netflix show, but definitely leaves more room to make up your own mind.
December 18, 2016
Balanced argument
I watched the documentary "making a murderer" and wanted to know more. What better than to read a book by someone who knew the case and many of those involved.
Presented in the book are details not covered in the documentary. These details fill out who and what Stephen Avery is. It shows that he has a propensity towards sexual violence, something not evident in the documentary.
The book also raises questions around Brendon's confession. The role of leading questions in his interrogation. It also highlights how some of what Brandon said is supported by physical evidence.
Overall I think the book brought balance to the documentary. At points the author was a little to strident and appeared to be simply out to trash the documentations and question their motives.
I watched the documentary "making a murderer" and wanted to know more. What better than to read a book by someone who knew the case and many of those involved.
Presented in the book are details not covered in the documentary. These details fill out who and what Stephen Avery is. It shows that he has a propensity towards sexual violence, something not evident in the documentary.
The book also raises questions around Brendon's confession. The role of leading questions in his interrogation. It also highlights how some of what Brandon said is supported by physical evidence.
Overall I think the book brought balance to the documentary. At points the author was a little to strident and appeared to be simply out to trash the documentations and question their motives.
March 10, 2019
This book is all I hoped it would be. It is a balanced view . Too many people have watched Making a Murderer and based their views just on that. That TV show edited and portrayed people wrongly . They didn't show half the evidence because it would prove that Avery and Dassey are guilty. This book is a must read.
April 15, 2017
So glad I read this book. Making a Murderer gives only the partial truth of this horrific murder. Griesbach exposes the show's propaganda in an informative, interesting way.
November 5, 2022
‘Prosecutor Michael Griesbach played a central role in overturning Avery’s initial conviction. But he believes Avery is guilty of Teresa Halbach’s murder.’
‘If Avery and Dassey didn’t murder Teresa Halbach, then who did? The creators of Making a Murderer tried- and failed- to give viewers a credible alternative.’
I highly recommend this book, written by prosecutor Michael Griesbach. This offers a perspective on the case other than what was presented in Making a Murderer. This book brings back the focus to the victim, Teresa Halbach. The author’s general summary is that, from a legal stand point, this case would have been a slam dunk had it not have been for the wrongful conviction.
Evidence such as matching up bullets as per Dassey’s statement to the previous sexually deviant and violent behaviour of Avery, this book makes for an enlightening read. I found the author credible in the balanced way he presents his thoughts and conclusions about each aspect of this case. He seemed to be aware of bias and used analytical thinking and his knowledge of the case and those involved. The fact that he had written a book in support of Avery displays a non biased approach and lends further credit.
This book didn’t convert me from thinking Avery is innocent- Making a Murderer 2 had already done (I felt the defence lawyer was so obviously reaching) so this was preaching to the choir. (I also read the full statement by Dassey, as opposed to the interrogation on MAM, and felt it was too damning to ignore.) This book brought to light many new aspects I was not aware of. It also offered valuable insight into the case as well as motive and Avery’s true character.
Like many others, I was gripped watching the first documentary and horrified by the ‘miscarriage of Justice.’ I remember feeling a little uncomfortable with how Teresa was swept under the carpet with Avery painted as the victim, but it made a compelling case. In hindsight, the pain and damage of the media spotlight to Teresa’s family has already been done. This book offers a redeeming quality to the police, Teresa’s family and also to the public who only had one argument presented with many omissions of fact.
‘If Avery and Dassey didn’t murder Teresa Halbach, then who did? The creators of Making a Murderer tried- and failed- to give viewers a credible alternative.’
I highly recommend this book, written by prosecutor Michael Griesbach. This offers a perspective on the case other than what was presented in Making a Murderer. This book brings back the focus to the victim, Teresa Halbach. The author’s general summary is that, from a legal stand point, this case would have been a slam dunk had it not have been for the wrongful conviction.
Evidence such as matching up bullets as per Dassey’s statement to the previous sexually deviant and violent behaviour of Avery, this book makes for an enlightening read. I found the author credible in the balanced way he presents his thoughts and conclusions about each aspect of this case. He seemed to be aware of bias and used analytical thinking and his knowledge of the case and those involved. The fact that he had written a book in support of Avery displays a non biased approach and lends further credit.
This book didn’t convert me from thinking Avery is innocent- Making a Murderer 2 had already done (I felt the defence lawyer was so obviously reaching) so this was preaching to the choir. (I also read the full statement by Dassey, as opposed to the interrogation on MAM, and felt it was too damning to ignore.) This book brought to light many new aspects I was not aware of. It also offered valuable insight into the case as well as motive and Avery’s true character.
Like many others, I was gripped watching the first documentary and horrified by the ‘miscarriage of Justice.’ I remember feeling a little uncomfortable with how Teresa was swept under the carpet with Avery painted as the victim, but it made a compelling case. In hindsight, the pain and damage of the media spotlight to Teresa’s family has already been done. This book offers a redeeming quality to the police, Teresa’s family and also to the public who only had one argument presented with many omissions of fact.
September 14, 2020
It’s been a few years since Making a Murderer was all people were talking about. I recall binge watching this documentary and having all the feels while doing so. I felt at the time that Steven Avery was guilty (although I couldn’t specifically tell you why) and that Brendan Dassy has been railroaded into making a confession. Over the years, my opinions on Brendan changed. Was that based on my realization that this docuseries was completely one sided (as they all tend to be) and that I’d like to hear/read the whole story? Or because appeal after appeal were denied and there HAD to be a reason for it?
After reading this take on the Halbach murder, my opinions haven’t changed much. In fact, I’m more convinced that Avery was/is a sadistic sex-craved bastard who is right where he belongs. His history of erratic behavior and violence makes me believe that he would only escalate further and much more damage would be caused to members of his community.
I think I’ll spend my day off re-watching the documentary. Maybe after reading Michael Griesbach’s 2nd book (id like to find his 1st which deals with the original case about Avery where he spends 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit) I’ll look at the court case and all the interviews in a different light. I’m still on the fence about Dassy but will always be on the Guilters fence for Avery.
After reading this take on the Halbach murder, my opinions haven’t changed much. In fact, I’m more convinced that Avery was/is a sadistic sex-craved bastard who is right where he belongs. His history of erratic behavior and violence makes me believe that he would only escalate further and much more damage would be caused to members of his community.
I think I’ll spend my day off re-watching the documentary. Maybe after reading Michael Griesbach’s 2nd book (id like to find his 1st which deals with the original case about Avery where he spends 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit) I’ll look at the court case and all the interviews in a different light. I’m still on the fence about Dassy but will always be on the Guilters fence for Avery.
September 5, 2025
In the wake of 'Making a Murderer', Michael Griesbach returns to the Avery trial to try and analyse the case further.
As a prosecutor of good standing in Wisconsin, Griesbach knows the law. He also has a good understanding of how documentaries can, either accidentally or intentionally, present information in such a way as to distort the truth. Griesbach is careful to say that the documentary may have been made in good faith, but the evidence and information that is withheld from viewers may present the defendants in a different and certainly less sympathetic light.
A fascinating read.
As a prosecutor of good standing in Wisconsin, Griesbach knows the law. He also has a good understanding of how documentaries can, either accidentally or intentionally, present information in such a way as to distort the truth. Griesbach is careful to say that the documentary may have been made in good faith, but the evidence and information that is withheld from viewers may present the defendants in a different and certainly less sympathetic light.
A fascinating read.
August 24, 2023
A must-read if you watched the show. I knew certain things were framed in a manner that make Avery look innocent, but reading the missing evidence was shocking. I do think Avery is a dangerous and violent man, and I thought that even when I was persuaded by the show that he did not commit the murder. After reading this book, I do think he was guilty. I love true crime shows, but I think it's important to do follow-up research.
Read
January 25, 2020I won an advanced reading copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily.
So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a “take-one, leave-one” free library box so someone else may enjoy this book too.
So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a “take-one, leave-one” free library box so someone else may enjoy this book too.
July 16, 2017
a must read for viewers of "Making a Murderer"
November 6, 2019
If you watched Making a Murderer, you must read this!
May 14, 2021
Needed a better editor, and wish it got to the point faster than it did.
November 29, 2018
3 stahs, ya filthy animal.
____
Having lived through both Avery's release from prison and his subsequent conviction for the murder of Teresa Halbach - in the very county they took place - I was very curious to see Making a Murderer when it came out.
I had no idea how unfathomably skewed it would turn out to be.
As you no doubt are aware, the release of the 'documentary' caused a tremendous uproar on a global scale. I suddenly found myself in a very small minority: those who knew the actual nature of the subjects, and had agreed with the verdicts.
That's not to say I wasn't questioning many views I'd previously held, as a lot of fissures formed as a result of having watched the film; however, I realised I'd had my work cut out for me if I wanted to not only confirm this perspective of mine but to insist upon its veracity to others.
« The skill with which the documentarians made light of Avery's criminal history rivaled that of seasoned criminal defense attorneys whom I have seen turn sinners into saints countless times at sentencing. » (p 231)
The 'cat story' was originally told to me by a former classmate of Steven's, round the time he was first being released for the wrongful conviction - two years before Teresa's murder (the real, unvarnished and unedited truth, that is; not the highly sanitised, cherry-picked version the film would have you believe) - as support for the assertion that Steven hasn't been a suspect for the rape 'without reason'.
My best friend's co-worker at the time (I'll simply describe her here, out of respect, as an immediate family member of Steven's) was utterly terrified of the day he was to come home. She broke down crying a few times over his release because 'he can hurt her again'..
The family has been infamous in the county for decades; it's not an exaggeration when one Avery cousin remarks in the film about her family's criminal reputation.
Do these things necessarily add up to a murderer? No.
The evidence, however, does - and that's what this book endeavours to explain.
There's a fair bit of self-congratulatory blather in the first part of the book, but it's when the text finally gets to the dissection of the case (chapter 8, pg 83 in my opinion; ch 10, pg 104 as others here have noted) that the 'good stuff' begins, the premise starts to shine through.
After the film, and therefore the case, exploded into the forefront of global public consciousness, I knew I'd have to do a lot of digging to find the missing pieces and truthful, unbiased elements.
I saw this book in the library whilst looking for In Cold Blood (which I've just reviewed), and I picked it up on a whim; interestingly, it only confirmed what months of research a few years ago had ultimately led me to believe.
True Crime is a genre I really enjoy reading about, and I used to binge 'murder porn' on the tel (Dateline, Forensic Files, 48 Hours,...more Dateline, etc); however, books like this one tend to fill in the gaps and provide counter-points to such on-screen productions.
There's of course an obvious counter-bias at play in Indefensible; however, sometimes, it's only by examining two extremes that the often middle-ground of truth begins to take shape.
Likewise, knowing how much was left unsaid and unreported in the 'documentary', it was a little relief to find that not everyone was still chugging the Conspiracy KoolAid.
____
Having lived through both Avery's release from prison and his subsequent conviction for the murder of Teresa Halbach - in the very county they took place - I was very curious to see Making a Murderer when it came out.
I had no idea how unfathomably skewed it would turn out to be.
As you no doubt are aware, the release of the 'documentary' caused a tremendous uproar on a global scale. I suddenly found myself in a very small minority: those who knew the actual nature of the subjects, and had agreed with the verdicts.
That's not to say I wasn't questioning many views I'd previously held, as a lot of fissures formed as a result of having watched the film; however, I realised I'd had my work cut out for me if I wanted to not only confirm this perspective of mine but to insist upon its veracity to others.
« The skill with which the documentarians made light of Avery's criminal history rivaled that of seasoned criminal defense attorneys whom I have seen turn sinners into saints countless times at sentencing. » (p 231)
The 'cat story' was originally told to me by a former classmate of Steven's, round the time he was first being released for the wrongful conviction - two years before Teresa's murder (the real, unvarnished and unedited truth, that is; not the highly sanitised, cherry-picked version the film would have you believe) - as support for the assertion that Steven hasn't been a suspect for the rape 'without reason'.
My best friend's co-worker at the time (I'll simply describe her here, out of respect, as an immediate family member of Steven's) was utterly terrified of the day he was to come home. She broke down crying a few times over his release because 'he can hurt her again'..
The family has been infamous in the county for decades; it's not an exaggeration when one Avery cousin remarks in the film about her family's criminal reputation.
Do these things necessarily add up to a murderer? No.
The evidence, however, does - and that's what this book endeavours to explain.
There's a fair bit of self-congratulatory blather in the first part of the book, but it's when the text finally gets to the dissection of the case (chapter 8, pg 83 in my opinion; ch 10, pg 104 as others here have noted) that the 'good stuff' begins, the premise starts to shine through.
After the film, and therefore the case, exploded into the forefront of global public consciousness, I knew I'd have to do a lot of digging to find the missing pieces and truthful, unbiased elements.
I saw this book in the library whilst looking for In Cold Blood (which I've just reviewed), and I picked it up on a whim; interestingly, it only confirmed what months of research a few years ago had ultimately led me to believe.
True Crime is a genre I really enjoy reading about, and I used to binge 'murder porn' on the tel (Dateline, Forensic Files, 48 Hours,...more Dateline, etc); however, books like this one tend to fill in the gaps and provide counter-points to such on-screen productions.
There's of course an obvious counter-bias at play in Indefensible; however, sometimes, it's only by examining two extremes that the often middle-ground of truth begins to take shape.
Likewise, knowing how much was left unsaid and unreported in the 'documentary', it was a little relief to find that not everyone was still chugging the Conspiracy KoolAid.
September 19, 2016
After watching Making of a Murderer, I had some doubts about whether Steven Avery had a fair trial for the murder charges. In this book, more evidence is provided and more tales of his past show up. This book makes him look very guilty. The book jumps around a bit and barely touches Dassey's confession, but it's interesting. Making of a Murderer was fascinating to watch but it used a lot of editing techniques to sway the audience to believe all of the evidence was planted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2016
Netflix has made this true life Murder case the talk of the nation during the winter of 2015-16. This is the 2nd book by this Author about the Steven Avery case. The Netflix documentary Making a Murderer focuses on the life of Steven Avery, a man from a very rural area outside of Manitowac County, Wisconsin. Steven Avery spent 18 yrs in prison falsely convicted of beating and raping a woman who turned out to be from a highly respected socially upstanding family. Steven having had a few marks against him criminally was automatically targeted as a prime suspect. The first book " the Innocent Killer" focuses more on the rape trial and the aftermath of what happens when corruption occurs within the justice system. Less than 2 yrs after Avery is let out of prison a female photographer for a local Auto buyer's magazine goes missing. She was last seen at the Avery family's auto salvage yard. Days later her SUV is found hidden amoungst the junked vehicles in the salvage yard, her burned remains inside a metal burning barrel outside of Steven's mobile home. Netflix does a sneaky job of trying to make it look like Avery is yet again a target of corrupt police officers from Manitowac county, all because they are out for vengeance because of Avery's pending million dollar lawsuit against them. Poor Steven, picked on because he is from a poor family. Oh but he is no choir boy! The drama that this Netflix documentary created across the country is unreal! Read this book, it uncovers info that was not admissible in court, things that were left out or skillfully excused away in the documentary. I'm convinced more than ever that Steven Avery is rightfully where he belongs....in prison.
January 4, 2017
So I do remember watching Making a Murderer and being both sucked into the premise that they wanted you to believe. But I also had a nagging feeling that there was no possible way on earth that the cops could've staged that whole thing without getting caught, and that a jury wouldn't have come to the same conclusion had they seen the same case made. Turns out the makers of the documentary are about as trustworthy as a fake news site - they cut and edited the facts in a way that clearly distorted reality, making Avery seem like a poor angel when in fact he's a pretty big scumbag - well documented at that.
The author did a good job of trying to look at the case from all the different angles, and has a background both as a prosecutor and with the innocence project that lends him credibility. By about 2/3 of the way through the book - it was pretty clear that the courts got it right, and if the goal of TV is to get eyeballs for Netflix - so did Making a Murderer. But if the goal of a documentary is to present facts, then I've lost faith in these producers.
The author did a good job of trying to look at the case from all the different angles, and has a background both as a prosecutor and with the innocence project that lends him credibility. By about 2/3 of the way through the book - it was pretty clear that the courts got it right, and if the goal of TV is to get eyeballs for Netflix - so did Making a Murderer. But if the goal of a documentary is to present facts, then I've lost faith in these producers.
September 24, 2016
Objective
This may not be the most well written book, but it is FACTUAL. It presents both sides of the story (I think he tries too hard to cater to the disillusioned detractors who panned his first book), but thankfully he sticks to his guns, and presents the FACTS!
The so called "documentary" called Making a Murderer, is a made for TV pile of crud. Grievance exposes THEIR falsehoods with the FACTS.
Stephen Avery is a killer. I challenge anyone who doesn't believe that to present a viable theory on who the killer of beautiful Theresa to be. Like OJ-they CAN'T.
If anything read this to see, with actual police reports of his violent, deviant past, to argue with any of the FACTS this book presents.
This may not be the most well written book, but it is FACTUAL. It presents both sides of the story (I think he tries too hard to cater to the disillusioned detractors who panned his first book), but thankfully he sticks to his guns, and presents the FACTS!
The so called "documentary" called Making a Murderer, is a made for TV pile of crud. Grievance exposes THEIR falsehoods with the FACTS.
Stephen Avery is a killer. I challenge anyone who doesn't believe that to present a viable theory on who the killer of beautiful Theresa to be. Like OJ-they CAN'T.
If anything read this to see, with actual police reports of his violent, deviant past, to argue with any of the FACTS this book presents.
December 11, 2018
Avery and Dassey Guilty as charged
There are two sides to any story, it was good to read this book and I am glad that I did. Like millions of others I watched Making a Murderer and was swayed by the documentary of the apparent gross injustice meted out to Avery and Dassey, however, this book shed light on many aspects especially about Avery and his character that at times made chilling reading.
I have little sympathy for Dassey even though he is mentally challenged it is easy to see how he can be ruled by such a ruthless and evil man such as the like of Avery.
Keep them both locked up, throw away the key and let them rot in hell.We
Thank you for writing the book and helping out from a balanced view.
There are two sides to any story, it was good to read this book and I am glad that I did. Like millions of others I watched Making a Murderer and was swayed by the documentary of the apparent gross injustice meted out to Avery and Dassey, however, this book shed light on many aspects especially about Avery and his character that at times made chilling reading.
I have little sympathy for Dassey even though he is mentally challenged it is easy to see how he can be ruled by such a ruthless and evil man such as the like of Avery.
Keep them both locked up, throw away the key and let them rot in hell.We
Thank you for writing the book and helping out from a balanced view.
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