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Confessions of an Innocent Man
"Every person wrongfully convicted of a crime at some point dreams of getting revenge against the system. In Confessions of an Innocent Man, the dream comes true and in a spectacular way."--John Grisham, New York Times bestselling author of The Reckoning
A thrillingly suspenseful debut novel and a fierce howl of rage that questions the true meaning of justice.
Rafael Zhettah relishes the simplicity and freedom of his life. He is the owner and head chef of a promising Houston restaurant, a pilot with open access to the boundless Texas horizon, and a bachelor, content with having few personal or material attachments that ground him. Then, lightning strikes. When he finds Tieresse--billionaire, philanthropist, sophisticate, bombshell--sitting at one of his tables, he also finds his soul mate and his life starts again. And just as fast, when she is brutally murdered in their home, when he is convicted of the crime, when he is sentenced to die, it is all ripped away. But for Rafael Zhettah, death row is not the end. It is only the beginning. Now, with his recaptured freedom, he will stop at nothing to deliver justice to those who stole everything from him.
This is a heart-stoppingly suspenseful, devastating, page-turning debut novel. A thriller with a relentless grip that wants you to read it in one sitting. David R. Dow has dedicated his life to the fight against capital punishment--to righting the horrific injustices of the death penalty regime in Texas. He delivers the perfect modern parable for exploring our complex, uneasy relationships with punishment and reparation in a terribly unjust world.
A thrillingly suspenseful debut novel and a fierce howl of rage that questions the true meaning of justice.
Rafael Zhettah relishes the simplicity and freedom of his life. He is the owner and head chef of a promising Houston restaurant, a pilot with open access to the boundless Texas horizon, and a bachelor, content with having few personal or material attachments that ground him. Then, lightning strikes. When he finds Tieresse--billionaire, philanthropist, sophisticate, bombshell--sitting at one of his tables, he also finds his soul mate and his life starts again. And just as fast, when she is brutally murdered in their home, when he is convicted of the crime, when he is sentenced to die, it is all ripped away. But for Rafael Zhettah, death row is not the end. It is only the beginning. Now, with his recaptured freedom, he will stop at nothing to deliver justice to those who stole everything from him.
This is a heart-stoppingly suspenseful, devastating, page-turning debut novel. A thriller with a relentless grip that wants you to read it in one sitting. David R. Dow has dedicated his life to the fight against capital punishment--to righting the horrific injustices of the death penalty regime in Texas. He delivers the perfect modern parable for exploring our complex, uneasy relationships with punishment and reparation in a terribly unjust world.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
July 8, 2019
Confessions of an Innocent Man by David R. Dow is a 2019 Dutton publication.
A thought provoking, atypical and emotional crime story!
Rafael Zhettah is a private aircraft pilot, and the head chef at a Houston restaurant, happily married, content with his life, and looking forward to what the future may bring. But, in the blink of an eye, everything changes. His beloved wife is murdered and despite having an alibi, he is convicted and sent to death row.
However, a stunning turn of events garners Rafael his freedom, just in the nick of time. However, his outrage towards the system that robbed him of years he will never get back, and very nearly cost him his life, has left him entertaining ideas about how to get even. Perhaps the Old Testament method of ‘an eye for an eye’ would be the most fitting form of revenge…
Well, I must admit, If I had been in Rafael’s shoes, I would probably entertain a few revenge fantasies and it would be hard not to feel bitter. So, from this angle, Rafael’s feelings are quite understandable. But as righteous as his feelings may be, when he begins to plot his revenge, and then follow through with it, he begins to see things are not as black and white as he thought.
Issues arise that he didn’t anticipate, causing more than one crisis of conscience. But the suspense builds to an unbearable pitch as small mistakes could land him right back into some very hot water, and forces beyond his control may unravel all his carefully constructed plans.
I hate using those old cliches like 'compulsively readable' but the phrase fits this book perfectly.
Once I started reading it, I could not put it down!!
In the first segment of the story, the author begins by building an emotional relationship between the reader and Rafael. He is honest, almost to a fault, admitting his foibles up front, which goes a long way towards establishing trust.
We know for a fact that he did not kill his wife. But he’s sent to die anyway, a problem that is becoming an epidemic in real life.
In the second segment of the book, the author examines Raphael's time in prison, the relationships he builds, the attorneys who champion his cause and work tirelessly to overturn his conviction.
This segment is harrowing, heartbreaking and made me squirm in my seat, as Raphael nearly meets his end. This is also the part of the story where the reader truly invests themselves in Raphael’s outrage. The court system, the judges, and the entire flawed process, very nearly executed an innocent man.
The third segment is also a tough one. This is where the reader must decide if Raphael is doing the right thing. One might be tempted to urge him on, but we also watch him struggle with his conscience.
However, the ability to empathize with those who nearly committed murder waxes and wanes, not only for Raphael, but for me, as well. Watching all this play out is very engrossing, but it is also quite thought provoking.
However, the conclusion packs the hardest punch of all. I was nearly a hot mess by the end of this book. It is emotional, and tears at the heart in a variety of ways.
The story has some flaws, but despite how well thought out and easily executed Raphael’s plans went, it may require a bit too much suspension of belief for some readers.
I was more than willing to play along though, because the core of the story is outstanding, and the unmistakable moral carries a powerful and important message.
David R. Dow writes what he knows, bringing along an insider’s perspective on the judicial system and the perils of capital punishment.
4 stars
A thought provoking, atypical and emotional crime story!
Rafael Zhettah is a private aircraft pilot, and the head chef at a Houston restaurant, happily married, content with his life, and looking forward to what the future may bring. But, in the blink of an eye, everything changes. His beloved wife is murdered and despite having an alibi, he is convicted and sent to death row.
However, a stunning turn of events garners Rafael his freedom, just in the nick of time. However, his outrage towards the system that robbed him of years he will never get back, and very nearly cost him his life, has left him entertaining ideas about how to get even. Perhaps the Old Testament method of ‘an eye for an eye’ would be the most fitting form of revenge…
Well, I must admit, If I had been in Rafael’s shoes, I would probably entertain a few revenge fantasies and it would be hard not to feel bitter. So, from this angle, Rafael’s feelings are quite understandable. But as righteous as his feelings may be, when he begins to plot his revenge, and then follow through with it, he begins to see things are not as black and white as he thought.
Issues arise that he didn’t anticipate, causing more than one crisis of conscience. But the suspense builds to an unbearable pitch as small mistakes could land him right back into some very hot water, and forces beyond his control may unravel all his carefully constructed plans.
I hate using those old cliches like 'compulsively readable' but the phrase fits this book perfectly.
Once I started reading it, I could not put it down!!
In the first segment of the story, the author begins by building an emotional relationship between the reader and Rafael. He is honest, almost to a fault, admitting his foibles up front, which goes a long way towards establishing trust.
We know for a fact that he did not kill his wife. But he’s sent to die anyway, a problem that is becoming an epidemic in real life.
In the second segment of the book, the author examines Raphael's time in prison, the relationships he builds, the attorneys who champion his cause and work tirelessly to overturn his conviction.
This segment is harrowing, heartbreaking and made me squirm in my seat, as Raphael nearly meets his end. This is also the part of the story where the reader truly invests themselves in Raphael’s outrage. The court system, the judges, and the entire flawed process, very nearly executed an innocent man.
The third segment is also a tough one. This is where the reader must decide if Raphael is doing the right thing. One might be tempted to urge him on, but we also watch him struggle with his conscience.
However, the ability to empathize with those who nearly committed murder waxes and wanes, not only for Raphael, but for me, as well. Watching all this play out is very engrossing, but it is also quite thought provoking.
However, the conclusion packs the hardest punch of all. I was nearly a hot mess by the end of this book. It is emotional, and tears at the heart in a variety of ways.
The story has some flaws, but despite how well thought out and easily executed Raphael’s plans went, it may require a bit too much suspension of belief for some readers.
I was more than willing to play along though, because the core of the story is outstanding, and the unmistakable moral carries a powerful and important message.
David R. Dow writes what he knows, bringing along an insider’s perspective on the judicial system and the perils of capital punishment.
4 stars
May 8, 2019
Mostly, I disliked this book. There is a slightly interesting account of life on death row and a much less interesting love story. Why the super rich older woman would have any interest at all in the protagonist completely escaped me. Of course he would be accused and convicted of her murder. But after he is exonerated he carries out a stupid and implausible plot against the judges who refused to free him, rather than being mad at the police, prosecutors or actual murderer. I am not a fan of revenge stories and this one didn’t change my mind about them. I might give the author another chance though since I didn’t hate his writing style, just the story. If the author wants to fight against capital punishment, I don’t think this is the book to do it.
April 25, 2019
Give me a debut novel where the author takes his own life work and translates this into a work of fiction. Just give me. There are SO many loopholes that can be found in the justice system and unfortunately we have seen throughout the decades of the wrongfully accused - some even sent to death.
This story is about Rafael who is convicted and sentenced to die for the murder of his wife. Put on death row, six years of his life goes by and when he finally does get his freedom, it's time to make those who put him behind bars pay.
The writing took a little getting used to for me. At first it felt like when you watch a movie and it's just the narrator speaking and also doing the voice parts - do you know what I mean? I think it felt that way because the dialogue wasn't in quotes and that was starting to drive me bonkers - especially as sometimes these moments were in italics and sometimes they were not. But that could just be an ARC issue. I did end up getting used to this because the story line just greatly intrigued me.
The author gives you Raf's life from when he met his wife, their short marriage, his experience through trial and on death row. I felt like I was right there with him and uff, boy did my heart go out to him. When he gets out and puts a plan in motion - well, DAAAAMMMNNNN. Is this justice? Is there ever such a thing as justice or does it just become a vicious circle of injustice? I forget exactly what Tieresse (Raf's wife) said in the book regarding this and I wish I had made note but it made sense to me when I read it. Either way, the subject matter of capital punishment and all the injustices that come about is extremely well done by the author who is experienced in this subject matter.
If you can get past the writing style a little bit, I think you'll absolutely enjoy this journey. Although it's a work of fiction, the truth behind it certainly gives you something to think about.
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for this copy.
This story is about Rafael who is convicted and sentenced to die for the murder of his wife. Put on death row, six years of his life goes by and when he finally does get his freedom, it's time to make those who put him behind bars pay.
The writing took a little getting used to for me. At first it felt like when you watch a movie and it's just the narrator speaking and also doing the voice parts - do you know what I mean? I think it felt that way because the dialogue wasn't in quotes and that was starting to drive me bonkers - especially as sometimes these moments were in italics and sometimes they were not. But that could just be an ARC issue. I did end up getting used to this because the story line just greatly intrigued me.
The author gives you Raf's life from when he met his wife, their short marriage, his experience through trial and on death row. I felt like I was right there with him and uff, boy did my heart go out to him. When he gets out and puts a plan in motion - well, DAAAAMMMNNNN. Is this justice? Is there ever such a thing as justice or does it just become a vicious circle of injustice? I forget exactly what Tieresse (Raf's wife) said in the book regarding this and I wish I had made note but it made sense to me when I read it. Either way, the subject matter of capital punishment and all the injustices that come about is extremely well done by the author who is experienced in this subject matter.
If you can get past the writing style a little bit, I think you'll absolutely enjoy this journey. Although it's a work of fiction, the truth behind it certainly gives you something to think about.
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for this copy.
January 5, 2021
A debut novel which is a legal drama, crime thriller and revenge saga all rolled into one. David Row's background as a lawyer provides for a vivid experience of court, jail and the psychological insight of those involved in the legal process. A riveting story with wonderful characters and in the tradition of great legal storytelling, with a three and a half star rating.
June 16, 2019
Rafael Zhettah was living the American dream. He was a successful business owner and chef of a trendy restaurant in Houston, a pilot and happy as a bachelor with the freedom to pursue his interests. But that all changed when he met Tieresse, a billionaire business woman with a heart for those in need. They fall in love, marry and enjoy each other's company. That all changed in an instant when Tieresse is found brutally murdered and Rafael is the primary suspect. He is convicted for the crime, but swears he is innocent.
Sitting on death row waiting for his execution changes Rafael in ways he can never recover from, as evidenced in these quotes:
"Men do not go crazy from being locked in a cage. They do not go crazy from the outside pushing in. They crack from the inside pushing out. When you take away hope, madness fills its place, and madness is loud. Death row is the loudest thing I ever experienced, louder than a jet, louder than a firecracker exploding inside your ear; and it is loud all the time, morning, day and night. We do not count down the days until we will be free in here. We count them down to our deaths. Making noise is the proof you aren't yet dead. In place of hope there is anger, and anger, too, is very loud."
"I got arrested and thought I would never stand trial. I went to trial and thought I'd be found innocent. I came to death row and believed a court would right the wrong. Resilient is just another word for insane. The more powerful force is delusion, more powerful by a million miles."
Revenge became his motivation for living, losing his sense of humanity, though at times it still managed to surface. But ultimately what does revenge accomplish?
The author uses his experience as a lawyer and director of the Texas Innocence Network to produce a taunt page turner that highlights the realities of death row and the criminal justice system in Texas.
Sitting on death row waiting for his execution changes Rafael in ways he can never recover from, as evidenced in these quotes:
"Men do not go crazy from being locked in a cage. They do not go crazy from the outside pushing in. They crack from the inside pushing out. When you take away hope, madness fills its place, and madness is loud. Death row is the loudest thing I ever experienced, louder than a jet, louder than a firecracker exploding inside your ear; and it is loud all the time, morning, day and night. We do not count down the days until we will be free in here. We count them down to our deaths. Making noise is the proof you aren't yet dead. In place of hope there is anger, and anger, too, is very loud."
"I got arrested and thought I would never stand trial. I went to trial and thought I'd be found innocent. I came to death row and believed a court would right the wrong. Resilient is just another word for insane. The more powerful force is delusion, more powerful by a million miles."
Revenge became his motivation for living, losing his sense of humanity, though at times it still managed to surface. But ultimately what does revenge accomplish?
The author uses his experience as a lawyer and director of the Texas Innocence Network to produce a taunt page turner that highlights the realities of death row and the criminal justice system in Texas.
September 5, 2020
Do you sometimes waver trying to decide how many stars to give? I just now noticed I gave five stars to Confessions of a Shopaholic, so I gotta give this one five as well. This is definitely a good book.
I dove into this book tabla rosa, as I often do, expecting some blood-thirsty revenge. Yes, there was revenge along with sad treatise of the American justice system.
Whenever I’m really sick, like when I had covid 19, I fear going to the hospital and dying due to MRSA, or a surgery where a sponge gets sewn in accidentally, or any other such such unforeseen mistake or incompetence. Besides, those doctors keep such long hours; mistakes are just waiting to happen. This book is the law-related analog of my hospital nightmare.
I dove into this book tabla rosa, as I often do, expecting some blood-thirsty revenge. Yes, there was revenge along with sad treatise of the American justice system.
Whenever I’m really sick, like when I had covid 19, I fear going to the hospital and dying due to MRSA, or a surgery where a sponge gets sewn in accidentally, or any other such such unforeseen mistake or incompetence. Besides, those doctors keep such long hours; mistakes are just waiting to happen. This book is the law-related analog of my hospital nightmare.
January 23, 2019
I wept a lot at the end of this book. Wept for injustice and love lost. I could write a thousand word review of this book but urge you to read it for yourself instead.
Thank you to Goodreads for a copy for my review.
Thank you to Goodreads for a copy for my review.
May 5, 2023
I was thoroughly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It’s not the most thrilling or action packed book out there, but there’s a depth to it that was really unexpected.
Rafael Zhetta has an alibi for the night of his wife’s murder. He’s a successful business owner. He loves his wife dearly. Yet, he’s arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death for her murder. He spends years on death row awaiting his execution, pleading his innocence. And eventually, his mind turns to revenge.
There’s a great understanding, by the author, of death row and it’s inmates. There’s a humanizing aspect behind the drawn out lines of days Rafael spends imprisoned. And a subtle theme that says wonders about the judicial system and the death penalty in general.
Some people may find the beginning of the book rather boring. There’s flashbacks to the relationship between Rafael and his wife mixed in with the day to day of death row. It’s more of an intellectual story.
I do wish there was a little bit more…satisfaction from the revenge part. It’s very well thought out, but maybe that’s the point. That revenge isn’t always what you expect it to be.
A strong 4 stars, and the best book I’ve read so far this year.
Rafael Zhetta has an alibi for the night of his wife’s murder. He’s a successful business owner. He loves his wife dearly. Yet, he’s arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death for her murder. He spends years on death row awaiting his execution, pleading his innocence. And eventually, his mind turns to revenge.
There’s a great understanding, by the author, of death row and it’s inmates. There’s a humanizing aspect behind the drawn out lines of days Rafael spends imprisoned. And a subtle theme that says wonders about the judicial system and the death penalty in general.
Some people may find the beginning of the book rather boring. There’s flashbacks to the relationship between Rafael and his wife mixed in with the day to day of death row. It’s more of an intellectual story.
I do wish there was a little bit more…satisfaction from the revenge part. It’s very well thought out, but maybe that’s the point. That revenge isn’t always what you expect it to be.
A strong 4 stars, and the best book I’ve read so far this year.
May 2, 2019
Three parts to this wonderful story. Part One, falling in love with his wife-excellent. Part Two-on death row for killing his wife-great. Part Three-life after and some weird revenge happenings-least favorite. I was enthralled and read in one day.
August 8, 2020
Rounded up to 4.5 stars.
The best book I've read so far this year. I was gripped from the beginning. It's a slightly different writing style but it works well. I do love a tale of retribution for injustice when it's done well.
The best book I've read so far this year. I was gripped from the beginning. It's a slightly different writing style but it works well. I do love a tale of retribution for injustice when it's done well.
April 5, 2019
4.5-star read
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rafael Zhettah was a successful restauranteur. He wasn't a millionaire, but he was well-off financially speaking and his restaurant was booming. He was loved and respected by his staff. Although without any close family ties in the States, he wasn't really wanting for anything or so he thought until Tieresse walks into his restaurant. Their relationship began with Tieresse complementing the food and progressed from there. In less than a year, 37-year-old Rafael was married to the 51-year-old billionaire socialite. Their marriage was unconventional by most standards, but they were definitely devoted to one another and head-over-heels in love. And then the unspeakable happens, Tieresse is murdered. Rafael has an alibi, but his unconventional marriage is misunderstood by most, and he is considered the prime suspect. Rafael is an innocent man and trusts the judicial system until he is found guilty of a crime that he did not commit. Adding insult to injury, he is given the death penalty. Rafael then spends over five years on death row then new evidence is uncovered that could potentially exonerate him. Surely, the Supreme Court of Texas will provide a stay of execution and allow the evidence to be tested? Thankfully, the federal courts did provide a last-minute stay of execution and Rafael is completely exonerated and released from prison. Rafael has lost the love of his life, his business, his good name, and over six years of his life. He doesn't blame his lawyers or even the jurors from his original trial for his legal debacle. He's incredibly grateful to his legal team for all of their hard work. He does, however, harbor growing animosity toward the two judges on the Texas Supreme Court that thwarted his legal team at every turn. Can he let go of this animosity and live his life in peace or is it time to teach these judges a lesson? How far is too far when exacting revenge?
Confessions of an Innocent Man is the first fiction book written by David R. Dow and it packs quite a punch. The author provides an interesting glimpse into the troubled legal system where a suspect is often considered guilty with little presumption of innocence rather than innocent until proven guilty. This legal thriller shines a light on the miscarriages of justice that are often perpetrated against people of color within the judicial system. This book isn't a diatribe against the legal system. It does highlight the faults within the system, but it also highlights the things that work. Confessions of an Innocent Man is more than a story about an innocent man being railroaded on a murder charge, it's about unconventional relationships, vengeance, reparations, and more. Yes, there's a lot going on in this story. The reader gets a fascinating glimpse into the life of people on death row, the legal system (at least the Texas legal system) from arrest through trial and after, the emotional toll of being on death row and how inmates there are treated, the struggle to adjust after exoneration and release, in addition to witnessing the growing relationship between Tieresse and Rafael, and more. This book deals with some difficult subjects: murder, death row, abuse of prisoners, etc., but it was a compelling read. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end and thoroughly enjoyed it even with the dark themes. If you enjoy reading realistic fiction or legal thrillers, then I urge you to get a copy of Confessions of an Innocent Man to read. This book is one of my #mustread recommendations for the year. I look forward to reading more fiction by Mr. Dow in the future.
This review originally posted on 04/05/2019 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/201....
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rafael Zhettah was a successful restauranteur. He wasn't a millionaire, but he was well-off financially speaking and his restaurant was booming. He was loved and respected by his staff. Although without any close family ties in the States, he wasn't really wanting for anything or so he thought until Tieresse walks into his restaurant. Their relationship began with Tieresse complementing the food and progressed from there. In less than a year, 37-year-old Rafael was married to the 51-year-old billionaire socialite. Their marriage was unconventional by most standards, but they were definitely devoted to one another and head-over-heels in love. And then the unspeakable happens, Tieresse is murdered. Rafael has an alibi, but his unconventional marriage is misunderstood by most, and he is considered the prime suspect. Rafael is an innocent man and trusts the judicial system until he is found guilty of a crime that he did not commit. Adding insult to injury, he is given the death penalty. Rafael then spends over five years on death row then new evidence is uncovered that could potentially exonerate him. Surely, the Supreme Court of Texas will provide a stay of execution and allow the evidence to be tested? Thankfully, the federal courts did provide a last-minute stay of execution and Rafael is completely exonerated and released from prison. Rafael has lost the love of his life, his business, his good name, and over six years of his life. He doesn't blame his lawyers or even the jurors from his original trial for his legal debacle. He's incredibly grateful to his legal team for all of their hard work. He does, however, harbor growing animosity toward the two judges on the Texas Supreme Court that thwarted his legal team at every turn. Can he let go of this animosity and live his life in peace or is it time to teach these judges a lesson? How far is too far when exacting revenge?
Confessions of an Innocent Man is the first fiction book written by David R. Dow and it packs quite a punch. The author provides an interesting glimpse into the troubled legal system where a suspect is often considered guilty with little presumption of innocence rather than innocent until proven guilty. This legal thriller shines a light on the miscarriages of justice that are often perpetrated against people of color within the judicial system. This book isn't a diatribe against the legal system. It does highlight the faults within the system, but it also highlights the things that work. Confessions of an Innocent Man is more than a story about an innocent man being railroaded on a murder charge, it's about unconventional relationships, vengeance, reparations, and more. Yes, there's a lot going on in this story. The reader gets a fascinating glimpse into the life of people on death row, the legal system (at least the Texas legal system) from arrest through trial and after, the emotional toll of being on death row and how inmates there are treated, the struggle to adjust after exoneration and release, in addition to witnessing the growing relationship between Tieresse and Rafael, and more. This book deals with some difficult subjects: murder, death row, abuse of prisoners, etc., but it was a compelling read. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end and thoroughly enjoyed it even with the dark themes. If you enjoy reading realistic fiction or legal thrillers, then I urge you to get a copy of Confessions of an Innocent Man to read. This book is one of my #mustread recommendations for the year. I look forward to reading more fiction by Mr. Dow in the future.
This review originally posted on 04/05/2019 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/201....
April 15, 2019
David R. Dow’s debut novel, CONFESSIONS OF AN INNOCENT MAN, introduces readers to Rafael Zhettah. Rafael is the Mexican-American owner and head chef of a restaurant in Houston, and the pilot of his own plane. He is married and much in love with his wife, who is bludgeoned to death early in the book. Following his arrest, Rafael is found guilty of her murder and is sent to death row. That is where the first half of this procedural takes off.
Rafael’s journey through the legal system and his ultimate landing on death row is the mirror image of the author’s career. Dow is “the founder and director of the Texas Innocence Network, which works to exonerate inmates who did not commit the crimes for which they were wrongfully convicted, and the Juvenile and Capital Advocacy Project.” His work with these agencies gives him a rare view of the criminal justice system and its shortfalls.
Why should someone on death row be given a second chance? The answer is found within these pages. Sometimes the inmate truly is innocent and the real perpetrator is found. The book raises many questions about the who, what, when and where of the crimes that have been committed and how fastidious the investigation was. Dow is clearly in the corner of the death row convict, and as the narrative unfolds, readers are challenged to think about whether or not the death penalty should be repealed.
How does Dow manage to work with clients wherein “the outcome will be devastating”? In an interview with his publisher, Dow says he cannot walk away from the people for whom he is working. “Often I think what drives me to continue is the belief that our legal or moral position is so strong, that we will in fact win.” He believes that being locked up and under the control of the prison rules and guards can lead to hopelessness and sometimes madness, which is rampant among death row inmates who wait for years to be executed.
The second half of the novel delves into the machinations of the appeal system, including how difficult it is to open a death row case, even when exculpatory evidence, like finding DNA long after the fact, is unearthed. It often comes down to not wanting to spend time or money on a closed case that holds up the finding that possibly an innocent person has been locked up.
CONFESSIONS OF AN INNOCENT MAN is very realistic, and readers will find themselves questioning if death row can be made better in any way --- not as a reward to the guilty, but to make it less stressful for the innocent. Dow says that “all the characters in the book, from inmates to judges to lawyers to prison guards to family members, are characters I could easily conjure up because I have met and gotten to know versions of those people in my professional life.”
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
Rafael’s journey through the legal system and his ultimate landing on death row is the mirror image of the author’s career. Dow is “the founder and director of the Texas Innocence Network, which works to exonerate inmates who did not commit the crimes for which they were wrongfully convicted, and the Juvenile and Capital Advocacy Project.” His work with these agencies gives him a rare view of the criminal justice system and its shortfalls.
Why should someone on death row be given a second chance? The answer is found within these pages. Sometimes the inmate truly is innocent and the real perpetrator is found. The book raises many questions about the who, what, when and where of the crimes that have been committed and how fastidious the investigation was. Dow is clearly in the corner of the death row convict, and as the narrative unfolds, readers are challenged to think about whether or not the death penalty should be repealed.
How does Dow manage to work with clients wherein “the outcome will be devastating”? In an interview with his publisher, Dow says he cannot walk away from the people for whom he is working. “Often I think what drives me to continue is the belief that our legal or moral position is so strong, that we will in fact win.” He believes that being locked up and under the control of the prison rules and guards can lead to hopelessness and sometimes madness, which is rampant among death row inmates who wait for years to be executed.
The second half of the novel delves into the machinations of the appeal system, including how difficult it is to open a death row case, even when exculpatory evidence, like finding DNA long after the fact, is unearthed. It often comes down to not wanting to spend time or money on a closed case that holds up the finding that possibly an innocent person has been locked up.
CONFESSIONS OF AN INNOCENT MAN is very realistic, and readers will find themselves questioning if death row can be made better in any way --- not as a reward to the guilty, but to make it less stressful for the innocent. Dow says that “all the characters in the book, from inmates to judges to lawyers to prison guards to family members, are characters I could easily conjure up because I have met and gotten to know versions of those people in my professional life.”
Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum
April 3, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the first book I've read by the author.
I started out a little confused by this book, it's a little outside of normal reading genres and I'm not really sure how to classify it. The characters are interesting and enjoyable. The flow is slow and easy, I was expecting some tension or suspense but nothing like that at all. The story is intriguing and while I thought this was going to be a 3 star book it grew on me as I read.
I started out a little confused by this book, it's a little outside of normal reading genres and I'm not really sure how to classify it. The characters are interesting and enjoyable. The flow is slow and easy, I was expecting some tension or suspense but nothing like that at all. The story is intriguing and while I thought this was going to be a 3 star book it grew on me as I read.
July 17, 2019
Although this is a work of fiction, much of what takes place in the protagonist's life has likely happened in reality to far too many people. The author has infused his zest for true justice in his real-life into this story, one that the reader becomes compelled to turn the pages to find out what happens next. I also felt compelled to examine my own ideas about the judicial system and capital punishment, the topics in this story.
It was an emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I found myself hoping for a positive outcome for the protagonist, Rafael Zhettah, bemoaning some of his choices and tearful in parts.
An interesting reading journey in a well-written story.
It was an emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I found myself hoping for a positive outcome for the protagonist, Rafael Zhettah, bemoaning some of his choices and tearful in parts.
An interesting reading journey in a well-written story.
April 30, 2019
Okay, I first found this book by mistake. Quite literally. The library accidentally put the jacket of the new release I had on hold on this book. I didn't even notice until lunch the next day when I opened the book. I decided I would just start it- see what I thought before returning it to the library and explaining what was happening. Ten pages in I was completely caught and would have begged to be able to check out this book too, but it was on hold for another patron. When I returned my book last week I ran for the library catalog to request this one. Imagine my surprise to find that they had it on the new release wall- no one else had requested it. Why?!?! Seriously, why isn't the entire bookish community blowing the internet up with love for this book?!?
First, the premise is amazing and Dow, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, is in a unique position to add a lot of information and drama to the story. With areas of expertise in constitutional law and theory, contract law and death penalty law.... well, who better to write a book like this?
I was absolutely in love with the characters. Rafael and Tieresse were fantastic, well developed and charming. He also spent a lot of time fleshing out the C/O's, lawyers, cops and inmates. I was drawn to them, and I felt for them even when I knew Rafael was maybe making bad decisions.
If I were to nitpick I would say that the writing style could have used some work. It didn't have an even flow and got down right choppy in areas. Also, the man has an odd hatred for quotation marks. There weren't any in the book. While I know this isn't technically wrong- it can be done while being grammatically correct- it made me a little crazy.
Taking everything into consideration, though, I still loved this book to the the point of obsession. I highly recommend it and am giving it four stars with an extra star for creativity.
On the adult content scale, there's language, violence, drug use and light sexual content. This one is definitely geared more toward adults. I give it a seven.
First, the premise is amazing and Dow, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, is in a unique position to add a lot of information and drama to the story. With areas of expertise in constitutional law and theory, contract law and death penalty law.... well, who better to write a book like this?
I was absolutely in love with the characters. Rafael and Tieresse were fantastic, well developed and charming. He also spent a lot of time fleshing out the C/O's, lawyers, cops and inmates. I was drawn to them, and I felt for them even when I knew Rafael was maybe making bad decisions.
If I were to nitpick I would say that the writing style could have used some work. It didn't have an even flow and got down right choppy in areas. Also, the man has an odd hatred for quotation marks. There weren't any in the book. While I know this isn't technically wrong- it can be done while being grammatically correct- it made me a little crazy.
Taking everything into consideration, though, I still loved this book to the the point of obsession. I highly recommend it and am giving it four stars with an extra star for creativity.
On the adult content scale, there's language, violence, drug use and light sexual content. This one is definitely geared more toward adults. I give it a seven.
February 12, 2019
This is absolutely a one sitting read. Rafael Zhettah, chef and restaurant owner, married to Tieresse and living in Houston, is accused of murdering his wife. He cannot possibly have done it, yet he still ends up on death row.
I had a lump in my throat for at least the first half of this heart stopping, tense debut. I went through such a huge range of emotions whilst reading it. For Rafael, death row isn't the end, it's the beginning and Dow's writing is just superb. An absolutely stunning debut!
I had a lump in my throat for at least the first half of this heart stopping, tense debut. I went through such a huge range of emotions whilst reading it. For Rafael, death row isn't the end, it's the beginning and Dow's writing is just superb. An absolutely stunning debut!
November 19, 2019
It deserves zero stars because of the idiocy of writing dialogue without quotation marks. I don't know whether that was Dow's idea or some editor needs to be fired, but it made struggling through a boring book that much more difficult. I live in Houston and know Dow's background, so I knew it would be anti-death penalty propaganda. I did, however, expect it to be interesting and at least somewhat plausible; it was neither. I commend Mr. Dow for his work on the Innocence Project, but this didn't work.
April 29, 2019
The beginning of this book was fantastic. Once the main character starts taking things into his own hands, it gets a little dull. I think it drags on for too long at that point. I still liked it and would give it a 3.25 or 3.5.
May 2, 2019
Here's my Mystery Scene review of the book - https://www.mysteryscenemag.com/compo...
October 31, 2024
Did he do it? Did he not? I don't give spoilers so you'll just have to read this excellent book!
February 15, 2020
4.5 stars
September 25, 2025
Read for the 2025 library challenge
The writing was strange & robotic.
The writing was strange & robotic.
April 21, 2023
Absolutely incredible, heartbreaking and thought-provoking read about the death penalty and its many consequences.
January 30, 2019
So. I was scrolling Instagram not too long ago and Dutton Books asked if anyone was interested in receiving an advanced copy of Confessions of an Innocent Man by David R. Dow. I messaged and said I was because I'd read Autobiography of an Execution and it blew me away. Well, Confessions also blew me away. I finished reading it over the weekend, but waited to write a review so I could sort out the very complicated emotions this book made me feel.
David Dow is a great writer. He knows how to tell a story. The book flowed and there were not any wasted words or scenes. The plotting was tight and made sense. It is a suspenseful story. Mr. Dow knows how to wind up the tension at just the right moments.
Plot. The plot is this - a restaurant owner meets a rich socialite and they hit it off. She is older than he and has a condition that makes sex painful so she tells him he can have sex with other women. They get married and are truly happy. Until she is killed. Suspicion ultimately falls on Rafael because - it's always the husband. He is tried and ultimately convicted. He is sent to death row. He is in prison for six years when he is exonerated. He then plans surprising revenge. And that is all I'm saying about the plot. I do not want to spoil anyone's pleasure at reading this book.
I probably could have given this book five stars. Except for the fact that I was not fond of the ending. It made me cry, actually. This story brought up so many emotions. I have long believed in the death penalty - that is that some people do things that are so heinous and awful they deserve to die. But. I also think that our death penalty is applied so unfairly that it does not serve the purpose it was intended to serve. It is disproportionately applied against the poor and minorities and the innocent, that I do not support imposition of the death penalty anymore. We are just too flawed to do justice. This book made me sad and angry and heartbroken.
The fact that I felt all of those emotions is a testament to the kind of story that David Dow has told in this book. His writing about death row in Texas is heartbreaking and infuriating. We manage to rob people of their freedom, but more importantly, of their humanity. And that should never happen. As Bryan Stevenson says, "None of us are the worst thing we have done." David Dow makes that point so eloquently in this book. I'm not going to lie. At times, this book was really, really hard to read. But it was so worth the hardship. It is beautifully written and tells a very important story. If you are interested in the law or like legal thriller or just lie a really well-told story, I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and got no other compensation in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you Dutton Books for allowing me to read this book.
David Dow is a great writer. He knows how to tell a story. The book flowed and there were not any wasted words or scenes. The plotting was tight and made sense. It is a suspenseful story. Mr. Dow knows how to wind up the tension at just the right moments.
Plot. The plot is this - a restaurant owner meets a rich socialite and they hit it off. She is older than he and has a condition that makes sex painful so she tells him he can have sex with other women. They get married and are truly happy. Until she is killed. Suspicion ultimately falls on Rafael because - it's always the husband. He is tried and ultimately convicted. He is sent to death row. He is in prison for six years when he is exonerated. He then plans surprising revenge. And that is all I'm saying about the plot. I do not want to spoil anyone's pleasure at reading this book.
I probably could have given this book five stars. Except for the fact that I was not fond of the ending. It made me cry, actually. This story brought up so many emotions. I have long believed in the death penalty - that is that some people do things that are so heinous and awful they deserve to die. But. I also think that our death penalty is applied so unfairly that it does not serve the purpose it was intended to serve. It is disproportionately applied against the poor and minorities and the innocent, that I do not support imposition of the death penalty anymore. We are just too flawed to do justice. This book made me sad and angry and heartbroken.
The fact that I felt all of those emotions is a testament to the kind of story that David Dow has told in this book. His writing about death row in Texas is heartbreaking and infuriating. We manage to rob people of their freedom, but more importantly, of their humanity. And that should never happen. As Bryan Stevenson says, "None of us are the worst thing we have done." David Dow makes that point so eloquently in this book. I'm not going to lie. At times, this book was really, really hard to read. But it was so worth the hardship. It is beautifully written and tells a very important story. If you are interested in the law or like legal thriller or just lie a really well-told story, I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and got no other compensation in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you Dutton Books for allowing me to read this book.
April 8, 2019
“If you ask a lucky person to tell you what happened on the worst day of his life, he can do so without hesitation.”
For Rafael Zhettah, the chef and owner of an up-and-coming Houston restaurant, that day was when the police told him his wife of only two years had been murdered in their own home. The next worst day was when he found out he was the prime suspect. He had motive, opportunity, he’d been found with another woman, his fingerprints were on the murder weapon. But he insisted he was innocent.
“You can call me the harshest name you like, and I will not disagree….But there is one thing I am not. I am not a murderer.”
The judge and jury disagree. Texas is a death penalty state, with a very busy death row, and that is where he lands. His shock is enormous – and so is ours. We’ve all read books about life in prison, seen the movies and television shows, read newspaper accounts, heard the podcasts. Nothing, however, will prepare you for the sheer visceral reality of what David Dow gives us in Confessions of an Innocent Man (Dutton).
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/03/guilt-an...
For Rafael Zhettah, the chef and owner of an up-and-coming Houston restaurant, that day was when the police told him his wife of only two years had been murdered in their own home. The next worst day was when he found out he was the prime suspect. He had motive, opportunity, he’d been found with another woman, his fingerprints were on the murder weapon. But he insisted he was innocent.
“You can call me the harshest name you like, and I will not disagree….But there is one thing I am not. I am not a murderer.”
The judge and jury disagree. Texas is a death penalty state, with a very busy death row, and that is where he lands. His shock is enormous – and so is ours. We’ve all read books about life in prison, seen the movies and television shows, read newspaper accounts, heard the podcasts. Nothing, however, will prepare you for the sheer visceral reality of what David Dow gives us in Confessions of an Innocent Man (Dutton).
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/03/guilt-an...
February 22, 2019
I read this book in a day -- we were stuck at the airport for 6 hours as well as the flights. Because of the prologue, I knew what was coming, but had no idea how it would get there. This started like a mystery, but it was really a philosophical look at what jail and especially wrongful conviction might do to someone. Everyone -- except for a few prison guards -- had some kind of back story that might have mitigated what they did. The ending never could have been good, but it was probably a bit too convenient. Will recommend.
January 19, 2019
Wow! Didn't think it would be this good! A man is arrested and convicted of murder. We spend all his jail time wondering if they will ever believe he is innocent. So well written that I couldn't put it down. Not only is it a mystery but we learn about belief and faith in a spiritual world. Definitely recommend this to all mystery and thriller readers. And all this with any blood splatter!! David R Dow looking forward to your next masterpece!!
June 30, 2019
Interesting concept but I was distracted by how some of the dialogue was in italics and some was not—-maybe there’s a logic behind this? Also some parts were overly wordy but definitely a quick read.
June 19, 2019
DNF.
I got about a third of the way into this contrived tale of revenge before my suspension of disbelief collapsed.
Blah.
I got about a third of the way into this contrived tale of revenge before my suspension of disbelief collapsed.
Blah.
April 19, 2019
It’s an interesting look at the death row system, and its flawed execution. I don’t think I’ve ever thought much about death penalty itself. Not sure why, but maybe it’s a belief (mistaken) in the justice system and thinking that while they would put an innocent man in jail, they wouldn’t also put him on the death row. (I mean both sexes, and use man only for convenience). But apparently they make mistakes, and they have their own particular biases. It should not be surprising, but it kind of was. I guess I was expecting Blackstone’s ten guilty men escaping better than a single innocent person convicted, at least when it came to death row.
The author is a death row lawyer and has represented hundreds of death row inmates. So this book knows what it talks about. Props also for foiling my expectations. It just did not go where I was expecting it to go. Then again, I didn’t completely like or even buy the direction it went. I could not understand what Rafael was trying to prove. In any case it feels like he failed. Also you can’t bring up the Stanford Prison Experiment and not fully examine it. But overall it was a good book, and it challenged some of my preconceived notions about death row.
The author is a death row lawyer and has represented hundreds of death row inmates. So this book knows what it talks about. Props also for foiling my expectations. It just did not go where I was expecting it to go. Then again, I didn’t completely like or even buy the direction it went. I could not understand what Rafael was trying to prove. In any case it feels like he failed. Also you can’t bring up the Stanford Prison Experiment and not fully examine it. But overall it was a good book, and it challenged some of my preconceived notions about death row.
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