Dead Men Walking: Life on Death Row

by Bill Wallace

'Dead Men Walking' tells the stories of men and women who have lived their lives behind bars with the constant threat of death by fellow prisoners, or by state execution, hanging over them. What is it like to live out your days inside one of the world's toughest prisons, knowing you'll never again see beyond the exercise yard?

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Bill Wallace is a former detective inspector and crime scene investigator from Glasgow, who began a career in true crime journalism after retiring from the force.

Reviews

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

True stories of death penalty cases

If you're interested in stories about the men and women on Death Row and the men and women who have been put to death, the cases in this book provide more detail than many others.

I found some misinformation in the book, such as stating that Judi Buenoano was only the second woman, after Karla Faye Tucker, to be executed in the United States, completely ignoring Velma Barfield who was executed in 1984.

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[Tracey White · Rating 3 out of 5]

The common theme with most of the people featured in this book is parental abuse or neglect. Of course, this does not excuse crime but most of the people mentioned have had horrific childhoods. The death sentence is neither here not there to me, but authorities need to be certain.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the death penalty. Although, somewhat dated now.

[Madelyn Messick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many bite size stories of men and women who have been placed on death row.

3 patterns I noticed: family problems (parents), learning disabilities, and bad defense attorneys.

[Michael Pelligrini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This was an interesting story of crime and punishment in the United States. short stories of criminal cases and their outcomes.a good read.
would have liked it to be more in-depth.

[Janet Randon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more about the crimes these people committed and not about their life on Death Row.

[Yassemin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting to hear the stories and compare the lives of each of the condemned. Lots of similarities in their upbringing, none of which are pleasant.

[Emma Thackray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading. As a non believer in the death penalty it showed the many injustices in the system. Worth a read Definately.

[Catherine Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary but interesting.