Beyond Terror: A Battered Wife on Trial for the Alleged Murder of Her Husband

by Raoul D. Revord Esq

She would be severely beaten and likely killed if she stayed, but certainly killed if she tried to leave. Was it self-defense, or was it murder? To defend his client, one lawyer from Michigan's Upper Peninsula must find the truth in forensic evidence and through a sensational trial, portray to the jury a drama of the life of Jean and John Davis. Revord's Beyond Terror tells readers this gripping story of a battered wife who suddenly is left no choice but to end years of domestic violence by killing her abusive husband.



Attorney David Chartier was spending quality time with his family in their cabin near the Upper Twin Lake when a phone call from a highly distressed woman broke the peace and serenity of that evening. It was Jean Davis, David's longtime client, calling from the Michigan State Police Post where she is being held for her husband's murder. After years of physical and emotional abuse, Jean abruptly realized that her only chance of staying alive was to kill her husband.



So begins David's investigation, examination, gathering and analysis of forensic evidence that will provide a defense for his client. Beyond Terror follows the proceedings of the trial, beginning with David's investigation at the scene until the final verdict from the jury and appellate decision of the Court of Appeals. A shocking and unexpected end to the novel awaits readers.

Genres: True Crime

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2010

Reviews

[Susan Baranoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictionalized account of a real trial from the pen of a local Munising, Michigan lawyer writing under a pseudonym. This book details the 1984 trial of a woman accused of murdering her abusive husband. It is a primer in exactly how a trial works and the kinds of things trial attorneys should do in thinking about and preparing for a case. Should be on the required reading list for every 1st year law student in the country. It should also be the basis of Continuing Legal Education for anyone who works in a Domestic, Family, or Criminal Court.

[Anna Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister in law has been bugging me about reading this book for days. It started out subtly—recommending it by saying how much she loved it. Then it skyrocketed to her buying it for me and made me feel guilty if I don't put my hands on it. Guess what? Best decision made ever. Sure, I have enjoyed lots of books that she has recommended over the years, but this is one of those books that I can't put down the moment I started reading it.

This book is about a young lawyer who used everything he could find to defend an abused wife accused of murdering her abusive husband. It uncovers precisely how a trial works and what trial attorneys should do in envisioning and get everything set for a case. I was really overawed by the author's capability to bring each character quickly to life. There is no doubt that he has adeptness and understanding of the inner workings of the legal system. What's even more fascinating is that he was able to share his own vulnerability, apprehension and his inner strength to be victorious over this for the peace of mind of his client.

In addition to providing a very good mystery, the author did a smashing job ending of the story. This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions that I surely won't be able to take my mind off for days! It was such an eye-opener and very timely to today's society.

I would highly suggest this book to be on the required reading list for every incoming law students all around the globe. To anybody who is into getting to know more about what makes a lawyer tick and all the work and processes that goes into a case, this is definitely the book for you.

[Nancy Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy of this book free through Goodreads. Written by a trial lawyer and based on an actual trial, this is the story of a battered wife who acted out of absolute terror. The author takes us through the trial, right up to the verdict and its aftermath.
All of that being said, I must take issue with whoever edited this. In a couple of places, the author switched from third person to first, using "I" and "we" when obviously the whole narrative is told in third person. Other errors were a distraction from an otherwise well-written story.

[Raoul Revord]

I am the author of this book, written under my pen-name, Ralph Thornton. It is a story of a young lawyer defending his first murder case, that of an abused wife on trial for the alleged murder of her husband.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free through Goodreads.

A real eye opening account of a very destructive marriage, with historical domestic abuse and a terrible outcome.

This book walks you through the work of the attorney and the whole trial and a shocking ending.
— 0 minutes ago

[Kristina Lassetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it more, but when it came to the trial it was from an attorney's perspective as if he is going through the trial, in a very monotonous way. I have more insight now as to the goings on of a trial, but it made for dull reading.

[Barbara Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look at what can happen in a abusive marriage where the wife kills the husband. This shows the legal proceedings like you are sitting in the courtroom and ends in tragedy. Received this book from Goodreads First Read.