On August 13, 1986, just one day after his thirty-second birthday, Michael Morton went to work at his usual time. By the end of the day, his wife Christine had been savagely bludgeoned to death in the couple's bed--and the Williamson County Sherriff's office in Texas wasted no time in pinning her murder on Michael, despite an absolute lack of physical evidence. Michael was swiftly sentenced to life in prison for a crime he had not committed. Drawing on twenty-five years of recollections, court transcripts, and more than one thousand pages of personal journals he wrote in prison, Michael recounts the hidden police reports about an unidentified van parked near his house that were never pursued; the treasure trove of evidence, including a bandana with the killer's DNA on it, that was never introduced in court; the call from a neighboring county reporting the attempted use of his wife's credit card that was given to local police; and, ultimately, how Michael battled his way through the darkness to become a free man once again.
About the Author :
Michael Morton was born in Texas, grew up in California, and moved back to Texas while in high school. While living in Austin, Michael was convicted of murdering his wife-a crime he did not commit. He spent almost twenty-five years in prison. Michael is now remarried and lives on a lake in rural East Texas, relishing and appreciating what others may take for granted. Roger Wayne hails from small-town Minnesota. He served in the Air Force as a broadcast journalist in South Korea. After doing plays in early college he earned an acting scholarship and obtained his BA in communications and journalism. He worked as an actor for two years in Minneapolis and then moved to NYC, where he continues to work in TV, film, theater, and voice-over. He has recorded for video games, animation, and commercials, and he loves making books come to life. Roger lives in New York City. You can see what he's up to at rogerwayne.com.
Review :
"A jarring testament that truth really can be stranger than fiction...the writing is snappy and clean, with more wit than one might expect."
-- "San Antonio Express-News"
"A lively and intimate account of his rise from pariah to celebrated survivor after DNA evidence and determined lawyers proved his innocence after twenty-five years in prison...What makes Morton's story so intriguing is the ease with which most people can put themselves in his place--the victim of a crime treated like a criminal--and wonder if they could cope, let alone survive."
-- "Austin American-Statesman"
"A stunning memoir...A great deal has been written about the shortcomings of the American criminal justice system, but perhaps nothing more searing than Morton's book...It is a devastating and infuriating book, more astonishing than any legal thriller by John Grisham...Morton is able to deliver this aching and poignant look at the criminal justice system only because he didn't get a death sentence. "
-- "New York Times"
"A true Texas story of how our system of justice can itself be criminal. Michael Morton's powerful tale will take you with him into mourning, into prison, and finally, thankfully, back out into the light."
-- "Dan Rather"
"An intimate, gripping portrayal of a grievous miscarriage of justice."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Even for readers who may feel practically jaded about stories of injustice in Texas--even those who followed this case closely in the press--could do themselves a favor by picking Michael Morton's new memoir...It is extremely well-written, insightful, infuriating, and, in places, quite funny."
-- "Austin Chronicle"
"In straightforward, thoughtful prose, surprisingly devoid of bitterness, from his personal journals as well as with court transcripts, Morton details his love for his wife and son, his loss of both, and his years spent surviving in prison and trying to prove his innocence. A powerful memoir and a powerful indictment of the US judicial system and its potential to imprison innocent men and women."
-- "Booklist"
