Complex And Intriguing
The Guilty Die Twice by Don Hartshorn is an intricate legal thriller set over two time periods – present day and ten years earlier in the form of flashbacks.
The whole novel surrounds the topic of the death penalty versus life imprisonment. There are some strong voices for both sides, both inside and outside the jail. For me, personally, the death penalty does not sit comfortably. Once done, you cannot undo it if a miscarriage of justice has occurred.
There is also the subject of the rich and the poor. The wealthy can afford a good defence. The poor need to find someone who believes them and will work to see justice prevail. There are those who work for their own gain counter balanced by those with scruples.
Family is important. Family need to pull together. If cracks or craters appear in our relationships, we need to fix them. We need to develop bonds of loyalty.
The whole novel was well thought out and executed. There were an eclectic mix of characters eliciting a variety of responses from me.
I enjoyed The Guilty Die Twice and read it in just one sitting. It would translate marvellously into a courtroom drama.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON
