"Grips you by the throat from beginning to end."
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
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Still, his summation makes for a fascinating study in how great defense attorneys work (I thought he was especially clever in insinuating that those who took issues with Jennifer's behavior were "strict Puritans," thus indirectly shaming those jurors who might think ill of her). I can see how they were swayed by his arguments and appreciate the care he took to make them (and explain them in the book).
This book also shows, as in the Simpson case, the difficulties state prosecutors face in squaring off against high-profile defense attorneys. I couldn't help but get the impression that many jurors were taken with Bugliosi's persona and celebrity status thanks to the Manson case. I also wonder why the prosecutors didn't exploit his contradictory argument that Jennifer acted independently of Buck while on the island, yet "her reality became his reality" when she was lying to cover up the theft when they were back in Hawaii. You can't have it both ways, which is why I still believe she bears guilt for this crime.
All in all, it was a great read, not quite as gripping as Helter Skelter, but nearly so. I highly recommend this book and hope someday another author will take a look at this fascinating case.
Thankfully, this was in an earlier incarnation (plain lawyer) where he takes an unthankful case that doesn't seem to have a prayer. A murder at sea and the person on board is not guilty? The difficulty was compounded by the unwillingness of the defendent to "tell all". Despite this, he worked 100 hours/wk (once he had convinced himself of her innocence) and eventually was vindicated.
Great story, great writing.