Conviction by Richard North Patterson (2005, Abridged, Compact Disc)

Rennell Price has sat on Death Row for 15 years, convicted of causing the death of a 9-year old girl when she choked to death on semen during a brutal sexual assault. With only 59 days until his execution, his brand new defense attorney, Terri Paget, becomes convinced of his innocence.

In less capable hands, this book could be one more legal potboiler, but when the hand wielding the pen is former trial lawyer Patterson’s, the result is a realistic worst-case-scenario that seamlessly integrates an ingenious plot with the ethical, moral, legal, and political issues surrounding capital punishment. With few false notes, minimal preaching, and no apologies, Patterson puts our system on trial by letting the appellate process speak for itself. This is a gripping, instructive novel.

Patricia Kalember’s crisp, polished voice keeps up with the breakneck pace as Rennell’s time runs out.