We, The Jury by Robert Rotstein Review

Jury

We, The Jury, by Robert Rotstein, is a courtroom drama about spousal abuse and self-defence. The defendant has admitted killing his wife but claiming self-defence as she was physically and mentally abusing him. This book focuses on the jury and is told from their perspective, along with the views of the judge and courtroom officials.

On the day before his 21st wedding anniversary unemployed David Sullivan killed his successful real estate broker wife by smashing an axe into her head! A rather brutal way to die. 8 members on the jury must now decide whether it was premeditated murder or if he was a battered spouse and killed her in the heat of the moment in self-defence.

What should have been a straightforward case isn’t. Testimony from the defendant’s own children is contradictory, with each child (ages 16 and 17) claiming the other parent was Satan, allegations of severe physical abuse, adultery, and incest. If that wasn’t enough, the jury must also overcome personal conflictions within the jury room.

Overall, I found this to be an excellent, well-written courtroom drama. Written from the perspective of the members of the court (Judge, bailiffs, court reporter and jurors) it gives a unique take of a crime drama. It exposes the bias, prejudices, personal animosities and how the jurors have to fathom out the truth from the fiction and ultimately who they believe while trying to make the right decision and not just going along with the pack.

There is an eclectic mix of characters that make interesting reading and drawing you into the book. Each chapter goes back and forth from a member of the cast of characters, hearing their own viewpoints on the case as well as their thoughts on their fellow jurors.

A well-thought out book written in a different style than standard courtroom dramas that makes it unique and interesting.

Well worth a read.

Rating: 4.5/5

RRP: £19.99 (Hardback) / £12.99 (Paperback) / £5.99 (Kindle)

Available to buy from Amazon here.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing a honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.