How does it feel to spend decades in prison paying for a crime you never committed, based on an incomplete, unreliable main testimony? Although one cannot bring all those years back, the act of justice itself has a restorative function that should follow its way nevertheless.
The Stranger on the Stairs by Ruth Mancini is based on a true crime story of miscarriage of justice. Jamie Clark is a recovered criminal who knows he paid for someone else´s crime.
A seven-year old discovers her beloved mother dead on the kitchen´s floor. Her testimony was most important element in reaching a conclusion two decades ago. But now, it seems that there were other elements that haven´t been considered.
As the case is being reconsidered, there are much more details that are revealed, and this creates an ambiance of incertainty and expectations. The impressive cast of characters and the different points of views going back and forth from the past to the current times creates a confusion that matches so well a thriller.
I´ve particularly liked how the elements of the thriller are well mixed with details typical for dry the procedural investigation. It gives a completely different perspective to the story. Philosophically, the events in this book also shows, at a higher level, how connected we are, and how our deeds and words may influence the destinies of the others, over decades and generations.
Personally, it was a very dark yet psychologically insightful read, well-written and seamlessly developed.
This was my first book by Ruth Mancini, but I am definitely interested in reading her acclaimed debut novel as well.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
No comments:
Post a Comment