Ed is on death row. He has been accused of killing a cop. He’s been in prison 10 years and during that time, not one of his fractured family has visited him. Now with the execution date set, he desperately wants to see his younger brother, Joe. Joe was only seven when his big brother was arrested and remembers that Ed has always proclaimed his innocence. Now he must take his responsibilities and face meeting him on death row.

I can’t say I enjoyed reading this book as the death sentence that hangs over Ed and his family is achingly awful. But I can say that I was compelled to keep reading it to the very last word. Thankfully, there is a happy and beautiful caring relationship between Joe and his new girlfriend, Nell, and this gives a little respite from what is happening.

This book will stay with me for a very long time. Not often enough do we think about the men and women who are unfairly treated by our justice system.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 16+