Criminal "Justice"(?)
Author Pohlman is a college professor and has written an erudite analysis of criminal justice in this plea-bargained murder case. He interviewed all the major and many minor characters in this crime and bench trial and rightfully concludes that no one ever knows the whole truth, not even those directly involved. This book merely happens to be set alongside the Appalachian Trail, so it is not really an "A.T." book. Nor is it a book about an "O.J. Simpson" sort of case that badly skews public understanding of American criminal justice. The analysis is deep and thorough and the facts are much more complete than either side itself knew during the investigation, plea bargain, and bench trial. As an attorney and A.T. hiker myself, I appreciated the value of this book and Pohlman's thorough work and critical analysis. The book won't be for those seeking fluffy entertainment. It is for those wanting to expand themselves. I rate books critically and rarely give 5 stars. That's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. If only I could give 4 and three-quarters.
