I really liked the odd quirky bunch of characters that made up the Conviction Review Unit. Elke, Iain, Frankie and Amos are very unique people with lots of personality. This read may be a little dry for some, it's not a high speed supsenseful crime read - it's a slow and steady procedural that follows the leads and gently builds up to a resolution that ties up the whole case neatly. It's not for everyone but I loved it. The personal dramas each member of the team were dealing with weren't overwhelming and balanced the crime aspects of the case nicely. Iain was my favourite character, although I didn't love his relationship with Harley. Overall solid read. 3.5 stars. ( )

The Innocence Unit or formerly known as the Conviction Review Unit (CRU for short) in Haven Hills is being established. Elke Lawrence, a former prosecutor now held in disgrace as she had believed her husband Felix to be innocent will be the team lead. Joining Elke is Frankie Hart, a former defense attorney, Detective Iain Hudson, an officer that meticulously trusts the evidence, and Amos Bradley, a gay executive assistant who likes to bring light and joy to whatever situation he finds himself in. The new team begins as strangers with review of a 25-year old murder case of a doctor and his wife ending in conviction of the daughter and her boyfriend. As the individuals investigate the old case each team member struggles with different aspects of their personal life and one wonders if they can become a collaborative team adding to the daily drama of each day's goals.

Investigative crime fiction that was riveting, page-turning, and shares a rare glimpse behind-the-scenes of law enforcement and the painstaking processes required to release the innocent wrongly convicted. At the end of every criminal trial there is hope that every aspect of an investigation was completed correctly and that justice has been served. This novel brings to light that sometimes justice gets it wrong.

A powerful introduction to a writer that is new to me and I wouldn't hesitate to read more of novels.

For more information: https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/mission.aspx ( )