Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias Behind Bars

Sex, lies, deceit, an outwardly moral woman who perpetrates shocking violence, and a gripping courtroom drama to bring her to justice—this sounds like the latest crime fiction novel, but in fact is 100% true. Arias was accused of the gruesome murder of her ex-boyfriend in Arizona in 2008. Juan Martinez, the lead prosecutor in the Arias trial, writes a thoroughly readable account of the investigation and ultimate verdict.

Piece by piece, he describes the difficult and tortuous course he followed in order to ultimately convict a wily and profoundly dishonest woman. In addition to being a highly competent prosecutor, Martinez is a gifted writer who grabs the reader from the first page and compels reading to the finish. Real life police work, legal investigation, and courtroom savvy are described in a highly readable, enjoyable fashion.

Many of us follow actual courtroom dramas such as the trials of O.J. Simpson, James Holmes, Oscar Pistorius, and Erin Andrews. A reader, however, does not need to have been glued to media reports of such trials to enjoy this book. Whether it goes on the nightstand for bedtime reading or accompanies you to the beach this summer, Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias behind Bars is a five star must read.  

Legal thrillers are usually the province of fiction, but in this case reality is even more fascinating. The author not only describes his own persistent work over seven years, but also delves into the complicated psyche of a disturbed woman who plans and commits the ultimate crime while employing elaborate measures to cover her tracks. This is one of the best crime/legal books. Reader beware: You may find yourself compelled to devour this book in one session!