The Edge of Doubt

This is such a disturbing case and the author does an excellent job of leading the reader through the evidence. Meticulously researched and surprisingly neutral in presentation, the book provides a great deal of information to allow the reader to determine their own views. It is alarming to think such a miscarriage of justice could occur and the author has chosen well in selecting this case to throw open.

This book grabbed my interest immediately and held it the entire time. At no time was I bored or disinterested.

I received a complimentary electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this excellent trial synopsis from Netgalley, the author David Miraldi, and an invitation from the publisher The Book Whisperer. I have read The Edge of Doubt of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Even if true crime is not your preferred genre, I recommend this book to friends and family. We all know someone caught up in this sort of situation.

I have to tell you this story will open your eyes and occasionally make you feel like you, yourself, are falling off the edge of doubt. Those of you too young to remember the rash of 1990s cases nationwide involving the sexual abuse of children by child-care workers or divorcing spouses seeking sole custody may not be aware of how prevalent the cases were for a time - years. With David Miraldi we will follow the criminal charges, trials, and incarcerations of Nancy Smith and Joseph Allen in the small Ohio town of Lorain. Rumor, innuendo, and rage flowed out from the city center, and justice was defined as 'Who will pay? Who will pay for these atrocities against our children? Someone has to pay NOW." But Justice was lost. Lost in the shuffle. And we know who will suffer the repercussions. Nancy and Joseph. But are they guilty? Does it matter?

I thank #netgalley and #theBookWhisperer for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of The Edge of Doubt. This book chronicles the investigation, subsequent arrest and trial of 2 individuals accused of sexually abusing children in the Lorain, Ohio Head Start daycare center. The individuals are found guilty by a jury trial but doubts linger throughout the community. Over the span of 30 years questions are asked, investigations examined and reexamined, editorials written- all in an effort to make right a grave injustice.
This book is well written and well researched. Court procedures are explained as well as the intricacies of the justice system so the reader always has a complete understanding of what is happening (and what could have happened “if only…”).
Interviewing techniques have radically changed over the years when dealing with children. This book highlights how easily young children, 3-4 years old, can be led to believe stories that are not true and how hysteria can cloud sound judgement resulting in a grave miscarriage of justice. If you enjoy true life crime & court stories I think you will enjoy this book, as well as learn some things (positive & negative) about our court system. #TheEdgeofDoubt #truelife #abuse #crime #miscarriageofJustice #netgalley

Describing a long, often tedious legal battle isoften dry and boring. Yet over 25 years of legal wrangling speeds by like a Perry Mason made for TV movie. Mr. Miraldi keeps the plot moving while expressing frustration and human tragedy in great detail. In a world that reads only headlines its great to read indepth reporting.