CATCH THE DEVIL
By Pamela Colloff
Publisher: Knopf
A staff writer at The New York Times Magazine and reporter at ProPublica gives an account of the damage caused by a con man in Florida.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Pamela Colloff's "Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast" is a searing indictment of a criminal justice system that prioritizes convictions over truth. ([kqed.org](https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991874/catch-the-devil-book-review-pamela-colloff-1985-murder-justice-system?utm_source=openai)) Colloff meticulously unravels the sordid tale of Paul Skalnik, a consummate con artist whose fabrications led to the wrongful conviction of James Dailey, a Vietnam veteran now languishing on Florida's death row.
Skalnik's chameleon-like ability to assume various identities—fighter pilot, oil magnate, attorney—allowed him to exploit countless individuals, including nine women whom he married, sometimes concurrently. ([goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242765263-catch-the-devil?utm_source=openai)) His most egregious deception, however, was his role as a jailhouse informant. Skalnik's fabricated testimonies, often the linchpin in securing convictions, highlight a systemic flaw where the word of a habitual liar is given undue credence.
Colloff's narrative is both compelling and enraging. She exposes how prosecutors, driven by a win-at-all-costs mentality, turned a blind eye to Skalnik's dubious credibility. ([kqed.org](https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991874/catch-the-devil-book-review-pamela-colloff-1985-murder-justice-system?utm_source=openai)) The case of James Dailey is particularly harrowing. With no physical evidence linking him to the crime, Dailey's conviction rested heavily on Skalnik's testimony—a man with a vested interest in currying favor with the authorities.
The book is a masterclass in investigative journalism. Colloff's exhaustive research and vivid storytelling bring to light the human cost of a flawed justice system. ([publishersweekly.com](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593230862?utm_source=openai)) She doesn't just recount events; she delves into the psyche of those involved, painting a nuanced portrait of a system in dire need of reform.
In conclusion, "Catch the Devil" is not just a true crime narrative; it's a clarion call for justice. Colloff's exposé of the reliance on jailhouse informants and the consequent miscarriages of justice is both timely and necessary. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the integrity of our legal system.
Final recommendation: Highly recommended!
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 7/23/2026