By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

"Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions" by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey is a searing indictment of the American criminal justice system, meticulously chronicling ten harrowing cases where innocent individuals were ensnared by a web of incompetence, bias, and outright malfeasance. Grisham, renowned for his legal thrillers, and McCloskey, the founder of Centurion Ministries—a pioneering organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongly convicted—combine their formidable expertise to shed light on these egregious miscarriages of justice.

Each chapter alternates between the authors, with Grisham's narrative prowess bringing a gripping immediacy to cases like the Norfolk Four, where Navy sailors were coerced into false confessions for a crime they did not commit. McCloskey provides an insider's perspective, detailing the arduous battles fought to free individuals like Clarence Brandley, a Black janitor sentenced to death by an all-White jury in Texas, despite glaring evidence of his innocence. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/john-grisham/framed-3/?utm_source=openai))

The book meticulously dissects the systemic failures that led to these wrongful convictions: coerced confessions extracted through abusive interrogation tactics, reliance on dubious jailhouse informants, suppression of exculpatory evidence by prosecutors, and the use of junk forensic science. The authors expose a system more concerned with securing convictions than uncovering the truth, painting a damning portrait of law enforcement misconduct and judicial complicity. ([irishtimes.com](https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2024/11/16/framed-by-john-grisham-and-jim-mccloskey-a-powerful-expose-of-law-enforcement-misconduct-and-chicanery/?utm_source=openai))

What makes "Framed" particularly compelling is its unflinching portrayal of the human cost of these injustices. The narratives are not just about legal battles; they delve into the profound personal toll on the wrongfully convicted and their families. The emotional weight of these stories is palpable, making it impossible for readers to remain indifferent. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2024/10/17/framed-wrongful-convictions-john-grisham-jim-mccloskey-review/?utm_source=openai))

Grisham and McCloskey's collaboration results in a work that is both a page-turner and a call to action. Their combined storytelling skills and firsthand experiences create a powerful exposé that demands attention. This book is not just recommended; it is essential reading for anyone concerned with justice and the integrity of our legal system.

In conclusion, "Framed" is a masterful and infuriating must-read that lays bare the profound flaws in America's legal system. It is a clarion call for reform and a testament to the resilience of those who fight against wrongful convictions.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 9/4/2025