Confessions of an Innocent Man

A Novel

By: David R. Dow

Narrated by: Henry Levya

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

“Every person wrongfully convicted of a crime at some point dreams of getting revenge against the system. In Confessions of an Innocent Man, the dream comes true and in a spectacular way.” (John Grisham, New York Times best-selling author of The Reckoning)

A thrillingly suspenseful debut novel and a fierce howl of rage that questions the true meaning of justice.

Rafael Zhettah relishes the simplicity and freedom of his life. He is the owner and head chef of a promising Houston restaurant, a pilot with open access to the boundless Texas horizon, and a bachelor, content with having few personal or material attachments that ground him. Then, lightning strikes. When he finds Tieresse - billionaire, philanthropist, sophisticate, bombshell - sitting at one of his tables, he also finds his soul mate, and his life starts again. And just as fast, when she is brutally murdered in their home, when he is convicted of the crime, when he is sentenced to die, it is all ripped away. But for Rafael Zhettah, death row is not the end. It is only the beginning. Now, with his recaptured freedom, he will stop at nothing to deliver justice to those who stole everything from him.

This is a heart-stoppingly suspenseful, devastating, pause-resisting debut novel. A thriller with a relentless grip that wants you to listen to it in one sitting. David R. Dow has dedicated his life to the fight against capital punishment - to righting the horrific injustices of the death-penalty regime in Texas. He delivers the perfect modern parable for exploring our complex, uneasy relationships with punishment and reparation in a terribly unjust world.

©2019 David R. Dow (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Best Mystery Books of 2019 - The Wall Street Journal

“Suppose you were arrested, tried, and sentenced to die for a murder you didn’t commit, then vindicated and freed at the last possible minute. What would you do? Would you try to go back to the old life you’d nearly lost? Or would you punish those who’d stolen it from you? In Confessions of an Innocent Man, David R. Dow, who knows more about death row than any other person who’s never lived there, puts you in the place of a victim of the system whose soul has been shriveled by rage, then invites you to take a look in the mirror. The result is a terrifying modern-day revenger’s tale, one whose furious, irresistible momentum will sweep you up - and make you think.” (Terry Teachout, drama critic, The Wall Street Journal)

“An impressive fiction debut.... The plot is a page-turner, and the addition of Dow’s knowledge of the legal machinery of death and his nuanced characterization of his lead elevate this above similarly themed legal thrillers.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A debut novel that's a page-turner with a message...[Dow’s] criminal justice work is a clear influence on this novel, and his passion bleeds through on every page. The claustrophobic nature of prisons, the routine cruelty, the anonymous suffering, the decrepit conditions - they all come through in straightforward, well-written prose.... A solidly suspenseful novel.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Thought provoking

How true that we are multilayered. Every one of us. In this time of seeing people in extremes, this gripping story poses important questions without being obvious. I will listen again. Quite good narration.

Excellent Read!

It’s been a long time since I’ve head a book that I’ve considered “un-put-downable” but this one is definitely one that held me from start to finish. It hit all the right notes. Had me in suspense, horrified me, made me laugh, made me cry, and definitely made me angry lol. I’m very glad I purchased this one, as I just happened to come across it searching for other books by familiar authors. Very thankful for the Audible recommendations!

Interesting

This was a great story overall. It was hard to follow at times because the story switches between the present and the past. The plot was interesting and kept me engaged with this story.

Jreader

I expected something different, but I really liked it anyway. It was well worth the credit.

Confessions of an innocent listener......

TRUE CONFESSION: This book was engrossing and compelling with superb narration. However, the last portion of the book completely fell short and that is why this book did not earn a 5-star review from me.

Did the author lose steam??? Not quite sure. The beginning of the book was outstanding.

I was disappointed with the last 2 hours of the book because the storyline became unrealistic and the ending was very abrupt. Since I don't want to reveal any spoilers, I am omitting the facts needed to support my opinion.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and do recommend the title.

Great story. End a little disappointing

The ending was too neat. Thought writer was more interested in the first half of the story.

A Master Thriller

A masterfully told tale of emotional roller coaster from imponderable moves to acquire a better life for a future generation by a father caught up in the depths of crime to the finding of love, to experiencing life’s twists, odd hands, being human, tragedies, errors, cruelties, twists of fate, ironies and sadness. The low point of this thriller is having it end.

I absolutely love this book

fresh innovative and gripping, I just couldn't put it down. the narration was perfect without being distracting and there was never a slow spot.

Thought provoking good read

Enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Both sad and thought provoking in a good way.

Great story and fabulous narration

This narrator is one of the best i've ever heard. The story is riveting and done well in parts. If you can overlook the author's obvious political bias this book is good.