Woody Thomas is just doing his job when he sees convicted murderer Jon Clayton in prison. Clayton is scheduled for execution and Thomas hopes to get the man's conviction commuted to life instead of death.
When Jon Clayton still professes his innocence, Thomas thinks, what else is new? Almost all prisoners declare they are innocent. Something about Clayton reaches the lawyer, and he begins to delve into the case. The more he finds out, the less sure he is that Clayton actually is a murderer, but can he get the man off completely? And who and why would anyone want to frame Jon Clayton?
As Woody investigates, his life goes from bad to worse, and he finds he is a target for murder. Woody has his own demons to fight as well. He was an unsuccessful husband, he's a recovering alcoholic, and burned out at his career. He has one great love-his boat, Defender, which he lives aboard. He finds the sister-in-law of Jon Clayton attractive and wonders if there could be a future for him in her life. The sister-in-law, Jean, is certain that Jon is innocent of murder. Did the police plant evidence against Jon? And why would they? Woody plans to find out the 'who and why,' but can he?
DEATH ROW DEFENDER by Ray Dix is as interesting a legal detective story as one will find. I've read it twice. Once when I recommended it as a winner for EPIC's Eppie Contest, and now for a review. It was a pleasure to review this book. As a mystery, it has everything, and every loose end is tied up perfectly. Mr. Dix has created interesting secondary characters and scenery. If you haven't been to Florida, you'll feel like you have after reading the descriptions. Dix has every right to be proud of his work, and I look forward to seeing more novels from him. I hope a series is in the offing. For short, I'll just say, "Bravo!"
Jaye Dee Tyrack, Reviewer, Gotta Write Network
May 7, 2006
© JDT & GWN
