Hooked from the first paragraph and never disappointed from start to finish. Take the time to absorb yourself into this book that is twisted but analytical at the same time. Carried crafted and researched, a wonderful read - thank you!

Christina Dalcher has written some of my favourite thought provoking dystopias around social issues of recent years. In the past she's tackled sexism and overly patriarchal right wing nightmare governments. This time round she's taking on the death penalty. She never shies away from divisive issues in an insightful way that leaves the reader thinking, regardless of which side of the issues they fall on.

Both of the narrators did this story justice. Laurel Lefkow brings Justine to life while also perfectly encapsulating the side characters, one of the voices she does sounded exactly like Jane Lynch which made me smile every time. Meanwhile, Greg Lockett makes Jake's story very touching and comes to life vividly.

The story itself is a wild ride from start to finish, the tension doesn't let up and I felt on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Once again, Dalcher has knocked it out the park.

Christina Dalcher writes the most gripping and profoundly thought provoking of legal thrillers set in a America with an alternate justice system intended to stop the barbarity of the death penalty, organised by the Vita movement. I listened to this on audio, around 9 and half hours, narrated with dramatic intensity by the wonderful Laurel Lefkow who vividly brings alive the nightmare predicament that widow and prosecutor Justine Callaghan finds herself in, and Greg Lockett had my heart breaking the minute he begins by taking us into the harrowing death row prisoner #39384 Jake Milford's mind. Justine helped to formulate the State Remedies Act, where if a executed prisoner is later found to be innocent, the prosecutor would be executed to balance the scales of justice.

When her beloved husband, Ian was murdered, Justine was in no frame of mind to be prosecuting Jake, assumed through overwhelming evidence to be guilty of the most heinous of crimes, but she does. So certain is Justine of his guilt that she asks for the death penalty, breaking a promise to Ian, but then later a restrained and dignified Emily, Jake's wife, finds a piece of paper that has Justine's life spiralling into a state of terror and fear. Amidst the present furore and the hate directed at a Justine with a 6 year old son, Jonathan, with the trial of Charlotte Thorne, the non-linear narrative goes back and forth in time, throwing light on her time at law school, involvement with Vita, her relationships with Ian and now the British Daniel, and her sister-in-law Susan, and the challenge of being present at executions where so much can go wrong. Justine launches her investigation into whether Jake was an innocent man and we bear witness to the surprising course of action she chooses to take.

Dalcher leaves us with an ambiguous ending, letting us imagine what we would like to have seen happen. The author does a stellar job in looking at all manner of repercussions that unfold with the death penalty, such as the guilt and horror that weighs down Justine that she will never be free of, there is no bringing back the dead. Then there are the executions facing prosecutors, Justine's responsibilities to her son, the impact on the person executed and their families, the myriad of situations in which an innocent person may be mistakenly convicted, and the errors of judging the likes of Emily and Jake coming from lower economic backgrounds. This is a marvellous, nail biting and emotionally affecting audio that I believe I enjoyed more than if I had read the book, simply because the narrators were amazing in putting us into the heads of the protagonists. Highly recommended for a wide range of readers. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.

A really interesting conceit. In a bid to make prosecutors less likely to seek the death sentence, a clause is written into law which will ensure they are totally convinced of the offender’s guilt and that the death penalty is appropriate censure.

As a UK citizen, the death penalty is far removed from my daily thoughts and this book forced me to seriously consider whether I would be in favour or against it being reinstated here. I have been one of those saying certain crimes were serious enough that the offenders should not be allowed to see their natural lives out and now I’m not so certain.

Yet this was not a dry listen (I had the audiobook version). It was engaging and enthralling, a reflection on the lives and history of the main characters and how they interact with the wider world and with each other.

A really thought provoking and unique (to me) story that should have readers and listeners adding it to the top of their purchase lists.

If you’re a fan of moral dilemmas with a strong side of morally grey and a solid dose of controversial debates (capital punishment and justifiable homicide, anybody?), then I thoroughly recommend this excellent story.
Christina Dalcher asks many questions in this gripping novel, and very few of them have a straightforward answer (just the way I like it). It was pretty unputdownable and had me on the edge of my seat almost throughout, wondering which way the coins were going to fall.
I loved the switch between the two perspectives and the narration was top quality. I really wanted to feel that the ending would respect the tone and character of the story, and (no spoilers), I thought the way that Dalcher accomplished that was beautifully crafted.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for an ARC of this excellent novel.

Set in a semi-dystopian near future, US capital punishment has been banned. After a controversial case, the ‘Remedies Act’ permits the death penalty, but only if prosecutors also risk death if the sentenced are ever found innocent.

As a result, the use of the death penalty is rare. 6 years ago, in the midst of personal tragedy, Justine Boucher sentenced Jake Milford to death. Now, with new evidence, Justine must decide how far to go to defend her principles.

4.5 stars

Review:

I’ve read a few Christina Dalcher books (‘VOX’ and ‘Q’/‘Master Class’) and often find she comes up with a great premise for a novel - a believable dystopian setting that sounds fascinating and intriguing. However, she doesn’t necessarily execute them in the best way or tell a story that meets the high expectations from the blurb. I’m happy to say ‘The Sentence’ is by far my favourite Dalcher book!

This is not a political courtroom thriller, as some seemed to expect. It’s a deep dive into the politics of capital punishment and the US justice system. As someone living in the UK, I learnt a lot about viewpoints for and against, and all the nuances in between.

The characters were interesting and complex, particularly seeing Justine struggle with her morals and ethics throughout the story. She was more developed than MC’s in other Dalcher books I’ve read. The audiobook narrators suited the characters and delivered the story in a captivating way.

I’ve struggled with unsatisfying endings in Dalcher’s books before, but really enjoyed how this one played out. Without saying too much, the ambiguity allows the reader to reflect on the overall debate and themes throughout the book.

Verdict:

A captivating story exploring capital punishment and the justice system, through a fast-paced narrative with complex characters.
Enjoyable audiobook narration.

Trigger warnings:
- domestic abuse/violence
- death/m*rder

The Sentence by Christina Dalcher is a story about a law intended to end capital punishment. The prosecutor can ask for the death penalty when there is no reasonable doubt. However if the evidence later shows that the person executed was innocent then because of the Remedies Act the prosecutor must then be executed.
Justine Boucher is one of those prosecutors who requests the death penalty.
What happens next makes a spellbinding storyline, the narrators were excellent and made the story even better.
Definitely highly recommended.

Based in a dystopian near future, where if the death penalty is carried out erroneously, then the prosecutor who convicted will face the death penalty themselves. Justine Callaghan has fought staunchly against the death penalty for most of her life, advocated for the rights of defendants and life, but blinded by pain she makes a wrong turn and a wrong decision.

*SPOILERS*

Jake Millford was convicted of killing a church boy and sentenced to death, until after his death his wife Emily Milford finds an alibi for him, which means Prosecutor Justine Callaghan is now on the chopping block.


A very thought provoking play on the death penalty, which only solidifies my views the matter. Mine are three fold - Firstly humans are not infallible, I could never ever live with myself irreversibly sending an innocent person to their grave, secondly what moral right do we have to say that killing is bad and then do that exact thing ourselves? Thirdly, in some ways an entire lifetime behind bars for me, as for many people, would be a fate worse than death and therefore a suitable punishment.

I did think that there would be more peril and action for Justine, whereas it seemed to be more the suspense of what could happen rather than consequences to some extent. A psychological thriller rather than an action based one which is what I expected, but that's my own fault.

The narrators were great.

The sentence - Gripping, chilling and very, very satisfying

Superb writing from this author, a very eye catching cover, this book will go far, 5 stars. Blindingly excellent ... This book should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.

I have loved all of Christina Dalcher’s books so couldn’t wait to dive into this one. It took me quite a while to get into but oh boy once you’re in your in! I cared about each and every character and was so so invested in what would happen and where the story would go. As someone who works in domestic abuse you would think I’d be able to handle some of the TW’s in this story but it hit me so hard. God I hated Chris so much. Jake was an absolute angel. An amazing story. A very different story from Dalcher but I really enjoyed it.

The Sentence - Christina Dalcher

Christina Dalcher is an auto read author for me, I really like her writing style and pace of books, there is always an interesting topic and find the books very engrossing. This book gave the reader / listener such a deep dive into the death penalty alongside a thrilling ride of suspense and fast paced intrigue. Good characters to get stuck into and flicks back and forth between them all which also added to the thriller aspect of the story.

Thanks so much Netgalley Harper Collins UK Audio and HQ for allowing me the chance to give my honest thoughts and opinions on this book

Wow! What a great storyline. If the prisoner you put to death turns out to be innocent, you get put to death. Surely that would put an end to the death sentence. Apparently not in all cases. This book throws a light on prisoners who have been condemned to death with apparently indisputable evidence only to be pardoned once it is too late. Who then should pay for that injustice? We are also told the tale of a devious psychopath and how far he will go to punish others.
The book gives us two endings which is both brilliant and uncomfortable.
I loved this book.

The one decision you can't take back.

Wow! What a powerful and thought-provoking book.

Justine Boucher-Callaghan is a Prosecutor in an alternative present day America, where the death penalty goes both ways; If a prosecutor succeeds in convincing the judge to award the death penalty and gets it wrong, they take personal responsibility, and in an "eye-for-an-eye" procedure, they will, in turn, receive the death sentence.

The story is mostly told from the POV of Justine and death-row inmate 39384. So many disturbing and sensitive issues are covered in this book, in addition to the flawed and harrowing justice system. Domestic violence, love and infidelity are strong motives for the choices made and it really made me think. What would I do?

Flashbacks from Justine's time at Harvard help to set the scene for why she made the decisions that she did and my heart strings were pulled in every which way. This is so much more than a legal drama and I was not expecting the brilliant ending. Justice is served... is it?

I wasn't blown away by the narrators in this instance. I didn't feel they engaged my interest in the story.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Christina Dalcher and Harper Collins Audio for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I did the audio of this one and I really enjoyed it. The two narrators, for the parts of Justine & Jake, were brilliant. They both gave their characters a distinct voice and were able to bring their personalities through in their narration.

I loved the dual POV’s and different timelines. It made for an interesting and fast paced read.

The plot had a clever twist to it with the dystopian vibes, which worked really well. It was all well thought out and flowed really well.

It felt so well researched and it gave a very thought provoking take on the arbitrary and sometimes contradictory aspects of the death penalty. The dystopian take on this, helped explore the complexities of the topic in a mindful way.

This was a gritty and powerful read which I devoured in 24 hours. Massively enjoyed it and wholeheartedly recommend!

This book wasn't what I expected for the first 70% it was a relatively deep dive into the death penalty. I think i expected it to be a political courtroom thriller, but that it was not.
The first half was quite 'lit fic' and the last part really ramped up the stakes and it was thrill after thrill after thrill.

I think what I did find a little strange was the main character was never actually in any danger... just the threat of possible consequences. I think I would have preferred the stakes to be higher initially as it left me quite confused as to what the fuss was about. But the ending really saved it and I found myself really enjoying the action.

This had me hooked from the beginning - such an interesting premise! I really enjoyed this book and recommend to anyone who loves a pacy thriller. Very thought provoking. The narration was good. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers.

I was hooked when I read the publicity about The Sentence by Christina Dalcher and was very keen to read the book.

This book is set in a version of the USA where the Remedies Act was passed in 2016. A law that states that if a Prosecutor requests the death penalty and then the convicted individual is later found innocent, the prosecutor will be sentenced to death instead. It’s such a mind-blowing premise.

The book centres on Prosecutor Justine Boucher-Callaghan. She has only once asked for the death penalty in a case involving a child murder in the state of Virginia. Jake Milford was found guilty of the child’s murder.

The second narrative in the book is that of Jake Milford, or ‘Death Row Inmate No: 39384’.

I found this book incredibly thought-provoking. Thinking about the death penalty in an academic or abstract way is one thing. Living through the fallout of the Remedies Act is another thing. Justine and Jake’s stories were interesting and heartbreaking.

This was brilliantly narrated by Laurel Lefkow and Greg Lockett. Laura Lefkow was particularly good at making all the different female characters sound so different and bring the audiobook to life.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HarperCollins UK Audio, for making this e-audio-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An excellent legal thriller full of ethical dilemmas and serious tension! It’s set in a world where if the lawyer asks for the death penalty and it is granted , but later the executed is found innocent, the lawyer is put to death! Very unique thriller and I read it in a day. Audiobook was well done !

This is a no hards bard legal thriller . Set in a world where the death penalty is only on offer if the prosecutor agrees tha if the defendent is later found innocent due to new evidence the prosecutor is sent to death instead.
The narration is perfect the right tones give more calue to the story. The telling of justin character at various poibts in her life helps hive teal depth to tge story. Its a well written hook you in story that deal with mqny matute issuses. You don't have to be a legal eagle to enjoy this. The subject matter makes itxa hard listen in places and there is clear evidence of research.
It disturbed me in places due to the subjrct matter but it wad a compelling listen. Highly recommended 5 star listen . Thank you to netgallery publisher and author for my arc and also thanks to the narrator even iwhen i felt disturbed i trusted in your voice to carry on.

Oh my word! This is one of the most thought provoking books that I’ve read in some time, to say it’s a dystopian fiction seems not to do it enough justice, but it is. Don’t think the hand maids tale though. This is deeper than that, deeper and more profound, and more plausible.

Where do you stand on the death penalty? Could you be swayed on your morals? How about the death penalty can be carried out but if it turns out there’s been a miscarriage of justice then the prosecution should pay - with the death penalty. Where I stand, is that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind but my mind changed so many times throughout this book that it actually shocked me.

Strong characters. Stellar storyline, memorable impact.

This is such a gripping read, I’ll be on the hunt for the rest of the authors books. All the stars ⭐️ #Jorecommends

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.