Surviving Execution by Ian Woods

The main prerequisite for a true crime book is the veracity of the author.  Unfortunately, in Mr Woods case he is a journalist for Sky News which isn't exactly a bastion of reportage.  Still, that can be set aside as he is subject to the vagaries of an editorial team there and maybe there will be less restrictions imposed upon him and his research when writing a book.

The writing is easy to follow and has a narrative flow which is helped by each chapter being given a timeline so it does jump around from the late 90s to mid-2010s somewhat but is easy to follow.  However, it is peppered with his personal preconceptions and although he repeatedly states he tried to maintain objectivity throughout the investigation it is clear from the first couple of chapters that he has not succeeded.  He lays this at the floor of those ranged on the prosecution side of the argument with neither the family of the late Barry Van Treese being willing to talk to him or the District Attorneys office, DOC or the Oklahoma Governor's office.  I can understand that from a journalistic viewpoint this is frustrating but that does not excuse the lack of balance present in this book.

He also states quite frankly that he does not believe in the Death Penalty and is fairly derisive of those who do support it.  In fact, he belabours the point extensively throughout the book and whilst you may, or may not, support his standpoint it does become wearing.

The book is somewhat saved by the recent history of the Death Penalty and the methods used in those states that support it.  The mechanics of execution are also dealt with in a factual way which does give you some insight in to the procedure itself.  Sadly his sanctifying of the opponents to the Death Penalty drags you out of Richard Glossip's tale.

I came away with a sense that this was more about petitioning for an abolition of the Death Penalty than a book about the murder of Barry Van Treese and the rather peculiar legal system which can see a confessed murderer receiving life with no chance of parole and his testimony being used to give someone the Death Penalty for allegedly procuring the murder but not actually wielding the baseball bat that did the deed.

There is no "happy ending" to be had here just interminable last minute stays for Mr Glossip and more and more appeals to overturn the conviction.  What there is is Mr Woods claiming that he is a major player in the tale and it is only thanks to him that Richard Glossip is alive because he got Sister Helen Prejean, Susan Sarandon and Richard Branson involved.  Maybe his publicity of the case helped but I am sure he had less impact than the efforts of Kim Van Atta and Crystal Martinez.

It came as no surprise, finally, to learn that his close friendship with Mr Glossip has shriveled away.  With the Death Penalty in Oklahoma still being under moratorium whilst "significant reforms are accomplished" Mr Glossip is incarcerated but does not have a death date hanging over his head so has no further need of publicity.  I also feel the tone of the book written by Mr Woods would not be to Offender Glossip's taste.  No mention has been made as to whether Mr Woods is still in contact with Mr Van Atta or Ms Martinez but I suspect not once they have read this.

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READER'S FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

**Review originally published December 17th, 2017**