"Jan Redford is a bad–ass. She is also a born storyteller." —John Vaillant, author of The Tiger In this funny and gritty debut memoir, praised by Outside, S

An awakening -- Inevitability of innocence -- Mercy vs. justice -- The great American death penalty decline -- The defense lawyering effect -- Murder insurance

Between 1779 and 1896, ninety-eight men and one woman were legally executed by hanging in the state of Illinois. Some were innocent, but most were guilty. Inclu