This is a big week for Chained Birds book reviews as they go live on their respective websites ahead of Tuesdayβs November 12, 2024 launch. And this 4-star review by Literary Titan is the first in-depth write-up of the bookβs βcourtroom dramaβ component. From the second paragraph:
This memoir stands apart from the typical true crime genre. It isnβt just about the violent crime or the mystery of βwhodunit.β Instead, it digs deep into the long, complex legal fight that followed the incident. Conti exposes the layers of corruption within the prison system, where self-preservation runs rampant, and uncovers the harsh reality of prison gangs that pull the strings behind the scenes.
What I like so much about this review is its honest summary of the legal battle depicted in the book and notes I did not βshy away from the courtroom minutiae, clarifying questions, procedural clarifications, and other aspects that most books would gloss over.β The review, however, states that this βcaptures the authenticity of the drawn-out legal process.β The review concludes:
If youβre fascinated by courtroom dramas and the inner workings of the legal system, this memoir will provide a deep and unsettling dive into both.
No other reviewer has highlighted Chained Birdsβ legal focus as much, and itβs an important cue about what the 435 pages contain. Until there are more reader reviews on book-buying websites, this blog post and the Literary Titan critique page may be the only places for readers to get that sense.
Hereβs the full text of the Literary Titan 4/5 star review:
CHAINED BIRDS by Carla Conti is a compelling true crime memoir that delves into the wrongful conviction of Kevin Sanders, accused of a brutal stabbing within a maximum-security prison. The story isnβt just about the crime itself, which is described briefly. Instead, it focuses on the ten-year legal battle that followed. The author, writing under a pseudonym, is a close friend of Scott Powell, the attorney representing Kevin, and becomes personally involved when prison gangs take an interest in her role.
This memoir stands apart from the typical true crime genre. It isnβt just about the violent crime or the mystery of βwhodunit.β Instead, it digs deep into the long, complex legal fight that followed the incident. Conti exposes the layers of corruption within the prison system, where self-preservation runs rampant, and uncovers the harsh reality of prison gangs that pull the strings behind the scenes. The book offers a rare look into how these underground groups exert control over nearly every aspect of prison life, creating a chilling backdrop to the wrongful conviction. What makes CHAINED BIRDS unique is its focus on the legal process rather than the crime. This is not the book for those seeking a fast-paced thriller full of suspense or shocking revelations. Instead, itβs for readers who appreciate the painstaking detail of legal proceedings. Conti doesnβt shy away from the courtroom minutiae, clarifying questions, procedural clarifications, and other aspects that most books would gloss over. At times, the narrative reads like a court transcript, which may feel slow or overly detailed for some, but it captures the authenticity of the drawn-out legal process.
CHAINED BIRDS offers a different kind of true crime experience. Itβs a thought-provoking examination of justice, corruption, and the hidden world of prison power structures. This book is best suited for readers with an interest in the legal aftermath of crime, rather than the crime itself. If youβre fascinated by courtroom dramas and the inner workings of the legal system, this memoir will provide a deep and unsettling dive into both.
Chained Birds appears front-and-center on Literary Titanβs home page on November 11, 2024
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Carla Conti is a true crime journalist, storyteller, and prison reform advocate. Her debut book, Chained Birds: A True Crime Memoir of Justice, Survival and Redemption Behind Bars, is out now with WildBlue Press.