Dear Friends,
August 4th marked the one-year publication anniversary for Smoke but No Fire. And what a year it has been! From podcasts to virtual speaking events, I have so appreciated the chance to shine a spotlight on no-crime wrongful convictions and the injustices that pervade our criminal legal system.
I am equally thankful for the strong reception that Smoke but No Fire has received — being named Foreward INDIES Book of the Year (Silver, Political and Social Sciences) to the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking book of the year, and even receiving the First Horizon award for debut authors — each recognition has helped spread the word about innocent people convicted of crimes that never happened.
But most of all, I am grateful for YOUR support. For helping spread the word. For writing reviews on Amazon and GoodReads. For showing up, and for caring about injustices that often happen far away and out of public sight. To say “thank you,” I’ve selected three subscribers at random to receive a signed copy of “Smoke but No Fire.”
Congratulations to Dana F., Audra G., and Annette R. for being chosen at random to receive a complimentary book — there’s an email in your inbox with further instructions!
A brief note from the world of innocence. Some of you may have been following the shocking case of Rodney Reed, an African American man who was convicted and sentenced to die in 1996 for the murder of a white woman in Texas that Mr. Reed has always insisted he did not commit. Last month, a Texas court finally held an evidentiary hearing to review the evidence that supports his innocence. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have championed Mr. Reed in his ongoing fight to clear his name. It’s a case worth paying attention to not just because the facts are stunning (and they are), but also because it highlights the extent to which our system of justice is broken.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and stay safe.
With thanks for all that you do,
Jessica