Thank you NetGalley for this eARC This book touches on early life career development and crime cases that Judge Belvin Jr presided over in the State of Florida While much of his career is overshadowed by the infamous Casey Anthony Trial Judge Belvin allows readers into his less talked about lifestyles including his view on the death penalty growing up in the South and his desire for justice I don t often read memoirs but this one has influenced me to look into in the future Again thank you NetGalley The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir Not everyone is cut out to be a judge and it takes a special kind of person to be a Chief Judge In The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir Belvin Perry Jr tells us of his classic success story Raised by a single father Perry and his two siblings didn t have things handed to them His father a police officer exposed him to the legal system at a young age and over the years his early fascination with the law became his passion. Despite having to deal with institutional racism Perry was able to get a job in the State Attorney s office then later ran successfully for Chief Judge Over the course of his career he was involved in numerous murder trials both as a prosecuting attorney and as a judge and here he explains the crimes the trials and the verdicts Most famously the Casey Anthony trial where a young mother was charged with murdering her daughter. Perry and his co author Amy Mitchell tell an engaging tale of his upbringing and his journey into the legal profession His memoir however is interspersed between retellings of the trials he was involved with For the casual reader the details of the crimes all murders may be too much Perry and Mitchell go into almost exquisite detail when describing the actions of the killers However for the fans of true crime novels and podcasts these details may be just what you re looking for. The other thing to keep in mind is that Perry also uses these murder trials as a means to justify the death penalty From his point of view that s understandable As a prosecutor and judge Perry has had a front row seat to some of the most heinous murders in Florida No one can be repeatedly exposed to those situations without being affected by them But if you are against the death penalty you ll find yourself disagreeing with his arguments and justifications The Velvet Hammer is a well written and engaging combination of memoir and true crime collection The narrative alternates between Perry s life and the legal system offering dissections of his cases and the reasoning behind his legal decisions I found it insightful a bit morbid but overall a fascinating read The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir 4. I was 100% obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial when it happened I have always been a Court TV junkie and often have cases on in the background while I am working during the day Casey s case was horrific and engrossing and at times completely unbelievable For me there were two stars of that case of course Jose Baez and Judge Perry They were both phenomenal characters to watch and be immersed in but for two totally different reasons Baez was audacious creative and in my opinion lacking morals Perry however what s the complete opposite steadfast practical and amazingly authoritative I still regularly do an impression of his Mr Baez when I find a statement unbelievable or out of line. Anyway as you d expect a good portion of this book focuses on that case his most notorious He gives us his opinions how he ended up on the case and the nuts and bolts of the day to day and what he thinks could have changed the verdict Much compellingly he tells us of his youth his choice to go into law how he became a judge and the rest of his notable death penalty cases I loved the balance of memoir with true crime Each case gets so much Dateline like detail but also Harry s opinions on the perpetrator the victim and how the case was tried. If you like law and order or true crime definitely check this one out The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir A big thanks to Post Hill Press for the ARC The Velvet Hammer is an engrossing and insightful memoir by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. who offers readers a rare glimpse into some of the most harrowing death penalty cases of his career Among these is the infamous Casey Anthony trial Perry s personal reflections and insights as the presiding judge offer an unparalleled view going beyond the courtroom proceedings providing readers with a behind the scenes look at his thoughts and deliberations during the trial I liked this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in true crime the judicial process or the intricacies of capital punishment Perry s firsthand account provides an interesting perspective on why some individuals support the death penalty presenting arguments grounded in his experiences and the gravity of the crimes he encountered His explanations are candid and thought provoking shedding light on the often controversial stance. I am unsure whether it is primarily a recounting of Perry s life and career or does it aim to provide an in depth exploration of the Casey Anthony case and others like it Ultimately this duality did not detract from the overall experience as both aspects are equally compelling and well written The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC This was an interesting read about the cases Belvin Perry was involved as a prosecutor or presided over as a judge Some were brutal and hard to read Tidbits of his professional career sometimes randomly found themselves in chapters regarding a case however this was still a great read The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and MemoirPicture a dimly lit chamber where the air hangs heavy with the weight of countless lives A solitary figure sits draped in black his weathered hands resting on a well worn gavel This is the domain of Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. where the line between justice and vengeance blurs and where the echoes of Florida s most heinous crimes still resonate In The Velvet Hammer Perry and co author Amy Mitchell invite readers into this sanctum offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a man tasked with meting out justice in a world often devoid of mercy. The Velvet Hammer co authored with Amy Mitchell isn t your typical true crime page turner It s a deeply personal account from a man who spent over two decades deciding the fates of Florida s most vicious killers And let me tell you it s not for the faint of heart. From Jim Crow to Chief JudgePerry kicks things off with a look back at his childhood in segregated Orlando Picture this a young Black kid son of one of the city s first Black cops watching his dad navigate a world that didn t exactly roll out the welcome mat It s clear these early experiences shaped Perry s view of justice and fairness in a big way. As he recounts his journey from wide eyed law student to hard nosed prosecutor and eventually to chief judge you get a real sense of the man behind the robe Perry s writing style is straightforward almost like he s talking to you over coffee But every now and then he ll drop a zinger that ll make you chuckle or wince depending on the subject matter. Florida s Hall of InfamyNow let s get to the meat of the book the cases Holy smokes people If you thought Florida was all Mickey Mouse and beach parties think again Perry dives deep into some of the most horrific crimes you ve probably never heard of unless you re a true crime junkie like me. There s Judy Buenoano aka The Black Widow who poisoned her husband son and fianc with arsenic Perry s description of watching her execution is um let s just say I had to take a breather after that chapter. Then you ve got Jerry William Correll who went on a stabbing spree that left four family members dead including his own kid Perry doesn t pull any punches describing the crime scene Fair warning you might want to skip that part if you ve just eaten. J Of course Perry dedicates a big chunk of the book to the case that made him a household name Casey Anthony Remember that circus Perry gives us a front row seat to all the craziness from the media frenzy to the shenanigans in the courtroom. He s pretty even handed when talking about the key players like prosecutor Jeff Ashton and defense attorney Jose Baez But you can tell he s still frustrated with how it all went down Reading between the lines it s pretty clear what Perry thinks about the verdict even if he doesn t come right out and say it. The Big QuestionsNow this isn t just a bunch of gory stories strung together Perry wrestles with some heavy stuff throughout the book The death penalty is a big one He admits he wasn t always for it but seeing the impact of these crimes up close changed his mind It s fascinating to see how his thinking evolved over time. And then there s the whole issue of race in the courtroom As one of the first Black judges elected in Orange County Perry s got some stories that ll make your blood boil But he s not just complaining he s showing how he worked to change things from the inside. The VerdictLook The Velvet Hammer isn t a perfect book Sometimes it jumps around a bit and Perry occasionally gets a little too into the legal weeds for us regular folks But hot damn is it a compelling read. If you re into true crime legal dramas or just want to understand how our justice system really works warts and all you need to pick this up Perry s unique perspective as a Black judge in the South combined with his front row seat to some of Florida s most infamous trials makes for one hell of a story. In the end The Velvet Hammer is than just another true crime book It s a deeply human look at justice morality and the crazy messed up sometimes inspiring world of American law Perry s journey from segregated Orlando to the top of Florida s legal system is the kind of story that reminds you why they call it the American Dream even if that dream sometimes looks like a nightmare in the Sunshine State The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir A Gripping Journey Through Florida s Most Notorious Capital Murder CasesIn the sweltering heat of a Florida courtroom where the air hangs heavy with tension and the weight of life or death decisions sits a man who has seen it all Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr has presided over some of the Sunshine State s most gruesome and headline grabbing murder trials Now in his gripping memoir co authored with Amy Mitchell Perry pulls back the curtain on his quarter century career on the bench offering readers a rare and unflinching look at the American justice system in action. From Segregation to the Judge s ChamberPerry s journey from a young African American boy growing up in the segregated South to becoming one of Florida s most respected jurists is nothing short of remarkable The son of one of Orlando s first black police officers Perry witnessed firsthand the slow painful progress of civil rights in America His accounts of childhood experiences like tasting his first hot dog at a newly desegregated Woolworth s lunch counter are both poignant and illuminating. But it s Perry s legal career that forms the meat of this engrossing true crime memoir As a prosecutor he tackled some of Florida s most heinous criminals including the notorious Black Widow Judy Buenoano who poisoned her husband and drowned her disabled son for insurance money Perry s recollections of exhuming bodies and the nauseating stench of decomposition are not for the faint of heart but they lend an undeniable authenticity to his narratives. The Gavel Falls Perry s Most Infamous CasesPerry doesn t shy away from the controversial aspects of capital punishment He candidly discusses the weight of sentencing eight people to death during his tenure describing the sleepless nights and moral wrestling that accompanied each decision His detailed accounts of these cases from the savage quadruple murder committed by Jerry Correll to the disturbing crimes of Scott Mansfield dubbed the lust murderer are both horrifying and captivating. But it s Perry s insider perspective on the infamous Casey Anthony trial that will likely draw many readers to this book As the presiding judge in what he calls the trial of the century Perry offers unique insights into the case that captivated the nation His frustrations with the antics of both the prosecution and defense teams are palpable and his assessment of the controversial verdict is both measured and thought provoking. More Than Just True CrimeWhile The Velvet Hammer certainly delivers on its promise of gritty true crime content it s Perry s reflections on the broader issues of justice race and morality that elevate this memoir above the typical genre fare His discussions on the evolution of Florida s domestic violence laws in the wake of tragic cases like that of Karen Spencer are particularly enlightening. Perry s writing style likely shaped by his years of crafting legal opinions is clear and direct There s a no nonsense quality to his prose that befits his reputation as a tough but fair judge That said moments of unexpected humor and vulnerability shine through humanizing the man behind the robe. A Southern Perspective on JusticeThroughout the book Perry s Southern roots are evident His colloquialisms lend an authentic flavor to the narrative When describing particularly gruesome crime scenes or difficult decisions you can almost hear the slow deliberate drawl of a man carefully weighing his words. One particularly affecting passage comes when Perry recalls sitting in the electric chair during a visit to death row with his law clerks During one visit to the prison I sat in the electric chair That wooden chair with electrodes reinforced the seriousness of a death sentence the sacred obligation of being a judge and the oath I took As a capital murder judge I was given the power to start the mechanism of death I needed to dot all the i s and cross all the t s to ensure my sentences were proper for the crimes committed and the defendants I sentenced to death were fairly judged When I stood up and walked away from that electric chair I realized being a judge was a lonely walk The Scales of Justice Weighing the Book s MeritsPerry and Mitchell have crafted a compelling narrative that manages to be both informative and emotionally resonant True crime aficionados will appreciate the behind the scenes details of high profile cases while those interested in the broader workings of the American justice system will find much to ponder. Verdict A Must Read for True Crime EnthusiastsIn the crowded field of true crime literature The Velvet Hammer stands out as a uniquely authoritative and multifaceted work It s not just a recitation of gruesome crimes but a thoughtful examination of justice morality and the human experience from a man who has seen the best and worst of humanity. Perry s journey from a segregated childhood to the pinnacle of the Florida judicial system is inspiring and his candid reflections on the weighty responsibilities of his position are deeply moving Whether you re a longtime follower of high profile criminal cases or simply curious about the inner workings of the American legal system The Velvet Hammer offers a compelling and enlightening read. Highlights Insider perspective on infamous cases like Casey Anthony and Judy Buenoano Thoughtful examination of capital punishment and its moral implications Unique blend of true crime memoir and legal analysis Authentic Southern voice brings the Florida courtroom to lifeWho Should Read This Book True crime enthusiasts Legal professionals and law students Those interested in social justice and race relations in America Anyone fascinated by high profile criminal casesSimilar Books While The Velvet Hammer is Perry s debut memoir readers interested in similar perspectives from the bench might enjoy Scalia Speaks Reflections on Law Faith and Life Well Lived by Antonin Scalia My Grandfather s Son A Memoir by Clarence Thomas Just Mercy A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan StevensonFinal ThoughtsThe Velvet Hammer is than just another true crime book It s a deeply personal account of one man s quest for justice in a complex and often brutal world Perry s unique perspective as both a trailblazing African American jurist and a key player in some of Florida s most notorious criminal cases makes for a fascinating read. As Perry himself might say Y all this ain t just about the gory details of murder cases It s about the hard work of justice the weight of making life or death decisions and the never ending struggle to do what s right in a world that ain t always black and white. In the end The Velvet Hammer serves as both a gripping true crime narrative and a thought provoking meditation on justice race and morality in America It s a book that will stay with you long after you ve turned the final page leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our legal system and the dedicated individuals who strive to make it work. So go on pick up a copy of The Velvet Hammer Just don t be surprised if you find yourself staying up way past your bedtime turning pages faster than a Florida gator can snap its jaws This is one legal thriller that s all too real and all the fascinating for it The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir I never expected as a prosecutor or otherwise to see a case in which I thought a woman deserved to die. This chilling line from The Velvet Hammer sets the tone for Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr s gripping memoir co authored with Amy Mitchell It s a stark reminder that behind the courtroom drama lies the weighty responsibility of deciding between life and death. Perry s book is a potent blend of true crime legal thriller and personal journey From the segregated streets of Orlando to the judge s bench in some of Florida s most notorious murder trials Perry s story is as much about the evolution of justice in America as it is about the cases he presided over. The narrative alternates between Perry s personal history and detailed accounts of the capital murder cases that defined his career This structure can sometimes feel disjointed but it effectively illustrates how Perry s experiences as a Black man in a predominantly white legal system shaped his approach to justice. Perry s writing style likely honed through years of crafting legal opinions is direct and unsparing He doesn t shy away from the gruesome details of the crimes he encountered from the methodical poisonings of Black Widow Judy Buenoano to the savage family slaughter perpetrated by Jerry William Correll These accounts are not for the faint of heart but they serve to underscore the gravity of the decisions Perry was called upon to make. What sets The Velvet Hammer apart from typical true crime fare is Perry s willingness to grapple with the moral complexities of his role His evolution on the death penalty from skeptic to reluctant proponent is particularly compelling Perry doesn t present himself as an infallible arbiter of justice but rather as a man doing his best to navigate an imperfect system. The book s treatment of the infamous Casey Anthony trial is especially noteworthy Perry s behind the scenes account of the media circus and courtroom drama offers new insights into a case that captivated the nation His measured critique of both the prosecution and defense strategies adds nuance to a story often painted in black and white by the media. While Perry s legal expertise is evident throughout there are times when the technical details might overwhelm lay readers A glossary of legal terms could have been a helpful addition Despite this the book remains largely accessible thanks to Perry s clear writing style and Mitchell s skillful co authorship. One of the book s strengths is its unflinching examination of race in the Florida legal system Perry s recollections of facing prejudice even after ascending to the bench are both infuriating and illuminating His pride in being one of the first Black judges elected to the bench in Orange County is palpable as is his determination to change the system from within. The Velvet Hammer is than just a collection of sensational crime stories or a judge s memoir It s a deeply human exploration of justice morality and the heavy burden carried by those tasked with making life or death decisions Perry s journey from the segregated streets of Orlando to the pinnacle of Florida s judicial system is a uniquely American story one of perseverance integrity and the enduring belief in the power of the law to create a just society. For true crime enthusiasts aspiring lawyers or anyone interested in the inner workings of the American justice system The Velvet Hammer is a must read Perry and Mitchell have crafted a narrative that balances shocking true crime details with thoughtful analysis of complex legal and social issues It s a book that will leave readers pondering difficult questions long after they ve turned the final page. In the end The Velvet Hammer stands as a powerful testament to one man s pursuit of justice in an imperfect system It s a reminder that behind every courtroom drama every sensational headline there are real people grappling with impossible decisions As Perry writes There is no such thing as closure when a friend or family member is murdered But perhaps through books like this we can come closer to understanding the complex machinery of justice that grinds on in the face of humanity s darkest impulses The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir Justice may be blind but the Velvet Hammer sees all. In The Velvet Hammer former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr and co author Amy Mitchell peel back the curtain on some of Florida s most notorious criminal cases offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a judge tasked with meting out justice in a system fraught with complexities. Perry s memoir is a gripping account of his journey from a young black man growing up in segregated Orlando to becoming the chief judge presiding over the sensational Casey Anthony murder trial The book s title is apt Perry earned the moniker The Velvet Hammer for his firm yet compassionate approach on the bench His writing style mirrors this persona blending matter of fact accounts of gruesome crimes with thoughtful reflections on the nature of justice and the weight of judicial responsibility. The heart of the book lies in Perry s detailed recounting of several high profile cases including the chilling Black Widow murders and the controversial Casey Anthony trial Perry s insider perspective provides fascinating insights into the legal strategies courtroom dynamics and behind the scenes deliberations that shaped these cases outcomes His frank assessment of the Anthony verdict expressing shock while respecting the jury s decision is particularly compelling. However The Velvet Hammer is than just a true crime page turner Perry weaves in poignant personal anecdotes about growing up black in the Jim Crow South and the mentors who shaped his career These sections humanize the author and provide crucial context for understanding his judicial philosophy. While Perry s accounts are engrossing the book occasionally suffers from a somewhat disjointed narrative structure The chronological jumps between cases and personal history can be jarring at times Additionally some readers may find the legal jargon and procedural details overwhelming in places. Despite these minor flaws The Velvet Hammer is a valuable addition to the true crime genre and legal memoir canon Perry s unique perspective as a trailblazing African American judge adds depth to his analysis of the criminal justice system His unflinching examination of both its strengths and shortcomings is refreshingly honest. Ultimately The Velvet Hammer serves as both a captivating read for true crime enthusiasts and a thought provoking exploration of justice in America Perry s voice rings clear throughout measured yet passionate analytical yet deeply human Like the judge himself this book strikes a delicate balance between the cold letter of the law and the complex realities of human nature The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir The stench of death lingers in the humid Florida air a grim reminder that beneath the Sunshine State s postcard perfect facade lurks a darker reality It s this shadow world that former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr invites us to explore in his gripping memoir The Velvet Hammer With unflinching honesty and a judge s keen eye for detail Perry peels back the layers of Florida s most notorious murder cases revealing the raw humanity at the heart of even the most inhuman acts. Co authored with Amy Mitchell The Velvet Hammer is far than just another true crime page turner It s a deeply personal journey through the evolution of Florida s criminal justice system viewed through the lens of a man who rose from the segregated streets of Orlando to become one of the state s most respected jurists. Perry s narrative style is as direct and no nonsense as you d expect from a seasoned judge yet there are moments of surprising vulnerability that catch you off guard His recollections of growing up Black in 1950s Orlando are particularly poignant setting the stage for his later reflections on race and justice in America. The heart of the book lies in Perry s vivid recounting of the capital murder cases that defined his career From the cold blooded calculations of Black Widow Judy Buenoano to the savage family annihilation perpetrated by Jerry William Correll Perry spares no gruesome detail It s not for the faint of heart but these unflinching depictions serve a purpose forcing readers to confront the stark realities of violent crime and the heavy burden of judgment. Perhaps most compelling is Perry s candid exploration of his own evolving views on capital punishment His transformation from death penalty skeptic to reluctant executioner adds depth to the narrative challenging readers to grapple with their own beliefs about justice and retribution. Inevitably a significant portion of the book is devoted to the Casey Anthony trial which thrust Perry into the national spotlight His behind the scenes account of the media circus and legal maneuvering is fascinating offering new insights into a case that captivated the nation. While The Velvet Hammer is undoubtedly engrossing it s not without its flaws The book s structure which jumps between Perry s personal history and various murder cases can feel disjointed at times Additionally Perry occasionally delves too deep into legal minutiae potentially losing lay readers in a thicket of jargon. Despite these minor quibbles The Velvet Hammer stands as a unique and valuable contribution to the true crime genre Perry s perspective as both an insider and an outsider in Florida s legal establishment offers a nuanced view of the American justice system rarely seen in popular literature. Ultimately The Velvet Hammer is than just a collection of sensational crime stories or a judge s memoir It s a thought provoking exploration of justice morality and the heavy weight of wielding the power of life and death Perry doesn t pretend to have all the answers but his reflections on these complex issues informed by decades on the bench provide valuable fodder for ongoing debates about criminal justice reform in America. For true crime enthusiasts aspiring lawyers or anyone interested in the inner workings of the American legal system The Velvet Hammer is a must read It s a stark reminder that behind every sensational headline and courtroom drama are real human beings victims perpetrators and those tasked with the awesome responsibility of dispensing justice Perry s journey from the segregated streets of Orlando to the pinnacle of Florida s judicial system is a uniquely American story one of perseverance integrity and the enduring belief in the power of the law to create a just society The Velvet Hammer Judge Belvin Perry Jr s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir

The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.'s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir By Judge Belvin Perry Jr.

9798888455012

English

336

Paperback

.

: 5 stars Thanks to BooksGoSocial for gifted access via NetGalley All opinions below are my own. And don t even get me started on Scott Mansfield the lust murderer Actually you know what I m not even going to go there You ll have to read it for yourself. Just maybe don t read it right before bed Unless you enjoy nightmares about Florida Man coming to get you In which case hey no judgment here We ve all got our quirks.The Trial of the Century No Not O