Every August, the lovely city of Edinburgh, Scotland, opens itself to the world and becomes a continuous festival that goes for almost the entire month. It's called The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and it's an amazing celebration of arts and culture. There's something for almost everyone - non-stop music, films, theatre, books, authors, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and an endless selection of street food and bars. It is pleasantly crowded, but the millions who show up are looking for fun and culture and are well-behaved.

I was invited to the book festival and said yes because of Ian Rankin, one of the most popular writers in the UK. His speciality is crime fiction and his well­ known protagonist is John Rebos, a jaded detective with a love of the bottle and a knack for finding trouble. He has starred in at least 20 of Ian's novels and always provides unexpected adventure. There are several film adaptations.

On August 25, Ian and I had a delightful conversation before a full house at the University of Edinburgh. I look forward to going back and he's promised to return the favor over here.

So, what am I reading?

A few months ago, at the beginning of the summer, I was asked what I planned to read on vacation. I couldn't think of an answer. About that time, I saw a list of the 100 greatest novels in English published in the last 100 years. Of course, I quickly scanned it in hopes that one of my books had been chosen and thus deemed "great." Didn't happen, never does, but then I don't really care anymore. I looked at the list again and counted the books I'd read - about half. Some had been required reading in high school and college, others I'd picked up along the way. But half wasn't quite good enough.

The challenge presented itself, and I tacked the list to a wall and vowed to read 'em all, slowly, one at a time, every word, with no deadline whatsoever. Other rules crept in: (1) re-read the ones from long ago; (2) read them in order if possible; (3) read in print, hardback if possible; ( 4) buy the books in real bookstores.

After three months, I've checked off: To Kill A Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, 1984, and Catch-22. I've just started The Grapes of Wrath (for at least the tenth time since high school.) Since there is no deadline, and since there's always a stack of other books and manuscripts to read, I figure it will take at least five years. And who cares? So far I'm having a wonderful time.


So, what am I writing?

I rarely work on two books at the same time, but it happens. I'm half finished with a fascinating story about a man who's been on death row in Texas for 25 years. Yes, dear reader, it's another wrongful conviction book, but I can't help myself. The stories are so compelling for so many reasons. This is one titled: Shaken, The Rush To Execute An Innocent Man.

His name is Robert Roberson and he was convicted of murdering his two year-old daughter in 2001. At that time, the "shaken baby syndrome" was quite popular among American prosecutors and hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent parents, grandparents, babysitters, nursery workers, etc., were charged with murder, convicted, and jailed. If Robert is ultimately executed in Texas, he will be the first, and only, person put to death for killing a child who died of other causes.

The "science" behind the shaken baby syndrome has been thoroughly debunked. It was never based on science in the first place, but became a legal theory used by aggressive prosecutors to terrorize caregivers for three decades. At least 18 states have thrown out convictions based on SBS, including, oddly enough, Texas.

Last week I spent two hours with Robert on death row in the Pulanski Unit near Livingston, Texas. He's one of 165 condemned men locked away there. Twenty-seven states retain the death penalty but most are not serious about executing people. However, being on death row in Texas is serious business. Five of Robert's fellow inmates have "dates," or notices of pending executions. On October 17, 2024, Robert came within 60 minutes of being lethally injected.

For a man who's survived death row for 25 years he is remarkably upbeat. Along with a ton of publicity, Robert's case has attracted a team of talented and experienced lawyers who have fought the State at every tum. Robert is now back in court seeking a new trial.

His spirits, and his defense, are buoyed by the Roark case. Last year, Andrew Roark was freed after 20 years in prison for a conviction based on SBS. The facts in his case are eerily similar to Robert's. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals threw out Roark's conviction because it was not based on valid science. The court sent it back for a new trial, one the prosecutor wanted no part of because he had no evidence. Roark walked free.

Now, the same CCA will be reviewing Robert's case and there is reason for hope. If Robert is exonerated and allowed to walk away from death row, Shaken will have a happy ending. I plan to publish it when that happens.

In the meantime, it's back to the fictional world of legal thrillers. I'm happily at work on the Fall 2027 novel and will finish by the end of the year. I wish I had a title to share with you but I rarely do at this point.

Any ideas?

Happy Reading
John Grisham