A Measure of Justice

In A Measure of Justice: Anthony Faison's Wrongful Conviction for Murder & Extraordinary Fight for Freedom, JT Hunter chronicles the harrowing true story of Anthony Faison, who spends 12 years imprisoned for a murder he did not commit. Faison's conviction is primarily based on the unreliable testimony of the sole witness, Carolyn Van Buren, who later recants her story. Throughout the narrative, Anthony's plight intersects with Michael Race, a private investigator and former NYPD detective, who becomes instrumental in revealing the truth and pursuing justice. Together, they confront a flawed legal system rife with corruption and bias, ultimately leading to Faison's exoneration.  

The characterization in Hunter's work is stellar, and readers are instantly captivated by Anthony’s evolution from a hopeful young man to a hardened inmate seeking justice in despair. The pathos is exacting as the stakes heighten for the young man. Michael Race’s transformation from police investigator to advocate for the wrongfully accused emphasizes the potential for moral redemption within the system. Each character’s journey is unique and meticulously rendered, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles. Hunter's world-building vividly portrays the stark realities of life in Crown Heights during the 1980s, marked by crime, poverty, and an oppressive police presence. The atmosphere of the gritty urban environment and the prison system is detailed, creating a backdrop that enhances the narrative's tension. The vivid descriptions of the neighborhoods and prison dynamics are powerful, with social commentaries that are as immersive as they are eye-opening.

Hunter’s A Measure of Justice effectively employs literary elements such as foreshadowing and symbolism, emphasizing the theme of truth versus deception. The juxtaposition of Anthony's longing for freedom against the harsh confinement of prison metaphorically critiques the justice system, which often prioritizes expediency over truth. This compelling account offers a gripping true crime narrative and a sobering exploration of the quest for justice. For crime fiction fans, this is a must-read — deftly plotted, superbly written, and infused with the tension that drives the plot forward.