A tense mix of “Dead Man Walking” and “Making a Murderer”, “Surviving Execution” combines the very best in true-crime writing with a searching exploration of our most barbaric punishment.
Imagine being condemned to death for murder, when even the prosecutors admit that you didn't actually kill anyone. This is what happened to Richard Glossip, a death-row inmate who was found guilty of murdering motel owner, Barry van Treese. Despite being convicted on the word of the actual self-confessed killer, the state of Oklahoma is still intent on executing him, raising international outcry and controversy. Ian Woods, a reporter for Sky News in the UK, came across the case one quiet afternoon, and has tirelessly campaigned ever since to bring the injustices Glossip has faced to the world's attention. He even served as an invited witness to Glossip's three scheduled executions-all of which were stayed at the last possible moment. This is the gripping true story of the case, and their turbulent friendship, written by a man with unparalleled first-hand knowledge and access.
"Compelling... Richard Glossip's case stands for everything that is wrong with the death penalty in the United States today. This is a captivating account of his fight for truth."
Sir Richard Branson
"A must read. Ian Woods' work is what objective journalism is all about - telling difficult truths about the barbarism of capital punishment, and telling them brilliantly."
Clive Stafford Smith OBE, Death Penalty campaigner and author of Bad Men
"There's no doubt in my mind that Ian Woods played a part in saving the life of Richard Glossip. This is a revealing insight into American injustice, and a powerful human story too."
