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Illusion of Justice: Inside Making a Murderer and America's Broken System Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Jerome F. Buting (Author), Sean Pratt (Narrator), HarperAudio (Publisher)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 354 ratings
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Interweaving an insider's account of the true-crime saga and Netflix sensation Making a Murderer with other controversial cases from his career, this powerful memoir from Steven Avery's defense attorney reveals the flaws in America's criminal justice system and puts forth a provocative, persuasive call for reform.

Not since The Thin Blue Line has there been a true-crime saga as engrossing as Making a Murderer. Captivating audiences across demographic lines, it made Steven Avery a household name and thrust defense attorney Jerome F. Buting - and his fight against America's dysfunctional criminal justice system - into the spotlight.

In Illusion of Justice, Buting uses the Avery case as a springboard to examine the shaky integrity of our law enforcement and legal systems, which he has witnessed firsthand for nearly four decades. From his early career as a public defender to his success overturning wrongful convictions, his story provides a compelling insider's view into the high-stakes world of criminal defense and suggests that while in principle the law presumes innocence, in practice it more often than not presumes guilt.

Combining narrative reportage with critical commentary and personal reflection, Buting explores his professional motivations, the high-profile cases that defined his career, and the path to much-needed criminal justice reform. Taking its place beside acclaimed best sellers such as Just Mercy and The New Jim Crow, Illusion of Justice is a tour de force from a relentless and eloquent advocate for justice who is determined to fulfill his professional responsibility - and, in the face of overwhelming odds, make the judicial system work as it is designed to.

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  1. Listening Length
    10 hours and 37 minutes
  2. Author
    Jerome F. Buting
  3. Narrator
    Sean Pratt
  4. Audible release date
    February 28, 2017
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    HarperAudio
  7. ASIN
    B01MYNQ0OE
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 10 hours and 37 minutes
Author Jerome F. Buting
Narrator Sean Pratt
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date February 28, 2017
Publisher HarperAudio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B01MYNQ0OE
Best Sellers Rank #88,338 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#32 in Biographies of Legal Professionals
#205 in Lawyer & Judge Biographies
#592 in Political Science (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
354 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and informative about the justice system. They describe the writing style as easy to read and follow, with an articulate and witty tone. Readers praise the author's humor as inspiring and a great lawyer.

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39 customers mention "Readability"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as a riveting read that is personal and thought-provoking. Readers also mention it's entertaining while educating.

"...With, thankfully, no cheap shots at opposing counsel, just an interesting and compelling story." Read more

"...Buting's book give you an insider's view of this and I well worth your time to read." Read more

"A good read. Definitely enjoyed reading about the Avery case purely from the defense perspective...." Read more

"This was a truly interesting and heartfelt read...." Read more

21 customers mention "Information quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and eye-opening about the justice system. They appreciate the detailed account and compelling insights from inside the defense. The book provides a truthful and sobering look at the court system, with great information on other cases.

"...written, incredibly detailed book about the Avery Case and all of its legal questions, landmines, and casualties...." Read more

"...is a well written account of Mr. Buting's personal journey and passion for the law and in particular the importance of criminal defense aspects of..." Read more

"...The book is a blend of personal reflections about why Jerry became a lawyer, compelling cases he worked on and steps that need to be done to reform..." Read more

"...Buting writes in an easy-to-read and compelling style...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style clear and easy to follow. They appreciate the author's engaging and informative style that is entertaining while educating.

"Thank you Mr. Buting for a well written, incredibly detailed book about the Avery Case and all of its legal questions, landmines, and casualties...." Read more

"...It is a well written account of Mr. Buting's personal journey and passion for the law and in particular the importance of criminal defense aspects..." Read more

"This volume was hard to put down. Buting writes in an easy-to-read and compelling style...." Read more

"A well-written account of the Avery murder trial, from the defense attorney's view...." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's humor. They find it witty, informative, and inspiring.

"...Her blend of grace, compassion and humor was inspiring. Behind every great man there is an even greater woman." Read more

"There are fire in his words. It's a cathartic experience to read this book." Read more

"Funny, witty and informative." Read more

3 customers mention "Lawyer"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the lawyer.

"An interesting look into behind the scenes of one of the best lawyers in Wisconsin besides Ken Kratz, hah...." Read more

"What a wonderful lawyer and human being .Well written .Restored my faith in lawyers" Read more

"Great Lawyer..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • CKing725
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book: thought-provoking and fact-intensive, just like you'd expect from Jerry Buting. This is the Avery book to read.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Thank you Mr. Buting for a well written, incredibly detailed book about the Avery Case and all of its legal questions, landmines, and casualties. You do not need to believe in the innocence or guilt of Steven Avery to understand the gravity of any person's situation who has been charged with a serious crime in our modern day judicial system. This book demonstrates in every thought, word, and deed of Mr. Buting the professionalism, respect, and high regard he holds our criminal justice system and the people who participate in same. Mr. Buting's personal story and struggles and the kind and gracious manner in which he treats all people with whom he interacts--lawyer or defendant, friend or stranger--should be a lesson to us all. And more importantly, a reminder to everyone subject to the laws of the United States: that we are presumed innocent until proven guilty--and not the other way around. An interesting and well balanced book about this fascinating Avery case. With, thankfully, no cheap shots at opposing counsel, just an interesting and compelling story.
    35 people found this helpful
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  • Thomas Schleis
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Bird's Eye View of the Criminal Justice System
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Whether you believe Steven Avery is guilty or not, there was a stark contrast between the professionalism of the defense attorneys and the prosecution in the case. Watching Making a Murderer, I was impressed with the defense attorney's vigiliance, compassion, and drive to give their client the best defense they could. If I needed representation, these are the two attorneys I would want at my side. Contrast that with the prosecution where Ken Kratz holds press conferences with made up facts that almost assure the defendant will never get a fair trial. Kratz ultimately loses his job for his sleazy behavior with not one, but several women he is representing, and pawns it of as 'well, that happened years after the case'. Behavior like that doesn't just come out of the blue. He has filed for bankruptcy and deserves it.

    With that introduction, the book does discuss the Avery case, but is more about other similar cases that Buting has been involved with as well as highlighting some of the failings in our current justice system. I think what is most striking is how once a person is convicted, the appeal process is often nothing more than a rubber stamp to stay that prosecution. This was certainly the case with Brendan Dassey. It is not until the case gets to federal court where it will be looked at with a fresh pair of eyes and even then, the burden of proof needed to overturn is higher than ever. Buting's book give you an insider's view of this and I well worth your time to read.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Lorrie Noggle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining read on a fascinating case
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A good read. Definitely enjoyed reading about the Avery case purely from the defense perspective. Hard to see how the jury could have convicted based on the shaky evidence, which the defense cast legitimate doubt upon. Aside from that, I really enjoyed Buting's descriptions of the other cases he worked on prior to Avery's. My biggest problem was that this book couldn't decide if it wanted to be memoir or true crime non-fic. The first half seems to be memoir, while the latter half is the Making a Murderer story fans of the docuseries are probably looking for. I would have liked to see less memoir (if any) and more critique of the American justice system, as the subtitle promises -- it's largely missing.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Julia Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Miss This Great Book
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2017
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    This was a truly interesting and heartfelt read. My husband and I both loved it and found it engaging despite having watched and followed much of the MaM/ Avery story. This is not a quick to publish rehashing of the Steven Avery trial. It is a well written account of Mr. Buting's personal journey and passion for the law and in particular the importance of criminal defense aspects of the legal system. The writing style is comfortable and easy to follow for readers like us without legal background. Jerry Buting's insight and passion for criminal defense and why those principles are as important today as they were when the constitution and bill of rights were written left us both inspired to do more and be more involved!
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Paula Grabow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and Inspiring book!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a true crime buff this book is a must read. I literally couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The book is a blend of personal reflections about why Jerry became a lawyer, compelling cases he worked on and steps that need to be done to reform the criminal justice system. I was very moved about his raw description of his cancer battle. One thing that resonates clearly is how his faith and family have played a role in his life. Inspiring read on so many levels. We need more Jerry Buting's in this world. I would be remiss not to mention the unsung hero of the book, his wife Kathy. You will truly be moved how instrumental she was in his cancer battle. Her blend of grace, compassion and humor was inspiring. Behind every great man there is an even greater woman.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars OMG!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The American justice system is a nightmare! I am probably the only person left in the lower 48 who missed the "Making a Murderer" mini-series. In a way I'm glad I did. It made this book all the more powerful. What happened to the men the author represented was a gothic horror story in real life. I understand why people kill themselves in prison. To spend ten, twenty, thirty years in prison for a crime I didn't commit would definitely drive me to suicide.
    As a person who once survived the U.S.Army, I thought I knew what bureaucracy was all about. Boy, was I wrong. The bureaucratic incompetence, malice and laziness work to grind down every person who gets pulled into the system. Since everyone assumes they are guilty, nobody cares if they have to wait forever for justice.
    I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Then I couldn't sleep. So, if you don't have enough to worry about in your life, or you want something to fight off that narcolepsy you've been suffering then this is the book for you.
    15 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • N7 Bash
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read & Knowledgeable Author.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Like many people around the world, I have watched the Steven Avery & Brendan Dassey cases very closely since the Documentary - Making A Murderer, first aired on Netflix in 2015. It has become something of an obsession to me, but strangely, I have only just gotten round to reading Jerome Buting's excellent book.

    The book itself isn't exclusively about the Teresa Halbach Murder, though around a half of it is. But it does shed a lot more light on the case, bringing some things to my attention that really, only a man deeply involved in the case would, or could, have possibly known.

    Having had the honour of meeting Jerry earlier this year (on one of his speaking tour dates), I have to say that he left quite the impression on me. His knowledge on things is outstanding & his value to Steven Avery, along with Dean Strang, cannot be underestimated or undervalued. At any other time I believe that they would have triumphed, quite emphatically, in my opinion. I just think that the forces working against them at that time were far too great, and deliberately so. The State made it that way (or so it seems to me) at every opportunity that they had, because they knew the case against Steven Avery was phony & weak, in many ways.

    The book makes clear that Jerry is a man of great integrity. Aside from the Steven Avery defense, Jerry explains another case of his, told back & forth throughout much of the book, involving a pair of Brother's & a Woman found murdered in very mysterious circumstances. I found this case to be just as compelling & will be actively seeking out more info about that case, after learning about it here.

    The thing that I really like about the book, and Jerry in particular, is that he explains his points incredibly well, without feeling the need to ramble on or repeat himself too much, or too often. He keeps things very detailed, at least detailed enough, but also very concise at the same time. I think his timing is great, and his experience as a Lawyer is obviously the cause of this. In his career as a Lawyer he has clearly learned how to prioritise things, whilst also learning how to hold some things back just enough that you wish to hear or learn more about them, or until the time is right. And later, those things return to be finished off by Jerry.

    He would make a most excellent thriller novelist in my opinion! One to rival the Dan Brown's of the world. But, his stories may well be factual & not fiction. I really hope he writes more books similar to this one in the future, hopefully involving other cases that he has worked on throughout his career. I, for one, would really enjoy them.
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  • paul bellows
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm not a big reader however I enjoyed his book and would recommend this to someone who ...
    Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Very well written.
    His opinions towards Avery and his innocence were strongly supported by by both evidence and logic. His passion as a defence lawyer is evident. He really shares his personal story along with those who were wrongfully treated by the American Justice system. I respect the fact Jerome Buting doesn't mind standing up for right and wrong. I'm not a big reader however I enjoyed his book and would recommend this to someone who would especially like to know the facts in the Steven Avery case and have some understanding from the defence side.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mark Hoddinott
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for all those interested in Criminal Justice Reform!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is a wonderful book for those interested in criminal justice reform in the US along with a unique insight into the Making a Murderer case of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey.

    Written by one of Steven’s lawyers, Jerome Buting, the book walks through his personal life and the route that brought him to being a lawyer and into the lives of two special and unrelated people - Steven Avery and Ralph Armstrong. Jerry argues the case for reform through these and his other defense lawyer experiences with his passion and commitment to the common man a major driving force in his life.

    This is a very special book deserving of your time. It is thoughtfully constructed and wrapped with an amazing insight into the subject cases. Jerry’s love of family and community permeates his drive to help those in need and I was left hoping if I ever needed a criminal defense lawyer one day ( and I hope not) it might be someone even half as committed to justice as Jerry is.

    The book is also a great reference resource for the cases themselves - I feel very lucky to have encountered this man through this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting details that weren’t discussed in the docu-series. Written so that even non-lawyers can understand.
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  • Kazzy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Illusion of Justice is an engaging read from start to finish. Every time I picked it up, I found it difficult to tear myself away. Within the pages is a fascinating look at the workings of the criminal justice system, and an eye-opening glimpse at its many flaws.

    This book doesn't just cover the well-documented Avery case, but other cases too, and it's heartbreaking to know so many people are wrongfully convicted of crimes, and that evidence can so easily be manipulated or twisted, or even completely disregarded.

    Illusion of Justice also offers insight into Mr Buting's real life, some of it painfully sad at times, but also peppered with humor, and most of all, love.

    A truly great read.
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