Laura Caldwell (1967–2020)

A good story, “Claim of Innocence” was that, a very well-told tale of a courtroom murder trial and a lawyer rediscovering herself on many professional and personal levels. It had all of the layers: an edgy job, deep friendships, complicated family matters, and messy romances. Along with all of that, it had those few tidbits, more strings I would say, thrown continually at the reader, the hints of what is tying all of the plot lines together, what was really going on. All of these show more elements together created the solid suspense that moved the story forward.
This novel had a lot of characters, and while told mainly in first person point of view of the main character, Izzy MacNeil, there was a great depth to each of them. As a reader, I felt involved with each personality surrounding Izzy to some degree, invested in each of them, even if it was to finally see them get what they had coming. As well, there were a few characters that the author made me really think about, whether to feel sorry for them or hate them, as Izzy was tugged by the same feelings. I became more and more aware of what a volatile and slippery thing justice can be.
There were times, given the frequent changes in settings and brief changes in point of view, when the questions seemed to outweigh the answers. But, it only made me want to read faster…made the story that much better. With many twists and turns and a few surprises waiting at the end, this story is especially worth the read for court case, suspense fans. show less

4.5 stars.

The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an absolutely delightful novel about an adorable dog named Baxter and his dog mom, Jessica Champlin. This sweet and light-hearted read is also a wonderful journey of self-discovery and healing for Jessica after she and Baxter unexpectedly become an overnight sensation on social media and in the press after Baxter saves a young girl's life.

Jessica and her ex-husband Sebastian Hess adopted Baxter as a puppy in an effort to save their marriage. show more Although both fell madly in love with Baxter, their marriage ended in divorce and now they share joint custody of their lovable dog. After the video of Baxter's heroic exploit goes viral, Jessica begins a wildly successful dogwear line while Baxter remains everyone's favorite canine hero.

Since Jessica and Sebastian share custody of Baxter, they continue to see one another on a regular basis. They still have some of the same arguments that led to their divorce but when Jessica becomes involved with her new business, a lot of her animosity towards Sebastian lessens. She also begins a new romance and she is surprised by how much she enjoys her new life. But a shocking betrayal by someone close to her exposes her long hidden secrets and leads to a long overdue reconciliation with someone from her past. When another calamity strikes close to home, Jessica finds help from unexpected people in her life, but her most startling discovery is the hidden strength she finds within herself as she takes charge of a frightening situation.

The Dog Park by Laura Caldwell is an engaging novel with a charming cast of characters and a refreshingly unique storyline. While there is a bit of a romantic element, it is not a traditional romance. Instead, it focuses mainly on lead protagonist, Jessica, as she heals the wounds of her past. It is a fun, heartwarming read that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to everyone who enjoys stories with animals. show less

A story so amazing, I wish it weren't true

I'm a fiction girl. Ninety percent of what I read is fiction, and I like it that way. So, that when I read something especially upsetting, I have the comfort of knowing, "It's just a story." And it is for the reason above that it has taken me six months to review Laura Caldwell's extraordinarily compelling non-fiction book, Long Way Home: A Young Man Lost in the System and the Two Women Who Found Him. This book affected me so powerfully that I needed show more time to simply process my feelings.

"The Sixth Amendment guarantees all Americans the right to a fair and speedy trial." That is what I kept repeating to myself as I read the absolutely staggering true story of Jovan Mosely. Jovan's story begins in one of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods. Despite every bad influence in the book, this teenager had managed to keep out of trouble and away from the gangs. He was smart. He did well in school and was thinking about college. All of that changed on August 6, 1999 when he was 19 years old. He was out walking with some friends and acquaintances when they came across a group beating a man in the street. Jovan took no part in it, and when he saw the direction that things were heading, he walked away. But witnesses placed him at the scene. When the victim died, Jovan was picked up for questioning. He was not out of custody again for the next six years of his life.

The phrase that comes to mind to describe Jovan's ordeal is "miscarriage of justice." I'm aware of what a cliché it is, but how else can you describe an innocent man's life stolen? Jovan's story reads like a John Grisham plot at its over-the-top best, but it's a lot less entertaining when there's a real life on the line.

Enter author Laura Caldwell. In addition to being a writer of light mysteries, she is a former civil attorney and a professor of law at Chicago's Loyola University. She has researched this story backwards and forwards and has laid it out in a straightforward and engaging manner. Additionally, she addresses what went wrong by looking at the issues from all sides, rather than simply casting blame. Caldwell is more than qualified to be the chronicler of this tale, but perhaps what is most amazing is her personal involvement in the story. After years of unjust imprisonment, Jovan finally acquires competent counsel in the form of defense attorney Catharine O'Daniel. At last he will get his day in court. But his attorney needs help trying this pro bono murder case. One thing leads to another, and she convinces a writer with no background in criminal law to second chair.

It's such an amazing story! Surely someone is developing the film? But it is when she becomes a major player in the drama that author Caldwell shows the most restraint. There's no self-aggrandizing here. In fact, she downplays her role as much as possible. I'll say it again, John Grisham couldn't have invented a more compelling tale. Truthfully, by the time I finished reading the book, I felt angry and helpless, as there is little the average citizen can do to change the system. But my eyes are open now, and to the degree that I can effect change, I will.

Read. This. Book. show less

I adored this book, and I wanted it to be longer so badly - I was sad when I was finished! I could feel Greece on my skin, like I can in the fabulous Greece scenes in Mary Stewart's novels. Some parts of the characters were a bit one-dimensional, but I felt like they all got fleshed out well by the end, and the main character always felt real and flawed and human. Highly, highly recommended - Laura Caldwell is one of my favorite authors.