Story Overview

The town of Smyrna, Tennessee had long expected Butch McPherson to kill somebody. People thought it was a crying shame his victim was also his wife Emily. With Emily dead and Butch on Death Row, their children must come together to survive.

Themes and Questions

Growing up fast, they become pawns in the court system. Will they be allowed to stay together? May they see or even speak to their father? Who decides?

Additional Information

The McPhersons are a compilation of many families. The other case histories are true. This may be the only novel you ever read to contain a bibliography.