Michael Cicchini's Books

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In my efforts to advocate for legal reform, I have published four books on the criminal justice system. You can read some of my book reviews below. Click the four covers to see the books on amazon.com. These books are not legal advice. If you have a legal issue or legal question of any kind, immediately call me or a licensed attorney in your state. 

"Cicchini convincingly demonstrates that the Kafkaesque criminal justice in Avery's case was not an anomaly, and his work is an accessible entrée into the debate over how defendants' rights should be protected."
-- Publishers Weekly

 "In a crowded and competitive field . . . it's definitely among the best true crime books of 2017." 

-- Vocal Media 

"Thoughtful and well-reasoned, the book is eye-opening and frightening."
-- Winnipeg Free Press

"The author's writing style and concise analysis allows those not familiar with legal terminology to easily comprehend the complexities of the case."
-- New York Journal of Books

"Regardless of one's personal opinions, the book provides a considered insider's view of parts of the criminal justice system the public rarely sees."
-- Blog Critics

"Cicchini makes his case clearly. . . . Will engage fans of the series and readers who wonder if prosecutors really do cut corners in their campaigns against serious criminals."
-- Kirkus Reviews

"It is a fascinating read, as the author skillfully weaves the issues surrounding the cases into a wider debate about the criminal justice system as a whole."
-- Criminal Element

"Verdict: It's a keeper."

-- Wisconsin Lawyer magazine

"[H]ighly recommended for any legal collection . . ."

-- California Bookwatch

"For those who are really interested in the criminal law side of the case . . . Cicchini's book is most certainly one of the best tools for a greater understanding."

-- Real Crime magazine, United Kingdom

"Convicting Avery is that rare book that is superbly written by an expert in criminal law, reads like a thriller, and offers much that would surprise even seasoned lawyers.  I read it in one sitting."

-- Matthew Flynn, Author of Pryme Knumber and Milwaukee Jihad

"Convicting Avery is a smart, irreverent analysis . . . a fascinating and, at times, deeply disturbing examination of the problems that plague our criminal justice system."
-- Lawrence T. White, PhD, False Confession Expert in Making a Murderer

"Replete with fresh, unsettling truths and insights, Convicting Avery is highly readable and well researched, and leavened with common sense and cutting wit.  It's a galvanizing book -- expertly and persuasively written."
-- Mauricio "Mo" Hernandez, Attorney

"Michael Cicchini has written a wonderfully descriptive and insightful book, the definitive account of the interrogations of Brendan Dassey and his coerced, contaminated and (almost certainly) false confessions. Cicchini masterfully describes the tricks of the interrogation trade . . . Anyone who watched the Netflix series Making a Murderer with rapt fascination will want to read this book."
-- Richard A. Leo, J.D., Ph.D., author, Police Interrogation and American Justice; Professor of Law & Psychology, University of San Francisco

"[T]he writing is strong and engaging throughout the book, even in the dives into the detailed legal reasoning that runs through this case." 

-- Rutgers Book Reviews

"In easy-to-read chapters, Cicchini spells out common methods interrogators use, including lying to a suspect, distorting the meaning of the Miranda warnings, and threats."

-- Publishers Weekly 

"Cicchini argues that Americans should have a healthy distrust of the criminal justice system. This book is very eye opening . . . I strongly recommend this book. Once I opened it, I literally could not stop reading."

-- International Criminal Justice Review

"In the contrarian spirit of political journalist Christopher Hitchens, Cicchini destroys the prevailing media-driven views on American justice."

-- Jay McRoy, Ph.D., author, Nightmare Japan; coeditor, Monstrous Adaptations 

"Entertaining -- in a dark, ironic sort of way."

-- Michael O'Hear, author, The Failed Promise of Sentencing Reform

"The law is never black and white, as Cicchini and Kushner prove in this entertaining look at common assumptions and misconceptions about the American justice system."

-- Publishers Weekly

"Reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell and Michael Lewis in their unpretentious analyses of popular myths and misconceptions -- in this case, all centering around the American legal system -- Cicchini and Kushner offer a compelling mix of insight and information. A fantastic read."

-- Steven Jay Schneider, editor, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die; executive producer, Paranormal Activity