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Kennedy's Avenger: Assassination, Conspiracy, and the Forgotten Trial of Jack Ruby Hardcover – June 1, 2021

by Dan Abrams (Author), David Fisher (Author)

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NOW A NATIONAL BESTSELLER

New York Times bestselling authors Dan Abrams and David Fisher bring to life the incredible story of one of America’s most publicized—and most surprising—criminal trials in history.

No crime in history had more eyewitnesses. On November 24, 1963, two days after the killing of President Kennedy, a troubled nightclub owner named Jack Ruby quietly slipped into the Dallas police station and assassinated the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. Millions of Americans witnessed the killing on live television, and yet the event would lead to questions for years to come.

It also would help to spark the conspiracy theories that have continued to resonate today.

Under the long shadow cast by the assassination of America’s beloved president, few would remember the bizarre trial that followed three months later in Dallas, Texas. How exactly does one defend a man who was seen pulling the trigger in front of millions? And, more important, how did Jack Ruby, who fired point-blank into Oswald live on television, die an innocent man?

Featuring a colorful cast of characters, including the nation’s most flamboyant lawyer pitted against a tough-as-Texas prosecutor, award-winning authors Dan Abrams and David Fisher unveil the astonishing details behind the first major trial of the television century. While it was Jack Ruby who appeared before the jury, it was also the city of Dallas and the American legal system being judged by the world.

Print length

400 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Hanover Square Press
Publication date

June 1, 2021
Dimensions

6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
ISBN-10

133591403X
ISBN-13

978-1335914033
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating blend of courtroom drama and legal analysis." -The Wall Street Journal

"Clear, straightforward writing and superb research that pays attention to tension as well as humor make this riveting courtroom drama that feels as alive as it did it 1963." -NPR

"Abrams and Fisher mine transcripts and news coverage to dramatize the trial as it unfolded... a bright spotlight on well-worn ground." -Kirkus Reviews

"“An engrossing, lively and expertly crafted courtroom drama filled with colorful characters and having significant resonance for the present.” -The Washington Post

“A fresh, detailed look at Jack Ruby and his trial…. Followers of all things regarding the JFK assassination will be fascinated by this account of one of the most unique trials of the twentieth century.” –Booklist

“Dan Abrams is a favorite author of mine because of his storytelling ability and how he makes history come alive. His latest book recounts the trial of Jack Ruby, who shot Lee Harvey Oswald in cold blood. The trial adds color and texture to the lawyers, courtroom, and historical events.” –Forbes

“Abrams and Fisher’s narrative is crisp and clear, yet able to deliver a riveting courtroom drama for their readers.” –Virginia Gazette

“The book will fascinate nonfiction courtroom drama readers and JFK assassination buffs still looking for a conspiracy link between Oswald and Ruby.” –Library Journal

Praise for Dan Abrams and David Fisher

"Dan Abrams and David Fisher write the heart-pounding pulse of history.”
—Diane Sawyer on Lincoln’s Last Trial

“Abrams and Fisher do a superb job of clearly presenting the issues in this remarkable and intensely dramatic trial.”
—Scott Turow on Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense

“Abrams and Fisher are gifted writers, and their prose is neither overly spare nor showy; they're clearly fascinated by the trial, and their enthusiasm for their subject matter shows.”
—NPR on Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense

"The authors do a remarkable job of spinning the court transcripts into a fascinating tale of intrigue and underscoring the men and the issues at play."
—Fredericksburg Book Review on John Adams Under Fire

About the Author

Dan Abrams is the chief legal affairs anchor for ABC News and CEO and founder of Abrams Media. He is also the host of top-rated Live PD on A&E Network and The Dan Abrams Show: Where Politics Meets the Law on SiriusXM. A graduate of Columbia University Law School, he is the author of the Washington Post bestseller Man Down and has written for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Yale Law & Policy Review, among many others. He lives in New York.

David Fisher is the author of more than twenty New York Times bestsellers. He lives in New York with his wife, Laura.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hanover Square Press; Original edition (June 1, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 133591403X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335914033
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #540,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #267 in Criminal Procedure Law
- #1,238 in US Presidents
- #16,608 in United States History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
723

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Dan Abrams

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Dan Abrams is the CEO and Founder of Abrams Media, host of Dan Abrams Live on NewsNation, Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, and host of the SiriusXM radio show "The Dan Abrams Show: Where Politics Meets The Law." He created and hosts "Court Cam" on A&E Network, where he previously hosted the top-rated cable series, "Live PD." Abrams formerly co-anchored ABC's nightline, as well as hosted MSNBC's "The Abrams Report" and the acclaimed “Verdict with Dan Abrams." Dan previously served as General Manager of MSNBC, where he presided over a period of unprecedented growth, with ratings and profits each increasing well over 50% during his tenure. During that time Dan was a member of the NBC Universal President’s Council.

A graduate of Columbia University Law School, Dan has published numerous articles in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, in addition to The Yale Law and Policy Review, ABCNews.com, and Mediaite.com, among many others.

His first book, Man Down: Proof Beyond A Reasonable Doubt That Women Are Better Cops, Drivers, Gamblers, Spies, World Leaders, Beer Tasters, Hedge Fund Managers, and Just About Everything Else, was a Washington Post bestseller. Lincoln's Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled Him to The Presidency, published in 2018, and Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense: The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy, published in 2019, were both New York Times bestsellers. His third book, John Adams Under Fire: The Founding Father's Fight for Justice in the Boston Massacre Murder Trial was an instant New York Time bestseller after release in March, 2020 on the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Dan’s fourth book, Kennedy’s Avenger Assassination, Conspiracy, and the Forgotten Trial of Jack Ruby was released on June 1st, 2021. Alabama v. King: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Criminal Trial That Launched the Civil Rights Movement is set to be released on May 24th, 2022.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

723 global ratings

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Francis O Walker

A Tale of Two Jacks

Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

Jack Ruby killed Jack Kennedy’s assassin—of this there is little doubt. But the rest of the story is brought to life in this well researched narrative. It primarily focuses on evidence, how it was handled and mishandled in Jack Ruby’s trial and by those wishing to become part of an event. It paints a colorful panorama of Dallas, its denizens and all the people associated with Jack Ruby. It takes no direct aim at the Kennedy conspiracy industry, but instead, page by page, dismantles it with a compelling and straightforward reconstruction of how the vicissitudes of one human life led to the unexpected demise of another.

3 people found this helpful

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Gregory Clock

The good and not so good

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2021

Verified Purchase

I'm glad they wrote this 400-pager and I'm glad I purchased and read it. Well researched with a strong bibliography and index. Good descriptions of what the jurors endured, the insanity defense, legal precedents, other trials, and the appeals process. All in understandable language for non-lawyers.

I learned a lot about the Ruby trial that unfolded some 10 miles away when I was 15. I had read daily newspaper accounts and specifically recall "psychomotor epilepsy," the jail break, and Belli's post-verdict outburst.

What I'm not glad about is the random sloppiness that I hope gets addressed in a second edition. They managed to misspell the names of Percy Foreman, J.D. Tippit, A.C. Greene, Larry Crafard, Jack Revill, and Billie Sol Estes (all of whom are easily researchable). Two are spelled correctly and incorrectly on the same page.

They also mangled three timelines (pages 23, 112, 359) and botched the description of the botched transfer in the police basement. Several typos, including "grocery story." Candlestick Stadium? Candlestick Park. Dallas Herald? Dallas Times Herald. WBAT-TV? WBAP-TV.

FYI for CTs, LNs, Undecideds, and Newcomers: the authors "convict" Oswald on page 22. And despite the sloppiness, I do recommend this book, even for those with strong prejudices regarding "what really happened." Four stars; shoulda been five.

6 people found this helpful

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LifeTrek

Expectations exceeded!

Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021

Verified Purchase

This was an excellent book! Much better then expected! The legal analysis is on point and it is very concise and understandable.
An enjoyable book to read if you are interested in the Kennedy assassination or just in the progress of the law in the United States.
Well researched and well written.

3 people found this helpful

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Lois Jones

A lot of legal information and terms.

Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

Would have liked to just read the story of the the shooting and trial there was an overload of information that the reader doesn’t need. But definitely worth reading.

7 people found this helpful

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Jatay1985

I enjoyed it!

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021

Verified Purchase

I’m not usually a fan of court cases but I didn’t know much about Jack Ruby. I gave it three stars on Goodreads only because I feel like they gave too many details on the initial trial. They really skipped through the appeal and the incidents that occurred afterwards. I was born in Wichita Falls so that was a huge plus for me. Ask for the Ruby/Oswald situation, it was interesting.

One person found this helpful

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Pots

Great product

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2022

Verified Purchase

good read

One person found this helpful

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C

A great record of the trial of Jack Ruby, so many interesting details

Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021

Verified Purchase

This informative and comprehensive book thoroughly documents the trial of Jack Ruby, the man who shot and killed alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in the Dallas police station. The book does not focus on the many conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy, and doesn't seek to determine whether or not Ruby was involved in the Kennedy assassination; but instead focuses on just the details of Ruby's criminal trial.

The authors have a legal background, and this expertise is evident as they cover so many details of the entire process. We learn about the attorneys for the prosecution and the defense, the process of jury selection, the response of the media, and the dramatic tactics used during the trial. There are many black and white pictures included as well, and this helps to get a better idea of the courtroom environment and the people involved in the case.

I learned quite a bit from reading this book, from Ruby's lawyer Melvin Belli and his controversial insanity defense plan, to the dramatic jailbreak and hostage situation that took place a few floors up from the Ruby trial. There were so many chaotic events surrounding the trial, and the authors really capture the unpredictable and sensational atmosphere. There is a ton of detail presented, and the authors stick to presenting the facts and records from a unbiased perspective, without giving their own opinions or theories. This was such an important event in American history, it is great to have such a thorough record of the trial; and it was surprising to me how much of this information I had never heard before.

33 people found this helpful

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KM Ferry

Excellent account of Ruby trial.

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

If you like courtroom drama, particularly true history, it's definitely worth the read. An excellent account of a historical trial overshadowed by the loss of a president. I very much enjoyed it.

2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Luc Richard

Bonne lecture

Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2023

Verified Purchase

Excellente

Linda Pfeiffer

Very thorough accounting of the trial of Jack Ruby, killer of the assassin Lee Harvey Oswald

Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

Of course, I expected to read a dry, text-like chronicle of the trial of Jack Ruby and that did not disappoint me. On November 22, 1963, when John F. Kennedy was murdered in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, I was a very young teen on the verge of becoming a Beatlemaniac. But I distinctly remember every moment of that horrible weekend because everyone in my household was glued to our T.V. from first thing in the morning until bedtime each night. We all watched as Jackie arrived back in Washington on Air Force One with her once shining knight, greeted by his grief stricken brother, Bobby. And then we saw Oswald in handcuffs being moved to an interrogation room screeching that he was a "Patsy". And finally on day three, November 24, we witnessed Jack Ruby shoot and kill Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Department.
The man hired to defend Jack Ruby, was Melvin Belli, a renown lawyer from the north east of the country and his defense would be that Ruby did it due to temporary insanity caused by his epileptic condition. But at times I felt like one of the sequestered jurors hearing some tedious testimony by the many psychologists and psychiatrists called by Melvin Belli to try to prove this. And Belli's carpetbagger ways and lack of a Texas accent did not stand him in good stead with either the Judge, the prosecutors or the jury or for that matter, the people of Dallas.
The authors of this book are Dan Abrams, whom I remember as a fresh faced kid from his Court T.V. days before he became a "legal expert" on other shows, and his writing partner, David Fisher. They did a fine job mining through various archives and publications and then put it all together so concisely that it all made sense to the layman reader. Well done.

One person found this helpful

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