Anatomy of a Murder

By: Robert Traver

Narrated by: Jason Culp

First published by St. Martin's in 1958, Robert Traver's Anatomy of a Murder immediately became the number one best seller in America, and was subsequently turned into the successful and now classic Otto Preminger film. It is is not only the most popular courtroom drama in American fiction, but one of the most popular novels of our time.

A gripping tale of deceit, murder, and a sensational trial, Anatomy of a Murder is unmatched in the authenticity of its settings, events, and characters.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Griffin

"The characters are as fresh as when they were first created, the tension high, and the cross- examinations and legal chicanery full of suspense. The novel is simply what it says on the cover. A classic." (Tangled Web)

(P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"For the lay reader, the entertainment lies in the action...but for the lawyer, undoubtedly the greatest pleasure stems from the author's obvious competence in, and love for, the law." (University of Miami Law Review)

Old-school courtroom thriller: Still Brilliant

Extremely well written legal drama, set in the UP, with great vintage characterizations.
Long but well worth it.

Dated but a really good story

While some of the courtroom scenes were far-fetched overall it was a really entertaining story, and the entire "temporary insanity" issue played out perfectly appropriately.

Twisty

Lots of ups and downs in this story. Did he didn't he what happened. you can tell it was written in a differnt time frame but its a great story.

Here Ye, Hear Ye!

While certain mores have changed since the book was originally published—(thankfully) a woman can now dance barefoot without scandal—the drama surrounding crimes of passion, especially a murder, remains immutable. As a former trial lawyer, I can attest that few books more accurately chronicle the life and rhythm of a trial from unpredictability of the witnesses to the inscrutability of a jury to the highs and lows of participating in the drama. While there are many books fashioned around the law, Robert Traver shows us how the law itself—the charges, defenses, and rules of evidence—is the true arbiter of the story that unfolds. For the non-lawyer it is an exposition of the tools and trade. For the practicing lawyers and former lawyers among us, it is a reminder of our craft.

Excellent book

I have given this book probably the highest rating of the books I've reviewed on Audible. it's not a "perfect" book - a good editor would likely have been a plus; The author tends to meander a bi and the text sometimes feels like a stream of consciousness. On the plus side, the book has aged well. While clearly set in the 1950s, the legal case remains timely, particularly in the legal process - the way the protagonist and his partner work through the case - and the ethical questions which plague the case. The book is a page-turner despite the occasional wordiness. I've seen the film of the same name and the foreknowledge provided by the film little affected my reading experience.

In discussing the narrator, a few reviewers have mentioned the actor, Jimmy Stewart, who appears in the film as the protagonist. Nope, there's no comparison - and for good reason since the protagonist is snarky and a cynic. It's a wonder if these reviewers have seen a Jimmy Stewart movie. Stewart, an all American icon, who seemed to embody the best of the American spirit was simply not a cynic and couldn't play one. His performance in the film was excellent but the ability of the Audible narrator to capture the character of the protagonist is better.

I recommend this book as well as the film. Lee Remick was likely miscast despite her performance but viewers are likely to enjoy the other differences Stewart and Otto Preminger brought to the movie.