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What People Are Saying About Danger Road... "Lawyer's true-life crime tale a sizzler......." - NIKKI WALLER, MIAMI HERALD, SEPTEMBER 24, 2006 "Danger Road rips the curtain off a high profile murder case that has the highest stakes possible: life or death. Then it takes you into the bowels of the justice system and on this journey you go from the darkest, coldest heart to the crowning glory of the human condition. Danger Road is a searing and scintillating gawk at the truth about our legal system and ourselves." John Contini has written a fascinating true crime book of one of the most high profile murder cases in Broward County history. In addition, he has managed to superbly display the psychology behind the tense moments in the courtroom with his frank disclosure of his own insightful self-talk during that time. It is as honest as it gets and I was not able to put the book down.. and I already knew the ending! - DR. MICHAEL BRANNON, FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST John Contini's new book is a great read for lawyer and non lawyer alike. It is fast paced, dramatic and real. He will become the John Grisham of real court room suspense writing - BOB STONE, VETERAN TRIAL LAWYER "Reading DANGER ROAD made me feel like I was actually inside the investigation, the courtroom and the minds of the people involved in the crime." John’s work goes beyond just being another “true crime” book: It is a riveting morality treatise affording extraordinary insight into a homicide's rippling effects not only on the immediate participants but also on all who are touched by the ongoing waves of its horror - yet revealing hope that a measure of good can spring out of even the machinations of evil. - BRIAN CAVANAUGH, CHIEF OF HOMICIDE, OFFICE OF THE BROWARD STATE ATTORNEY I see inmate Gil Fernandez on a regular basis. Other inmates respect him, prison guards respect him. We are spiritual brothers, me on the outside, Gil on the inside. Gil is so powerful that the other inmates give him their precious phone minutes so that he can comfort others. Gil is a man of God; he never wavers. Danger Road by John Contini is a great work of art which provides insight into the trial of a death penalty case. Every lawyer and judge should obtain a copy of this brilliant book by a veteran attorney. - ALAN H SCHREIBER, THE ELECTED PUBLIC DEFENDER OF BROWARD COUNTY FROM 1976 - 2004 As a trial attorney, I have precious little time to read for pleasure. However, I recently picked up a copy of John Contini's "Danger Road" and could not put it down. I read it in one day. The story is compelling as are the characters. The book reads like a movie so you feel like you are a part of the actual courtroom drama - REED TOLBER, ATTORNEY AT LAW Contini has a reputation as a good man and a good lawyer. A must read about Fort Lauderdale’s “Cocaine Cowboy” era, rogue cops and ambitious young prosecutors cutting deals with “evil” to obtain a conviction. Tonight, read about a real life criminal defense attorney, who actually slugs it out in the courtroom, instead of listening to the television “talking head” lawyers, the “second-guessers,” that have never tried a death penalty case. John Contini is an example to which others should aspire. The majority of defense attorneys are more concerned about the law and winning cases thatn about the welfare of their clients. John is different; he displays a concern for the individual. He addresses the underlying problem that created the trouble for the client in the first place, so it hopefully doesn't happen again John Contini epitomizes professionalism. He's an example that there is nothing inconsistent about being a gentleman and a very effective lawyer. John, in many ways, the book was very disturbing. I found it hard to deal with so much sin and the resultant pain generated in so many lives. However,I think you needed to speak the full truth about the dark reality of death and destruction that is the outcome of sin in our lives. Thank you for consistently presenting the counterbalance: murder AND redemption. Thank you, too, for ending with Gil’s letters so I could set the book down with a mental picture of the victory of good over evil, a picture of the hard edges of justice softened by God’s love and mercy. A very powerful story of trial, tribulation and redemption. I am filled with awe at the prospect of meeting John Contini when he speaks at the university. He is a person of such strong spiritual conviction. I thoroughly enjoyed John's book, Danger Road. I had worked with Judge Tyson for many years and John described his temperment and personality perfectly. Having been a criminal attorney, both prosecutor and defense attorney for a combined 16 years, it was truly enjoyable to "be in trial" again. John's book encourages you to feel you are a part of the case, whichever side you choose. I had the privledge of meeting with John Contini for lunch and got his book, Danger Road. He took the time to write such a nice message and signed it. Just took a trip and read his book. I could not put the book down. I enjoy true stories and enjoyed the book very much. Mr. Contini is quite the writer with great expression! "Danger Road" reads like a novel with shades of John Grisham, Barbara Parker and Steve Martini directing the plot. This true story of triple murder took place in the Florida Everglades. It is a story of intrigue, crime, corruption, political power and human frailty. It portrays a justice system standing on the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" gone awry. Pressures of policies, the prosecutors, the public and the media call for conviction of the accused. July 2, 1992, seven years after an unsolved triple murder, Gil Fernandez was arrested. A year prior to his arrest, Gil, winner of Mr. Florida body building contest in 1989, was converted to the Christian faith. After his arrest, Gil's parents contacted John Contini, a young attorney, to defend their son. It was their understanding that Contini shared their faith. Although John regularly attended church, it was a need for money and a lure of a high profile murder case that motivated him to accept the challenge. The author uses tongue-in-cheek humor and self deprecation to carry forward the plot and to make the real life characters more genuine and vulnerable. He reveals a clash of egos in the courtroom as the judge and the attorneys vie for the attention of the television news cameras both inside and outside the courtroom This book covers the jury trial from jury selection to the verdict. Throughout the trial Gil is consistent in displaying his Christian character and zeal to share his faith. John Contini is forced to re-examine his own faith, motivations and values. This is also the story of his spiritual journey to redemption. Wow!! I just finished Danger Road. I could not put it down.....
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