No Way Out

Synopsis

What if someone wanted your family dead?

--------

'I was hooked from beginning to end' Claire Douglas
'Confirms her place in the front rank of British crime writers' Sunday Times

It's one of the most disturbing cases DI Fawley has ever worked.

The Christmas holidays, and two children have just been pulled from the wreckage of their burning home in North Oxford. The toddler is dead, and his brother is soon fighting for his life. Why were they left in the house alone? Where is their mother, and why is their father not answering his phone?

Then new evidence is discovered, and DI Fawley's worst nightmare comes true.

Because this fire wasn't an accident. It was murder.

And the killer is still out there...

Sunday Times best 100 novels since 1945
Sunday Times Best Crime Fiction of 2019

The third twisty, up-all-night thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling Cara Hunter. For fans of Shari Lapena, Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell.

--------

Authors can't get enough of Cara Hunter

'Gripping' Ian Rankin, The Dark Remains

'Your next riveting, twisty read!' Shari Lapena, Not A Happy Family

'The new queen of the cliffhanger' John Marrs, The Vacation

'Cancel everything. You're not going anywhere until you finish this' Emily Koch, If I Die Before I Wake

'The new DI Fawley novel is the best yet - and that's saying something!' Simon Lelic, The House

'My heart was in my mouth' Sarah J. Naughton, Tattle Tale

'A cracking detective novel that pulsates with authenticity' Michelle Francis, The Girlfriend

And readers are loving this series, too

'All hail the new queen of all things crime' Penny, Netgalley

'Mind-bending brilliance' Kath, Netgalley

'Packed full of twists' Gary, Netgalley

'Definitely for fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter and the like' Fiona, Netgalley

'Captivating: full of mystery, tension, moral dilemma . . . outstanding' Peter, Netgalley

'This series just gets better and better' Tina, Netgalley

Read more

Summary

Chapter 1: A Day in the Life

Introduces Travis, a young black man living in a poor neighborhood in Chicago. He dreams of a better life but struggles with poverty, racism, and police harassment. A real example: Travis witnesses a police car pulling over his friend, Darius, for no apparent reason, reinforcing his perception of police bias.

Chapter 2: The System

Explores the systemic racism and economic inequality that shape Travis's life. The chapter highlights the lack of opportunities in his community and the ways in which the justice system disproportionately targets black youth. Real example: Travis describes how his school is overcrowded and underfunded compared to schools in white neighborhoods, reflecting the inequitable distribution of resources.

Chapter 3: The Turn

Travis's life takes a tragic turn when he is falsely accused of murder and arrested. The chapter depicts the horrors of the criminal justice system, including police brutality, coerced confessions, and the lack of due process for poor and minority defendants. Real example: Travis is beaten and questioned for hours without access to an attorney, highlighting the police's disregard for his civil rights.

Chapter 4: Inmate #362876

Travis's experiences in prison are a microcosm of the injustices faced by prisoners in the United States. He endures overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and violence. Real example: Travis describes the prison's dilapidated conditions and the constant threat of physical harm from both guards and other inmates.

Chapter 5: The Innocence Project

While in prison, Travis discovers the Innocence Project, an organization that helps exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals. He reaches out to the project and begins the long process of proving his innocence. Real example: Travis corresponds with the Innocence Project and provides them with evidence that contradicts the prosecution's case, setting in motion the path to his eventual exoneration.

Chapter 6: Freedom

After spending nearly two decades in prison, Travis is finally exonerated thanks to DNA evidence. He returns home to a changed world and struggles to adjust to his newfound freedom. Real example: Travis reconnects with his family and friends but faces challenges in finding employment and housing, reflecting the difficulties faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.

Chapter 7: Redemption

Travis dedicates his life to helping others who have been wrongfully convicted. He becomes an advocate for criminal justice reform and speaks out against the injustices he witnessed firsthand. Real example: Travis testifies before Congress about the need for changes in the justice system and uses his platform to educate the public about the plight of wrongfully convicted individuals.

Chapter 8: No Way Out?

The book concludes by exploring the ongoing challenges faced by communities like Travis's and the need for systemic change. It emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty, racism, and mass incarceration. Real example: Travis's story serves as a reminder of the profound impact of these issues and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.