Praise for Milhizer's Work
I had the privilege of reading Gene Milhizer’s last book, Searching for Lilly, at an early stage, and it bowled me over. In his latest book, Rough Justice, Gene has done the impossible – he has given us an even more suspenseful puzzle to chew on as it unfolds. The plot grabbed me from the first chapter and did not let me go until the very end. Best of all, my favorites from the first book were all there – Schofield “Scoffy” Milano, Spackles, Major Preener – along with some new and intriguing characters I hope to get to know better in the future. Reading Rough Justice evoked a response in me that I almost never have, even with my favorite authors -- the moment I put the book down, I began to wonder when Gene Milhizer’s next novel will be published!
John Czarnetzky
Dean and CEO
Ave Maria School of Law
"A 1942 killing in Michigan spawns a trial, a novel, and a great Hollywood movie, all insightfully dissected by Professor Milhizer, and connected by his biography of John Voelker, the trial lawyer and author. Milhizer searches each facet of this inter-connected saga, while respecting the mystery that still lies at the heart of the homicide. With an excursus on the law of self-defense--of which Professor Milhizer is a national expert--and comparison to his own experience as a trial lawyer in the military, this book captivates in its remarkable reach."
Howard Bromberg
Clinical Professor of Law
Legal Practice Program
University of Michigan School of Law
"Dean Emeritus Eugene R. Milhizer's meticulous and illuminating exploration, 'Dissecting Anatomy of a Murder,' is a tour de force that transcends mere analysis, offering a riveting journey into the heart of one of literature's most intriguing legal dramas. Milhizer masterfully unpacks John Voelker's 'Anatomy of a Murder' with an expertise and depth that captivates from the opening page.
This engrossing work expertly intertwines multiple narrative threads, seamlessly weaving together the life of the author, the chilling 1952 murder in Big Bay, Michigan, and the consequential trial where Voelker served as defense counsel. Milhizer's narrative prowess shines as he leads readers through the genesis of the novel, illuminating how Voelker ingeniously transformed this real-life trial into an iconic work of fiction that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
However, 'Dissecting Anatomy of a Murder' offers more than a historical retrospective. Milhizer deftly probes the ethical and legal quandaries presented by the novel and subsequent film adaptation. He fearlessly tackles complex issues surrounding attorney-client relationships, ethical boundaries in defense strategies, the role of community standards in the legal process, and the very essence of justice within established legal frameworks. With insightful analyses, Milhizer navigates the grey areas of the law, challenging readers to contemplate the profound ethical dilemmas posed within the story's legal landscape."
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Alex Rabinowitz
Juris Doctor, Class of 2024
Ave Maria School of Law
“Eugene Milhizer, a highly regarded criminal law and procedure professor, has written a thoughtful book about Michigan’s most famous criminal trial of the 20th Century, People v Peterson, and the book that brought the case its renown, Anatomy of a Murder, penned by Peterson’s defense lawyer, John Voelker.
Voelker, a folksy master storyteller, probed the ethical and legal issues the trial turned on and drew readers to consider these legal and ethical concerns in the demanding context of a murder trial. Milhizer does the same, but with a more scholarly focus that repays the careful reader and helps us appreciate more fully Voelker’s novel and the blockbuster movie of the same name that came after the book’s success. The book and movie success, while unexpected by the very private Voelker, led to an appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court, where he served for several years before the lure of the deep woods and waters as well as the ever elusive trout drew him back to Michigan’s north country and the streams he loved.
As with those he served with on the Supreme Court, we who have served long after him have admired his bracing writing and clear-headed opinions. Professor Milhizer and his thoughtful analysis have added an additional dimension to Volker and this great trial.”
Clifford W. Taylor
Retired Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Dean Emeritus Milhizer's "Searching For Lilly" is a profound work that stands as a testament to his legal insight and criminal storytelling brilliance. The portrayal of a defense counsel embarking on his first criminal trial, while trying to navigate his moral compass and uphold his legal duty, is a poignant reminder that encapsulates the true difficulties of the legal profession. The suspenseful narrative creates an exquisite exploration for law students and others alike who are interested in appreciating the diligence of a seasoned legal mind and obtaining an understanding of the law in an entertaining fashion.
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Brendan Coughlan
Juris Doctor Candidate, Class of 2026
Ave Maria School of Law
“Professor Milhizer has undertaken to act as biographer, film critic, book reviewer, and legal scholar. In the words of one of Voelker’s characters, he has done his job ‘right well.’”
Gary L. Walker
Former Prosecutor of Marquette County
The all-encompassing structure of Milhizer’s Dissecting Anatomy of a Murder makes it unique and a must-read for the Anatomy completist. Specifically, the book divides into three sections: the early life and career of lawyer John D. Voelker (pen name Robert Traver), a detailed comparison of the real-life case, the real-life story of how Lt. Coleman A. Peterson shot and killed tavern owner Maurice Chenoweth point-blank in Big Bay vs. the screenplay depictions of case materials, and lastly an intense legal analysis of the pivotal issues including the insanity defense, jury nullification, and the underutilization of voir dire (eliminating unqualified jurors).
This is simply a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in criminal law, literature, and film. Professor Milhizer combines his abilities as both a seasoned trial attorney and legal academic into a work that is essential for anyone wishing to understand the historical context of the trial in Anatomy of a Murder. Professor Milhizer makes "the best lawyer war story ever told" even better with his exhaustive research combined with an author's infectious enthusiasm for the subject. Not only will you think about Anatomy of a Murder differently after reading Professor Milhizer's work, you will think about the nature of law and the proper role of the attorney differently as well. I cannot recommend this book highly enough--very well done!
W. Edward "Ted" Afield Associate Dean for Experiential Education and Director of Clinical Programs Director, Philip C. Cook Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Mark and Evelyn Trammell Professor & Clinical Professor of Law GSU
Milhizer’s book delves deeply into the man, the book, and Preminger’s film to provide the most insightful study of the important questions that “Anatomy” explored with such surgical precision. In the light of the ornate courtroom ceiling pictured above, my friend (and fellow founder of his eponymous Foundation) John Voelker (a/k/a Robert Traver) tried the case, People v Peterson, on which (as he put it, “some say”) he based his best-selling novel.
Milhizer’s deep dive into the life and thought of the author and jurist Charles Kuralt described as “the nearest thing to a great man I have ever met” allows the reader to appreciate that Voelker’s was, indeed, an examined life. His book explores, as no other before or since has, the elusive intersection of the law with justice, and the question presented in every case: what is “The Truth?” Crammed with anecdotes, photos, and insights into the life of the author, and the great themes he wove into a story so compelling that it kept the book at number one on the best seller list for a (then) record 36 weeks, Milhizer gives his readers a “skeleton key” to “Anatomy.”
Milhizer’s readers will understand how Traver succeeded in seducing his readers, however uncomfortably, into hoping that a vain, jealous murderer will escape conviction for killing the man who raped her.
In the end, the novel is as much an anatomy of the reader as of the murder. I heartily recommend Milhizer’s book, which truly does “dissect” the themes that separate this genre-creating work from all of the realistic courtroom trial novels that it spawned, and explains why, over 60 years after the novel’s publication and the release of the movie based on it, both continue to have a large and devoted audience.
Frederick Baker, Jr. - University of Michigan, B.A., Washington University Law School, J.D.
"Fans of great legal thrillers will love this book. It is complete with excellent storytelling, character development, and behind the scenes and in the courtroom drama. I came to love the cast of characters and felt invested in the verdict. If you have any interest in the law, or simply justice for that matter, you will not be able to put this book down."
Sandra Johnson