Once Upon a Time - by Harry MacLean (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In 1989, Eileen Franklin, a young California housewife, claimed to recover a repressed memory of her father killing her playmate 20 earlier. In a landmark trial, the father was charged and convicted of first-degree murder, based solely on his daughter's testimony. This book chronicles the trial, explores the remarkably dysfunctional Franklin family, and delves into the reliability of repressed memory as evidence in court.This version contains a 2011 Epilogue, which details the reasons for the reversal of George Franklin's conviction and the refusal of the district attorney to retry him for murder.

Review Quotes

"Once Upon A Time, A True Story of Memory, Murder and the Law," was selected as a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times.

"Important. . . Relentless. . . A many-faceted and accomplished study. . . MacLean . . gives an account of the trial that is comprehensible yet suspenseful, enriced by his insights into the tactics and emotions of the opposing lawyers."

"Tragic. . .gripping. . . expertly crafted. . .Masterfully told." Steve Martini, author of "Compelling evidence."

"Once Upon A Time" is a well-written and meticulous account of a true human drama. . . The author's objective viewpoint in presenting these facts makes for a compelling read." Nancy Taylor Rosenberg, author of Mitigating Circumstances.