Questions About Defending Jacob: A Novel

by William Landay (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Defending Jacob, please sign up.

Answered Questions (29)

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Ann Warman I believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. As more information came out about him, it was obvious that the child was likely a psychop…moreI believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. As more information came out about him, it was obvious that the child was likely a psychopath and his father (unlike the mother) was in denial, refusing to see the signs that there was something amiss because he was afraid he himself might take on the characteristics of his father and grandfather. As a result, two innocent people suffered for it. Supporting your child is one thing but obstructing justice to relieve him of the consequences for his actions is inexcusable. I never thought the pedophile was guilty and when he hanged himself had no doubt that the Jacob's convict grandfather engineered a murder suicide from prison to protect his grandson; not caring about the victims as he himself was a murderer. I didn't expect the ending but was not unhappy about it. The mother did what she thought was right in order to protect potential future victims from her son. (less)

flag

who liked this book?

Tammy I really liked it. I think it had all the positives of your standard murder mystery (an exciting story that keeps the reader engaged and guessing) but…moreI really liked it. I think it had all the positives of your standard murder mystery (an exciting story that keeps the reader engaged and guessing) but also some unique twists. For example, the trial within a trial format and the look at what its like to be the family of the accused. (less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Lilian

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Joy

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

flag

I somehow missed this book when it came out a few years ago but when I read that it was being made into a miniseries I got curious and read it. When I found out that Pablo Schreiber was playing the assistant district attorney (Neal Logiudice) who prosecutes the case I thought wow, perfect casting! He is a great actor and should add a lot to the series, anyone excited about this miniseries?

Lilian So excited! It’s the reason I actually knew about it and read it. I can’t wait to see Chris Evans as Andy Barber, though the whole cast seems awesome …moreSo excited! It’s the reason I actually knew about it and read it. I can’t wait to see Chris Evans as Andy Barber, though the whole cast seems awesome I just think he’s going to really nail it.(less)

flag

Load 5 more questions

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more