SOLVED. 50s 60s Death Sentence tale and Sequel [s]

[David]

This is a book and its sequel about a young man put to death in the electric chair. Probably written as early as the 50s and as late as the 70s. The following sequel tells the tale of the son left behind. This book had a distinct ´Pulp Fiction´ look to the cover. It was a favorite of my father who passed it on to me.

[Kris]

What crime was the man accused of and was he guilty?
Who was this man? Where and when did he live?
Any details about the son's story?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Fiction or nonfiction?

[David]

This is fiction. I have no memory of where the story takes place although if I had to guess I'd say New York. No memory of the crime. Could be a kid running with gangs and a murder.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

David, are you still looking for this book?

[Kathy]

This sounds like Willard Motley's Knock On Any Door (1949) and Let No Man Write My Epitaph (1956). Main character of the first book is Nick Romano ("Live fast, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse") and the second book is about the people left behind after Nick's execution, including his young son.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

I agree with Kathy, moving to Solved.