The Missing Truth about Steven Avery - and Making a Murderer

Great book. It's a fact- based approach (unlike the Netflix series). It points out the obvious falsifications with the series and proves that Avery is a psychopath and was rightly convicted of murder. I think there has rarely been anyone this guilty of a heinous murder.

First, I believe Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey are both guilty and agree with the author's conclusions. However, the book does not really reveal anything that has not been reported before. It unnecessarily repeats the same facts over and over. There is a total lack of organization and flow. Disappointed with the lack of thoughtful analysis.

While i have now changed my mind about Dassey and Avery and i now think that they are
guilty i still found that the book was very repetitive and a bit biased as the author personally knew some of the officers involved. Not as biased as making a murderer is but biased all the same.

Even though the author played a role in reversing Avery's original conviction, this book shows bias now, towards convicting Avery, of Teresa Halbach's murder. Michael Griesbach wrote this book, because he was not happy with how Avery's first conviction, when overturned, effected his life. The "backlash" was too much for him, so he set out to prove, with this book, how Avery murdered Teresa Halbach. His obvious distain for the producers of the film, "Making a Murderer", is quite obvious. Geiesbach's version of the facts just dont add up, and this is just another case of a person with Avery's low intelligence, being railroaded, in our criminal justice system. This book doesn't deserve the editorial reviews it received.

Finally!!! Someone telling the TRUTH about Steven Avery. I have studied this case very closely and I've been eagerly awaiting someone to come along and FINALLY throw the common sense card in the pile. After watching M.A.M., the biggest thing that stood out was how ONE sided the story was. It was obviously very biased, overly edited, and borderline propaganda for an Avery advocacy. Avery is a habitual sexual predator, and remorseless criminal who deserves no place in civilized society. And yes, he is unequivocally the killer of Teresa Halbach. The Halbach family deserves more "Indefensible" and less "making a murderer".

After seeing "Making a Murderer" I started reading the books about this case. This is the second one I have read & it was just "ok". Author gives his version of how he reviewed the evidence in a rather repetitive way, with lots of "me, me, me & I, I, I" included. Lots of talk about his previous book about Avery as well. Book was saved by the fact that he got less self involved later on & stuck to just the evidence.
Just an "ok" read, glad I got it at the library.

In today's climate of reality TV, sensationalism trumping truth, and downright dishonesty, it's nice to see something as objective as this book. I think it, along with the Rebutting A Murderer podcast should be required learning for anyone who watches Making A Murderer. I appreciate the time, energy, and effort you put into researching and writing this book to set the record straight.
One note - I did find some grammatical errors and found some sections that felt run on or repetitive that detracted from my reading experience. I could see someone less resilient giving up after hitting some of those sections. That is the only reason I rated 4 stars instead of 5. The content, research, and story are beyond a doubt excellent.
Thank you for bringing the truth to light!

This book is good. The Innocent Killer was just as good if not better and I dare any of you Who rated it poorly to ACTUALLY READ THEM! All you conspiracy theorists out there obviously didn't read either of them. You can't give Fact one star. Getting a group together to unfairly target those with whom with you disagree is how people get wrongfully accused of crimes in the first place. Rarely do we get to see a prosecutor working hard to uncover a wrongful conviction rather than trying to bury it or put up roadblocks making the exoneration process tedious and long. This story was told with absolute bottom line integrity. When Mr.Greisbach was wrong on a fact he told us so. When he didn't know he told us so. There is no conspiracy here on anything. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend anyone in Camp Avery to read it. If you still think he is innocent then you have a better argument by exploring both sides.

Please do not make the mistake of buying both The innocent killer and Indefensible together as i did.
Indefensible is chapter and verse the same as The innocent killer.
Michael Griesbach eventually gets to the point and proves the undisputable fact that Avery and Dassey are100% guilty.

As most, the series "The Making Of A Murderer" left me feeling that Steven Avery was an innocent victim of police and justice corruption at an incredible level. Michael Griesbach's book "Indefensible" cleared the obfuscation for me. His stating of all the facts are entirely plausible, far more than in the televised series. Steven Avery was a victim of police and justice corruption once, and served 12 (not 18) years for a crime he did not commit. However, he was a monster then and still is, and is most certainly guilty of the brutal torture and murder of Teresa Halbach. His wrongful earlier conviction, while a travesty of justice, only delayed him from fullfilling his deep evil desires. I highly recommend this enlightening read for any who are interested in the gripping Steven Avery story.

This book completely changed my mind about Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey's supposed "innocence," as purported by "Making a Murderer." Griesbach succinctly and logically details the ways in which "Making a Murderer" created its' own manipulative narrative. I feel like I've been completely bamboozled by the producers of the documentary. How they could be so irresponsible is beyond me. I am definitely spreading the word about this book to all my family, friends and coworkers. Thank God for the author's goodness and bravery in coming forward with all this information.

I agree with the reviews stating how repetitive and unorganized this book is. The thoughts and feelings the author has are especially often repeated. The issues with holes in the prosecution case are mostly glossed over. Also, the book contains no footnotes. It is difficult to verify the "new" information about Avery and the case. This book wasn't enough to change my opinion or thoughts about the case.

This is an incredible book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Avery case. You will be blown away by the distortions and manipulations of Making a Murderer. Griesbach backs up all of his claims with evidence, and not wild conspiracy theories, vague suspicion, and cop-bashing, like the other side is forced to rely on...
It's very telling how many of the pro-Avery folks are terrified of people actually reading this book. Very telling.

I really did enjoy this book. I watch the Netflix series Making A Murder before this book and really enjoyed read your point of view I felt like together both the series and your book gave me the whole picture. I even after watching the series still thought Steven was guilty just base on there is no way anyone else could have killed her but Steven and I think your book really pointed that out. However, I would say even though you said you were going to stay unbias, this book is very bias toward the prosecution point of view and the police as well. I did feel because you know both officers we need to take your word on it that they are good people ( I'm sure they are this is really just for argument sake) you really didn't show their character which would have been nice like how they interacted with the public and if they had any awards or anything on the public record that would have shown their character because again we don't know them you do and I felt you were saying to us just trust me . Unfortunately,was the last part (again I do agree with all of your findings and that Steven is guilty) again is where I feel that you were trying to prove that there was no way that the police could have framed Steven because everyone (the police, the labs and so on) had to be in on it and what about the person (the "real Murder") speaking out and saying he did it or other people and why would the risk there careers on putting him away. Unfortunately, they already did that the first time with his first conviction. Again for the record, I do believe he did it and that the police did not frame him. I just felt again it was kinda a moment you were saying just trust me. I did love the book I hope you will write more on other cases and if you can I would love to hear back on what you think. Thank you again

Firstly this is a very poorly written book. Scatty and cherry picking by a very narrow minded writer. This book has more spin than a centrifuge on full spin. Clearly a case of state propaganda with bias and hidden a gender. Most if not all the writers machinations are bordering on idiotic.
Prosecutors have little credence at the best of times but this book is ridiculous.

I watched the documentary "making a murderer" and wanted to know more. What better than to read a book by someone who knew the case and many of those involved.
Presented in the book are details not covered in the documentary. These details fill out who and what Stephen Avery is. It shows that he has a propensity towards sexual violence, something not evident in the documentary.
The book also raises questions around Brendon's confession. The role of leading questions in his interrogation. It also highlights how some of what Brandon said is supported by physical evidence.
Overall I think the book brought balance to the documentary. At points the author was a little to strident and appeared to be simply out to trash the documentations and question their motives.

A must read if you've watched Making a Murderer. Not perfect and clearly needed better editing for grammatical errors, seems like it was rushed out. Don't believe everyone crying bias against anyone who dares to claim he is guilty of this crime. I personally was not convinced of his innocence after watching MAM, but am completely convinced of his guilt after reading this. Read it and decide for yourself.

Intelligent, fact-based, well researched and well said. I don’t understand why any female would be trying to set him free to heap more abuse on other females which he himself has admitted to doing.

The other side of the story that Making a Murderer didn't tell. The author is very objective as well as knowledgeable. This is a well written and arranged book that was pleasant to read considering the subject matter.

Anyone else notice that the other of this book wrote two other books before this one about how Steven Avery was wrongly convicted and this book conveniently came out after the documentary about him and that this guy is part of the prosecution in Wisconsin and the other guy that wrote a book about the documentary being wrong is ALSO another prosecutor? This guys last book was in 2014. He was probably forced to write this to avoid backlash and also he is part of the innocence project......
Don't buy this book.

This is where I have to apologize. I watched Making a Murderer and was convinced that Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey were victims. How I wish the documentary had included the details that are in this book. If it had there would have been no petitions or cries for justice, but cheers for putting Teresa Halbach's murderers behind bars. BRAVO Mr. Griesbach.

Just finished reading this book and found it fascinating reading. Michael Griesbach has done it again in explaining our complicated justice system and showing us the difference between fact and fiction. If you watched "Making a Murderer" this should really be a must read in order to see the whole picture.

I love true crime books, so I started Griesbach's with great anticipation--also because I had seen the series, Making a Murderer, and maybe because I am also from Wisconsin. There were a lot of reasons for me to read this book. And I was not disappointed when I finished it. Griesbach shares copious details about evidence, testimonies, behind-the-scenes conflicts among various parties, how judges behaved, and his own wisdom of being a prosecutor for decades. This is no amateur. He is a seasoned officer of the court who can also write beautifully. Whereas the series tended towards highlighting the most dramatic elements of the case, Griesbacher seems more even-handed in trying to present a total picture. One part that was really fascinating was his explanation of how and why certain evidence gets admitted and others not. Read the book for yourself and decide where the truth lies.

Mike Griesbach started out with good intentions with his first book, but when he went blindly to bat for corrupt cops, prosecutors and even defense attorneys, he hugged a tar baby. Now he's stuck with it,sinking into it deeper and deeper. What was done to Steven Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, is what is truly indefensible.

Griesbach leverages his proximity to this case as long time Manitowoc DA to establish some sort of "authority" on the Halbach case itself. He mainly relies on hearsay to support his gut instinct that Avery and Dassey are guilty. He also supports his guilty claims by reiterating over and over again that he supported Avery in the 1985 wrongful conviction, as if that makes his Halbach case perspectives worth anything, considering he was not involved in the Halbach case in any capacity.

Griesbach criticizes the Making a Murderer filmmakers for being biased, yet utilizes numerous examples from the documentary that say "surprised" him, such as the recorded confession videos he had never seen until he watched the film. Griesbach admits that the techniques investigators used were potentially unethical due to Dassey's age and intellectual capability, but stops short of saying they were illegal.

Further, because Griesbach wrote this book in the beginning of 2016, he has failed to ensure it includes the recent extremely important fact that a federal judge has upheld that Dassey's "confession" was forced in an unconstitutional manner. That judge, in 91 pages of legal opinion, details just how Len Kachinsky, Dassey's own public defender, worked with the prosecution to convict his own client. With no confession and no DNA evidence linking Dassey to any crimes, Avery now has a much better chance to defend himself if retried. In fact, rather than being "indefensible", Avery actually vastly improves his defense if provided the opportunity on appeal.

Griesbach also places much support on the bone evidence, even though a few months ago very strong evidence points to specific bones being that of a bird and NOT in any way human remains. The fact that an expert testified to these bones being human calls into question the entire analysis. Specifically, one suspicious bone of a bird was mysteriously "broken" in transit, showing not only the lack of care for the evidence, but that the case against Avery may have also been manipulated to hide facts that would be exculpatory to Avery, since when that one bone is intact, it is impossible to exist in the human body. When broken into multiple pieces, such a bone is not as easily identifiable amongst other shards. There are myriad other examples of Griesbach's lack of intimacy to the Halbach case throughout the book. A potential reader would be better served by watching the film Making a Murder first, then potentially reviewing the Avery trial transcripts and Calumet County Sheriff's Office (CASO) report for greater perspective.

The only original evidence that Griesbach has raised is that of "The German", who may in fact be the real killer of Teresa Halbach and Griesbach even admits as such. This is Griesbach's only contribution to the Halbach case and both he and his wife suspected that "The German" may be potentially involved. Because "The German" was a client of Griesbach, this is his only real connection to the Halbach case.

In summary, considering the uninformed arm's length proximity Griesbach had to the Halbach case, he should be deemed a charlatan with his foundation insidious and inglorious.

It amazes me how many people continue to believe Avery is innocent of murder because he was wrongfully convicted once before. To anyone rational and objective, this book will dispel any doubt of Averys innocence. I watched the documentary and believed at the end Avery was guilty. This book confirms and strengthens this belief. Beyond any " shadow of a doubt" Avery is a murderer. Get past your emotions and let this well written book convey to you the irrefutable facts.

Michael Griesbach's second attempt attempt at convicting Steven Avery. While admitting his sloppiness on the 1st book regarding the Hallbach case, he exonerates himself saying the book was really a bout the 1st case. Then why include it at all ? So now this time we are just supposed to believe you care about the subject matter more, and will present an unbiased look at the "facts" !!! Not write a book inspired by the fact that the film makes your friends look bad, exposed you as a sloppy writer, inspired some nuts to do some terrible things and worse of all drive down your the store rating!! Clearly an unforgivable crime in your eyes.
Ok on to the actual contents of this book.
Since the claims in the book are essentially the same ones you have been stating on any TV show that puts you on, they're not really a suprise. What continues to amaze and dissapoint is your claims of bias of the filmakers because of information they leave out. Yet you are guilty of the same thing. You say you searched for the truth with extensive research. If that is indeed true you are very much aware of your own omissions from the book. There are many!! However in order to not write my own book i will list one. The bones you mention them in your book but you fail to mention the absolute lack of protocol and the total lack of respect the LE showed to the Hallbach's in the way they treated their daughters remains as if they were janitors cleaning up a school cafeteria. I understand you believe him to be guilty. That's fine everybody is certainly entitled to their opinion. However when your claiming to offer the real story the stuff MAM didnt tell you. You certainly owe it to the reader to be as thorough as possible and not fall into the exact same trap you claim the film does. Also essentially reprinting pages of the first book shows me that you Mr. Griesbach have not learned your lesson from the first book. Sloppy,lazy and while you certainly like to write my biggest issue is there's 4 chapter's of nonsense that can replaced with facts that will actually give your readers more information to form a better more informed opinion on the case!

I watched Making a Murder, and although was convinced Manitowoc County was (and may still be corrupt), I was not convinced of Avery's innocence either. So this book interested me. Although he did have some good information that Making a Murder left out and/or twisted, there wasn't enough substance for a book.

The author repeated himself SO so many times.

A few glaring examples: "Testing on that same bullet yielded Halbach's DNA." A few pages later: "But there was more (evidence), One of the bullets contained Halbach's DNA." Yes, we know. You told us in the last section. Issues like this are rampant in this book. Here's another. "....Vulnerable and intellectually challenged sixteen-year-old nephew as collateral damage in the process" And then again: "Take down his sixteen-year-old nephew as collateral damage." Almost a word for word repeat. He argues Colbourn just couldn't have planted evidence because he was "Honest to a fault". As was Lenk who was "as solid as the winter is long." Even his wife weighed in that "they're two of the most honest cops, I know." And then, of course, he later writes: "No way, no way, Andy Colburn would never lie on the stand much less plant evidence." Okay, we get it. You like the guy. These are a few examples of MANY.

My biggest gripe is how he would start a topic and then leave it for later. For instance, my "reasonable doubt," would come from the fact that there was none of the victims DNA found in Avery's bedroom. How do you rape someone, slit her throat, and drag her out of your bedroom without leaving any physical evidence? Shouldn't there be blood splatters? Especially on the mattress? How do you not find any blood in the garage even after digging up the concrete? Mr. Giesbach asks that too and then writes: "I found a few explanations that seemed to make sense." And then moves on to talk about jury deliberation. I was so frustrated. He chastises that program for skipping over things that didn't fit their narrative and here he does the same. He did bring it up again later in the book. And, of course, has to restate what he already has. Maybe he did this on purpose so he could enough words to make this a book? Anyway, his explanation is either Avery covered the entire room in plastic, which I find unlikely, or was a "clean freak" who made it all go away in five days. If that's true, I'd like him to clean my house. I'm still trying to get a fruit punch stain off my garage floor.

He also brought up a nearby German man who acted strangely after the murder and who's wife reported it to the "we've got our man" Manitowoc County officials. He only brings it up again at the end of the book simply stating that she is living with her husband now and said she exaggerated. So there you go! Must all be a lie! Yet, anyone knows that in domestic violence situations, victims often lie for the abuser, change their story and refuse to press charges. They also often go back time and time again as the author talks about earlier in the book. Truth is, her husband should have been looked at. But what do you expect when the detective she spoke to was the one in the documentary who famously asked: "Do we have Stephen Avery in custody, though?"

I appreciate that the author was moved by the documentary to launch his own investigation. He is obviously an honest man and I'm sure he is a very good prosecuting attorney. However, I think he needed a better editor to make this book cleaner. He needed a lot of help organizing his thoughts and information.

In closing, although this is another side that needed to be told, maybe it would have been better served as a magazine article.

This book conflates the backlash from Making a Murderer with whether or not Avery is actually guilty. He didn't even bother to do much deeper research on the case and admitted he only really used information available to the public. If you want the "truth" and an unbiased understanding of the case, this is probably not the best way to get it. Just read the case files.

I prefer books that are not twisted masterfully to present an argument that does not hold up to the facts, as clearly shown in MAM documentary. All of this fluff was very much dealt with in MAM, and anyone who watches knows the truth. This book is fiction and prefer reading from authors who are more insightful to the 'idea' of Justice and Liberty for all. No decent prosecutor can go along with the state's behavior and action in prosecuting SA and BD. It's rotten and to not acknowledge the proceedings from first investigation to sentencing was a farce for show, and happened to save your state $36 Million. If the state is capable of destroying the life of SA by framing him for rape when was 18, it is still capable as long as the same figures are involved! Are you kidding me here? Author has motive (greed, fame, self-importantce) but clearly operating with both eyes firmly shut. No thanks. The book is hardly insightful, it is pitiful.

Well written and revealing fact check in direct response to the ridiculous narrative Making A Murderer presented. How much of a conspiracy nut do you need to be to buy into the filmmakers fairy tell ? So many people in on it, so many people " out to get " this innocent " victim.
In the first chapter we hear what is glossed over in the documentary of a 20 year old Avery burning a cat alive in a bonfire... After dousing the creature in oil and gasoline, tossing it into a fire , to make sure it suffered...after the cat escaped , he caught it and tossed it in once again..., for fun.
He also was serving 6 years for attempting to kidnap a Sheriffs wife and baby whom he had been stalking with binoculars and had exposed himself to.
Avery was innocent of that first rape, but 6 years of his time served was for that crime. He was no doubt on his way to becoming what he eventually became- a monster,
What a disappointment this country has become when they threaten the lives of people in law enforcement who were only doing their jobs and gave him an exceptionally fair trial the second time. They screwed up with the 1985 rape conviction but NOT with that girls murder.
He is guilty and I wish he had done it in my home state of Texas. He would have already gotten the needle and rightfully so. He shouldn't be breathing .

This book obviously lacks facts. It's very poorly written and the author should be ashamed of himself for making profit out of someone's obvious inocence and a dodgy police forces incompetence. Very misleading book.

Lies, Lies, Lies! This is the second book of fiction written by Griesbach defending his good 'ol boys. The things left out of the documentary do not change the fact that law enforcement framed Steven Avery, an innocent man!

WORST book I have EVER read. I contacted the store and thankfully I received my money back from all the lies he has told yet again, just like his last book! Hey Michael "Greaseball" there is absolutely NO WAY that Steven is guilty and Kathleen Zellner WILL prove it. Actually, she already knows who the REAL murderer is and it sure as hell is NOT Steven and Brendan!

P.S. I LOVE what the Innocence Project had to say about you ?

[...]

Dispicable, he claims that MAM was bias but chooses not to hold himself to the same standard. He purposely leaves out key points in an attempt to reabiliate his story after his first book.

Not worth the time!

Before you consider spending money on this book, please read the following reddit thread on /r/ticktockmanitowoc: "Claims vs. Facts: Detailed Analysis of Griesbach's new release." Griesbach's continued pursuit of profit from this case is reprehensible enough, but he doesn't even have the facts straight. Regardless of your personal position on the guilt or innocence of Steven Avery or Brendan Dassey, it's clear that Griesbach has little regard for the "truth" here.

He wrote two books about Steven Avery? Why? What's the difference? I can't really rate as I've read neither one but finding out he's already written a book on basically the same subject makes me think he's just out to make money.