Conviction: The Untold Story of Putting Jodi Arias Behind Bars

Written by Juan Martinez

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

Juan Martinez, the fiery prosecutor who convicted notorious murderess Jodi Arias for the disturbing killing of Travis Alexander, speaks for the first time about the shocking investigation and sensational trial that captivated the nation.

Through two trials, America watched with baited breath as Juan Martinez fought relentlessly to convict Jodi Arias of Murder One for viciously stabbing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander to death. What emerged was a story wrought with sex, manipulation, and deceit that stunned the public at every turn. Arias, always playing the wronged and innocent woman, changed her story continually as her bizarre behavior surrounding the crime and its aftermath came to light. Unwavering, Arias and her defense team continued to play off the salacious details of the case, until she was finally found guilty and—controversially—sentenced to life behind bars.

Now, speaking openly for the first time, prosecutor Juan Martinez will unearth new details from the investigation that were never revealed at trial, exploring key facts from the case and the pieces of evidence he chose to keep close to the vest. Throughout the trials, his bullish and unfaltering prosecution strategy was both commended and criticized, and in his book, Martinez will illuminate the unique tactics he utilized in this case and how they lead to a successful conviction, and-for the first time-discuss how he felt losing the death penalty sentence he’d pursued for years.

Going beyond the news reports, Martinez will explore the truth behind the multiple facades of Jodi Arias. Sparring with her from across the stand, Martinez came to know Arias like no one else could, dissecting what it took for a seemingly normal girl to become a deluded, cunning, and unrepentant murderer.

With new stories from behind the scenes of the trial and Martinez’s own take on his defendant, the book takes you inside the mind of Jodi Arias like never before and is the definitive account of the case that shocked America.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Feb 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9780062456861

Juan Martinez

Juan Martinez began working for the Maricopa County Attorney’s office in 1988. In his twenty-seven-year career with the office, he has spent nineteen years prosecuting homicide cases. Some of his most noteworthy cases include Arizona v. Wendi Andriano, who was convicted of first-degree murder and was the first woman sentenced to death by a jury in Arizona; Arizona v. Scott Falater, which was noted for the use of sleepwalking as a defense to the murder of his wife; Arizona v. Loren Wade, in which an Arizona State University football player was convicted of the shooting murder of an ex-ASU football player; and Arizona v. Rick Wayne Valentini, which resulted in a conviction for murder even though the victim’s body was never found.

Reviews for Conviction

[Aidan Kaufmann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book.
Clear, concise, and honest. No exploitation for a change which is saying tons in this sordid case.

[jazmsngr · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I originally gave Conviction four stars but recently changed it to three. Martinez's account of the entire trial process was interesting to read about; however, there is nothing new with regards to the trial. If you even remotely kept track of the precedings you already know the entire story. Nevertheless, Conviction was a good read even if to simply fill in the gaps from the news coverage. The prose was pretty stilted. In other words, it read as if a lawyer had prepared the transcript. Maybe a tell-all book will come out and include Nurmi's position and what he was attempting in the defense. Arias, I believe was accurately portrayed in the text, more so since reading the book. Martinez is not given to flashy, long-winded, over-wrought prose. Everything in the book is described as very matter of fact-- much as a lawyer would recount events as if preparing for trial.

[Mary Hartsock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Juan Martinez Truth and Brilliance.
You must read this Book.

[Lily Tran · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great summary to an incredible case.
Juan Martinez brought Justice to Travis.

[K.Coleman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read about and watched much about the J.Arias case. This book really gave a lot of new information about the actual trial than any other. Great job!

[Robert D Cameron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Having lived in the area where Ms Arias lived prior to her arrest and knowing sone of the people casually, I found this book very interesting.

[Susan yount · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very informative. Well written. Kept my attention. Very much enjoyed

[Jean Eustace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful and well written book. Great deal of details about the case included. Tip: if listening in the car keep volume down or windows rolled up especially when sex details are being brought up, I failed to do so and got a few horrified looks from passers by LOL

[nicola_ivan_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating book! After I watched the trial on youtube I had to read the book. Juan Martinez takes pride in his work and is really good at it!

[Jamila Sids · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well told, narrator was also extremely good ? in depth writing yet never felt like a report or overkill.. even statistics and numbers were interestingly put. Overall good example of how true crime and court drama should be done.

[Pádraig Ó BEIRN · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic read. The lengths that Arias went to in planning and carrying out the murder are unbelievable. RIP Travis.

[jennifer gillies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very thorough e book.very easy to listen to and well read

[susan.macura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I followed the Jodi Arias murder trial as it happened with great interest. It was a case that had it all: attractive young couple, lots of sex and drama complete with photos and tape recordings, as well as religious overtones, they were both Mormons. Making the story more complex and interesting was the defendant herself, a woman who not only initially denied the charges, but also came up with several implausible tales before finally settling on self-defense as her mantra. Her ability to lie was amazing, not only to police but also to reporters as she gave interviews both before and after the trial. Her love for the cameras and fame was incredible. Because of the cameras in the courtroom and the public’s fascination with this case, as well as all of the legal maneuvers involved, it was not an easy case for the prosecution to handle. However, Juan Martinez did handle it, going solo against a solid defense team with an intelligent, if not honest, client. To say that he did an amazing job would be an understatement. He knew every aspect of this case and put forth a solid one, often without having to refer to any notes. His cross-examination of the defendant was stellar. Having watched his performance, I was so happy to see he finally wrote about his experiences with this case. I was not disappointed with his effort. This book is awesome. I simply could not put it down. It was wonderful having access to what he was thinking at the time and the reasons he did things the way he did. My only disappointment was having it end. I am happy Martinez is still a prosecutor but if he ever decides to leave that profession, he is a great writer as well!