Neil R. Gordon & Mike Petchenik

The 33^rd Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA Presents

Neil R. Gordon & Mike Petchenik, Trial Watchers

In conversation with Veronica Waters, Crimes and Courts Reporter, WSB Radio 

Author Talk, Q & A & Book Signing

What makes a true crime fan worthy of the title? Is it a degree, or simply a vested interest? Trial Watchers seeks to explain the "why" behind true crime fans' incredible dedication to their passion.

In the age of the internet, digital footprints are everywhere. And some people have the patience, talent, and interest to follow them into shadowed corners of the world where cold cases can be reborn: true crime content.

True crime fans travel to trials, read books, watch court shows, listen to podcasts, and passionately involve themselves in Facebook groups and true crime chat rooms. Why? Trial Watchers is here to explain.

Trial Watchers is an anthology-style narrative that takes stories from real true crime fans that explains why they embroil themselves in the world of true crime. For some, it's about justice, solving a puzzle, or fascination with the legal process as a whole. For others, it's an empathetic act in service of the accused or victimized.

Written by trial watchers for trial watchers and other true crime fans, Trial Watchers is a deeply-resonating and interesting read for fans of crime, mystery, true stories, and social psychology. It's most suitable for adults, given the nature of some cases discussed.

Trial Watchers tells the real, heartfelt, and compelling stories behind those who put their lives on hold to follow criminal trials in many different ways.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Neil Gordon has more than 30 years of experience in various broadcasting and publishing ventures. Before writing "Trial Watchers," he co-authored the infamous book Behind the Doors of Justice, "The Murdaugh Murders" with embattled Clerk of Court Becky Hill. He's the publisher of Augusta Business Daily, a business-to-business on-line publication.  Neil is married to "Trial Watchers" photographer and the first true crime fan he ever met, Melissa.  They are proud parents of a spunky pre-teen named Lyndee.  

Mike Petchenik is a veteran journalist and communications professional.  He spent 12 years on the air at top-rated WSB-TV, and while there he won three Emmy awards for his work, including a National Emmy.  Mike is now CEO of Petchenik Media Group, a full-service public relations, content creation, and media training company. During his career, Mike covered some of the highest-profile cases in the Southeast, including the infamous "Dunwoody Daycare" murder trial. He's a proud husband, father of two kids, and a Maltese-Yorkie mix named Sophie.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Veronica Waters is an anchor and reporter for News/Talk WSB. She is also the staff expert on legal affairs and the courts. Veronica is a multiple award-winner for news and sports feature reporting, including a regional Edward R. Murrow for Investigative Reporting.

Books will be available for purchase on the evening of the event from our partner bookseller, A Cappella Books!

All sales are final. Tickets and books are non-refundable.