Sharp (sociology, U. of Oklahoma) challenges the accepted perspective of murderers as heinous and sub-human, by identifying them as brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons or friends. Through a series of interviews with families of the accused, she illustrates the complicated and isolated grieving process they experience when a family member is sentenced to death. Sharp argues from a sociological approach that highlights parallel experiences and coping mechanisms. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)