Author Bohm (criminal justice, University of Central Florida) interviewed all levels of participants in the capital punishment process, from families of victims and offenders to detectives, attorneys, judges, jurors, corrections officers, executioners, witnesses, chaplains, and governors. Their voices are given a primary place in the book, offering readers insight into capital punishment's mental, emotional, and spiritual toll on all involved. In addition to discussing their personal feelings, those interviewed also give their perspectives on the capital punishment process and on theoretical and legal issues. Criticisms of the system come even from executioners themselves, as they reflect on the high financial costs of capital punishment and its ineffectiveness as a deterrent. Interview material is bookended by background on the elements of the capital punishment process and by a conclusion summarizing various theories on how people cope with their roles. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)