This was a great collection of Belvin's cases and his background, some very hard hitting and well known cases discussed.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

This book touches on early life, career development, and crime cases that Judge Belvin Jr presided over in the State of Florida.

While much of his career is overshadowed by the infamous Casey Anthony Trial, Judge Belvin allows readers into his less talked about lifestyles, including his view on the death penalty, growing up in the South, and his desire for justice.

I don’t often read memoirs, but this one has influenced me to look into more in the future!

Again, thank you NetGalley 🫶🏼

This was my first true crime book and it didn’t disappoint! It read like a documentary at times in my head which kept it a fast paced and interesting read.

The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. I was particularly pleased at how different law involved in the different cases was explained so effortlessly, making it easy to understand and follow along. I already knew a little about the Casey Anthony case going into this, but the amount of added detail and Perry’s perspective made it feel like fresh knowledge to me.

The only reason I’ve given it a 4 star rating instead of 5 is because I would have liked there to be a bit less on the different motions denied to the defence during the Casey Anthony chapters (this made it really drag at one point where I was tempted to skip a couple of chapters).

#NetGalley #TheVelvetHammer

Thoroughly enjoyed this read by Judge Belvin Perry Jr. and Amy Mitchell. My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

While the book is primarily a memoir, it touches upon some of the biggest cases in Judge Perry's life. On account of being a memoir, you will learn the story of a man who grew up in the segregated south and rose to be the dispenser of justice. On account of it being the story of a Judge, you will learn about what it is to hold court, what the difference between justice and revenge is and the responsibilities on a presiding judge. I especially appreciated the part where Judge Perry describes the impact of any ruling. He explains how the case law allows judicial decisions to be cited as precedents and the impact of this on the judicial system as a whole. This brings to the fore the huge responsibility that rests on the shoulders of these giants that uphold the law in our society. Truly, "with great power comes great responsibility."

Yes, a good chunk of the book focuses on the (in)famous Casey Anthony case that the Judge is now known for. You will hear a first person account of the happenings from Judge Perry's point of view. While he has not set out to defend his decisions, he does explain the happenings to shine light on how the events unfolded, so that we may understand the circumstances in which the verdict was announced. We also explore the other capital murder cases where Judge Perry presided, which make for a fascinating read.

I would caution readers that some of the content in this book is gory and unpleasant as expected. It is not for the faint-hearted as it describes in good measure what some human brings are capable of. Despite that, I would recommend this book to those that have an interest in true crime, court procedural and criminal psychology. I would also recommend it to those that have an interest in law and the justice system.

I really enjoyed this book. It brought some humanity to the side of the courtroom few see. It was interesting to hear what the Judge thought and felt when he presided over some of Florida's toughest cases.

I think that that Judge and the co-author have another book in them. I would love to learn more about Mr Perry and his father and step mother. I would love to learn more about the first few cases written in the book.

The book got a little bogged down with the Casey Anthony trial. I felt like some of the details were hashed over all the time. However, I did like how the Judge presided over the courtroom.

Overall this is a good true crime book told from the perspective from a Judge. Any true crime fan will appreciate it for the new perspective on crime.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was an interesting read about the cases Belvin Perry was involved as a prosecutor or presided over as a judge. Some were brutal and hard to read. Tidbits of his professional career sometimes randomly found themselves in chapters regarding a case, however, this was still a great read.

I used to want to be an attorney for a long long time, then somehow I got into a finance class in high school and fell in love with accounting and finance. Why is this relevant? It isn't, but I have always been fascinated with court cases, judges and everything that happens to lead them to where they are today.

Seeing that Judge Belvin Perry Jr wrote a book, I had to grab it because he has seen some brutal, gruesome, and just horrific things in his time as a prosecutor, and now judge. Naturally my curiosity got the best of me, and I am so glad it did.

Did I want to read this to see/read more about the infamous Casey Anthony? Yes.

Did I realize all the other cases he had done previously, and how messed up they were? No.

Would I read more books like this? Absolutely yes.

Incredible read, be ready for some heavy hitting topics, and heavy talks.

Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for my E-ARC.

The Velvet Hammer offers a captivating and insightful look into the life and career of Judge Belvin Perry, best known for presiding over the high-profile Casey Anthony trial. The book delves deeply into the details and behind-the-scenes aspects of this infamous case, providing readers with an insider's view of the courtroom drama. In addition to the Casey Anthony trial, Perry also touches on other notable cases, including the Judy Buenoaño case, showcasing his extensive experience in the legal field. While the book is rich with insights into his professional life, I found myself wanting to learn more about Perry's personal story and the other significant trials that have shaped his career. Nonetheless, The Velvet Hammer is a compelling read for anyone interested in true crime and the workings of the justice system, offering a unique perspective on one of America's most well-known judges.

Thank you to the publisher Post Hill Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley

An intriguing and different perspective on this case, and insight from the judge's life.

A bit dry at times, but interesting.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

“The Velvet Hammer" is an engrossing and insightful memoir by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who offers readers a rare glimpse into some of the most harrowing death penalty cases of his career. Among these is the infamous Casey Anthony trial. Perry's personal reflections and insights as the presiding judge offer an unparalleled view, going beyond the courtroom proceedings, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at his thoughts and deliberations during the trial.

I liked this book a lot and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in true crime, the judicial process, or the intricacies of capital punishment. Perry's firsthand account provides an interesting perspective on why some individuals support the death penalty, presenting arguments grounded in his experiences and the gravity of the crimes he encountered. His explanations are candid and thought-provoking, shedding light on the often-controversial stance.

I am unsure whether it is primarily a recounting of Perry's life and career, or does it aim to provide an in-depth exploration of the Casey Anthony case and others like it? Ultimately, this duality did not detract from the overall experience, as both aspects are equally compelling and well-written.