A Voice Worth Hearing

Ann Wolbert Burgess’s Expert Witness isn’t your typical true crime read—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at justice told by someone who has lived it. From her early work in trauma and victim advocacy to testifying in some of the country’s most notorious trials, Burgess opens a window into a world most of us only glimpse on the news. Her writing is steady and compassionate, showing what it means to carry the responsibility of giving voice to survivors in court. Right away, it feels less like sensational storytelling and more like an honest reckoning with the power of testimony.

Inside the Courtroom and Beyond

The book blends memoir, legal history, and case studies in a way that feels both intimate and informative. Burgess walks readers through her experiences with cases involving Bill Cosby, Larry Nassar, and the Menendez brothers, among others. She explains the psychology of trauma, the strategies behind expert testimony, and the evolving role of science in shaping legal decisions. Rather than simply reciting court transcripts, she adds the human element: the preparation, the doubts, the cross-examinations. Each chapter deepens the reader’s understanding of how testimony becomes more than words—it becomes evidence of lived reality.

Why It Works So Well

What makes this book shine is Burgess’s ability to balance clarity and complexity. She takes dense legal and psychological concepts and translates them into stories that are easy to follow without losing their seriousness. You don’t need a background in law or medicine to appreciate her insights. At the same time, she doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll or the stakes involved. That honesty gives the book a rare authenticity—you feel the weight of each case and the fragile hope carried into every courtroom.

A Few Limitations

Because Burgess writes largely from her own perspective, some readers may wish for more follow-up on the victims’ lives or the long-term impacts of the cases she describes. The book also leans heavily on serious tone, which might feel dense if you’re more of a casual reader. And while she acknowledges opposing views, the courtroom drama is told primarily from her side of the witness stand. Still, these are small drawbacks compared to the richness of what the book offers. The precision and passion with which she writes outweigh any gaps.

Final Thoughts

Expert Witness is a must-read for anyone who cares about justice, trauma, and the human stories behind high-profile trials. It will appeal to true crime fans looking for depth, as well as to readers interested in psychology, law, or victim advocacy. Burgess shows that expert testimony is more than a technical exercise—it’s a moral duty that can shift how courts, and society, view survivors of abuse. The book is sobering yet hopeful, demanding yet rewarding. I’d call it highly recommended, and one of those rare nonfiction works that lingers long after you close the pages.