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Extreme Punishment: The Chilling True Story of Acclaimed Law Professor Dan Markel’s Murder
At just 41 years of age, Florida State law professor Dan Markel was among the most well-known and accomplished criminal law scholars in the country. He was also a newly divorced dad, his toddlers Ben and Lincoln the center of his universe.
On the morning of July 18, 2014, Dan dropped his boys off at preschool, hit the gym for a workout, and headed home to his quiet, tree-canopied neighborhood. Within seconds of pulling into his garage, two .38-caliber bullets fired from point-blank range were lodged in his brain. His brutal slaying seemed to defy logical explanation, the case stone cold for nearly two years. Finally, dogged pursuit by the Tallahassee Police and FBI led to the apprehension of two men with lengthy rap sheets who had apparently driven ten hours from Miami with one singular purpose: to assassinate the revered professor. But why? Were his ex-wife Wendi Adelson and her South Florida family the masterminds behind this horrific crime?
EXTREME PUNISHMENT recounts the riveting story of a divorce between two law professors that spiraled out of control, wealthy and overprotective in-laws hell-bent on exacting retribution, a most unlikely love triangle, and the relentless quest to bring Dan’s killers—all of them—to justice.
On the morning of July 18, 2014, Dan dropped his boys off at preschool, hit the gym for a workout, and headed home to his quiet, tree-canopied neighborhood. Within seconds of pulling into his garage, two .38-caliber bullets fired from point-blank range were lodged in his brain. His brutal slaying seemed to defy logical explanation, the case stone cold for nearly two years. Finally, dogged pursuit by the Tallahassee Police and FBI led to the apprehension of two men with lengthy rap sheets who had apparently driven ten hours from Miami with one singular purpose: to assassinate the revered professor. But why? Were his ex-wife Wendi Adelson and her South Florida family the masterminds behind this horrific crime?
EXTREME PUNISHMENT recounts the riveting story of a divorce between two law professors that spiraled out of control, wealthy and overprotective in-laws hell-bent on exacting retribution, a most unlikely love triangle, and the relentless quest to bring Dan’s killers—all of them—to justice.
608 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2022
About the author
Steven B. Epstein
3 books289 followersSteven B. Epstein is a native of Long Island who graduated twice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—first with a bachelor’s degree in political science (1987) and then with a law degree (1990). His career began as a law clerk to a federal judge and included a stint as a law professor at the University of Illinois. He’s been a practicing lawyer for nearly 35 years and has tried dozens of cases to judges and juries across North Carolina and has handled numerous appeals in state and federal courts. Since 2010, Steve’s been a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP, where his practice concentrates on family law.
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His third book, EXTREME PUNISHMENT: The Chilling True Story of Acclaimed Law Professor Dan Markel's Murder, was released in October 2022. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including NBC's Dateline, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.stevenbepstein.com
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His third book, EXTREME PUNISHMENT: The Chilling True Story of Acclaimed Law Professor Dan Markel's Murder, was released in October 2022. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including NBC's Dateline, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.stevenbepstein.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 7, 2022
I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of Extreme Punishment. I went to college with Dan Markel. We weren't close but we both majored in government so our paths overlapped. I remember when he was murdered and have continued to follow the story to this day. Steve Epstein has done a phenomenal job of writing about the story of Dan and his murder. I knew many of the details of the murder since I have been following it for so long but I still learned new details as I read his book. If you have been following Dan's murder, this is an excellent book to read. If you are not familiar with Dan's story, it is also an excellent book to read particularly if you are a fan of true crime.
March 3, 2023
I liked epstein’s other two books but I think I read them. This one I did audio and it seemed like it just dragged on and on. It seemed unnecessarily long. Not my favorite at all. Too many people doing too many things couldn’t follow who was doing what sometimes
December 5, 2022
Excellent read
So well researched. Shows mistakes of both defense and prosecution side. A real page turner. You learn the story from both sides.
So well researched. Shows mistakes of both defense and prosecution side. A real page turner. You learn the story from both sides.
January 2, 2023
Riveting
Well written and structured true crime story. This was such a tragedy and so unnecessary. I truly liked the way the author formatted the telling of this. Very well researched and very current information. Includes photos.
Well written and structured true crime story. This was such a tragedy and so unnecessary. I truly liked the way the author formatted the telling of this. Very well researched and very current information. Includes photos.
February 2, 2023
When will justice
be served on Donna & Wendi Adelson!? But in the infamous words of The Maestro "no one gives diarrhea to my mother".
In all seriousness, great job to Steven Epstein!
be served on Donna & Wendi Adelson!? But in the infamous words of The Maestro "no one gives diarrhea to my mother".
In all seriousness, great job to Steven Epstein!
December 1, 2023
4.5 stars.
Heavy on court procedure and trial details, this was an enjoyable read. Epstein clearly knows his stuff and presents it in a thorough and compelling manner. He points out flaws in the process and presentation of evidence without favoring one side or injecting himself into the story, as I find true crime authors often do. I’ll be looking out for more from Mr. Epstein.
Heavy on court procedure and trial details, this was an enjoyable read. Epstein clearly knows his stuff and presents it in a thorough and compelling manner. He points out flaws in the process and presentation of evidence without favoring one side or injecting himself into the story, as I find true crime authors often do. I’ll be looking out for more from Mr. Epstein.
October 18, 2022
Outstanding True crime read
Steve Epstein writes a thrilling true life story of a murder of a brilliant young law professor. Professor Dan Marble died during a custody battle with his ex wife. Mr. Epstein does an excellent job in describing the characters involved in the story. An outstanding read that I highly recommend to others to delve into a conspiracy of murder and deceit.
Steve Epstein writes a thrilling true life story of a murder of a brilliant young law professor. Professor Dan Marble died during a custody battle with his ex wife. Mr. Epstein does an excellent job in describing the characters involved in the story. An outstanding read that I highly recommend to others to delve into a conspiracy of murder and deceit.
January 6, 2023
GREAT STORY TELLING
I listened to podcasts and TV shows about this murder. Mr. Epstein’s writing keep me riveted even though I obviously knew the outcome. Reading the details was fascinating.
I listened to podcasts and TV shows about this murder. Mr. Epstein’s writing keep me riveted even though I obviously knew the outcome. Reading the details was fascinating.
March 26, 2023
This is quite an intense captivating read.....but is very very long. Having said that I did read it quite quickly but only because I stuck at it. It is a true story written by a lawyer so quite detailed.
February 17, 2024
A deeply unsatisfying story of a horrific true crime. Lawyer professor executed by criminals, on the orders of his lawyer ex-wife so that she can move the kids back to her hometown. Every biographical detail of victim and perpetrators is covered, along with the crime. The court room case seems to mainly cover lesser characters and it seems the real perpetrators - the wife and her mother- simply got away with it. It takes quite some skill to make the good bones of this awful crime so long winded and unengaging.
August 2, 2024
Wow! One of the best true crime books I’ve ever read - this stated by a true crime junkie! The writing is seamless and goes into so much detail without ever being boring. The story itself though is simply horrifying, and it’s hard to believe that a family as evil as the Adelson’s (minus Rob) can live among us. This is an extreme example of truth being stranger than fiction, and I hope Dan’s family finally gets justice.
March 27, 2024
spellbindingly well written
This more than 600 page book was captivatingly well written and I was hooked after I was referred to seeking it by a Dateline episode on the same subject matter (the well known murder of Tallahassee law professor Dan Markel and the bringing to justice his murderers). Will be looking at other books by this author.
This more than 600 page book was captivatingly well written and I was hooked after I was referred to seeking it by a Dateline episode on the same subject matter (the well known murder of Tallahassee law professor Dan Markel and the bringing to justice his murderers). Will be looking at other books by this author.
December 2, 2022
I confess to having a penchant for true crime stories, so I picked this one up because I remember watching the original Dateline episode shortly after the murder and being shocked by the brutality of the crime and the number of potential suspects. The author did a great job of providing detailed background stories for the various actors involved.
I guess we'll have to stay tuned for an upcoming trial and hopefully additional endictments.
I guess we'll have to stay tuned for an upcoming trial and hopefully additional endictments.
October 25, 2022
Great Book
I love this author! I love his style!! I think he’s the best true crime writer since Ann Rule!!! I have read every true crime book he has wrote & will read any that he writes in the future!!! If u love true crime u need to check out this author’s books!!!
I love this author! I love his style!! I think he’s the best true crime writer since Ann Rule!!! I have read every true crime book he has wrote & will read any that he writes in the future!!! If u love true crime u need to check out this author’s books!!!
February 13, 2023
Longer than it needed to be
This was a sad story, as all true crime is. But this book was so drawn out and repetitive. I skipped about 50 pages, probably more, just to finally find out what happened. Not a fan of this book.
This was a sad story, as all true crime is. But this book was so drawn out and repetitive. I skipped about 50 pages, probably more, just to finally find out what happened. Not a fan of this book.
December 27, 2022
It is was a real pain in the butt to read
September 16, 2023
Well I gave this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have been following this case since it started. The murder of Dan Markel was absolutely terrible. All 3 of them Katie, Luis, and Sigfredo deserve life without parole. They not only murdered a father but also a son, friend and scholar. All he wanted was to raise his 2 boys, Ben and Lincoln. The mastermind of all this is Dan’s brother in law Charlie Adelson who is incarcerated now and should go on trial around October 2023. The parents of Dan Markel are suffering and I believe that they will NOT rest until all of the characters that were involved in the murder are brought to justice. I truly believe that following Charlie Adelson, will be his mother Donna Adelson and possibly Dan’s ex wife Wendi to all go to prison for the rest of their lives.
February 17, 2024
Enjoyed Stephen’s book. I’ve read the other two so I’ve really enjoyed his style of storytelling. I’ve already heard a lot about this murder through podcasts and TV. With the the trial on Charlie Adelson and the arrest of his mother Donna I’m sure he is going to write an updated version. Who knows how much further this investigation will uncover?
June 28, 2023
Excellent courtroom narratives!
May 13, 2024
Fascinating Read
The book is no simple rehash of the chain of cruel and murderous events that took place in 2014, against Dan Markel. This is a serious connecting of the dots that reveals information not necessarily covered by the press or the trials. Additionally, this story continues ! Excellent read, very informative, couldn't put the book down.
The book is no simple rehash of the chain of cruel and murderous events that took place in 2014, against Dan Markel. This is a serious connecting of the dots that reveals information not necessarily covered by the press or the trials. Additionally, this story continues ! Excellent read, very informative, couldn't put the book down.
March 19, 2023
Well researched and engaging. Extreme Punishment tells the story of a deadly divorce and the dogged efforts by investigators to build the case against the killer - even if it took years to do.
February 22, 2024
excellent
This book surpassed my expectations. I'm an avid trial watcher and true crime follower. This book has entertained me with facts that I did not know. I really enjoyed and recommend it.
This book surpassed my expectations. I'm an avid trial watcher and true crime follower. This book has entertained me with facts that I did not know. I really enjoyed and recommend it.
February 1, 2023
Another masterpiece from my favourite true crime author. Nobody does it better. That said, it would have been good to perhaps wait until all the players in this murder came to trial - but in this instance, the wheels of justice have been turning exceedingly slowly - so, maybe it is worth it to get the beginning out there - the book was excellent, as usual.
People and personalities drawn with a deft hand, you feel like you know these people - all of them - the good, the bad and the (very) ugly.
Mr Epstein has a unique writing style and although Ann Rule comes close - I truly think he's the better writer.
Looking forward to anything else he writes. I wouldn't miss it!
People and personalities drawn with a deft hand, you feel like you know these people - all of them - the good, the bad and the (very) ugly.
Mr Epstein has a unique writing style and although Ann Rule comes close - I truly think he's the better writer.
Looking forward to anything else he writes. I wouldn't miss it!
August 10, 2023
Meh
The story is a fascinating one and had the potential to make a great book, but it just wasn’t. The second half draaaaggggeeedddd out the court proceedings in boring detail. And, this is super nitpicky, but the overuse of quotation marks for “husband” and “wife” for one of the couples was so annoying. Like, you already described they weren’t actually married. It was overkill with the quotes. It doesn’t seem like a big deal but it kind of is when it’s egregious enough to pull your attention away from what’s happening. I would recommend an episode of 20/20 or Dateline for this one over actually reading the book.
The story is a fascinating one and had the potential to make a great book, but it just wasn’t. The second half draaaaggggeeedddd out the court proceedings in boring detail. And, this is super nitpicky, but the overuse of quotation marks for “husband” and “wife” for one of the couples was so annoying. Like, you already described they weren’t actually married. It was overkill with the quotes. It doesn’t seem like a big deal but it kind of is when it’s egregious enough to pull your attention away from what’s happening. I would recommend an episode of 20/20 or Dateline for this one over actually reading the book.
March 2, 2023
The book brought forward a lot of detail of the people involved as well as a lot of the courtroom transcript. Anyone that knows about the case and wants to delve deeper this is it.
October 20, 2022
Fascinating Book
I bought this after reading a portion on Amazon. Mr. Epstein is an outstanding author and I became addicted to the story. He covers a lot of material in a way that flows smoothly, and the narrative never bogs down. I will follow Mr. Epstein’s other books.
I bought this after reading a portion on Amazon. Mr. Epstein is an outstanding author and I became addicted to the story. He covers a lot of material in a way that flows smoothly, and the narrative never bogs down. I will follow Mr. Epstein’s other books.
October 30, 2022
I had just read a book on the same topic recently, more of a family view. This one had a different angle. Loved this in-depth view of a horrible murder. I couldn't wait for this book to come out, and it certainly was well worth the wait. Hoping the author is working on another book!
November 30, 2022
This is Steve’s 3rd and, in my opinion, best true crime novel. I didn’t know the story before reading it, and I thought Steve set up the narrative perfectly. I was hooked from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
January 17, 2023
Page Turner
I couldn’t put this book down. Excellent organization of many details and the story flows. I hope this author writes a sequel after Charlie’s trial and that the others involved also get their due.
I couldn’t put this book down. Excellent organization of many details and the story flows. I hope this author writes a sequel after Charlie’s trial and that the others involved also get their due.
February 26, 2023
Excellent read, well written.
These stories need to be told. Wendi ranks right up there with Murdaugh, Manson, Watts, and Bridegan’s ex wife. Purely evil.
These stories need to be told. Wendi ranks right up there with Murdaugh, Manson, Watts, and Bridegan’s ex wife. Purely evil.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews