About The Book

About The Book

A Life Worth Saving is a gripping memoir that provides a rare, insider’s look at the world of capital punishment mitigation investigations. Through vivid storytelling and personal reflection, David Boykoff shares his experiences defending clients facing the death penalty in California.

David’s passion for justice is reflected in his detailed investigation work, his leadership in professional investigative organizations, and his commitment to fairness in a flawed system. His story is one of resilience, compassion, and relentless pursuit of truth.

Key themes include:

  1. The challenges of mitigation work during the penalty phase of trials
  2. The humanization of defendants who often come from traumatic backgrounds
  3. The systemic issues surrounding capital punishment, including racial disparities
  4. The emotional journey of balancing professional duty with personal beliefs

Chapters Overview

Context: Understanding the criminal justice system and the role of mitigation specialists.

False Starts: Early career challenges and first cases that shaped David’s approach.

Good Cop/Bad Cop: The dynamics between investigators and attorneys.

The Killing Fields of Los Angeles: High-profile cases and the realities of violent crime.

Raging Bull & Strictly Murder: Emotional and ethical dilemmas faced in the field.

Family Business & Gangster: Complex personal stories intertwined with crime.

Reflection: David’s introspection on his career, impact, and the fight against the death penalty.

Why Read A Life Worth Saving?

This memoir is more than just a true crime story; it’s a call for compassion, understanding, and reform. David’s candid accounts reveal the often unseen human sides of both defendants and those who fight for justice within a broken system. His story will resonate with readers interested in criminal justice, human rights, and the power of empathy.