“You don’t need to have it all. You only need to figure out how much is enough.”
― Danya Kukafka, Notes on an Execution
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka is a strong and emotional story that turns the usual crime novel upside down. Instead of focusing on a killer’s actions, this book puts focus on the women whose lives were changed by them. The story takes place in the final 12 hours before a man named Ansel Packer is set to be put to death.
But this isn’t just his story—it’s also about his mother, a detective, and a victim’s sister. Each of them shares their memories and struggles, helping us understand the real effect of violence. The writing is deep and thoughtful, and it really makes you think about justice, forgiveness, and how people are remembered.
In this post, I’ll discuss the plot, characters, reviews, and more to help you decide if this book is right for you.
Plot Summary
“This is not his story.” That short sentence sets the tone for Notes on an Execution. Yes, the book follows a man named Ansel Packer as he counts down his final hours on death row—but the real story belongs to the women around him.
As Ansel waits for his execution, the book moves between his past and present. We hear from three women whose lives were deeply changed by him: Lavender, his mother; Saffy, the detective who’s known him since childhood; and Hazel, the twin sister of one of his victims. Each of them tells part of the story, helping us understand what really happened and why it matters.
The book examines big ideas like justice, forgiveness, and how people remember pain. It also shows how violence doesn’t just affect one person—it spreads, touching everyone nearby. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and strong.
What makes the story so powerful is its focus on voices that are usually left out. The women’s pain, fear, and strength are shown clearly, without drama or exaggeration. Their stories feel honest and real.
Even though Ansel is at the center, he’s not the one we’re meant to care about most. The women hold the story together, and their lives stay with you after the final page.
What Genre Does It Focus On?
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka is a quiet but strong story about a man on death row and the women whose lives were changed by him. It’s not your usual crime novel. Instead of focusing on the killer, this book gives a voice to the people around him. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and written in a way that makes you stop and think.
About the Genre
Notes on an Execution is a mix of literary fiction, psychological suspense, and crime. It’s not about solving a mystery or chasing the killer. Instead, it’s slower, emotional, and focused on the people affected by violence. The story takes time to explore feelings, memories, and deep questions about justice and life.
What to Expect
Expect strong writing, a timeline that moves back and forth, and heavy, emotional topics. This powerful, thoughtful story makes you think about how violence affects everyone, not just the person who caused it. The book asks tough questions about justice, guilt, and forgiveness without giving easy answers.
You’ll spend time in each character’s mind, learning their struggles, regrets, and hopes. It’s not a fast or light read, but it will stay with you. If you enjoy quiet, character-focused stories that make you think, this book is a great choice.
Ratings and Reviews
“No one is all bad. No one is all good. We live as equals in the murky gray between.”
― Danya Kukafka, Notes on an Execution
Goodreads Rating
On Goodreads, Notes on an Execution has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 60,000 readers giving their opinions.
What Goodreads Readers Say
- A quiet, powerful novel that explores justice, redemption, and whose stories we choose to tell. Loved the layered perspectives and how it never spoon-feeds you what to think. Slower in the middle, but the ending and themes made it worth five stars – Katie.
- Unsettling in the best way—this book made me think deeply about guilt, punishment, and empathy. The writing is sharp, the structure unique, and the voices unforgettable. Not a typical thriller, but one that stays with you long after the last page – An anonymous reader
What Amazon Readers Say
- “Defiantly populated with living women . . . beautifully drawn, dense with detail and specificity . . . Notes on an Execution is nuanced, ambitious and compelling.” —Katie Kitamura.
- “A searing portrait of the complicated women caught in the orbit of a serial killer. . . . Compassionate and thought-provoking.” –Brit Bennet.
What Makes This Book Different?
Unlike many crime novels, this one doesn’t try to make the killer interesting or mysterious. Instead, it centers the women’s stories—the ones usually pushed to the background. It feels introspective and human, more like a literary novel than a true crime story. That’s what makes it stand out.
Who Should Read Notes on an Execution?
Notes on an Execution is best for adult readers or older teens who are okay with serious and emotional topics. The book talks about murder, trauma, child neglect, and emotional abuse, so it’s not light reading. It doesn’t show a lot of graphic violence, but the topics can still be heavy and strong.
If you like books that focus more on people’s feelings and thoughts rather than fast action, you’ll probably enjoy this one. It’s also a good pick if you’re interested in stories that give a voice to women and look at crime from a different view. This isn’t a typical thriller—it’s slower, more thoughtful, and really makes you think.
Book Recommendations if You Liked Notes on an Execution
- The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
- The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker
- When You Read This by Mary Adkins
- The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
- Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Conclusion
Notes on an Execution is a strong and emotional book that examines crime in a very different way. Instead of focusing on the killer’s actions, it tells the story through the people around him—especially the women who were hurt, ignored, or left behind. The writing is quiet, thoughtful, and well done.
It doesn’t rush to the end but instead takes its time to explore big ideas like justice, forgiveness, and how people live with pain. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, this might not be the book for you. But if you want something that makes you think and feel deeply, it’s worth reading.
It reminds us that every story has more than one side, and sometimes, the most important voices are the ones we don’t always hear. This is a book that stays with you long after the last page.
More from This Author
Danya Kukafka is an author known for writing deep, emotional stories about dark and serious topics. Her books don’t just tell a story—they make you think about people, choices, and how we live with the past. She focuses on characters and their emotions, using careful writing to explore tough subjects like grief, justice, and identity.
If you liked Notes on an Execution, you might want to check out her first book, Girl in Snow. It’s a mystery about a teenager who is found dead, but the story is told through three very different characters: the girl’s classmate, a police officer, and someone who secretly watched her. Like her second novel, it’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about how people are changed by it.
Both books show Kafka’s mixing of mystery with strong emotional meaning.
