The #1 Lawyer - James Patterson and Nancy Allen

New from James Patterson and Nancy Allen - The #1 Lawyer -  releases today! 

Patterson and Allen take us down to Biloxi, Mississippi and to the law office of Stafford Lee Penney. Stafford Lee hasn't lost a case yet - hence the #1. But you know what they say - what goes up, has to come down....

I have always enjoyed legal thrillers. The machinations behind closed doors, the hunt for a clue, a witness, that 'thing' that will turn the tables and secure a favorable win. In this case Stafford Lee is a defense lawyer. I enjoy the theatrics of the courtroom, the keen eyes that 'read' the jurors and the abilty to turn tactics on the spot. 

Patterson and Allen give us a great case in the first few chapters of the book. And it was everything I detailed above. There's a great surprise at the end of that case that caught me off guard. And the book took a different direction. One I was happy to follow! The direction the plot took kept me engaged.

Now, the characters. Stafford Lee is a good lead and embodies what you would expect in a lawyer as a lead. He thinks quick on his feet, but again - that up has to come down. I really liked Jenny, the firm's private eye. She's tough, thinks for herself and is driven.

The novel is told in short chapters and succinct sentences - classic Patterson style. Nancy Allen is a lawyer herself and the book benefits from that inside knowledge. Patters and Allen have co-written two previous legal tales together. I wonder if there will be a second book with Stafford Lee and company? I would happily pick it up.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The #1 Lawyer. 

Resurrection Walk - Michael Connelly

I eagerly await each new book from Michael Connelly. He's hands down one of my favorite authors. And then...I finish it far too quickly. I couldn't put down Resurrection Walk. It's one heck of a page turner.

While the cover is labelled as a Lincoln Lawyer book, it also features Harry Bosch. Harry is now working for his half brother, Mickey Haller, as a part time investigator. Haller is coming off of a big win and has Harry vetting requests for another 'Resurrection Walk' case. 

This is not a jury case, instead Mickey is presenting his case to only one person - a Federal judge. The stakes are high, as is the tension. And the other is are just as determined. Connelly's courtroom legalese is detailed and is presented and written so readers understand what's going on. The courtroom machinations, the ups and downs of rulings and Mickey's plans are fascinating to read. 

Connelly's characters' personal lives are always moving forward. Familiar supporting players, Cisco, Lorna, Maggie Fierce, Maddy and more, make cameo appearances. It's been hard to see Harry age and take a lesser role. I think of him as an old war horse. It was different to see him on the defense side of the table instead of the prosecution. Mickey may be making some changes as well. Only the next book will tell. 

An absolute addicting, can't put it down book! More please. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Resurrection Walk. 

The Exchange - John Grisham

Have you ever wondered might happen to a character if there was a follow up tale? John Grisham's new novel, The Exchange, brings back lead character Mitch McDeere from 'The Firm.'

Nobody does legal thrillers like Grisham - I picked up this new title without even looking at the synopsis.&

Mitch has avoided Mississippi and all that happened there for fifteen years. He's now a partner in a large, wealthy firm in New York. They literally have thousands of offices across the world. And it is one of those far flung offices that desperately needs Mitch's skill set...

Now, you certainly don't have to read The Firm to enjoy The Exchange. Grisham provides lots of background in the first few chapters. I actually thought the plot was going to be similar to that first book. But it wasn't. Instead Grisham takes Mitch on a world wide search for answers. Without giving much away, this plotline seems ripped from newspaper headlines. 

I like Mitch as a lead character - and his wife Abby just as well. She has a significant role in this latest book. The novel is populated by a number of supporting characters - but it's hard to tell who is backing Mitch and who's have their own agenda.  

Grisham's background as both a lawyer and a politician add so much to his storytelling. There's a sense of urgency with every page turned and the tension is palpable with each situation and emotion. There is a lot of detail around some the agencies, legal machinations and more. I must admit, some of it was a bit too much for me.

Overall, another great read from Grisham. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Exchange. 

As I turned the last page, I wondered if there's perhaps a third book for Mitch???

A Time for Mercy - John Grisham

John Grisham's latest book is A Time For Mercy.

From Penguin Random House Audio:

"Clanton, Mississippi. 1990. Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid sixteen-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance digs in and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Jake’s fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security, and the safety of his family on the line.

 

In what may be the most personal and accomplished legal thriller of John Grisham’s storied career, we deepen our acquaintance with the iconic Southern town of Clanton and the vivid cast of characters that so many readers know and cherish. The result is a richly rewarding novel that is both timely and timeless, full of wit, drama, and—most of all—heart.

 

Bursting with all the courthouse scheming, small-town intrigue, and stunning plot twists that have become the hallmarks of the master of the legal thriller, A Time for Mercy is John Grisham’s most powerful courtroom drama yet. There is a time to kill and a time for justice. Now comes A Time for Mercy."

My Thoughts:

I was thrilled to see that this latest Grisham was a legal thriller. Grisham is a talented writer across the board, but his legal tales are my favorite. And this latest may well be the best of them! The plot is gripping and the execution is simply fantastic. The behind the scenes machination of a trial are fascinating. As is the actual trial. Grisham's own background as a lawyer adds so much to his books. Jake is a great lead and the supporting cast brings back supporting characters from the previous two books. Time and place are brought to life with detailed descriptions. And then there's the loaded question - is murder ever justified?

I chose to listen to A Time for Mercy. The reader was Michael Beck and his narration was perfect for this title. He has created many Southern accents/drawls for the myriad cast of players. Each is just a little bit different and it's easy to know who is speaking. He also does the female/child voices very well. His interpretation of the book is simply wonderful. Beck uses his voice to wonderful effect, capturing the emotions of the characters and the action of the plot. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I become so much more immersed in a story by listening. Five stars plus for this one! I hope we see more of Jake. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of A Time For Mercy.

Thirteen - Steve Cavanagh

You know that little thrill you get when you realize you've stumbled onto a fantastic read? I had that from the first pages of Steve Cavanagh's latest novel, Thirteen.

This is the fourth book featuring Eddie Flynn - con man turned defense lawyer. Eddie is a great lead character - dogged and clever. He's impossible not to like.

A Hollywood star is accused of killing his wife. He protests his innocence, but the evidence against him is damning. Eddie is added to the defense team - but if things go south, it's Flynn who will take the blame. As the trial gets underway, Eddie has more than a few doubts about the case against Bobby Solomon....

Cavanagh's plot premise is just as clever. "The serial killer isn't on trial. He's on the jury." Uh, huh. Now how did that happen? The reader gets inside the killer's mind and motives through his own POV chapters that alternate with the trial.

Oh my gosh. Thirteen is so very, very good. The killer is truly devious - and downright terrifying. Eddie is everything you want in a lead character. (I'm going to be looking up the first three books in this series for sure) The supporting cast is just as well drawn - Judge Harry Ford was a favourite for me. The crime is fiendishly clever. The investigation is meticulously plotted. The legal scenes are riveting. Cavanagh's writing is so very, very readable. And edge of your seat. What more can I say - I absolutely loved it. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you need to read Thirteen. Start now - Here's an excerpt of Thirteen.

Who else likes Steve Cavanagh's writing?  "I've been tracking Steve Cavanagh for a few years now and Thirteen is his best, a dead bang beast of a book that expertly combining his authority on the law with an absolutely great thrill ride. Books this ingenious don't come along very often." - Michael Connelly

You can connect with  Steve Cavanagh on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter. 

The Ex - Alafair Burke

I don't even look at the flyleaf when I see Alafair Burke's name on the cover - I just know I'm going to enjoy it. Burke's latest is The Ex.  

The first few chapters of a book are always important to me - is my interest piqued? Do I want to know what happens next? Burke absolutely had me curious. The first few pages are the transcript of a police interview. Jack Harris believes he's helping the police with their investigation - he was in the vicinity when a shooter killed three people. Instead, it turns out they think Jack did it......

Olivia Randall is a powerhouse criminal defense lawyer - tough, brash and dedicated to her clients. She's also the woman who broke Jack's heart twenty years ago when she walked out on him. When Jack's daughter approaches her to defend Jack, she immediately says yes. After all, the Jack she knows couldn't kill anyone...........could he?

I liked the character of Olivia - flaws and all - she's someone you would want in your corner. The flaws and doubts made her believable. Jack was a tricky one - he comes across as likable, but there was just something about him. And that niggling doubt kept me reading another chapter...and another. Burke drops hints, teasers and memories as the book progresses. I did have my suspicions as the end neared, but Burke's gotcha at the end was well played.

Burke herself is a lawyer - the legal and courtroom scenes in the book benefit from her expertise. I would love to see another book with Olivia - perhaps she'll get her own series?

Burke has done it again - an excellent premise, great plotting and an entertaining, addictive, satisfying read. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Ex.

"Alafair Burke is the New York Times bestselling author of ten previous novels, including the standalone thrillers Long Gone and If You Were Here, and the Ellie Hatcher series: All Day and a Night, Never Tell, 212, Angel’s Tip, and Dead Connection. She is also the coauthor of the Under Suspicion series with Mary Higgins Clark. A former prosecutor, she is now a professor of criminal law and lives in Manhattan."  Find out more about Alafair at her website, connect with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter. See what others on the TLC book tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

Pleasantville - Attica Locke

l read and enjoyed Attica Locke's second novel, The Cutting Season, a few years ago. (my review) But, I hadn't read her first book Black Water Rising featuring attorney Jay Porter. Porter returns in Locke's newest book Pleasantville.

1996. A young girl goes missing after a night of handing out flyers in the Houston neighbourhood of Pleasantville. Two other young women have been killed on the streets in the near past, but the crimes remain unsolved. There's also a fierce electoral race running for the mayor of Houston -  and Pleasantville has put forward a candidate. When a family member of the local candidate is arrested for the murder of this last girl, Jay is brought in to defend him. But is he guilty or is the accusation a political tactic?

I enjoyed Jay as a lead character. He's not a perfect man, but he's trying his best as a single father. He's also struggling with doing the right thing for his clients in the class action suit from Black Water Rising, but is growing tired of it all.

Locke has penned a complex political/legal thriller, with the murder part of the plot taking a back seat. It's very well written.  But, I found myself having to put it down every so often as the plot has so many myriad threads and players that I started to glaze over.  I found the first part of the book slow going, but things picked up as the action moved into the courtroom. This is a personal bias though, as I find political machinations tedious. But, that being said, Locke's plotting is also excellent - and somewhat frightening. I honestly think that what she has presented in a fictional setting has its roots in reality - and corruption. Locke explores that theme, as well as family, class and race with a deft hand. Read an excerpt of Pleasantville.

It was only on reading the author's notes that I discovered that Pleasantville is an actual place in Texas. I wonder how much of Locke's story is based on fact?

Attica Locke is the author of the widely acclaimed debut novel Black Water Rising, which was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, an Edgar Award, and an NAACP Image Award, and was shortlisted for the UK's Orange Prize. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. You connect with Attica Locke on her website, as well as on Facebook and on Twitter. (Fun fact - Attica Locke is also a writer on Fox's tv drama Empire)

See what others on the TLC book tour thought. Full schedule can be found here.

The Gods of Guilt - Michael Connelly

The Gods of Guilt is the fifth entry in Michael Connelly's 'Lincoln Lawyer' series featuring Mickey Haller.

Mickey Haller is a lawyer who doesn't have a bricks and mortar office - instead he works out of his Lincoln town car.

Haller's life is on the downswing - his bid for District Attorney blew up in his face, his daughter won't see him or speak to him and he's hurting for money.

Mickey gets a call from the jail from an Andre - he's been told to call Haller if he ever needs a lawyer. Andre is accused of killing 'Glory Days' - a prostitute from Mick's past  - one he thought he had saved from 'the life'. The kicker? It's Gloria who told Andre to call Haller. Andre is adamant he didn't kill Gloria and Haller takes the case - out of a sense of guilt.

Connelly turns in another solid legal thriller. Haller in the courtroom is great fun as are his somewhat questionable methods. Likable recurring character make an appearance, with one making a final bow. Connelly expands on Mickey's personal life that makes the character all the more real.

I pick up every Connelly knowing I'm going to enjoy it. The one thing I didn't like in this novel was Haller referencing the movie made about him. I would have liked to keep reality and fiction separate. Other than that The Gods of Guilt was eminently readable and definitely entertaining. Read an excerpt of The Gods of Guilt.

Sycamore Row - John Grisham

Twenty five years ago, the initial print run of John Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill, was 5000 copies. His second novel propelled him onto the bestseller lists - where every subsequent novel has landed.

In his latest novel, Sycamore Row, Grisham takes us back to Clanton, Mississippi and his first character - 'street lawyer' Jake Brigance. Three years ago, in 1985, Jake successfully defended a black man accused of murder - the murder of the white rapists of his ten year old daughter. The trial and verdict divided the town and racial tension still runs high.

I was waiting for just the right time to crack the spine of Sycamore Row. (Figuratively speaking of course because I would never hurt a book.  ;)
I just knew that once I started, I wouldn't want to put it down. And I was right - I was hooked from the opening lines....

"They found Seth Hubbard in the general area where he had promised to be, though not exactly in the condition expected. He was at the end of a rope, six feet off the ground and twisting slightly in the wind."

It turns out that reclusive Seth was extremely wealthy. And that he changed his will in the days before his death. His new handwritten will lands in the office of Jake Brigance, delivered by mail the day after Seth's death.  Hubbard has cut out his children and left the bulk of his estate to his housekeeper of three years - a black woman named Lettie Lang. Jake doesn't know Seth Hubbard but is determined to follow Seth's instructions to the letter of the law.

By doing so, he's in for another fight....

Oh man! I loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Nobody does legal thrillers like Grisham. Really, you don't even need the 'legal' qualifier. Grisham is pure and simple, one heck of a storyteller. Absolutely one of the best.  His prose flow seamlessly, drawing the reader ever deeper into the story and the town of Clanton. I could picture myself sitting at the diner, with Dell pouring coffee, and listening to the latest gossip.

The characters are really well drawn. Jake is extremely likable, principled and the kind of lawyer you'd want in your corner. I also quite enjoy the other supporting legal players - drunken, but canny Lucien Wilbanks, the pronouncements of Harry Rex and the astuteness of Sheriff Ozzie Walls.

Grisham brings his setting to life - the town, culture, attitudes and more are all detailed and benefit greatly from the author's own past. The legal machinations employed are just as detailed (and interesting) Grisham both grew up in the South and practiced law in Mississippi.

The plotting is excellent, the tension palpable and the journey to the final pages and reveal is oh so good. Absolutely addictive reading, Stick this one in your own stocking - five stars for sure!

Read an excerpt of Sycamore Row. You can find John Grisham on Facebook.

Alligator Man - James Sheehan - Review AND Giveaway

This is the first book I've read by James Sheehan. Sheehan writes a legal series with lawyer Jack Tobin as the recurring character, but his latest book, The Alligator Man is a stand alone and introduces us to a new character - lawyer Kevin Wylie.

Kevin's life is about to be turned upside down - his shady boss has decided that now is the time to get ride of Kevin, he gets word that the father he hasn't seen in twenty eight years is dying and his girlfriend isn't happy with Kevin at all.

What's a lawyer to do? Well, Kevin decides to see his father one last time and get answers before it's too late. He reconnects with some barely remembered pieces and people from his past. One of them is family friend Billy, who has just been arrested for the murder of Roy Johnson, a corporate criminal who ruined the lives of thousands of his employees when he bankrupted the company. And yes, Billy was one of them. With nothing waiting for him back in Miami, Kevin teams up with his lawyer father on their first - and what will probably be their last case.

Sheehan has two story lines running parallel in The Alligator Man. The race to prove Billy's innocence is full of pitfalls, false leads and possible outcomes. Sheehan does a capable job of providing a solid legal thriller accentuated with realistic courtroom drama.  Sheehan makes his home in Florida and his living from the law. This adds immensely to both setting and locale descriptions as well as the legal aspects of the case.

The other storyline is one of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption and a healthy dose of romance as well. Sheehan deftly explores broken relationships - specifically fathers. There is another player in the story who has also lost his father. While I appreciated this plot line, I also felt that the situations were somewhat clichéd and wooden. I never truly became invested in Kevin's emotions - they remained as words on the page. Readers will always be sure of who is on the 'right' side and who is 'wrong' as the lines and characters are clearly drawn and delineated. Some of the supporting characters were overly 'folksy' for my taste - Rosie the diner owner was grating on my nerves by the end.

But, that being said, I encourage legal fiction fans to seek out James Sheehan. He spins a good, solid legal thriller. Read an excerpt of The Alligator Man.

"James Sheehan was born and raised in New York City, the fourth child of Jack Sheehan and Mary (Tobin) Sheehan. There would eventually be six children. He moved to Florida in 1974 to attend law school and became a lawyer in 1977. He was a trial lawyer for thirty plus years. Prior to that time, he worked at various jobs: paper boy, shoeshine boy, iron worker, stock proofer, grocery boy, dishwasher, short order cook, and restaurant manager. Presently, he is a law professor at Stetson University College of Law and the Director of the Tampa Law Center. James currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida." You can find James Sheehan on Facebook and on Twitter.

See what others on the TLC tour thought - full schedule can be found here.

And thanks to the folks at Center Street Books, I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Simply leave a comment to be entered. Ends November 30/13.

Stranglehold - Robert Rotenberg

I had a lively discussion with a patron at the library a while ago. He was looking for a good mystery or legal thriller to read. But he had a qualifier - nothing Canadian, he just finds American books 'better'. Oh boy, do I love a challenge...we compromised and I'm just waiting for him to come back and let me know what he thought of the Canadian titles/authors I sent him home with.

Robert Rotenberg was one of those authors. This gentleman likes series, so I sent him home with the first in Rotenberg's excellent series -  Old City Hall. The fourth book, Stranglehold, is newly released and I have to say - Rotenberg gets better and better with every book.

Recurring character Detective Ari Green returns, but in a different role. Rather that being the one in charge of the investigation; this time he's the one being investigated.....for murder. Green finds Jennifer, the married Crown Attorney he has been having an affair with,  dead in the motel room they were meeting at - and the police arrive before he has time to call 911......

I just love the Canadian setting - the descriptions of streets, stores and neighbourhoods that I recognize. It really brings the novel to life. Rotenberg himself is a criminal lawyer in Toronto. His courtroom descriptions and intimacy with the Canadian legal system again brings that 'extra' sense of authenticity to his work. There are some sly nods to present day Toronto that Canadian will 'get'. Notably, the overweight Mayor who coaches a boy's rugby team.

I enjoy Rotenberg's recurring characters. Green is less than perfect and this makes him all the more human. I really enjoy his father's scenes in this book. Kennicott is also a character I really enjoy as he feels his way  through his new position. I hope we see more  of  Awotwe Amankwah, a reporter for the Toronto Star. Rotenberg gives each of his characters an excellent second story line with their personal lives. It lets us get to know them a bit better and carries their story forward into the next book.

The plotting in Stranglehold is excellent, believable and well played. But the exploration of relationships - familial and work are just as much a part of the story. I think this is probably my favourite of the series (so far) An excellent series and definitely recommended eh?

You can find Robert Rotenberg on Facebook and on Twitter.

The Conviction - Robert Dugoni - Review AND Giveaway

I picked up Robert Dugoni's debut novel The Jury Master back in 2006. I quite enjoyed it, but for some unknown reason, I hadn't read another of his books until I picked up his latest - The Conviction. (I know I've missed a lot of good reads in between.)

Lawyer David Sloane is Dugoni's recurring character. He's known as 'the lawyer who does not lose'. In the courtroom maybe, but in his personal life Sloane has suffered some losses. His partner Tina was brutally murdered - in front of her son Jake. Jake is dealing with his grief by abusing drugs and alcohol and engaging in petty crimes that are rapidly escalating. Sloane had raised the boy with Tina. In a last ditch effort to keep him out of detention, Sloan agrees to get him sucessfully through rehab this time. When an old friend, Detective Tom Molia, invites Sloan and Jake on a camping trip with him and his son T.J., it seems like a great idea.

And it was....until Jake decides that breaking into a local business in the small town of Truluc is a good idea...and he has T.J. was with him. Unbelievably, the boys are caught, tried and convicted within six hours and sent to Fresh Start, a local boot camp, for six months. All without their fathers' knowledge.....

Oh, this was such a page turner! Although, sometimes I didn't want to turn the page, fearing the worst, but needing to know to know what would happen next.  As Sloane and Molia work feverishly on the outside to get the boys released, Jake and TJ struggle to survive inside the camp. And I feverishly kept turning pages.

Dugoni's main premise for The Conviction has it's basis in reality. Stories of abusive youth detention camps are fact -  not fiction.

I had forgotten how much I liked the David Sloan character. I'm fascinated by the courtroom drama and legal machinations. (And Dugoni does these well - he worked as a litigator before turning to writing.)  But for me the best legal stories have elements outside of  the courtroom as well - legal thrillers seems to be an apt description. Sloan is a bigger than life character in both arenas, willing to do whatever it takes to free the boys. He's the guy you'd want in your corner.

The Conviction has it all - great plotting (with twists I didn't see coming at all), non stop action, chills, thrills, strong characters and a clearly defined good vs. bad dynamic that will have you on the edge of your seat and staying up late to finish.

The Conviction can certainly be read as a stand alone, but if you're like me, you'll be hunting down the previous books in the series. Highly recommended. Read an excerpt of The Conviction.

You can find Robert Dugoni on Facebook and on Twitter.

And thanks to the great folks at Touchstone, I have a copy of The Conviction to giveaway. Simply leave a comment to be entered. Open to US and Canada, ends August 18/12.

Stray Bullets - Robert Rotenberg

 Stray Bullets is Toronto lawyer Robert Rotenberg's third novel and it releases today. I have to say - Rotenberg keeps getting better and better. This is my favourite so far.

Cedric Wilkinson and his four year old son Kyle stop by a Toronto Tim Hortons for a quick donut one November evening. It's the first time Kyle has seen snow. And sadly it's his last - Kyle is struck by a bullet meant for someone else. Only one witness knows exactly what went down and he runs - he's in the country illegally.

Recurring characters Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott and lawyer Nancy Parish return. It doesn't take long for those involved to be arrested, but who really did the killing? While head Crown Attorney and local philanthropist Ralph Armitage makes a quick deal to close the case, Greene isn't convinced it's the right play. He continues to investigate, despite Armitage's assurances that they've got the killer cold. Parish doesn't think so either - for once, she believes her long time client Larkin St. Clair when he says he's innocent. The wild card? The missing witness....

Rotenberg uses his own knowledge of the Canadian legal system to great advantage. The details, settings, dialogue and situations all ring true. The plotting was excellent, nicely leading the actual whodunit to a grand finale in the final chapters. Sadly the premise of this case is not too far from recent newspaper headlines. It's so enjoyable to read a book set in Canada, even more so when I'm familiar with Toronto and the locations Rotenberg describes. (One small peeve - Uncle Tom's Cabin is in Dresden, not Chatham)

I quite enjoy the characters and the window into their personal lives outside of the cases. Greene is a likable protagonist and I'm quite taken with Nancy Parish . I liked the addition of Sikh Constable Darvesh and hope he makes it to future books. The stage has been set for book number four and this reader will have it on my must read list. (And I want to know what's in Green's father's envelope!)

Those looking for an excellent legal thriller series will find it here. Start now - read an excerpt of Stray Bullets.  Watch the book trailer here. You can find Robert Rotenberg on Facebook and on Twitter.

And if you're in the GTA, stop by Indigo at the Eaton Centre on Tuesday May 8/12 from 1230 - 2 pm. 12:30pm-2:00pm to here Robert read and have him sign your copy! Free, open to the public. Details here.

The Guilty Plea - Robert Rotenberg

I enjoy a number of genres - legal thrillers being one of them. But when mentally going over my list of favourite authors, I realized that none of the legal list were Canadian. So I was excited to read Robert Rotenberg's new novel The Guilty Plea.

Rotenberg is a practicing lawyer who lives in Toronto and has based his series in the same city. I love reading a book with Canadian references - Timmies, the Globe and place names as well - Eglinton/Bloor, Jane and Finch. Knowing the settings are real and having seen some of them make the novel all that more authentic.

But what makes Rotenberg's novels really pop is his knowledge of the Canadian legal system, his trial expertise and the number of years he's been at it. His plots, characters and dialogue all have the ring of authenticity and that 'insider's' point of view. It just makes his novel all the more believable.

The Guilty Plea brings back characters from Rotenberg's first novel 'Old City Hall'. Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott, lawyers, Crowns and others. I found all of the characters believable and connected with them. Their personal lives are just as engrossing as the primary plot line.

In the Guilty Plea, Terrance Wyler, the youngest son of a Canadian food conglomerate is found stabbed to death in his kitchen while his young son sleeps upstairs. His estranged wife shows up at her lawyers - with the bloody knife from Wyler's kitchen. Open and shut case. But she swears she's innocent. As Greene investigates, he finds more questions than answers.

I very much enjoyed The Guilty Plea, although I found the end a bit rushed.  I will definitely be adding Rotenberg to my 'must read' list. Read Chapter One of The Guilty Plea.

A Bookworm's World was lucky enough to have Robert Rotenberg stop by for some Q&A!

 I've read that you embraced writing from a young age and reluctantly became a lawyer. What was the impetus to finally combine the two?

Survival. I really don’t think I could have lasted as a lawyer without this secret dream of being a writer. My private 5:00a.m. world really kept me going. And the wonderful irony: without a doubt the better I’ve become as a writer the better I’ve become as a criminal lawyer. Both involve putting together all sorts of facts, and telling a story.

Have these characters been percolating for awhile? Simon and Schuster have signed you for a number of books - hopefully for us at least one a year. Do you have a long term plan for the same core group of characters?

‘At least’ once a year. Okay, I’ll write three or four a year! But yes, Simon & Schuster have been wonderful. I’ve promised them 20 book in 20 years. That’s the plan. Hear that Ari and Daniel and Nancy?

And with that new commitment, will you continue to practice law? How do you manage now!?

Just set that alarm an hour earlier. In fact the reality is that to do a book a year I’ve had to cut back on my law practice. Ask my partners, I gave them the last murder trial that came my way and they are doing it night and day.

I love that I can picture many of the neighborhoods and places in Toronto that are featured in your novels. Any favorite haunts?


Thanks. I heard a theory the other day called “The Third Place.” (Sounds like a good title). In other words we need a place we live, a place we work and a “third place.” A few weeks ago I ended up slipping into a Coffee Time doughnut shop at 5:45 in the morning. The place was in a horrible strip mall in a very poor part of town. The waitress had that all-night tired look in her eyes and a thick Russian accent. In the corner sat two very fat, very sad looking older men in thick doing their crosswords. Not talking to each other or anyone else. I almost cried. There was something so touching about it. As I write this I’m in a coffee shop on Parliament Street, espresso machine is fizzing, music is blaring, babies are crying. As good as it gets.

What are you reading now for entertainment? Any favorite authors? Influential authors?

I am a chaotic reader. I find someone I like and I’ll read everything they’ve written. Right now I’m falling for Tim Winton. John LeCarre’s latest is wonderful. Can’t wait to read David Bezmogis’ new one. I still re-read Salinger and Hemingway short stories. Etc. etc. etc.

 How has the local legal community reacted to your books? Anyone thinking they're seeing someone they know?

I always ask lawyers and judges if they laughed when they read Old City Hall. They all say yes.
The other day I was in court and the court reporter grabbed a pad of paper, and wrote on the back “loved your book.” And here’s a funny story. After Old City Hall came out, a judge stopped me in the hall one day and said: “Robert, that lawyer in the book, Nancy Parish, I know exactly who you based her on.” “Oh,” I said, smiling a bit to myself I must admit, “Who?” He then named a female lawyer. “Funny you should say that,” I told the judge. “You know, I’ve never heard of that woman in my life.” We both laughed. Here’s the kicker – I had no idea who that woman lawyer was.

(and this is just purely an off the cuff idea - what about auctioning off a character in your next book for charity?)

Hmmm. I really need to raise some money for the Canterbury Clinic, the drug rehab clinic I’m involved with. Why don’t you email some suggestions of how to do this. Love the idea.

You can find Robert Rotenberg on Facebook and on Twitter.

Innocent - Scott Turow

Innocent is the sequel to Scott Turow's bestseller Presumed Innocent.

Twenty years has passed since Judge Rusty Sabich was accused and exonerated of murder. Prosecutor Tommy Molto had tampered with evidence in that case. When Sabich's wife Barbara dies under questionable circumstances, the unthinkable happens - Molto charges Sabich with murder for a second time.

Turow combines the exploration of human nature and the legal system with equal expertise. The events surrounding and leading up to Barbara's death are scrutinized and probed from very different viewpoints. That of Rusty, his son Nat and Anna, Sabich's former law clerk as well as Tommy Molto. The battle in the courtroom is as much about the legal conflict as it is a clash between two forceful men. The plot is very, very clever and revealed in tantalizing pieces.

I listened to this in audio format. Edward Herrmann was phenomal as a reader. His voice is rich and gravelly, projecting the gravity of the case. The courtroom scenes are fantastic - the dialogue is lightning quick, yet there is no doubt as to who is speaking, prosecutor or defendant. Anna is spoken by Orlagh Cassidy. She has a clear speaking voice, but had narrated Worst Case - a book I listened to recently - and I had that voice and character connected in my mind. I also never warmed up to the Anna character at all.

I must confess I have not read Presumed Innocent, but this certainly did not detract in any way from my enjoying Innocent.

If you're a legal thriller fan, then this one's for you! Listen to an excerpt of Innocent.  Or read an excerpt.
You can find Scott Turow on Facebook as well.

Winners - Innocent - Scott Turow

And the three lucky winners of an audio book copy of Innocent by Scott Turow courtesy of The Hachette Book Group are:

1. LA Musing
2. Scat 413
3. Benita

Congratulations! I've contacted you by email for your mailing addresses. Please respond within 72 hours. Thanks to all who entered - check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways.

Hell Gate - Linda Fairstein

Linda Fairstein is firmly on my list of must read authors. She has a fantastic series featuring Alex Cooper of the New York P.D. Sex Crimes Unit and two homicide detectives - Mike and Mercer. Hell Gate is the 12th book in the series.

Alex, Mike and Mercer are called out to a shipwreck. Not usually their type of case - until the cargo is discovered to be human. Among the dead is a woman with connections to a prominent politician. The deeper the three dig, the more the past collides with the present. Human trafficking happened in New York City hundreds of years ago - but it looks like it's still happening.....

The plotting is believable, combining political intrigue with crimes ripped from today's headlines. What I always find fascinating in Fairstein's novels is the level of historical detail used. New York City is always the background, but I would wager that even native New Yorkers would not be aware of the history behind many of the settings.

The camaraderie of 'Coop', Mike and Mercer is a major part of the success of this series. The banter between Alex and Mike is a source of amusement and the attraction between the two grows stronger with every book. (Linda - you're making me crazy - will they or won't they?!) Mercer provides the calm voice of reason.

Fairstein knows what she writes. She herself was chief of the sex crimes unit in Manhattan for over 25 years and is a noted expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. Her novels have the unmistakable ring of truth and authenticity to them.

Read the first chapter.

Hell Gate is a fantastic read on it's own - but I'm sure you'll be hunting down the rest of the series!

The Juror - George Dawes Green

The Juror by George Dawes Green was originally released from The Hachette Book Group in '95, but has been re released this year. (It was also made into a movie in '96 with Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin)

Annie Laird is a struggling single mother. When she is called to jury duty, she accepts, determined to do her civic duty. She is approached by a man known only as The Teacher, who insists that she 'sway' the jurors to a not guilty verdict. Her inspiration? Her son and friends will remain unscathed. Fail and......

Suddenly her civic duty has become a matter of life and death. Annie isn't quite the pushover The Teacher thought she was though....

I listened to this abridged version in audio format. It was read by Lolita Davidovich and John Heard. Davidovich's voice perfectly portrays a young innocent woman. It belies the steel that exists within Annie. John Heard's carefully modulated even tones are in direct contrast with the threats he delivers, making them all the more menacing.

An excellent taut thriller, pitting two unlikely adversaries against each other. I must say as a personal preference, I do prefer unabridged audio. There is no lack of continuity with the abridged, but I always feel like I've missed something.

Listen to an except of The Juror.

Above the Law - Tim Green

Lawyer Casey Jordan was first introduced in The Letter of the Law. She has left the high powered firm she was with and has opened a legal aid clinic.

Senator Chase has a tragic hunting accident on his property, killing one of his Mexican workers. But when a woman comes to Casey's clinic and says that her sister in law's husband was murdered by the Senator, she reluctantly agrees to look into it, not putting much stock in the idea of a murder. But when she is thwarted at every turn and discovers first hand how the Senator controls the law in his corner of Texas, she becomes a believer. Aided by her investigator Jose, they discover that this murder is a cover up for something far bigger.

Tim Green has created another solid legal thriller in Above the Law. Although some of it is predictable - the sexual tension between Casey and Jose, the bucking against the odds, tenacious, good looking female lawyer and the 'untouchable' bad guys, it also deals with some very relevant topics. Namely the abuse and plight of illegal immigrants. Green has woven together this element with non stop action and produced a very entertaining read.

You can read the first chapter here!

Green himself has had an interesting journey - he played pro football for eight years, was a sports commentator and also earned his law degree.