Eight stars
In a strong collaborative effort, James Patterson and Nancy Allen create this solid legal thriller. Breaking from Patterson’s quick chapter storytelling, the authors delve deeply and tackle a tale that will have readers up late into the night to better understand what’s going on. As the authors weave such a suspenseful tale, they explore the law and its nuances, as well as the personal struggles of one who has spent so much time on a pedestal. Patterson and Allen prove their mettle once more with this strong novel.
Biloxi, Mississippi is blessed to have Stafford Lee Penney as one of its residents. The small-town lawyer has a major reputation for winning each case he tries before a jury. Dressed for success, Penney is a local hero and many eagerly engage with him when they see him around town. Penney uses this fame to his advantage, basking in the glow of the praise showered upon him, while still taking cases that use him to the legal limits.
After a harrowing case that has Penney eke out a victory, his wife is brutally killed, one of three bodies found in her home. This pushes Penney to the brink and he spirals into a world of booze, where nothing has a real impact on anything for him. His career is in tatters and his reputation is blemished, but Penney could not care less. His wife’s killer remains unclear, though some would posit that one of the other bodies in the room could be a clue to the truth.
Those closest to Penney take pity on him and secure him the help he needs. Penney’s life needs a complete resetting and he takes things seriously once more. Taking in an intern, a local law student, Penney begins trying to make a renewed effort to change himself. When the police arrest someone for his wife’s murder and storm into the Penney household, a case arises that could turn Stafford Lee Penney’s life on its head. Penney must use all his skills as a #1 lawyer to ensure that he does not get disbarred and locked away forever. Stafford Lee Penney will have to show his prowess once more before a jury of his peers, with yet another life on the line. Patterson and Allen prove their collaborative efforts are well worth the reader’s time in this great legal thriller.
Patterson and Allen have produced some stellar novels in the past, ticking all the boxes when it comes to legal thrillers. A strong foundation is necessary to keep the reader engaged, which the authors do effectively from the opening pages while keeping a high calibre. Chapters of a decent length permit the story to develop as the reader hungers to know more. Allen’s perspectives help flavour this book and complement Patterson’s style quite well. Decent characters help add depth to the story and leaves things open for more starring Stafford Lee Penney. I can only hope these two will work together once more and prove their collaborative effort will keep these writing at the top of the genre.
Plot points emerge from the opening pages of the book, leaving the reader wondering where things are headed. The authors provide great twists to keep the story moving and unpredictable. This is key in a legal thriller, where the law might be linear and the reader must work throughout the unknown to better understand where things are headed. Allen’s solo work is something I will have to add to my reading list, in an effort to see if she is as strong working independently.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Allen, for keeping me enthralled throughout this reading experience.
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