Eight stars
Tackling yet another James Patterson collaborative effort, Mike Lupica joins the fray for this piece. A legal thriller series debut, the authors present Jane Smith, a tough as nails attorney who is relentless in her efforts to defend her clients. When she is given a terminal diagnosis, Jane must juggle this with her current case, a multiple murder. Jane will not let the news paralyse her, though she has become quite reflective. Her case heats up and she learns that nothing is quite as she expects. Fueled by the desire to make the most of life while she still can, Jane Smith will do anything possible to ensure her client is not railroaded. A decent thriller by Patterson and Lupica, which has me eager to read the next novel.
Jane F. Smith is a ruthless criminal attorney, always making sure her client has fair and thorough representation. While her friends know her as Jane Smith, her opponents aptly refer to her as Jane Effing Smith, and it holds true. Her current case has Jane trying to defend a client who is accused of killing a family. While the death penalty is not on the table significant jail time could await the accused if Jane cannot pull out a miracle.
In the middle of the trial, Jane Smith receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. While no one would blame her for tossing in the towel, Jane refuses to let this deter her. She has twelve months, as per the medical professionals, but she will make the most of it. She funnels her anger into a courtroom presentation and tries to keep her client out of jail.
In between medical appointments, Jane makes sure her case is airtight as she tries to prove that her client did not commit the murders. Along the way, numerous pitfalls appear, forcing Jane to turn into the tough as nails attorney she has long been known to be. Wrestling with reality and the situation before her, Jane reflects on her life and hopes to make the most of the time she has left. One can hope that she will get the verdict she wants in court, while life remains a hung jury. A great series debut by Patterson and Lupica.
While I have read a number of legal thrillers with James Patterson's name on the cover, this one stands out with its unique approach to the law and with the protagonist. The narrative approach is a quick delivery, complemented by the Patterson traditional short chapter recipe. The narrative covers all the needed areas and gains speed as the story gets tense. The characters, some of whom I am sure will return for the second novel, are both relatable and interesting in their own way. Jane Smith proves to be as tough as she presents, though there is always an opening to show her vulnerable side.
The twists and turns found within the book are both legal and personal. While some of the delivery is less surprising than it could have been, the authors did well to build up the plot points and keep things from getting too predictable. I am eager to see how the end of this book will bridge with the second novel, which I have in ARC form airing for me. I will make sure to find connections and discuss them in the next review of the series.
Kudos Messrs. Patterson and Lupica, for a great legal thriller to get my mind going.
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