A Book A Week

Election cycles are always full of headline-grabbing news, especially when a polarizing candidate dominates the stage with viral moments that drive an even deeper wedge between parties. As the dust settles on this year's presidential race, analysts on both sides will undoubtedly delve into post-mortems to understand precisely what led to the final results. These high-impact events are often shaped by small, seemingly trivial choices that snowball into something more significant. Phillip Margolin's new standalone legal thriller, An Insignificant Case, taps into this theme, exploring how minor actions can escalate into seismic consequences. I eagerly accepted an audiobook copy from his publisher and found myself fully engrossed in the captivating story Margolin crafted.

Guido Sabatini considers himself a visionary, a once-in-a-generation painter whose work demands public admiration. But to most, he’s simply eccentric. Born Lawrence Weiss, Guido is arrested for breaking into a restaurant to reclaim a painting he once sold to them. After all, he was offended they displayed his art in a private office instead of somewhere the public could see it! In his previous life as Lawrence, he was also a skilled card shark and burglar, so it's no surprise that, along with his painting, he swiped a flash drive from the restaurant owner's safe. 

When most people think of a lawyer, they picture someone sharp, wealthy, and tangled up in high-stakes cases. But Charlie Webb is none of those things. A graduate of a third-rate law school, Charlie scrapes by representing old friends and taking on court-appointed cases that amount to little more than petty disputes. So, when he's assigned to represent the quirky Guido Sabatini, who’s been arrested for a bizarre art heist, Charlie assumes it's just another trivial matter. Guido admits to taking the painting and swiping a flash drive from the owner’s safe, though Charlie senses there’s more to the story.

Ever the competent negotiator, Charlie arranges a deal to return the painting and “other items” if the charges are dropped. But when he discovers that the flash drive contains damning evidence tied to a major sex trafficking case, Charlie realizes that he and Guido are suddenly in over their heads. What started as a quirky case now has the pair tangled in a dangerous web of crime and conspiracy, propelling them into the most perilous case of their lives.

In An Insignificant Case, Phillip Margolin takes an unlikely duo—a quirky artist and a struggling lawyer—and turns a seemingly trivial crime into a thrilling legal showdown that kept me hooked to the very end. Margolin skillfully balances the intensity of the crimes with sharp, witty exchanges between his two heroes, injecting welcome levity into the otherwise dark storyline. This interplay of humor and suspense makes the novel a standout read.

The audiobook, narrated by Peter Ganin, perfectly captures the story’s pace and tension, breathing life into each character with engaging flair. Beyond delivering a first-rate legal thriller, An Insignificant Case invites readers to ponder how even minor actions can trigger lasting consequences. It’s a clever twist on the genre that leaves a lasting impression. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 83)

With the holiday weekend behind us, summer reading has officially arrived. I enjoyed kicking off my summer reading with John Grisham's latest book, Camino Ghosts. I was first introduced to Grisham's gripping legal thrillers in high school, and his work played a significant role in my journey to becoming a lifelong reader. Knowing how much his books mean to me, his publisher graciously gave me a copy of his new release, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This is the third installment in his series that began with Camino Island, and it's the best one yet.

Our return to Camino Island, a quaint vacation town off the Florida coast, brings us back to many familiar faces. Bruce Cable, the charismatic bookstore owner, confidant to the island's many resident authors, and occasional dealer in rare and illicit books, is delighted to welcome his protege Mercer Mann back to the island. Fresh off the success of her last novel, a literary sensation, Mercer is now struggling to find inspiration for her next work. Ever the helpful mentor, Bruce reveals that he has the perfect subject for Mercer's new book—the intriguing story of 80-year-old Lovely Jackson.

Years ago, Lovely self-published an account of her life and the unsettling history of the nearby Dark Isle. Her ancestors were brought to the area on ships traveling from Africa. Enslaved and with little hope for the future, a heavy storm forever changed their fate. Their ship capsized, and Lovely's family members washed ashore on Dark Isle. Though the island was inhospitable, it offered the enslaved people something previously unimaginable—freedom. Together, they created a sanctuary, colonizing the island and turning it into a safe haven to be passed down through generations. Lovely is the last of her lineage, claiming the now-deserted island as her own. She has returned over the years to tend to the graves of her ancestors and maintains that the island is cursed, deterring any unwelcome visitors from setting foot on its shores.

Mercer is intrigued by Lovely's story. Although she hasn't written nonfiction before, this could be the tale that reignites her passion for writing. As she begins the preliminary work of transforming Lovely's story into a full-fledged book, a new complication arises. Hurricane Leo, which wreaked havoc on Camino Island and Dark Isle a few years ago, paved the way for a controversial development plan. A large company has laid claim to the abandoned Dark Isle, intending to build residential properties, shopping centers, and a massive casino.

Determined to protect her ancestral homelands from corporate greed, Lovely takes the company to court. The battle won't be easy. There are no paper records of the island ever being inhabited, but Lovely is resolute in her fight. With the help of Mercer, Bruce, and some of Camino Island's best legal minds, she'll stop at nothing to defend her land, history, and story.

Of the three books in the Camino Island series, Camino Ghosts feels the most quintessentially John Grisham. Returning to his roots, Grisham creates the kind of compelling courtroom drama that only he can masterfully tell. His best works have always combined an intriguing plot, complex yet relatable characters, and a fast-paced writing style, and that's precisely what makes this latest novel such a joy to read. In Lovely Jackson, Grisham crafts a character whose personal history underscores the injustices of American history. This sets the stage for a classic David versus Goliath battle, pitting legal conventions against true justice.

I was completely captivated by this story, breezing through its pages over the course of the long holiday weekend. Grisham's ability to weave a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking shines through, making it impossible to put down. The novel built to an emotionally satisfying climax, leaving me with a few tears streaming down my cheeks. It's a testament to Grisham's enduring ability to entertain and move his readers with stories that are both timely and timeless. Camino Ghosts is easily the best book in the series so far and is the perfect way to kick off the summer reading season.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 42)

As a dedicated reader, I have as much interest in authors and their writing processes as I do in their books. Discovering the various methods authors employ to craft their stories, whether through meticulous outlining or a more free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness approach, is endlessly fascinating. Equally intriguing is the genesis of the initial idea for a book. This origin is readily apparent in the case of Suzie Miller's novel Prima Facie. The narrative was initially shared in the form of her highly successful play of the same name, which garnered acclaim on both the West End and Broadway. Now, Miller has adeptly adapted this compelling story into a novel, promising to enthrall an entirely new audience with this brilliant work. 

Tessa Ensler has dedicated her life to justice. The young criminal defense barrister has worked her way up through the country's legal system, overcoming all the odds that were set against her to become one of the best at defending those who plead not guilty. Tessa's unwavering belief in the law and the judicial system is reflected in her brilliance at her craft. With a quick wit, intuitive cross-examinations, and an encyclopedic knowledge of legal procedures, she has amassed a string of victories. Even in emotionally challenging cases, Tessa maintains objectivity to secure the best defense for her clients, embodying the foundational principle of a civilized society—innocence until proven guilty.

Tessa's unwavering faith in the law is shattered when she becomes a victim herself, enduring a harrowing sexual assault by a coworker. Reporting the assault to the police, she acknowledges the uphill battle ahead, where her testimony stands against his. Yet, she clings to her belief in the system she has devoted her career to. Taking the witness stand, Tessa confronts doubt, trauma, and manipulation, determined to validate the harrowing reality of her situation and seek justice.

In Prima Facie, Suzie Miller delivers a compelling legal thriller that delves into themes of justice, trauma, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The novel serves as a stark critique of the legal system's rigidity, demanding flawless evidence from victims of sexual crimes while not holding the accused to the same standards. The narrative evoked increasing anger as I witnessed the protagonist navigating the legal obstacles, highlighting the unfortunate commonality of such situations. Understanding the reasons why many victims choose not to report their abuse or seek justice became distressingly clear, especially considering the staggering statistic of 1 in 3 women experiencing sexual assault.

Adapted from a play, Prima Facie initially shows signs of the story's expansion, with the first half burdened by an unnecessary backstory that threatened the narrative's momentum. However, as the main conflict unfolded, the story gained an urgency that captured my full attention. The culmination in a final courtroom scene was both infuriating and satisfying. I chose to experience Prima Facie in the audiobook format (provided by the publisher), narrated by Jodie Comer, who portrayed Tessa in the play. While the play likely had more streamlined pacing, the novel effectively conveys the story's importance and urgency. If transforming the play into a novel increases awareness of the harsh realities depicted, it's a worthwhile adaptation that also makes for a gripping read.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2024, 16)

John Grisham holds a special place on my bookshelf, serving as a cornerstone of my love for books. Back in high school, I was grappling with a dwindling enthusiasm for reading. The required books in our curriculum simply didn't resonate with me. Recognizing this shift, my mother intervened. She promptly presented me with a stack of books she believed would rekindle my passion for reading. Among those titles was John Grisham's The King of Torts.  I eagerly consumed that legal thriller and soon delved into as many of Grisham's books as possible. His novels reignited my love for reading and opened the door to a broader fascination with the thriller genre. Although I may not read Grisham as frequently as I once did, stumbling upon that same book in my local bookstore reminded me of my enthusiasm for his works. I picked it up, eager to see if his storytelling could still capture my imagination.

Clay Carter finds himself at a professional crossroads. Having spent too many years as a public defender, the advancement prospects seem bleak. While he cherishes the work and the sense of purpose it provides, the meager public servant salary can't sustain his life. Additionally, his girlfriend is dropping not-so-subtle hints about the need to elevate his career and commit to marriage, or she'll move on. Things take a nosedive when his prospective father-in-law arranges an almost certain job opportunity at a prestigious law firm, which Clay fumbles disastrously. This unfortunate turn of events leads to the official end of his relationship.

Dejected and defeated, Clay reluctantly takes on a case involving a young man charged with a seemingly random street killing. Initially, he perceives it as just another senseless murder, a tragic norm in the crime-ridden streets of D.C. As he delves deeper into his client's background,  however, Clay stumbles upon a horrifying conspiracy that defies belief. Suddenly, he's embroiled in a complex legal battle against one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, one that holds the potential for an astronomical settlement that could transform his life entirely. Is Clay's newfound fortune a stroke of good luck, or is there a darker and more sinister force at work?

Revisiting John Grisham's The King of Torts brought a comforting sense of familiarity while offering a fresh perspective on his literary craft. His storytelling remains swift-paced, brimming with palpable tension, and is consistently entertaining. Following a character's journey from relative obscurity to sudden wealth was a pleasure. Driven by good intentions, Clay Carter finds himself thrust into a world that feels entirely foreign. As a reader, I found myself relating to his outsider's viewpoint on the extravagant lives of other mass tort lawyers, complete with private jets, lavish dining, and opulent mansions. Grisham's narrative carries a tinge of wish-fulfillment that dances on the edge of the absurd, making it thoroughly enjoyable.

Yet, with the passage of time, I discovered a newfound layer of depth in the narrative—a cautionary tale akin to the myth of Icarus. The driving force behind this story subtly shifts toward hubris, where the pursuit of more knows no bounds. As the protagonist ventures closer to his metaphorical sun, he jeopardizes not only his newfound fortune but also his reputation and the moral compass he has all but forsaken. In essence, this second reading of the book allowed me to appreciate the intricacies of both the character and the narrative more profoundly. Grisham's work not only endures as an engaging page-turner but also offers enough substance to engage readers in contemplation as they immerse themselves in the story.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 4)

My history with John Grisham's novels dates back to high school. Ever since my mother first introduced me to a stack of his legal thrillers, I've been an avid reader of his work. While I no longer rush to devour his latest releases as I once did, I always relish the opportunity to immerse myself in his storytelling when it comes my way. My excitement peaked late last month when I received an invitation from Grisham's enduring publisher, Doubleday, to read a copy of his newest book, The Exchange. This enthusiasm reached a whole new level because I knew that this book served as a sequel to his monumental bestseller, The Firm. Receiving that package with the latest Grisham novel was a highlight of my year!

In The Firm, Mitch McDeere faced a series of intense challenges and exposed the criminal activities of the Memphis law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke. This sequel jumps ahead 15 years, allowing us to catch up with Mitch and his wife, Abby. The couple has put the traumas of Memphis behind them and now enjoys a life in New York City. They have twin boys and are thriving in their respective careers. Abby works as an editor for cookbooks, while Mitch practices law as a partner at one of the world's largest law firms. Mitch's boss requests a significant favor – he needs Mitch to travel to Rome and meet with an old mentor named Luca. One of Luca's most valuable clients has been swindled out of payment for constructing a disastrous bridge project in Libya. They want Mitch to argue the case before an arbitration board in Geneva. 

This is where our new story unfolds. Mitch accepts the case and embarks on a journey to Libya alongside Luca's daughter, Giovanna, a talented young attorney. Their objective is to visit the site firsthand. However, in a sudden turn of events, their convoy falls prey to a terrorist organization that mercilessly kills their guides, kidnaps Giovanna, and demands a staggering $100 million ransom in exchange for her safe release. Abby becomes an inadvertent intermediary, plunging Mitch and everyone he holds dear into a high-stakes pursuit to gather the entire ransom and ensure the safety of those involved.

It's been three decades since John Grisham's The Firm captivated readers. The Exchange revisits these characters only 15 years after the events of the initial book, placing them in a post-9/11 world dominated by terrorism and global uncertainties. The evolving landscape and heightened stakes in this novel might initially seem disconcerting, but Grisham's ability to keep his finger on the pulse of current events remains unmatched. Mitch McDeere retains his commitment to justice and ethical behavior. While the plot may venture into somewhat implausible territory, my engagement with the story largely overshadowed any minor reservations. Although the focus shifts away from courtroom drama to emphasize the kidnapping plot, Grisham, in his signature style, still manages to infuse the narrative with political, economic, and legal system commentary amid all the thrills.  The Exchange may not outshine its predecessor, but it still offers an enjoyable reunion with a beloved character. Grisham hints of potential future adventures for Mitch McDeere, and I wholeheartedly welcome them. The book is another solid thriller from an author who consistently excels in his craft.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 79)

Believe it or not, we are in the final month of 2022! Please tell me I'm not the only one wondering where the time has gone! December tends to be a busy month, so I try to tackle lighter reads than I may normally gravitate toward during other parts of the year. This year, it seems those reads are taking me back to my comfort genre of mystery/thrillers. Having already completed my reading goal for the year, I've decided to kick off the month with a book by an author who I've never read. Scott Turow is one of those authors who I've always been aware of, but have never dived into. With thriller authors, especially those who write series, I find that I'm hesitant to either start a long-running series from the beginning or jump ahead to their current installment. The folks and Grand Central Publishing helped to force the subject a bit by sending me Turow's latest novel Suspect, the twelfth entry in his Kindle County Legal Thriller series. 

As the series title would suggest, this book centers on a court case. The case in question sees the police chief Lucia Gomez accused of sexual misconduct by three of her officers. Each of the men claims that Gomez solicited sex in exchange for their subsequent promotions. Already somewhat of an outsider in this small town, Gomez knows that these accusations will tarnish her already precarious reputation. She also maintains that the complaints are patently false. Desperate to prove her innocence, she turns to an old friend and seasoned attorney Rik Dudek to act as her representation in the federal grand jury investigation. 

Clarice "Pinky" Granum is about as unconventional of an investigator as you could possibly imagine. The granddaughter of a well-respected lawyer, Pinky spent much of her youth experimenting with different drugs, having casual romantic trists with both genders, and coming up short in every undertaking she attempted. Her last big failure came as she was booted from the police academy. Pinky has landed on her feet though. She now works as a licensed private investigator for Rik Dudek, looking into the minor cases that he takes on. When Rik agrees to represent disgraced police chief Gomez, Pinky knows she will need to keep her head down and stay out of trouble. She's about to find out, though, that keeping a low profile is easier said than done. 

I'm always a bit hesitant about starting a series with the newest installment instead of beginning with the first book. As far as I can tell, Suspect works perfectly fine as a standalone read. Turow does a fine job of setting the stage for each of the characters and the stakes of the trial that the book follows. He deftly balances both the courtroom drama and the investigations that are occurring outside. The book delves into small-town politics, gender bias, corruption, and sexuality, using the thriller to keep the pace moving. As an introduction to the author, I found Suspect to be an engaging read with a main character that really helped to differentiate this book from others in the genre. I'll be eager to go back and read more of his work in the future. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 56)

As a society, we take on many civic responsibilities as a necessary burden of being part of a functioning community. For example, we begrudgingly pay our fair share of taxes each year, understanding that we all must do our part to fund the things like infrastructure and schools a reality. There are slight annoyances with each of these obligations, but nothing compares, in my mind at least, to the pure stress of being summoned for jury duty. We take off from work, struggle to find parking, and then sit in a room for hours until we are mercifully deemed unfit for the jury and sent home. The banality of it all really gets to me. For author Robin Peguero, however, the potential of being part of a jury marks the impetus for his take on a legal thriller. 

The case in question is the murder of a young woman, Melina Mora. She was last seen with a man who happens to match Gabriel Soto's description. When the police search his house, they find strands of Mora's hair, just enough evidence to charge Soto with killing her. The prosecutor and defense teams both have a heavy motivation to win this case. A conviction in this high-profile trial would all but secure the political aspirations of prosecutor Sandy Grunwald. Public defender Jordan Whipple has just as much on the line. He also happens to have an ace up his sleeve, a hail mary piece of evidence that was recently discovered which he believes has the potential to turn the tables in his client's favor. First, though, he'll have to convince the honorable judge Tackett to admit it. 

The fate of the entire trial ultimately rests in the hands of the jury, a group of ordinary citizens tasked with deciding the fate of the man in front of them. The group runs the gamut from the taxman, to the physician, to the head of the neighborhood watch. Each juror comes with their own story, a unique run at life that leads them to the courtroom. A combination of histories, biases, and values will ultimately converge, reaching a verdict that will impact the lives of those involved for years to come. 

In his debut novel With Prejudice, author Robin Peguero proves that sometimes the people deciding the outcome of a trial can be as compelling as the trial itself. Peguero presents the crime and those involved and then shifts his focus to that of the jury. He jumps around from person to person, often skipping between past and present in the process, methodically building a portrait of each individual who will ultimately impact the trial. This character-focused approach to deep diving into the backgrounds and motivations of everyone involved in an event reminded me of Noah Hawley's Before the Fall. Like Hawley's novel, the separate pieces of With Prejudice are ultimately more impactful as individual components than they are when they come together. Still, the way with which Peguero carefully reveals each character's past in conjunction with the unfolding trial is proof of his narrative mastery. I really enjoyed the way that this novel took a different approach to a normal courtroom drama, and I'll be eager to read whatever Peguero comes up with next. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 31)

It is pretty rare these days to find myself starting a new series. Simply put, I have more books to read than I have time to. Committing to a series usually means I'm neglecting too many other books. Every so often, though, I find a series that I can't help but read. Robyn Gigl's debut novel By Way of Sorrow is the kind of thriller that perfectly combined a riveting plot with even more captivating characters. When I read the book last year, I didn't know that it would mark the start of a series featuring lawyer and transgender woman, Erin McCabe. When Gigl's publisher offered me a copy of the second novel to feature the character, I couldn't help but accept it. 

On the heels of a high-profile case, Erin McCabe's professional life couldn't be better. Business at her small practice is booming, and she has been able to accept the kinds of cases that really appeal to her. On the personal front, Erin is making progress too. Her father and brother had a tough time accepting her coming out, but thanks to her ever-supportive mother and a pair of rambunctious and accepting nephews, the men in her family are beginning to come around. When we last saw Erin, she had just begun a new relationship with Mark, a man who seemed to love her for exactly who she is. Mark's family has been less accepting. Unwilling to be a wedge between him and his loved ones, Erin has decided to break things off with Mark. With this relationship in limbo, she fears she may never find happiness again. Instead, Erin resolves to bury herself in her work. Erin is in luck because her next big case is about to present itself. 

The death of businessman Charles Parsons seems like a pretty open and shut case. At first glance, the death looked like a suicide, but new evidence revealed it to be a murder. There's a recording of the death in which Parson's seems to reveal his killer as his child. His adoptive daughter Ann is picked up and shortly thereafter confesses to the crime. Erin is brought into the mix when one of the detectives on the case begins to have second thoughts about the conviction. It is revealed that Ann is also a trans woman, and the detective hopes that she'll be willing to open up to Erin about what happened. Erin is hesitant at first but soon begins to find too many pieces of the puzzle that simply don't add up. She convinces Ann to rescind her guilty plea and takes on the task of defending her in a trial. 

I was enamored by the way Robyn Gigl empathetically presented the struggles of her characters in By Way of Sorrow. I'm happy to report that the same care is applied to her heroes in Survivor's Guilt. While the case on the surface level may seem extremely similar to the one presented in the first book, there's enough to differentiate the two to make it feel fresh. The personal turmoil of Erin McCabe combines with that of her professional life in a way that makes the story extremely well-rounded. I couldn't put this one down! If I have any complaint, it would be that the villains in the book are almost comically evil. There's no doubt who the bad guys are, and they fall into just about every stereotype you'd expect a villain to have. This can be a bit jarring, especially when contrasted with the deep care that Gigl takes to ground her main character in reality. Still, I more than enjoyed reading this book and wouldn't be upset if McCabe makes another appearance soon. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 5)

I've long been a fan of James Patterson's Alex Cross series. Each year, my mom gives me the latest novel as a Christmas gift. With the exception of this year's release, I've read each of the 29 novels in the series, or so I thought. I was recently perusing a used book store when I came across an Alex Cross novel that I didn't recall reading. A quick double-check against my reviews on Goodreads confirmed my suspicions. Somewhere over the years, I had missed reading Alex Cross's Trial. This 15th book in the series is a bit of an anomaly in that it is the only novel to be co-authored and to not expressly feature the titular detective. Nevertheless, I was determined to read this book and thus be able to say that I have read every Alex Cross novel. 

Instead of focusing on Alex Cross, this novel imagines the history of his family, taking readers back to the southern states at the beginning of the 20th century. Lawyer Ben Corbett fights against injustice and racism every day. As a white man representing black clients, he works diligently to combat the wrongful convictions of his fellow man. Despite his best efforts, the system is usually stacked against him. When he gets a call from none other than the President of the United States, Ben is eager to answer the call to serve his county. What he isn't prepared for is a return to his hometown of Eudora, Mississippi, a place rife with the KKK, lynchings, corrupt politics, and his father. 

When he arrives home, Ben is greeted by Abraham Cross, the great uncle of the legendary Alex Cross. The elder Cross has lived in the small town for his entire life. He's no stranger to the evil that lurks beneath the surface of his hometown's idyllic facade. In fact, he has been on the receiving end of that evil for the entirety of his life. For his part, Ben is shocked to learn of the racism that seems to permeate every inch of the town he grew up in. The same people he went to school with or saw at church are the very people involved in heinous lynchings. Ben's presence in the town is unwelcome, to say the least. When he finds himself at the center of the very crimes he was sent to investigate, Ben must face his friends and family in the ultimate battle of his career. 

I hesitate to call Alex Cross's Trial a true installment in the series. It is meant to be Alex Cross writing of his family history as passed onto him from his grandmother, but I never bought the connection. As the only installment in the series to be co-authored, the story itself and even the writing style seem completely different from the rest of the books that surround it. The addition of "Alex Cross"  appears as more of a marketing gimmick than a way to flesh out the character's story. As a book within the Alex Cross series, then, this one just doesn't work. 

That being said, don't let that deter you from reading it. At its heart, the story concocted by Patterson and his co-author Richard DiLallo is one that is both cut from the history books and oddly timely. The double standard between white and black citizens is at the forefront of this novel. As the climactic trial played out, I couldn't help but think about the Rittenhouse trial that recently occurred. The present-day history and fiction of the novel mirrored each other, showing the injustice that continues to transpire to this day. I'm always reminded in works like this of both how far we have come and alternatively how little progress seems to have been gained. There are ultimately far better novels that more eloquently illustrate the points that Patterson and DiLallo set out to make, but Alex Cross's Trial is still worth a read, especially for fans of the famed author. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 50)

I'm always on the search for the next great thriller. I just can't get enough of the suspenseful page-turning stories that keep me reading late into the night. I try to read a variety of genres, but thrillers have always been the safest bet to capture my attention. My last read was a classic sci-fi novel that I really struggled to work through, so I was eager to move on to something that had a quicker pace. Enter Robyn Gigl's debut thriller By Way of Sorrow. Her publisher sent me an advanced copy to read, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Suspenseful, thoughtful, and thrilling, By Way of Sorrow was just the antidote I needed to cure my reading slump. 

Erin McCabe has just agreed to take on the highest-profile criminal case of her career. Sharise Barnes, a transgender woman, is accused of robbing and killing the son of a New Jersey State Senator. The senator's family says that Sharise tricked their son into sleeping with her so that she could rob him. Sharise has a different story. She says that when the son discovered that she wasn't born a woman, he got violent with her. Sharise stabbed him in an act of self-defense. The case is down to the word of a transgender prostitute against that of an influential politician. It isn't hard to guess which side of the story the courts will favor. 

Despite the odds being stacked against them, Erin believes that Sharise is innocent and is determined to defend her. Beyond her desire to see justice served, Erin's involvement in the case is out of something more personal. You see, Erin is a transgender woman herself. Like Sharise, Erin knows what it feels like to be a stranger in her own body. She's faced the challenge of having to live her truth or keep her family and friends. In taking on this case, Erin knows that her past will be brought to the forefront, but she can't let Sharise's case go. In Erin's eyes, the only thing separating her from Sharise is money and privilege. She has to help this woman win this case. 

The best thrillers combine a riveting plot with captivating characters. In By Way of Sorrow, Robyn Gigl does just that. The legal case pits the large political force against the small, marginalized minority. That dynamic of power versus weak drives most of the suspense in the novel. What elevates the story is Gigl's ability to write characters who strive to overcome their perceived weakness and turn it into strength. The main protagonist Erin is still coming to terms with being a transgender woman. She's accepted herself but struggles with how the rest of the world perceives her. Gigl imbues Erin with a sense of truth that is undeniable. She places her in real situations and allows them to play out as they would in the real world. As Erin finds her place in the world and builds her confidence in defending her case, we too gain an understanding of her character and how universal her story truly is. I was glued to the pages of this novel and can only hope that Gigl has more stories to tell in the future. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2021, 12)

"Maybe I shouldn't tell you. Maybe I should just leave the past alone. Let it die with me."

The small seaside town of Neapolis is seeing more excitement than it is used to. Sure, there is a fair share of tourism as the summer crowds flock to the city's beautiful beaches, but this is something completely unprecedented. One of their own, a golden child of the community, has been accused of a heinous crime. As a collegiate swimming star destined for Olympic glory, Scott Blair was a beacon of pride for the local townspeople. The fact that his family is one of the wealthiest in the area was merely the cherry on top of their reverence for the young man. Now the notoriety that comes from being the hometown of a future Olympian has soured. Scott has been accused of rape. The alleged victim and her family, also residents of the city, are taking every legal action they can against Scott. With the trial set to being, a throng of national media has come to the town, bringing a shadow of negative attention to the normally sunny town.

Rachel Krall has arrived in Neapolis as just a small part of the massive press machine. A couple years ago she started a popular crime podcast called Guilty or Not Guilty. Her reporting helped a wrongly incarcerated man walk free and propelled her podcast to a huge following. Normally Rachel uses the show to take a deep dive into trials that have already happened. The luxury of hindsight often allows her to come to conclusions that the jury or prosecutors may have missed. For her latest season, however, Rachel has something completely different in mind. Rather than dissect the trials of the past, she will place her audience directly inside of an ongoing case. She chose the story of the rape in Neapolis because rape trials seem to be one of the few cases in the justice system where the victim faces as much scrutiny as the accused.

In transit to the trial, Rachel pauses at a rest stop. When she returns to her car, she sees a note tucked between her wiper blade and windshield. The letter is from someone named Hannah who states that she has reached out to Rachel several times asking for help. You see, Hannah's sister died many years ago, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning. Hannah thinks it was actually murder. She believes that if anyone can come to the truth surrounding her sister's death, it would be Rachel. Here's the problem though. Rachel purposefully doesn't do televised interviews or publish pictures of herself. Short of hearing her voice, no one would be able to identify Rachel. This makes Hannah's presence all the more troubling. How did she know who Rachel was and why has she latched onto Rachel as some sort of savior?

Last year I read Megan Goldin's The Escape Room, a novel that saw me gaining the new skill of multitasking walking while reading. This led to more trips and stumbles than I care to admit, so I quickly abandoned this foolish attempt to not miss out on any of the action in her book. Still, my enjoyment of that book had me ready to read whatever Goldin came up with next. That turned out to be The Night Swim, a decidedly different book that Goldin's publisher generously provided to me. This new novel is described by the publisher as "electrifying and propulsive" superlatives that are accurate, but not in the traditional thriller sense. Unlike her previous work, Goldin does not use a fast-moving plot to drive the momentum of her newest offering. Instead, she uses the development of her characters to provide the propulsion that her publisher promises. That's not to say that this character focus is a bad thing. In fact, I'd argue that the strong cast of this novel actually made me enjoy it more than The Escape Room.

"That's how trials work. It's medieval. It's not about getting to the truth. it's about who can put on a better show."

The trial setting gives The Night Swim echoes of those classic John Grisham thrillers. Like Grisham, Goldin peppers in a commentary on the justice system's questionable track record with sexual assault crimes and forces the reader to face the realities of our flawed legal structures. She doesn't hold back on the graphic descriptions of the crimes that were committed. These uncomfortable passages are difficult to read but vital in providing the context of each character's convictions. Beyond the questions surrounding the rape, the novel is haunted by the customs of small-town life. This is the kind of place where everybody knows everyone else. If one person has an opinion, it becomes a universal fact for the rest of the community. That small-town Americana permeates every page of The Night Swim adding another layer of depth to this already stellar novel. The Night Swim proves Goldin's versatility as a storyteller and marks another fantastic read from this masterful author.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 35)