Book Review: A Dark Devotion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Dark Devotion     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Clare Francis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Legal Setting
Soho, Jun 2003, $25.00, 410 pp.

London attorney Alexandra O’Neil is upset with her husband Paul, also a lawyer, because he has a propensity for defending those who are guilty. For instance, his latest client, Mr. Ronnie "lifelong felon" Buck nearly killed a cop, but Paul got him acquitted based on a stategey of self-defense. Even worse to Alex is the post-game gala gloat.

From her hometown in Norfolk, Will Deardon calls Alex to help him. His wife Grace vanished and the police are looking closely at him as a suspect in the disappearance of his wife. Alex has mixed feelings about taking the case because Will was her first love before he married Grace. However, she also wants him safe and the real perpetrator caught. She travels home to give him legal council only to begin to believe that the man she represents is guilty of a heinous crime.

A DARK DEVOTION is a cerebral legal thriller that readers will appreciate, as the tale never loses sight of its prime theme. The audience will ponder the issues of whether everyone, even the guilty, should have proper legal representation and how far should an attorney go to defend their client. Alex is a great lead player and the support cast especially her spouse and client, enable readers to see deeper into moral dilemma. Fans will quickly develop a deep devotion to Clare Francis with works like this one.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner