Book Review: Above the Law

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Above the Law     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
J. F. Freedman
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Government Agency   Legal Setting   Police Procedural
Series: Luke Garrison # 2
Dutton, Feb 2000, $24.95, 452 pp.

The Drug Enforcement Agency was ready to lead the raid on the isolated Northern California compound of drug czar Reynardo Juarez. Dozens of specially selected agents waited for the word to begin the assault. Their only guidance from their boss, the US Attorney General is to bring Juarez in alive so he can be pressured to rat on other cartel members. However, the simple attack turns into a trap and three agents soon lie dead. Juarez is killed as he tries to escape through the woods.

Northern California District Attorney Nora Ray investigates the fiasco. She quickly concludes the Feds are hiding and stone walling what happened in Muir County. Nora also believes someone executed Juarez. She asks a reluctant friend, defense attorney Luke Garrison to act as a Special Prosecutor to help her bring the case to justice. Though he believes justice was served with Juarez’s death, Luke agrees that no one is ABOVE THE LAW. However, neither Nora nor Luke knows that their investigation will leave both in danger as they surf through the underbelly of society.

ABOVE THE LAW is a astonishingly exhilarating police-legal thriller that will excite readers of both sub-genres with its non-stop action and strong characterizations. The story line is filled with exciting conflict from start to finish. The cast (“heroes and villains”) is developed so that readers comprehend their motives, connections, and treachery. Additionally, the return of Luke Garrison (see THE DISAPEARANCE and not the Seagal movie) brings back one of J.F. Freedman’s best charcaters. The New York Times best selling author spins a triumphant complex novel that will attain more acclaim for Mr. Freedman.

Harriet Klausner

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