Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Disapearance
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
J. F. Freedman
Class/Genre: Mystery Government Agency Legal Setting Police Procedural
Series: Luke Garrison # 1
Dutton, Oct 1998, $23.95, 448 pp.
Looking back on his career as the superstar of the Santa Barbara District Attorney's office, Luke Garrison realizes that he once placed his media clippings above justice. He remains haunted by one case in particular in which his ruthlessness condemned an innocent man to the gallows. That case and a divorce has led him to seek penance in the Northern California forests.
Three years have passed since he left Southern California. Luke is surprised when retired Judge Ferdinand De La Guerra comes traipsing north to ask him to defend a suspect in what is a highly visible, open and shut case. Luke reluctantly agrees to defend Joe Allison, who is accused of abducting and killing fourteen-year old Emma Lancaster. Luke sees the case as a personal catharsis that will enable him to reclaim his own self worth. However, as he seeks the truth, he also thinks his client either did the dastardly deed or is hiding something even more nightmarish.
J.F. Freedman is one of the top writers of legal thrillers, renowned for his sizzling one-sitting page turners. His current novel is incredibly chilling as the gifted writer builds up the suspense surrounding THE DISAPPEARANCE and subsequent murder of a teenage girl. Due to the author's immense talent, a seemingly unlikeable snot like Luke actually garners reader empathy when he battles his personal demons in order to do the right thing. The crisp story line is filled with pathos and grit as fans of the sub-genre will believe that this novel is the legal thriller of the season if not the year. Mr. Freedman's novels are consistently top entertainment.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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