Book Review: The Second Chair

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

The Second Chair     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
John T. Lescroart
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting
Series: Dismas Hardy and/or Abe Glitsky # 13
E P Dutton; Jan 2004; 400 pages

Dismas Hardy has it all, it appears. A managing partner now, his biggest asset seems to be deal making and keeping clients out of court. He's trying to convince himself that he really is happy with the state of his life at this point, after the events in "The First Law".

Amy Wu, a young lawyer with the firm who wants to emulate Hardy, agrees to represent Andrew Bartlett, a seventeen-year-old accused of killing his girlfriend and their English teacher. When the D.A. wants to try him as an adult, Wu cuts a deal to keep him in juvenile court -- by pleading him guilty. But once in court, the teenager blows the deal by pleading his innocence. At that point, things begin hitting the proverbial fan.

In addition, Abe has his hands full trying to keep San Francisco and the media from breaking out in a full state of panic.

John Lescroart has done it to me again with another "edge-of-your-chair-up-all-night" legal thriller. In dealing with the aftermath of "The First Law", Lescroart's main characters each have their own set of demons to deal with. The view of the California Juvenile Justice system is held to the light of day as well. Complex, compelling, and honest, "The Second Chair" should be on your "must-read" list.

Webspinner - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Webspinner - RAM