Book Review: The Attorney

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Attorney     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Steven Paul Martini
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting
Series: Paul Madriani # 5
Putnam, Jan 2000, $25.95, 448 pp.

Power house attorney Paul Madriani and his daughter Sarah have moved to San Diego so that they can live closer to his beloved Susan McKay and her two daughters. Susan is the director of Children’s Protective Service, a fierce advocate of children’s rights. Her archenemy is Zolanda Suade, a fanatical self-appointed child advocate.

Jonah Hale retains Paul to find his beloved granddaughter Amanda, who has been abducted he her own mother Jessica with the help of Zolanda. When Jonah realizes that the law cannot help him or protect Amanda from her uncaring abusive mother, he vanishes. During his disappearance, someone kills Zolanda. The police arrest Jonah who has no alibi. Paul tries to help his client, but it is Susan who constantly crosses the legal line that leads everyone into danger.

Steve Martini has written a legal thriller that will stun everyone with its sucker punch ending. THE ATTORNEY returns Paul Madriani to his fans in a story line that is his most suspenseful and tragic to date. Steve and Susan act believable even when she propels them to choose justice over the law. Mr. Martini needs to bring back this delightful cast in future novels that are sure to be thought provoking and exciting.

Harriet Klausner

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