Book Review: Protect and Defend

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Protect and Defend     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Richard North Patterson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Political Intrigue   Thriller   Legal Setting
Series: Kerry Kilcannon
Hutchinson; 2000 (USA), 2001 (UK); £17.99; 546pp
Classification: Adult fiction (political thriller)

After his previous incredibly depressing novel, 'Dark Lady', North Patterson moves back into political ground, returning to his character of President Kerry Kilcannon. When a young girl challenges a new abortion law, the case has repercussions throughout the USA, affecting not only the new President, but also his Chief Justice nominee and his main rival for the Presidency. All have secrets that they want to be kept hidden.

North Patterson is a great writer and he is certainly capable of keeping the reader's attention. However, in 'Protect & Defend', the complexity of the issues may well confuse some people. The majority of the novel is played out in court, North Patterson's home ground, but a lot of it deals with the American political system. I am sure that Americans will probably understand what is going on, but for those who do not know as much about the political system in the USA, the book could easily become heavy reading that requires a lot of concentration.

Some could argue that the book is predictable and that there is only way in which it can turn out, but the author includes some plot twists and surprises to allow a certain element of the unknown to enter the story. Stephen King described the book as being 'lightning in a bottle' and although I personally would not go that far, this is a competent piece, written in an engaging style and dealing with intricate issues. I enjoyed it; others may find it complicated and difficult. Some of his other books are certainly much less complicated.

Luke Croll - RAM

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

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
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