Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
A Criminal Appeal
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
D. R. Schanker
Class/Genre: Mystery Legal Setting Thriller
St. Martin's, Sep 1998, $23.95, 274 pp.
Nora Lunsey's first job as a lawyer is working as a legal clerk for Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Albertson. Proud of being a big boned woman, Nora is currently writing an opinion that convicts (as an adult) ten-year old Dexter Hinton, of killing a white woman. The deaf child has confessed he did the crime.
Though she knows better, Nora cannot stop herself from getting emotionally involved in the case. She starts to doubt the confession and subsequently that Dexter is the murderer. Nora, with the help of Dexter's teacher, begins to investigate what really happened even though it could cost her more than a lucrative job. Interference could bar her from practicing law and face criminal charges of her own. there are several folks wanting her dead to stop her inquiries, but even all that fails to stop the determined Nora from trying to insure justice and not the law prevails.
The story line does justice to the legal thriller sub-genre and should elate fans that a new author with fresh ideas has entered the fray. The characters, who come from all walks of life, are all brilliantly developed and add to the authentic feel of the novel by making Indianapolis and the surrounding areas feel alive. However, what makes D.R. Schanker's debut novel so good is Nora, who is one genre's best new characters. Hopefully, more tales starring Nora will soon follow.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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