Product Description

Paul Madriani, a brilliant criminal defense lawyer, had a once-promising career with a prestigious law-firm, until an ill-judged affair with the senior partner Ben Potter's wife led to his resignation. Now he scrambles for work amid the ghosts of his doomed affair and the remains of a failing marriage.

Then Potter is found dead, an apparent suicide. But as details come to light, the case turns from suicide to murder and the needle of suspicion points towards the victim's seductive wife, Talia Potter. Indicted and arrested, Talia turns to Paul, her former lover, to defend her against the mounting evidence in a case that for her could result in the gas chamber

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #302252 in Books
• Published on: 1993-03-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

About the Author
Steve Martini, a former trial attorney, lives on the US West Coast with his wife and daughter.

Customer Reviews

Compelling!
Every now and then I come across an author that goes on my "A List". Steve Martini is now one of them. This is a courtroom drama taking you through a murder trial. Characters and situations are described with wicked twists of words and phrases. You are cleverly drawn into the mind of the main character, criminal defence lawyer Paul Madriani, and those he comes across. The courtroom scenes in particular are a joy. I was hooked after the first few pages and can thoroughly recommend it.

A Great Legal Thriller
Paul Madriani had a great career at a major legal practice until he had an affair with a partner's wife. Since his exit from the firm he has practised on his own. The partner in question is murdered and his wife is charged with his murder and the matter goes to trial. Paul reluctantly ends up leading her defence team.

This book has it all - a good plot with an ending I didn't predict, some fantastic writing (although the quality does fade a little), great insights and arguments, and a good deal of wit.

This book is now quite dated, having been written in 1992 or so, but it was indeed a great debut. The story is about 600 pages long, and I feared things would be too drawn-out, but there isn't a superfluous word in it. Well done Mr. Martini.