Click here to subscribe today or Login.
The #1 Lawyer
By: James Patterson and Nancy Allen
3.6
Bestselling author James Patterson and attorney Nancy Allen coauthored this gripping legal drama and standalone thriller. There are compelling courtroom scenes, corruption and murder telling the story of how the best criminal defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi goes from a top celebrity to a murder suspect himself.
Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer who has never lost a case. He is hired by Dr. Daniel Caro , OB/GYN, and the son of a local mafia kingpin, to defend him against two counts of murder. Dr. Caro is accused of killing his mistress who was also pregnant at the time. The evidence is overwhelming, and the stakes become personal for Stafford as he is being threatened by the Caro mob family. It is a relief when a not guilty verdict is delivered,but following his courtroom victory, Stafford’s estranged wife is brutally murdered, and he becomes a suspect.
Following his wife’s murder, Stafford’s life spirals out of control, abusing alcohol, losing his law practice and ruining his career. His downward spiral is realistic and heartbreaking. His best friends Jenny and Mason intervene and get him to enter a rehab facility in an effort to reset his life.
Upon completing rehab, Stafford returns home and takes a part time job as a lifeguard. He gets back into law with small cases until Dr. Caro’s wife is murdered. Stafford becomes the number one suspect in the case and decides the only way to win is to represent himself. He has never lost a case, but can he win when he is presumed guilty?
This is an intense drama about Stafford’s rehabilitation; both emotionally and legally. Although flawed, he is a very likable character that readers will be rooting for. The secondary characters are an integral part of the story, especially Stafford’s private investigator Jenny, who is trying to find out who is actually responsible for the murders. There are several plot twists to keep readers guessing and the ending may be a surprise.
I don’t read all of James Patterson’s books. Who can keep up? But I do enjoy a courtroom drama, which is why I chose this one. I wouldn’t mind seeing Stafford Lee Penney reappear in a sequel novel.
Jacquie O’Neil and her daughter, Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage, contribute to this column.