2007-05-08 A proper page turner

This is the first book I've read by William Diehl & will be sure to read more, especially the other two books in the Martin Vail series. I couldn't put this one down & for two consecutive nights kept me up until the early hours devouring each page.

Initially the main character, defence lawyer Martin Vail comes across as conceited and arrogant with no regard for justice, only that he manipulate the legal system for his own personal gain, win the case & get the fee. But as the character develops you warm to him and realise that he has both a hard nosed realistic view of how adversarial justice works but that this is tempered by a more esoteric & ideal notion of natural justice. He gets to exercise his ideal in defending an altar boy, who accused of committing the terrible murder of a popular & much loved bishop, faces the death penalty.

As the plot develops you are inextricably bound up in the welfare of the defendant & work of his defence team as they strive to save him from the chair. The courtroom scenes are excellent & convey beautifully the gladitorial-esque battle between defence & prosecution. The tension builds into an unexpected & heart pounding finale as the trial reaches it's dramatic conclusion.

Read this book now, you won't regret it.