ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601190105
SECTION: BOOKS PAGE: F-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: BOOK REVIEW
THE FINAL JUDGMENT.
By Richard North Patterson. Alfred A. Knopf. $25.
Caroline Masters is a San Francisco lawyer, judge and prospective nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals when the boyfriend of her 22-year-old niece, Brett Allen, is slain.
Sure enough, Masters answers the summons from her estranged father, family patriarch Channing Masters, to return to her native New Hampshire to counsel Brett.
Sure enough, Brett is charged with murder, and Caroline Masters, against her better judgment, agrees to be Brett's attorney.
Sure enough, the prosecutor turns out to be an old flame, the appeals court nomination is put in jeopardy, a pretrial proceeding produces courtroom drama, the requisite sex scenes occur, the rather predictable background of the family's dysfunctionality is unveiled as the story progresses.
"The Final Judgment," in other words, is formulaic suspense writing, tailored to what's likely to sell but neither memorable nor powerful enough to keep you reading past the time you should be going to sleep anyway.
- GEOFF SEAMANS
THE JUDGE.
By Steve Martini. Putnam. $23.95
Steve Martini has written several novels which have had significant popularity. These include "Compelling Evidence," "Prime Witness," and "Undue Influence." Because he is a lawyer, he certainly knows something about lawyers, judges and the law.
This novel is about a judge who is accused of murdering an undercover policewoman who identified him as a "John," one who solicits prostitutes. The judge maintains that he is being framed. He hires a former prosecutor who brings into the case the hero of the story, a lawyer. Working together and sometimes at cross purposes, they reach a conclusion which may or may not surprise you.
Although I was not overwhelmed with the style of Martini's writing, I was nonetheless impressed with the storyline. He knows his subject. He presents his direct and cross examination with more style and knowledge than the O.J. attorneys, both prosecutorial and defense. All in all, this is an enjoyable read.
- JOSEPH WILLIAMS
Geoff Seamans is associate editor of this newspaper's editorial page.
Joseph Williams works in the justice system.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB