State V. Lassister by Paul Levine

In my review of Lassiter I described him as a pseudo-loser tough guy attorney, ex-pro-football player, loose cannon protagonist with the attitude of a rabid pit-bull.  I can’t say that I have changed my mind.  Lassiter has gone soft, has gotten a hot banker babe and is specializing in real estate.  Then the money hits the fan and everyone is sight is covered with excrement. 

Levine does a masterful job presenting Lassiter as a clueless jock who picks up on things slowly but surely.  Jake Lassiter’s sense of fair play and forgiveness is more than I could stomach.  I’m afraid if some of the things done to Jake had been done to me, I would be less forgiving.  Of course without his wily endurance and strength, I would have been dead after the first beating so it is truly a ridiculous comparison but… I’m the one writing the recommendation so I have “artistic licentious ” or in my case I like to “pun”ish my readers.   

Lassiter is likeable and a character that stands tall like Jack Reacher, Travis McGee or Spencer.   Levine’s only problem is he isn’t prolific enough.  I want more Lassiter!

Levine does show a very cynical view of the justice system.  His plot is intricate but not confusing.  He moves the story at a good pace.  In short, I like the way he writes, I like his characters and I like the morality shown by the good guys.   

I highly recommend the book.   

Web Site:  http://www.paul-levine.com/content/index.asp

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Lassiter by Paul Levine

A pseudo-loser tough guy attorney is a mouth full but if you add ex-pro-football player you have an apt description of this loose cannon protagonist with the attitude of a rabid pit-bull. Lassiter defends the unsavory, unwashed and unwanted with an unorthodox style that leaves him on the razor edge of disbarment in this mystery that reeks or the underbelly of south Florida and the porn industry.

Paul Levine does a masterful job in crafting a likeable character in Jake Lassiter. He humanizes him by carefully including his faults and then he highlights the man’s innate goodness. Familial patterns had little to do with creating this craggy Don Quitoic aging athlete. You find yourself wiping the sweat off your brow in the hot Florida sunshine so image invoking is Levine’s writing. Once again I am mystified that I was unaware of this author.

I liked the plot, the intricately woven web of deceit and betrayal that leaves a lingering odor of grimy back rooms and slimy ne’er-do-wells populating the silicon pumped porn industry. Levine succeeds in keeping your interest high with both morality and action in unlikely scenarios and characters. I can’t guess if you will be educated but you will most definitely be entertained with this book.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Paul Levine

Web Site: http://www.paul-levine.com/content/index.asp

The 19th Element by John L. Betcher, A James Becker Thriller

A retired agent of some type is a small town attorney. James Becker has retired from a terrorism fight to live a sedentary life with his wife and girls safe in a small, insular community. This bucolic life is interrupted by Islamic terrorists’ attack on a nearby nuclear plant.

I like the way Betcher has made James Becker very human. He isn’t a invulnerable, Bondish, clock and dagger semi-super hero. Becker is a nosy, competent patriot who also wants to have a family life.

The 19th element aspect is thought provoking and plausible from what I remember from college. A well thought out plot makes this book work.

The story is frightening as it is taken right out of the front page of today’s paper. The complacency of authorities and the territorial in fighting by the very people who are supposed to keep us safe is demoralizing. I look forward to seeing Betcher’s next work. This is a good book to read but it may keep you up at night.

I highly recommend this book.

Body of work of John L. Betcher

Web site: http://www.johnbetcher.com/

The Hidden Man by David Ellis

An attorney suffering agonizing, debilitating grief over a personal tragedy is thrust into defending a childhood friend against murder charges. A mysterious Mr. Smith pays a inordinate retainer for Jason Kolarich to defend his childhood buddy. Child molestation, violence, kidnapping, the mob, threats, corruption are all a part of this outstanding mystery.

Jason’s guilt was initially annoying. The guy seemed completely unable to cut himself a break. Further reading helped to bring the perspective of the overwhelming personal tragedy clear. Accepting responsibility and guilt for other’s actions characterized Jason. I empathized with his proactive approach to being threatened. We all are susceptible to the flight or fight syndrome and when loved ones are threatened, overwhelming, massive retaliation seems reasonable. The overwhelming revulsion toward child molestation explained the overt behavior of many of the characters.

Ellis did a terrific job on creating his characters. It was inspiring to see Jason pulling himself out of the morass of grief onto the path of tepid sunlit normalcy. The fruits of the mystery tree did not fall prematurely; Ellis let them ripen slowly keeping a tense interest throughout the book. This is one darn good story.

I highly recommend this book. Jason Kolarich’s climb off the sliding board of despair would be a sufficient reason to read the book, the nail biting mystery and resolution of issues were a delightful bonus.

Body of work of David Ellis

Review: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Hidden-Man/David-Ellis/e/9780399155796

Web site: www.davidellis.com/