Paul (Polly to his friends) Biegler is an ex-D.A. turned public defender set out to prove his client, Frederic Manion, murdered a bartender in a moment of insanity. Proving the insanity isn’t the only challenge of the case. Biegler must also prove Manion’s wife was raped by the bartender (and thus creating the moment of insanity) when all evidence surrounding Mrs. Manion's attack is not admissible in her husband's trial. The entire story is so well written you never want it to end. ( )

A classic - tells the story of how a defense attorney got an unpleasant client off with an insanity defense. The defense itself is a triumph, but the defendant is clearly guilty. Sets up a nicely uncomfortable depiction of the law as a game with winners and losers, but justice isn't the aim.

Based on a true story, this novel is the first of its kind in the genre of legal thrillers. It is set in a resort town in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan near Lake Superior, and the protagonist is Paul Bieglar (Polly), a former D.A. who is struggling to find his place in life with regards to his career and personal life. He is approached by Lt. Frederic Manion, who hires him to defend him against the charge of murder. Frederic admitted killing Barney Quill after Barney brutally raped and beat his wife, Laura. Since he had already admitted his guilt, Polly's only avenue to pursue is a not guilty by insanity verdict. Polly is assisted in the case by Parnell, an older attorney who still loves the law. While the book is a bit wordy and dated, it provides lots of courtroom drama, heated exchanges, and interesting behind the scenes strategy. "A Time to Kill" by John Grisham shares many similarities to this book. ( )

Not the finest prose, but a very good story, and excellent attention to detail. Perhaps too detailed for some, but a true novel for lawyers and law buffs. If you interested in the law, or the courtroom drama, this is a must read. I only gave it three stars because the auther is a lawyer first and foremost, and not a great writer. Three stars is for it's overall place in literary history, and not a reflection of what a fun read it really was. I would recomend this book. ( )