Allan Donaldson

I received this book from the publisher in order that I review it. I am really glad that they sent it to me because I probably would have missed it otherwise. This is an excellent legal mystery. It is set in New Brunswick during the Second World War. But there is really not much about the war in the book other than the soldiers that were based in New Brunswick during the war. The book really points out the gaps in our Canadian justice system during this time. A young soldier is charged with show more the brutal slaying of a young local girl, and the whole town has him tried and convicted even before the court case begins. The lawyer for the defense, Lieutenant Bernard Dorkin does not let this deter him as he sets out to prove his client's innocence. This is a very well-written book, and I highly recommend it. show less

It’s a good thing I don't judge a book by it's very first sentences because when I read the first page, with a straightforward description of a Dominion day army parade, I was quite discouraged and silently cursing my decision to request this book via Early Reviewers. But it wasn't long before I was willingly led into the story and then completely wrapped up in this compelling judicial drama about a soldier stationed in a small Canadian town with his fellow "Zombies" during WWII (men who show more refused to go fight overseas) who is subject to discrimination and is unfairly accused of the homicide of a local young woman, despite a complete lack of evidence. Since there is so little to like about the accused would-be rapist and murderer Owen Williams, I wasn't really interested in his fate, or care much about whether he'd actually done it or not, but rather curious to see how his lawyer Dorkin would pull of the difficult task of defending him. Especially considering Dorkin's lack of experience, his tendency to jump to conclusions and incur the wrath of many in the process and the formidable prosecutor he must contend with, who along with great talent and skill, also displays an utter lack of principles. The cast of unsavoury characters kept the action and dialogues interesting, and though I have to say the twist at the end hardly came as a big surprise, I would still recommend for the sheer pleasure of reading a well told story that lingers on in one's mind. show less

I greatly enjoyed Mr. Donaldson's book about the defence of a young soldier who may have been wrongly accused of murdering a local girl in a small rural town in New Brunswick. The story transports you to 1944. Private Williams is a conscripted soldier who refuses to serve overseas and he's the last person to be seen with Sarah Coile who turns up dead a few days later.The story shows us how public opinion can be manipulated as Private Williams is already considered to be guilty as charged show more despite most evidence against him being circumstantial. Lieutenant Dorkin, a lawyer from Saint John, deals with small town politics and uncovers some nasty secrets on his quest to prove Private Williams' innocence. I found the book fast-paced and I enjoyed the descriptions of the different characters and surroundings. show less

Well, the murder mystery aspect of the story was interesting. I’d have to say I didn’t care too much for the writing style. The story did take a while to get going and for a good part of the book it was extremely repetitive. I’m sure the goal was to attempt to establish how the crime could have been committed. There were several possible scenarios. However it was being repeated at least three times and I soon started wondering if any plot advancement was going to take place. It was show more frustrating to read and made the plot slow to a crawl.

The possible list of suspects were interesting, albeit small as the setting does take place a in a rather small town. I did like how word does spread fast in towns such as these, and gossip remains rampant. It’s typical of a small town, and since Dorkin is an outsider, he sticks out like a sore thumb and citizens are reluctant to talk to him. I like Dorkin though. He’s very persistent and seems to be the type to strive for the greater good even though the odds are stacked against him. I considered him to be a one of those “quiet unsung heroes” and liked him for his sense of justice. Owen Williams is different and I understand how Dorkin felt when he felt irritated towards him. Owen’s a wuss. I couldn’t help but feel irritated too. He was just a spineless little twit that needed toughening up and he really didn’t help himself in regards to the court case.

I really did enjoy reading the court case part of the novel. It was interesting and grabbed my attention, it did seem like how a court case should be. I liked how Dorkin acted during court. It was a different side to him and although he was blindsided a couple of times he was still determined to prove his client innocent. However, towards the end of court, the repetitiveness of the crime came out again and it got extremely tedious to read. It came to the point where I did skip those pages as I could memorize by heart what had happened (since it was being repeated so much.)

The ending was good, a little predictable, but good nevertheless. It provided a little spark of excitement the book needed. I was not prepared for Owen’s 360 personality change and disliked him even more for it. He deserves a good punch in the face!

Despite the tedious repetitive moments, and the writing style is a little on the dry side, I’m not sure if I could say I enjoyed this book. There were moments were it was worth a read, but perhaps I’m just not used to this writing style and I felt it drag. It did take me a considerably long time to finish this book (despite it being 288 pages). I’m not sure if I could recommend this book to anyone, however, if you’re patient enough to read through the dry bits then give it a try. I would say take it, or leave it. show less