Compelling Evidence

Compelling Evidence by Steve Martini is a 1993 Jove Publication.

An oldie, but a goodie!

This is the first book in the Paul Madriani series. I remember reading a couple of Martini's books back in the nineties and I think I even remember a made for TV movie based on this series.

This old school legal thriller is the style I prefer if a book is to be categorized as such. There's actually some courtroom drama, not just lawyers doing the work of investigators, which is usually how things work in today's so called legal thrillers. So, while some things are a bit dated, I can deal with it.

Paul is stewing in the after- effects of having an affair with Talia, the wife of a good friend and colleague, Ben Potter. The fallout cost him a place in show more Ben’s law firm. But, when Ben calls him and asks for a meeting, Paul nervously agrees, not really knowing what to expect.

Turns out Ben may be headed for a stint on the higher courts and wishes for Paul to do him a personal favor, to which Paul readily agrees. Things between the two men seem to be tenuously cordial, but only a short time later, Ben is found dead. The initial cause of death appeared to be suicide, but evidence soon points to murder, with Talia becoming the number one suspect.

Paul becomes a part of Talia’s defense team, despite their history together, which only aggravated the situation with his estranged wife. Things go from bad to worse when the court learns of his connection to the defendant.

Once the trial starts, and the lawyers begin to match wits, things get really interesting! It’s a nail biter all the way to the end!

Although this book doesn’t necessarily have the same pizzaz as some legal thrillers of this era did- ala Scott Turow, for example, it is tightly plotted, with a stunning- I never saw that coming- conclusion.

As I mentioned earlier, the novel does show a little age, but overall, it stands the test of time really well. I guess to get the type of Legal Thriller's I enjoy I'll have to stick with the older books to get my fix.

To that end, reading the Paul Madriani series sounds like a good idea!

Looking forward to it! show less

Good narrative, a lot of wry wit that left some chuckles, and an ending you don't really see coming.

Since it was written in the early 90s, it seems to be a little slower compared to today's books, which is normal. But, I liked the main character, Paul Madriani, a lawyer, who is given a case of defending a former girlfriend. Things look pretty bleak, will he be able to save her from death?

good mystery @ lawyer murder

Sharp defense attorney Paul Madriani was on the rise with the firm of Potter, Skarpellos -- until a short-lived affair with Potter's wife cost him his job. Now, Potter's wife is accused of his murder -- and Paul is thrust back into the big time, as he uncovers secrets that may end his career -- and his life.

Excellent...had to finish it without many breaks. Compelling and completely no clue till the end.

I always enjoy the court room genre but at times this one was not an effortless read.

Interesting court drama, but a little slow at times.