Fugitive

The first author's name that comes to mind when someone asks me for my favorite legal thriller author is Phillip Margolin. The title Fugitive, is the 5th book of the Amanda Jaffe series and I've thoroughly enjoyed each novel. There are twists and turns that I didn't see coming (and I do try to predict) but they are clearly written and paced so that the details are still intriguing to follow without getting 'lost' and the characters stay true to the characterizations that are developed for each. All I can say is "Don't miss it!" The only thing to miss is sleep if you read at bedtime as I do as you won't want to put it down and turn off the light. :)

"Fugitive" was OK. With two Jaffes and two Popes, it sometimes got a little confusing as to who was who. There was no real sympathy for Marsh as he was a con man, even though he claims innocence of the death of Pope, Jr. And why is it that all the bad people are "ultra-right-wing conservatives?" Have you ever read a novel where the unethical is a "commie lib?" Didn't think so!

In Fugitive, the central character is a rather despicable person, a con-man and a fraud whose celebrity and fortune are all based on lies. When a congress man and son of a wealthy and powerful man is murdered, he flees the country, fearing that he will take the fall for the murder. He winds up in a rogue African country, the guest of a warlord. Things take a serious turn for the worse for Charlie Marsh when he has an affair with the warlord’s wife and must flee Africa for his life. He returns to the United States, facing the same murder charge that made him leave, and is in the capable hands of Amanda Jaffe, as she tries to get him off on the murder charges.

This was a fun, legal thriller. There were many twists and turns in the novel. show more It was also a novel that worked at many levels. There was the whole mystery element of who killed the congress man. When Charlie returns, there are multiple people who are trying to kill him. He has to deal with his slimy, old agent who is trying to return to work for him. And there is also the matter of the diamonds he stole from the warlord. One of the things I enjoyed about the novel is that there was so much going on. If it was simply a matter of the legal case, it probably wouldn’t have been so interesting, but these other elements thickened the plot and made it all the more enjoyable.

Carl Alves – author of Conjesero show less

I thoroughly enjoyed this book (as I do most books by this author). For those of you who enjoy the books featuring Amanda Jaffe you will not be disappointed (although you do not have to have read the other Jaffe books to enjoy this one). This book is a combination murder mystery, legal thriller, power, and a touch of politics. I love the characters (some you will love to hate). Finally when you think you have it all figured out - you don't.

Overall a great read. Kept me engaged and I didn't know where each chapter would lead. However, the conspirator of the crime was predictable, but the one who actually pulled the trigger was a big surprise. It was literally the last chapter when the trigger man was revealed. I've read three Margolin books and each one has been terrific. Looking forward to reading more.

One is challenged to like anybody where a story has so few simply good people. Technically, this is a very complex and intricate story. At any rate, Amanda Jaffe is a very different person than Mr. Margolin's other principal character. I think I like Peter Lovesey better.

There is a reason you read Philip Margolin and its not the brilliant writing. The Fugitive is a well paced, easily read, mostly implausible novel that's good for whiling a way an afternoon. It's comfort food.