Accused

Another fun, interesting read in this second of the A. Scott Fenney series. I think it could be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading the first book to better enjoy this one, which takes up almost 2 years later.

I like these books on several levels. First, there's the characters, mostly likable but a few who are either detestable or changeable. Leading the list are A. Scott's 11 year old daughter and adopted daughter (his daughter calls him A. Scott). Then, there are his partners, one a refugee from his old firm, and the other a friend from earlier life. His bodyguard, a brick wall named Louis who came with his adopted daughter from the dark side of town, is a very likable friend and capable bodyguard who likes Scott a lot show more because he took in Pajamae, the daughter of his last client who was a junkie accused of murder. Lots of other characters keep things moving along at a fun pace.

Aside from the characters, there is the humor, often dry, apparently overlooked by many reviewers who think the story is too simple or one-dimensional, etc. I personally think they are missing the bus on this book, but maybe it's me. Still, while the story is interesting, the characters make the book for me. Taking it seriously is a mistake, almost like saying The Hitchhiker's Guide is not believable.

Since the author is a lawyer, the legal issues are interesting and believable, giving us some real issues to think about behind the shenanigans. I think underneath the money-hungry, fashion-following beautiful women everywhere is a look into issues women face in real life, and how some of them feel forced to act in order to succeed in the man's world.

I'm glad I discovered this author, even though it was under false pretenses; people are comparing him to Grisham, an author I enjoy a lot. But I think the similarities are pretty superficial, mainly that they're both about the law. But Grisham is much more serious and realistic.

And about the audiobook version I read. The narrator was Jeff Harding, who narrates the Jack Reacher books I've read. I'm not crazy about him, and liked the narrator of the first book better (Stephen Hoye). Jeff Harding sound a bit too matter-of-fact to me, and for some reason I find it a little annoying. But it was OK. show less

A follow-up to The Color of Law and as always, an insight into the reality of The Law. I believe it., both the good and not good sides. But, as in the Color of Law, I saw the true ending from the start but didn't know how Gimenez would work it. A page-turner. I like the humor which comes sidling in. Good characterization of Rebecca. You'll need to watch her behavior carefully.

The mystery/thriller plot is quite good, with lots of twists that makes you eye boggle. Really loved the investigation and the court scenes — they made me read this book in less than 24h.

The weaker parts are the love/sex obsession of the main character for his ex-wife (that is over-explained and, in my opinion, not convincing), some odd dialogues (like phrases being misunderstood trying to make them funny; including the ones involving the 11 year old kids) and the flatness of the female characters. If in the future books Gimenez overcomes these (IMO) flaws, he can become one of my favorite (legal) mystery writers.

Set predominantly in Galveston "Accused" revisits the career of Gimenez's first protagonist, A. Scott Fenney from 2006's "The Colour of Law", tackling the intriguing prospect of defending his estranged wife for the murder of the professional golfer she left him for. It's a convoluted premise, and results in a convoluted plot, but it's told with aplomb, and really importantly holds its nerve and retains its ability to surprise.

For full review please see: http://southlondonbook.blogspot.com/2010/05/accused-mark-gimenez.html

Tired, cliched humor. The conversations were stilted and unsophisticated. The titillation was so blatantly and frequently offered that it didn't play in a believable way. This read like an old B-movie detective story.

Tired, cliched humor. The conversations were stilted and unsophisticated. The titillation was so blatantly and frequently offered that it didn't play in a believable way. This read like an old B-movie detective story.

This book revisits the protagonist of the first book, attorney Scott Fenney, who I really liked. I liked him again, and was pleased to find out what happened to the other characters. This book was an excellent follow up to The Color of Law. Definitely recommend it.