Mike Avery

They say not to judge a book by its cover. In this case it is so definitely true. I am loving the whole Boston Italian mob theme being from Boston, I can can picture myself in the story! This is a great debut novel for this criminal defense attorney turned author.

Susan Sorella is a Suffolk Law student in Boston where she lives and works at the family restaurant, Gabriellas. She never imagined she would receive a visit from crime boss Romano at the North End eatery. Since Susan’s mother died from a brain aneurysm she has helped her dad at Gabriellas. Her father notions to her that Mr Romano would like to speak with her. Why would an infamous mobster want with her?

Apparently, her father knew Romano but would not go into details when he assured her it was safe to speak to him. Romano learned that she would be interning for Bobby Coughin, a burnt out defense attorney. She isn’t expecting to learn much from him since he takes on simple cases that result in plea deals. Romano had informed her that Coughlin would be handling a criminal murder case. He wanted her to know that the men accused were not involved in the brutal killing of his accountant, Tony Francini.

Bobby Coughlin is not very happy that the judge handed him the case nor that Susan was an overzealous intern. He just wanted his client Nicky Marino to accept a plea deal so he could avoid a trial. He couldn’t imagine going to trial when there were rumors that Francini was embezzling from Romano. It was assumed that his dead body found outside the condo of Rena Posa, his girlfriend, was a message. His anxiety soars when Susan presents him with information indicating that his client is most likely innocent. Going against his advice Susan begins to do some investigating to prove the man’s innocence.

The main question is why is Joe Brady being a cooperating witness? The man has a criminal record and history of murder and violence. FBI special agents Mike Rizzo and Harry Smith worked out a plea agreement with him if he gave up the names of his accomplices. The two men he points a finger at claim they barely know Brady let alone murder anyone.

The story unravels as the case goes to trial. The plot was rather predictable but enjoyable. I liked the enthusiasm of the law student even though her efforts almost get her killed.… (altro)

Criminal defense lawyer and legal professor Mike Avery writes a very timely timely page turner mystery, replete with Boston, Cambridge and Somerville neighborhoods centering on the North End and Seaport, featuring delectable Italian food and drink, and memorable characters, including a feisty law student, beleaguered lawyers and Mafia wise guys. Avery was one of the funders of the National Police Accountability Project. In 2007 he was part of a team of lawyers who obtained the largest judgment ever awarded against the FBI for the wrongful conviction of four innocent men for murder. His client, Peter Limone, had spent 33 years in prison for a murder of which he was innocent. Avery’s knowledge of police misconduct informs his compelling plot. Highly recommended for fans of Robert B. Parker and John Grisham, those looking for a modern-day Perry Mason, and anyone hoping for insights into ins and outs of the criminal justice system and the triumph of good over evil.… (altro)

This legal thriller/mystery is about the defense of a murder suspect, in a case that both the FBI and the mob have a lot of interest in. I liked and identified with both the mediocre, burned out defense attorney Bobby Coughlin and his ambitious, empathetic young intern Susan Sorella. Despite smooth prose and a few vivacious scenes of food and cooking, the writing is a bit dry. When Susan befriends another woman, their first conversation is just an exchange of curricula vitae, lacking real rapport. And a chapter from the POV of FBI agents is all bluster and procedure, like a bad cop show. But the story ends in an exciting trial that honors the rules of evidence without getting bogged down in them.… (altro)