Nick Stone

1996. Max Mingus acaba de cumplir una condena de siete años por homicidio que dio al traste con su carrera como detective privado. Nada más salir, acepta el trabajo que le ofrece Allain Carver, 10 millonres de dólares si encuentra a Charlie, su hijo, y lo trae vivo, 5 millones si sólo trae su cadáver, y otros 5 millones adicionales si también lleva consigo a quienes lo secuestraron, vivos o muertos. Charlie fue secuestrado en Haití, un país azotado por la violencia y la corrupción, y otros antes que Mingus intentaron su búsqueda con fatales consecuencias.… (altro)

I will always remember where I was when I finished Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow all those many years ago (a small dilapidated rental in Indianapolis, Indiana) because the twist ending totally surprised me (which doesn’t happen often)! Nick Stone has been described as England’s John Grisham, but I see more of Turrow in him, myself. The Verdict doesn’t have one big surprise ending, but multiple twists throughout the narrative that make it almost impossible to put down. (I actually stayed up until 1:00am finishing this book on a work day)!

One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel was the view into the British legal system, and the similarities to differences between our own. Terry Flynt is a law clerk (as opposed to a paralegal, solicitor or barrister) whose temporary job has turned into a full time stint at the prestigious Kopf-Randall-Purdom assisting the head of the Criminal Defense Division – essentially keeping the wealthy corporate clients and their progeny out of trouble and/or jail. When KRP lands a big case, the defense of a wealthy banker accused of murdering a woman in his hotel room, the entire firm is ecstatic – except for Terry. For Vernon James, the accused, is a former friend from Terry’s past who was instrumental in a huge betrayal from which Terry is still recovering.

To keep his job, Terry must participate in VJ’s defense, but his hatred of his former friend causes an internal moral struggle – help find evidence of VJ’s innocence, ignore evidence of his guilt, or do his best to make sure VJ is incarcerated for the rest of his life.

Who is telling the truth and who is lying? What really happened in that hotel room? Does insurmountable evidence necessarily prove guilt? And what secrets should remain hidden. Nick Stone provides enough twists and turns, as well as fascinating trial details, to keep the reader quickly turning the pages of this legal thriller, until the satisfying, but unexpected, ending.

… (altro)

Audiobook

Terry Flynt is a clerk in a large law firm. He's assigned to case that's more than startling. A man who grew up with and with whom he had a terrible falling out has been charged with murder and the evidence of his guilt is startlingly overwhelming. His boss assigns him telling Terry this case will help him win promotion and a scholarship to law school.

The boozing investigator assigned by the firm tells Terry otherwise, hinting the case is so unwinnable Terry was assigned so they could give him the boot at its conclusion. Terry continues to investigate on his own, but as potential witnesses and colleagues die he realizes something is truly off.

The ending was a bit rushed and off, good story and enjoyable listen. The courtroom scenes were particularly interesting.… (altro)