Easy to read
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After a bumpy start this novel was very easy to read. I found I relaxed into her style and soon became accustomed to Cate Fante (the main character). I could see the place of Cate's 'secrets' but this was the bit I found unrealistic. I can't say more than secrets as I don't wish to spoil the plot for anyone as it isn't identified on the dust jacket.
The characters are easy to get along with and I found the character of Warren really interesting but Gina and Warren seemed like an 'add-on' rather than part of the actual plot. This was a downside as they didn't seem to fit with the story. All the endings were tied up, sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't; in this case it does.
I did want to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen but this was more because every time I was losing interest along came another excellent revelation. I've not read a novel involving judges before, I often prefer medical thrillers. I would look out for more by her (and other similar novels). I am unable therefore to say how this novel compares to others but as a first one for me I was very pleased.
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The line between public and private?
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I have never been a big fan of the American Legal thriller, but mum left me her copy after a visit the other day. I picked it up and was unable to put it back down, finished reading it two days! This is a gritty read that explores the weaknesses of the human character. The lead character is Cate Fante, she has just been appointed as a federal judge, she is young and a looker, but she also has a past that is less than judicial. She has a secrete vice, she likes to pick-up strangers at bars. It is in her best interest that her vice remain unknown to the general public. Alas, though, her first case exposes her tawdry past life and threatens her future as a judge along with her life! Parts of the book elicited the sexual voyeur in me, but then it would turn the sexual tension into disgust. It made me think how we all have things we hide. The conclusion was a bit of reach, and I do not think Cate's motives for her indiscretions are ever really explained, then again maybe they are unexplainable? Overall, though this is a well paced suspense story I can highly recommend!
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Not amazing, but it will pass a couple of pleasurable hours...
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Cate Fante is a newly appointed Federal Judge with a secret; she likes to go to bars in rough areas and pick up men. Not a problem, you might think, except that many of the men she has encounters with are criminals of felons and her boyfriend wouldn't be too happy if he were to find out. As well as this we witness a court case with Fante presiding, in which a writer accuses a media mogul of stealing his idea for a show (that has become very successful) about lawyers in the Philadelphia area. Things at the trial don't go quite according to plan and leave Judge Fante both in danger for her life and also worried that her secret life will be revealed.
I think the other reviewers have been a little harsh. This is an enjoyable thriller, but nothing remarkable. The characters are quite interesting, if a little familiar, and the plot hangs together. The only small criticism I would make is that about 250 pages into the novel I thought the story was going to start to follow a different plot line. This distraction was unnecessary and would have benefitted from editing (in other words, it should have been cut!)
A passable thriller, which won't amaze you but will pass a couple of pleasurable hours.
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Half-hearted
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The novel is well written, with good moments, but somehow lacks substance and is resolved far too easily. The author seems very capable, but this isn't a strong novel.
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Ho-Hum Crime Fiction
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The premise for this book is great and the characters are engaging, but the novel never really takes off. Although I was reminded at times of other better crime writers, Scottoline seems to be sleepwalking her way through most of this.
Skip it.
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