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bobednj's review against another edition
4.0
Learned a lot about court procedure, well written. Thought it kept things too close to the vest instead of leaving more breadcrumbs before the resolution.
martydia's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
latas's review against another edition
4.0
Just the kind of courtroom drama that I like. Paul Madriani is like my other favourite fictional lawyers - Jake Brigance (John Grisham), Mickey Haller (Michael Connelly), Eddie Flynn (Steve Cavanagh). They are witty, articulate and are able to turn around witnesses to their benefit.
The 'whodunnit' was well done, and revealed only in the end. I feel proud that I guessed the killer mid-way through the book
The 'whodunnit' was well done, and revealed only in the end. I feel proud that I guessed the killer mid-way through the book
booklady's review against another edition
5.0
I was dragging myself through the first three chapters until the plot really started to flow, and then I could not put it down! The courtroom exchange between lawyers was something akin to Perry Mason from Gardner. I finished the book in two setting and I am off in search of another Martini novel. He has definitely grabbed my attention.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling Evidence by Steve Martini is a 1993 Jove Publication.
An oldie, but a goodie!
This is the first book in the Paul Madriani series. I remember reading a couple of Martini's books back in the nineties and I think I even remember a made for TV movie based on this series.
This old school legal thriller is the style I prefer if a book is to be categorized as such. There's actually some courtroom drama, not just lawyers doing the work of investigators, which is usually how things work in today's so called legal thrillers. So, while some things are a bit dated, I can deal with it.
Paul is stewing in the after- effects of having an affair with Talia, the wife of a good friend and colleague, Ben Potter. The fallout cost him a place in Ben’s law firm. But, when Ben calls him and asks for a meeting, Paul nervously agrees, not really knowing what to expect.
Turns out Ben may be headed for a stint on the higher courts and wishes for Paul to do him a personal favor, to which Paul readily agrees. Things between the two men seem to be tenuously cordial, but only a short time later, Ben is found dead. The initial cause of death appeared to be suicide, but evidence soon points to murder, with Talia becoming the number one suspect.
Paul becomes a part of Talia’s defense team, despite their history together, which only aggravated the situation with his estranged wife. Things go from bad to worse when the court learns of his connection to the defendant.
Once the trial starts, and the lawyers begin to match wits, things get really interesting! It’s a nail biter all the way to the end!
Although this book doesn’t necessarily have the same pizzaz as some legal thrillers of this era did- ala Scott Turow, for example, it is tightly plotted, with a stunning- I never saw that coming- conclusion.
As I mentioned earlier, the novel does show a little age, but overall, it stands the test of time really well. I guess to get the type of Legal Thriller's I enjoy I'll have to stick with the older books to get my fix.
To that end, reading the Paul Madriani series sounds like a good idea!
Looking forward to it!
An oldie, but a goodie!
This is the first book in the Paul Madriani series. I remember reading a couple of Martini's books back in the nineties and I think I even remember a made for TV movie based on this series.
This old school legal thriller is the style I prefer if a book is to be categorized as such. There's actually some courtroom drama, not just lawyers doing the work of investigators, which is usually how things work in today's so called legal thrillers. So, while some things are a bit dated, I can deal with it.
Paul is stewing in the after- effects of having an affair with Talia, the wife of a good friend and colleague, Ben Potter. The fallout cost him a place in Ben’s law firm. But, when Ben calls him and asks for a meeting, Paul nervously agrees, not really knowing what to expect.
Turns out Ben may be headed for a stint on the higher courts and wishes for Paul to do him a personal favor, to which Paul readily agrees. Things between the two men seem to be tenuously cordial, but only a short time later, Ben is found dead. The initial cause of death appeared to be suicide, but evidence soon points to murder, with Talia becoming the number one suspect.
Paul becomes a part of Talia’s defense team, despite their history together, which only aggravated the situation with his estranged wife. Things go from bad to worse when the court learns of his connection to the defendant.
Once the trial starts, and the lawyers begin to match wits, things get really interesting! It’s a nail biter all the way to the end!
Although this book doesn’t necessarily have the same pizzaz as some legal thrillers of this era did- ala Scott Turow, for example, it is tightly plotted, with a stunning- I never saw that coming- conclusion.
As I mentioned earlier, the novel does show a little age, but overall, it stands the test of time really well. I guess to get the type of Legal Thriller's I enjoy I'll have to stick with the older books to get my fix.
To that end, reading the Paul Madriani series sounds like a good idea!
Looking forward to it!
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