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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Before I let ChatGPT tell you how I felt about this book I want you to know I read, listened to, and totally absorbed this work of art in one day. It is so intense (especially when listening at 2X speed) and fast-paced that I actually left out a breath I didn't know I was holding... twice.
Robert Dugoni delivers a gripping, old-school legal thriller in The 7th Canon, blending courtroom drama with gritty crime suspense set against the backdrop of 1980s San Francisco. The novel follows young defense attorney Peter Donley as he fights to clear the name of a compassionate priest wrongly accused of murder. With stakes that grow higher by the chapter, Dugoni masterfully peels back layers of corruption and deceit.
What makes this book stand out is its fast pace and tightly woven plot. Dugoni builds tension skillfully, and readers will find themselves invested in the mystery and the underdog attorney trying to navigate a hostile legal system. The supporting characters, especially the tough PI Frank Ross, add flavor and grit, giving the story a noir edge.
The legal elements are smart without being overly technical, making the novel accessible to anyone who enjoys courtroom dramas. Dugoni also touches on ethical dilemmas and moral ambiguity, giving the story some depth beyond its thrills.
The only minor drawback is that a few twists feel familiar if you're a fan of the genre, and some character development — especially of the antagonist — could have gone deeper. Still, The 7th Canon is a compelling and entertaining read that holds your attention from start to finish.
Verdict: A solid legal thriller with heart, action, and a conscience. Perfect for fans of John Grisham or early Scott Turow.
Robert Dugoni delivers a gripping, old-school legal thriller in The 7th Canon, blending courtroom drama with gritty crime suspense set against the backdrop of 1980s San Francisco. The novel follows young defense attorney Peter Donley as he fights to clear the name of a compassionate priest wrongly accused of murder. With stakes that grow higher by the chapter, Dugoni masterfully peels back layers of corruption and deceit.
What makes this book stand out is its fast pace and tightly woven plot. Dugoni builds tension skillfully, and readers will find themselves invested in the mystery and the underdog attorney trying to navigate a hostile legal system. The supporting characters, especially the tough PI Frank Ross, add flavor and grit, giving the story a noir edge.
The legal elements are smart without being overly technical, making the novel accessible to anyone who enjoys courtroom dramas. Dugoni also touches on ethical dilemmas and moral ambiguity, giving the story some depth beyond its thrills.
The only minor drawback is that a few twists feel familiar if you're a fan of the genre, and some character development — especially of the antagonist — could have gone deeper. Still, The 7th Canon is a compelling and entertaining read that holds your attention from start to finish.
Verdict: A solid legal thriller with heart, action, and a conscience. Perfect for fans of John Grisham or early Scott Turow.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
This book didn't grab ahold of me as much as My Sister's Grave (which I devoured in a matter of hours) and I won't be quick to recommend it, but this book did convince me to stay with Dugoni a little longer and read #2 in the Tracy Crossright series.
I think my lackluster is a combination of tired subject matter (the crooked cop plot again?) and missed personal connection. It's difficult to empathize and find connection with (or just care about) the characters in this book, even the "good guys". Everyone is just "okay" not people you want to necessarily spend time with.
A sharp contrast the the reader experience with My Sister's Grave. You couldn't help but empathize with Tracy and care about what happens to her. You're interested in uncovering the mystery around her dead sister, yes, but you also care so much for Tracy and want things to work out in her personal life/work life. There are multiple stories going on in that regard and you get a much wider picture of every character and their life. The characters in The 7th Canon feel very flat and you don't come to understand them, or "know" who they are, which means you can't really care about them.
To end on a positive note, this novel is set in the late 1980's (car phones!) and that added a slight frosting to the story. It was interesting to think, "why doesn't he google that" and then have to remember "oh, right. no google!"
I think my lackluster is a combination of tired subject matter (the crooked cop plot again?) and missed personal connection. It's difficult to empathize and find connection with (or just care about) the characters in this book, even the "good guys". Everyone is just "okay" not people you want to necessarily spend time with.
A sharp contrast the the reader experience with My Sister's Grave. You couldn't help but empathize with Tracy and care about what happens to her. You're interested in uncovering the mystery around her dead sister, yes, but you also care so much for Tracy and want things to work out in her personal life/work life. There are multiple stories going on in that regard and you get a much wider picture of every character and their life. The characters in The 7th Canon feel very flat and you don't come to understand them, or "know" who they are, which means you can't really care about them.
To end on a positive note, this novel is set in the late 1980's (car phones!) and that added a slight frosting to the story. It was interesting to think, "why doesn't he google that" and then have to remember "oh, right. no google!"
Received my copy through Netgalley. 4.5 stars. Excellent!
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow!!! This book reminded me why I love reading about bad-ass lawyers. I hope to read more about Peter Donley.
Page turner. Kept me interested. I'm usually not a fan of legal thrillers, but this one was pretty good.
Predictable at the end. There were times you wanted to yell, "come on, don't do that!" but I still enjoyed reading this book.
Predictable at the end. There were times you wanted to yell, "come on, don't do that!" but I still enjoyed reading this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know what to expect but loved it. The unconventional priest, the scrappy 3rd year lawyer and heartbroken detective are engaging multilayered characters. Not only did the case get solved but redemption as well. I look forward to more from Dugoni.