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sandin954's review
3.0
A nice mix of police procedural and courtroom drama set in Toronto. Listened to the audio version which was ably narrated by Paul Hecht.
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
#2 in series
Will I read other installments?Probably Not Maybe Definitely Book two kept me very interested, a real page turner or whatever the equivalent is in audiobooks. I enjoyed learning about the Canadian legal system and appreciated how the author explained the differences among American, British and Canadian procedures.
Comparison to others in series: Not as goodAbout the same Better It was very good, but book number one was pretty awesome. Therefore, other editions may naturally pale in comparison.
The narrator was Paul Hecht. He has a good, strong voice.
#2 in series
Will I read other installments?
Comparison to others in series: Not as good
The narrator was Paul Hecht. He has a good, strong voice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Murder, Blood, Death of parent, Grief, and Suicide
martyfried's review
5.0
I'm so happy to have discovered this series, and to find that there are more to enjoy. The characters are so likable and interesting, the story has lots of unusual twists and turns, and I find the Canadian life and legal system to be very refreshing. The legal system seems to care about the accused; even after a guilty verdict, the police involved try to make sure they did the right thing. The prosecution seems more interested in justice than winning at all costs (not that they don't want to win).
So far, the series reminds me a bit of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, another Canadian author. That series is set in Quebec, and has some wonderful characters and interesting stories, although not necessarily about the legal system.
Although not really necessary, I'd recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. I think this will stand on its own, but there are some characters in this one from the first book, and some references to what happened in that one. You wouldn't be lost if you didn't read it first, though.
So far, the series reminds me a bit of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, another Canadian author. That series is set in Quebec, and has some wonderful characters and interesting stories, although not necessarily about the legal system.
Although not really necessary, I'd recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. I think this will stand on its own, but there are some characters in this one from the first book, and some references to what happened in that one. You wouldn't be lost if you didn't read it first, though.
maureenmccombs's review
4.0
I do love a good mystery/courtroom thriller and this book was both. This is the first book by Rotenberg that I have read and it was very, very good. The characters are well-formed, the plot is plausible, the twists and turns were unpredictable and this all adds up to a very enjoyable read. One of my GR friends has wondered why Rotenberg is not as well known as Grisham - I agree with her - this book is every bit as good as Grisham and in fact much better than many of his recent, extremely formulaic attempts. The pace of this book is fast and it was very easy to stay engaged in this novel from beginning to end. Great effort and I will look forward to reading more of Rotenberg's future books.
amandat's review
2.0
The Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup??? I laughed out loud - very nice touch there Mr. Rotenberg.... those little nods and winks to Canadiana make Rotenberg's novels a joy to read. However saying that, this ones loses some serious steam near the end. I wasn't satisfied with the ending and without spoiling it, I found the explanation of what really happened a little too contrived and unrealistic.
pussreboots's review
3.0
Guilty Plea by Robert Rotenberg is the second of the Greene and Kennicott mystery series. This time a wealthy man is found murdered in his kitchen while his young son sleeps. He's found by the nanny who doesn't live on site.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comments_07/guilty_plea.html
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comments_07/guilty_plea.html
canada_matt's review
5.0
A sensational Canadian legal thriller, with Canadian characters, in a Canadian city. Thank you Robert Rotenberg for helping write a novel set in Canada that actually portrays the Canadian legal system in its true light.
I was captivated from page one in this murder mystery that brings together family, marital issues, the law, and small town Ontario. Rotenberg helps show Toronto in a new light and uses his previous experiences to bring the characters alive and makes the reader want to keep forging ahead, if only to find out what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Canadiana embedded in this book that extends past 'eh' and their friendly nature (even though one American character cannopt help but point out our ongoing politeness). using HBC, Timmies, and my beloved Leafs. Nuances like the Canadian courtroom, Rotenberg points out the major differences between our CSI/Law & Ortder expectations and what actually happens in Canada. No gavels? No sidebars? Even i was impressed.
I cannot wait for Rotenberg's nex in the Old City Hall series.
I was captivated from page one in this murder mystery that brings together family, marital issues, the law, and small town Ontario. Rotenberg helps show Toronto in a new light and uses his previous experiences to bring the characters alive and makes the reader want to keep forging ahead, if only to find out what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Canadiana embedded in this book that extends past 'eh' and their friendly nature (even though one American character cannopt help but point out our ongoing politeness). using HBC, Timmies, and my beloved Leafs. Nuances like the Canadian courtroom, Rotenberg points out the major differences between our CSI/Law & Ortder expectations and what actually happens in Canada. No gavels? No sidebars? Even i was impressed.
I cannot wait for Rotenberg's nex in the Old City Hall series.
canadianbookworm's review
4.0
Got this as an advance reader's edition (publishing date is May) at the recent OLA conference. And boy am I glad. Once I started reading, I was hooked. This is just as good, if not better than his first book Old City Hall.
We have some of the same characters coming back, specifically Detective Ari Greene and Officer Kennicott. Terrance Wyler, youngest of three sons in the Wyler Food company, is involved in a high profile divorce. He has a new famous girlfriend, and his influential family on his side. When he is found the morning of the trial murdered in his kitchen, eyes naturally turn to his about to be ex-wife Samantha.
We have great plot, interesting characters, and an edge-of-the seat story. Rotenberg is the new mystery author to watch in Canada, and his second novel is a winner.
We have some of the same characters coming back, specifically Detective Ari Greene and Officer Kennicott. Terrance Wyler, youngest of three sons in the Wyler Food company, is involved in a high profile divorce. He has a new famous girlfriend, and his influential family on his side. When he is found the morning of the trial murdered in his kitchen, eyes naturally turn to his about to be ex-wife Samantha.
We have great plot, interesting characters, and an edge-of-the seat story. Rotenberg is the new mystery author to watch in Canada, and his second novel is a winner.