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A review by canada_matt
Stray Bullets by Robert Rotenberg
5.0
Every author needs their niche. Rotenberg has found his, writing legal dramas (with courtroom trial), much like some of the better work of Grisham and Michael Connelly. What sets Rotenberg apart is his use of Canada (Toronto specifically) to really bring the stories home for me. While I sit through much of the US courtroom drama in many a book, or description of US or European cities, Rotenberg makes us Canadians proud by setting his books in Canada and using its Canadiana (Timmy's, the double double, 'eh', and even the victory-plagued Toronto Maple Leafs) to bring the story alive. He adds in the small nuances that show the differences between the Canadian and American systems of law and courtroom etiquette. This does help brighten the story and its plot, but set in any city, Rotenberg would have a hit on his hands.
The story follow his usual framework, advancing through the months of the investigation and pushing its way into the courtroom, where a full-on trial decides what will come of the evidence. Many of the characters pursue their own personal lives as they do their duties, sometimes intertwining with one another, but they never lose sight of the task at hand. I feel that some authors use their books (particularly ones with a legal angle) to push their opinions on a certain aspect of the law. Rotenberg appears not to do this, choosing instead to let the actors go through their motions and see what floats to the top.
I have always enjoyed Rotenberg's books and will keep doing so for as long as he publishes them. His use of Toronto does bring the story home and I do chuckle as he has to explain terms (double double) to those who may not be ensconced in the lingo.
Kudos Mr. Rotenberg. A fabulous book with a great story!
The story follow his usual framework, advancing through the months of the investigation and pushing its way into the courtroom, where a full-on trial decides what will come of the evidence. Many of the characters pursue their own personal lives as they do their duties, sometimes intertwining with one another, but they never lose sight of the task at hand. I feel that some authors use their books (particularly ones with a legal angle) to push their opinions on a certain aspect of the law. Rotenberg appears not to do this, choosing instead to let the actors go through their motions and see what floats to the top.
I have always enjoyed Rotenberg's books and will keep doing so for as long as he publishes them. His use of Toronto does bring the story home and I do chuckle as he has to explain terms (double double) to those who may not be ensconced in the lingo.
Kudos Mr. Rotenberg. A fabulous book with a great story!