15.) Defender of the Damned: Gladys Towles Root by Cy Rice – The biography of a very talented criminal defence lawyer (especially sex offences) in L.A. who defined flamboyant with court wear of bright purple outfits, huge gaudy jewelry and hats a yard wide. (Apr. 11/00)

14.) A Taste for Death by P.D. James – A stylish mystery from the English Master in which Inspector Dagleish investigates a double murder in the vestry of an Anglican Church. (Apr. 7/00)

13.) The Brethren by John Grisham – A legal thriller in which a trio of convicted judges carry out schemes from prison. (Mar. 27/00)

12.) Blood Money by Thomas Perry – A thriller in which Jane Whitfield makes mafia money in the billions disappear. (Mar. 19/00)

11.) Loot by Aaron Elkins – A mystery thriller in which an art historian / curator searches for lost Nazi seized masterpieces. (Mar. 15/00)