9. - 472.) The Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine – Standing on a beach at Key West, Victoria Lord has just told Steve Solomon she is dissolving their partnership when a boat blasts out of the water at them. In the wreckage are Victoria’s Uncle Grif and Washington EPA bureaucrat, Ben Stubbs. The latter has the spear from a speargun in his chest. When Stubbs dies Uncle Grif is charged with murder. Steve is ready and eager to lead the defence. Victoria is determined to lead and no longer be second chair. She wants “autonomy” from an oft overbearing Steve. At the same time Steve is petitioning to have his father, Herbert re-instated as a lawyer. Herbert had resigned from the bench rather than face a corruption trial. Steve is certain his father was never guilty. It is a rollicking story. The action is non-stop. The dialogue is clever. The characters are fascinating. (Steve’s nephew, Bobby, is a flawed budding genius.) Steve continues to be beyond flamboyant. Victoria is the solid diligent litigator who could use some flair in the courtroom. The court scenes are well done reflecting Levine’s legal background. There are incredibly dramatic action sequences. It would be interesting if Solomon & Lord met Claire Matturo’s Lily Cleary. How can it be that Florida has the three funniest mystery lawyers in American fiction? Solomon’s laws are great:
4. You can sell one improbable event to a jury. A second “improb” is strictly no sale, and a third sends your client straight to prison.
Excellent. Hardcover or paperback. (Feb. 19/09)
****
9. - 472.) The Deep Blue Alibi by Paul Levine – Standing on a beach at
Bill - I like that quote very much! And I'm so glad you enjoyed this latest entry into the Lord/Solomon series. One of the things that appeal about series like this is that the characters have complementary flaws and skills. And of course the humour...
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. I think Solomon's laws are the best in crime fiction. They are certainly the most entertaining.
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