In this 4th book in the 'Jason Kolarich' series, the attorney himself goes on trial. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
While recuperating from a knee injury, criminal defense lawyer Jason Kolarich - a partner in the Midwestern law firm 'Tasker and Kolarich' - becomes addicted to the painkiller oxycodone.
To hide his drug habit, Jason conceals the tablets in an Altoids box and munches them throughout the day.
Jason's opioid dependency may explain the lack of judgment and misguided behavior that results in his being tried for first degree murder.
Early in the story, Jason has a meeting with a potential client named James Drinker - a big stocky man with curly red hair, large black glasses, and a substantial beer gut. Drinker announces that two women of his acquaintance have recently been murdered, and - though he claims 'I didn't do it' - Drinker fears he'll be framed for the killings.
Drinker asks Jason EXACTLY how a person might go about framing someone, and the lawyer provides a step by step primer. (So that's not too bright.) Before long more women are killed, and each time Drinker claims 'I didn't do it.' As the bodies pile up, however, Jason comes to believe Drinker DID do it. All this leads to big problems for the attorney.
Meanwhile, Jason meets a beautiful court reporter named Alexa Himmel.
Jason and Alexa go on a few dates, have a lot of hot sex, and become a couple. Alexa is very sympathetic about Jason's 'hurting knee' (which is completely healed) and encourages him to take all the painkillers he needs. In fact, Alexa even obtains (illegal) pills for her boyfriend. Soon afterwards, Alexa manipulates the situation so that she's practically living with Jason.
Jason's law partner, Shauna Tasker - who's concerned about Jason's sickly appearance, weight loss, and odd behavior - hints that Alexa is bad news.....but the drug addict doesn't want to hear it.
In a coup de grâce Jason returns home one night to find a dead woman in his living room, shot with HIS gun.
The attorney is arrested, charged with murder, and put on trial. It looks like someone very cleverly framed Jason!
Jason insists on being defended by Shauna, even though she's a civil litigator, not a criminal lawyer. Shauna nervously takes on the task, knowing she'll have guidance from her partner.
The story is told from the alternating points of view of Jason and Shauna, and switches back and forth between the trial and the events leading up to it. There are numerous court scenes, with lots of maneuvering by the prosecution and defense - so plenty of fun for fans of legal thrillers.
The book is well-written, with a variety of interesting secondary characters, including: the district attorney, the judge, and the private investigator - Joel Lightner - who makes inquiries for Jason. Lightner's discoveries are very important to the story.
The author does a good job with twists and surprises, which are cleverly woven into the novel. We also see Jason deal with his opiate addiction and withdrawal, a topic that's very relevant these days.
All in all an enjoyable mystery/thriller, recommended to fans of the genre.
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