Review of "The Darkest Place: A Robin Lockwood Novel" by Phillip Margolin

In this 5th book in the Robin Lockwood series, the defense attorney defends a woman accused of assault, child abuse and other crimes. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

Robin Lockwood worked her way through Yale Law School fighting in televised, pay-per-view MMA matches, where she was known as "Rockin' Robin." This adds to Robin's fame as a defense attorney in Portland, Oregon, where she has a reputation as a bright capable lawyer.



Thus Robin is tapped by Judge Harold Wright to take the VERY unpopular case of accused rapist Lloyd Arness on a court-appointed basis.



The case has tragic consequences, and in the aftermath of the trial, Robin goes back to her Midwest hometown of Elk Grove to rest and recuperate. While Robin is in Elk Grove, she's approached by Stan McDermott, who has a small law firm in the area.



Stan asks Robin to help him with the case of Marjorie Loman, a woman who recently moved to town. Marjorie had been in the midst of a very contentious divorce in Portland, Oregon when her thieving husband was murdered. Marjorie was then threatened by gangsters for $250,000 her husband owed, and - since Marjorie didn't have the money - she ran off to Elk Grove to hide.



Needing an income, Marjorie agreed to be the surrogate for a childless couple named Caleb and Emily Lindstrom. Marjorie was to get $50,000 plus expenses to carry the child to term, at which time the Lindstroms would become the legal parents.



After the Lindstroms' child was born Marjorie decided she wanted to keep the baby. Marjorie threatened the parents, pistol-whipped Emily Lindstrom, and kidnapped the infant. Marjorie is now going on trial for child abuse and assault, and Stan needs assistance with the case.



Robin helps Stan mount a unique defense (which was well researched by the author) and then agrees to represent Marjorie on another very serious charge.



Much of the book consists of courtroom scenes that provide blow by blow accounts of the trials, including opening statements, questioning witnesses, cross-examining witnesses, closing arguments, judge's remarks, etc.



The book is interesting, but reads more like court transcripts than a novel. Still, fans of courtroom dramas would probably enjoy the book.

Thanks to Netgalley, Philip Margolin, and St. Martin's Press for a copy of the book.

Rating: 3 stars