Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Poison: A Dismas Hardy Novel" by John Lescroart

Friday, February 7, 2025

Review of "Poison: A Dismas Hardy Novel" by John Lescroart

In this 17th book in the 'Dismas Hardy' series, the defense lawyer represents a former client. The book works as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.

*****

San Francisco criminal defense attorney Dismas Hardy - who's approaching retirement age - was 'shot in the line of duty' a year ago.

After the near-death tragedy, Dismas promised his wife Frannie he'd give up murder cases.

Still, when Hardy's former client Abby Jarvis calls to say she's been arrested for murder, Hardy feels an obligation to at least hear Abby's story.

Abby explains she's suspected of killing her boss, Grant Wagner, the 62-year-old owner of Pipes & Valves (P&V), a plumbing and fixtures company. P&V has employed Abby as a bookkeeper for ten years, ever since she finished her stint in prison for vehicular manslaughter.

Abby is the prime suspect in Grant's murder for two reasons: she was left $1 million in Grant's will, and she'd (apparently) been stealing money from P&V. Abby tells Dismas she and Grant had become close friends, and Grant ARRANGED for her to take the extra money from P&V, for her special needs daughter Veronica. Hardy believes Abby's story and - though he's breaking a promise to his wife - Hardy agrees to represent his former client.

It turns out Grant was poisoned with aconite, a substance found in the leaves and roots of certain flowering plants. The poison was apparently administered in Grant's tea, which he drank every day.....often with Abby.

If Abby didn't kill Grant, someone else did, and other suspects include Grant's adult children - Gary, Gene, Grace, and Gloria - all of whom work for P&V. With Grant's passing, the foursome can sell the company and make more than $20 million each.

There's also Grant's ex-girlfriend, who was bereft when Grant split up with her six months ago.

Hardy's private investigator, Wyatt Hunt, is dispatched to look into these (possible) alternative suspects, and Wyatt makes good use of his connections in the police department.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco homicide detail is investigating the murder of a tech expert called David Chang, whose death seems to have a roundabout connection to the murder of Grant Wagner.

The Grant Wagner and David Chang cases get very complicated, and there are several big surprises before the book's climax, when the truth is revealed.

The series' usual recurring characters make an appearance, including:

Wes Farrell - Hardy's former law partner, who's now the San Francisco District Attorney (DA). Farrell, of course, is trying to convict Abby.

Abe Glitzky - former head of the SFPD Homicide Detail, and now an investigator for the DA.

Phyllis McGowan - Hardy's long-time secretary, who guards his office door like a tigress.

An interesting plot element involves a cop addicted to pain killers from a bullet wound, which is realistic in today's world.

This is a good legal thriller, recommended to Dismas Hardy fans.

Rating: 3.5 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Friday, February 7, 2025

Review of "Poison: A Dismas Hardy Novel" by John Lescroart

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