Book 1 of Robert Dugoni's Keera Duggan new legal thriller series follows the arrest of a millionaire for the murder of his wheelchair-bound wife. Keera Duggan takes the case with the hope of helping revive her family's law firm. She isn't sure of her client Vince LaRussa's innocence, but her role is to defend him and there are puzzles in the evidence that make her hope to find an alternative to LaRussa for the murder of his wife.
Her Deadly Game introduces several characters (besides Keera's family) that I imagine will appear in future books, both as supporters and as antagonists.
An interesting aspect concerns Keera, who was a chess prodigy in her teens. She learned much about chess, strategy, and law from her father Patsy Duggan, the Irish Brawler and legendary lawyer. Patsy, however, has always had a problem with alcohol which has only gotten worse and threatens the family law firm's reputation.
An anonymous chess game Keera is playing online makes her think about the moves she needs to make in her case. The strategy of chess helps Keera anticipate moves her opponent might make.
* Kerry is receiving emails from "Jack Worthing" that lead her and her team to background on Vince LaRussa. The prosecutor in the case has a personal antagonism toward Keera and does his best to make things difficult. Frank Rossi, detective believes in LaRussa's guilt but has questions about the prosecutors tactics.
Has LaRussa been set up...or is he guilty?
Almost everything in this engrossing novel was excellent. I had quibbles about one thing, but let it go in the end because the rest of the novel was so good. Can't wait for the next installment which is due out in October.
Legal thriller. Thomas & Mercer. Print length: 396 pages.
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One book that I didn't finish last was Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. I wanted to like it, but couldn't maintain interest. If you've read it, what did you think?
I'm a Dugoni fan and I have this one just waiting on me to pick it up. I really like his style.
ReplyDeleteAs for Sea of Tranquility...it left me cold, and that's about the nicest thing I can say about it. The farther I get from having dealt with it, the less I appreciate it. The plot was all kind of bewildering to me and not at all worth the effort. (I just realized how much I dislike this book. ha.)
I ended up abandoning Sea of Tranquility because I was so frustrated. Glad to know I'm not alone in my dislike, Sam. The Dugoni was good, hope you enjoy it when you get it!
DeleteThat's a great cover! I am glad you enjoyed Her Deadly Game. I have liked every book I have read by Emily St. John Mandel, but I haven't read Sea of Tranquility.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason I was so disappointed with Sea of Tranquility was my expectations were too high, I'm not fond of time travel books. The reviews of this vary considerably, and it has won awards. My thoughts: it wasn't for me, but it obviously is well thought of by many. If you read it, l'd love to know your thoughts.
DeleteI've been working my way through Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series and really enjoying it. I like that in this one his main character is a lawyer and a chess player. Guess I'm starting another series. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the next in the series! I like the chess element, too, but skimmed over some of the moves because I don't play chess and couldn't imagine the board!
DeleteI'm glad to hear about what you thought regarding Dugoni's new series as well. I have really enjoyed the Tracy Crosswhite series and am only a couple of books behind on it. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteDugoni is certainly prolific! I've read several of his books, usually standalones, but I still have a lot to go. :)
DeleteI'm unfamiliar with this author. I wish I could get back to reading. I used to enjoy it so...
ReplyDeleteI read different genres, but always love good mysteries. Dugoni's mysteries are fun and suspenseful!
DeleteI keep hearing about this author and am pretty sure I have one or two of his books on my Kindle but as usual just too many books! Sounds like a good start to a series.
ReplyDeleteI know. Keeping up with the series you already like is difficult enough, isn't it? I did enjoy this one and will read the next as I have a copy from NetGalley, but it might be a while before I get to it.
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