Rogue Lawyer

Sebastian Rudd is a rogue lawyer. The unkind might call him an ambulance chaser though people always come to him for representation not the other way round. He is excellent at his job and takes the cases that others steer well-clear of.

The book starts off with Rudd defending a drug-addled loser accused of sexually assaulting and drowning two little girls. Later we see him defend a retired homeowner who has shot at a SWAT team which has invaded the wrong house in a drug bust.  He also finds himself defending a cage fighter in whom he has a vested interest. And then there is the case of Arch Swanger which could be the case that will severely test Rudd and may well break him.

I will be honest and say that I had not read a Grisham since The Brethren in the early 2000s. I simply got a bit fed up and moved on to other stuff.  However, I am delighted that I have read this fast-moving and gripping novel. There is a lot going on in its 370-pages and all of it is good. Grisham has written a story that is in turns, both dark and hilarious. His humour is particularly reminiscent of Wambaugh and Hiassen. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. The characters are well-drawn and captivating.  His constant court battles with his ex-wife, his conflicts with politicians and the cops are all part of a really great book. It is all splendidly entertaining.

Highly recommended.