A young black student is on trial for the murder of a hot-shot California senator. The student claims he is innocent, but all the evidence indicates otherwise. Joseph Antonelli leaves his Oregon law practice to put up a case for the defence. He soon discovers a world of deceit, betrayal and naked ambition. Whoever shot and killed U.S. Senator Jeremy Fullerton may have wanted more than his wallet--the ambitious politician had as many enemies as supporters. Portland criminal lawyer Joseph Antonelli is hired to defend the young black Berkeley student who was caught fleeing the crime scene, since no local lawyer wants to risk his reputation on a case that might uncover secrets some very powerful members of the San Francisco establishment would prefer to keep buried. Joe doesn't believe Fullerton died in what the bench, bar, and press have characterized as a "random act of violence"--furthermore, he's convinced that his client, Jamal Washington, is innocent. But in order to prove it, he must uncover those same secrets others have killed to protect, and if he's not careful, he may end up as their next victim. The key to Washington's defense is a Manchurian Candidate -like conspiracy set in motion long ago, one that ultimately unfolds in an Italian village in a surprising denouement only the most discerning reader will have guessed at. D.W. Buffa excels at describing the courtroom tactics of his smart, thoughtful protagonist--he's more of a pro than most other writers of legal thrillers--and he's a deft hand with pacing, too. Fans of Grisham and Turow who haven't yet made Buffa's acquaintance are in for a very satisfying read. --Jane Adams Buffa's three previous legal thrillers starring Portland, Oregon, defense lawyer Joseph Antonelli have all been popular successes, but they nevertheless have suffered from clunky, often preachy dialogue. He hits his stride this time with a much more polished effort in which Antonelli agrees to represent a black premed student accused of murdering a California senator. The accused was seen fleeing the scene with the senator's wallet in his hand and blood on his clothes. But Joe believes the young man's story: on a foggy San Francisco night, he heard a gunshot, went to help the victim, and then attempted to flee when he heard sirens. Once again Buffa builds a compelling, suspenseful story--Joe's investigation unveils widespread corruption and an elaborate cover-up--but this time he combines a strong plot with more character development and a striking portrayal of San Francisco, its corruption and its opulence, its beauty and its mystery. We see the city through Joe's eyes, an outsider trying to penetrate its striking facade. Mary Frances Wilkens Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved