Ties That Bind

Rating:
Summary: Spellbinding
Review: Ties That Bind is the third novel from Margolin that I have read. I would rate it as better than Wild Justice and as good as The Associate. Following an intriguing prolog, the main story starts fast and never lets up. The story is set in the Pacific Northwest with the Jaffe father-daughter legal team profiled in Wild Justice. Amanda Jaffe is called upon to represent a suspected murderer. In the process, she begins to uncover a massive conspiracy that challenges her ability to retain her sanity and ultimately threatens her and her family. Although this story is clearly better having read Wild Justice, it still is good enough to stand on its own merits. Once you start, it will be very difficult to stop.

Rating:
Summary: Twists, Turns, and Surprises.....
Review: When Portland, Oregon defense attorney, Amanda Jaffe, is asked by the court to defend Jon Dupre, a drug dealer and owner of an upscale escort service, her first instinct is to just say no. This case is a slam dunk for the prosecution. Dupre is accused of not only murdering a U.S. Senator, but of also stabbing and killing his high-profile, big named attorney right in the jailhouse conference room under the watchful eyes of a guard. No other lawyer will touch the case, for obvious reasons. Dupre claims he's innocent and being framed. He says his attorney came at him with the shiv, and he was only defending himself. Amanda finds one aspect of the case intriguing. Dupre's arms and hands are covered with defensive wounds that add some credibility to his story. But the obvious question hangs in the air. Why would his own attorney try to murder him? As she begins to investigate, Amanda stumbles over a connection between her client's case and some of Portland's high-powered elite that goes back thirty years. And the deeper she digs into the past, the more she comes to realize that these men will do anything to protect themselves, their secrets, and their way of life. Finding justice for Jon Dupre won't be easy, and has placed not only her life, but everyone she loves in harms way..... Buckle your seatbelt and pull it tight, Phillip Margolin is about to take you on a roller coaster of a ride. This is an action packed thriller filled with twists, turns, and more than a few surprises. Unfortunately, the story line never really rings true, is awkward at times and a bit over-the-top. When it comes to the climax and implausable ending, you definitely have to be willing to suspend disbelief. Mr Margolin's cast of too many characters tend to be one dimensional and uninspired. It's really hard to empathize or care about these people, and you almost need a scorecard to keep track of who's who and what's what. Ties That Bind is an entertaining, fast read, easily finished in one sitting. Nothing memorable. A good book for a long plane ride.