Unlucky in Law

Rating:
Summary: Well written legal thriller, 10th in a series
Review: Unlucky in Law is the tenth in the Nina Reilly legal thriller series. In this entrant, Reilly has temporarily relocated to Monterey County to be closer to Paul, her boyfriend. The law firm Nina worked for at the beginning of her career has also offered her work on a murder trial, acting as second to an old and respected former mentor. This creates a background of indecision that plagues Nina throughout the book. Her commitment to Paul wavers, Nina's high-school age son wants to move back to Tahoe, and although Nina enjoys the firm she is working at, she misses her private practice. The writing duo of "Perri O'Shaughnessy" finely illustrates Nina's soul searching, and Nina's hesitancy in making personal decisions adds tension to a challenging trial.

Nina and her former mentor have taken on what seems to be case they are sure to lose. The defendant has left incriminating evidence at a murder scene, and has confessed to grave robbing, including an artifact of sufficient value to present a felony case. Nina has only two weeks to prepare, and her former boss has done a very poor job in getting ready for the trial. Nina's anxiety, and desire to free the client she has come to believe is innocent, is nearly a tangible feeling for the reader.

The storyline twists and turns to include a connection with the last Tsar of Russia, family secrets that change the entire trial, and deepening problems between Nina and Paul. Although I am not a fan of exploitation of the Romanov family as a plot device, the writing skills of "Perri O'Shaughnessy" make this ploy acceptable. The trial unfolds with enough surprises to almost border on the improbable, but the quality of writing will keep most readers engaged. Any fan of legal thrillers or female sleuths will enjoy this book, and look forward to the next installment.