Undue Influence

Rating:
Summary: Spellbinding
Review: As an attorney I find Steve Martini's works to be very realistic in terms of how the justice system actually works. He is able to make the average person facinated by what actually goes on. All that I can say for any reader is that they should hold on because they are going to be taken on a ride that is full of suspense.You will suspect everyone but the real killer will not be revealed until the end of the ride.

Rating:
Summary: Martini is great, but needs some trimming
Review: For you fans of the Madriani protagonist, you won't be dissappointed. This book should've been Martini's best, however the metaphors are more numerous than usual and Martini's insistence on surprising endings gets in the way. If an editor was more involved on this manuscript, you, the reader, would get reddened eyes from non-stop reading.

Rating:
Summary: Very good courtroom scenes, but....
Review: Great courtroom scenes and observations regarding trial tactics and examination techniques. The author does not telegraph his punches, so you are excited to learn what "our hero" does to defend his client against seemingly overwhelming evidence to convict. The women, however, are pretty two-dimensional. Our hero's client is first and foremost a mother, whose reactions to every situation are reminiscent of a cornered mother bear protecting her cubs. The "love interest" is smart, and beautiful and successful, but we are never attracted to her. The opposing lawyer is just cold, mechanical and heartless, relentless in her quest to convict. Finally, the author is compelled to tie up every conceivable loose end, not only to acquit the client but to solve the crime, as though the jury would convict despite overwhelming reasonable doubt. A very good read, but credibility is strained.

Rating:
Summary: Will keep your interest until a disappointing ending
Review: Heard the taped version of UNDUE INFLUENCE by Steve Martini,
a legal thriller that kept my interest until an ending that I found
disappointing . . . Paul Madriani, the defense attorney from other
books by the author (COMPELLING EVIDENCE and PRIME
WITNESS) returns to another case involving murder and deceit--but
this time in his own family . . . there were many twists and turns,
and what looked like the obvious became not so certain as the
tale unfolded . . . I like when this happens and, also, when
the dialogue is as well-written as it is here . . . the courtroom scenes
also felt real to me . . . the fact that Harry Hamlin was the
narrator certainly helped maintain my interest . . . he did a fine
job, too.

Rating:
Summary: An absolute page-turner!
Review: I am an avid reader of courtroom dramas. I picked this book up on a whim. Martini is a superb writer, and unlike Grisham, gives depth to his characters. Martini not only has a good story, he knows how to develop it. The only thing that bothered me throughout the book was his continual use of similes and cliche comparisons. If you can bear with those you'll enjoy the book. This is something I'd read again

Rating:
Summary: What a ride!
Review: I love the murder mystery genre but had never read Steve Martini. Boy, what I was missing! He has a clear, concise writing style that keeps the reader interested. The twists and turns in "Undue Infuence" kept me second-guessing myself every time I was convinced I knew who the murderer was. My only advice is to make sure you don't have plans once you start reading it because you won't want to put it down!

Rating:
Summary: Martini keeps it interesting
Review: I was very pleased with the work of Steve Martini in Undue Influence. This is the first book that I have read by him, but I am sure that I will read more. The numerous plot twists and courtroom excitement kept this book open in my hands for long periods of time.

Rating:
Summary: Try it, you'll like it
Review: I'm turning into a 'lawyer-novel-junkie'. This is the first novel I've read by Martini, and I will be reading more in the future. If his other books are anything close to this one, I look forward to spending a lot more enjoyable and suspence filled hours. I felt that Martini does a good job in providing the reader with 'clues' along the way. Pay attention and you'll feel a level of satisfaction that you were able to guess 'who dunnit' about the time that Martini wraps up all the loose ends. Great book!

Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: Martini creates a very interesting set of characters and develops a solid plot in this legal thriller. Martini's track record is flawless, and this one will not disappoint. I could not put this one down!

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: Martini has written several very good books, but this is his best. It is fast paced and exciting from the beginning.