Victim of Circumstance: (Inspired by a True Story

Rating:
Summary: Top Notch Legal Thriller
Review: Cunning, amoral legal tactics and ruthless business practices are the stuff of daily headlines. Based on a true story, Victim of Circumstance is a fast-paced legal thriller that takes the reader on a sobering and exciting ride through the cold realities of today's world.

Charlie Evans is a young and idealistic lawyer fresh out of an East Coast law school and on the run from a tragic past and his estranged father. Hoping to find peace and opportunity in the beautiful and affluent resort area of Aspen, Colorado he soon finds himself involved in the case of a local spinster and nurse accused of the negligent homicide of one of her patients.

Events begin to spin dangerously out of control as Charlie finds himself entangled in a web of high-stakes business deals, corporate espionage, blackmail, double-crosses and lies. In a situation where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted he must learn to rely on his wits and intuition to survive a deadly cat-and-mouse game and its explosive climax. The author is a judge and an experienced trial lawyer. His expertise in the law and courtroom procedure and knowledge of the inner workings of large corporations make for an extremely realistic and believable narrative.

Although, this is his first novel, Baroway writes with the skill and confidence of a seasoned novelist. The author's descriptive talents are especially notable, bringing characters and settings vividly to life. An attention to detail and understanding of human emotion and motivation connects the characters to the reader in a personal way. The book is occasionally a bit melodramatic and derivative, with one scene in particular stretching the limits of credibility, however, the narrative moves along at a fast clip, not letting up for a moment. Some sexual tensions and a relationship develop between the main characters, but Baroway doesn't make the mistake of dwelling on this subplot and includes only one brief sex scene. The plot stays centered, and rightly so, on the action. High technology plays a crucial role in the story and the author showcases cutting-edge espionage hardware without getting overly technical or using it as a crutch to rescue his characters from difficult situations. This judicious treatment adds greatly to the suspense and excitement of the plot. Victim of Circumstance is a solid first novel from a talented and creative writer.

It is highly recommended and will leave readers looking for more from this author.

Robert Price, Jr.
Forewordreviews.com
Copywrite 2003, Reprinted with permission.

Rating:
Summary: Action-Packed Suspense
Review: I found this novel to be a true cliffhanger. The story kept me glued to the book and kept my attention from start to finish. The author's knowledge of the legal system and of the Rocky Mountains, gives this book real-world excitement.

The story follows Charlie Evans, a new lawyer, as he takes on his first case in Colorado assisting his boss and mentor in the defense of his sister who was accused of murder. The plot takes many twists and turns and will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.

I look forward to this author's next novel.

Rating:
Summary: Judge by Day Writer by Night
Review: Scott Baroway delivers in his first novel. Victim of Circumstance is a story about a recent, East coast law school grad who has relocated to Colorado. Trying to escape the paternal pulls of his father, Charlie Evans makes a less than ideal job choice in an idyllic locale--the Rocky Mountains. The responsibility of defending his wayward boss's sister against murder charges falls on Charlie---a situation concocted by the big business behind the nursing home where she worked. It's apparant in the telling that Baroway knows his way around the legal system and can tell a story with twists and turns at break-neck pace. If you like Grisham, then this is for you. I highly recommend it.