Search - Hostile Witness

Well written legal/political mystery. Lots of plot twists. Victor Carl may not be the lawyer to invite home, but you'll want him in court.

Philadelphia attorney and first-time novelist Lashner has written a dark, gut-wrenching thriller about a down-on-his-luck lawyer with a big chip on his shoulder. Victor Carl, who couldn't get into a top law school, couldn't get hired by a top firm, can't pay his bills, and can't get a break, seems destined to be one of life's losers--until William Prescott, partner at prestigious Talbott, Kittredge, and Chase, offers Victor the deal of a lifetime. Represent Chester Concannon, chief aide to Councilman Jimmy Moore, who, along with the councilman, has been indicted for extortion and racketeering. An easy case, Prescott assures Victor, since all Victor has to do is sit in the courtroom, keep his mouth shut, and let Prescott do the work. It sounds too good to be true, and of course, it is. Even as readers are crying out, "Victor, don't do it," the poor schmuck allows himself--despite the cries of his conscience--to be drawn into a world of flashy cars, dirty drug money, sleazy high rollers, and big trouble. By the time Victor recognizes he's in over his head, it's way past too late. In the tradition of his highly successful colleagues, Grisham and Turow, Lashner has written an absorbing legal thriller. What sets this one apart, though, is the dark, despairing view it takes of human nature. A superb, disturbing read.

Hard-luck Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl is just itching for the opportunity to sell out. Then good fortune comes knocking at his door in the guise of William Prescott III, a blue-blood attorney from one of the city's most prestigious firms. Prescott wants Victor to represent a councilman's aide who is on trial, along with his boss, for extortion, arson, and murder. It's the juiciest, highest-profile courtroom extravaganza in years — and all Carl has to do is show up, shut up, and follow Prescott's lead.

But it soon becomes clear that somene's setting him and his client up to take a long, hard fall. Victor Carl may be desperate and unethical but he's no one's patsy. And to survive in this legal snake pit of secrets, lies, and lethal double-crosses, he's going to play the game his way.

William Prescott III, a high-powered attorney has everything Victor Carl a loser in a sinking law practice wants. Prescott needs Carl's help representing a councilman's aid accused of extortion, arson and murder. All Carl has to do is follow Prescott's lead and he'll have everything he's wanted. Only one problem, Carl will only play the game his way.

MYSTERY AND MAYHEM