Conduct in Question: The First in a Trilogy [Paperback]

Harry Jenkins is an estate lawyer and partner of Crane, Crawford and Jenkins law firm. First, his partner, Crawford, dies on the floor in his office while remember the love he once had with one of their clients, Marjorie Deighton. For Harry, things go from bad to worse and rather quickly.

Harry is asked to meet at Marjorie's home; her intent is to review her will and consult with him about a meeting she is supposed to have earlier in the day. Along with his secretary, Harry visits the home of Ms. Deighton in late afternoon, only to find Ms. Deighton dead, lying on her bed. Harry believes that she must have died peacefully, but he is suspicious; there are just too many things going on that could make her passing a coincidence.

A mysterious man, Albert Chin, is referred to Harry for property acquisitions. Only, the properties are those surrounding the Marjorie's estate. Plus, the names of the parties acquiring the properties seems fishy to him, as they are all numbered accounts. Money laundering? Harry allows himself to be blinded by the money, believing he may just live up to his wife's expectations. But he knows the marriage is dead. Both have changed during their 20-year marriage; they no longer talk, nor are they in love. He also believes that his wife, Laura, is having an affair, mostly likely with her boss. Meanwhile, he fantasizes about the beautiful Natasha. And when he tries to deposit the checks from Chin into the trust, Mr. Mudhali, the manager of the bank, brings him to the office. It seems that Crawford had taken out a loan against the firm's account. However, Harry believes that this is just as fishy as Mr. Chin's acquisitions; it takes all the partners signatures for that loan, and Harry knows he's never signed it.

And all the while, the serial killer, The Florist, is going around Toronto, judging and murdering women, using a knife to cut floral designs in their skin.

Harry believes that, somehow, they are all connected, even when he hopes they are not. But are they?

An incredible first novel by Canadian author, Mary E. Martin. Using her knowledge of the field, she writes an incredible novel filled with twists and coincidences. While the main character, Harry, goes through the motions of day-to-day life, he wishes his life were more exciting, more freedom, more love. And while I'm used to reading murder mysteries through the eyes of the detective, a criminal lawyer, this time, it's through the eyes of an estate lawyer, one who usually deals with the passing of his clients, the grieving family and friends, wills, and estates. Not criminal. I liked the difference, and can't wait to see what else Harry gets into. Also, I like how the author touched base on more than murder, money laundering, estates and wills. She adds abusive bullies, abused women, and very manipulative people. A fascinating combination. On to Book #2, Final Paradox.

What I liked best about this book is the character of Harry. He is funny, engaging and most of all human. I can relate to him easily and as the book unfolds I discover Harry is caught in two major binds, a business close to bankruptcy, and a disastrous marriage. All Harry's problems are normal and as he struggles to solve them we share his challenge to solve each problem without compromising his ethics. The external forces as well as the internal conflicts provides an interesting and very often surprising read.
Along with this plot there is the serial killer who is tied in with Harry's real estate deals. His character is most fasinating because, although he is a most horrific character, he can have a moment of compassion and humanness.
The writing is fast moving and easy to read and the language is concise and never trite.
Go for it when you are needing an escape from reality. A great book for the beach... or a gift to that person who has everything but a great book to read.

Unable to put this book down till done. Great combo of triller & legal insight. Main character, Harry, struggles with the forever conflict of $$$$ & conscience in the law practice he takes over from a former partner who has lots of $$$. A serial killer weaves in & out of the story connecting the evils of both worlds in his quest to please his deceased mom --- weird but the author craftly works you thru the mind of this insane????, brillant person??
Harry continues to struggle with the moral issues of life in his personal life (marriage & childhood).
This author is a great writer who address issues some of us struggle with throughout our lives.
Book is along the lines of John Grisham, William Coughlin, John Lescroart, Steve Martini, & Kate Wilhelem (all great authors).
I can hardly wait for the next book in this triligy

Jim