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Product Description
Quill & Quire
For years, Robert Rotenberg has been one of Canada’s foremost criminal defence lawyers. Now, taking a page from his older brother David (author of the Zhong Fong mystery novels and the historical epic Shanghai), he applies his courtroom knowledge to a clever debut that modifies the legal thriller template into a larger study of the vagaries of human behaviour. When Gurdial Singh arrives at radio host Kevin Brace’s house to deliver the morning newspaper, he finds the man in hysterics, covered in blood and shouting that he has killed his wife in the bathtub. What appears at first to be an open-and-shut case proves far more complex, however. Rotenberg’s writing style is understated and fluid, enhanced but not overwhelmed by his insider knowledge of Toronto’s criminal courts and the streets surrounding “the Hall.” He also takes care to show off the city’s charms and frustrations, whether describing Front Street’s “comfortable, almost European feel” or the traffic-clogged “Don Valley Parking Lot.” What is most evident in Old City Hall is the breathing room Rotenberg gives his story. The twists and turns unfold briskly, but the author allows sufficient time to develop his cast of characters in three dimensions, rather than simply giving them a series of quirks. The generosity also augers well for future novels – with the burden of proof solely on Rotenberg to turn his initial promise into a lasting second career as a crime writer.
Review
"It's clear that Old City Hall has enough hidden motives and gumshoeing to make it a hard-boiled classic." -- The Globe and Mail
"The book has wowed pretty much everyone who's read it.... A finely paced, intricately written plot is matched by a kaleidoscope of the multicultural city's locales and characters." -- Maclean's
"Twenty-first-century Toronto is a complicated place, rife with the kind of paradox and contradiction that lends a city depth and complexity. It's a good setting for sinuous legal machinations to unfold, steeped in that elusively desirable literary quality we call character." -- The Toronto Star
"A convincing portrayal of backstage operations in the justice system...An enjoyable addition to the literature of urban crime." -- The Times Literary Supplement
"An amazing debut novel. Robert Rotenberg's Old City Hall has everything a legal thriller should have, and more: absolutely engaging characters; a tight, taut, and believable plot; a heart-quickening pace; and, best of all, some of the finest writing I've read in years. This one has winner written all over it." -- Nelson DeMille
Breathtaking...a tightly woven spiderweb of plot and a rich cast of characters make this a truly gripping read.... Robert Rotenberg does for Toronto what Ian Rankin does for Edinburgh." -- Jeffery Deaver
"The book has wowed pretty much everyone who's read it.... A finely paced, intricately written plot is matched by a kaleidoscope of the multicultural city's locales and characters." -- Maclean's
"Twenty-first-century Toronto is a complicated place, rife with the kind of paradox and contradiction that lends a city depth and complexity. It's a good setting for sinuous legal machinations to unfold, steeped in that elusively desirable literary quality we call character." -- The Toronto Star
"A convincing portrayal of backstage operations in the justice system...An enjoyable addition to the literature of urban crime." -- The Times Literary Supplement
"An amazing debut novel. Robert Rotenberg's Old City Hall has everything a legal thriller should have, and more: absolutely engaging characters; a tight, taut, and believable plot; a heart-quickening pace; and, best of all, some of the finest writing I've read in years. This one has winner written all over it." -- Nelson DeMille
Breathtaking...a tightly woven spiderweb of plot and a rich cast of characters make this a truly gripping read.... Robert Rotenberg does for Toronto what Ian Rankin does for Edinburgh." -- Jeffery Deaver
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Most helpful customer reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Infectious and accomplished first novel,
By
This review is from: Old City Hall (Hardcover)
"Old City Hall" is breathtakingly good. It's a crisply paced murder-mystery with a satisfying plot and sufficient twists to keep it addictive and infectious to the very end. The novel boasts an intriguing and consistently sympathetic cast of characters, the most colourful and endearing of which is the city of Toronto itself. Rotenberg rounds out the story with historical and cultural background on the city, and behind-the-scenes legal, law enforcement and incarceration insights that add interest and dimension to the overall story without unduly slowing down the plot momentum. Rotenberg handles a complex narrative with a confidence and deftness that belies the fact that this is his first novel.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add this one to your reading list!,
By
This review is from: Old City Hall (Hardcover)
Greg Iles, Stuart Woods, Phillip Margolin, Eric Rill. Exceptional story-tellers have a way of grabbing you by both lapels and pulling you in. Add Robert Rotenberg to the list. Old City Hall is a delightful read seen from the point-of-view of six utterly believable characters: a paper-delivery person, a beat cop, a detective, a reporter, a prosecutor and a defence lawyer. The story is crafted around the stabbing of the wife of a prominent broadcaster. The investigation, proceedings, jail visits and court room scenes that follow are masterful. The book is chock full of delightful morsels like how to spot when someone's lying. Or things young lawyers need to know about not alienating an old judge. But mainly this is just a mesmerizing read. Fast paced from start to finish. Definitely put this one on your reading list.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
It walks on my ground and talks my talk,
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This review is from: Old City Hall (Paperback)
I loved this book. I read it in record time and it is being added to my list of books to recommend and books to keep. The characters are vivid and believable. The story itself is realistic and anyone who knows Toronto can follow the footsteps they take. I can't wait for Mr. Rotenberg's next book and also the series they are planning based on this book.
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