From Publishers Weekly
Martel, a seasoned corporate trial attorney, sets this enjoyable, though largely unsuspenseful first novel at Smith, Parrish & MacAllister, an elite San Francisco law firm feeling the pinch of hard times. At the helm of the foundering ship is Austin Barrington, chilly senior managing partner and acknowledged leader of the "Table of Three" that makes all the weighty decisions at SP & M. Desperate to keep the firm from going under, he takes on a class-action suit against a Mafia-backed company accused of poisoning its employees with toxic chemicals. Rachel Cannon, a sharp and beautiful associate hoping to become a partner, and her inamorata Kevin Stone, a much-admired trial lawyer who never loses a case, are part of the litigation team. When three plaintiffs in the suit die in mysterious circumstances, crack homicide inspector Dan Conti begins sniffing around SP & M, where avarice rules. The courtroom shenanigans are a pleasure to read, and Martel excels at building motivation. It's doubly disappointing, therefore, that the melodramatic finale spins utterly out of control. 60,000 first printing; $60,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Library Journal
$18.95. f A prestigious San Francisco law firm on the brink of bankruptcy; a senior partner desperate to prevent it; a talented junior partner facing professional and personal trauma; a female associate determined to break into an all-male partnership; and a street-wise homicide cop who falls in love with her. These are the major players in an intriguing first novel by a nationally known trial attorney. Martel provides an engrossing look at the inner workings of a legal firm preparing a case with far-reaching ramifications for all involved. Critical of the powers that be in the justic system, this novel may top the list of requests for this summer's "on the beach" books.Judith A. Gifford, Salve Regina Coll. Lib., Newport, R.I.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
