The Legacy

Whoever shot and killed U.S. Senator Jeremy Fullerton may have wanted more than his wallet--the ambitious politician had as many enemies as supporters. Portland criminal lawyer Joseph Antonelli is hired to defend the young black Berkeley student who was caught fleeing the crime scene, since no local lawyer wants to risk his reputation on a case that might uncover secrets some very powerful members of the San Francisco establishment would prefer to keep buried. Joe doesn't believe Fullerton died in what the bench, bar, and press have characterized as a "random act of violence"--furthermore, he's convinced that his client, Jamal Washington, is innocent. But in order to prove it, he must uncover those same secrets others have killed to protect, and if he's not careful, he may end up as their next victim. The key to Washington's defense is a Manchurian Candidate-like conspiracy set in motion long ago, one that ultimately unfolds in an Italian village in a surprising denouement only the most discerning reader will have guessed at. D.W. Buffa excels at describing the courtroom tactics of his smart, thoughtful protagonist--he's more of a pro than most other writers of legal thrillers--and he's a deft hand with pacing, too. Fans of Grisham and Turow who haven't yet made Buffa's acquaintance are in for a very satisfying read. --Jane Adams