In this intelligent, gripping legal thriller, the latest in Buffa's Edgar-nominated series to feature San Francisco DA Joseph Antonelli (The Defense
, etc.), Antonelli agrees to join his law partner and longtime friend, Albert Craven, on a national talk show to discuss the media craze surrounding the case of a young married woman, Angela Morgan, allegedly murdered by her husband. Also on hand for the discussion with the blowhard host, Bryan Allen, are up-and-coming attorney Julian Sinclair and young, attractive assistant DA. Daphne McMillan. Antonelli and Craven are so impressed by Sinclair's performance and his perfect background, that they invite him to join the firm. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a problem—McMillan is brutally murdered in his house, and he can say only that he didn't do it. The resulting media frenzy (driven to a large degree, as before, by Allen) puts the Morgan case to shame, and during the trial, Antonelli fails to convince the jury of Sinclair's innocence. Each new chapter brings another unexpected, not to mention unlikely, surprise. Even as credibility is strained to the breaking point, the fast-moving dialogue and fine sense of characterization keep the reader hanging on for the ride. Agent, Wendy Sherman. (Apr. 21)
