Street Judge

Mathis, Judge Greg. Street Judge. Strebor: S. & S. 2008. 288p. F~Television's Judge Mathis presents an autobiographical first novel that takes place in the Detroit courtrooms more than the streets. We learn how Mathis rose from a street background to become a sitting judge. Unfortunately, the author talks too much about himself, which prevents his admirable story from developing. Still, Mathis's name is out there, so librarians should order. Background: Mathis's fiction debut is more of a procedural mystery than an action-oriented street tale. The brutal beheading of a woman from the hood attracts Judge Mathis's attention because the case appears to have a connection to his days on the street. A mysterious sex tape prompts Mathis to turn up several ""rocks."" Lots of nasty creatures scurry away, including some powerful attorneys. Mathis, the character, is as comfortable in his courtroom as he is connecting with street players as he searches for the truth.--Rollie Welch, Cleveland P.L..