By: Lawrence Robbins
Narrator: Jason Culp
Simon & Schuster Audio
ISBN: 9781668047194
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: 10/08/2024
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
A high-stakes legal thriller that is perfect for fans of John Grisham and Scott Turow following a Washington, DC, litigator who is hired to defend his best friend, the former President of the United States, against a murder charge.
After a long career as one of DC’s most powerful litigators, Rob Jacobson is faced with the case of a lifetime: the former President of the United States—his childhood best friend—has been accused of murdering his mistress.
Rob knows he’s the only one who can prove his friend’s innocence, but he is soon overwhelmed as he attempts to devise a strategy to defend an authoritative man with a taste for infidelity, serious anger issues, and unconventional sexual appetites. As the high-profile case unfurls, the troubled, intertwining pasts of the two men complicate Rob’s efforts and soon, doubts begin to grow in his head. Could his oldest friend truly be capable of murder or is something even darker at play?
My Review
Lawrence Robbins' smashing debut novel, THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER is a twisty, first-class stand-out high-stakes legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the jaw-dropping shocking and surprising plot twist that will leave you reeling.
With its unique blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and courtroom suspense, this novel is a must-read for fans of the legal genre.
A Washington, DC, litigator defends his best friend, the former President of the United States, against a murder charge. Could his oldest friend be capable of murder, or is something even more sinister at play?
About...
Rob Jacobson, one of DC's most powerful litigators, faces the case of a lifetime. His childhood best friend, Jack Cutler, the former President of the United States, has been accused of murdering his mistress, lawyer Amanda Harper, and dumping her body in Rock Creek Park. The legal intricacies of defending a former President against such a serious charge and the complex moral dilemmas Rob faces add a layer of intrigue and challenge to the case.
Rob and Jack have a shared history, having gone to school together in Brooklyn. However, their connection runs deeper than just friendship. It appears the two men have similar tastes in women, as well. Years ago, Rob dated the woman who would become Jack’s wife and the First Lady. More recently, Rob had a passionate affair with Amanda, an associate at Rob’s law firm, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative.
Cutler is married to Jess Friedland Cutler, has two teenage children, and has a bad reputation for philandering. Jack is imperfect, with many past misdeeds, including infidelity, anger, and unconventional appetites. Plus, Rob has a past with Jack, complicating things and making him more doubtful. Jack had it all when they were growing up. Rob was not so lucky. Both had terrible fathers.
As Rob delves deeper into the case, he is haunted by the possibility that Jack might be guilty. The uncertainty surrounding Jack's innocence or guilt, coupled with his affair with Amanda, further complicates matters. What if the prosecutors discover this? Could it jeopardize the case and Rob's career? This uncertainty keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to uncover the truth.
There is a mountain of evidence including DNA against Jack with an ongoing question of WHODUNIT, motive, and proof?
My thoughts...
The author's high-profile trial litigator background shines through in his clever, highly entertaining stellar legal thriller debut, THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER. His expertise, understanding, and knowledge of how a DC courtroom works and how a defense lawyer thinks are on full display, making this a must-read for legal thriller fans.
Rob's internal struggle, torn between his loyalty to Jack and his duty as a lawyer, is a poignant exploration of the human condition, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
One major positive highlight is that this is a dazzling, intense legal crime thriller (which I love) that is light on politics. With well-drawn characters, fast-paced action, and superb, first-rate courtroom scenes, readers will be captivated.
Jack's character shares some traits from our past presidents (you may recognize). You may see parallels between the events of the book and our current world today, even though (Robbins wrote before), which makes this gem even more surprising and highly entertaining. Readers may be reminded of the Washington, DC Chandra Levy 2001 unsolved mystery case which adds real-life intrigue.
I would love to see the scandalous THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER played out on the big on the small screen. It's an electrifying, twisty legal thriller that is well done, and I am eagerly anticipating what comes next from the mega-talented Robbins!
Recs...
The novel is for fans of intelligent, top-notch legal thrillers and readers who enjoy John Grisham, Scott Turow, Robert Dugoni, and David Baldacci.
Thanks...
A special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy for an honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 8, 2024
Praise
“Robbins… keeps the pace fast and the courtroom scenes convincing.”
—New York Times Book Review
“Clever and thrilling with a shocking twist.”
—People Magazine
“Lawrence Robbins knows his way around a courtroom drama—like the real-life expert that he is—and merges the best of John Grisham with The West Wing in this suspenseful, riveting thriller.”
—Douglas Brunt, New York Times bestselling author of The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel
"Full of suspense, twists, and intrigue. . . . Complex characters deal with friendship, loyalty, and moral dilemmas giving readers an intriguing read. Fans of legal thrillers will definitely like this one.”
—Times Leader
“Robbins’ expertise as a high-profile trial litigator is on full display in this tautly constructed novel that exposes the slippery confluence of evidentiary facts and emotional trauma.”
—Booklist
“A taut legal thriller that recalls the work of Scott Turow and John Grisham…. [The] courtroom scenes crackle with authenticity, and the climactic reveal is sensational.”
—Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Photo credit: Francis Ayisi
Lawrence S. Robbins is an acclaimed trial and appellate litigator who has famously argued twenty cases in the United States Supreme Court, and sixty others in the federal circuit courts of appeals. He served as counsel to Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, and the Biden campaign, among others. A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law, he formerly served on the United States Court of Appeals, founded Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck & Untereiner, and is currently a partner at Friedman Kaplan. READ MORE
