DAMAGE (Dutton, $26.95) is the sixteenth book in John Lescroart’s series featuring defense attorney Dismas Hardy, and his good friend Abe Glitsky, a Black, Jewish homicide cop in San Francisco.
Hardy has only a peripheral role in this novel, mainly serving as a sounding board for his friend Abe Glitsky when a newspaper scion is released from prison, having served only nine years on a rape and murder conviction. That conviction is finally overturned by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, releasing Roland “Ro” Curtlee, a truly nasty character, from prison on ten-million-dollar bond pending a new trial—a trial that may never take place at all.
It doesn’t take long after Curtlee is released for the pressure, intimidation, and worse to begin. The chief witness against Curtlee in his first trial is murdered, though Glitsky and his crew can find no evidence to tie Curtlee to the crime. Then the new D.A., Wes Farrell, receives a visit from Curtlee’s parents, who remind him of their campaign contributions and the influence their paper, the Courier commands. Their pet columnist, Sheila Marrenas, starts weighing in with columns about the “injustice” of Curtlee’s long imprisonment and the police persecution of him. Curtlee is even brash enough to appear at Glitsky’s home while he’s at work—a subtle but ominous threat to his wife and child.
Lescroart succeeds in making Ro Curtlee one of the most despicable of villains—one who’s rich, clever, spoiled, and ruthless—while the police and prosecutors find their hands tied in myriad ways by laws, judges, and public opinion, until it appears that only extra-legal solutions can stop Curtlee’s depradations.
Lescroart’s fans will obviously get the most from this latest offering, but Damage should appeal equally to those unfamiliar with the series, as Lescroart builds suspense at a fast rate while exploring the difficult conundrums of justice in a free society, where the protections designed for the innocent can be used to protect the guilty.
Copyright © 2011 Robert C. Hahn
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THE STORY THAT WON
©2004 Mark F. Russell
The October Mysterious Photograph contest was won by Terrie Hoffman Curtis of Villa Gove, Colorado. Honorable mentions go to Sue Burton of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; James A. Knoop of Eastpointe, Michigan; Ila Winslow of Portland, Oregon; Stacey A. Alvey of Somerville, New Jersey; Cindy G. Brewer of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; Paula Timpson of Venice, Florida; Richard Moriarty of Storrs, Connecticut; Michael C. Slack of Palo Alto, California; and Kathy Chencharik of South Royalston, Massachusetts.
OUT ON A LIMB
TERRI HOFFMAN CURTIS
Fiona steered the pickup down the highway and looked at her sister’s swollen eye and split lip. “What was it this time?” Fiona asked.
“I burned the meatloaf,” Lilly mumbled.
The truck hit a pothole, launching both women toward the tattered headliner.
“That’s nothing’ new,” Fiona said. “I mean, what was different this time that made you finally do somethin’?”
Lilly put her hands in her lap. “I found out I’m pregnant. I’m not bringin’ no kid into this world to a father like Harold. So, I smacked Harold with the fry pan, and that was that.”
“I know just the place up in Noland Gulch where the wolves and other critters will take care of everything,” Fiona said.
Suddenly, flashing red and blue light filled the cab of the truck.
“Shit,” Fiona said, slowing down to pull onto the shoulder.
Lilly turned and saw the sheriff’s car easing in behind them. She also saw that Harold had bounced out from under the tarp. “We are so screwed,” she whispered.
Fiona rolled down her window. The deputy leaned down to peer inside the cab.
“Hey, Mitch,” Fiona said.
“Fiona. Lilly.” Mitch stared at Lilly’s battered face and shook his head.
“Fiona, you know the rules about carrying a load in the back.” He handed her a red handkerchief. “You got more than a foot hanging over your tailgate. Take care of it, girl.”
Mitch walked back to his cruiser.
Copyright © 2011 Terri Hoffman Curtis
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