Hard To Kill

This second installment in Patterson and Lupica’s Jane Smith legal thriller series (following 12 Months To Live) finds attorney Jane once again defending accused murderer Rob Jacobson, who figured prominently in book one. Against all odds, Jane’s brilliant defense strategy and her investigator Jimmy’s excellent detective work cleared Jacobson of previous charges. Now, however, he has been accused of another gruesome murder, this time of a mother and daughter. Shadowy thugs brutalize both Jimmy and Jane’s boyfriend, delivering a sinister message from a criminal mastermind who wants Jane to stay clear of Jacobson. Meanwhile, Jane struggles with her battle against cancer alongside her sister, who also has cancer. Eva Kaminsky narrates, navigating the story’s unexpected turns as she captures Jane’s toughness and vulnerability. Her portrayal of Jane’s resilience and will to live as she endures aggressive treatment is affecting, adding depth to the character-driven book.