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The Rule of Law

by John Lescroart
Atria. (Dismas Hardy, Bk. 18). Jan. 2019. 336p. ISBN 9781501115738. $27;ebk. ISBN 9781501115752. THRILLER
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We know from the first page of this newest "Dismas Hardy" novel that attorney Ron Jameson has murdered his wife's lover, and she in turn has killed his partner and made it appear a suicide. Both have evaded detection and now, three years later, Jameson has been elected district attorney of San Francisco and given the opportunity to get back at high-powered lawyer Hardy, who campaigned against him. Hardy's longtime secretary Phyllis is arrested for murder after an undocumented immigrant's death is linked to her clandestine work for refugee sanctuaries. Hardy and his partners, who are familiar to readers of most of Lescroart's many previous novels, must try to free Phyllis and identify the murderer, all while defending themselves against the DA's very real threats to destroy their firm.
VERDICT Lescroart (The Ophelia Cut) deftly employs an ensemble cast to reflect a variety of viewpoints, including DREAMers, ICE agents, and current political trends. He skillfully ties it all together, but the ending feels a bit forced. Still, the series' legions of fans will enjoy Hardy's return from a brief retirement. [See Prepub Alert, 7/2/18.]
Reviewed by Roland Person, formerly with Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale , Dec 01, 2018
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