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Product Description
Hailed by the National Law Journal as one of the top ten trial lawyers in America--and a consultant in the prosecution of O.J. Simpson and the retrial of the Menendez brothers--John Martel is a legal superstar. He has brought his expertise to bear on two top thrillers, Partners and Conflicts of Interest. The Alternate is his boldest accomplishment yet. When a philandering ex-congressman is charged with killing his wife, it seems like an open and shut case. He is abusive, elitist, and unremorseful. He is also--he swears--innocent. Forced to piece together a puzzle that includes the mob, mistresses, double jeopardy, political ambition, and a tainted jury, both Grace Harris, the prosecutor, and Barrett Dickson, the defense attorney, find themselves closer to the murder investigation, and each other, than is comfortable. Risking their lives and careers to get to the truth of this case, these lawyers must confront their deepest fears and a killer determined to influence the outcome of the trial no matter how many lives it takes. This summer, John Martel combines his two talents in one sensational novel that will solidify his reputation as one of the best legal thriller writers today.
"The Alternate starts with a bang and never lets up. The crime is startling and complex; the legal atmosphere authentic; and the courtroom scenes engrossing. John Martel has done it again." --Richard North Patterson
Amazon.com Review
Is there room in the overcrowded arena of the legal thriller for yet another major player? If that new arrival happens to be blessed with the real-life experience of San Francisco trial lawyer John Martel, the answer is a heartfelt yes. Martel advised the Los Angeles District Attorney's office on the Menendez Brothers retrial and the O.J. Simpson case (proving even a pro can't win them all). He has been called one of the top 10 trial lawyers in America by the National Law Journal. Best of all, he can write compelling scenes that take place both in and out of court, and can create characters who rise above their genre origins to become real people.
Elliot Ashford, a millionaire congressman, is forced to resign because of a sex scandal. When he's charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Lara, assistant district attorney Grace Harris seems to have everything she needs to make a strong case for the prosecution. She also has ambitions that could propel her career up several notches. Then some key DNA evidence mysteriously disappears, and Grace's chief adversary--a former defense superstar named Barrett Dickson--appears ready for a comeback. But neither side is prepared for the barrage of political infighting, dirty tricks, and mysterious malevolence from inside the jury room. Three more murders and two trials later, you'll emerge from The Alternate with strong doubts about the legal system--but a feeling of certainty that John Martel has a future as a novelist. --Dick Adler
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