A Plague of Secrets

John Lescroart is by far my favorite author and his latest novel in the 'Dismas Hardy' series is in my opinion one of the best of the series. He has a talent of re-introducing characters from previous novels and blend them into the current storyline. I enjoy the way he presents his main character, Dismas Hardy, and the action that results in his court dealings. The mystery element of the novel keeps the reader's attention and as is usual with his novels, the culprit is revealed by a minor clue that was provided in the body of the novel. I can't endorse more the works of Mr. Lescroart and thoroughly fine this to be a bestseller read! Bob

This is one of John's best. I am a huge fan and think he is the best legal thriller writer. I have read all of his books. It is great that his focus is back on Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky. There are no better characters in the world of legal thrillers. The plot is very compelling and creates heightened interest throughout the entire book. A must read for all legal thriller fans.

Another unforgettable visit to San Francisco and Dismas Hardy's world. A brilliant case, brilliantly written, brilliant courtroom scenes, brilliant characterization - as I have said before - brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!! Nice and proper upper class wife and mother Maya Townshend gets accused of two murders, including use and sale of marijuana plus money laundering. The case does not only affect her and her husband/two children, but their whole family where political involvement and ambitions are strong. While Hardy is preparing the case - and during the case itself - new information surfaces, mostly from Maya's time at university. The case against her is not strong in proof but still Hardy has a tough job finding answers. It's not an easy case and in the end it all culminates in a highly dramatic courtroom scene. I will not reveal more details. But as already said, this is another winner in John Lescroart's Dismas Hardy series. And they are all there. Hardy's best friend, homicide lieutenant Abe Glitsky, who this time has his own personal drama to deal with. Lawyer colleagues Wes Farrell (with his trademark T-shirts and ever present dog Gertrude) and Gina Rourke. Receptionist Phyllis, as always in command. Lou the Greek, the ever culinary highlight of legal San Francisco. And many more. To me they have all become like old friends. No matter the intricacy and seriousness of the case, the affectionate bickering between Hardy and Glitsky and the everyday routine at the law firm - Hardy's beloved dartboard - I simply love it. I think these books are only getting better and better. To old readers who have not yet got a copy, buy it! To new readers with a taste for legal thrillers: Start reading John Lescroart NOW! Buy all the Dismas Hardy books and you will have hours of excellent entertainment awaiting you. This might not seem a very balanced review, pointing out at least a few weaknesses compared with earlier books in the series. But to me there are none. I loved this book as I have loved them all. John Lescroart is the master of the legal thriller, with the genius of always managing to throw a bit of sarcastic humour into the doom and gloom. Bless him!

Get ready to stay up all night! John Lescroart's newest entry into the Dismas Hardy series is full of plot twists, political ambition and heart pounding courtroom scenes. The book opens with Harlen Fisk, a reoccuring character who is a county supervisor, asking Dismas if he would take a call from his sister, Maya Townshend. It seems that the manager of her coffee house was murdered, and Maya might be in the sights of the police. Another murder later, and Maya is arrested. Dismas once again has to defend a complicated murder trial, in which the defendant is facing life in prison, without the possibility of parole. The courtroom scenes are realistic, and the portrayal of a pro prosecution judge made my blood pressure rise! Throw in a ladder climbing Federal Prosecutor, and it's enough to give anyone a headache. Abe Glitsky, Dismas' long time friend and lieutenant in the police dept, is dealing with his own heartbreaking personal problems, when his young son is in a tragic accident. Without Glitsky's supervision, two cops under his command are a little too eager to rush to judgement about Maya, and the drama that unfolds kept my heart pounding, right until the shocking climax of the story. I personally think this is one of Lescroart's best entries into the series, and I can't wait for the next one!