Degree of Guilt

Patterson is the thinking man's Grisham. His characters take on a life of their own, and Degree of Guilt doesn't disappoint. RNB is really the best of his genre, as his books are fast-paced, intelligently written, and are plausible.

The book was enjoyable to read. The story itself was good and it was well written and it fit together. The court room scenes were well written credible, creative and the mystery was a little predictable but nonetheless did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. That's says alot. It shows that Mr. Patterson was a trial attorney. The book is well researched. The characters and dialogue was interesting and mature (which I have been surprised to learn can be hard to come by even with best-selling author novels). I enjoy stories that are well written and avoid being sloppy. I've read a Richard North Patterson's written in 1981 and I've read one published in 1996 and many in between and I highly recommend him to those who enjoy legal mysteries. A couple of excellent twists in this one.

My first outing with Richard North Patterson, and still ranks as one of my favorite of the genre. Once you get into it, and I understand this great story isn't a locomotive with no brakes at the beginning...but BELIEVE ME, it DOES get there. Our characters are likeable, but not without their faults. Christopher Paget is called to defend his former 'girlfriend' and Mother to his son in a murder charge which has just a ton of evidence that SHOWS us that she actually DID it...but if you are a reader of legal-thrillers, you KNOW that what the author wants you to know about and what actually happens at the end of the book are two entirely different things, right? 'Degree of Guilt' is NO exception here. Everything ISN'T as it seems--at first. But even as new evidence is unearthed that helps the defendant, she STILL looks guilty. IS she? I'm gonna let you find out the answer for that one yourself. 'Degree of Guilt' has some of THE BEST courtroom scenes I've read to date. It's obvious that Mr. Patterson was an honest-to-goodness lawyer, and he uses his skills very well here. I'll warn you of a BIG bombshell that Mary reveals to Christopher that kinda took me by surprise, it doesn't affect the outcome of the trial, but let's just say it gives the story a different twist. Also, this novel is a great lead-in for Patterson's next FANTASTIC courtroom whodunnit: 'Eyes Of A Child' a partial sequel to this book, and in MY opinion even BETTER. Legal thrillers can be some of the most compelling books out there, because let's face it: NOTHING could be more dramatic than one person fighting for their life in a murder trial. Patterson truly IS one of the better writers of this particular genre out there and 'Degree of Guilt' is one of his very best books. VERY worthwhile.

Just finished "Degree of Guilt", and I am totally blown away. The characters are so fully drawn they seem to come off the page, the plot is wholly original and beautifully constructed, and the insights into human nature are amazing. This may be the finest work of fiction I've read since Shakespeare. This is definitely not light reading. It must be savored to be enjoyed. After all, it takes time to chew & digest even the finest delicacies. Although I had to read carefully, it was neither slow nor laborious. There is not a boring minute in the entire book! I feel I can hardly do it justice in describing it.

Richard North Patterson has excelled himself in the work. The character development is excellent - each player is introduced and built on so well that by the end we feel as though we are there living it with them! A corny phrase - but a page turner in the full sense of the meaning. Issues of human nature dealt with amazingly well - while you are asking yourself what you would do - the characters are doing it. Fantastic - I was sad to finish because I enjoyed reading so much and am hunting for another!