High Crimes

Disclosure: The 2002 adaptation of this book has been a favorite of mine, so I’m hardly unbiased. This book has a strong plot, but the movie makes changes that make things more interesting.

But both are good.

As someone who despises the corruption far too often found in American government and fascinated with the workings of our legal system - both civilian and otherwise - this title really was a grand slam with me. It was entertaining while still being down to earth and representative of the issues any trial lawyer with scruples must wrestle with.The pace at which this title keeps the reader turning pages is ferocious and accuracy of the legal events in the title is astounding. At the same time, a sense of realism and a sense of normalcy is maintained throughout. At several times the reader is startled by unexpected events to keep him going.But perhaps the most startling event of all is the ending. In nearly all cases... the knowledgeable reader already has a good idea what the ending will be before reading 75% of the title and is rarely shocked by the ending. There are plenty of hairpin turns and sharp corners in this book, none are more abrupt than the ending which leave the reader both satisfied and puzzled.

The protagonist of this thriller is a woman attorney who is described as "winning the tough cases." One of those "tough cases" she won involves getting a rapist's conviction overturned on a technicality. So, Finder has written Claire Heller as a brilliant and gifted attorney, but I wanted to know more about the woman who finds legal loopholes to free rapists rather than just the smart attorney side of her. What I liked about High Crimes was that Finder didn't lose sight of the person behind the attorney and how what she does for a living affects her in all parts of her life. When Claire Heller finds out that the man who helped her through a rocky time in her life, and who she then eventually came to love and marry, is not the person she thought he was, she's stunned and torn between who and what to believe. Then the professional attorney part of her kicks in, and she decides to defend the man she married, no matter who he is, against charges that he massacred 87 innocent people in El Salvador when he was part of a Special Services Unit in the armed forces. For those who enjoy courtroom drama and tactics, this book certainly delivers on all counts. As others before me have said, it was hard to put this one down because the story keeps developing with new levels of information that dig deeper into who Claire's husband really is and whether he could have done the horrible crimes for which he is accused. While Claire dilligently works to collect whatever evidence she can use to clear her husband of his charges, she never loses sight of the fact that if he isn't who she believed him to be, then what kind of man did she marry?Ultimately she gets her answers in a very well written ending.I haven't read any of Finder's other books, but on the basis of this one, I'm interested in reading more of his work. It has been a while since I've read a book that was difficult to put down while at the same time made me aware of just what it is lawyers do to win cases for people who are accused, and are possibly guilty of, heinous crimes. Finder's descriptions are so clear and vivid, I was right there in the courtroom with Claire experiencing the action through a spectator's eyes. One cross-examination in particular was just riveting and shows off Finder's writing talent perfectly.I gave this book 5 stars because 6 stars wasn't an option. Yep, it's THAT good! From everything I've heard and read, we should all skip the movie and either read or reread the book. That way we certainly won't be disappointed!

High Crimes was almost impossible to put down. Thankfully I read this book over the Thanksgiving holiday, when some serious time could be allocated to relaxing and reading. High Crimes is a fast-paced, enjoyable read from the very beginning. There is action, excitement, intrigue, and frequent plot twists. In the story itself, law professor Claire Chapman comes to defend her husband, Tom Chapman, against charges that he committed a military atrocity under a different identity while serving in the US Army. Although some of the action is predictable, confusion, uncertainty, and surprise is the general rule, thus driving the reader to want to read "just one more chapter." I strongly recommend High Crimes. It should prove to be an entertaining read. The only downside is that it will be over all to quickly.

If you are a fan of the late, great author, Alaister McLean, then this book is for you. Surprises at every turn, superb courtroom dialogue, compelling arguments from both the prosecution and defense all make this book a fun read, and it will not insult your intelligence. The spoiled and somewhat selfish little girl was an uncomfortable distraction for me, but I could see why she was written into the story. (She is a wonderful argument for some "loving" corporal punishment). Please don't stop reading just because you think the ending has arrived, because the final page packs quite a revelation.

This was the first book by Joseph Finder I have ever read. Seldom do I encounter a book which I truly hate to see end. Finder is as exciting, albeit more readable, than Robert Ludlum. His villains are menacing, his characters are people you care about, and the endings have unique twists.The ending of High Crimes was a total, yet logical, surprise. I was so impressed I immediately read Zero Hour, and currently have his other two books in my home. This is a writer who I will be reading from now on, every time a new book appears. Great, great stuff!