Suspicion of Guilt

The original book in the Gail Connor/Anthony Quintana series, "Suspicion of Innocence" was excellent. This second book in the series is OK, but the characters are becoming rather more stereotyped. Some months have passed since the end of the first book, and although in that book it appeared that Gail Connor was starting her own law firm, that hasn't happened yet. Her relationship with the gorgeous Anthony Quintana is also somewhat more distant than we might have expected. This book is about Gail defending an old flame who is contesting a Will. Much of the plot is about society links and internal machinations within her law firm. Anthony Quintana features occasionally as a rather annoying macho "saving the day" kind of guy who tells Gail what to do (she then does the opposite). I found this book a little unsatisfactory as I felt the characters had not really moved on from the first book, they'd regressed. If you want to know how NOT to carry on a relationship with a gorgeous rich man and with your daughter, read what Gail does. She also continues to display her rather dense nature (the reader is well aware she's wandering into trouble long before she is) and it sometimes makes you wonder how she got into such a high-powered job. The plot is OK although a little complicated at times, and the end is perhaps a little weak, but overall it's a good book. If I had read it first I would have been less inspired to read the others in the series - it's definitely important to start with Suspicion of Innocence.

At least some of them. Is this what people in Miami in those circles are like? Anyway, the plot involves Gail Connor, an attorney aspiring to partnership in a prestigious law firm in Miami, who gets asked by an old friend to challenge his aunt's will. He finds it so unlike her (the will spoke of him affectionately, which is out of character for his aunt) that he is convinced it's a forgery. There's a lot of money at stake, and a lot of it going to Miami charities -- but the contingency fee if she wins will bring a lot of money into the firm. Being Miami, everyone of a certain class knows everyone else, and Gail knew the deceased aunt and Gail's mother was a close friend of the deceased. That's just the beginning of this tangled tail of a community with varied interests in upholding -- or not -- this will. The aunt's death is suspicious; we know from the first few pages that she has in fact been murdered, but eventually the police catch on. So the disputed will gets connected to a homicide. There are quite a few characters, but that's not the problem with this book. It's the general yuckiness of most of the people in this book. Even Gail, our heroine, behaves badly fairly often, but particularly in the somewhat unbelievable ending (she is, after all, an officer of the court and really has to stay within the law more than she does). I'll read more of this series because they're entertaining and well-plotted, but I doubt that Parker will end up on my favorite author list. I need a character to cheer for. I didn't even like the child in this story!

Barbara Parker brings back brilliant, lovely and frequently stressed-out lawyer and single-Mom Gail Connor in this excellent sequel to "Suspicion of Innocence." Gail is now involved with charismatic Cuban American defense attorney, Anthony Quintana, and still struggling to help her six year old daughter adjust to life without her father. She is extremely ambitious in her career as a lawyer with a prestigious Miami firm, and is looking to make partner soon.An old school friend and former lover brings a potentially lucrative case to Gail involving a forged will. If Gail wins the case her partnership in the upscale firm is assured. After an investigation into the death of the deceased, whose will is being disputed, it is determined that she was murdered. The cause of death had previously been called an accident. Gail's client is the prime suspect in his aunt's murder, and she persuades her lover, Anthony Quintana, to take the case. Against Anthony's advice, Gail is soon investigating both the forgery and the murder, and risking her life, career and relationship with Anthony to do so. When another "accident" occurs and a potential witness is silenced, the story's pace really picks up and it becomes apparent that there is more than one murder and one person's greed behind these crimes.Barbara Parker writes tight, taut prose, her dialogue is snappy and realistic and her scenes involving opposing lawyers, and boardroom scenes are tension-filled. Her characters are well defined and very believable, especially Gail Connor. Ms. Connor is not always likable. She is often stressed, as we all would be if faced with a failed marriage, a young daughter who is miserable with the sudden changes in her life, a demanding career that doesn't allow for time to cope with family problems, a man who loves her but is as strong-willed and stubborn as she is, and a criminal investigation that becomes more complex everyday. She is frequently snappish, disagreeable, and not there for her child. Gail has many positive traits also, but what is so different and refreshing is that the author gives her heroine human frailties. One does not always have to like her for the novel to succeed. In fact, one of the reasons the plot is so successful is because the story and characters are so lifelike, as are the relationships. The characters grow and are, at times, transformed by what they learn.There are roller coaster twists and turns in this tale of career white collar criminals, financial misdeeds, politics and multiple murders. This is a series so filled with complex characters and relationships that you will want to read more about them and their continuing development. I can't wait for Ms. Parker's next book. A compelling read!!JANA

I love the Gail Connor series by Barbara Parker!! They are about my favorite. Her relationship with Anthony is so well written. The chemistry between those two is so exciting and always in each book there is great suspense. I anxiously look forward to another book. I highly recommend you start with the first book in the series though to get the full effect. Otherwise it get's confusing because you will want to truly understand Gail's relationship not only to Anthony but to her ex husband, Dave. Parker is good at spinning a mystery and I can never put her books down. A great read!

This is the next book in the Gail Connor/Anthony Quintana series. It follows "Suspicion of Innocence" and is just as great! I'm so glad I discovered this author. This story follows Gail as she works on a case for a friend of hers from law school. Of course, nothing is what it seems at first. What looks like an accident really is a murder, etc. And the ending is so suspenseful ~ it will keep you hooked. I can't wait to read "Suspicion of Deceit" next!