The Defense: A Legal Thriller

"The Defense", Dudley W. Buffa, NY, Henry Holt & Co., 1997 ISBN 0-8050-5307-7, HC, 309 pg., 9 1/4" x 6 1/4". This 1st Joseph Antonelli novel finds protagonist as an overly successful criminal defense attorney who agrees to request by Judge Leopold Rifkin to defend a probably guilty Johnny Morel, drug dealer & con man, charged with rape of his 12-year-old stepdaughter Michelle Walker. Acquitted, he is murdered & wife Denise Morel is charged with his murder, a case Antonelli declinded. She's convicted of murder but gets early release from prison for good behavior - but then she's found dead in the house of Judge Rifkin who's charged with her killing. Antonelli becomes his defense attorney. We are introduced to colorful prosecutors, defense attorneys & a spiteful DA and to Antonelli's live-in girl friends, firstly Lisa then sexy Alexandra, the bright, blonde paralegal assistant who'd dampen sales of Viagra. This story has accounting of 4 trials: -- the 3 criminal trials are of Johnny Morel, Denise Morel & Judge Rifkin. We are provided a vivid profile of machinations & passions influencing outcomes of civil/criminal trial and of philosphy on the justice system & critical factors which may usher murder. The novel is extraordinarily well-written. The reader is wont to read those subsequent novels #2 through #6. Reading Buffa's Antonelli is like eating potato chips, you can't stop with one.

Joseph Antonelli is a great defense lawyer. According to him he has not lost any case where the defendant was innocent and he has won every case where the defendant was guilty. Judge Leopold Rifkin feels that Antonelli needs a lesson in humility so he gives him a pro bono case.Johnny Morel is accused of raping his twelve-year-old daughter, Michelle. The prosecution's case is weak and the chief prosecution witness is the girl's drug-addicted mother. Joseph wins the case but everything here is far from over. Several years later, Johnny is found murdered and his wife is the chief suspect. Antonelli does not defend her and she winds up serving a prison term. After she is released from serving her sentence she is found shot dead in the home of Judge Leopold Rifkin.Buffa does a great job with character development and he keeps the story line moving. The Morels have a deep connection to the judge and unbeknownst to Antonelli, he also shares a connection with the victim. As Buffa's first novel it is a great start. One can see why he was nominated for his last paperback, THE JUDGMENT, an even better work.

It was about time! Writer Habemus...It has ALL: Professionalism as a writer;a great but humble exhibition of culture mixed well into the story;strong characters; the exact speed; Originality and a talentous, unexpected but logical end; not one single flaw in development, Good timing...NOt heavy or dull in the Court of Justice scenes; sensitive characters...Beautifully done. You can read it as you wish:As a thriller, a Legal, a suspense...You decide: But be careful with your timing, because you will not be able to put this book down until you read the last page. Send your wife and kids on a weekend trip. Unhook your phones Have something to eat You will not leave your place until the end of THE DEFENSE... I should know. I am a choosy Book Publisher Georgina Greco

This just happens to be the best book I have read in some time. The three main caretures were so intriguing and the tipe of people I wish I knew. I found myself not wanting to but it down.I'll make sure to get get each of his books as soon as they come out.

I loved the complex story line twisting the three conected crimes. I found the fact that the Judge, prosecutor and defense attorney hung out chatting in the judge's chambers a little unbelievable. But to those unfamiliar with the ethical problems of off the record chats with Judge's, it probably would not matter. All in all a very good book that both my husband and I read non-stop and fought over to the last page.