The Judgment

Despite some creepy and very graphic scenes, I enjoyed this book. I have to admit, however, that I suspected the murderer from pretty early on. I did not, however, suspect the story that unfolded in the last couple of pages. There were really two story lines running concurrently, with no connection other than Sloan. This format wasn't distracting, just a bit hard to reconcile once in a while - like reading two books at once. After reading the comments by Mr. Coughlin's son on this site, I will go find some of the books he really wrote and check those out.

I have read a number of Coughlin's books. Some are better than others, but this one proves again, as do his other novels, that Coughlin is among the best of the lawyer-novel authors. His plots are always interesting and developed; his writing is very good; there is humor and sophistication to a degree that is rare in this genre.

This is one of the finest novels I've ever read. While at one point I may have given "The Judgment" only four stars, I quickly decided against the score. Coughlin may or may be the author, however, I surely wish I knew who wrote this fine story of innocence and struggle.

From attorney to writer in one magnificent stroke, this man captures the reader in the first sentence. As a defense attorney, he is well versed in the skill of sinking his teeth in and not letting go. His books are his courtroom where he flourishes. As a forensic professional myself, I could not find one instance where the prose, dialogue or terminology missed it's mark. Patricia Cornwell was the preview and William Coughlin is the standing ovation!

Motor City lawyer Charley Sloan is tired because he is working on two high profile cases that impact his relationship with his girl friend, Detective Sue Gillis. In one case that Sue is directly working on, someone is murdering little children in a bizarre manner. It seems that after killing the youngsters, the perp cleans the corpses and their clothing, and gently places them in plastic. He then puts the wrapped up bodies in the snow as if they are sleeping angels. Charley's other case involves defending the Detroit police chief from the charge of embezzling one million dollars. Though stretched to the limit, Charley continues to investigate both cases. With the serial killer case, he hopes to identify the killer so his currently rocky relationship with Sue can move forward. In the police chief case, Charley needs to find out who has set his client up to take the fall while the real criminal pockets the cash. Both cases are dangerous, but that will not deter Charley from seeking out the truth. THE JUDGEMENT is a great posthumous legacy from William J. Coughlin, one of the top writers of legal procedural in the nineties. The much maligned and flawed Charley is a great protagonist and the support cast is one of the best ensemble companies to grace a novel. Though the story line initially appears to be contrived, in the hands of a master like Mr. Coughlin, it becomes a fast-paced, dazzling one sit-reading experience. Harriet Klausner