Gianrico Carofiglio, A Walk in the Dark

A Walk in the Dark

Gianrico Carofiglio

Bitter Lemon, October 2006, $14.95

ISBN: 1904738176

In Bari, Italy, defense lawyer Avvocato Guido Guerrieri earns a living providing legal council to petty criminals; his business depends on returning customers, as most of his clients are repeat offenders. However, for whatever reason deep in his pyche, Guido has a soft spot for the underdog, especially abused females, so at times he will take on impossible cases.

This is one of those times when Guerrieri turns champion, because to his chagrin he is immediately attracted to Sister Claudia, director of Safe House, who asks him to help one of her volunteers now hiding at the shelter. The woman moved in with a wealthy Prince Charming who turned into an abusive beast. He beat her in public twice and in private several times. Because of his connections, the carabinieri, the police and a judge deny the woman's plea for protection from his harming her. Two lawyers have said no, but Guerrieri agrees to take on the case of protecting the ex girlfriend Martina Fumai, Sister Claudia and the shelter from Ernesto Scaianatico, son of of a criminal appeals court judge. However, Guido will learn the hard way why his peers said no.

This terrific legal thriller stars a fascinating protagonist who is normally indifferent and bumbling when it comes to his typical clients. However, some cases fire up his inner gut, turning him into a capable caring attorney and much more. Guido's two capers (see INVOLUNTARY WITNESS) are legal noirs, as he struggles to insure his clients remain safe against powerful adversaries, who use money and abuse of power to insure victory over justice. Gianrico Carofiglio provides a terrific Italian thriller.