John Lescroart, The Suspect

The Suspect

John Lescroart

Dutton, January 2007, $26.95

ISBN 0525949984

When he returns to his San Francisco home following a weekend at Tamarack Lake, outdoor author Stuart Gorman finds his naked wife Dr. Caryn Dryden dead near their hot tub. San Francisco Police Department Inspector Sergeant Devin Juhle leads the official investigation. Stuart admits to the homicide detective that Caryn asked for a divorce, that their relationship was filled with domestic trouble, and he confesses that he hated her, at least for this weekend, though he also loved her; he has no alibi. More so he will receive a large life insurance settlement, so his close friend, California State Assemblyman Jedd Conley recommends he obtain a lawyer, because his arrest seems imminent.

Jedd gets his pal the services of attorney Gina Roake, just back from sabbatical following personal tragedy. Though her ego is lifted by being chosen, Gina wonders why her, when her client and senator could choose anyone in the city. Still, she quickly sends investigator Wyatt Hunt to see if someone can affirm that Stuart was in the Sierra Nevada lake at the time of death, and to look closely into Caryn's medical career to see if that had something to do with her homicide. The media accuses Stuart of drowning his wife, which sends the accused on the run; making the case that much more difficult to defend, as the jury is already tainted before the trial has begun.

This is an interesting legal thriller, with a partner in Dismas Hardy's firm taking the lead on defending the client, convicted by a press frenzy before he even reaches the courtroom. The storyline is fast-paced, with interesting court scenes and a solid investigation into Caryn's professional connections. Though the ending seems implausible, especially the post game twist, and too dependent on an opening that Perry Mason would avoid, John Lescroart entertains his fans with this exciting tale.