Scott Kauffman, In Deepest Consequences

In Deepest Consequences

Scott Kauffman

Medallion, December 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 1932815627

Attorney Calvin Samuels left the prosecutor's office to become a public defender, in the hope that he could make a difference in the lives of some of his clients. He takes a particular interest in John Rogers, who could have done hard times for theft, as this was his second offense; Calvin cajoled a credible witness into testifying that Rogers was sincere in going straight, attending college classes, while waiting for the judge's ruling. He gets probation, but soon after Rogers is found with two bullets in his head, and his eyes burned out by a cigarette lighter.

Feeling he let down his friend John by not staying in touch, Calvin vows to provide the best defense possible for Mark Alexander, on trial for murder. He travels all over the state interviewing potential witnesses and family members of the people his client is accused of killing. The most damning evidence comes from Mark's ex-wife Allison Morris, who will testify for the prosecution. After seeing her and others, Calvin begins to question whether his client committed murder, including the killing of a mutual acquaintance, John Rogers.

Scott Kauffman has written an exciting legal thriller in which the public defender uses his own time and money to track down witnesses and learn the truth; Calvin goes the extra marathon for his clients. The two prime cases (that of Rogers and Alexander) that make up the storyline are fast-paced and a thrill to follow, as Calvin's idealism and work ethic pushes him to be all that he can be and more. Readers will appreciate this dedicated defense attorney, and feel for him when he begins to have doubts about Alexander's innocence.