Light My Fire
Jane Graves
Ivy, Nov 2004, $6.99
ISBN: 0345458419

In Tolosa, Texas attorney Ethan Miller detests his father, who always insists money is the bottom line of their firm. Frank obtains an acquittal for Thomas Randall, a big shot at Bryan Industries, in a rape case but he feels no joy because the lawyer believes his client is guilty. A bit drunk, Ethan picks up a blonde in a bar, accelerates his car way beyond the speed limit and causes an accident. Judge Davis gives Ethan community service with Crime Watch patrol.

Ethan joins florist Sandy DeMarco on her patrol although he knows her three police officer brothers hate him for enabling wealthy lowlifes to return to the street without punishment. However, when the police arrest Sandy's teenage worker John Newman for the murder of a neighbor, Laura Williams, she pleads with Ethan to handle the case pro bono. Because of his attraction to her, he agrees, although his father is irate for his son wasting time on a pro bono case. As the couple fall in love, the evidence mounts against his client in this capital case.

This engaging legal thriller romance stars two fabulous protagonists and a host of secondary characters who either enhance the understanding of the lead duo or are involved in the case. The storyline moves forward at a rapid pace as the prosecution's case seems unbeatable. Although the final twist seems too bizarre and simplistic, fans will appreciate this fabulous look at the American justice system, bushwhacked Texas style, in which a poor person has no chance.

Harriet Klausner