THE RULE OF LAW by John Lescroart
THE RULE OF LAW is John Lescroart’s eighteenth book in the Dismas Hardy series and I have read each and every one. By now Dismas, his family and friends are part of my literary life. I know their strengths, weaknesses, foibles, etc. Another plus is I like John Lescroart’s style of writing. If a new Dismas Hardy book comes out I am going to be first in line to read it.
Having done so I have mixed feelings about this latest Lescroart novel. It brings back just about all of the Lescroart characters I love and that is the main plus factor of the book. It is like having a family reunion. Nothing new or exciting occurred but it was great just seeing everyone again.
In this story Phyllis McGowan is arrested. She is attorney Hardy’s personal assistant and has been a mainstay in his office and his life for many years, Up until now Phyllis has played a very minor role in Lescroart’s novels. So welcome to center stage, Phyllis. Unfortunately she doesn’t stay there for very long.
Her arrest is just a prelude to Hardy going after newly elected San Francisco DA Ron Jameson. Jameson defeated Hardy ally Wes Farrell in an upset in the race for DA. Now Hardy is ready to rumble with the DA over Phyllis. In my mind this was going to set up a fierce courtroom battle between Hardy and Jameson – but it didn’t happen.
And that is what THE RULE OF LAW so desperately needs. A good courtroom battle would have still allowed a majority of the characters to be involved while letting Lescroart go all creative in a setting in which he excels. It is also the place where Dismas Hardy is free to be his pithiest as well as most creative. He could have waged war against Jameson and it would have been glorious to behold.
John Lescroart is one of the best novelists around. He has created a collection of novels that have entertained and thrilled millions. THE RULE OF LAW is John Lescroart not at his best but certainly not at his worst either. It is just a hail, hail the gangs all here type of story and for many of Lescroart’s fans that will certainly be enough. For me I just wanted those courtroom scenes.
Oh well maybe next time.
THE RULE OF LAW is published by Atria Books. It contains 336 pages and sells for $27.00.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
