After pre-ordering Mr. Papantonio's new novel, I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy with the only stipulation being to provide my unfiltered opinion. And after having just finished the last page, I am happy to say that I was instantly hooked! What a fantastic legal thriller! "LAW AND DISORDER" is a gripping, flowing story with completely unexpected twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion that makes me want to read more of 'Deke Deketomis' and his cohorts. Looking for a legal page turner with unique characters and some unexpected twists that the jaded reader won't see coming? Pick up this book.
A technical and yet clearly explained legal drama, Mr. Papantonio is effortless in his ability to succinctly but thoroughly describe both characters and complex legal maneuverings while still making the pages fly by! It is a glimpse of how a successful trial lawyer's mastery of law is intrinsically tied to his understanding of the opposing counsel's psychology and the vile dirty tricks that are sometimes unscrupulously played. Much like war, Mr. Papantonio weaves a fascinating peek behind the curtain of how the law (both in and out of the courtroom) is a complex mental battlefield of direct attack, sleight of hand with bold feints, reconnaissance, tactics and strategy.
What makes the interwoven threads work even more is the indisputable fact that Mr. P is himself a legend in the trial lawyer's pantheon (just Google the cases he's won...WOW). The man knows how to work a court room, period. His knowledge base is a wellspring of experience that he clearly drew upon to help ground the novel in reality. Mr. P's incredible trial record speaks for itself and lends immediate credibility to the legal drama he penned. I couldn't help shake the feeling that parts of what I was reading would better be described as an autobiography! Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the villains in the story are based on actual people Mr. P has taken on in defense of the defenseless.
At the same time, Mr. Papantonio has created a cast of characters that are instantly recognizable and yet refreshingly new. You want another novel about a broke underdog lawyer rising from the ashes and beating a powerful syndicate? Not this time! Plenty of other novels with that tired story line. (Grisham's Rainmaker, The Firm, A Time to Kill, etc etc to name a few). Don't get me wrong, Grisham is great (and if you like Grisham like I do, you should give this novel a go!) but I must admit to "underdog fatigue;" I'm tired of reading yet another "Rudy, Attorney-At-Law" or "Luke Skywalker, Esquire" everyman-come-from-behind main character.
Instead, how about mixing this trope up a bit?? Mr. P does this. How? By having the main character not be that cliche "young gun" but instead a master tactical jurist who -at the beginning of the novel- is already a force to be reckoned with by those corporations who do harm to the innocent. Now THAT is a fresh take on a main character.
In fact, I will say that the main character is nicely fleshed out beyond the traditional fictional lawyer's curriculum vitae. Deke comes from VERY humble beginnings, but he's got a Bentley. Deke's team is outnumbered and outspent by the $5,000/hour army of corporate lawyers he clashes with, but Deke's Florida Gulf Coast law firm has a Cessna Citation jet (flown by retired Naval Aviators, I love that attention to detail!). One thing that might be off-putting to some is that "Deke" is unabashedly a Progressive Liberal. And in the novel he takes shots at the Tea Party or Fox News...well...liberally (pun intended). However, that is part of Deke's rogue-ish charm and in the end actually helps flesh out Deke's character. Regardless of the reader's political affiliation, you UNDERSTAND Deke, you like him and his family, and stubbornly realize that you identify with him and share his vitriol against bad guys like the "Benzene Brothers."
I would ask that the conservative reader put aside knee-jerk judgments simply due to an opposing dogma and enjoy the story/characters! "Deke" is the liberal friend that staunch conservatives have who holds completely contrary views on social subjects, but is still their great drinking and poker buddy. He's down to earth, a family man, clearly cares about people and protecting those who can't protect themselves, and instantly likable. You will find yourself silently groaning at the occasional "tea bag" reference but then immediately be cheering Deke on as he swoops in for one of his courtroom coupe de grace moments.
Again, Mr. Papantonio has crafted a refreshing and entertaining tale with a cast of characters that makes you want to go that one more chapter-even though you were supposed to go to bed 3 hours ago. I simply couldn't put it down. I think I finished the entire novel in three sittings. And at 352 pages, it was a satisfying read! Bravo, Mr. P!
I am looking forward to taking part in Deke's next adventure!
Thanks for reading my review. I appreciate the opportunity to give my two cents.
-Dan
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Papantonio Wins Again!
Mike Papantonio is an author who knows his subject like no one else does. In real life, Pap fights the forces of greed and evil - and he wins. His protagonist in the book is much like him, courageous, smart and one hell of a lawyer. Who knew that Pap could also write a thriller that is as good as any I've read, and I've read most every best-selling thriller that has come down the pike . Not only is this a can't-put-down thriller but the reader will gain some insight into the power of the petrochemical/pharmaceutical industry and the lengths they will go to to destroy anyone who stands in the way of their insatiable lust for profit.
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Ricktu
The story is interesting enough to keep you reading to the end although the resolution is rather rushed and seems to come to eas
Reviewed in Australia on November 30, 2016