Court is in Session

3.5 stars. I love a good courtroom mystery so when I heard about The Verdict, I decided to give it a go. The story centers on Terry Flynt, a man in middle age who has struggled to get his life together and build a true career after alcoholism stole away his youth. He’s finally found something he loves doing as a law clerk. He really likes the detail work and he has the potential to be great someday. When he gets the case of the decade thrown in his lap, he’s ready to make his mark. The only catch is that the accused murderer he’ll be helping to defend is someone from his past that catalyzed his descent into alcoholism.

Stone’s writing was serviceable but what shines here is the plot and character work. Like any good legal room drama, the story twists and turns unexpectedly. It kept me on my toes and propelled me to keep reading until the very end. I don’t think I’d actually like Terry if I met him in person, but Stone did a good job making him feel real. I think more work with the supporting characters would have made the story greater.

It’s been a little while since I actually read this (I’m so far behind on reviews) so the sharpness of the story is beginning to fade, but I did enjoy reading it and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good thriller mystery.