“Defending Jacob” by William Landay
Released January 2012
Book Review by Jessica
McClenny Waites
The law, the Justice
system, the twists and turns of a murder trial is intriguing on its own. “Defending Jacob” by William Landay presents
to us a case of a child accused of murder, while at the same time, making us an
eye witness to the heartbreaking situation of a family being ripped apart.
Assistant DA, Andy
Barber, lives in a pristine suburban community in Massachusetts with his loving
wife and 14 year old son Jacob. Yes, the
same Jacob of whom the title of the book refers. When a nasty murder of a 14 year old
classmate of Jacob’s takes place, the town panics, as any close-knit, suburban
community would. The parents of the
murdered boy are devastated and the townspeople are determined to protect their
children from a murderer. I can give you
two questions that generally sum up the beginning of this novel. “Why did this happen to us?” and “How can
anyone murder a child?” It’s time for
answers.
As assistant DA, Andy
Barber, volunteers to take the case.
There are no suspects right away and the classmates of the victim are
not talking. We are led to the somewhat
obvious conclusion that the murdered boy was not a saint. We also find out about a disturbing local man
who was nearby at the time of the crime.
But, it is not that long before the pretty little world of Andy Barber’s
turns ugly when his son’s bloody fingerprint is found on the victim’s shirt. Andy vows to see this through to the end and
prove that his son is not guilty.
This is a fantastic
premise that seems unbelievable at first.
What are the odds that an Assistant DA’s son will be charged with
murder? Since we are seeing this through
Andy’s eyes, it sounds like an easy ploy to have the main character provide us
with all the technical knowledge of the law, while describing to us firsthand
the feelings a parent would have in this situation. The author covers his bases and once the
accusation of murder is made, it is hard to not want to see this through to the
end. Speaking of the end, I will not say
what it is, but if you’re a fan of the big twist, you won’t be
disappointed.
When you read
“Defending Jacob” you will be right there with the Barbers during their
nightmare. A couple of shady characters
and a big family secret will only throw a few more wrenches into this already
bad situation. This is a fast-paced court
room drama seen through the eyes of man in the most desperate situation…to save
his child. I highly recommend!
Thanks!!! Jessica ;)
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