The Holdout

A really clever crime procedural, focusing more on the legal system and trial than on the usual police work. Graham Moore is a screenwriter, and that kind of comes across in the writing style. This novel has a kind of ‘made for a movie adaption' feel to it. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The characters are well developed and the twisty nature of the plot is a joy to follow.

This focus on the legal and judicial setting is clever as it moves the discussion onto some of the major flaws in the justice system. The fact that you can be encouraged to plead guilty to things you didn't do to make it easier to deny the bigger charges is definitely a weird one, but you increasingly here similar stories in real crime. It also takes a close look at the jury system and exposes some of the flaws there.

I picked this up as a break from my usual reading matter (I mostly read fantasy) and devoured the book in pretty much one sitting, finishing the whole thing in the space of a day. If that is not a solid recommendation, I don't know what is!

It takes a traditional courtroom drama,And makes a delicious whodunnit-o-rama.Some parts are hard to believe,But it's still a fun read.This twisty story about murder and karma.

Fun and fast. The plot kicks along and doesn't get bogged down as it juggles a lot of characters pretty deftly. There are a few points that wrap up too neatly and the stakes never feel as heavy they should, but it always pulled me through.

You've made it this far so you probably know the basic premise, but if you don't then keep yourself pure. Heading into this expecting one thing and getting another was a delight - there's more than enough mystery bang here for your buck.