The 7th Canon by Robert Dugoni, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Peter Donley is a young attorney working with his uncle in their small law firm, focusing on cases that are important to them, not necessarily those that will bring in significant amounts of income. Peter, married with a 4-year-old son, wants to do more for his family, and is considering a move to a larger firm, one where he will certainly make more money than he is now. But then a case lands on their doorstep that is too important to pass on, and puts a halt to Peter's plans, in The 7th Canon, a legal thriller by Robert Dugoni.

Father Thomas Martin runs a shelter in San Francisco's Tenderloin district for boys living on the streets. He has strict rules, but he also offers them a clean and safe place to live. When one of the boys is killed with a letter opener that only Father Tom had access to, he is the prime suspect in the murder. Though he professes his innocence, he has nothing to support his assertion. Peter and his Uncle Lou are handling his defense, but on the first day of the trial, Peter's uncle has a mile heart attack, leaving Peter to handle the case on his own. He's up against a hard-nosed, take no prisoners district attorney and a homicide cop who is clearly following his own agenda, facts or the law notwithstanding. It's up to Peter to not only get his client acquitted, but in doing so to learn why his opposition in the court seem to be taking this case against the priest so personally.

The 7th Canon is a thrilling mystery with an incredibly well-drawn cast of characters. Uncle Lou knows that Peter wants more for his family, and fully supports his decision to move on. But Peter also knows that the work with his uncle is far more fulfilling than being one of many attorneys in a corporate law firm. The case against Father Tom seems air-tight and yet Peter knows there is a flaw somewhere. The way the storyline unfolds is exceptionally well handled, and this case will keep fans of legal thrillers turning the pages. Highly recommended.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of The 7th Canon.

Acknowledgment: Thomas & Mercer provided a copy of The 7th Canon for this review.

In the Clearing
Thomas & Mercer (Trade Paperback), May 2016
ISBN-13: 9781503953574; ISBN-10: 1503953572

The 7th Canon

A Legal Thriller by Robert Dugoni