THE MOTIVE by John Lescroart
Getting a copy of a new John Lescroart novel is like getting a super Christmas or birthday present. These books are so good they qualify as gifts from Lescroart to his reading public. His latest novel THE MOTIVE is up to his usual high standards of quality plotting and superb character development.
Once again we are in the world of attorney Dismas Hardy and Deputy Chief Inspector Abe Glitsky. They live in the city of San Francisco and are best friends. They socialize together and their families love and respect each other.
This book opens with a fire that destroys the home of a wealthy man. As the firemen are battling the blaze they discover two bodies among the ruins. It is a man and a woman and they have apparently been murdered. The mayor of San Francisco asks Glitsky to investigate the deaths and he agrees. When a suspect is arrested Hardy is brought into the case. The suspect was Hardy's first love and she hires him to defend her.
The first half of the book is the investigation and the second is the trial. Along the way there are insights into both Glitsky and Hardy's personal lives. Abe and his wife have a new baby while Hardy and his wife cope with the impact of Hardy representing his old flame.
Every word in this story is interesting whether it concern descriptions of the places where the characters live and work, or the basic plot concerning a murder and the trial that ensues. Lescroart knows his characters backwards and forwards and never gives them a false step or uncharacteristic thought. He is on solid ground and the reader knows that from start to finish.
THE MOTIVE is one of Lescroart's better stories and it provides enjoyment at every turn. Never predictable, the plot creates questions and then gives answers. It gives them in a way that is completely satisfying to even the most analytical reader.
If you have never read a John Lescroart novel you are in for a real treat. You can start with the first one or you can plunge in with this one, either way you will discover an author who will be placed on your must read list.
THE MOTIVE is published by Dutton. It contains 404 pages and sells for $25.95.