Perri O'Shaughnessy

(1999)OK legal thriller that centers on Nina Reilly, an attorney that takes on a member of a family that owns the local ski resort who is accused of killing his brother. He turns out to be a psycopath that puts her, her son Bob and her lover/husband Collier in jeopardy.(PW)Attorney and single mother Nina Reilly makes her fifth appearance in the bestselling author O'Shaughnessy sisters' (Breach of Promise; Obstruction of Justice) new legal thriller, this one set on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe. Reilly's client in this case is Jim Strong, a local ski bum whose family owns the swanky Paradise resort. Jim stands accused of killing his younger brother Alex, who was stomped to death by someone wearing ski boots whose imprints on Alex's chest match the soles of Jim's footgear. But the suspect claims he's being framed by his adulterous wife, Heidi, who gave a statement to police and has gone into hiding. The case gives Reilly the willies, as disturbing events ensue that cast doubt on her client. Philip Strong, father of the dead youth and the suspect, is behaving strangely, and the victim's wife, a libidinous ski bunny made wealthy through inheritance, seems to have more feelings for Jim than for her dead husband. And the prosecutor, the passionate Collier Hallowell, warns Reilly off the case, hinting that Jim is a psychopath who killed animals as a kid and will seek vengeance on her if her defense doesn't get him off the hook. Reilly almost takes the latter advice, because she and Hallowell are in love and talking about having kids together. Their romance strains credibility and verges on syrupy: "He kissed her like he was searching for something, looking for her, only her." The central question of whether Jim is a murderer or a sap has an answer as predictable as the love scenes are corny. Sisters Pamela and Mary O'Shaughnessy (writing under their vaguely disguised pen name) do well to surround Reilly with a well-drawn cast of characters who provide a pleasant diversion even after the suspense has fizzled.… (plus d'informations)

This book was definitely a page turner, but there was something missing. None of the characters were all to like able, with all having major flaws that really hurt their likeability. The only one I found a real affinity for was, crap I forgot her name already, the secretary, was it Sharon, or Susan or something. I thought I'd like Paul a lot better, but every time he grew on me, something pulled him away again.
We also have a very convoluted plot, too many things happening, possibly to throw us off of who the killer is, but come on, it really just muddled it up. Way to many things going on at once.
I can say though, that I didn't want to put this book down, really wanting to find out how it was all going to resolve itself. Any book you don't want to put down definitely has some merit. But all in all, I don't think I'll be checking out her other books.… (plus d'informations)

"We're getting married. You're out Lindy". "We don't want to hurt you...."

"Oh, shit," said Mike. "Shit".

Breach of Promise (Nina Reilly #4)
by Perri O'Shaughnessy

Legal drama. 3.5 stars.

Lindy and Mike have been a couple for a long time and also run a business together. When Lindy discovers Mike is having an affair all hell breaks loose and the couple breaks up.

Lindy sues Mike for half the business. The catch here is that these two were never married. They just lived together. So legally Lindy does not have a very strong case.

I enjoyed the first half of this way more then the second. Much of what goes on takes place in the court room and the reader gets to know the couple AND the Jury. I was drawn to the story as I like reading about Juries and what goes into picking them, what happens behind the scenes etc.

BUT:

SPOILERS:

I have to discuss the second half as well as the end. The truth is I read all kinds of genres. I like legal thrillers, liked this book very much and would have given it 4 stars if not for the change in tone and the end.

So first.. change in tone. Did not get that. The book turned crazy with all the twists and there is a Juror murdered and who did it ETC ETC.

Attorney on the water, showdown with the killer..etc. It just changed from a really thought provoking and fun legal story to yet another thriller. Loved the first half..not wild about the second half. I'd still recommend it though because it's such a fun book.

But then there is the ending. I did not understand it. The book spends the whole story telling of this wronged woman who built her husband's business into an empire, so at the end..she is strong and empowered..then the hubby's girlfriend leaves him, he comes crawling back and she says 'OK" and the end.

Did not get that. So in summary, it's a fun read, a thought provoking read, but not outstanding. I was ultimately a bit let down with where it chose to go but the first half was five stars so..legal book fans will most likely enjoy.… (plus d'informations)