Title: Defending Jacob
Author: William Landay
Publication Year: 2012
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Edition: audio and eGalley
Setting: Massachusetts
Reader: Grover Gardner (excellent)Source: Library and NetGalley
Date Completed: 4/11/2012
Rating: 4.5/5 Recommend: yes
I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this legal thriller, as it was
written by a former District Attorney in Massachusetts. It's a good
one; it's thought provoking, engrossing, and every parents worst
nightmare.
In a small Massachusetts town, a young boy is found murdered in the
woods. How could something so brutal happen in this previously quiet
community? Initially a pedophile is suspected, but soon, another
classmate, fourteen-year old Jacob Barber, the only child of well
respected district attorney, Andy Barber, is a person of interest and
eventually charged with his classmate's murder. Jacob admits to finding
the body in the woods, touching the body, but being afraid to tell
anyone about it. Andy and his wife Laurie find it hard to believe that
their could ever be capable of such an act, but yet at times they wonder
if it could be true. Jacob's is a sullen boy, often moody and withdrawn
and full of secrets. The fact he has posted things on Facebook that
could be used against him, will not help in proving his innocence. The
family is from a nice suburban town, and is shamed and shunned by the
community. Their 20-year marriage begins to come apart at the seams.
The story rolled out a bit too slowly, and began with a grand jury
investigation. The reader is not really sure of what is going on, or
even all of the details for a while. Once the story gets going though,
it was totally addictive. I listened to the audio version as well as
reading the eBook, and even my husband got hooked on it as we drove to
Boston and listened. We still keep talking about the prosecutor's name,
as it was very unusual, and just seems to have attached itself to our
brains....Neil (sounds like Lajewdis), after hearing it so many time on
audio.
The audio book reader, Grover Gardner was excellent, and the ending blew us away. It's a good story complete with secrets, family skeletons
and one story that begs the reader to examine just how far you might go
to protect your family.
Try it.
A good friend of mine read this and said it took her breath away. Every time I see her she asks me if I've read it yet. It sounds like I need to get to it.
ReplyDeleteKathy, yes you as a parent of an only son like the characters in the book, I'm sure you might be enthralled with this one.
ReplyDeleteI don't read many thrillers but this may be an exception. Like Kathy, I have a friend who raved about it. Great review, Diane.
ReplyDeleteMary, it's not scary, but it is an eye opener with a - jaw dropper ending
DeleteMary, most of the reviews have been very positive -- try it: Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteI loved it passed to my husband. A former da and now its making the rounds of my family. Everyone feels the same a terrific read.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, Glad you all liked it so much.
DeleteI was totally blown away by the ending too! I love when that happens!
ReplyDeleteJill, Kay wants to discuss the ending so I'll email both of you if you don't mind.
DeleteI've read a great review of this one, but not sure I could read it just yet, although I like legal thrillers and will keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteIt's really really good Laura and not gory.
DeleteWhat did you think of the ending??? Afterwards, I immediately wanted to discuss it with someone. My poor husband had to hear about it, even though he hadn't read it. I just had to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteKay, I'll email to discuss the ending. I also want to hear what Jill has to say about it.
DeleteKay, that's just how I am after I read a good book. I want to discuss it with someone, and there's only my husband who hasn't read it.
DeleteI know we can't always do that.
DeleteThis is the pick for one of my book clubs...it is one my list to read next. I can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, It would be a great book club selection --enjoy
DeleteHoly moly..this one sounds great! I have my credit to use at Audible. Should I get this one???
ReplyDeleteNope, use NetGalley if it's still available.
DeleteWow, this sounds great! Just added it to my list.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, you would like it a lot.
DeleteI've got a copy of this book, and it sounds like something I should read sooner rather than later. Maybe for my book club, as suggested above.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes read it now Judith.
DeleteI just finished this one not too long ago and really liked it. The ending blew me away as well, and I am not sure how I felt about it. On one hand, I could understand it, but on the other...oh, man. Very nice review today. So many things to think about with this book!
ReplyDeleteI'll email you about this.
DeleteI'll be reading this soon. My mother promised to give me her copy after her book group finishes it. Her comments about it were pretty much the same as yours, although she would have given it five stars.
ReplyDeleteI gave it 4.5/5 as it did have a slow start for me.
DeleteHeard so much about the book and glad that it is a thriller. This has been compared to We need to talk about Kevin, re: delinquent young person. But I think they may be a little different. Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteI've read glowing reviews for this book. I love legal thrillers and unfortunately haven't found one to be as gripping as I would like. Sounds like this novel is what I'm looking for.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my kindle. Will have to move it to the top of the list.
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my wish list for awhile and I almost picked it up when I was at B&N this weekend. Now that I've read your review, I'm not sure I'll be able to resist next time.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the cover initially made me dismiss this one as more popular than literary, the reviews have been consistently excellent. I've been craving a good thriller lately, and it sounds like this one would fit the bill!
ReplyDelete