This book was confused about what type of book it was meant to be; was it a legal thriller, a family saga or a morality tale? Obviously these things need not be mutually exclusive, but to dovetail all of these into one novel requires great skill and a deft touch and I simply did not find that here. The plot was muddled and never really found its footing. I was not particularly enamored with any of the characters and would often find myself, when resuming reading after having putting the book down, not remembering who the author was writing about. This may in fact be due to my aging brain, but for now I am writing this off to too many characters, most of whom I was not invested in. I am not sure how I missed this book when it first came out because I am a big legal thriller fan and this one is touted as a legal thriller, but here I am 4 years after its publication and all I can honestly say is it was not great, on the verge of good, more aptly described as simply okay. ( )

Very entertaining -- I enjoyed the writing and the story. ( )

Just how far would you go to protect a brother or relative? Martin Clark's excellent novel examines the ethical dilemma faced by lawyer and commonwealth attorney, Mason Hunt. He has a desperate secret. He was always protected by his brother, Gates, from their abusive father. While being harassed by a local redneck, Gates, kills the man and Mason helps him cover up the secret. It's a secret that will come back to haunt him.

Gates gets into drugs and Mason finally decides he can no longer get him out of trouble by pulling strings, and Gates threatens to bring the house down around him.

Mason has his own dark side and the scene in which he and his assistant confront a drug dealer who has threatened his wife, and the description of how they cover it up is worthy of an episode of Shark. Mason suffers his own tribulations, the death of his wife, a teenage daughter going through troubled years, and then Gates’ revenge bombshell drops. Now, some 20 years later, Mason is forced to come to grips with his past, and the readers must decide what constitutes justice.

This book is about small town life and ethics, the legal system, and the author builds believable and interesting characters. It has twists and unexpected turns. Apparently based on a real murder case, Clark, a circuit court judge, writes very well and this tale will grip you and not let go. ( )

I'm a big fan of Martin Clark and his quirky stories. This is not the most beautifully written novel; it's a little clunky at times, especially in the beginning, but as I continued I was swept into the story and spent many long afternoons and late, late nights immersed in the story. The main characters feel like real people. I'm looking up the little Virginia town to get more information about the place. Five stars for a terrifically meaty, satisfying read. ( )

A compelling work with faboulous dialogue and a wonderful sense of setting in rural Virginia. The characters live and develop organically, and it's a book you don't want to put down. Does a mistake made in youth necessarily invalidate an entire life? How does a good person cope with someone who is inherently evil, especially when they are brothers! A few false notes, but only major issue is the conclusion, which feels rushed and false. ( )