By: Stacey Abrams
Synopsis
Avery Keene, a brilliant young law clerk for the legendary Justice Howard Wynn, is doing her best to hold her strained personal life together. But when the shocking news breaks that Justice Wynn – the cantankerous swing vote on the Court – has slipped into a coma, Avery’s life turns upside down. She learns that Wynn has appointed her to serve as his legal guardian and hold his power of attorney, plunging her into an explosive role she never anticipated.
Avery finds that Justice Wynn had been secretly researching one of the most controversial cases before the Court – a proposed merger between an American biotech company and an Indian genetics firm, which promises to unleash breathtaking results in the medical field. She also discovers that Wynn suspected a dangerous conspiracy was infiltrating the highest power corridors of Washington. As political wrangling intensifies to replace the ailing judge, Avery begins to unravel the carefully constructed, chess-like sequence of clues Wynn left behind for her. His labyrinthine puzzle threatens to lead Avery directly into harm’s way – and to a stunning truth.
My Thoughts
This novel was engrossing from the very beginning. A smart political/medical thriller. The plot moved along at a good pace with plenty of action. Everything occurs over the course of just a few days, but a lot happens in those few days.
The characters were engaging and believable. Of course, I really liked the main character, Avery. The only thing that bothered me was her breaking into Jamie’s apartment. That seemed a little out of character for her. On the other hand, I loved the description of her adrenaline spike and crash after rescuing her mother and realizing what could have happened. It was well written and made Avery feel a little more real. The secondary characters could have used a little more fleshing out, but they were still interesting.
I admire Stacey Abrams, so I was hopeful that this would be a good story. I was not disappointed, and I really hope this is the beginning of a series.
These are just my thoughts. What are yours?