Customer Reviews

Degree of Guilt

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My first outing with Richard North Patterson, and still ranks as one of my favorite of the genre. Once you get into it, and I understand this great story isn't a locomotive with no brakes at the beginning...but BELIEVE ME, it DOES get there. Our characters are likeable, but not without their faults. Christopher Paget is called to defend his former 'girlfriend' and Mother to his son in a murder charge which has just a ton of evidence that SHOWS us that she actually DID it...but if you are a reader of legal-thrillers, you KNOW that what the author wants you to know about and what actually happens at the end of the book are two entirely different things, right? 'Degree of Guilt' is NO exception here. Everything ISN'T as it seems--at first. But even as new evidence is unearthed that helps the defendant, she STILL looks guilty. IS she? I'm gonna let you find out the answer for that one yourself. 'Degree of Guilt' has some of THE BEST courtroom scenes I've read to date. It's obvious that Mr. Patterson was an honest-to-goodness lawyer, and he uses his skills very well here. I'll warn you of a BIG bombshell that Mary reveals to Christopher that kinda took me by surprise, it doesn't affect the outcome of the trial, but let's just say it gives the story a different twist. Also, this novel is a great lead-in for Patterson's next FANTASTIC courtroom whodunnit: 'Eyes Of A Child' a partial sequel to this book, and in MY opinion even BETTER. Legal thrillers can be some of the most compelling books out there, because let's face it: NOTHING could be more dramatic than one person fighting for their life in a murder trial. Patterson truly IS one of the better writers of this particular genre out there and 'Degree of Guilt' is one of his very best books. VERY worthwhile.

Reading the title of the book, we know that the defendant is guilty, it is to what degree of guilt the story takes us. Mr. Patterson writes believable, even likable, characters. They are not perfect, but nor are they caricatures. I was particularly intrigued by the courtroom manueverings. While they are believable, they are certainly fiction. The plot line was solid, with no real glowing inconsistancies. I agree that Mr. Patterson's books rise above John Grishams. They are not read as quickly & easily, but the extra work is worth it. I will read more from Mr. Patterson.

Patterson is the thinking man's Grisham. His characters take on a life of their own, and Degree of Guilt doesn't disappoint. RNB is really the best of his genre, as his books are fast-paced, intelligently written, and are plausible.

This was a page turning legal thriller from the very beginning. Mr. Patterson manages to weave legal procedures into a gripping story that does not leave the reader neither confused nor bored. This was a first time read for me by this author and I was thrilled to find it very entertaining. This book had it all, suspense, romance (only a little and very back burner), murder...trust me pick this book up you won't be able to put it down. This will be an author that I will read again.

The way I came to try a Richard North Patterson book is perhaps odd to some, perhaps not. I was reading the Stephen King book covered a few weeks back and his main character was a writer. In the book, more than a few titles and authors were mentioned, as was the author of this week's "Degree of Guilt." If one of my favorite authors admires a writer, guess it follows in my mind that I'll enjoy reading that writer too. In this case, I was right!

A writer with the mind of an attorney, Richard North Patterson conveys the courtroom environment very well, from the witness chair to the opposing side's tables and everyone seated in and at them. This novel, "Degree of Guilt" brings a female character, Mary Carelli, to the forefront who is very hard to like. She does indeed kill a man, and the degree of guilt is exactly what the book is about. Great title choice! The male characters are much more interesting and very, very easy to like.

From the beginning to the end, the relationship between the male protagonist, Chris Paget (an attorney for the defendant) and his son, Carlo, is evidenced by humor and love and a certain care placed around both elements. A pleasure to read, and to get to know them both.

Several topics are covered in this novel -- rape, murder, and self defense are the primary ones that move the plot smoothly along the pages. A determined prosecutor and interesting judge also add to the strength of the novel.

Overall, I'm not sure I'll read this one again, but for some escapism into the world of a one parent family and the legal system, it's just fine.

DEGREE OF GUILT was Richard North Patterson's "breakout" novel, written all the way back to 1992. I can see why -- this is a very impressive courtroom thriller.

I'm not a huge fan of Patterson's more recent novels, which seem more interested in politics than good characterization. However, in DEGREE OF GUILT, Patterson does an excellent job fleshing out his characters, and also crafts a highly entertaining, suspenseful plot. While the storyline is rather lurid, somewhat convoluted, and highly unrealistic in spots, it is always riveting to read.

DEGREE OF GUILT centers around the crimes of rape and sexual assault, and it can be a difficult read for those who are uncomfortable with such subjects. A lot of this book deals with sexual politics, but Patterson treats the subject in a largely tasteful manner. Still, be aware that this novel is highly graphic in its descriptions, and is therefore not for everyone.

Overall, DEGREE OF GUILT is a fine effort by Patterson, and is much better than your typical John Grisham or Steve Martini legal thriller. Of the four Patterson novels I have read, this is easily the best one.

This is a paramount plot, one of a kind for smart guys, where the reader is forced to think deeply in order to medidate about all the offered scattered events so as to understand how the situations unfold and relate

Characters are very well created and developed and some of them relate to RNP other books.

As we approach the ending, we expect Judge Masters ruling with total anxiety, however this is solved fast paced in just one chapter leaving a bitter taste after 500 pages of legal wrangling

Mr. Patterson, if you could made such a great plot you could have worked better not in the outcome but in the way the ending reveals in this book, I did not like it and that is why I take one star away. Next time do a step by step approach instead of letting loose the whole stuff in the nick of time

The book was enjoyable to read. The story itself was good and it was well written and it fit together. The court room scenes were well written credible, creative and the mystery was a little predictable but nonetheless did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. That's says alot. It shows that Mr. Patterson was a trial attorney. The book is well researched. The characters and dialogue was interesting and mature (which I have been surprised to learn can be hard to come by even with best-selling author novels). I enjoy stories that are well written and avoid being sloppy. I've read a Richard North Patterson's written in 1981 and I've read one published in 1996 and many in between and I highly recommend him to those who enjoy legal mysteries. A couple of excellent twists in this one.

Just finished "Degree of Guilt", and I am totally blown away. The characters are so fully drawn they seem to come off the page, the plot is wholly original and beautifully constructed, and the insights into human nature are amazing. This may be the finest work of fiction I've read since Shakespeare.

This is definitely not light reading. It must be savored to be enjoyed. After all, it takes time to chew & digest even the finest delicacies. Although I had to read carefully, it was neither slow nor laborious. There is not a boring minute in the entire book! I feel I can hardly do it justice in describing it.

The people in this story all seem to have a very rare talent.....they are able to read the thoughts and minds of all they come in contact with. Other then that, a great plot.