Customer Reviews

The Expert

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Wow, how I enjoyed this book. I am completely surprised that Gruenfeld did not receive more reviews here on Amazon.com--only 9... Truly, the cost should have sent a message that this was not one of the usual novels. And, I surely agree. This was a fabulous read. I enjoy legal stories and this one tops Grisham's books. I also have an affinity with this book as I, too, have a computer background. Thanks to Gruenfeld he had the ability to marry the two fields with the human experience and walked away with my heart.

Rebecca Verona was an ace attorney and her client was betting his life (or prison term) on her ability to set him free. Notwithstanding the fact that he (a computer business millionaire) had aborted a recent love affair with her, he knew if she would defend him inspite of their past relationship (well know by all) that her defense would send the message that he was innocent of the charge of treason.

Weaved into the plot was the workings of encryption, sabatoge, computer theft, and oh yes--the prosecuting attorney who also was a recent ex-lover of Rebecca. Can't you see this being reality. Life is often very complicated as this story plays out. I highly recommend this book and hope that Gruenfeld keeps these wonderful books coming.

Though a fairly long read I really enjoyed the technical jargon and the way it was explained. You can read it as a techno or courtroom mystery. Would recommend to anyone. I will have to read some of his other books.

I like this author. I read "All Fall Down", which was thoroughly enjoyable, unique, and intelligently written. This book is the same, just not quite as. Again, his writing is so intelligent and insightful, and this is what escalates this novel to a higher realm. This is a good story, a good read, and has plenty of twists. Definitely recommend it, especially if you like this author.

We selected this book for our monthly discussion group and all agreed that a book needing upwards of 500 pages can be cut. We also all agreed that the cuts could come in discussing Rebecca's growing up and psychological problems. Do lawyers really talk and act like this? If so I hope I never need one. Otherwise the technical and trial aspects were really engrossing and it opened many areas for discussion.

As he always does, Mr. Gruenfeld combines a rich, mesmerizing plot with beautifully drawn and compelling characters. It amazes me that this author can write so insightfully on such widely diverse subject areas as he has in his last several books. The book jacket doesn't say anything about his being a lawyer, so I suspect he isn't, but his grasp of the state of justice in America today is downright uncanny.

One of the reasons I love to read him is that I always come away learning something while having a rollicking good time. After reading this book, I feel almost like an expert myself, on both federal criminal law and the increasingly important topic of computer encryption, which I'd heard about but didn't really understand until now.

Also as with his prior works, you can read this book on many levels: pure entertainment, an incisive commentary on our legal system, a surprisingly touching love story, or all at once.

Either way, it's a gem.

Unless you like reading technical manuals, you will not find much of interest in this book.

I read this book in two days - I simply could not put it down. This particular book dealt with a computer encryption case and the details of the author's research was truly amazing. The female protagonist was written very well - I hope he will continue with the character in a later book. The legal twists and turns were fascinating, as were the detailed trial scenes. Upon finishing this book, I immediately ordered his other three.

This book was a step up from the legal thriller novel that has become very popular today. The reason is that it was not as superficial as are most such thrillers. I love and read most of the others, but this one was different and better. There was detail that is lacking in most legal works of fiction. The author reminded me of Tom Clancy in that the detail was substantial but interesting. Many readers do not like Clancy because he goes into too much detail for a casual reader, but Gruenfeld does what Clancy does best without the depth of detail that bore those without the patience or desire to learn or delve into detail or reality, and who seek only to enjoy. I heartily recommend the book to lawyers or others trained in the legal field as it comes across as muuch more authentic than most.

Lee Gruenfeld has written a gripping story that keeps the reader constantly probing to determine the direction the story will carry him. The main character is a strong woman who makes mistakes, but also adapts, to make the most of a difficult circumstance. This is one of those books that keeps you resentful of the everyday interuptions that prevent your finishing it. A riveting novel that pulls you ever deeper into the plot.

As with all Gruenfeld books, in addition to the treat of a rock 'em-sock 'em story masterfully written, you also learn something. This is an intricate, powerful thriller with a richly drawn female lead (strong women are another Gruenfeld trademark) that will not only knock your socks off but will have you paying more attention to all those news articles about the federal encryption policy controversey you've been skipping.