The Mentor [Paperback]

R. Forster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Savvy LA attorney Lauren Kingsley has just been handed the opportunity of a lifetime--to prosecute a militia terrorist responsible for the devastating bombing of an IRS building. This case is Lauren's chance to prove to her longtime friend and mentor, Judge Wilson Caufeld, that she's got what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of the judicial system. But when Caufeld is found shot to death, Lauren is suddenly in over her head--trapped in a maze of conspiracy, corruption, and secrets leading right up to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ads in "USA Today". .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Judge Wilson Caufeld has spent his life as mentor, friend and father to two of the most promising young lawyers in Los Angeles?Allan Lassiter, the smooth-talking and seasoned partner in a top-notch firm, and Lauren Kingsley, the beautiful novice in the U.S. attorney's office. Things begin to unravel for this makeshift family when Caufeld is nominated to the Supreme Court and simultaneously is assigned to the highly publicized case of militia men charged with bombing a federal building. Politics and money come into play in a bizarre and wildly unpredictable chain of events that lead to Caufeld's murder. Lauren senses something sinister as does her new lover, FBI agent Eli Warner, and together they buck powerful enemies to try to find Caufeld's killer. This page-turner will keep readers in the dark until the surprising and frightening conclusion. Forster (Character Witness), who has shown an impressive ability to interweave plot, evocative narration and character to create highly entertaining mysteries, succeeds again.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Author

This book was inspired by my husband's mentor. He was the first black judge appointed west of the Mississippi.  He was a wonderful man - kind, intelligent and loyal to those he cared about. This judge lived long enough to see my husband become a judge himself.  Their special relationship made me wonder if it could survive a betrayal - not once, but twice. Judge Williams, who Judge Caufeld is based on, used to bring the hard copies of this book to parties and sign where his 'fictional' name appeared. It was great fun to write the story but even more fun to see how delighted he was to be immortalized in the pages. We all miss him to this day.

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786004886
• ISBN-13: 978-0786004881
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #507,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Highly Recommended, January 23, 1998

By 

Doug And Robin Nobles "Robin Nobles" (Hattiesburg, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mentor (Paperback)

Lauren Kingsley, assigned as the lead prosecuting attorney for the hottest case to hit L. A. in years, believes her hard work in the U.S. Attorney's Office has finally paid off. Lauren doesn't realize she is simply a pawn in a political game of chess.

Following a rash of bombings across the country, the IRS complex in downtown L. A. becomes the next target. Innocent people die, and the elusive Independent Militia is blamed.

The police luck-out with eyewitnesses, physical evidence, and the quick arrest of two Militiamen. The U.S. Attorney's Office should look like demigods. Except for one small problem.

The Fourth Amendment clearly guards against unreasonable search and seizure, but the arresting officer fails to follow standard police procedures. The public doesn't care about insignificant details like maintaining individuals' rights-they want the bombings stopped and the guilty parties brought to justice.

The judge assigned to the case is a personal friend of Lauren's. Seizing this opportunity, the U.S. Attorney assigns her as the lead prosecutor in the hopes that Lauren's personal relationship with the Judge will sway him to allow the evidence to stand. But Judge Wilson Caufield is a man of the law. In his courtroom, there is no venue or deference shown the lawyers pleading their cases before him.

While Lauren struggles to build a case, FBI agent Eli Warner begins to investigate Judge Caufield. During his investigation, Eli stumbles across something that raises his suspicions. Does the esteemed Judge have skeletons in his family closet?

In typical R. A. Forster fashion, THE MENTOR hooks the reader on page one and doesn't release them until the last word is devoured. In an intense roller coaster ride, Ms. Forster guides the reader through dark alleys and stately courtrooms to discover the fine line between right and wrong, good and evil, and how easily it can be erased.

As the lives of her characters unfold, the reader has the pleasure of watching a master storyteller weave her powerful tale. In this deadly game, as in life, nothing is as it seems. Instead, reality prevails, with its multifaceted dips and curves in the roadway of life.

THE MENTOR insures Ms. Forster's place as one of today's best writers of legal thrillers. With a cast of characters as real as your own next door neighbors, and an easily identifiable story, the book is impossible to put down.

By Robin Nobles

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book!, September 15, 2010

By 

V. Lynch "gin" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: THE MENTOR (Kindle Edition)

What happens when the one's we love and put up on a pedestal fall from that pedestal? This book is about a great mentor to two very different people, and how his relationship and death affects them both. The characters are strong, passionate, and very real. This is one of those books that make you think a bit while you are reading it. Will your children agree with the decisions you made 20 years ago? Or even understand them?

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Page turning legal thriller, July 13, 2010

By 

Bruce A. Raterink "Ratbruce" (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: THE MENTOR (Kindle Edition)

When Lauren Kingsley is assigned to prosecute a case before her mentor/benefactor Judge Wilson Caulfield, she unexpectedly tangles with legal and personal issues that not only put her life in danger but also expose previous wrong doings by people she loves and respects. Rebecca Forster is one of those marvelous authors who never tells you what a character is thinking or feeling - she makes you experience it. With The Mentor, she ingeniously takes the reader on a tour of the inner workings of the Federal District Court while exploring the complex drama inherent in mentor relationships. Download this now - you won't regret it.CHARACTER WITNESSBefore Her Eyes