Legal Thrillers

I looked forward to listening to David Colacci's performance (always very well done) of John Lescoart's latest work The Ophelia Cut, and revisiting the many characters he has established so very well.

This book is not a stand alone work -- it is number 14 in the Dismas Hardy series (all books are available in Audible, thanks!) and the plot is linked to number 9, The First Law (which is difficult to listen to due to the reader and it would be good if it was re-recorded by Colacci).

I felt that The Ophelia Cut lacked some of the discipline and care of his previous books. So, what was happening to the author?

Tired? (I hope not -- I'm looking forward to his next novel!) My feeling is that he opted for easy answers to the plot lines that he initially established in his usual intriguing way, and as a result the resolution to the problems were not satisfying. Or was he being overly ambitious? Anyway, disappointly, the overlay of credibility was missing. And, apart from Hardy himself, he did not manage to create that deeply personal involvement with the protagonists that Lescroart normally develops so skilfully.

But this is, none the less, an entertaining listen.

The combination of writer John Lescroart and reader David Colacci is first rate. These are dramatic novels with strongly drawn characters, gripping plots -- and altogether excellent listening.

I am a fan of Lescroart's work. I enjoy his characters, their interactions, the integrity of his presentation of law and policing. I enjoy his sense of humor -- the dry wit between friends, the intelligence of his women, the passion and commitment to 'seeing things through to the end.' End being Justice, doing the right thing -- but not self righteously -- purposes are measured and examined.

The First Law was a key book in terms of the Dismas Hardy series -- how the lives of important characters evolve -- and also tackles issues of corruption. As usual, it was rich with action and human complexities.

The reader, however, managed to present the book in a manner that all but removed the subtleties of Lescroart's skills. His-- admittedly rich -- voice had the impersonal tone of a newsreader. It was as if he was determinedly disinterested. Furthermore, his voices for the various characters lacked life and sympathy -- or variation.

Above all -- and very strangely -- his phrasing defied the author's flow: he paused where and when he wanted to.

The general result was to create an uncomfortable wedge between listener and the author. And I gave this book three stars because I really couldn't fully appreciate it because of the reader.

However, I do highly recommend Lescroart works -- and especially those read by David Colacci.