Defending Jacob

A Novel

By: William Landay

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A legal thriller that’s comparable to classics such as Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent . . . tragic and shocking.”—Associated Press

NOW AN EMMY-NOMINATED ORIGINAL STREAMING SERIES • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Entertainment Weekly • Boston Globe • Kansas City Star

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: his fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, and as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.

Award-winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis—a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control.

©2012 William Landay (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Landay has proven himself to be an extraordinary writer, and Defending Jacob is an amazing novel. Do yourself a favor and read it. It’s that good.” (Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times best-selling author)

“Harrowing . . . This searing narrative proves the ancient Greek tragedians were right: the worst punishment is not death but living with what you—knowingly or unknowingly—have done.” ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“[Landay] reaches a new level of excellence with this riveting, knock-your-socks-off legal thriller. With its masterfully crafted characterizations and dialogue, emotional depth, and frightening implications, the novel rivals the best of Scott Turow and John Grisham. Don’t miss it.” ( Booklist, starred review)

Like 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Well written, but predictable. Very reminiscent of 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. If you've read that one, no need to listen to this one.

interesting story

What made the experience of listening to Defending Jacob the most enjoyable?

The reader is very good. There was no obvious outcome in the story.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings the story to life. He has good pacing and intonation.

Any additional comments?

This is a book that holds your interest. Although there were hints as to what the outcome would be, the path took turns in getting there.

Wow.

Any additional comments?

Having just finished the book, I'm still reeling. The last hour was totally unexpected. It is definitely worth the time to listen.

Fascinating Story

I loved this book. It is an excellent portrayal of a family in crisis and presents many moral dilemmas. The courtroom scenes are outstanding. Kept me guessing until the end. The narrator was good, but not great. He had difficulty changing his voice to portray different characters.

Couldn't stop listening.

I don't think I have ever used the term "riveting" in describing a book, but this one earns that distinction. Being a mother of sons, I could identify with the need to defend one of my own. Not a "feel-good" book, but definitely worth the time. The reader sounded like he could be an attorney and a father. I felt like I was listening to the true story of this family.

Engaging Mystery/Legal Combo

Very classic Grisham-like tale that keeps you listening beyond your typical window of commuting or otherwise. Tackles family, legal systems, police investigations and the mind set during each phase. Well done.

Riveting!

Wow this book was excellent! It combines a family drama with a suspenseful legal thriller. I’m an avid reader and a lawyer. The novel is very true to life in the way it describes the difficulties of marriage encounters when faced with one of the most terrifying situations that a parent could imagine. It also very cleverly Demonstrates the law can be boring at times and very hard work. It realistically portrays unique political issues that a government lawyer often faces. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Chilling!

Where does Defending Jacob rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks high, it made me think after I had finished, "what would I do?" I appreciate books that do that, they don't let you go.

What other book might you compare Defending Jacob to and why?

I don't recall listening to another book quite like this one.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The subtle ease the way he changed his voice for the characters, the book was a joy to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not at first, just seemed like a courtroom drama but as it slowly unfolded I would sit in car and continue.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book, it provoked good lunch discussions with co-workers, everyone had an opinion on how they would handle a similar situation.

This book got me hooked

This book got me hooked from the first to the last minute. Love the storyline, characters and speaker.

well written

I absolutely loved grover's narration of this intense story. I never would have predicted this ending! 5 stars for sure!