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)

gripping novel

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

Defending Jacob ranks high on my list right along with Jodi Picoult's novels.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Defending Jacob?

Blood spatter on Jacob't swim trunks.

Which scene was your favorite?

courtroom

If you could take any character from Defending Jacob out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Most probably it would be Andrew. For a D.A., he is very unassuming and loyal to a fault.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this novel.

Holy Cow! That's a Mind Bender!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have! This was the most striking, the most moving, the most intense book I have read or listened to since 2005 when I first listened to "The Da Vinci Code." It provoked an attachment to the characters creating an interest in their well being while keeping a distance that allowed observation. It was a completely profound experience.

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

I think the last time I had whiplash from a plot twist might have been "The Sixth Sense" movie. I can't say there is a book I could compare to Defending Jacob. I can say the following: It has the legal drama of John Grisham. It has the character definition of Jodi Picoult. It has the emotional anxiety of Stephen King.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Oh I like Grover Gardner. This the first book in my library performed by him. I've already been looking to see which other ones he has read to see if there is something I might want to listen to in the future. His voice is deep enough to sooth me, intense enough to keep me interested, and varies in all the right places. I like him a lot.

If you could take any character from Defending Jacob out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I think I would have dinner with Andy Barber. Andy is passionately in support of his son. His loyalty is unwavering. Not to mention anyone who has worked in the DA's office is likely to have good stories to tell. Jacob's character has to much teen angst for me to be able to get into a deep conversation with him. In regards to Laurie Barber, a woman who could entertain believing her son capable of murder on such scant evidence would likely lack the some of the qualities I value in an individual. None of the other characters are developed well enough for me to say for sure. The only other possible option would be the defense attorney John. He might be an intriguing personality and have some very good stories.

Any additional comments?

When this story began I was merely interested. Half way through the book it was impossible not to be eager to know how things would turn out. The ending choked me up. Without realizing my emotions became engaged. It was a most amazing story. Other's have said it before me, and I will say it as well, this story is one I will be thinking of weeks after having competed the book. Enjoy.

Good page turner

I enjoyed the story and loved the twist at the end. In a typical "whodunit" fashion, I was waiting for the shoe to drop - who did the murder, why is Andy testifying before a grand jury, etc. I won't give anything away, but I didn't see it coming. So, that bumps up the rating a bit.
Overall, I'd recommend it. Definitely a good page turner.

Definitely Recommend

Good story, definitely kept my interest. The idea of a "murder gene" is interesting. Well-constructed with an excellent ending. Reminisent of the old book/movie, The Bad Seed. I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a great job...pleasant voice, excellent job!

Great book.

Stay with it to the end. The twists and turns will shake up even the most mystery writers. The courtroom pages and the court documents are completely authentic. It’s worth the trip.

One of the most riveting books I've listened to.

Such a wonderfully constructed novel. It wasn't until the end that I realized that the testimony between Andy and Loguidice did not refer to Jacob, but was the testimony at the end concerning what his wife did. Also, other things were not spelled out comlpletely adding to the spine tingling 'creepiness...such as Andy and Laura hearing a cat screaming and not even beginning to understand what might be going on. This was better than having an explanation the next day. Jacob's actions were so consistent with the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorderand yet no one picked up on it, including the psychologist . Andy's blind spot for his son was tragic, particularly as he could NEVER come to grips with it. Laura's conflict of loving her son but feeling that he might be guilty was a terrible conflict fo her until the end she could see no other choice. The psyschological implications and symtpoms were superb. One of the best books I've listened to.

This is a great book.

Any additional comments?

This book is interesting, thought provoking, and has a few twists and turns in it. I loved it and highly recommend it.

Good! Beware of language.

Kept my family and I on the edge of our seats. Be warned that due to language (strong language) this is not kid friendly. Aside from that, the story was great and kept us engaged until the last sentence.

Dark territories, but a well crafted story

Andy Barber is a great character and he is brought to life by this performance.

It's so good

THE ENDING IS THE BEST PART. It's actually really captivating all the way through the entire book. Holds your attention and surprises you at every turn.