Degree of Guilt

By: Richard North Patterson

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Length: 18 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Christopher Paget is a trial lawyer with a famous past. As a young investigator he brought down a president. It cost him his relationship with Mary Carelli. Fifteen years have passed while Paget raises their son, seeking privacy. Until a murder changes everything.

Now a television journalist, Mary is charged in an eminent novelist's death. Her defense is attempted rape, and she wants Paget to defend her. But a fateful question remains: was it self-defense...or murder?

©1992 Richard North Patterson (P)1994 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One intense courtroom clash after another....An intelligent and gripping thriller." (Washington Post)

Degree of Guilt

There must have been a book prior to this one that contains the story between Christopher Paget and Mary Carelli and I didn't read it. I kept feeling like I was missing some information. I kept having to fill in the blanks with what I thought must have happened.

All about sex

"Degree of Guilt" verges on pornography, at times -- actually, lots of times -- however, only a disturbed person could find any titillation in the porn depicted here. This extraordinary novel might offend many people; and I would advise anyone with delicate or devout sensibilities to bypass this audiobook. It concerns perverted, sick, non-romantic sex. Surprisingly, Richard North Patterson does a commendable, reasonably accurate job of portraying this distasteful subject from a woman's point of view -- or, rather, from the viewpoint of several abused women. I would never label "Degree of Guilt" a pleasant read -- definitely not fun escape-fiction -- but it remains timely, pertinent, and important, even despite its old publication date. This audiobook will make you think. It has an intricate, well-crafted plot, in which Patterson gradually unfolds needed backstory with intermittent flashbacks, while skillfully developing each of the intriguing characters. I have two minor complaints with this audiobook. First, I didn't like the choice of reader: Alexander Adams has an unpleasant voice, reads too fast, and doesn't distinguish the characters from one another adequately. Clearly, this novel should have been read by a top female actor, like Barbara Rosenblat, for instance. Secondly, I cite my pet production peeve: bookmarks too far apart. Audible set the bookmarks almost one hour apart, with no reference to logical chapter, paragraph, or sentence breaks. I suspect that Audible may have corrected this problem in more recent offerings; but this audiobook was published a long time ago, when someone had the aesthetic of making the bookmarks look evenly-spaced on one's iPod. Otherwise, I recommend "Degree of Guilt" to anyone who can appreciate a legal drama with a serious, unpleasant topic.

A great read, really well written.

Of all the writers of courtroom procedurals, Richard North Patterson is my favorite. He creates characters that live and breathe. His plots are complex and his storylines have wonderful twists and turns,. I've read this one twice now and will probably read it again. It's got great pacing, believable dialogue, enough complexity to keep you guessing. It was just as enjoyable the second time around as it was the first. It's a long book that you wind up wishing were even longer! A winner on all fronts.

A must listen for most

This is a good book. It is well written and read. The characters are intense and the relationships handled in the story complex. The plot dwells around rape and sexual abuse, but the book is also about the way multiple relationships function while handling complex issues. There are powerful husband-wife, son-father, girlfriends, friends and more relationships scenes in the book that may touch you. And, yes there is a super plot full of suspense and excellent courtroom drama with an intelligent judge who became one of my favorite characters in the book. Who, why, how did it question in the book makes it even more gripping.

It is a classic thriller that provided me with a great time!
Let not the size of the book nor the year of publication give you second thoughts?download now and you will not be disappointed.

Wow!

A moving story told with great skill. Fantastic narration. The first audio book where I thought I might cry near the end. Touching.

Great Court Room and Family Drama

Ignore the naysayers -- this is an outstanding novel featuring an engrossing court room drama. The story is lengthy but superb in terms of characters, legal drama and pace. Some say it needed a different/better narrator, but I appreciated Adams' performance because it did not get in the way of the story. He simply told it, using a minimum of different voices. If you are a fan of legal/court room dramas, this is a must read. Patterson truly nailed it.

This Guy is Good!

Richard North Patterson writes good books-- plain and simple. This is my second of his and I can see that it won't be the last. As you listen, you find that you REALLY CARE about the characters, the plot, and what happens. The action is realistic yet exciting. The plot involves both love and sex at times, yet is never sappy or sleazy. The plot twists are genuine. Enjoy this book!

Definitely a court room drama

What made the experience of listening to Degree of Guilt the most enjoyable?

Good narrator

What did you like best about this story?

I like court room dramas and this takes place most exclusively in the court room.

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

nothing

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

yes

Worth your listen!

This was a very good book, with outstanding naration. It is read in three parts. The first two are very moving, and you will not want to stop listening. The last part was a little difficult to get through, and became a bit predictable.

I would definately recomend it, and you will be glad you gave it a listen

Good have been better

The ending came and just like Peggy Lee I said I's that all there is?