The Judgment

By: D.W. Buffa

Narrated by: Dennis Predovic

Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

No one had a more brilliant legal career than Judge Calvin Jeffries. And no one cared less about the law and more about power. That is, until Jeffries is found murdered in a courthouse parking lot. The crime shocks the community, but justice is swift. Jeffries's killer is caught, confesses, and then unexpectedly commits suicide in his jail cell. The case is closed.

Soon a second judge is stabbed to death under identical circumstances. And like the Jeffries murder, the killing appears to be an open-and-shut case, and a copycat crime as well.

Yet there's one attorney who knows both sides of Judge Calvin Jeffries too well to believe the murders were simply random acts of violence. Attorney Joseph Antonelli agrees to defend the accused. What he discovers challenges everything he knows about crime and punishment...and himself. He uncovers a twisted trail of retribution and obsession that leads to the real killer - and a plan even more chillingly flawless than the mythical "perfect crime."

©2001 by D.W. Buffa, All Rights Reserved (P)2001 by Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

"A crackling good psychological thriller." (James Patterson)
"Buffa once again produces a fast-spinning tale that jolts and veers enticingly...Well-developed characters...add depth to this excellent thriller." (Publishers Weekly)

A race to the finish

A legal thriller, fantastic reader, anyone with a legal criminal background ( attorney, judge or defendant!) will especially enjoy. Technically "right on." I couldn't put it down.

great courtroom drama

This courtroom drama was a good love story with a psychological twist, exploring morality and mental health issues.

Great story and outstanding narration.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to the end. Add this one to your library.

Another Good Copy

Grisham-Like, a very good effort. Good enough to invest your time.

Stories Within the Story and Court Room Drama Too!

Great book! Although I figured out "who done it" in the first half of the audio, it was well worth the listen to the very end because I wanted to know how things came together so the lawyers would figure it out. This story takes a long time to be told, but offers great descriptive prose and numerous relationships and characters to learn to know along the way. As it unfurls, the listener gets to witness numerous legal skirmishes and court room dramas as well as the personal relationships of the central figure.

Liked it so much that I will que other Buffa books in my wish list.

Richly layered, complex story and characters

How did I live so long without reading anything by Buffa? I thought this book was amazingly well written and well read. The intricate meandering plot took many fascinating detours which all added depth and complexity. The characters were interesting, unique and believable. Half way through I stopped listening to check what else he had written and add them to my wish list. I was disappointed that the first two books in the series don't seem to be available on Audible. I highly recommend this if you like legal dramas with fascinating characters.

Well done!!

It’s a good book for me , when I can’t put it down and I’m sorry I finished it so quickly.

Intricately developed story - a great listen

Really enjoyed this book - great character development, fascinating courtroom scenes and interesting story. Highly recommended.

Great Narrator but Blah Story

I REALLY had high hopes for this book. I love courtroom dramas, and the narrator hooked me from the first few paragraphs.

However:
the story (murder) leaves nothing to the imagination. All is known from the beginning; it is just a question of whether the lawyer can convince others.

The secondary story is a love story that leaves me cold.

Some of the secondary characters are well drawn, but overall, this was a snore.

Rave Review!

This was one of the best lawyer books I've ever listened to or read! I like him better than Grisham, there was a more personal connection to the main character. Need to look for more Buffa titles!