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)

Intriguing and sad

Intriguing. Good characters. Sad ending and sad but true that our justice system can be so very much about power and not so much about justice.

Brilliant storytelling

I was captivated. Buffa's storytelling capabilities were a surprise and a delight, given that I had no idea what to expect. And the reader - wonderful! Combine Buffa's skill with words and construction, imagery and character, with Predovic's performance and development of the characters as people, and it's truly spellbinding. This is a must-read in its genre!

Bravo!

I don't care what you say the reader is everything when listening to this great book and Dennis Predovic does not disappoint. His reading makes you feel and know every single character in this book and I could not stop listening. EXCELLENT!

What a delight this book was!

I loved everything about this book. Never trite. Never boring. Always enguaging. Enought twists and turns to keep me guessing, but not so convoluted that it was difficult to follow. I didn't know Buffa was this good. I'll certainly try his other works.

First time reading this author...

GREAT Story. loved the narrator's voice. I will be looking for the next author's book.

Excellence in writing and narration

My favorite audio book to-date. I frequently found myself sitting in the parking lot because I was so deeply involved in the story that I didn't want to stop listening. The narration enhanced the vivid pictures the author created.

My first of his books and I know I will listen to many more!

I have always enjoyed author/lawyer books. I appreciated this one greatly. How mental illness is dealt with is very touching.

Dazzeling prose

My 1st Buffa novel. I will be back for more. Court room drama at its best. Memorable characters. A plot which keeps you involved. Descriptions and phrasing which excel at allowing the reader to see and feel what the characters are experiencing.

Be prepared for disappointment

The "mystery" was predictable. The ending was abrupt and left me hanging. It was much too long and much too boring!

Definitely Not Grisham!

What did you like best about The Judgment? What did you like least?

First three-quarters of this book I thought was boring. Even thought about quitting. I picked this book because of all the good reviews. One reviewer said Buffa was as good as John Grisham... in my opinion not even close! Nothing outstanding about the narrator either. Although I will say the last quarter of the story made this book a marginally worthwhile listen.