The Rule of Law

A Dismas Hardy Novel, Book 18

By: John Lescroart

Narrated by: Jacques Roy

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

John Lescroart - the “master of the legal thriller” (Chicago Sun-Times) - is back in action, marshaling his witty dialogue and airtight plotting in this electrifying thriller featuring attorney Dismas Hardy as he grapples with his longtime trusted assistant being charged as an accessory to murder.

Dismas Hardy knows something is amiss with his trusted secretary, Phyllis. Always reliable and consistent, she’s been behaving out of character and disappearing without notice. Dismas becomes even more concerned when he discovers Phyllis has been reluctantly playing host to her convict brother, a man just released from San Quentin after serving a 25-year sentence for armed robbery and attempted murder. 

Things take a shocking turn with Phyllis is suddenly arrested at work, accused of being an accessory to the murder of Hector Valdez, a coyote who’d been smuggling women into the country from El Salvador and Mexico. That is, until recently, when he was shot to death - on the very same day Phyllis started disappearing from work. The connection between Phyllis, her brother, and Hector’s murder is not something Dismas can easily understand, but if his treasured colleague has any chance of going free, he needs to put all the pieces together - and fast. 

As “one of the best thriller writers to come down the pike” (USA Today), John Lescroart crafts yet another whip-smart and rousing novel filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

©2019 John Lescroart (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

I was so excited about a new Dismas Hardy Book.

Not sure why the change of narrators. But when you've been listening to the series for years and all of a sudden the characters have a totally different personality and voice its very disappointing. Not as bad a some authors with their political leanings but I listen to these audio books to NOT hear that. Ive often wished that David Colacci would reread the prior ones read by Robert Lawrence. If you'd never read one of this series maybe the book would be okay.

Wrong Narrator

Excellent story, must read Fatal first to be able to follow along. I think it needed to be narrated by David Colacci but I'm going to give it a 2nd go round.

awful narration

the performance ruined it! so blah with little inflection.come on producers.You can do far better.

Wrong narrator

I have listened to several of the Dismas Hardy books read by David Colacci. He is one of my favorite readers. The reader of this book pales significantly by comparison. As an attorney myself, the court/attorney dialogue just doesn’t ring true. Love the Dismas books though!

Love this series--eagerly wait for next one

John Lescroart can do no wrong with his writing in my eyes. Well,, there was one solo book that was just okay. :o) The Dismas Hardy series never disappoints and I often recommend it. Looking forward to Book 19 thru Book 40.

Disappointing

While I have read several books by Lescraort, and found them interesting, this one just failed to grab my attention. Sorry, Mr. Lescroart

Where is David Colacci????

I just could not continue listening to this book with the new narrator. David Colacci WAS the voice of Dismas Hardy. Jacques Roy does not differentiate among characters and reads with little or no inflection. He sounds bored, and so that makes me feel bored as well. I've listened to about 20% of the book and will finish it on my Kindle, having purchased the e-book because I want to find out what is happening to Phyllis! Sorry, Audible. I won't be purchasing any more Lescroart audible books read by this narrator.

Like Fine Wine

John Lescroart is one of my all-time favorite authors. I’ve read or listened to every one of his books over the years, and he never disappoints. Dismas Hardy. Abe Glitsky. Wes Farrell. David Freeman. All great characters whom I grew to love; there are others, too many to name. San Francisco, as the back drop of most of the action, has inspired me to plan a visit. Lescroart’s skillful dialogue and artful plot lines, make it hard to put down the book or switch off the audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed the many narrations by David Colacci, a superb master of voices; but recent readings by Jacques Roy were also excellent. This book tied up quite a few “loose ends,” which was satisfying, but I honestly hope that this is not the end of the Hardy saga. John Lescroart has only gotten better over time. Please keep writing John!!!!

another best by John Lescroat

this one will keep you guessing till the end. a great performance by Jacquez Roy.

Disappointing with an abrupt ending

Not one of the better additions to the series. The story was great up to a point. However, the author dug such a deep hole for the main characters that there was no way of getting out of it other than an abrupt ending. The narrator used essentially the same tone and inflection for all of the characters which also detracted from the experience.