The very definition of a page turning novel, The Local combines the intensity of a murder trial with the fresh and unique angle of patent law to craft a marvelous and intense entry into the legal thriller genre. It’s a cracking debut by Joey Hartstone, who like Chris Hauty is making the transition from Hollywood screenwriter to thriller novelist look way too easy.
Welcome to Marshall, Texas, the patent lawsuit capital of the United States. And here in the Eastern District of Texas, when you file or face a patent lawsuit, you need local council to give you an edge with the local jury. James Euchre is the finest patent lawyer in town and the guy you want on your side when millions of dollars are at risk. Euchre’s new client is Amir Zawar, a west coast tech genius who is facing a suit he believes is fruitless, which leads him to lose his cool at the preliminary hearing and threaten the judge while being restrained by the bailiffs. So when that judge is murdered later that night, all signs point to this outsider as the clear suspect. Amir is steadfast in his innocence and persuades Euchre to defend him despite his lack of experience with criminal law. Euchre agrees because the Judge was his mentor and he wants to be a part of finding the truth behind who killed his friend, even if it’s his client. The stakes are high and emotions are running hot with the truth hard to pin down. It’s up to Euchre and his small but mighty legal team to get to the truth and ensure the right murderer is brought to justice.
The Local is a top-notch legal thriller with a similar feel to some of the big names in the genre - Michael Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer, John Grisham’s Jake Brigance and John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy series. It’s engaging, suspenseful and full of twists and turns. It has a driven, intelligent, underestimated lawyer who doesn’t shy away from taking risks or letting the case become personal. He also has a brilliant and funny investigator with a great nickname based on her former athletic prowess. And lastly, it has wonderfully crafted courtroom drama with a prosecutor for whom there’s no love lost for Euchre. Put it all together with the unique spin of patent law and it’s one of the most entertaining legal novels I’ve read in recent years.
I’m not sure if this is the start of a new series or if Hartstone will write standalone novels. But what I do know is that this guy tells a hell of a story and you can sign me up right now to read whatever he writes next. Don’t miss this book. I expect it to be mentioned among the best debut thrillers of the year.
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Purchase The Local
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Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
