Barbara Levenson

Barbara Levenson's Justice in June is certainly a page-turner! Both the main plots were well thought out and nicely twisty, and the confusion on Mary's part about what was related to what case was interesting and well handled.

Usually in mysteries, the diverse threads all end up being a part of one plot; I hope it's not too much of a spoiler to appreciate that Levenson did less of that here, all the while using confusion about what was related to what in a very believable way.

The third plot on the description was simple, straightforward and easily resolved.

I do have to say, though, that the tone was very choppy. This happened, and then that happened, and then this other thing, without much in the way of transitions. It gives the novel a lot of energy, but makes it less coherent as a novel.

This was even more true with the characters and their dialogue -- it was so often disconnected! People would jump from topic to topic randomly in one paragraph! And while that would be an interesting thing to do with one character -- when they're all doing it, it does not differentiate their voices or improve character cohesion. It did not help that everyone here seemed to have a chip on their shoulder, and often flew into a rage at any possible provocation. While it did keep things moving, it felt arbitrary to me and did not make me like the characters. That amount of volatility just does not seem grounded.

I also did not care for the fact that Mary's first approach, pretty much always, to being thwarted was to threaten people. It also seemed unrealistic that this always worked for her; I'd think she'd have some problems as a result of going to Mutual Assured Destruction so rapidly.

As I said above, it's a page-turner. Many of the flaws I saw in the book would probably be less noticeable if I were not a very fast reader. I did like it, especially the plotting, but I think a somewhat calmer approach would show that off better.… (mehr)

Starting right off with the death of an informer, we meet Mary Magruder Katz, a criminal defense attorney in Miami, immediately thrown into heavyweight cases building up to overload. Her friend Judge Liz Maxwell is about to up the ante with a serious criminal investigation aimed at her, and needs Mary's legal assistance. It doesn't help that the dead informer was the main witness in a case that Judge Maxwell is trying.

If that were not enough, Mary's hunk of a boyfriend, Carlos, desperately needs help for his "cousin", actually the son of friends of the family, Luis. Luis was taken into custody as a terrorist on a business flight for his parents from his home in Argentina. He has completely disappeared into the Federal system with no information, no paper trail, no formal charges, and one partial phone call. Mary takes on all these cases with only one assistant. She knows she has serious and short deadlines to accomplish all this, and spends almost all her time on her work, until the threats begin.

It is June in Miami, and living up to its steamy hot weather. Not only is the weather stifling, but the caseload is threatening to stifle Mary for good. Are the threats related to the case for Luis? Possibly, but no one can find out where the Feds have him, he might even be out of the country. Are the threats related to her investigation of why Liz is in danger of being removed as a judge? Again, possibly, but who would be going after Liz? She appears to be honest and fair in her judgments. Certainly they can't have anything to do with a suit against Carlos, which has just been added to her caseload ... or can they?

Mary, though frightened having already been assaulted, is only more determined to carry on with all her cases regardless of the threats. When she gets a threatening call on her brand new Blackberry that she hasn't used, nor given out the number, and her home is broken into, she hightails it over to Carlos' with Sam, her dog, and moves in temporarily.

Barbara Levenson's writing is interesting, well researched, and filled with unique characters. The story is a blend of judicial, legal, and federal investigation and performance. It outlines the chaos and paranoia in the ongoing search for possible terrorists. It addresses greed and corruption as it can happen from within the judicial and the policing arenas, particularly with drug money involved. It also highlights the qualities of the honest in these same arenas. Bringing some light humor into play is the interaction between the parents of both Mary and Carlos, who have their own plans in play.

Mary Magruder Katz is an interesting character, one I would like to see grow. I enjoyed reading this book, and I appreciated Ms. Levenson's chapter breaks with subtitle whenever the storyline backtracks so the reader knows when there is a time shift. This is the second in a series and I will be looking for Fatal February, first in the series, and look forward to the third.… (mehr)

Mary Magruder Katz is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami whose life is suddenly very busy, as she gets involved in three high profile cases in June. So much for the lazy hazy days of summer.

Respected Judge Elizabeth Maxwell finds herself being investigated by the district attorney’s office due to a drug informant being killed. There is a desperate call from her boyfriend Carlos who wants Mary to go help a “relative” who has been picked up by the police, though he does not know what the charge is. Then there is Carlo’s own legal troubles concerning the condominium he is building.

Thankfully, Mary has a reliable assistant, Catherine who keeps the office moving but even with her Mary begins to wonder will she be able to handle it all. Things became more complicated when Mary sees some inconsistencies in the cases that Liz has ruled over, but then again did she really rule over all these cases?

Homeland Security is holding Carlos’ cousin, Luis and Mary cannot find out what the charges are or where he is being held. She is given quite a run around until she holds a press conference and begins to get some answers.

In addition to Carlos’ legal troubles, his parents have arrived in the US and want to meet Mary. It goes well but Mary does not really have time to socialize.

She has some help as she tried to trap the real culprit in the judge’s case, but will it backfire and cause her to lose her license? Will Carlos’ cousin be released? In addition, what about Carlos’ own case or for that matter Mary and his relationship?

Levenson has created an interesting cast of characters and a lighthearted mystery/legal story. I want to read more about Mary Magruder Katz and her legal cases.… (mehr)

It's no ordinary Monday at the office. In the course of two phone calls, Miami criminal defense attorney Mary Magruder Katz's life is turned upside down.

First off, Judge Elizabeth Maxwell calls to request Mary's help. The judge is being investigated by the state attorney's office in relation to the assassination of a drug informant in a case over which the judge is presiding. Can Mary represent her?

Next Mary's boyfriend, developer Carlos Martin, calls her because a family friend, Luis Corona from Argentina, has been arrested. Can Mary get him out of jail? Carlos doesn't know why Luis has been arrested, but when Mary rushes to the Dade County Jail, she discovers Luis has been arrested for terrorism.

As if these two cases aren't enough, Mary's parents have set up a dinner with Mary and Carlos and Carlos' parents, and Mary is a little freaked out about this initial meeting of the parents. Will her worries be for naught?

Added to Mary's plate is a lawsuit against Carlos concerning his latest development, which also brings Carlos' ex-wife into the picture. Oh, and did I mention someone has attacked Mary and trashed her house? Who knew being a lawyer was such a hazardous occupation?

Mary is a strong, capable criminal defense attorney and a genuinely likable protagonist. Her personal life definitely has some interesting moments. Readers will find "Justice in June" to be a fast, sassy and fun read. I loved it!

This is author Levenson's second Mary Magruder Katz book. "Fatal February" was the first in the series. Fans of Stephanie Plum and Kinsey Millhone will find a new author to love in Barbara Levenson.

I highly recommend "Justice in June" and can't wait to find out what's next on Mary's caseload.… (mehr)