Something about legal thrillers intrigues me; despite not being law savvy. I’ve read a number of John Grisham books, which have become my go-to when I want an easy read that’s grounded in reality. I decided to give a new author a try in the genre and that’s where Lethal Lawyers by Dale E. Manolakas came in.
With Grisham’s works being the industry standard when it comes to legal thrillers, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a newer author. But I was quickly impressed by how real the characters and the setting in Lethal Lawyers felt.
Reading about first year associate, Sophia Christopoulos, interview at a top of the line legal firm –Thorne and Chase– felt as easy as watching a TV show. Author Dale E. Manolakas does a great job of implementing the legal jargon in a way that’s not condescending or pretentious.
Sophia’s interview process does seem to take up a large chunk of the book, but never is it boring to read through. It serves as an outlet for the author to spread her knowledge of the process while also introducing characters and showing us Sophia’s drive and determination.
The story of Lethal Lawyers really begins to pick up once Sophia seals her fate at Thorne and Chase. One of the partners at the firm turns up dead in what’s believed to be an accident. But as Sophia continues to learn more of the company’s dirt, it soon becomes apparent that a conspiracy is at play.
While some of the plot points become predictable, this book still kept me turning the pages. Dale E. Manolakas’ talent is in creating believable characters that fuel the story. Even if you have an idea where the story is heading, you’ll still want to keep reading because you care enough about the people at Thorne and Chase.
Sophia is also a protagonist that feels like a real person. There were times when Sophia was indecisive. And many times when she changed her mind within a few paragraphs. But when I thought about the problems she was faced with, I could see people in real life struggling to make an honest judgement so I was able to forgive her irrational change of heart in these situations.
When looking at the length of Lethal Lawyers in comparison to other books in the genre, it can seem intimidating. But after finishing the book, it didn’t feel as long as it looks. This was because I became super invested in Sophia’s journey. To the point I was sneaking in chapters throughout my day, whenever I could.
My Verdict on Lethal Lawyers
When you consider that the industry leaders in the legal thriller genre often have cookie cutter characters, Lethal Lawyers stands out by having a unique cast of characters. And it’s these characters that become the books biggest strength. So much so that you can overlook the minor flaws.
Lethal Lawyers is a satisfying read that has me wanting to read more from Dale E. Manolakas. I’m happy that I gave it a shot, and you should do the same.
