The Tenth Case

• Publisher:   Mira Books
• Number Of Pages:   384
• Publication Date:   2008-10-01
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   0778326055
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9780778326052

In this novel, Jaywalker more than once voices the advice that one should quit while ahead. I personally felt that Teller went a bit too far with the final twist to his story, but this still holds up well, However, I do think he bettered this effort in his 2nd book BRONX JUSTICE. Still, this is one darn good read.

Joseph Teller does a good job of storytelling during The Tenth Case and it is generally well paced and easy to read, however some of the key elements of the backstory just didn't ring true and intruded too much on the actual story. The backstory of the plot revolves around a trial lawyer with the nickname of Jaywalker (from his given name of Harrison J. Walker) who is extremely skilled and effective at criminal defense. Jaywalker, however, has been embroiled in disbarment procedures over ethical lapses such as having sex with a client in the courthouse after securing her freedom, breaking into an evidence room to have his own chemist analyze some narcotics and impersonating a judge to get a police officer to hand over his notes. The procedure (which all occurs in the first four pages, so this is not a spoiler) ends up with a decision to suspend Jaywalker for three years, but he begs the board to allow him to finish the cases he currently has before beginning the suspension. The board agrees to allow him to pick ten of the cases he currently has, nine of which he closes quickly and the tenth which forms the basis of the book. The story of The Tenth Case is actually a good courtroom drama about Samara Moss and whether she actually killed her husband. However, the author decides to constantly bring up the backstory of Jaywalker's impending suspension. He further feeds this backstory with Jaywalker's indifference to his impending banishment because he is actually quitting forever after he finishes with Moss case. Unfortunately, this REALLY didn't ring true to me considering that Jaywalker is so dedicated to his work and his clients as well as how it really didn't fit in with how Jaywalker seemed to be as a person. At first, it was easy to suspend disbelief on the suspension and get past the awkwardness of the out-of-character feelings in order to enjoy the story. Unfortunately, it seemed that the author brought up the backstory everytime that Jaywalker was thinking about the case (meaning any time there was exposition rather than moving the plot along). This constant harping on the backstory eventually ruined the enjoyment of the book for me since I could no longer ignore how poorly it seemed to fit with the Jaywalker character. If you can suspend disbelief on the backstory, or buy into the fact that Jaywalker could actually feel this way, then you will probably enjoy The Tenth Case. Unfortunately, it was just too much for me.

There are times when I swear that I learn most of what I know from murder mysteries. Like this one. I've read three or four mysteries since this and critiqued the courtroom scenes from what Jaywalker (or Teller) says and does. This alone wouldn't make the book really good, of course. But it's funny, irreverent, with a plot that holds together through a second reading. I love the client, especially when she gives the prosecutor a lesson on terms used in Las Vegas regarding interpersonal relationships and dating. Teller takes chances here that don't violate the "play fair with the reader" conventions but still come as a surprise.

Joseph Teller has created a fascinating new character in Jay Walker and after reading this excellent new book I personally can't wait to see more of him. Right up there with some of the best and highly recommended.

Not a bad first time effort. The crime we have all seen a thousand times, young trophy wife kills rich, older hubby. Toss in an unorthodox lawyer to defend her, and away we go! Jaywalker is a likable character. The story was well written and filled with well used legal jargon. Unfortunately, I did figure out who the killer was almost halfway through the book. And while I felt that the ending was a little of a stretch, I still enjoyed this book. I would say give it a try, you might like it!

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