Title: Flesh & Bones
Author: Paul Levine
First published January 1, 1997
337 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380725915 (ISBN10: 0380725916)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
“Flesh & Bones” by Paul Levine is a thrilling tale of love, trust, and betrayal. When supermodel Chrissy Bernhardt is accused of killing her own father, she turns to ex-pro football linebacker-turned-trial lawyer Jake Lassiter for help.
But as Lassiter delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister world of child abuse, crooked shrinks, and shady dealings. And when he falls for his beautiful client, he realizes he may have gotten in too deep.
With danger lurking around every corner, Lassiter must navigate through the dark underbelly of the international modeling scene to prove Chrissy’s innocence before it’s too late. A fast-paced thriller that will leave you breathless until the very end.
About the Author
Paul Levine’s latest legal thriller, “Early Grave,” follows former NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter as he takes on high school football after his godson suffers a catastrophic injury. Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One.
The story also delves into Lassiter’s personal life as he battles CTE, a fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries, and works on repairing his rocky relationship with his fiancée.
Critics have praised the book for its believability, complex characters, witty dialogue, and high-octane excitement. “Early Grave” is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series and can be enjoyed by both newcomers and fans of Levine’s work.
In addition to “Early Grave,” Levine has written 23 novels and won the John D. MacDonald fiction award, as well as being nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, and James Thurber awards.
Editoral Review
Flesh & Bones by Paul Levine is a gripping legal thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Levine is an experienced author with a talent for crafting suspenseful plots and compelling characters, and his skill is on full display in this novel.
The story takes place in Miami, where Jake Lassiter, a former NFL linebacker turned defense attorney, finds himself embroiled in a high-profile murder case. The victim is a wealthy businessman with a shady past, and the prime suspect is his beautiful young trophy wife.
As Lassiter delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Levine’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-drawn and memorable, particularly Lassiter himself, who is a flawed but ultimately sympathetic protagonist.
The setting of Miami is also vividly portrayed, with its glitzy nightlife and seedy underbelly.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of complex legal and ethical issues, such as the nature of justice and the limits of loyalty. Levine doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult topics, and his insights into human nature are both insightful and thought-provoking.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, and the pacing occasionally lags in the middle section.
Additionally, while the ending is satisfying, it does feel somewhat rushed and could have been given more room to breathe.
Overall, Flesh & Bones is a solid entry in the legal thriller genre, and fans of the genre will find much to enjoy here. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s well worth the read for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and thoughtful exploration of complex themes.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
