July 05, 2013

Review: Corrupt Practices by Robert Rotstein


Title: Corrupt Practices
Series: A Parker Stern Novel
Author: Robert Rotstein
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
Published: June 4, 2013
Paperback: 330 pgs

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A Los Angeles church, considered by some to be a powerful cult, charges Rich Baxter with embezzling millions. Rich reaches out to former colleague and trial attorney, Parker Stern to come to his defense. Parker despises the cult, but he hasn't entered a courtroom since developing severe stage fright after his mentor committed suicide.

As the case takes unexpected turns, Parker surprises himself and agrees to take on the church. But to represent his client, and uncover the truth, he must overcome his own long-buried secrets.

Corrupt Practices is one of those mysterious books that somehow manages to find its way into my hands without me having the slightest idea on how it got there, LOL. I don't usually read legal thrillers and the cover certainly didn't jump out at me. And yet...there I was on the train to work turning to the first page.

Unfortunately, I'm still not sure whether I'm happy about it.


There were definitely some great qualities to Rotstein's work -- let's start with those. The mystery, murder case and the actual trial itself -- those we're the page turners for me. Those were the aspects of this book that had me wanting to find out more and unable, at times, to put the book down. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside our protagonist, Parker Stern, and wondering whether I was right along (I was not, lol).
But, on the downside, there were moments when the book went waayyy to slow -- delivering you information you already knew. I really don't  like it when authors feel the need to hit you over the head with certain points of their story.


I also found Parker's character to be borderline unbelievable.  When we first meet him, he suffers from severe stage fright when placed in a courtroom -- talk about your can't-even-talk stage fright. But there are times during the trial itself that there is not a hint of that fear. The author tries to justify why this happens, but I just found it hard to believe.


Overall, 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. It just wasn't for me.


Have you read it? I'd love to hear what you thought. Let Me Know!!!



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