Yes, this is a detective novel, but it is first and foremost a novel. Women, for example, will be particularly drawn to it. They will enjoy James' attempts to get inside the head of a trial lawyer, especially her perceptive comments on cross-examination, courtroom style, the anxiety of waiting for a verdict and dealing with clients. The litigious generally get left alone. From a lawyer-reader's point of view, this book practically brings to life Shakespeare's famous line.
People have lots of reasons to hate lawyers.
American lawyers who have survived the last two decades of shakeout and turmoil in their profession especially will appreciate one particular aspect of the author's prefatory note. James does not say if she believes in the Easter Bunny. Reviews will appear on The Denver Post Online.