Breach of Promise

Mark and Paula's storybook marriage ends when Paula demands a divorce after she spends four months in Rome, working with world-famous movie director Tony Troncati. Patrick Lawlor's performance of Mark's initial shock and devastation is powerful and believable. His rich characterization of Paula's overnight success, new boyfriend, and high-powered legal advisers contrasts sharply with his depiction of Mark's growing anger, depression, and escalating fears. Lawlor also captures Mark's anguish over the couple's down-and-dirty custody battle over 5-year-old daughter Maddie, which is fueled by false accusations. Narration from Mark's point of view restricts the listener's insights into Paula's character and the seductive power of fame. However, the surprise ending is worth the wait in a story that reveals how far a father will go to get back his child. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2004
Still reeling after his wife, actress Paula Montgomery, leaves him for another man, Mark Gillen is devastated when she and her lawyer try to force him out of daughter Maddie's life. Falsely accused of being an unfit father, Mark is dragged through the mud as he fights for his parental rights every step of the way. His chances of getting even partial custody of his daughter grow dimmer with each new assault launched by the opposing side. When he is tempted to drink away his troubles, Mark chooses a different way for Maddie's sake and instead turns to God. The U.S. legal system's treatment of fathers' rights in custody battles is as much on trial as Mark is in this agonizing account of the lengths a father will go to preserve his relationship with his child. Bell, a lawyer himself, is a master of legal suspense (Deadlock; Blind Justice; "The Trials of Kit Shannon" series), and this new offering may be his finest. Highly recommended for all collections, this work should hold crossover appeal for John Grisham fans.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2004
Bell's " Breach of Promise " contains" " less action than most of the author's thrillers, but it's edgier, taking on the prejudice against custodial single fathers and the idiocy of the legal system in general. It features Matt Gillen, a sometime actor who thinks he's leading an idyllic life because of his beautiful actress wife, Paula, and his cute daughter, Maddie. Then Paula gets a role in a famous Italian director's new movie. She promptly dumps Matt for the director, who brings his power and money to bear to ensure that Matt's custody fight for Maddie is almost hopeless. Except perhaps for the sweet made-for-TV ending, the story is engaging, shrewd about Hollywood, and contains some brilliant minor characterizations, such as Matt's father, a small-time criminal who thinks he's a flower child. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)