Necessity

February 26, 2018
A lack of subtlety undermines Buffa’s provocative eighth legal thriller featuring attorney Joseph Antonelli (after 2005’s Trial by Fire), in which senator Kevin Fitzgerald of California stands accused of fatally stabbing President Walter Bridges, a “mindless narcissist” suspected of conspiring with the Russians, on Air Force One while the plane was parked at the San Francisco airport. Fitzgerald claims he had to kill Bridges to save the country, invoking the legal doctrine of necessity (“there are times when it is not only your right, but almost your duty to kill”). Fitzgerald’s wife is sure he’s innocent, despite his confession, and persuades a reluctant Antonelli to take on her husband’s defense. The trial bafflingly takes place in state court, given that the murder of a president is a federal crime. Despite Buffa’s own legal experience, the courtroom scenes are unconvincing, and a subplot involving an extramarital affair that Antonelli conducts with a knockout named Tangerine can’t rescue the main story line. Even readers opposed to President Trump and his policies will find little to like in this outrageous scenario.

April 15, 2018

Edgar Award nominee Buffa (The Judgment) brings back his protagonist, famous defense attorney Joseph Antonelli, for the trial of the century. The quick-witted and clever Antonelli is asked to defend Sen. Kevin Fitzgerald, who has been accused of and confessed to killing the U.S. president. The accused claims a defense of necessity, which may apply when an individual commits a criminal act during an emergency in order to prevent a greater harm from happening. Fitzgerald, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, claims to have information showing his act was for the greater good of the country. Readers will be drawn to Buffa's riveting plot twists right up to the edge-of-your-seat conclusion. His characters are compelling; the dialog authentic and well crafted. VERDICT With the current political upheaval, Buffa's newest novel hits home in more ways than one. The author draws on his own experience as a criminal defense attorney to render realistic courtroom proceedings. Highly recommended for lovers of legal and political thrillers.--Joni Gheen, Lady J's Bookish Nook, McConnelsville, OH

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.