The Advocate's Daughter

January 18, 2016
Washington, D.C., attorney Sean Serrat, the hero of this gripping if improbable legal thriller from Franze (The Last Justice), has recently entered private practice after a distinguished career representing the federal government before the Supreme Court. With Sean’s name on the president’s shortlist for filling a vacancy in the high court, he faces the possibility of a long-buried secret resurfacing—30 years earlier, while serving with the U.S. Army in Japan, he helped conceal the senseless murder of a Japanese shopkeeper. In the D.C. subway, a stranger bumps into him and mutters, “They know, Sean.” Then Sean’s law student daughter, Abby, is found murdered in the Supreme Court library. Though the police quickly identify a suspect in the crime, Sean is compelled to do his own digging. The transformation of his family into sleuths strains credibility—especially when his wife whips out a metal lock-pick to break into a room. Cartoonish characters don’t help the over-the-top story line, but fans of Brad Melzer should be satisfied. Agent: Lisa Erbach Vance, Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency.

Events from 30 years earlier collide with the present when the daughter of Sean Serrat, who is rumored to be a candidate for the Supreme Court, is found brutally murdered in the Court's library. Robert Petkoff, a prolific and accomplished narrator, masterfully unfolds this smart, suspenseful, nail-biter of a whodunit. Petkoff's deep, versatile voice is mesmerizing. He is equally adept portraying Serrat, a man in his prime; his determined wife, Emily; and their computer-savvy son, Ryan. Petkoff gives equally convincing portrayals of secondary characters, regardless of gender or age. Combined with Petkoff's fine acting skills, this clever story draws you in, wrings you out, and holds you tight, until the very last word. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2016

Sean Serrat leads a charmed life that includes a beautiful family, a loving wife, and a successful career as a Washington, DC, lawyer. He has even landed on the short list for nomination to the Supreme Court. But Sean's perfect world comes crashing down after his daughter Abby is found murdered in the Supreme Court library. Abby's boyfriend is arrested, but Sean has his doubts. As Sean starts digging for the truth, he is met with a spinning web of blackmail and old secrets. Franze's (The Last Justice) brilliant tale clearly reflects the author's background as a DC lawyer. Robert Petkoff's narration brings the characters to life and adds depth to the suspenseful mystery. VERDICT A great listen for thriller fans, especially those who enjoy politically themed mystery. ["Legal thriller fans should definitely find this appealing": LJ 2/1/16 review of the Minotaur: St. Martin's hc.]--Sean Kennedy, Univ. of Akron Lib.

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