The First Counsel

D.B. Sweeney gives an excellent performance, creating a distinctive voice for each of the characters. Unfortunately, the story loses its luster and concludes unbelievably. While readers of legal thrillers expect the unusual, this ending goes too far and even top narration can't improve it. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2001
A date with the president's daughter draws an ambitious young lawyer into a bewildering web of scandal, extortion and murder in this formulaic but lightning-paced suspense thriller set behind the scenes at the White House. Michael Garrick works for Edgar Simon, counsel to the president, and knows the inside workings of Washington and the precarious image-management duties of the First Family. But he finds himself quickly out of his depth on a date with the volatile First Daughter, Nora Hartson, when the two see Michael's boss in a gay bar. Nora insists on following the married lawyer, and the two witness Simon making a suspicious cash drop. Subsequent events link Michael to the cash and the murder of Caroline Penzler, friend of the First Lady and the lawyer who has the dirt on all the big shots. With his career, a presidential election and perhaps his life at stake, Michael cannot trust anyone, least of all Nora, who is dogged by rumors of drug use, promiscuity and general wildness. She is the only witness to his innocence, but he is intent on protecting her, and the president, from suspicion. Meltzer (The Tenth Justice; Dead Even) sprinkles his tale with many interesting details of working in and around the White House. He relies on some heavy-handed techniques to generate suspenseDMichael is always sensing someone watching him or peering through slowly opening doorsDand the plot has a familiar Hollywood ring to it. But Meltzer's relentless narrative finally digs its hooks in, and even skeptical readers will want to continue through the twists and turns, if only to confirm their own predictions. Agent, Jill Kneerim.

June 4, 2001
A man faces a lot of pressure when dating the first daughter of the U.S., especially if she is sexy, rebellious and maybe a little bit crazy like Nora Hartson. But young White House lawyer Michael Garrick thinks he is up to the task. Their first date begins with a wild car chase to shake off Nora's ever-present Secret Service tail and ends when Nora and Michael see something they were never meant to see—something that will put Michael's career, and his life, in danger. As witnesses to an ever-widening conspiracy, Michael and Nora find themselves tangled in a web of intrigue and under suspicion for murder. As the pressure increases, Nora makes herself scarce; when she does surface, she seems even more vulnerable and crazed, leaving Michael to decide if she is, in fact, part of the conspiracy or, like him, a victim of it. As he tries to make sense of the trap surrounding him, he finds himself not knowing whom, if anyone, to trust. Sweeney's reading is the perfect match for Meltzer's fast-paced and witty writing. With a raspy voice reminiscent of a young Martin Sheen, Sweeney brings to life Michael's anxious cockiness in a palpable manner. Simultaneous release with the Warner hardcover (Forecasts, Nov. 6, 2000).

A young White House attorney, romantically involved with the president's daughter, finds himself the FBI's number one suspect when a colleague is murdered. From the opening car chase to the final scenes, there's enough excitement to carry a decently read audio. But Scott Brick goes well beyond this, skillfully capturing attorney Mike's vulner-ability and confusion and the first daughter's bruised psyche. Brick's tone goes from explanatory to ironic to frightened as tension mounts. He is aided by various story devices--slowly opening doors, suspicious sounds, mysterious notes and assignations. Perhaps the most appealing characterization is that of Mike's mentally handicapped father, accomplished with sensitivity but not overkill. Details of White House routine, layout, and history make this tape informative as well as entertaining. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

September 15, 2000
What is the most dangerous thing a young White House attorney can do? Stumble upon a conspiracy while out on a date with the President's daughter.

Copyright 2000 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.