In the spring of 2003 on a desolate stretch of Arizona highway, Anton Mackey’s life was changed forever. A reckless decision to get behind the wheel when he was in no condition to drive spawned a moment that threatened to destroy everything the 21 year-old had spent his life working toward. In an instant, Anton made a decision to save himself. A decision that claimed the lives of two people.
Eleven years later, Anton is a rising star in the Miami criminal defense community. He is married and has an infant daughter. He is earning a good living and steadily building a name for himself as an aggressive advocate for the accused. Anton shares an office with veteran defense attorney, Jack Savarese. A mentor of sorts, Anton strives to model his practice - and career - after Jack’s. A Miami criminal defense legend, Jack’s accomplishments in the courtroom are second to none. However, Jack remains burdened by the conviction of Osvaldo Garcia, a mentally-ill client from ten years earlier found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the death of a troubled teen.
When Daniella Avery, the beautiful wife of a man accused of a heinous act of domestic violence, comes into Anton’s office seeking his services, Anton thinks he’s landed a great case with a great fee. But when he succumbs to temptation, he realizes that Daniella is a figure from his past.
Anton finds himself caught between the possibility of being exposed and the fact that his client - Daniella’s husband - may be an innocent pawn in the victim’s attempt to carry out her revenge against Anton. As Anton struggles to balance defending his client while concealing the secret he has sought to forget, he uncovers the truth behind what really happened on that highway eleven years earlier. The truth that may be connected to the conviction of Osvaldo Garcia.
Boy, this one had a lot of things going on in it. At first it was confusing talking about these other trials, but it didn't take away from the reading, and then you start to see how the pieces come together. I was dumbfounded. I could not believe this was a debut. It was written so well. It had great character development and had me plowing through it just to see what exactly would come out of the mind of Eric Matheny. I was definitely impressed.
There is absolutely no way that you could guess the ending of this book. You might have some inclinations, but that's all you'll get. I just can't say good enough things about this book. It was very entertaining and one that I just could not put down. I kept wondering "who is this woman? And what's her deal?".
She's been "abused" and she goes to this lawyer, Anton - main character, and wants him to represent her abuser. I thought about that several times while reading this book. I just knew there was something fishy going on down there in Miami. I highly recommend this book, including it's jaw dropping telling of the facts.
The Victim by Eric Matheny begins with Anton leading a successful life as an attorney, with an enviably beautiful wife, Gina, a successful practice and a pretty baby daughter. Among the many cases he handles, one case about marital misdemeanor stands apart, especially because of the attractive woman, Daniella, who is in touch with him on that matter. His client is the one behind bars, her husband. Anton develops a close association with Daniella, spending sensual moments with her. He finds to his dismay that Daniella is connected to his past, a horrific accident he wishes to forget. He is in a quandary when she sends pictorial proof of their clandestine meetings to Gina. In a short while, he learns that the case he is busy with is a red herring, intended primarily to get him involved with things damaging to him, so that Danielle can take revenge for his role in the fatal accident which killed her dear ones.
The Victim by Eric Matheny has a fast moving pace and a skillfully conceived plot with quite a few twists and turns. Anton's past, the accident and its aftermath, once forgotten but reappearing with dramatic effect after many years, is shown convincingly, leaving no loose ends. The court scenes, the jury, and the exchanges are also presented in a professional manner with moderation and restraint, providing many a moment of mystery and intrigue. A page turner, this legal thriller has all the elements to hold reader interest from the first page to the last.
