15 July 2007

Book Banter -- Solomon vs. Lord



Title: Solomon vs. Lord
Author: Paul Levine
Length: 576 pages
Genre: legal/comedy
Plot Basics: Victoria Lord is the newest prosecutor hoping to make it big by working in the D.A.'s office. That is, until a case about smuggling animals lands her across the aisle from defense lawyer Steve Solomon whom she despises... and in jail in contempt of court. After that case goes to the birds, Lord teams up with Solomon to defend a rich trophy wife accused of murdering her husband. Solomon is hoping the case will make him rich -- and appear stable -- so that he can win custody of his autistic nephew, Bobby. But as Solomon and Lord work on the case, their love-hate relationship may either get them disbarred or find them disrobed.

Banter Points: When the blurbs on a book promise it's going to be funny, Word Nerd's often a bit skeptical since one person's definition of humor is different from anothers, but this time, they got it right. Solomon vs. Lord actually had several laugh-out-loud moments, reminiscent of a Carl Hiaasen novel. As if the banter between Solomon and Lord isn't good enough on it's own, Levine works some heart into the novel as well with the relationship between Solomon and Bobby.
Bummer Points: ... er... A few times, the outbursts from 11-year-old Bobby were very adult and a bit jarring.
Word Nerd recommendation: This is perfect summer reading material. Pick it up before the season's over and be glad that Levine has turned this into a series. Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich or Dave Barry.




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