Title:	Judge and Jury
	Author:	James Patterson and Andrew Gross
	Published:	2006, Warner Vision
	No. of Pages:	416
	Cover Price:	$9.99 US

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Everyone knows it’s dangerous to get involved with mafia, but when Nick Pellisante, who is a senior FBI agent captures mafia don, Dominic Cavello, what is publicized as the trial of the century begins. Unfortunately, Cavello’s connections are widespread, and the first jury is blown up while being transported to their motel by bus. Andie DeGrasse is the only survivor, but tragically, her young son is killed. Cavello escapes from jail, and Nick and Andie work together, not only to locate Cavello, but prove he is guilty in dozens of murders and other heinous crimes.

Judge & Jury is written by James Patterson and Andrew Gross, and is quite different from the novels written by Patterson alone. The story flows, and is well-organized, while at the same time is suspenseful and exciting. Obviously there has been some research done on mafia endeavors, and the story is actually quite believable. While the violence in the novel is not graphic, there is plenty, which is to be expected when criminals are totally indifferent as to the value of human lives vs. their own survival.

The characterization of the criminals is interesting in that the authors show a human side to cold-blooded killers, especially in the case of Richard Nordeshenko, who spends time playing chess and cards with his young son, yet carefully plans his horrific murders for hire without any problem with guilt or conscience. Even Cavello, the mafia don, attends his niece’s wedding and is personable in some parts of the book.

There are of course, some surprises at the end, and even though some of the scenarios are predictable, the story takes some turns that are unexpected. Like most James Patterson novels, this one is quick, easy reading with plenty of suspense. Patterson fans as well as non-Patterson fans will enjoy this legal thriller, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a cut above the norm.

This book was purchased with personal funds and no promotion of the book was solicited by the author or publisher.

This book may be purchased at Amazon: Judge & Jury