Diminished Capacity by Leighton Rockafellow is a riveting legal thriller that picks up at the start of a murder trial. Tom Rogers finds himself in a position of self-defense when his partner, Arturo Mendoza, attacks him with an intent to kill. The reader might guess that Tom should be free because it was a case of self-defense, but from a legal perspective, it is not that simple. Between the murder weapon, witness testimony and lawyers, Tom’s life is in the hands of hardworking layer, Larry Ross. Larry has a business to run and clients to attend to and Tom’s case is proving to be a handful. Can Larry balance his work, two tough cases, and the harsh light of the new publicity he’s getting?

Larry Ross is a refreshing character. Many legal thrillers will setup their protagonists as altruistic lawyers; I’m not saying Larry isn’t, but he is a much more grounded character that worries about his business and takes on work for money, as many people needing to pay the bills would. I found that many of his decisions throughout the book were influenced by money, in a good way, even if he didn’t like to think about it. Larry is a realist and his character shows that.

What also sets this novel apart from other legal thrillers is how Larry takes on two big cases at once. Again, many other legal dramas will focus on one case, and while the murder trial is certainly intriguing all on its own, readers are also treated to another compelling civil suit. This sets up the novel to deliver two fascinating legal cases in one book.

With a civil suit and a criminal trial handled by one lawyer, Larry rightly feels the stress of his work. Juggling between the two, he truly became an excellent lawyer by the end of the book. The author does an excellent job of juggling these story lines while ensuring readers don’t feel as overwhelmed as Larry does. We get a glimpse into the lives of some interesting character as well.

The legal procedures throughout the story felt authentic, getting a bit technical at times, but readers who enjoy a good legal drama will find plenty to enjoy here. The story is still easy to follow, and at times the author explains both legal, mechanical and medical topics in detail so that the reader understands the gravity of the situations the characters are in.

Diminished Capacity is a rousing courtroom drama that pulls readers in right from the beginning. A very impressive debut novel that is easily recommended.

Pages: 256 | ASIN: B08LB4L35G