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Larry Never Gives Up
Diminished Capacity follows a hardworking lawyer as he takes on two cases that bring more attention, and work, than he expected. What were some sources that informed this novels development?
Every lawyer wants to be altruistic. The reality is every lawyer has an office to run, bills to pay and a family to support. Larry’s character was formed before the book was written.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes are suspense, conflict, grief and determination. Larry never gives up and he is never intimidated.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have two more Larry Ross novels completed and one more “in the can.” My goal was to create a repeat character that readers would identify with and want to follow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Tom Rogers has just been accused of brutally murdering his business partner, Art Mendoza. Larry decides to represent Tom in the capital murder case, even though it looks like Tom is guilty. But while waiting for the trial, Larry makes a tactical error and accepts another high-profile case-a complicated products liability case against a major auto manufacturer.
Now, with two work intensive cases to deal with, Larry is drowning in responsibility. His one man practice is suddenly catapulted into the local and national spotlight, and things only get worse when Tom leans on Larry for support in his personal life. Larry’s stress level has just about reached its limit and both trials have yet to start. Can he win both cases and keep his sanity? There’s only one way to find out.
Intrigue, murder, and mystery combine in Diminished Capacity, a first-rate legal thriller from talented newcomer Leighton Rockafellow.
Diminished Capacity
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
LITERARY TITAN 