Cost of Deceit

Jake Clearwater is a former attorney turned law professor who has been sought out for his viewpoints on a sensational murder trial. Jake will be providing analysis for a local TV network where his interpretation of events in the courtroom will be played for the viewing audience. The case involves a police lieutenant who is accused of murdering his wife. The prosecution’s case possesses a lot of circumstantial evidence but is hampered by a key missing item: the wife’s body.

As the prosecution presents its case to the jury, Jake offers a blunt assessment of the prosecutor. Jake’s girlfriend, Lisa St. Marie, is quick to take him to task for his harsh take. Jake’s celebrity has led to a higher profile at the law school, but Jake maintains a level head. His main concern is ushering his students through the fiery combat of trial and getting them prepared to be the next generation of legal minds. Jake is soon offered tenure but must take on more class work as well.

As Jake’s fortunes seem to alter for the better, the trial begins to go downhill. The defense has rattled a witness here and there, and another witness has taken the fifth in lieu of testifying. The trial ends in a hung jury and Jake is stunned. He is even more stunned when the DA’s office approaches him to take over prosecutorial duties in the second trial. Jake has been out of the courtroom for some time and the task of retrying a case can prove daunting. Jake’s sense of justice compels him to accept the position and try to secure a conviction against the Lieutenant.

Cost of Deceit illustrates how there is nothing quite comparable to the drama of a murder trial. A media-saturated spectacle ensues with a heinous crime, a contemptible defendant, and an exorbitant defense. Jake Clearwater is a clever and forthright teacher of the law. Author H. Mitchell Caldwell (Cost of Arrogance) pens an exemplary legal procedural ranking with the works of Turow and Grisham.

Caldwell writes the courtroom scenes in a descriptive and informative fashion. The ends of various chapters are equipped with trial tips for budding lawyers that will grab the reader’s attention. The dramatic dynamic of the trial is comparable to the action that occurs outside the courtroom as one proceeding gives way to another and tensions rise. A most enjoyable read from start to conclusion.