The Judge by Steve Martini

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California attorney Paul Madriani becomes the defense attorney for Judge Armando Acosta, who has been busted for soliciting an undercover vice operative found murdered and left in a dumpster.

The judge claims it is a setup linked to a grand jury he has overseen looking at a possible police cover-up of a different murder.

DA Coleman Kline fires assistant DA Lenore Goya as she starts into the case herself, and she then moves questionably to head up Acosta's defense. The DA seems obsessive in his pursuit of the judge. Lenore's fingerprint is found at the murder scene, and she's forced off the case, forcing Paul to step in.

Author Steve Martini brings some insightful dialog and experience to what comes next and that takes place during the trial. Madriani’s skills in jury selection show us quickly that he is on top of his game and is experienced, polished and leads us through the story.

This was an excellent legal thriller. Well done.