In small, tight-knit Murrieta County, where word travels fast and people don’t forget, a defense attorney finds himself questioning his beliefs and motives when he's tasked with representing an unremorseful man on trial for rape and murder.
When Jed graduated from law school, he felt the world at his feet like every young and hopeful lawyer. However, after battles with alcoholism, a failed marriage, and the very real possibility of losing touch with his daughter (whose mom is planning a new life that doesn’t seem to involve him), he finds comfort in a woman with striking blue eyes who appears to be a kindred spirit. Amy, a fellow AA-meeting attendee who doesn't share so much about herself, maintains a certain mysteriousness he finds intriguing.
Joe Greco's legal thriller, THE GHOST CASE POSSE, challenges the idea of due process. Greco does this through a compromised jury, an unrepentant defendant, a conflicted defense attorney, and a strategic vigilante group. Jed's introduction is strong, and it's clear that he's a bit of a troubled character. He quickly gives the book psychological weight with his many ruminations. He also provides ethical tension and a gritty, non-romanticized view of criminal law: “Jedidiah ‘Jed’ Bouvier often wondered whether practicing law or drinking whiskey was more to blame for wrecking his life.” Of course, his decision to defend someone society scorns doesn't make him popular. The strong personal reason behind his perplexing continued representation of the accused doesn't shield him from anonymous threats, which adds to the tension.
While maintaining the intrigue, Greco raises thought-provoking questions without preaching. Questions such as whether there's any justification for vigilante justice and if lawyers who defend guilty people are morally complicit. Some scenes are a bit repetitive, especially during juror deliberations that emphasize procedural detail. This causes a lull, although the repetitive juror deliberations tie into the overall question of whether the justice system’s due process is reliable and efficient.
While Amy has her reasons for revealing little about herself, this makes her feel subdued and somewhat underdeveloped for much of the book. Despite this, the story remains convincing, especially in showing how vulnerable the justice system becomes when outside interference mixes with already-brewing internal ethical conflict. Along with its morally ambiguous ending, THE GHOST CASE POSSE's ethical gray zones and conspiracy-driven suspense make for a satisfying read.
Is it possible to heal when the cause of the wound is roaming free and the wheel of justice spins sluggishly with no indication that the final verdict will provide the much-needed relief? Joe Greco asks this and much more in his stimulating legal thriller, THE GHOST CASE POSSE.
~ Gabriella Harrison for IndieReader