Today I am reviewing Bum Rap by Paul Levine for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter has had it with shifty clients, dirty prosecutors, and a legal system out of whack. It’s enough to make a man want to leave Miami and never look back – until he gets a call from Victoria Lord, the better half of hot local legal team Solomon & Lord. Her partner in life and law has been arrested for murder. What’s worse: the only person who can clear him has fled the city. Now it’s up to Jake and Victoria to track down the witness – a stunning “Bar girl” – before she’s roped in by the Feds…or eliminated by the Russian mob.
Jake knows that if he doesn’t get to the witness first, his client’s case is lost. Luckily, he’s got some good advice from his college football coach: “Buckle your chin strap and hit somebody.” And sometimes, the only way to win a tough case is to do just that.
My review: There’s something about Florida that makes it the stuff of off-beat and funny crime novels. Since I have family living there, I’ve witnessed enough to understand that its quirkiness is the draw. Miami is the setting here and Levine has made it a character in itself. It’s so vividly portrayed that I felt I was there, walking the streets, sitting at the beach and watching a parade of quirky, sometimes crazy, characters walk by.
I love mysteries and thrillers. I especially love that genre written with a dash of humor and this novel fits the bill. Jake Lassiter, the protagonist, has a self-deprecating sense of humor. He’s a legal veteran who has seen it all and observes life through a wry, no-nonsense lens. Consequently, the cast of eccentric characters provides a treasure trove of observations as well as fuel for the very well written plot.
Levine is a very good writer. The plot is tight and compelling. He writes a mystery that keeps you reading, all the while weaving in humor and a surprise or two. I wasn’t sure how it would end and, as you know by now, that in itself earns this novel a gold star.
Levine, a former lawyer, understands the legal world, the way the courts work, the back and forth between prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the police. That knowledge provides the reader with a detailed, nuanced – and sometimes funny – look at the negotiations and maneuvering that go on in the background.
I found myself charmed by Jake and the cast of eccentric characters. I think you will be, too. The humor is always character-driven, so it comes from a rooted and real place. It’s never imposed. It just is. That’s what makes it work.
This is my first encounter with a novel by Paul Levine and I really liked it. When I looked at the list of books he has written, I was delighted to see there is a Jake Lassiter series, another series involving Solomon and Lord, as well as several stand-alone novels. I see more reading ahead. Levine has become a new favorite.
About the author: Paul Levine worked as a newspaper reporter, a law professor and a trial lawyer before becoming a full-time novelist. His books have been translated into 23 languages. Levine has won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and has been nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe award, the Macavity, the International Thriller Writers award, the Shamus award, and the James Thurber humor prize.
One of you will win a copy of Bum Rap. Just leave a comment on this post and I’ll pick a winner on Thursday evening. Good luck!
Happy Monday.
Sounds like a good summer read.
Based on your other book reviews, our tastes are very different. However, for only the second time I am throwing my hat into the ring! I would love to read this book. Now to go and add this title to my Amazon list! Thx for the review
Claudia, I am a big Stuart woods fan and this book sounds just as good as one of his. Have you read any of his books? Would love to add this book to my summer reading for the beach. Deb
I’d like to win this fun read!
Sounds like a good book. I’ll add this author to my list and see if my library has any of his books! I always enjoy your reviews!
hugs,
Linda
Another new author for me to check out and add to my list. Wish I could read faster and be able to read all the books I have learned about.
Thank you for another chance to try and win a new book.
I don’t typically read mysteries, but I do like to throw one in every so often to change things up! I think my husband would really like this book.
This is the kind of book I’d like to read. Hope I win!
Well, this one sounds right up my alley. Count me in! And thanks so much for the review, Claudia.
Sounds likes a good read. I have been in a reading slump for months, so a new book would be great!
Thanks for the review and the opportunity to win!
Susan
I love a book that combines mystery and humour. Blessings
What a great book giveaway and wonderful review. So enjoyable for summer reading. Thanks.
Add me to the list!! Thanks.
I’d love to win a copy.
Hi Claudia, thanks for another helpful review! I would love to win a copy of the book. xxoo
I’m always looking for book suggestions. This one sounds great. Hope I win!
I love a good mystery and you make this book sound so appealing. Count me in and thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like a great summer read…always love a bit of humor! Thanks for the opportunity! ;)
It was 110 today. I could really use a good book (and a gallon of iced tea) about now. This one sounds delightful.
added to my wishlist! pam
I would love to win this. I love a good mystery. Please pick me.
I still can’t get through with War and Peace. I know it is a great piece of literature but it isn’t my cup of tea. My husband challenged me so I am slogging through.
This sounds like a great book, action & humor are always welcome!
I like mystery with a bit of humor thrown in too..
Oh, boy; does this book sound like fun. Count me in, please, and thank you! P.S. My father would love this, too. Your description makes me think of Elmore Leonard’s work.
Claudia,
I read thousands of book reviews when I was a librarian. I wish they’d all been written as well as yours are!
I will add this to a very long list of “must reads”! Thank you.
Sounds like a great book! Who doesn’t love a bit of humor…
I would love to win this book! I read mysteries but have not heard of him. Love to have a little humor in my books! Thanks for this review and the chance to win. If not, I will check out our local library for a copy.
Have a great day!
P.s. love your gardens!!!!
Sounds like a good one!
Paul Levine is an author I used to recommend to library patrons. I haven’t read
him for awhile but hoping to rectify that by winning the free copy, perhaps! A
great review as always Claudia, thank you.
I was in the library last week and saw this book. Passed it up and then got home and wished I had checked it out (along with other 8 books, yikes!). This would be a great score to me. Fingers crossed!
This book sounds like one I would love to read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Sounds like a good book—I would love to read it. I always trust your reviews and have
never been disappointed .
Thanks for a chance to win what sounds like a keeper!
This sounds good. I do like Florida based books. You are right, they are quirky. This particular novel is not at the library so I may try the half-price book store while I’m waiting.
I like it when humor isn’t forced, when it just feels natural.
I’m glad you enjoyed this book! Thanks for being a part of the tour.
Looking for some good books to take to the beach. This one sounds perfect!