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Shadow of Power: A Paul Madriani Novel

Steve Martini
William Morrow (2008)
ISBN 9780061230882
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

This Martini left me both shaken and stirred.  That’s how I would describe the latest Steve Martini legal thriller, cliché-wise of course. And just like you enjoy and relish a perfect Martini, with its fine blend, a fine blend of suspense, intrigue and conspiracy makes you enjoy and relish this Martini novel.

Ever since I read “Compelling Evidence” and “Undue Influence,” I was hooked on Steve Martini, and he became a must read for me alongside John Grisham, Scott Turow, Richard North Patterson and Lisa Scottoline. The legal suspense keeps you at tenterhooks, and as a lawyer myself, let me tell you, the author knows the courtroom intricacies really well.

This time round, Martini’s series protagonist, Paul Madriani, is called on to participate in a case that might just have international ramifications. The murder victim was a lawyer, more a legal scholar, by the name of Terry Scarborough.  Scarborough had recently published a book titled “Perpetual Slaves: The Branding of America’s Black Race,” which provided new insight into the historical legacy of slavery in the nation. Scarborough argued that the vestiges of the concept of slavery are still retained in the U.S. Constitution. The book had proven to be a bestseller and the author was already working on its sequel.  Then, Scarborough revealed to his literary agent, Bonguard, that he was in possession of a secret letter supposedly written by Thomas Jefferson regarding slave issues, which just might change American History as we know it today.  Scarborough was planning to spill the beans as a guest on an upcoming episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

On the day of the show, Scarborough is brutally murdered with a hammer. All evidence leads to Carl Arnsberg, an employee at the hotel where Scarborough’s body is found. Arnsberg’s parents enlist the help of Madriani. Madriani faces an uphill task and soon into investigation, begins to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye, and Arnsberg might just be a scapegoat.  What follows is rollercoaster of a ride of courtroom action, culminating in a finish… a finish that only Steve Martini could think of. This is a fine, fine work, a must read and a must buy for the connoisseur of legal thrillers.

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