Jeremiah Bedloe is a fiery but aged defense attorney in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and life is swiftly reaching its last act for the man. Despite inner contentment knowing he has been highly successful in his legal career, there is still something missing, a hole yet to be filled. He is well aware of what the vacancy consists of, but realizes that in this part of the country, it will not likely come to pass - the ultimate courtroom drama, a challenge worthy of Darrow, a major trial he can deeply sink his teeth into, wildly gnawing and consuming until his belly is full, then exiting this world with a satisfyingly loud belch.
Then one frozen February day in 2012, Michael Swain walks into Bedloe's office carrying two large briefcases. His son is in a Minnesota prison for a 2010 first degree sexual assault, and Swain believes the briefcases contain substantial vital evidence the sentencing court was then not aware of or biasedly ignored, and he wants the case reopened.
Bedloe hesitantly allows Swain to give a lengthy description of what he found, and the attorney is so impressed, he takes the briefcases home with him to pour over their contents. After much personal deliberation, he decides to take the controversial case.
The rest of the novel is a continuation of this carefully crafted and engrossing story, as it builds dramatic tension in the courtroom until the verdict is rendered.
And the reader is along for the thought-provoking ride.