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Victor Carl #3
Fatal Flaw
The acclaimed author of Hostile Witness and Veritas is back with the legal thriller of the season—a sizzling tale of murder, innocence, and justice. . . . “William Lashner is . . . remarkable.”—Nelson DeMille
“Lust will make a fool of any man, but it is only love that can truly ruin him.” So believes Victor Carl, the antithesis of the classic sharp-eyed, cool, and dispassionate lawyer. Late one night Victor gets a panicked phone call from an old law school buddy. Guy Forrest claims he’s just found the body of his fiancee in the house they shared. The victim is the entracing Hailey Prouix, a woman with numerous charms who had mesmerized Victor—and every other man she ever met.
Though Victor is convinced Guy is guilty, he agrees to represent him, silently vowing to see justice done. To build his case, the determined attorney embarks on a quest that will take him cross-country and back—and lead him to the horrifying discovery that nothing is as simple as it seems. Now time is running out and all too soon the wheels of justice Guy set into motion will fall with unmerciful force on his own head.
“Lust will make a fool of any man, but it is only love that can truly ruin him.” So believes Victor Carl, the antithesis of the classic sharp-eyed, cool, and dispassionate lawyer. Late one night Victor gets a panicked phone call from an old law school buddy. Guy Forrest claims he’s just found the body of his fiancee in the house they shared. The victim is the entracing Hailey Prouix, a woman with numerous charms who had mesmerized Victor—and every other man she ever met.
Though Victor is convinced Guy is guilty, he agrees to represent him, silently vowing to see justice done. To build his case, the determined attorney embarks on a quest that will take him cross-country and back—and lead him to the horrifying discovery that nothing is as simple as it seems. Now time is running out and all too soon the wheels of justice Guy set into motion will fall with unmerciful force on his own head.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2009
81 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
William Lashner
49 books303 followersWilliam Lashner is a former criminal prosecutor with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. and a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. His novels have been published world-wide and have been nominated for two Shamus Awards, a Gumshoe Award, an Edgar Award, and been selected as an Editor’s Choice in the New York Times Book Review. When he was a kid his favorite books were The Count of Monte Cristo and any comic with the Batman on the cover.
Under the pseudonym Tyler Knox he wrote the noir novel, Kockroach.
Series:
* Victor Carl Mystery
Under the pseudonym Tyler Knox he wrote the noir novel, Kockroach.
Series:
* Victor Carl Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 20, 2019
I've been enjoying the Victor Carl series. That Victor - he's just a bit of a scoundrel, something of a ne'ever-do-well, always looking for the easy pot of gold and willing to go more than a little over the moral and ethical limit if he thinks that's what's going to take to get it home. Still, I find him likeable, even with his flaws, probably because he readily and (usually) cheerfully admits to them.
But this. Fatal Flaw is dark, but the darkness seems to shine a bright light on the better side of Victor Carl. Still a scoundrel? No worries - yes, still the scoundrel. But Lashner teases this story out of Victor one thread at a time, one character at a time, with a poetry of words I never imagined was in him before.
I've already queued up the next book and am looking forward to seeing if this elevated writing continues because I loved reading this book, every word of it.
But this. Fatal Flaw is dark, but the darkness seems to shine a bright light on the better side of Victor Carl. Still a scoundrel? No worries - yes, still the scoundrel. But Lashner teases this story out of Victor one thread at a time, one character at a time, with a poetry of words I never imagined was in him before.
I've already queued up the next book and am looking forward to seeing if this elevated writing continues because I loved reading this book, every word of it.
December 5, 2016
While not the most admirable guy sometimes, Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl is always interesting and I found this legal suspense story compulsively readable even though it was a bit too long. The plotting was solid if convoluted, the characters fascinating, and I really enjoyed Victor's voice throughout the narrative.
April 10, 2016
All I can say again is WOW!
This book #3 is better than book #2 and book #2 got a WOW review from me. Mr. Lashner's characters in this story are so deep and interesting you don't want the novel to end. The protagonist Victor Carl is as flawed as they come,but you can't help but admire him. I hope there is book #4 in this series. William Lashner is my new favorite author. Give this series a try.You won't be disappointed.
This book #3 is better than book #2 and book #2 got a WOW review from me. Mr. Lashner's characters in this story are so deep and interesting you don't want the novel to end. The protagonist Victor Carl is as flawed as they come,but you can't help but admire him. I hope there is book #4 in this series. William Lashner is my new favorite author. Give this series a try.You won't be disappointed.
November 15, 2014
Genius
This was a really good read. It was hard to put it down and turn off the kindle. What one might expect didn't happen. The unexpected plot thickened with intensity that keeps you reading. I loved the humor, the philosophical thoughts, the reference to other authors and the analogies. Read it! You might enjoy this as much as I did.
This was a really good read. It was hard to put it down and turn off the kindle. What one might expect didn't happen. The unexpected plot thickened with intensity that keeps you reading. I loved the humor, the philosophical thoughts, the reference to other authors and the analogies. Read it! You might enjoy this as much as I did.
December 3, 2025
3.5 stars - This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The story flowed quite well and there was enough intrigue to keep me interested.
September 14, 2020
I don't give any books a 5-Star rating but, if I did, this would be one of them.
One of the things that Mr. Lashner did that made me truly enjoy this book was he did a few stories within the story in the most remarkable way. Meaning: When confronted by the main character, a couple of characters told their story of who they were, how they related to others in the story, why they felt the way they did and what they did/said to some of the other characters.
I may not be making myself clear, but suffice it to say, those added testimonials kept my interest to the point of not being able to put the book down until I read their complete story they were relating.
My hat's off to Mr. Lashner for writing such an interesting and compelling book.
One of the things that Mr. Lashner did that made me truly enjoy this book was he did a few stories within the story in the most remarkable way. Meaning: When confronted by the main character, a couple of characters told their story of who they were, how they related to others in the story, why they felt the way they did and what they did/said to some of the other characters.
I may not be making myself clear, but suffice it to say, those added testimonials kept my interest to the point of not being able to put the book down until I read their complete story they were relating.
My hat's off to Mr. Lashner for writing such an interesting and compelling book.
March 2, 2014
I had about half a review typed, and then it disappeared. Don't you hate it when that happens? Anyway, Victor shows up at his best friend's place, only to find the woman they both love, dead. Guy is in the Jacuzzi, not a good alibi. Since they are all lawyers, Victor takes on the case, which involves a lot of investigation. These three are smarmy and snarky--hard to believe anyone would love them. There is a weird character named Skink who helps in the investigation.
April 5, 2012
It was long, semi-reasonable plot, but nothing special. This was the first book in the series I've read ( I think, but the author's name seems familiar, so maybe I read another one long ago).. I'll probably try another one, but not with much anticipation.
December 22, 2023
Quite good. The middle part dragged a bit, but the last third, including the trial, was riveting. True lawyer thriller, full jury trial.
February 16, 2024
You won't put it down!
February 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this thriller/ who done it. I think I was hooked after reading a sample. Keeps you guessing and made for an entertaining read. Big fan of Lashner and all
Characters and places he describes.
Characters and places he describes.
Read
June 13, 2024Amazing whodunit!
February 21, 2025
I’ve always enjoyed this author
March 29, 2025
It was an alright book, just not my taste. The end had a cool twist
Read
October 19, 2025Aug 2015 #3 of 9
October 22, 2025
This book was such a thriller ! It kept me on the edge of my seat!
August 11, 2017
A very enjoyable legal thriller that goes beyond the courtroom.
"Fatal Flaw" by William Lashner begins when his protagonist , Victor Catl, answers a late-night phone call from an old friend and fellow lawyer. The man, Guy Forrest, has just found the bloody body of his fiancée Hailey Prioux in bed in her home. When Carl arrives at the house, he finds Guy sitting naked on the porch step in the pouring rain. Guy' s story is hardly credible even to his friend. Forrest claims that he fell asleep while in the hot tub located only a few feet from the bedroom where Hailey lay. He heard no intruder, he says, nor did he hear the shot that killed her because he had earphones on, listening to music at high volume while he soaked . Guy says when he awoke and went looking for her, he found the body, grabbed a pink cell phone, Hailey's, and called Carl.
The first shock is a lightning strike: Victor was having an affair with Hailey. His number was on her speed dial. Luckily, Forrest was too shocked by the sight of her blood-soaked body to make the connection. He believes his client guilty.
But that is only the first shock. "Fatal Flaw" has many.
Carl feels compelled to defend Forrest, if only to keep his name out of the investigation. In fact, he snatches and hides her cell. He also decides to subvert his defense so Guy pays for murdering the woman both he and Victor Carl loved, passionately. Unlike some legal thrillers where the defense attorney becomes convinced of his client's guilt, in this book ( and this is not a spoiler as it is in the blurb) Victor Carl comes to the belief that Guy is, indeed, innocent. Finding evidence of another's guilt is the substance of the book.
The author delves deeply into Hailey's life and character and we come to know a lot about his client, the victim , her background and personality. As we do of defense attorney Victor Carl. This takes more than a bit of exposition and introspection, which is not a criticism. All of it is necessary to understand their motivations. Hailey is dead, of course, but the author makes come back to life on these pages. Guy seems a man who was in love was love. Vincent Carl is not always admirable in his actions and motivations, but he is honorable in his fashion and a great main character. As is Mr. Skink- trust me, not him, though. Of course, a crime novel is only as good-or as a bad-as its villian and " Fatal Flaw" has one that creeps you out.
I missed this novel when it came out a few years ago, but I am certainly glad I read it. I recommend it to everyone without reservation.
"Fatal Flaw" by William Lashner begins when his protagonist , Victor Catl, answers a late-night phone call from an old friend and fellow lawyer. The man, Guy Forrest, has just found the bloody body of his fiancée Hailey Prioux in bed in her home. When Carl arrives at the house, he finds Guy sitting naked on the porch step in the pouring rain. Guy' s story is hardly credible even to his friend. Forrest claims that he fell asleep while in the hot tub located only a few feet from the bedroom where Hailey lay. He heard no intruder, he says, nor did he hear the shot that killed her because he had earphones on, listening to music at high volume while he soaked . Guy says when he awoke and went looking for her, he found the body, grabbed a pink cell phone, Hailey's, and called Carl.
The first shock is a lightning strike: Victor was having an affair with Hailey. His number was on her speed dial. Luckily, Forrest was too shocked by the sight of her blood-soaked body to make the connection. He believes his client guilty.
But that is only the first shock. "Fatal Flaw" has many.
Carl feels compelled to defend Forrest, if only to keep his name out of the investigation. In fact, he snatches and hides her cell. He also decides to subvert his defense so Guy pays for murdering the woman both he and Victor Carl loved, passionately. Unlike some legal thrillers where the defense attorney becomes convinced of his client's guilt, in this book ( and this is not a spoiler as it is in the blurb) Victor Carl comes to the belief that Guy is, indeed, innocent. Finding evidence of another's guilt is the substance of the book.
The author delves deeply into Hailey's life and character and we come to know a lot about his client, the victim , her background and personality. As we do of defense attorney Victor Carl. This takes more than a bit of exposition and introspection, which is not a criticism. All of it is necessary to understand their motivations. Hailey is dead, of course, but the author makes come back to life on these pages. Guy seems a man who was in love was love. Vincent Carl is not always admirable in his actions and motivations, but he is honorable in his fashion and a great main character. As is Mr. Skink- trust me, not him, though. Of course, a crime novel is only as good-or as a bad-as its villian and " Fatal Flaw" has one that creeps you out.
I missed this novel when it came out a few years ago, but I am certainly glad I read it. I recommend it to everyone without reservation.
December 5, 2013
Because I would rather read books than write Goodread reviews, I have a stack of books on the floor beside my table--books I have read bur not yet commented on. Despite that, I picked up a new (actually old, with half the pages stained a light crimson from some long ago liquid) book yesterday to look at during breakfast and now I have to comment on it before the wonder leaves. Lashner has written two previous books about the same main character, a Jewish lawyer in Philadelphia who has some rigid ideas about lawyering but is quite willing to bend the rules when he can. If that seems contradictory, it is because Atty. Victor Carl is a very contradictory character.
BSIL has complained repeatedly that my reviews tell the whole story; I do not agree with that, as I think I am very careful not so spoil any plot, but I find in this case that the plot is so complex and convoluted (which I love) that I can hardly say anything about it without saying too much. Basically, the book begins when Atty. Carl gets a late-night call from an old college friend, also an attorney, and then dashes over to find his friend sitting on the front stoop of the house in the rain, naked, with a gun lying on the ground in front of him, and his mistress dead on a mattress on the second floor. One thing leads to another, as they say … and in this case leads to Los Vegas and West Virginia as Victor searches for the truth with an unlikely companion.
Lashner’s style is so excellent (in accordance with my tastes) that I hated to get to the end of these 563 pages, and now I have to go find the two preceding books. I am intrigued by his violation of punctuation rules, such as a series of independent clauses separated by commas to show the rapidity of his characters’ thoughts, together with such things as having various chapters told entirely as first-person accounts from the pint of view of another character so as to get the facts presented to the reader directly and immediately, without getting into a lot of conversational dialog. The thing that really appeals to me, however, is the convoluted twisting of the plot, revealing more and more about the characters involved as time goes on.
BSIL has complained repeatedly that my reviews tell the whole story; I do not agree with that, as I think I am very careful not so spoil any plot, but I find in this case that the plot is so complex and convoluted (which I love) that I can hardly say anything about it without saying too much. Basically, the book begins when Atty. Carl gets a late-night call from an old college friend, also an attorney, and then dashes over to find his friend sitting on the front stoop of the house in the rain, naked, with a gun lying on the ground in front of him, and his mistress dead on a mattress on the second floor. One thing leads to another, as they say … and in this case leads to Los Vegas and West Virginia as Victor searches for the truth with an unlikely companion.
Lashner’s style is so excellent (in accordance with my tastes) that I hated to get to the end of these 563 pages, and now I have to go find the two preceding books. I am intrigued by his violation of punctuation rules, such as a series of independent clauses separated by commas to show the rapidity of his characters’ thoughts, together with such things as having various chapters told entirely as first-person accounts from the pint of view of another character so as to get the facts presented to the reader directly and immediately, without getting into a lot of conversational dialog. The thing that really appeals to me, however, is the convoluted twisting of the plot, revealing more and more about the characters involved as time goes on.
September 6, 2007
FATAL FLAW (Legal Thriller) – Okay-
William Lashner – 3rd in series
When old law school classmate Guy Forrest is accused of murdering his lover in their Main Line love next, Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl agrees to represent him while keeping silent about his own prior romantic involvement with the victim.
***Let me start by saying I read books for character; if I don’t like the characters, it’s a good bet I won’t like the book. For me, this book didn’t have a single character about whom I could care. There’s the lawyer who is cheating on his wife and family, there is the protagonist lawyer who is having an affair with his “best friend’s” mistress. That alone was enough to make me stop reading. If that bothers you, the plot was decent enough, although slow and, at points very repetitive. The only reason I ranked this higher than NR was because, to be fair, others in our Mystery Group rated this book Good to Very Good. While they agreed they didn’t like any of the characters and found some things improbable, they felt the characters and plot were well done. But for me, I kept thinking how many other, better books with more interesting characters I had waiting to be read.
William Lashner – 3rd in series
When old law school classmate Guy Forrest is accused of murdering his lover in their Main Line love next, Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl agrees to represent him while keeping silent about his own prior romantic involvement with the victim.
***Let me start by saying I read books for character; if I don’t like the characters, it’s a good bet I won’t like the book. For me, this book didn’t have a single character about whom I could care. There’s the lawyer who is cheating on his wife and family, there is the protagonist lawyer who is having an affair with his “best friend’s” mistress. That alone was enough to make me stop reading. If that bothers you, the plot was decent enough, although slow and, at points very repetitive. The only reason I ranked this higher than NR was because, to be fair, others in our Mystery Group rated this book Good to Very Good. While they agreed they didn’t like any of the characters and found some things improbable, they felt the characters and plot were well done. But for me, I kept thinking how many other, better books with more interesting characters I had waiting to be read.
April 15, 2022
As you may easily see, I do not often rate a book 5-stars. In this case at the beginning of January 2022, we were at a friend’s house and I was telling him how I had just finished the best book I had read in 2021. It was a mystery/who-done-it genre which I generally do not care for and I rated it 4-stars. I briefly described the book to him. He left the room for a moment and returned with this book “Fatal Flaw” in his hands and asked me to read it.
It is unusual to find two outstanding books in a row but such is the case here. And I rate Fatal Flaw 5-stars because I expect it will in fact be the best book I will read in 2022.
The main character is Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl. When an old law school classmate is accused of murdering his lover, Carl agrees to represent him. At the same time, Carl keeps quiet about his sexual involvement with his friend’s lover and his determination to see his friend punished for the crime. Many twists and turns until the last page kept my interest along with an assortment of characters introduced at just the proper time to give the storyline another turn.
I shall read more William Lashner.
It is unusual to find two outstanding books in a row but such is the case here. And I rate Fatal Flaw 5-stars because I expect it will in fact be the best book I will read in 2022.
The main character is Philadelphia lawyer Victor Carl. When an old law school classmate is accused of murdering his lover, Carl agrees to represent him. At the same time, Carl keeps quiet about his sexual involvement with his friend’s lover and his determination to see his friend punished for the crime. Many twists and turns until the last page kept my interest along with an assortment of characters introduced at just the proper time to give the storyline another turn.
I shall read more William Lashner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2009
I just could not. get into. this book. *hangs head* I gave up at page 109 and read "The Last Templar" by Michael Jecks instead.
What was wrong with it? Well, none of the characters are likeable, the plot was slow and clunky, and the dialogue is stilted.
Characters can *be* coldly inhuman, moody, mean, or sarcastic; heaven only knows, great novels sometimes *require* that in their characters, but there has to be *some* sort of rationale that makes the reader sympathetic towards them. I tried, but I just couldn't find that here.
I will say, though, that "Fatal Flaw" had a *great* book jacket. It's what hooked me into starting the book in the first place. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to convince me to finish it.
Note: I'd actually given "Fatal Flaw" to my mom first to read. She reads as much, if not more, than I do, and it's not unusual for her to read 5-8 books a week. So I had someone to advise me on whether or not the book massively changes after page 110. Yeah, er, apparently it doesn't.
What was wrong with it? Well, none of the characters are likeable, the plot was slow and clunky, and the dialogue is stilted.
Characters can *be* coldly inhuman, moody, mean, or sarcastic; heaven only knows, great novels sometimes *require* that in their characters, but there has to be *some* sort of rationale that makes the reader sympathetic towards them. I tried, but I just couldn't find that here.
I will say, though, that "Fatal Flaw" had a *great* book jacket. It's what hooked me into starting the book in the first place. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to convince me to finish it.
Note: I'd actually given "Fatal Flaw" to my mom first to read. She reads as much, if not more, than I do, and it's not unusual for her to read 5-8 books a week. So I had someone to advise me on whether or not the book massively changes after page 110. Yeah, er, apparently it doesn't.
February 3, 2015
Another good solid Victor Carl story, where the main character a battling lawyer come investigator meets and ultimately teams up with the dubious 'Skink' - who will come to handle the more covert sides to Victors future investigations. This time its the murder of a beautiful girl ( they are always beautiful/alluring - aren't they ? ) who apart from being in an unrequited love/relationship with one of Carls best friends - is also making out with the good ?? lawyer himself ! - until her sudden demise that is. Her murder seems to be clearly the work of her infatuated lover, who strangely has called on Carl to defend him. Of course, as in all of Lasnhers books, things are never quite as they seem ....
August 6, 2010
Sometimes the obvious isn't so obvious, especially when it comes to suspects. Victor Carl becomes the defense lawyer for the prime suspect, friend, and colleague at first to doom him. Then as things reveal themselves, or are pried and hammer at...the truth comes out.
First half of the book was slow, it had action then internal meanderings. But the second half found its way and the action and internal thought merged and surged forward. This is the first book I've read of this author.
First half of the book was slow, it had action then internal meanderings. But the second half found its way and the action and internal thought merged and surged forward. This is the first book I've read of this author.
February 16, 2016
Really good whodunnit Legal thriller lawyer-as-detective story.
Fairly by the numbers for the genre,but with well developed characters and a few well thought out twists. The biggest surprise is revealed within the first chapter or two, which is genius because we get to see the author deal with its ramifications in some clever ways.
I feel like Lashner should be assigned reading for any wannabe mystery writers, but is also interesting enough to keep you engaged and guessing throughout.
Fairly by the numbers for the genre,but with well developed characters and a few well thought out twists. The biggest surprise is revealed within the first chapter or two, which is genius because we get to see the author deal with its ramifications in some clever ways.
I feel like Lashner should be assigned reading for any wannabe mystery writers, but is also interesting enough to keep you engaged and guessing throughout.
April 19, 2018
Another great read from William Lashner. This time his protagonist, Victor Carl, schemes to hang a murder charge on old classmate, while seemingly providing his defense. The reason is that Carl had a romantic relationship with the victim, and he wants to see the obvious culprit punished for the brutal crime. However, Carl discovers things that shake his certainty, and he switches gears, desperate to uncover the truth.
Awesome dialogue and story plot.
Awesome dialogue and story plot.
February 23, 2014
This is the third book by William Lashner that I have read. I found it to be the best yet. I was glad it was a long book. It was one of those thrillers that is hard to put down and which you are sorry to see end. His books are more than just thrillers or mysteries. The legal parts are very interesting and well done.
June 23, 2015
I wish I could give this 3.5, but Goodreads doesn't allow that. This was a leap for me. I prefer historical fiction or biographies. This book kept me engrossed; definitely a page turner. The characters, although flawed, were likable. The ending was unsuspected. Maybe those who read more books of this genre would not feel that way.
September 11, 2016
A funny book. I enjoyed most of it, but there were parts that sucked, especially the middle part. He uses some words which I don't even know if they exist or not. My kobo didn't recognise them and I couldn't be bothered looking them up elsewhere. Why he would use such weird words is beyond me, not a lot of them, but unnecessary, annoying and distracting from the storyline
October 17, 2016
Victor Carl agrees to represent his friend, Guy Forrest who is accused of murdering his lover, Hailey Prouix even though he believes Guy shot her. He sets Guy up to be convicted of the murder because he has been involved with Hailey himself. But this backfires on Victor and he tries to search out the real truth. I liked the story but felt the book was a little too long.
July 18, 2018
I was intrigued by the 1st in the Victor Carl, "Philadelphia Lawyer" series...enjoyed the characters & interesting plot twists...here, in the 3rd of the series we have Victor defending a friend accused of killing his fiancé, a woman whom Carl has been cheating with...ranging from Vegas to W. Virginia, Victors defense & entanglement is extremely tested!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews