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Greene and Kennicott #2
The Guilty Plea
Bestselling author Robert Rotenberg is back with his next razor-sharp legal thriller. Rotenberg’s insider knowledge of the behind-the-scenes courtroom machinations and his mesmerizing trial scenes make this another scorching page-turner.
On the morning that his headline-grabbing divorce trial is set to begin, Terrance Wyler, youngest son of the Wyler Food dynasty, is found stabbed to death in the kitchen of his million-dollar home. Detective Ari Greene arrives minutes before the press and finds Wyler’s four-year-old son asleep upstairs. When Wyler’s ex-wife, a strange beauty named Samantha, shows up at her lawyer’s office with a bloody knife, it looks as if the case is over.
But Greene soon discovers the Wyler family has secrets they’d like to keep hidden, and they’re not the only ones. If there’s one thing Greene knows, it’s that the truth is never simple.
On the morning that his headline-grabbing divorce trial is set to begin, Terrance Wyler, youngest son of the Wyler Food dynasty, is found stabbed to death in the kitchen of his million-dollar home. Detective Ari Greene arrives minutes before the press and finds Wyler’s four-year-old son asleep upstairs. When Wyler’s ex-wife, a strange beauty named Samantha, shows up at her lawyer’s office with a bloody knife, it looks as if the case is over.
But Greene soon discovers the Wyler family has secrets they’d like to keep hidden, and they’re not the only ones. If there’s one thing Greene knows, it’s that the truth is never simple.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
32 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rotenberg
23 books206 followersAfter graduating from law school in Toronto, Robert Rotenberg became the managing editor of Passion, the English-speaking magazine of Paris. He then returned to Canada to publish and edit his own magazine, T.O. The Magazine of Toronto. In 1991, he opened his own law practice and is today one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, defending, as he likes to say “everything from murder to shoplifting.” Rotenberg lives in Toronto and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 18, 2023
An insider peek at Toronto and the Canadian legal system
On the face of it, there’s nothing particularly innovative in using family secrets, marital discord, wealth, and adultery as the springboard for a murder mystery. But, notwithstanding the obvious apprehension that any potential reader of THE GUILTY PLEA might have, it has to be said that Rotenberg has done a masterful job of crafting a compelling legal procedural. His characterization of the trial scenes and all of the players in the court – the judge, the lawyers, law enforcement, the families, the jury and the witnesses alike - is dramatic and believable. The mystery itself is workmanlike but I rush to add that this does not mean it is boring or tedious! Anything but, in fact! It is also obvious that the two main characters – homicide detective Ari Greene and prosecuting attorney Ted DiPaulo – will be appearing in future installments of Rotenberg’s work!
THE GUILTY PLEA is also interesting and informative in other ways. For example, Rotenberg makes much of the uniquely Canadian culture of Toronto and northern Ontario plus the differences between Canadian law and the American Hollywood version that most people think of when they read any books that touch on the field of law.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
On the face of it, there’s nothing particularly innovative in using family secrets, marital discord, wealth, and adultery as the springboard for a murder mystery. But, notwithstanding the obvious apprehension that any potential reader of THE GUILTY PLEA might have, it has to be said that Rotenberg has done a masterful job of crafting a compelling legal procedural. His characterization of the trial scenes and all of the players in the court – the judge, the lawyers, law enforcement, the families, the jury and the witnesses alike - is dramatic and believable. The mystery itself is workmanlike but I rush to add that this does not mean it is boring or tedious! Anything but, in fact! It is also obvious that the two main characters – homicide detective Ari Greene and prosecuting attorney Ted DiPaulo – will be appearing in future installments of Rotenberg’s work!
THE GUILTY PLEA is also interesting and informative in other ways. For example, Rotenberg makes much of the uniquely Canadian culture of Toronto and northern Ontario plus the differences between Canadian law and the American Hollywood version that most people think of when they read any books that touch on the field of law.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
July 17, 2018
Another excellent Robert Rotenburg legal thriller. Lotsa plausible twists and turns. Cheers Adrienne
January 15, 2019
I'm so happy to have discovered this series, and to find that there are more to enjoy. The characters are so likable and interesting, the story has lots of unusual twists and turns, and I find the Canadian life and legal system to be very refreshing. The legal system seems to care about the accused; even after a guilty verdict, the police involved try to make sure they did the right thing. The prosecution seems more interested in justice than winning at all costs (not that they don't want to win).
So far, the series reminds me a bit of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, another Canadian author. That series is set in Quebec, and has some wonderful characters and interesting stories, although not necessarily about the legal system.
Although not really necessary, I'd recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. I think this will stand on its own, but there are some characters in this one from the first book, and some references to what happened in that one. You wouldn't be lost if you didn't read it first, though.
So far, the series reminds me a bit of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, another Canadian author. That series is set in Quebec, and has some wonderful characters and interesting stories, although not necessarily about the legal system.
Although not really necessary, I'd recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. I think this will stand on its own, but there are some characters in this one from the first book, and some references to what happened in that one. You wouldn't be lost if you didn't read it first, though.
July 28, 2011
A sensational Canadian legal thriller, with Canadian characters, in a Canadian city. Thank you Robert Rotenberg for helping write a novel set in Canada that actually portrays the Canadian legal system in its true light.
I was captivated from page one in this murder mystery that brings together family, marital issues, the law, and small town Ontario. Rotenberg helps show Toronto in a new light and uses his previous experiences to bring the characters alive and makes the reader want to keep forging ahead, if only to find out what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Canadiana embedded in this book that extends past 'eh' and their friendly nature (even though one American character cannopt help but point out our ongoing politeness). using HBC, Timmies, and my beloved Leafs. Nuances like the Canadian courtroom, Rotenberg points out the major differences between our CSI/Law & Ortder expectations and what actually happens in Canada. No gavels? No sidebars? Even i was impressed.
I cannot wait for Rotenberg's nex in the Old City Hall series.
I was captivated from page one in this murder mystery that brings together family, marital issues, the law, and small town Ontario. Rotenberg helps show Toronto in a new light and uses his previous experiences to bring the characters alive and makes the reader want to keep forging ahead, if only to find out what will happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Canadiana embedded in this book that extends past 'eh' and their friendly nature (even though one American character cannopt help but point out our ongoing politeness). using HBC, Timmies, and my beloved Leafs. Nuances like the Canadian courtroom, Rotenberg points out the major differences between our CSI/Law & Ortder expectations and what actually happens in Canada. No gavels? No sidebars? Even i was impressed.
I cannot wait for Rotenberg's nex in the Old City Hall series.
July 3, 2022
As Greene and Kennicott are both police, one can easily expect this to be a police procedural. Both men have a big part in this crime novel. With Robert Rotenberg, you get a two-fer. Rotenberg is a practicing criminal attorney and in this series we get attorneys in addition to police. Do we get just the prosecutor? Nope - both sides plus courtroom drama.
The novel opens with the nanny arriving in the early morning and finding the door unlocked, which was unusual. When she went into the kitchen she found Terry Wyler dead and bloody from several apparent knife wounds. Arceli Ocaya quickly ran upstairs and found 4-year old Simon in bed still asleep. It was she who called the police. The story unfolds from there.
I like the characterizations Rotenberg gives us. The people all seem real, not perfect, not always likable. It has been a year since I read the first installment of the series, but I'm pretty sure that Greene and Kennicott are not the only recurring characters. I hope to see them in future installments.
Not everyone likes it when an author wanders outside the main story occasionally. Some authors do it better than others and Rotenberg is one of them. Ari Greene's parents are Holocaust survivors. His relationship with his father is good. There is a short section where Greene tells about a woman who has immigrated from Russia and who experiences the completeness of grocery stores in North America.
The novel opens with the nanny arriving in the early morning and finding the door unlocked, which was unusual. When she went into the kitchen she found Terry Wyler dead and bloody from several apparent knife wounds. Arceli Ocaya quickly ran upstairs and found 4-year old Simon in bed still asleep. It was she who called the police. The story unfolds from there.
I like the characterizations Rotenberg gives us. The people all seem real, not perfect, not always likable. It has been a year since I read the first installment of the series, but I'm pretty sure that Greene and Kennicott are not the only recurring characters. I hope to see them in future installments.
Not everyone likes it when an author wanders outside the main story occasionally. Some authors do it better than others and Rotenberg is one of them. Ari Greene's parents are Holocaust survivors. His relationship with his father is good. There is a short section where Greene tells about a woman who has immigrated from Russia and who experiences the completeness of grocery stores in North America.
He’d never forget the first time he took her to a Canadian grocery store. It was the only occasion when she was totally unable to control her emotions. All the food. Fresh. Bountiful. The endless aisles of it. She started running back and forth to assure herself that all this really existed. She’d grabbed Greene and cried. All those gray years of deprivation, and here was a world full of everything.Those of us who have always lived with plenty (even with supply chain problems and empty shelves) cannot imagine what coming from such deprivation can be like. It's little things that make this novel, this series, more than the good, but run-of-the-mill, mystery novel. I look forward to the next installment. This is another strong 4-stars.
April 28, 2011
I enjoy a number of genres - legal thrillers being one of them. But when mentally going over my list of favourite authors, I realized that none of the legal list were Canadian. So I was excited to read Robert Rotenberg's new novel The Guilty Plea.
Rotenberg is a practicing lawyer who lives in Toronto and has based his series in the same city. I love reading a book with Canadian references - Timmies, the Globe and place names as well - Eglinton/Bloor, Jane and Finch. Knowing the settings are real and having seen some of them make the novel all that more authentic.
But what makes Rotenberg's novels really pop is his knowledge of the Canadian legal system, his trial expertise and the number of years he's been at it. His plots, characters and dialogue all have the ring of authenticity and that 'insider's' point of view. It just makes his novel all the more believable.
The Guilty Plea brings back characters from Rotenberg's first novel 'Old City Hall'. Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott, lawyers, Crowns and others. I found all of the characters believable and connected with them. Their personal lives are just as engrossing as the primary plot line.
In the Guilty Plea, Terrance Wyler, the youngest son of a Canadian food conglomerate is found stabbed to death in his kitchen while his young son sleeps upstairs. His estranged wife shows up at her lawyers - with the bloody knife from Wyler's kitchen. Open and shut case. But she swears she's innocent. As Greene investigates, he finds more questions than answers.
I very much enjoyed The Guilty Plea, although I found the end a bit rushed. I will definitely be adding Rotenberg to my 'must read' list.
Rotenberg is a practicing lawyer who lives in Toronto and has based his series in the same city. I love reading a book with Canadian references - Timmies, the Globe and place names as well - Eglinton/Bloor, Jane and Finch. Knowing the settings are real and having seen some of them make the novel all that more authentic.
But what makes Rotenberg's novels really pop is his knowledge of the Canadian legal system, his trial expertise and the number of years he's been at it. His plots, characters and dialogue all have the ring of authenticity and that 'insider's' point of view. It just makes his novel all the more believable.
The Guilty Plea brings back characters from Rotenberg's first novel 'Old City Hall'. Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott, lawyers, Crowns and others. I found all of the characters believable and connected with them. Their personal lives are just as engrossing as the primary plot line.
In the Guilty Plea, Terrance Wyler, the youngest son of a Canadian food conglomerate is found stabbed to death in his kitchen while his young son sleeps upstairs. His estranged wife shows up at her lawyers - with the bloody knife from Wyler's kitchen. Open and shut case. But she swears she's innocent. As Greene investigates, he finds more questions than answers.
I very much enjoyed The Guilty Plea, although I found the end a bit rushed. I will definitely be adding Rotenberg to my 'must read' list.
February 9, 2012
I had read Rotenberg's first novel, Old City Hall, in January and enjoyed it.
In February 2011 I was asked to review The Guilty Plea (it went on sale on May 3, 2011) and participate in his Guilty Plea blogger tour. It gave me the chance to read Rotenberg's new book in addition to submitting questions for him to answer.
The story is in Toronto and, like the first book, I am very familiar with the locations where action takes place. In fact, I live near the hotel where Terrance Wyler's girlfriend, April, "stayed". Check out foursquare if you want to see the Toronto spots used in the book.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book. It's fast-paced and doesn't drag.
It was a nice surprise to some of the characters had been brought back from the first novel like Ari Greene, Jennifer Raglan and Jo Summers ... you get to know them even more.
Here are the some of things I was curious about and the author's responses:
1. In the two books in this series, you have been obvious in using Toronto as the location. Many Canadian authors don't do this ... to attract more readers, they set their stories in the U.S. Why did you choose to make it so obvious that the story is happening in Toronto? Do you think this will deter Americans and non-Torontonians from reading the book?
I think all great drama is local. Many critics say that Toronto is a character in the book. And I’m very proud of that. As for an American audience, I think if I write good books about real people in a real place, they’ll read them.
2. We learned a lot about Canada's legal and court systems in this book. How close to being true are they? Or do you take liberties?
I do take small liberties but the key ideas about how our courts work are true.
3. We get to know the characters so well. Are they based on people you know?
No. But, of course, they all have bits of folks I encounter. I’m glad you feel you know all my fictional friends so well.
4. It seems that the book is set up so there can be a sequel ... will there be?
Many. My goal is twenty books in twenty years. I hope you stick with me.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author!
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/04...
In February 2011 I was asked to review The Guilty Plea (it went on sale on May 3, 2011) and participate in his Guilty Plea blogger tour. It gave me the chance to read Rotenberg's new book in addition to submitting questions for him to answer.
The story is in Toronto and, like the first book, I am very familiar with the locations where action takes place. In fact, I live near the hotel where Terrance Wyler's girlfriend, April, "stayed". Check out foursquare if you want to see the Toronto spots used in the book.
I enjoyed the writing style of this book. It's fast-paced and doesn't drag.
It was a nice surprise to some of the characters had been brought back from the first novel like Ari Greene, Jennifer Raglan and Jo Summers ... you get to know them even more.
Here are the some of things I was curious about and the author's responses:
1. In the two books in this series, you have been obvious in using Toronto as the location. Many Canadian authors don't do this ... to attract more readers, they set their stories in the U.S. Why did you choose to make it so obvious that the story is happening in Toronto? Do you think this will deter Americans and non-Torontonians from reading the book?
I think all great drama is local. Many critics say that Toronto is a character in the book. And I’m very proud of that. As for an American audience, I think if I write good books about real people in a real place, they’ll read them.
2. We learned a lot about Canada's legal and court systems in this book. How close to being true are they? Or do you take liberties?
I do take small liberties but the key ideas about how our courts work are true.
3. We get to know the characters so well. Are they based on people you know?
No. But, of course, they all have bits of folks I encounter. I’m glad you feel you know all my fictional friends so well.
4. It seems that the book is set up so there can be a sequel ... will there be?
Many. My goal is twenty books in twenty years. I hope you stick with me.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author!
Blog review: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2011/04...
January 24, 2014
Taking place a couple months after the first book, this story features many of the same characters, with some former secondary characters taking centre stage. Homicide Detective Ari Greene and Officer Daniel Kennicott are back on the case with a different Crown Attorney and defense lawyer squaring off in this murder investigation.
This story is quite similar in layout, direction and feel as the first book. Whilte it featured a different murder, motive and lawyers, the investigation itself seemed to follow the same pattern and feel as the first one.
The Toronto setting was as much a star in this book as previously, with new histories and details revealed. It once again lent an exciting “I know this place” feel to the story, with very little repetition in the facts revealed.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. I enjoyed learning more about Detective Greene, with quite a bit more of his life, personality and past being revealed in this story. It reduced his mysterious image a bit, yet his methodical and thorough pursuit of the truth was unchanged. The story followed the same pattern as the first, but as a straighforward police procedural, it was enjoyable.
This story is quite similar in layout, direction and feel as the first book. Whilte it featured a different murder, motive and lawyers, the investigation itself seemed to follow the same pattern and feel as the first one.
The Toronto setting was as much a star in this book as previously, with new histories and details revealed. It once again lent an exciting “I know this place” feel to the story, with very little repetition in the facts revealed.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. I enjoyed learning more about Detective Greene, with quite a bit more of his life, personality and past being revealed in this story. It reduced his mysterious image a bit, yet his methodical and thorough pursuit of the truth was unchanged. The story followed the same pattern as the first, but as a straighforward police procedural, it was enjoyable.
September 3, 2011
Very good legal thriller. I have to say I enjoyed this one more than many of Grisham's later ones. Set in Toronto a young mother is accused of killing her husband, says she is innocent and the case goes to trial. Many revelations. twists and though I had an idea of who the real killer was I have to say I wasn't sure. Very well written and learning about the legal system in Canada was a bonus.
May 18, 2018
An ok-ish crime novel set in Toronto which followed a multitude of characters all connected to the murder of Terrance Wyler.
I found the writing style easy to read; however at many times it was difficult to keep up with the ever changing characters and their point of view. Much of this novel was trivial and unnecessary. Eventually, the characters overtook the plot and the crime aspect fizzled out and became boring. I also found the incessant Canadianisms to be annoying and overdone.
Overall, a meh book. I would not recommend.
I found the writing style easy to read; however at many times it was difficult to keep up with the ever changing characters and their point of view. Much of this novel was trivial and unnecessary. Eventually, the characters overtook the plot and the crime aspect fizzled out and became boring. I also found the incessant Canadianisms to be annoying and overdone.
Overall, a meh book. I would not recommend.
September 30, 2013
The sequel to “Old City Hall”. Once again, Rotenberg excels in creating an interesting and authentic cast of characters. On top of that, he weaves a page-turner of a story set in a wonderfully familiar city. An added bonus: I really enjoyed learning about the differences between American and Canadian law. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
April 30, 2022
Another winner from Robert Rotenberg. Have to say that I am so used to reading stories from an American perspective that I find it really refreshing to see things on the Canadian side from time to time. Thank you Robert.
When Terrance Wyler, local co-owner of Wyler Foods, was found in his kitchen by his estranged wife Samantha, dead. He was stabbed 7 times with a kitchen knife. In a state of apparent shock, Samantha walked many miles from their house to the doorstep of her lawyer with the murder weapon.
Sam was not loved by Wyler's family, in fact they seemed delighted when she was charged in the death and are prepared to move heaven and earth to ensure she never sees her son again. The fact that Sam and Terry were going through a very public custody battle at the time didn't help matters.
Crown Attorney Jennifer Raglan comes out of retirement to handle the case for the crown and lawyer Ted DiPaulo for the defence. But it's hard, Raglan doesn't want to send Sam to jail forever but that's her job and as hard as he tries, DePaulo is unable to convince Sam to take a plea and avoid the judgement and uncertainty of a jury.
Detectives Ari Greene and Daniel Kennicott are on the case, working all hours to ensure that the facts are available and trying to find evidence to save Samantha. It seems no one really believes she's guilty of the malicious act as the wheels of justice roll along.
The judge in the case, Judge Irene Orville seems to be indecisive in the main, though she isn't inexperienced, her reputations for depending on her husband's opinions precedes her.
A really interesting read, and as I said, it's quite lovely to read so much Canadian content, especially about the legal system.
When Terrance Wyler, local co-owner of Wyler Foods, was found in his kitchen by his estranged wife Samantha, dead. He was stabbed 7 times with a kitchen knife. In a state of apparent shock, Samantha walked many miles from their house to the doorstep of her lawyer with the murder weapon.
Sam was not loved by Wyler's family, in fact they seemed delighted when she was charged in the death and are prepared to move heaven and earth to ensure she never sees her son again. The fact that Sam and Terry were going through a very public custody battle at the time didn't help matters.
Crown Attorney Jennifer Raglan comes out of retirement to handle the case for the crown and lawyer Ted DiPaulo for the defence. But it's hard, Raglan doesn't want to send Sam to jail forever but that's her job and as hard as he tries, DePaulo is unable to convince Sam to take a plea and avoid the judgement and uncertainty of a jury.
Detectives Ari Greene and Daniel Kennicott are on the case, working all hours to ensure that the facts are available and trying to find evidence to save Samantha. It seems no one really believes she's guilty of the malicious act as the wheels of justice roll along.
The judge in the case, Judge Irene Orville seems to be indecisive in the main, though she isn't inexperienced, her reputations for depending on her husband's opinions precedes her.
A really interesting read, and as I said, it's quite lovely to read so much Canadian content, especially about the legal system.
September 13, 2025
This author was recommended to me and I'm glad they did. The fact that I live in Toronto and the book is set in Toronto makes it more personal. I have enjoyed the character development of the detective and lawyers. I also like the fact that it's not just a detective series and a whodunit there is some courtroom drama mixed in.
I will continue to read the series unfortunately I read this book first and will backtrack as nd then continue.
Well worth a good mystery/court drama.
I will continue to read the series unfortunately I read this book first and will backtrack as nd then continue.
Well worth a good mystery/court drama.
October 10, 2017
Are second books supposed to be a letdown? If that's a rule then Robert Rotenberg has broken it. This is a terrific legal procedural and mystery that takes place roughly over a year in Toronto. An heir to a Toronto business is found stabbed to death and evidence points decisively towards his angry ex-wife. Detectives Greene and Kennicott investigate, lay the charge and turn things over to Crown Attorney Raglan and Defence lawyer DiPaulo. The investigation and subsequent trial should be straightforward but in the end are not. The smart reader will put on his or her thinking cap and pay attention to detail right from the first page. The characters are well drawn with Detective Greene being the standout. He is not a flashy but the understated tea sipping son of a holocaust survivor. You quickly come to see him as central to all of Rotenberg's stories. This is a taut, intelligent thriller for the fan of courtroom drama, mystery and well drawn settings; in this case Toronto.
July 31, 2018
I loved Rotenberg's detective and lawyer characters and his depiction of Toronto in Old City Hall. If you felt the same way, then this book provides more of the same and is worth reading. I was ready to give The Guilty Plea a four- or five-star rating until the last 20 pages, where the carefully crafted story sort of falls apart. The explanation of "what really happened" fits all the evidence provided but relies on two of the characters behaving in a way that is both inconsistent with their characters and with the way most decent, sensible people would behave in similar situations. An absorbing courtroom drama with great characters that sadly has a very unsatisfying ending. Hope the next one is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
A disappointing read, following book one which I rated as a solid 3.
This book involves more legal wrangling. I was dismayed by the dishonesty of the lawyers toward each other, and in general. I didn’t like or connect with any of the characters. The police investigation aspect was negligible.
So in general, overly long and slightly boring
This book involves more legal wrangling. I was dismayed by the dishonesty of the lawyers toward each other, and in general. I didn’t like or connect with any of the characters. The police investigation aspect was negligible.
So in general, overly long and slightly boring
October 13, 2012
This was a good read. The details of the setting -- the Toronto legal world -- were very well done. My only complaint was the resolution -- it came out of the blue and wasn't particularly clever.
June 12, 2012
Second in an outstanding police procedural series set in Toronto featuring engaging characters, taut plotting and rapid pacing.
April 9, 2021
Man I love these characters! Why did I discover this series as I'm about to leave Toronto? This will stir so much nostalgia once I leave the city.
I have to admit, I like the ensemble cast. Sometimes I wish we spent more time with one character in particular, but that's a minor draw back. The story was engaging, but I had minor grips with the conclusion . There was also a small (but for me important) biological error: spinal muscular dystrophy is described as an X-linked disease, meaning the faulty gene sits on the X chromosome. If a male child is born with SMA, it means the mother is the carrier, not that both parents are carriers. In classical male children the baby inherits an X chromosome from the mother and a Y from the father. The author confused an autosomal recessive disorder (where you need both parents to be carriers) with a sex-linked disorder (where only one parent needs to be the carrier). .
I thought it was interesting that the main suspect in this novel, a temperamental, assertive and intelligent middle aged woman, was punished for her assertiveness and intelligence. . Practically, a female character with an insatiable curiosity, independent and with a temper is seen as dangerous, but a family filled with explosive personalities is not thoroughly investigated by the police. I wonder if the author did it on purpose, or if an invisible bias snuck up on him as well.
Either way, I can't wait to continue with the series!
I have to admit, I like the ensemble cast. Sometimes I wish we spent more time with one character in particular, but that's a minor draw back. The story was engaging, but I had minor grips with the conclusion . There was also a small (but for me important) biological error: spinal muscular dystrophy is described as an X-linked disease, meaning the faulty gene sits on the X chromosome. If a male child is born with SMA, it means the mother is the carrier, not that both parents are carriers. In classical male children the baby inherits an X chromosome from the mother and a Y from the father. The author confused an autosomal recessive disorder (where you need both parents to be carriers) with a sex-linked disorder (where only one parent needs to be the carrier). .
I thought it was interesting that the main suspect in this novel, a temperamental, assertive and intelligent middle aged woman, was punished for her assertiveness and intelligence. . Practically, a female character with an insatiable curiosity, independent and with a temper is seen as dangerous, but a family filled with explosive personalities is not thoroughly investigated by the police. I wonder if the author did it on purpose, or if an invisible bias snuck up on him as well.
Either way, I can't wait to continue with the series!
October 12, 2025
A decent second entry to this series. If you liked Old City Hall, you'll like this. The characters are mostly familiar, and the story is similar--but different enough to be worth reading. I think the real test will be if Rotenberg can break away from the very similar themes and devices of his first two books.
The mystery was solid and was wrapped up in the way expected. I only wish that there had been a little more discussion of thought processes--doubts, considerations. That would have made the book richer, I think. Although we got a little more information about Greene, there was almost nothing in this book from Kennicott. If we're supposed to see these people (and potentially others) as main characters, I think it would help if we saw a little more of their thoughts, rather than keeping them at arm's length.
The author definitely writes from his perspective, and but there's something old-fashioned about it, like the ideas about the world--especially women--are stuck in the 1980s (although the book is set around 2010). For example, people bend over backwards to not reveal a family secret because a woman is in a marriage that is so threatening that if the secret is revealed she might face violence. I get the practicalities of the legal system mean that not everyone can be saved, but it seems weird to me that nobody--neither women or men--find this distressing.
Generally speaking, everything feels dated--gender and gender relations, marriages (even among younger people), disability, race, the news. A disabled character was permanently referred to as disabled, which I found unnecessary. We'd heard his name several times and knew who he was. This is presented as informational, rather than an indication of problematic behaviours on whoever's perspective we're in.
This slightly dated perspective is perhaps one of the biggest weaknesses of the series--a sharper, more variable perspective would elevate the multi-character style into something genuinely strong. A young editor (a good one, not sure if those exist) would do wonders. I wonder if the more recent entries are different?
Overall though, a decent book. I'm hoping that in book three, the crime is something a bit different from the first two in the series.
The mystery was solid and was wrapped up in the way expected. I only wish that there had been a little more discussion of thought processes--doubts, considerations. That would have made the book richer, I think. Although we got a little more information about Greene, there was almost nothing in this book from Kennicott. If we're supposed to see these people (and potentially others) as main characters, I think it would help if we saw a little more of their thoughts, rather than keeping them at arm's length.
The author definitely writes from his perspective, and but there's something old-fashioned about it, like the ideas about the world--especially women--are stuck in the 1980s (although the book is set around 2010). For example, people bend over backwards to not reveal a family secret because a woman is in a marriage that is so threatening that if the secret is revealed she might face violence. I get the practicalities of the legal system mean that not everyone can be saved, but it seems weird to me that nobody--neither women or men--find this distressing.
Generally speaking, everything feels dated--gender and gender relations, marriages (even among younger people), disability, race, the news. A disabled character was permanently referred to as disabled, which I found unnecessary. We'd heard his name several times and knew who he was. This is presented as informational, rather than an indication of problematic behaviours on whoever's perspective we're in.
This slightly dated perspective is perhaps one of the biggest weaknesses of the series--a sharper, more variable perspective would elevate the multi-character style into something genuinely strong. A young editor (a good one, not sure if those exist) would do wonders. I wonder if the more recent entries are different?
Overall though, a decent book. I'm hoping that in book three, the crime is something a bit different from the first two in the series.
March 8, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this second installment for all the same reasons I liked the first. Many of the same characters appear in this book which takes place eight months after the events of the first book. Characters who were secondary or tertiary are brought to the fore while others slip into the background. On the eve of the start of a divorce court date, Terrance Wyler, the husband, is murdered, stabbed seven times in an apparent act of rage. Evidence points to the soon-to-have-been ex-wife. Again, Rotenberg gives us a patently guilty accused and we are left to contemplate the nature of justice, fairness in an all-too-human legal system, and the pattern of deal-making. Everyone thinks Samantha Wyler should plead guilty but she holds out to take the consequences. Highly enjoyable. The backroom deals are fascinating and the courtroom drama will have you on the edge of your seat. Although it is second in the series, one could read them out of sequence.
March 14, 2018
The morning of the trial of his divorce is start, Terrance Wyler, is found stabbed in his kitchen. His estranged wife is quickly thought to be guilty. It appears she was in the house that night and their four year old son, Simon, spoke with Greene and told him she came to his room and told him she wouldn't see him for awhile. The body was discovered by the nanny, who found the house unlocked. Samantha, Terry's estranged wife says she didn't do it, but all the evidence points to her. Terry has been hanging with an American actress, April Goodling, and there have been arguments among the members of the Wyler family. Samantha has been visiting the teenaged boy next door. Ted DiPaulo, Sam's lawyer does his best to get her to plead guilty, but in the courtroom, she says she didn't do it. The trail comes, and Ted does his best in an exciting battle between DiPaulo and Raglan. However, even the verdict in the trial isn't the final word on this case.
September 5, 2012
Review originally posted on www.christinavasilevski.com
One of the genres that I've often had trouble "getting" is that of the crime/procedural (which was why I had problems with both Zoo City and Empire State ). In terms of my reading habits, then, my enjoyment of Robert Rotenberg's books is an outlier.
Old City Hall was Rotenberg's debut, and The Guilty Plea picks up right where it left off, with many of the same characters. The premise here is similar to that of the first book: someone has been found murdered, and the various characters work together to push the case through the city's legal system - the cops gather evidence and the lawyers pore over said evidence to bolster their arguments in the courtroom.
In this case, the victim is Terrance Wyler, the youngest son of a prominent family who owns a successful grocery store chain. When Samantha Wyler - the woman whom he was in the process of divorcing at the time of his death - shows up at her lawyer's office with the murder weapon wrapped up in a kitchen towel, the case looks all but solved. However, the detectives and lawyers we met in Old City Hall - Greene, Kennicott, Summers, Raglan, and more - aren't content to sit on their laurels and let the obvious conclusion do all their work for them. Papers still have to be filed, and people still have to be questioned.
This attention to process is a great part of why I like Rotenberg's books. In essence, they are about more than just The Law or The Case: they are about competent people doing difficult tasks, and doing those tasks well. Rotenberg also delves into the psychology of people who become involved in a criminal case. In the trials, his lawyers analyze how witnesses gain and lose credibility in the courtroom; during the investigations, his cops pick up on subtle cues like people using rhetorical questions to respond to interrogations.
Within The Guilty Plea, specifically, I was impressed by the care which Rotenberg took to reintroduce the reader to characters from the first book, remind us of what they did, and place them in the context of who they interacted with. It served not only as a refresher course for the cast list, but also prepared me for the shifting perspectives across the book. On top of that, expert attention was paid to reintroducing the city of Toronto as a character as well - the streets and highways and neighbourhoods of the city reflect as much upon the plot of Rotenberg's books as the people do. This focus on the city serves as one heck of an ego boost for a lifelong Torontonian like myself.
Despite these strengths, this book is not perfect. Like Old City Hall, it ended with the person on trial being innocent despite overwhelming evidence against them, with the real killer being suddenly revealed in the final pages. I understand that this is meant to increase the tension, but I don't think that "whodunit" is the point of Rotenberg's books.
Instead, I think the point is showing the process behind a criminal investigation, and the psychology behind preparing for trial. I want to hear more about the considerations that come into play when jurors are selected. I want to hear about the small things that affect the credibility of people testifying in court - things like witnesses not knowing where to place their coats, or being engulfed by the sheer size of the witness box. In Rotenberg's world the courtroom is a psychological tango, and dammit, I want to understand the footwork involved! Last minute revelations of this sort cheapen the reading experience.
On top of that, some of the plot developments were poorly thought out. During the trial, Samantha was revealed to have had an extensive secret correspondence with Terrance's brother Jason, her brother-in-law. This is the sort of thing upon which trials turn on a dime, but I was incredulous that 1) Samantha would have hidden this information from her own defense lawyer, especially when it could have bolstered her claims of innocence, and 2) so little follow-up research of email transcripts and phone records was done afterwards. Furthermore, although a noticeable portion of the novel was spent explaining what happened to the murder weapon, nowhere was it ever stated (unless I didn't notice, which would be odd), that the damn thing was dusted for fingerprints. Isn't that Rule #1 of murder investigations - to thoroughly examine the murder weapon once its location is confirmed? Why didn't that happen here?
Finally, I wish that Rotenberg would set his books so that they could take place across all of Toronto, and not just the downtown core. Speaking as a frustrated suburbanite, it would be really nice to see a book that actually paid attention to the part of town that I live in, instead of the same litany of major downtown locations and corridors.
The thing about The Guilty Plea is that it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor closely, for good or ill. I hope that in subsequent installments, the strengths (good characters, good psychological insights, detailed settings) will increase and the flaws (downtown-centric focus, convenient revelation near the end of the book that the obvious suspect is not the real murderer) will diminish.
One of the genres that I've often had trouble "getting" is that of the crime/procedural (which was why I had problems with both Zoo City and Empire State ). In terms of my reading habits, then, my enjoyment of Robert Rotenberg's books is an outlier.
Old City Hall was Rotenberg's debut, and The Guilty Plea picks up right where it left off, with many of the same characters. The premise here is similar to that of the first book: someone has been found murdered, and the various characters work together to push the case through the city's legal system - the cops gather evidence and the lawyers pore over said evidence to bolster their arguments in the courtroom.
In this case, the victim is Terrance Wyler, the youngest son of a prominent family who owns a successful grocery store chain. When Samantha Wyler - the woman whom he was in the process of divorcing at the time of his death - shows up at her lawyer's office with the murder weapon wrapped up in a kitchen towel, the case looks all but solved. However, the detectives and lawyers we met in Old City Hall - Greene, Kennicott, Summers, Raglan, and more - aren't content to sit on their laurels and let the obvious conclusion do all their work for them. Papers still have to be filed, and people still have to be questioned.
This attention to process is a great part of why I like Rotenberg's books. In essence, they are about more than just The Law or The Case: they are about competent people doing difficult tasks, and doing those tasks well. Rotenberg also delves into the psychology of people who become involved in a criminal case. In the trials, his lawyers analyze how witnesses gain and lose credibility in the courtroom; during the investigations, his cops pick up on subtle cues like people using rhetorical questions to respond to interrogations.
Within The Guilty Plea, specifically, I was impressed by the care which Rotenberg took to reintroduce the reader to characters from the first book, remind us of what they did, and place them in the context of who they interacted with. It served not only as a refresher course for the cast list, but also prepared me for the shifting perspectives across the book. On top of that, expert attention was paid to reintroducing the city of Toronto as a character as well - the streets and highways and neighbourhoods of the city reflect as much upon the plot of Rotenberg's books as the people do. This focus on the city serves as one heck of an ego boost for a lifelong Torontonian like myself.
Despite these strengths, this book is not perfect. Like Old City Hall, it ended with the person on trial being innocent despite overwhelming evidence against them, with the real killer being suddenly revealed in the final pages. I understand that this is meant to increase the tension, but I don't think that "whodunit" is the point of Rotenberg's books.
Instead, I think the point is showing the process behind a criminal investigation, and the psychology behind preparing for trial. I want to hear more about the considerations that come into play when jurors are selected. I want to hear about the small things that affect the credibility of people testifying in court - things like witnesses not knowing where to place their coats, or being engulfed by the sheer size of the witness box. In Rotenberg's world the courtroom is a psychological tango, and dammit, I want to understand the footwork involved! Last minute revelations of this sort cheapen the reading experience.
On top of that, some of the plot developments were poorly thought out. During the trial, Samantha was revealed to have had an extensive secret correspondence with Terrance's brother Jason, her brother-in-law. This is the sort of thing upon which trials turn on a dime, but I was incredulous that 1) Samantha would have hidden this information from her own defense lawyer, especially when it could have bolstered her claims of innocence, and 2) so little follow-up research of email transcripts and phone records was done afterwards. Furthermore, although a noticeable portion of the novel was spent explaining what happened to the murder weapon, nowhere was it ever stated (unless I didn't notice, which would be odd), that the damn thing was dusted for fingerprints. Isn't that Rule #1 of murder investigations - to thoroughly examine the murder weapon once its location is confirmed? Why didn't that happen here?
Finally, I wish that Rotenberg would set his books so that they could take place across all of Toronto, and not just the downtown core. Speaking as a frustrated suburbanite, it would be really nice to see a book that actually paid attention to the part of town that I live in, instead of the same litany of major downtown locations and corridors.
The thing about The Guilty Plea is that it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor closely, for good or ill. I hope that in subsequent installments, the strengths (good characters, good psychological insights, detailed settings) will increase and the flaws (downtown-centric focus, convenient revelation near the end of the book that the obvious suspect is not the real murderer) will diminish.
March 24, 2025
I am enjoying Robert Rotenberg's police procedural/courtroom drama mystery series set in Toronto. I did find that this second novel follows a formula similar to the first and I was also able to figure out "whodunit" but not why.
However, I still very much enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, particularly the two main characters, Greene and Kennicott. I like the way the author slowly reveals their back stories and I look forward to continuing the series and finding out more about these detectives.
The Toronto setting with its many references to neighbourhoods, streets, local restaurants, bars and cafes added a lot of interest and appeal for me.
3.75 *
However, I still very much enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, particularly the two main characters, Greene and Kennicott. I like the way the author slowly reveals their back stories and I look forward to continuing the series and finding out more about these detectives.
The Toronto setting with its many references to neighbourhoods, streets, local restaurants, bars and cafes added a lot of interest and appeal for me.
3.75 *
March 21, 2024
It's obvious that Rotenberg knows his way around Toronto, Toronto courts, and the police system. It's also nice the way he'll explain how Canadian court procedures differ from those we watch on TV, based on U.S. law. Even so, I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first book in the series, though I'm not really sure why. He does a good job of continuing a story line with key characters. Maybe I just didn't like the solve. Still, a heckuva read and decent narration once again. 4.5 stars and onto book 3.
December 19, 2017
An above average legal procedural/mystery. The story moved along at a brisk pace, and the main characters were pleasantly nuanced. I loved the Toronto setting and was able to learn a bit about the Canadian legal system. I didn't realize that this was the second in a series, but this book stands very well on its own. And I particularly liked that the conclusion was not your standard "everyone lives happily ever after" ending. You should give this one a try.
January 1, 2018
it s worth reading these Detective Ari Greene in the order in which Rotenberg wrote them. I wasn't able to do because it's just wasn't available at my public library. Nevertheless, as with the other 3 books of Rotenberg I have read, I was totally engulfed in this story. I'll admit I had guess the murderer before it was revealed, yet the process of wrapping the story around was totally captivating. I look forward to Greene #5 and hope Rotenberg will keep writing.
August 5, 2017
I'm glad that I read Old City Hall, the first Avi Greene novel before this one. The Guilty Plea has its merits if you enjoy courtroom drama in a mystery novel. There is plenty of it in this novel.
The chief drawback is the author seems to be using the same blueprint all over again I would like to see more of Detective Greene in the next no.vel
The chief drawback is the author seems to be using the same blueprint all over again I would like to see more of Detective Greene in the next no.vel
March 18, 2018
I like supporting Canadian authors so picked this book up at a Little Free Library. The Toronto references were fun to read and I could envision the locations the author described. Will definitely work my way through this detective series...hohttp://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1... the author keeps moving the relationships along.
December 28, 2019
Another great Toronto read from Rotenberg. I can see now that his stories always have a similar kind of twist at the end...a key witness is lying...but I still enjoyed it. Young son of Wyler Food dynasty found stabbed and the ex-wife shows up with the knife...seems guilty but of course that is not how it happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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