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Trial
Trial confirms Richard North Patterson’s place as “our most important author of popular fiction.”
In a propulsive narrative that culminates in a nationally televised murder case, Trial explores America’s most incendiary flashpoints of race.
A Black eighteen-year-old voting rights worker, Malcolm Hill, is stopped by a white sheriff’s deputy on a dark country road in rural Georgia. His single mother, Allie, America’s leading voting rights advocate, restlessly awaits his return before police inform her that Malcolm has been arrested for murder. In Washington D.C., the rising, young, white congressman Chase Brevard of Massachusetts is watching the morning news with his girlfriend, only to find his life transformed in a single moment by the appearance of Malcolm’s photograph. Suddenly all three are enveloped in a media firestorm that threatens their lives—especially Malcolm’s.
In a propulsive narrative that culminates in a nationally televised murder case, Trial explores America’s most incendiary flashpoints of race.
A Black eighteen-year-old voting rights worker, Malcolm Hill, is stopped by a white sheriff’s deputy on a dark country road in rural Georgia. His single mother, Allie, America’s leading voting rights advocate, restlessly awaits his return before police inform her that Malcolm has been arrested for murder. In Washington D.C., the rising, young, white congressman Chase Brevard of Massachusetts is watching the morning news with his girlfriend, only to find his life transformed in a single moment by the appearance of Malcolm’s photograph. Suddenly all three are enveloped in a media firestorm that threatens their lives—especially Malcolm’s.
597 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
239 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Richard North Patterson
105 books673 followersRichard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
August 18, 2023
Superbly written. 10 of 10 stars
June 8, 2023
As much as I can truly say that Richard North Patterson’s punchy style gets the job done, and as much as I’m sympathetic to his recent complaint in the media that it’s wrong to censor a white author who is writing with care and understanding about race, just because he’s white, well, this book is just bad on its own terms. No need to blame any of its lukewarm reception and its trouble finding a publisher on publishing politics, beyond acknowledging that publishers are, these days, looking for authenticity, no matter what the author’s race. This book falls down in that regard. It presents the most hackneyed of Black characters, instead of providing authentic human beings whom I can believe in as unique individuals. Patterson’s Black characters are sympathetic, they are righteous, they are facing realistic problems--but they are caricatures, and that, on its surface, is insulting, no matter how well meaning the author may be.
As I write this I'm finding myself thinking, well, this is a legal thriller, it's a genre-all-the-way book, one that is meant to provide a particular kind of reading experience. Maybe it's fair to say that every character in every book written in this genre is there to fulfill a role, and is therefore a bit of a caricature, no matter what their race. In that case maybe it's true that a white author can't write a legal thriller with a Black protagonist, without it sounding kind of awful. I don't doubt Patterson's goodwill. He just doesn't seem to understand the limitations of his own genre.
As I write this I'm finding myself thinking, well, this is a legal thriller, it's a genre-all-the-way book, one that is meant to provide a particular kind of reading experience. Maybe it's fair to say that every character in every book written in this genre is there to fulfill a role, and is therefore a bit of a caricature, no matter what their race. In that case maybe it's true that a white author can't write a legal thriller with a Black protagonist, without it sounding kind of awful. I don't doubt Patterson's goodwill. He just doesn't seem to understand the limitations of his own genre.
May 10, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Richard North Patterson, and Post Hill Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having read a number of novels by Richard North Patterson, I was eager for his return with a new and powerful legal thriller. Patterson does not disappoint, pulling on a number of key political and social issues that currently plague the United States, encapsulating them into this powerful piece of writing well worth the reader’s attention. Themes emerge that need to be addressed, even when they are less than pleasant, and Patterson handles them with ease and conviction throughout. This was exactly what I hoped for while I waited years for a new thriller into which I could sink my teeth. The wait was well worth it.
It all begins on a rural Georgia road one night. Malcolm Hill is a young voting rights worker, son of a local organizer who is well known to those in political circles. While Malcolm is trying to get home, he is admittedly under the influence, but wants no trouble. When a white sheriff’s deputy pulls him over, Malcom is scared and the routine traffic stop soon turns deadly when the deputy is shot and dies. Fearing for his life, Malcom waits there, trying to shake the blur of drunkenness from his brain and is found buy other deputies, who quickly arrest him and take him into custody. Even though Malcom says the shooting was part of an accidental firing, no one will listen.
Allie Hill knew something would happen, as her son is painted with the same brush as her, all for wanting to ensure the Black vote is not lost in the upcoming 2022 mid-term elections. While Malcolm has legal counsel, the fact that this first-degree murder charge could see her son face the death penalty forces Allie to pull out all the stops. She has a secret she has been harbouring and must act swiftly.
In Washington, DC, a motivated congressman from Massachusetts has his eyes set on the Senate. Chase Brevard is just what the country needs and could be the next big thing. However, as news from Georgia is splashed all over the television, Chase is contacted by Allie, who begs for his help. This opens up old wounds and memories from their shared time at Harvard, when things were a lot different. Allie held ono the secret that their time together led to something monumental, all after she left for Georgia again. Now, Chase is being pulled into the middle of the drama, with Malcom awaiting trial and potentially facing death.
As Chase makes his way to Georgia, he must face not only the past he knew nothing about, but also how he will help Malcolm. What follows is a courtroom battle that is about race, voting rights, and the right to refuse a police officer’s demands. The trial turns eyes all over the country and is sure to be pace-setting for the upcoming election ,with news off George Floyd still fresh in the minds of many. A stunning story that touches on the festering wounds of race and voter suppression, well into the 21st century. Richard North Patterson does a formidable job in addressing all this and keeping the reader hooked on the story at hand.
Readers familiar with Richard North Paterson will know that he does not write fluff. His novels, even the legal thrillers, are full of insight and social commentary that work well for the time at which they are written. Patterson seeks to bridge the divides and offer the reader something that will force them to think and act, rather that sit passively by and simply turn pages. This is one of those books and the narrative direction is precise throughout. The flow keeps the story moving, even when things do not seem to have clear direction. The characters are well-crafted and provide the reader with something onto which they can latch to get the needed direction. The plot developments are well honed and keep the reader involved, even if some of the plot points are easily seen a mile away. Patterson knows what he is doing and has used some of his knowledge of the issues at hand to craft this long-await piece of writing. With 2024 on the horizon, I will have to find a better means to follow his views as we head into another presidential election, sure to be full of vitriol on both sides.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for a stunning novel that never disappoints.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Having read a number of novels by Richard North Patterson, I was eager for his return with a new and powerful legal thriller. Patterson does not disappoint, pulling on a number of key political and social issues that currently plague the United States, encapsulating them into this powerful piece of writing well worth the reader’s attention. Themes emerge that need to be addressed, even when they are less than pleasant, and Patterson handles them with ease and conviction throughout. This was exactly what I hoped for while I waited years for a new thriller into which I could sink my teeth. The wait was well worth it.
It all begins on a rural Georgia road one night. Malcolm Hill is a young voting rights worker, son of a local organizer who is well known to those in political circles. While Malcolm is trying to get home, he is admittedly under the influence, but wants no trouble. When a white sheriff’s deputy pulls him over, Malcom is scared and the routine traffic stop soon turns deadly when the deputy is shot and dies. Fearing for his life, Malcom waits there, trying to shake the blur of drunkenness from his brain and is found buy other deputies, who quickly arrest him and take him into custody. Even though Malcom says the shooting was part of an accidental firing, no one will listen.
Allie Hill knew something would happen, as her son is painted with the same brush as her, all for wanting to ensure the Black vote is not lost in the upcoming 2022 mid-term elections. While Malcolm has legal counsel, the fact that this first-degree murder charge could see her son face the death penalty forces Allie to pull out all the stops. She has a secret she has been harbouring and must act swiftly.
In Washington, DC, a motivated congressman from Massachusetts has his eyes set on the Senate. Chase Brevard is just what the country needs and could be the next big thing. However, as news from Georgia is splashed all over the television, Chase is contacted by Allie, who begs for his help. This opens up old wounds and memories from their shared time at Harvard, when things were a lot different. Allie held ono the secret that their time together led to something monumental, all after she left for Georgia again. Now, Chase is being pulled into the middle of the drama, with Malcom awaiting trial and potentially facing death.
As Chase makes his way to Georgia, he must face not only the past he knew nothing about, but also how he will help Malcolm. What follows is a courtroom battle that is about race, voting rights, and the right to refuse a police officer’s demands. The trial turns eyes all over the country and is sure to be pace-setting for the upcoming election ,with news off George Floyd still fresh in the minds of many. A stunning story that touches on the festering wounds of race and voter suppression, well into the 21st century. Richard North Patterson does a formidable job in addressing all this and keeping the reader hooked on the story at hand.
Readers familiar with Richard North Paterson will know that he does not write fluff. His novels, even the legal thrillers, are full of insight and social commentary that work well for the time at which they are written. Patterson seeks to bridge the divides and offer the reader something that will force them to think and act, rather that sit passively by and simply turn pages. This is one of those books and the narrative direction is precise throughout. The flow keeps the story moving, even when things do not seem to have clear direction. The characters are well-crafted and provide the reader with something onto which they can latch to get the needed direction. The plot developments are well honed and keep the reader involved, even if some of the plot points are easily seen a mile away. Patterson knows what he is doing and has used some of his knowledge of the issues at hand to craft this long-await piece of writing. With 2024 on the horizon, I will have to find a better means to follow his views as we head into another presidential election, sure to be full of vitriol on both sides.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for a stunning novel that never disappoints.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 31, 2023
Kudos Richard North Patterson for a totally engrossing, thought-provoking, and ripped-from-the-headlines book! This is a richly woven story of a young black voting rights advocate, Malcolm Hill, accused of killing a white policeman on a dark, country road in rural Georgia. Malcolm is the son of Allie Hill, a single mother and a leader in voting rights advocacy. A Congressman from Massachusetts, Chase Brevard, gets involved in the case due to something in his history and tries to help Malcolm as he awaits trial.
The courtroom drama is dramatic. Race relations are front and center, as are voting rights, white nationalism, and the current issue of police discrimination. This is a heartbreaking story and unfortunately draws from too much truth. The book kept me turning the pages long into the night - I couldn't put it down. I have to admit it made me truly angry at how people treat others who are different from themselves. I've never understood how this can happen - and yet it happens all the time. I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to Permuted Press, Post Hill Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 13, 2023.
The courtroom drama is dramatic. Race relations are front and center, as are voting rights, white nationalism, and the current issue of police discrimination. This is a heartbreaking story and unfortunately draws from too much truth. The book kept me turning the pages long into the night - I couldn't put it down. I have to admit it made me truly angry at how people treat others who are different from themselves. I've never understood how this can happen - and yet it happens all the time. I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to Permuted Press, Post Hill Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on June 13, 2023.
August 2, 2023
I Give Up On Waiting For Patterson To Write Books Again To Entertain Vs.To Preach!
Early In his writing career R.N. Patterson used to be one of my “don’t miss” authors for well-written, highly entertaining legal thrillers based on very topical issues that kept me glued to the pages. However, several books later in his career Patterson plummeted to becoming one of my “don’t read” authors. This happened as a result of my feeling that Patterson shifted his focus from entertaining his audience to using his books as a soapbox from which to force-feed his ultra liberal political /woke/race-based points of view. I was hoping that since Trial is Patterson’s first book to be published in eleven years his focus would have shifted back to what, at one point, made him one of my favorite authors.
This definitely did not turn out to be the case; as, in my opinion, Patterson went overboard in cramming his theories about racism and White Privilege in this country. I’m not saying that his points of view are necessarily wrong. But I did not read Trial to be overly preached to. This occurred repeatedly in the dialogue spoken and actions taken by his primary White male characters and primary Black characters; which resulted in them seeming to me to be caricatures rather than three dimensional people.
My belief is that if Patterson had focused his skills (like he used to) on providing his readers with a highly entertaining timely plot centered around real-world credible characters, Trial would have been an excellent page-turner for me rather than a preachy, tedious thesis disguised as a legal thriller.
Early In his writing career R.N. Patterson used to be one of my “don’t miss” authors for well-written, highly entertaining legal thrillers based on very topical issues that kept me glued to the pages. However, several books later in his career Patterson plummeted to becoming one of my “don’t read” authors. This happened as a result of my feeling that Patterson shifted his focus from entertaining his audience to using his books as a soapbox from which to force-feed his ultra liberal political /woke/race-based points of view. I was hoping that since Trial is Patterson’s first book to be published in eleven years his focus would have shifted back to what, at one point, made him one of my favorite authors.
This definitely did not turn out to be the case; as, in my opinion, Patterson went overboard in cramming his theories about racism and White Privilege in this country. I’m not saying that his points of view are necessarily wrong. But I did not read Trial to be overly preached to. This occurred repeatedly in the dialogue spoken and actions taken by his primary White male characters and primary Black characters; which resulted in them seeming to me to be caricatures rather than three dimensional people.
My belief is that if Patterson had focused his skills (like he used to) on providing his readers with a highly entertaining timely plot centered around real-world credible characters, Trial would have been an excellent page-turner for me rather than a preachy, tedious thesis disguised as a legal thriller.
July 5, 2023
I wanted to love this book, since the bestselling author gave interviews ahead of time saying NY pubishers wouldn't touch his latest book out of fear of blowback/bad publicity (can there BE bad publicity in book sales?) from readers outraged that a white man would try to write from the POV of black Americans--an argument I find absurd. But I couldn't love it. The book is a very long homily--racism bad (and rampant), Black people saints, white southern Christians evil hypocrites in police uniforms who worship Trump. (The main white character IS a saint who only needs absolution for being a successful Harvard grad.) I would bet the reason at least some of those publishers wouldn't publish it was the heavyhanded writing, not the topic itself.
September 10, 2023
How I've missed this author's fiction! Engrossing legal novel about a black teen, raised by a single activist mother, accused of murdering a deputy who stalks/stops him on a dark road in rural Georgia. Solid characters, timely tale about racism and the justice system in the south.
May 14, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC. I thought at first I'd just not read a Patterson for a long time because I'd read other genres but it turns out he's not written one for 7 years.
Trial is an extremely well-researched, well-written novel in that distinctive Patterson style. The trial itself is riveting reading and I defy anyone to guess the end accurately. I certainly didn't see it coming.
My only real problem with this book is the two thirds I had to read before we got to the trial. I'm not saying we didn't need a background to the main event but I could have done without the numerous romantic bits - they fell in love, we get it. It felt, at times, like the book was explaining US politics and the issues of race/police/BLM etc to someone who'd been living under a rock since 2016.
There was one part of this story that I laughed at, only to discover that it really is a conspiracy theory- that of the Great Replacement. That even vaguely sane people believe this nonsense utterly befuddled me. As usual it's the Jews and Blacks who get the blame for what? Wanting a fairer society?
Anyway, politics aside I thought (a few pages from the end) that I was going to have to be annoyed but, in fact, the end was okay. We'll, for me at least.
I'd advise anyone who doesn't mind shouting at a book for a while (there's a ton of conspiracy theory and prejudice for you to yell at) then this is the book for you. It is a little too drawn out at times but otherwise I'd highly recommend it. As I said before, the titular trial itself is extremely good.
Trial is an extremely well-researched, well-written novel in that distinctive Patterson style. The trial itself is riveting reading and I defy anyone to guess the end accurately. I certainly didn't see it coming.
My only real problem with this book is the two thirds I had to read before we got to the trial. I'm not saying we didn't need a background to the main event but I could have done without the numerous romantic bits - they fell in love, we get it. It felt, at times, like the book was explaining US politics and the issues of race/police/BLM etc to someone who'd been living under a rock since 2016.
There was one part of this story that I laughed at, only to discover that it really is a conspiracy theory- that of the Great Replacement. That even vaguely sane people believe this nonsense utterly befuddled me. As usual it's the Jews and Blacks who get the blame for what? Wanting a fairer society?
Anyway, politics aside I thought (a few pages from the end) that I was going to have to be annoyed but, in fact, the end was okay. We'll, for me at least.
I'd advise anyone who doesn't mind shouting at a book for a while (there's a ton of conspiracy theory and prejudice for you to yell at) then this is the book for you. It is a little too drawn out at times but otherwise I'd highly recommend it. As I said before, the titular trial itself is extremely good.
April 18, 2023
What can I say about this novel that is not a superlative. It is one of those books that will remain with me over the next few days as I ponder some of the extremely serious themes discussed.
Firstly let me say I am reading “Trial” as a Brit who has visited the US many times and enjoyed many things this wonderful country has to offer. However scratch beneath the surface and there are many ideas that are difficult to understand. This book covers some of them and it makes for uncomfortable reading. The ease of which an 18 year old can purchase and carry a gun is one. The fact that an advanced modern democracy can still have the death penalty as a punishment and finally the attitude to race which has come so much to the fore over the last few years due to the political situation.
However above all this is a well written and researched compelling read with believable characters. This author certainly knows how to tell a good story!
When Malcom Hill, son of Allie Hill, a black voter rights activist, is stopped late at night on a dark road near his home in Georgia by a policeman, little does he know that his life will change for ever and he will end up accused of a heinous crime.
There is also a compelling love story which begins in the hallowed halls of Harvard where 21 year old Allie and Chase Brevard meet. Chase is a privileged, rich and white, a future lawyer and Congressman He comes from a completely different world from Allie who is black and has grown up in a small town in rural Georgia but they discover they have a connection.
Eighteen years later they come together again when Malcolm is in prison with little hope, accused of something he claims he didn’t do.
A lot of the book is about the trial and it is indeed an extremely well written legal drama by someone who knows exactly what he is talking about. It is also the story of an enduring romance and I must admit it did bring a tear to my eye in places. The characters were so well described that they were almost real for me and the heartbreak they suffered was awful.
This is not an easy read due to its content and it is also political in that it is critical of American society today. The issue of race is a main part of the plot and features heavily in the trial. As a white English woman I found it hard to understand the attitudes of some of the right wing racists who are portrayed in this story.
This is a long book but I read it very quickly as I was so involved with the characters and the outcome of the trial.
I could describe “The Trial” as the To Kill A Mockingbird of the 21st Century. This was one of my favourite teenage books and I have reread it and recently seen the stage play. Sadly my conclusion is that many things have not changed since Harper Lee wrote the original and North Patterson’s wonderful book simply emphasises this. “The Trial” is definitely a must read for 2023 and deserves every one of the five stars I am giving it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Permuted Press for my arc.
Firstly let me say I am reading “Trial” as a Brit who has visited the US many times and enjoyed many things this wonderful country has to offer. However scratch beneath the surface and there are many ideas that are difficult to understand. This book covers some of them and it makes for uncomfortable reading. The ease of which an 18 year old can purchase and carry a gun is one. The fact that an advanced modern democracy can still have the death penalty as a punishment and finally the attitude to race which has come so much to the fore over the last few years due to the political situation.
However above all this is a well written and researched compelling read with believable characters. This author certainly knows how to tell a good story!
When Malcom Hill, son of Allie Hill, a black voter rights activist, is stopped late at night on a dark road near his home in Georgia by a policeman, little does he know that his life will change for ever and he will end up accused of a heinous crime.
There is also a compelling love story which begins in the hallowed halls of Harvard where 21 year old Allie and Chase Brevard meet. Chase is a privileged, rich and white, a future lawyer and Congressman He comes from a completely different world from Allie who is black and has grown up in a small town in rural Georgia but they discover they have a connection.
Eighteen years later they come together again when Malcolm is in prison with little hope, accused of something he claims he didn’t do.
A lot of the book is about the trial and it is indeed an extremely well written legal drama by someone who knows exactly what he is talking about. It is also the story of an enduring romance and I must admit it did bring a tear to my eye in places. The characters were so well described that they were almost real for me and the heartbreak they suffered was awful.
This is not an easy read due to its content and it is also political in that it is critical of American society today. The issue of race is a main part of the plot and features heavily in the trial. As a white English woman I found it hard to understand the attitudes of some of the right wing racists who are portrayed in this story.
This is a long book but I read it very quickly as I was so involved with the characters and the outcome of the trial.
I could describe “The Trial” as the To Kill A Mockingbird of the 21st Century. This was one of my favourite teenage books and I have reread it and recently seen the stage play. Sadly my conclusion is that many things have not changed since Harper Lee wrote the original and North Patterson’s wonderful book simply emphasises this. “The Trial” is definitely a must read for 2023 and deserves every one of the five stars I am giving it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Permuted Press for my arc.
February 27, 2023
Talk about ripped from the headlines!
Trial, the latest book from Richard North Patterson puts the reader right in the middle of the political/social climate in present day Georgia. The basic story is about a young African-American man accused of murdering a white deputy. The overall story touches upon racism,voting rights,and the responsibility and mission people chose to try and make things right.
In another reality some of the situations described in the book seem over the top…unfortunately many of these same scenarios are played out each night on the evening news.
There are twists and turns in this book that also make it a well crafted legal drama.
Thanks to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review.
Trial, the latest book from Richard North Patterson puts the reader right in the middle of the political/social climate in present day Georgia. The basic story is about a young African-American man accused of murdering a white deputy. The overall story touches upon racism,voting rights,and the responsibility and mission people chose to try and make things right.
In another reality some of the situations described in the book seem over the top…unfortunately many of these same scenarios are played out each night on the evening news.
There are twists and turns in this book that also make it a well crafted legal drama.
Thanks to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2023
I chose this book because I thought the author was James Patterson. So when I took it home and looked at the cover I saw the author was Richard North Patterson. I was disappointed. But I started to read it and I found the story riveting. Fabulous and captivating storyline. I loved all the characters. It made me have so much more concern for our country and all the possibilities of what can happen between the liberals and conservatives. I also learned how difficult it is to be a black man in America. So so sad.
August 5, 2023
North Paterson has written a gem of a trial mystery. The characters jump off of today’s reality in a way that made me plow through this exciting read. A young man’s quandary and adult love relationships intertwined with today’s racial antagonisms drives this tale to it’s rightful conclusion. The audiobook is a delight to play from beginning to end.
August 15, 2023
Great and timely book
Although somewhat predictable, this book touches on many of the issues confronting our country-racism, family, politics, government, polarization. It’s well written and a fast read, but it keeps you interested from start to finish.
Although somewhat predictable, this book touches on many of the issues confronting our country-racism, family, politics, government, polarization. It’s well written and a fast read, but it keeps you interested from start to finish.
June 20, 2023
sensational
I’ve waited a long time for this author to release a book—and believe me it was worth it. Really superb
I’ve waited a long time for this author to release a book—and believe me it was worth it. Really superb
June 17, 2023
It is hard to believe that there has not been a novel by Richard North Patterson in nine years. During that time he has written over 300 essays and articles for a handful of national publications, mostly on politics. In his heyday, I always felt that Richard North Patterson should be a household name on the same level as say a John Grisham. Well, his time away from fiction has not allowed any rust to build. In fact, the time he spent mired in national politics has built the foundation for what might be his finest novel to date, TRIAL.
This novel, a lengthy one at nearly 600 pages, is severely limited by being called a mere legal thriller. TRIAL goes so much deeper and at times the reader will find it impossible to believe that this novel was not composed by a black writer as the intimate racial complexities within this story could only come from someone who has lived through them.
It begins on a dark road in rural Georgia. An eighteen-year-old black youth named Malcolm Hill is driving home after a day of canvasing neighborhoods in support of his well-known mother’s Blue Georgia Movement to increase voting in black neighborhoods. He faces a few problems, the first is under-age drinking and the fact that he had one too many before he got in the vehicle; the primary issue is the racist white police officer named Bullock who was waiting specifically for him to hassle him following his left-wing activities.
Malcolm had recently purchased a Glock pistol for just such circumstances --- especially police stops late at night on a poorly lit country road. Officer Bullock approaches Malcolm’s vehicle and leaves his lights off as well as not turning on his dashboard or personal camera to record the event. He also fails to call in the stop to his precinct. Instead, he begins hassling Malcolm letting him understand that he knows exactly who both he and his mother are. When he grabs the voting registration papers on the passenger seat he also finds the Glock hidden beneath them. He points the gun at Malcolm and the two struggle for control. The gun fires, directly into the face of Officer Bullock, killing him instantly. Malcolm waits outside the vehicle as a second police cruiser shows up quickly behind, lights blaring, to take in the carnage left from this unfortunate event.
We are then taken back to Harvard University nineteen years earlier. It is here where a wealthy upper-crust New England Democrat from Massachusetts named Chase Brevard meets and falls for one of the few black female students on campus --- Allie Hill from Georgia. Their relationship begins as one of wary, mutual respect when it comes to political bearing and later turns to physical desire and eventually a love affair. Allie is unable to let her family from Georgia know about this relationship --- especially the fact that she slept with a white man. It is completely against her upbringing and will not be readily accepted by her family or church. One day, seemingly out of nowhere, Allie announces to Chase that she cannot stay at Harvard any longer and returns home to Georgia seemingly ending their relationship with that action.
Nineteen years later, the reader already knows Allie as a voting rights activist and mother to the now arrested Malcolm. Chase Brevard is a Congressman representing his district in Massachusetts with eyes on the Senate and possibly higher political aspirations. When Chase hears about the case, as it gets national coverage, he reaches out to his old girlfriend Allie to confirm two things. First, is the fact that Malcolm is indeed her boy. Secondly, to receive official confirmation that he is the father.
Chase makes the decision to come down and see what he can do to support Allie and Malcolm, even though they do not let on to Malcolm at first that Chase is his father. Meanwhile, the prosecution let by a man by the name of Harris is knuckling under to the sentiment in that part of Cade County to go for the death penalty. The white supremist mobs that gather in the streets outside both the Sherriff’s office and courthouse are shouting for Malcolm to be killed. When a video is released showing Malcolm listening to a rap artist singing about killing cops, that does mucho damage to his own defense that is led by a black attorney named Ford.
TRIAL goes directly to heart of the racial division not only in Cade County, Georgia, but the entire country as well. Even though specific political names are not used, there is no doubt that this novel is set in our world --- with mentions of things like MAGA, George Floyd, and the January 6th riots at the Capitol. All of that and much more is used to stoke the flames of the tinder-box that is TRIAL. Beyond that, the deep dive into the black experience in this country --- specifically in the American South --- is explored in this weighty tome of a story. The set up and character building is so complex that we do not get to the actual trial until we are 400 pages in. The good news is it is well worth the wait.
When Chase ultimately decides to return to his legal roots and act as co-counsel in Malcolm’s defense, shortly after the difficult experience of revealing his relationship with him, things really get interesting. It could be political suicide for Chase as well as physically harmful when both he and Allie are fired upon in separate incidents. Nevertheless, the Speaker of the House goes public with her support of Chase and allowing him a leave of absence for this high profile case that impacts his newly found family.
The dénouement to this case is for the reader to discover. Let me just say that the trail of Malcolm Hill is one that will and should cause much discussion and debate on both sides of the political spectrum. While this is no TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, it clearly stands above and beyond any recent courthouse thriller I have read and is an extremely timely one that we deserve for the moment in history we are all currently living through. Welcome back, Richard North Patterson!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
This novel, a lengthy one at nearly 600 pages, is severely limited by being called a mere legal thriller. TRIAL goes so much deeper and at times the reader will find it impossible to believe that this novel was not composed by a black writer as the intimate racial complexities within this story could only come from someone who has lived through them.
It begins on a dark road in rural Georgia. An eighteen-year-old black youth named Malcolm Hill is driving home after a day of canvasing neighborhoods in support of his well-known mother’s Blue Georgia Movement to increase voting in black neighborhoods. He faces a few problems, the first is under-age drinking and the fact that he had one too many before he got in the vehicle; the primary issue is the racist white police officer named Bullock who was waiting specifically for him to hassle him following his left-wing activities.
Malcolm had recently purchased a Glock pistol for just such circumstances --- especially police stops late at night on a poorly lit country road. Officer Bullock approaches Malcolm’s vehicle and leaves his lights off as well as not turning on his dashboard or personal camera to record the event. He also fails to call in the stop to his precinct. Instead, he begins hassling Malcolm letting him understand that he knows exactly who both he and his mother are. When he grabs the voting registration papers on the passenger seat he also finds the Glock hidden beneath them. He points the gun at Malcolm and the two struggle for control. The gun fires, directly into the face of Officer Bullock, killing him instantly. Malcolm waits outside the vehicle as a second police cruiser shows up quickly behind, lights blaring, to take in the carnage left from this unfortunate event.
We are then taken back to Harvard University nineteen years earlier. It is here where a wealthy upper-crust New England Democrat from Massachusetts named Chase Brevard meets and falls for one of the few black female students on campus --- Allie Hill from Georgia. Their relationship begins as one of wary, mutual respect when it comes to political bearing and later turns to physical desire and eventually a love affair. Allie is unable to let her family from Georgia know about this relationship --- especially the fact that she slept with a white man. It is completely against her upbringing and will not be readily accepted by her family or church. One day, seemingly out of nowhere, Allie announces to Chase that she cannot stay at Harvard any longer and returns home to Georgia seemingly ending their relationship with that action.
Nineteen years later, the reader already knows Allie as a voting rights activist and mother to the now arrested Malcolm. Chase Brevard is a Congressman representing his district in Massachusetts with eyes on the Senate and possibly higher political aspirations. When Chase hears about the case, as it gets national coverage, he reaches out to his old girlfriend Allie to confirm two things. First, is the fact that Malcolm is indeed her boy. Secondly, to receive official confirmation that he is the father.
Chase makes the decision to come down and see what he can do to support Allie and Malcolm, even though they do not let on to Malcolm at first that Chase is his father. Meanwhile, the prosecution let by a man by the name of Harris is knuckling under to the sentiment in that part of Cade County to go for the death penalty. The white supremist mobs that gather in the streets outside both the Sherriff’s office and courthouse are shouting for Malcolm to be killed. When a video is released showing Malcolm listening to a rap artist singing about killing cops, that does mucho damage to his own defense that is led by a black attorney named Ford.
TRIAL goes directly to heart of the racial division not only in Cade County, Georgia, but the entire country as well. Even though specific political names are not used, there is no doubt that this novel is set in our world --- with mentions of things like MAGA, George Floyd, and the January 6th riots at the Capitol. All of that and much more is used to stoke the flames of the tinder-box that is TRIAL. Beyond that, the deep dive into the black experience in this country --- specifically in the American South --- is explored in this weighty tome of a story. The set up and character building is so complex that we do not get to the actual trial until we are 400 pages in. The good news is it is well worth the wait.
When Chase ultimately decides to return to his legal roots and act as co-counsel in Malcolm’s defense, shortly after the difficult experience of revealing his relationship with him, things really get interesting. It could be political suicide for Chase as well as physically harmful when both he and Allie are fired upon in separate incidents. Nevertheless, the Speaker of the House goes public with her support of Chase and allowing him a leave of absence for this high profile case that impacts his newly found family.
The dénouement to this case is for the reader to discover. Let me just say that the trail of Malcolm Hill is one that will and should cause much discussion and debate on both sides of the political spectrum. While this is no TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, it clearly stands above and beyond any recent courthouse thriller I have read and is an extremely timely one that we deserve for the moment in history we are all currently living through. Welcome back, Richard North Patterson!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
October 2, 2023
It took me a bit to get into the premise, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Including racism, murder, and family, a myriad of relevant items were subjects of development. The trial section was tense but rewarding. All in all, excellent read.
March 26, 2023
On a country road at night, an 18 year old Black man shoots a white sheriff's deputy. As news breaks, the country finds out the shooter is Malcolm Hill, the son of prominent voting rights advocate Allie Hill. With Malcom arrested for murder and calls for the death penalty coming from the populace, national attention is on the case. Chase Brevard is a Congressman from Massachusetts who takes an interest in the case, endangering his potential future political career to help Malcolm fight for his innocence. The book details the next year of these characters lives as they feal with the fallout from the shooting and Chase learns about the community where it takes place, culminating in a nationally televised trial.
Richard North Patterson grapples with the biggest issues of race and its intersection with the criminal legal system in this novel. The characters have some of the same conversations that many have had to have over the last few years, and he does a great job showing he has done research in this area and knows what he is talking about. I was astonished by the level of detail, and Patterson details all of the various groups he interviewed around Georgia and the country to make his characters come alive and create a realistic fictional Cade County.
This book is an excellent distillation of issues about voter suppression, white nationalism, discriminatory law enforcement, and the legal system's intersection with race. It helps that Patterson also wrote a thrilling book with a compelling central throughline. For as long as the book is and as wide-ranging as the topics it covers, it moves at such a fast pace. All of Patterson's characters are deeply drawn and complex, making you care or know about all of the actors involved in the case before he finally gets to the titular trial in the final act. Then the trial itself is masterful. Patterson's experience as a lawyer makes the examinations come alive with some thrilling lines of questioning. By taking the process step by step from the crime on page one to the trial in the final section, Patterson has done an amazing job of showing readers how dehumanizing and complex the legal system can be. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who is even remotely interested in the legal fiction genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Permuted Press for a copy of Trial in exchange for an honest review.
Richard North Patterson grapples with the biggest issues of race and its intersection with the criminal legal system in this novel. The characters have some of the same conversations that many have had to have over the last few years, and he does a great job showing he has done research in this area and knows what he is talking about. I was astonished by the level of detail, and Patterson details all of the various groups he interviewed around Georgia and the country to make his characters come alive and create a realistic fictional Cade County.
This book is an excellent distillation of issues about voter suppression, white nationalism, discriminatory law enforcement, and the legal system's intersection with race. It helps that Patterson also wrote a thrilling book with a compelling central throughline. For as long as the book is and as wide-ranging as the topics it covers, it moves at such a fast pace. All of Patterson's characters are deeply drawn and complex, making you care or know about all of the actors involved in the case before he finally gets to the titular trial in the final act. Then the trial itself is masterful. Patterson's experience as a lawyer makes the examinations come alive with some thrilling lines of questioning. By taking the process step by step from the crime on page one to the trial in the final section, Patterson has done an amazing job of showing readers how dehumanizing and complex the legal system can be. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who is even remotely interested in the legal fiction genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Permuted Press for a copy of Trial in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2024
This was a great read. I loved every moment. Tastefully and beautifully done. Please do not ever stop writing.
August 28, 2023
Outstanding contemporary fiction, and by "contemporary" I mean what is going on in American politics and society right at this moment. The characters are well-developed and all caricatures of a certain type, particularly the lawyers. The center of the story is a trial, but the overall plot is much wider and deeper.
June 14, 2023
✨B O O K • T O U R✨
5/5⭐️ // Released June 13, 2023
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Many thanks to @post_hill_press @richardnorthpatterson @tlcbooktours #partner
Another legal thriller that makes you stop to think, “Wow! Where to even begin with this one?” Because it’s just that deep of an issue faced in the story.
Massachusetts rising congressman Chase Brevard doesn’t know he has a son until 18 years later when his son is arrested and put on trial for murder.
Malcolm Hill was born and raised in Georgia by his mother Allie - a voting rights activist, coming home one night something terrible happens changing all their lives forever.
Through the trial, race dynamics are thoroughly explored. Malcolm and his mom are black while Malcolm’s dad and the victim are white.
This is a highly intriguing and important read. The authors jury trial experience and knowledge rings loudly in this *hands down* best legal thriller I’ve read in a while.
A story of race and justice. I was hesitant to begin a story on Black experience coming from a white man, but that was quickly laid aside. A timely and captivating read.
⚡️Check out @coffee.break.book.reviews post tomorrow for her review.
#TrialBook #legalthriller #igreads #hashtagssuck #instasucks #lame #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookobsessed #bookblog #booknerd #bookworm #reading #books #bookratings #bookish #bookreviewer #instabooks #bibliophile #readersofinsta #bookaddict #readingmatters #currentlyreading #readmore #5starreview #bookreview #reviewsbooks #booktok #writesreviews #bookreviews
5/5⭐️ // Released June 13, 2023
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Many thanks to @post_hill_press @richardnorthpatterson @tlcbooktours #partner
Another legal thriller that makes you stop to think, “Wow! Where to even begin with this one?” Because it’s just that deep of an issue faced in the story.
Massachusetts rising congressman Chase Brevard doesn’t know he has a son until 18 years later when his son is arrested and put on trial for murder.
Malcolm Hill was born and raised in Georgia by his mother Allie - a voting rights activist, coming home one night something terrible happens changing all their lives forever.
Through the trial, race dynamics are thoroughly explored. Malcolm and his mom are black while Malcolm’s dad and the victim are white.
This is a highly intriguing and important read. The authors jury trial experience and knowledge rings loudly in this *hands down* best legal thriller I’ve read in a while.
A story of race and justice. I was hesitant to begin a story on Black experience coming from a white man, but that was quickly laid aside. A timely and captivating read.
⚡️Check out @coffee.break.book.reviews post tomorrow for her review.
#TrialBook #legalthriller #igreads #hashtagssuck #instasucks #lame #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookobsessed #bookblog #booknerd #bookworm #reading #books #bookratings #bookish #bookreviewer #instabooks #bibliophile #readersofinsta #bookaddict #readingmatters #currentlyreading #readmore #5starreview #bookreview #reviewsbooks #booktok #writesreviews #bookreviews
April 5, 2023
Richard North Patterson is back. Thank God. After nine years spent column writing and commentating on politics, he is back with a piece of fiction that is destined to become a modern classic, Trial. RNP was writing "Grishamesque" before John Grisham ever thought about publishing and this book is his finest effort. Deeply researched, the novel explores the relationship between a young, white, wealthy politician and a young, Black voting-rights activist, from their days at Harvard to a tumultuous murder trial two decades later in Georgia. Without presenting spoilers, this searing story is ripped from the headlines of today's papers and will keep you turning pages well into the night. Patterson interviewed hundreds of residents and judicial experts throughout the Deep South to maintain accuracy throughout the novel. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I felt extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to read it. Did I mention that it's going to be a classic?
March 1, 2023
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I read somewhere this book is a modern To Kill a Mockingbird and it isn't far off. This book starts with two unlikely lovers at Harvard and their bond and subsequent moving away from each other but still being in love. Allie goes back South and works on voting rights reform and making sure all citizens vote. This makes her a target of those on the other side of the political spectrum. Chase goes on the win a seat in the House of Representatives and lives his life in Massachusetts. Then something awful draws them back together. A wonderful book and I don't want to spoil any of the story. I hope to read more from the author in the future.
June 17, 2023
It is great to have the author back writing novels after a long hiatus. This book makes the reader think. Some will reject its ideas outright, some will say it’s impossible for him to understand what goes on in the life of an 18-year old black man, and others will say he’s done a really good job of bringing things to life. During my reading, I’ll admit that I moved through all of those feelings. However, it did have an effect, and it was an excellent novel with amazing characters and a strong storyline. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
June 21, 2023
I have long been a fan of Richard North Patterson and was very excited to see he had written a new book after such a long hiatus. His research and attention to detail are evident on every page. The character development is exceptional and the story is an absolute page-turner. Now, I'm only sorry that I finished this amazing, timely and thought provoking novel. Each of Patterson's books fully examine an important current societal issue and this one explores racism and specifically police encounters with black men in the wake of Trump and George Floyd. It's a triumph. I only hope I don't have to wait another nine years for his next book.
March 4, 2023
I read this as a pre-publication ARC offered to me by the publisher.
My first reaction is “wow!” While I have RN Patterson’s columns in recent years, I had forgotten how much I missed his narrative voice in fiction. This story is grounded in our factious times. It is elegantly drawn and exquisitely told. Some will find fault with the bent of his narrative. For me, it is a clarion call to all of us to wake up to the. Halle goes of racism, voting rights and the dangers our democracy faces in our times.
A great read and I dare say, an important one!
My first reaction is “wow!” While I have RN Patterson’s columns in recent years, I had forgotten how much I missed his narrative voice in fiction. This story is grounded in our factious times. It is elegantly drawn and exquisitely told. Some will find fault with the bent of his narrative. For me, it is a clarion call to all of us to wake up to the. Halle goes of racism, voting rights and the dangers our democracy faces in our times.
A great read and I dare say, an important one!
April 22, 2023
Richard North Patterson has expertly crafted a novel of our current times. A reader may not agree with all of his viewpoints but I could not resist being drug deeper and deeper into this intense story of perception and beliefs, love and hatred, fairness and bias, justice and revenge. Seeing two people from seemingly separate cultures and backgrounds mesh into truly well-intentioned people living for their passions and believing in what was most important was an awesome experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this stunning ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this stunning ARC.
June 22, 2023
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It has everything an outstanding work of fiction needs - drama, suspense, social relevance, likeable and well developed characters, and an embedded love story (NOT a romance novel pretense of a love story - a real love story). Readers who love Jodi Picoult for her socially relevant issues will love this book. It it timely and accurately shows the different sides to America. I imagine it will be banned in Florida, eventually.
Read
March 8, 2023A Black eighteen-year-old voting rights worker, Malcolm Hill, is stopped by a white sheriff’s deputy on a dark country road in rural Georgia. His single mother, Allie, America’s leading voting rights advocate, restlessly awaits his return before police inform her that Malcolm has been arrested for murder. In Washington D.C., the rising, young, white congressman Chase Brevard of Massachusetts is watching the morning news with his girlfriend, only to find his life transformed in a single moment by the appearance of Malcolm’s photograph. Suddenly all three are enveloped in a media firestorm that threatens their lives—especially Malcolm’s.
Absolutely brilliant, I was totally obsessed with this story. Racism, revenge, love, heartbreak are all strong themes of this book and of course bring out a lot of emotion in the human spirit , it also demonstrates how strong we can be when facing adversity. This story is so real and well portrayed, the characters so well developed, I could not put this down think this may have been my favourite book so far this year. Highly recommended, 5 stars.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.
Absolutely brilliant, I was totally obsessed with this story. Racism, revenge, love, heartbreak are all strong themes of this book and of course bring out a lot of emotion in the human spirit , it also demonstrates how strong we can be when facing adversity. This story is so real and well portrayed, the characters so well developed, I could not put this down think this may have been my favourite book so far this year. Highly recommended, 5 stars.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.
February 12, 2023
Richard North Patterson is a genius at storytelling. This is one of those books that you're going to feel compelled to read straight through without stopping since the story unwinds so adeptly.
Two different worlds collide when two lovely people meet while students at Harvard. They fall in love but both faintly realize that love alone is not enough in their case; they both feel a strong sense of obligation towards making the world a better place and they both graduate and go on to do just that.
This is a very timely story about truth, race, fear, and the ugliness that prevails when there are inequities in power. It examines police culture and white privilege and how both can be used positively and negatively. It's a great story--in fact a love story. But it will also give you plenty to think about and an opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book and even more gratitude to Patterson for writing this book.
Two different worlds collide when two lovely people meet while students at Harvard. They fall in love but both faintly realize that love alone is not enough in their case; they both feel a strong sense of obligation towards making the world a better place and they both graduate and go on to do just that.
This is a very timely story about truth, race, fear, and the ugliness that prevails when there are inequities in power. It examines police culture and white privilege and how both can be used positively and negatively. It's a great story--in fact a love story. But it will also give you plenty to think about and an opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book and even more gratitude to Patterson for writing this book.
May 29, 2023
There were so many red flags that pointed toward not reviewing this new book. Of my 673 Goodreads friends, not one has read, recommended or shelved this book. A blurb claims that Trial confirms Richard North Patterson's place as "our most important author of popular fiction." Yet I never heard of the guy before now. The final flag wave was that an older white man wrote a book featuring a Black 18-year-old (Malcolm) and his Black single mother who is a voting rights advocate (Allie). Out of curiosity alone, I gave it a try.
How did Patterson prepare to write from the perspective of a life he knows nothing about? Did he try to put himself in Malcolm's shoes? Did he research, wing it or rip from real news headlines? The more I read, the more off the mark it seemed. I began to side-eye something in every single chapter. The only other main character Patterson could possibly relate to was a young white congressman.
Maybe it's my harsh judgment. I don't agree with Malcolm's point of view being written by a polar opposite. Patterson doesn't know the feeling a Black mother gets when her son is driving while Black. When her son should be home and isn't answering the phone. How the son must feel when being pulled over by a white police officer and arrested for murder. How social injustices arise in a trial.
I could go on and on. It all boils down to me not liking the book at all, struggling to finish, wishing the author stayed in his lane. There is no shame in writing what you KNOW.
Happy Early Pub Day, Richard North Patterson! Trial will be available Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
How did Patterson prepare to write from the perspective of a life he knows nothing about? Did he try to put himself in Malcolm's shoes? Did he research, wing it or rip from real news headlines? The more I read, the more off the mark it seemed. I began to side-eye something in every single chapter. The only other main character Patterson could possibly relate to was a young white congressman.
Maybe it's my harsh judgment. I don't agree with Malcolm's point of view being written by a polar opposite. Patterson doesn't know the feeling a Black mother gets when her son is driving while Black. When her son should be home and isn't answering the phone. How the son must feel when being pulled over by a white police officer and arrested for murder. How social injustices arise in a trial.
I could go on and on. It all boils down to me not liking the book at all, struggling to finish, wishing the author stayed in his lane. There is no shame in writing what you KNOW.
Happy Early Pub Day, Richard North Patterson! Trial will be available Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
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