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Volcano Verdict: A Luna Cruz Thriller
Dead Lawyer. Drugs. Dormant Volcano? Disgraced former prosecutor Luna Cruz has one chance at redemption, defending her only client and only friend, Jen Song. Jen is a legal secretary accused of killing her boss and leaving him atop an Albuquerque volcano. During the investigation, Luna uncovers a conspiracy involving lawyers and illegal prescription drugs coming across the border. Luna journeys into Texas, and then down to Mexico only to find hat her friend might be the real volcano and she's ready to erupt.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
4 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Miller
15 books9 followersJonathan Miller is often called the "Rattlesnake Lawyer" because of his first novel. He is also a criminal defense attorney who travels all around New Mexico in his rattlesnake cowboy boots. Jonathan is a graduate of Cornell, University of Colorado Law School, and the American Film Institute. He wrote for the syndicated TV show Arrest and Trial and has four other published books: Crater County, Amarillo in August, Volcano Verdict and La Bajada Lawyer. He is single and lives in Albuquerque.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 19, 2009
I experienced such a dichotomy reading this book I scarcely know where to begin. As I wrestled with whether to give this review three or four stars I considered the pros and the cons of Jonathan Miller's well-written legal thriller, VOLCANO VERDICT.
Pros: Miller's writing flows fluidly and easily; even better, his writing style reflects a great deal of wit and a keen sense of humor. This makes for a very fun read. Miller is a criminal attorney, and his expertise comes through time after time, whether his characters attend hearings or file motions or issue subpoenas. And it's readily apparent Miller very much enjoys and appreciates Albuquerque and the Land of Enchantment.
Cons: There are numerous typos and other errors; this book is in dire need of a competent editor (not so cool, Cool Publishing). Some of the scenes are confusing, whether it be character placement or point of view. The book's protagonists, attorney Luna Cruz and her sidekick, Jen Song, sometimes say and do very masculine things (which points out the obvious; the author is a male). In the book's climactic scene, Luna doesn't resolve her own conflict--extenuating circumstances resolve it for her. And finally, there were a couple of other issues as the story concluded that really bugged me.
Miller has terrific talent; I look forward to reading his next book. VOLCANO VERDICT is a fun ride, warts or no warts.
Pros: Miller's writing flows fluidly and easily; even better, his writing style reflects a great deal of wit and a keen sense of humor. This makes for a very fun read. Miller is a criminal attorney, and his expertise comes through time after time, whether his characters attend hearings or file motions or issue subpoenas. And it's readily apparent Miller very much enjoys and appreciates Albuquerque and the Land of Enchantment.
Cons: There are numerous typos and other errors; this book is in dire need of a competent editor (not so cool, Cool Publishing). Some of the scenes are confusing, whether it be character placement or point of view. The book's protagonists, attorney Luna Cruz and her sidekick, Jen Song, sometimes say and do very masculine things (which points out the obvious; the author is a male). In the book's climactic scene, Luna doesn't resolve her own conflict--extenuating circumstances resolve it for her. And finally, there were a couple of other issues as the story concluded that really bugged me.
Miller has terrific talent; I look forward to reading his next book. VOLCANO VERDICT is a fun ride, warts or no warts.
January 1, 2008
This was the third and last of Jonathan Miller's novels about lawyers in New Mexico that I've read, and I loved it as much as the other two. He has a great sense of humor but can also keep the reader eager to get to the next suspenseful chapter to find out what happens next. If you are looking for a change of pace read, then this book might be for you.
January 16, 2010
A personal friend of mine, Jonathan Miller writes the best crime/drama/psychological thrillers around. Set in beautiful New Mexico, pick up one of his books for a great read!
February 12, 2008
Very enjoyable and a strong character in Luna Cruz. A definite page turner
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews