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Head On
This novel is set again in the Great Northwest. It starts with a dramatic scene of a horrific automobile collision on the day after Memorial Day in 1973 on a mountain road in western Oregon. Two people are killed, and three others suffer serious injuries. A major lawsuit follows, involving several plaintiffs, including an injured wife, two injured children, and the estates of the person killed in the accident. On the opposite side are the manufacturers of both vehicles as well as a service station that had serviced one of the vehicles shortly before the collision. Barry O'Shea represents one of the vehicle manufacturers, Monarch Motors. Plaintiff hires a local lawyer with little trial experience, who associates Wayne Merriman, a famous litigator from Carson City, Nevada. Fascinating twists and turns portrayed in the pretrial investigations and proceedings keep the readers' attention. Merriman's dynamic presence and novel tactics highlight these normally boring proceedings. Barry finds himself involved in a real "dog fight." Adding to the mix is an attractive insurance adjuster for the plaintiffs' insurance carrier, who has a plan of her own. The trial is held in Astoria, a town of Scandinavian history, situated on the mouth of the Columbia River as it empties into the Pacific Ocean. A judge of Norwegian ancestry is called upon to preside over a very unique trial that has Barry digging deep his "bag of tricks" to fend off the tactics of the plaintiff's counsel. Because of Merriman's discovery, a substantial settlement is made with one of the vehicle manufacturers. Then Merriman turns his full attention to the case against Monarch, relying heavily upon expert witnesses. Barry's handling of these experts, as well as his preparation of Monarch's defense, leads to another surprising ending, which is a feature of the Barry O'Shea mysteries series. The fast pace and mobility of this novel will keep the reader riveted to the end.
328 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 10, 2012
Jerry Banks succeeds in making the world of lawyers and courts seem vividly interesting and real again in his latest Barry O’Shae novel, Head On. The novel explores the aftermath of an horrific head-on car accident where two people die and others are left injured for life. The complexities of who might be blamed, and the interweaving of dishonest greed with honest necessity and investigation, are very intriguingly portrayed. Details grow larger and smaller as the inquiries proceed. Some characters weave into the story to tell their part then flee in dismay, while others overstay their welcome only to find themselves bested on the courtroom floor. Meanwhile there’s a beautiful sense of Oregon towns and countryside adding richness to the background, and an honest respect for the strength and weakness of the law adds a sense of depth.
The story’s slowed a little by its weight of characters, but everyone plays their part and if some parts are less important than others, there’s a lawyerly feel to refusing to leave them unnamed or unformed. Some typos slowed the story for me too, though they may be fixed in later versions. And the obligatory made-for-TV sexual tension never quite rang true—but perhaps it wasn’t meant to.
I really enjoyed the insight into the law’s machinations, learning the differences between state and federal court, and seeing the implications of how a venue is chosen. When the case comes to trial and the jury enter the room, the dialogue becomes vividly real, and the interplay between lawyers and potential juror’s is riveting.
This is a good book for its vivid portrayal of time and place; also for its clear depiction of the justice system. The investigation’s true to life and the courtroom dialogue is smooth and very convincing. Backstories and side-stories slow the text, but the whole combines into an enjoyable tale with plenty to offer.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The story’s slowed a little by its weight of characters, but everyone plays their part and if some parts are less important than others, there’s a lawyerly feel to refusing to leave them unnamed or unformed. Some typos slowed the story for me too, though they may be fixed in later versions. And the obligatory made-for-TV sexual tension never quite rang true—but perhaps it wasn’t meant to.
I really enjoyed the insight into the law’s machinations, learning the differences between state and federal court, and seeing the implications of how a venue is chosen. When the case comes to trial and the jury enter the room, the dialogue becomes vividly real, and the interplay between lawyers and potential juror’s is riveting.
This is a good book for its vivid portrayal of time and place; also for its clear depiction of the justice system. The investigation’s true to life and the courtroom dialogue is smooth and very convincing. Backstories and side-stories slow the text, but the whole combines into an enjoyable tale with plenty to offer.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2012
Head On
Jerry Banks
Fate has a nasty way of creating havoc when you least expect it. Sometimes things happen and you often question and wonder why. One family had a great vacation that came to an end and started out for home. Another man was riding in his pickup truck hoping to deliver two cows. What are the odds that the van carrying the family and the pickup truck would wind up in the same place, colliding and causing an accident so horrific leaving one family without two of its members and the rest seriously injured? One man in the pickup truck blindsided because of something that caused the hood of his truck to rise up blocking his view of the road and causing him to collide and literally drive through the van and mowed down the family inside. Imagine what this man is going to think and feel when he learns the truth about the accident. Imagine what is going to happen next as the two specific manufacturers are going to have to face off in court when the victims that survived file lawsuits. Monarch and WCI are the two companies involved and the one person who represents them is Barry O’Shea. From the author of the Barry O’Shea series, Jerry Banks comes another blockbuster mystery Head On.
As the medical team assesses the injuries, the medical examiner takes the two fatalities away, the police and the investigators decide on the cause many lives will change and a family will be torn about. Head On: That’s exactly how this happened now they just have to decide why and who is at fault. One 1970 Monarch pickup and one WCI Van: Which one is at fault? As the author relates the history behind the law firm, Barry’s relationship with both companies and the procedure he followed to inform both about the accident and whether he will represent them both or if there might be a conflict. Enter Monica Richards an insurance agent for Towson Dairy in Seaside. The insured pickup hit the WCI van in such a way that it appeared to have gone right through it to the backseat. The author describes in detail how both vehicles looked as this insurance agent has her own agenda in mind when contacting the police and the agent for the other insurance company. Seemingly understanding and claiming to want to pay the collision claim she convinces the other agent to turn over both vehicles to her. Each person she speaks with including the injured she convinces to adhere to what she wants including not speaking to anyone without her knowledge and allowing her to handle the transfer of both vehicles. One vehicle is a 1967 Caravan and the other a 1970 Monarch. As we get to know her better you can tell that she is shrewd, manipulative and definitely not to be trusted. Telling the representative from the other company that she knows a lawsuit will be filed she hopes that the information she needs and will get from the engineer will point the figure of blame at someone else. Trying to decide if the hood of the Monarch flew up because a gas station attendant did not secure it properly after checking if the Monarch needed water or oil. Flashback now to 1970 and we night learn more about WCI. We take a trip back in time to when the van was remodeled, who created the new snub nose model that was supposed to allow for better visibility and increase safety preventing problems with head on collisions. As the head of engineering meets with a woman whose last name is Tracy O’ Grady they discuss creating a prototype to test out the new model and what happens between them will definitely make you wonder whether he made the right decision or not. As we fast- forward to the test, their close interaction and the sale of the first WCI van for 1970. Tracy is a mechanical engineer working for WCI along with the developer of the van. But, what happens to a man named Rich Lewis and the settlement made lets the reader know that there are definitely some design flaws that were overlooked. Added in is the homecoming of Amy Ralston, her contacting the adjuster about payment or insurance for the van and the end result of signing over the title for the money. However, Monica Richards is smart and wants to save her company the bulk of what Amy and her family is entitled from the loss of a child and a father. Convincing her boss to give up the 200,000 dollars in insurance and then team up with the other company to go after the service station and Monarch the manufacturer of the other vehicle seems brilliant to her boss but will it work? Monica Richards is quite cunning as you learn more about her and her way of getting around those she needs something from is anything but professional. The lawyers for the case are in place and she has managed to ensconce herself right in the thick of things trying to make her contribution more than just what it is, a contribution to the case. The author describes in detail the procedures that will be followed, Oregon state law related to imparting and receiving discovery information and goes on to explain the term second collision, which is vital to understanding how they are going to file this suit. Proposing that WIC give Amy Ralston 200,000 dollars as a loan was quite brilliant. Knowing that she would redeem these funds for her company at trial, if they win quite insightful. Stating the vehicle lacks protection for the passenger and that his defect caused the accident was compelling. As the lawyers meet with the engineer they discuss as the author elaborates on pages 92-94 the many areas of concern with the vehicle and how they will proceed. Wayne Merriman is the famous litigator from Carson City, Nevada that will be trying the case for Amy and her family. Merriman is anything but conventional in his methods and coming up against Barry and his team will prove challenging for both sides. Barry now learns about the suit, which is filing it and the three defendants. Now, he has to decide whom he is going to represent and create his own team for the trial.
Stipulations by the defendant’s team even before the trial begins including obstacles that Merriman hopes to put in Barry’s way. But, he is smart, investigates the other side, those involved and what we learn about some of the ethics of the players involved will definitely enlighten the reader as to what really goes on during a trial and how key witnesses are paid or side with the team they are working with and sometimes facts get distorted. The primary concern is whether there was a defect in the design of the pickup and the latch mechanism. When the company that designed the van sends the assistant and not the person in charge it should get interesting when Monica and Tracy meet and the methods of getting information and things done the same. But, the man who has the real knowledge of what happened to the van and the one who claims he just repaired dents and repainted does not want the truth revealed. Why? Lies and deceits are part of this case and lawyers and witnesses that will do anything to win for their side.
The author continues with the many depositions taken the strategies of the lawyers and the way that each team operates. Merriman seems to use more than just underhanded methods and theatrics while O’Shea seems to use tactics are that more professional and definitely not be taken lightly. This trial will prove to be interesting and exciting to say the least.
As the trial date comes closer and the parties are in place we hear from the two children, Amy and Barry wants Monica Richards deposed too. But, the most compelling deposition and admission came from the discussion with Tracy O’Grady the assistant project designer of the Caravan. Settlements made millions at stake and twists, turns, deceits and lies uncovered before the verdict is revealed. But, the twist at the end will surprise you as one woman stands up for her rights and the rest well wait and see how this plays out as once again author Jerry Banks mystifies, stumps and ignites excitement in the reader. A great legal thriller and I can’t wait to see what he has in store next for Barry and his team.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Jerry Banks
Fate has a nasty way of creating havoc when you least expect it. Sometimes things happen and you often question and wonder why. One family had a great vacation that came to an end and started out for home. Another man was riding in his pickup truck hoping to deliver two cows. What are the odds that the van carrying the family and the pickup truck would wind up in the same place, colliding and causing an accident so horrific leaving one family without two of its members and the rest seriously injured? One man in the pickup truck blindsided because of something that caused the hood of his truck to rise up blocking his view of the road and causing him to collide and literally drive through the van and mowed down the family inside. Imagine what this man is going to think and feel when he learns the truth about the accident. Imagine what is going to happen next as the two specific manufacturers are going to have to face off in court when the victims that survived file lawsuits. Monarch and WCI are the two companies involved and the one person who represents them is Barry O’Shea. From the author of the Barry O’Shea series, Jerry Banks comes another blockbuster mystery Head On.
As the medical team assesses the injuries, the medical examiner takes the two fatalities away, the police and the investigators decide on the cause many lives will change and a family will be torn about. Head On: That’s exactly how this happened now they just have to decide why and who is at fault. One 1970 Monarch pickup and one WCI Van: Which one is at fault? As the author relates the history behind the law firm, Barry’s relationship with both companies and the procedure he followed to inform both about the accident and whether he will represent them both or if there might be a conflict. Enter Monica Richards an insurance agent for Towson Dairy in Seaside. The insured pickup hit the WCI van in such a way that it appeared to have gone right through it to the backseat. The author describes in detail how both vehicles looked as this insurance agent has her own agenda in mind when contacting the police and the agent for the other insurance company. Seemingly understanding and claiming to want to pay the collision claim she convinces the other agent to turn over both vehicles to her. Each person she speaks with including the injured she convinces to adhere to what she wants including not speaking to anyone without her knowledge and allowing her to handle the transfer of both vehicles. One vehicle is a 1967 Caravan and the other a 1970 Monarch. As we get to know her better you can tell that she is shrewd, manipulative and definitely not to be trusted. Telling the representative from the other company that she knows a lawsuit will be filed she hopes that the information she needs and will get from the engineer will point the figure of blame at someone else. Trying to decide if the hood of the Monarch flew up because a gas station attendant did not secure it properly after checking if the Monarch needed water or oil. Flashback now to 1970 and we night learn more about WCI. We take a trip back in time to when the van was remodeled, who created the new snub nose model that was supposed to allow for better visibility and increase safety preventing problems with head on collisions. As the head of engineering meets with a woman whose last name is Tracy O’ Grady they discuss creating a prototype to test out the new model and what happens between them will definitely make you wonder whether he made the right decision or not. As we fast- forward to the test, their close interaction and the sale of the first WCI van for 1970. Tracy is a mechanical engineer working for WCI along with the developer of the van. But, what happens to a man named Rich Lewis and the settlement made lets the reader know that there are definitely some design flaws that were overlooked. Added in is the homecoming of Amy Ralston, her contacting the adjuster about payment or insurance for the van and the end result of signing over the title for the money. However, Monica Richards is smart and wants to save her company the bulk of what Amy and her family is entitled from the loss of a child and a father. Convincing her boss to give up the 200,000 dollars in insurance and then team up with the other company to go after the service station and Monarch the manufacturer of the other vehicle seems brilliant to her boss but will it work? Monica Richards is quite cunning as you learn more about her and her way of getting around those she needs something from is anything but professional. The lawyers for the case are in place and she has managed to ensconce herself right in the thick of things trying to make her contribution more than just what it is, a contribution to the case. The author describes in detail the procedures that will be followed, Oregon state law related to imparting and receiving discovery information and goes on to explain the term second collision, which is vital to understanding how they are going to file this suit. Proposing that WIC give Amy Ralston 200,000 dollars as a loan was quite brilliant. Knowing that she would redeem these funds for her company at trial, if they win quite insightful. Stating the vehicle lacks protection for the passenger and that his defect caused the accident was compelling. As the lawyers meet with the engineer they discuss as the author elaborates on pages 92-94 the many areas of concern with the vehicle and how they will proceed. Wayne Merriman is the famous litigator from Carson City, Nevada that will be trying the case for Amy and her family. Merriman is anything but conventional in his methods and coming up against Barry and his team will prove challenging for both sides. Barry now learns about the suit, which is filing it and the three defendants. Now, he has to decide whom he is going to represent and create his own team for the trial.
Stipulations by the defendant’s team even before the trial begins including obstacles that Merriman hopes to put in Barry’s way. But, he is smart, investigates the other side, those involved and what we learn about some of the ethics of the players involved will definitely enlighten the reader as to what really goes on during a trial and how key witnesses are paid or side with the team they are working with and sometimes facts get distorted. The primary concern is whether there was a defect in the design of the pickup and the latch mechanism. When the company that designed the van sends the assistant and not the person in charge it should get interesting when Monica and Tracy meet and the methods of getting information and things done the same. But, the man who has the real knowledge of what happened to the van and the one who claims he just repaired dents and repainted does not want the truth revealed. Why? Lies and deceits are part of this case and lawyers and witnesses that will do anything to win for their side.
The author continues with the many depositions taken the strategies of the lawyers and the way that each team operates. Merriman seems to use more than just underhanded methods and theatrics while O’Shea seems to use tactics are that more professional and definitely not be taken lightly. This trial will prove to be interesting and exciting to say the least.
As the trial date comes closer and the parties are in place we hear from the two children, Amy and Barry wants Monica Richards deposed too. But, the most compelling deposition and admission came from the discussion with Tracy O’Grady the assistant project designer of the Caravan. Settlements made millions at stake and twists, turns, deceits and lies uncovered before the verdict is revealed. But, the twist at the end will surprise you as one woman stands up for her rights and the rest well wait and see how this plays out as once again author Jerry Banks mystifies, stumps and ignites excitement in the reader. A great legal thriller and I can’t wait to see what he has in store next for Barry and his team.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews