What do you think?
Rate this book
John Bookman #1
Con Law
John Bookman—Book to his friends—is a tenured professor at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. He rides a Harley and wears jeans and cowboy boots and his hair too long to suit the conservative dean. He’s thirty-five, handsome and unmarried but seldom without a female companion. He teaches karate and Con Law, law school vernacular for Constitutional Law. He is a recognized constitutional law expert, debates senators on political talk shows and reduces them to blithering fools, writes scathing op-eds, and is often mentioned as a possible Supreme Court nominee. He is famous for taking on lost causes and winning. Consequently, when he arrives at the law school each Monday morning, hundreds of letters await him, letters from lost causes around the country seeking his help. Some letters are funny, others are sad, most are hopeless. But every now and then, one letter captures his attention. Then, with only his latest law school intern in tow, Professor Bookman takes off on yet another adventure—not in search of ancient artifacts like Indiana Jones, but in search of truth and justice—"or as close thereto as the law allows." In this first installment of a new series, Book investigates a murder in the world of art and fracking in Marfa, Texas.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
371 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Mark Gimenez
19 books498 followersMark Gimenez grew up in Galveston County, Texas, and attended Texas State University and Notre Dame Law School. He practiced law and was a partner in a large Dallas firm. He is the author of ten novels—The Color of Law, The Abduction, The Perk, The Common Lawyer, Accused, The Governor's Wife, Con Law, The Case Against William, The Absence of Guilt, and End of Days (Con Law II)—as well as a children's novel, Parts & Labor: The Adventures of Max Dugan. His books have received critical acclaim around the world. They have been bestsellers in the UK, Ireland, Australia, India, and South Africa and have been translated into fifteen foreign languages. The Perk won a spot in Books to Die For: The World's Greatest Mystery Writers on the World's Greatest Mystery Novels, edited by John Connolly and Declan Burke.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
April 3, 2017
A bit too over detailed.
You may like this if you are very much into law stories. I had picked this one up because my previous reads of Mark Gimenez had proved extremely lively.
This failed to capture my interest as much as The Common Lawyer had done!
The book was very elaborate in certain places that might have felt jargon to non law fans. The mystery factor was quite low as well.
Speaking of the positives, you will enjoy the Texan setting to this whole tale. The arguments and counter arguments are really of the highest quality.
Mark Gimenez can write some real engaging law stories. Just that this one did not strike a chord!
One generous star
You may like this if you are very much into law stories. I had picked this one up because my previous reads of Mark Gimenez had proved extremely lively.
This failed to capture my interest as much as The Common Lawyer had done!
The book was very elaborate in certain places that might have felt jargon to non law fans. The mystery factor was quite low as well.
Speaking of the positives, you will enjoy the Texan setting to this whole tale. The arguments and counter arguments are really of the highest quality.
Mark Gimenez can write some real engaging law stories. Just that this one did not strike a chord!
One generous star
Read
January 5, 2017Con Law is the kind of book that epitomizes a legal thriller. The other Gimenez books I've read have the additional aspect of enlightening the reader on a topic that comes from recent headlines, and this was no exception. It has a lot of information about both constitutional law and the laws covering hydraulic fracturing, aka fracking. But it also has plenty of suspense and action, especially in the last fourth of the book.
A great deal of controversy surrounds the increased use of fracking. It is outlawed in some countries and very restricted in others. It certainly has economic benefits and contributes to the U.S. being less dependent on the Middle East, but does that outweigh its environmental impact? That is what polarizes the defenders of each, and Gimenez give us some interesting characters to illustrate both viewpoints. The book is set in Texas which may be why he doesn't mention this, but in addition the danger of irresponsible disposal of the excess "fracking fluid" I have heard that there is a lot of speculation that fracking is the cause of the increased number of earthquakes in the Midwest, particularly in Oklahoma. Just one more reason for the rest of us to pay attention.
Some people may not enjoy the crusader aspect of this book. Personally, if I can learn something useful while being entertained by a book with a charismatic main character and plenty of action, that's just the icing on the cake!
A great deal of controversy surrounds the increased use of fracking. It is outlawed in some countries and very restricted in others. It certainly has economic benefits and contributes to the U.S. being less dependent on the Middle East, but does that outweigh its environmental impact? That is what polarizes the defenders of each, and Gimenez give us some interesting characters to illustrate both viewpoints. The book is set in Texas which may be why he doesn't mention this, but in addition the danger of irresponsible disposal of the excess "fracking fluid" I have heard that there is a lot of speculation that fracking is the cause of the increased number of earthquakes in the Midwest, particularly in Oklahoma. Just one more reason for the rest of us to pay attention.
Some people may not enjoy the crusader aspect of this book. Personally, if I can learn something useful while being entertained by a book with a charismatic main character and plenty of action, that's just the icing on the cake!
October 8, 2014
I have now read all of the novels written by Mark Gimenez and although I am a fan this book lacked the power of his other novels. The characters were good and the plot promising but quite often the author rambled on making the story a little tedious at times. Not put of though I look forward to his next novel.
July 19, 2019
Всъшност са 3,5*
Имам проблем с подхода за разказ на този автор, но пък има доста оригинални идеи, а конкретно в тази книга - жесток, пълен със саркастичен хумор диалог между двата главни героя 😀
Много свеж образ на стажантката Надин, наистина се надявам за някои неща да не е особено реалистичен, зашото принципа "щом е умрял, не ме интересува" особено отнесен към Бийтълс и Елизабет Тейлър ми идва в повече 🤔
Ще продължа да чете Хименес, с надеждата че ще си паснем повече, защото е различен и винаги научавам доста нови неща от книгите му.
Имам проблем с подхода за разказ на този автор, но пък има доста оригинални идеи, а конкретно в тази книга - жесток, пълен със саркастичен хумор диалог между двата главни героя 😀
Много свеж образ на стажантката Надин, наистина се надявам за някои неща да не е особено реалистичен, зашото принципа "щом е умрял, не ме интересува" особено отнесен към Бийтълс и Елизабет Тейлър ми идва в повече 🤔
Ще продължа да чете Хименес, с надеждата че ще си паснем повече, защото е различен и винаги научавам доста нови неща от книгите му.
February 22, 2021
Не. Определено не. Не ме грабна и не ми беше интересно да чета за американските закони в такива подробности. Няма да коментирам героите, защото... няма какво да коментирам:
- той ми приличаше на отчаян от живота си бой скаут, страдащ от синдрома на Супергероите
- тя... Адски дразнеща от 1вата минута.
Не. Определено не.
- той ми приличаше на отчаян от живота си бой скаут, страдащ от синдрома на Супергероите
- тя... Адски дразнеща от 1вата минута.
Не. Определено не.
July 9, 2013
This is the start of a thrilling new series, and I’m already hooked. John Bookman – Book – to everyone who knows him, is a tenured professor at the University of Texas School of Law. He’s like a rock star in the world of law. He is thirty-five and handsome and wears his hair long, and is usually found wearing jeans. He rides a Harley and when he is not teaching his class on Constitutional Law, he’s on television reducing politicians to blithering fools or signing copies of his latest book. He is often mentioned as a future Supreme Court nominee.
But he’s also known for something more unusual. He’s taken on a lot of cases in the past that have seemed lost causes – and he wins. So every week now he has an intern go through the hundreds of letters from desperate people wanting him to help him. Most get directed to the appropriate agency, but every so often a letter forces him to act. This time around it is a letter from a previous intern who says he has proof that the local water supply is being contaminated.
Book is an Indiana Jones-style professor who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty in the pursuit of truth and justice. Like all Mark Gimenez’ books there is a great sense of place in the big state of Texas, of law and politics, and Book is a memorable character I’d love to meet in real life. Book is highly intelligent, moral, determined to live his life to the full everyday (for reasons the reader will discover) – and he also has other ‘skills’ apart from his brain – that comes in handy when confronted by people wanting to do him harm. And boy, there are quite a few in this book who don’t want him investigating.
But he’s also known for something more unusual. He’s taken on a lot of cases in the past that have seemed lost causes – and he wins. So every week now he has an intern go through the hundreds of letters from desperate people wanting him to help him. Most get directed to the appropriate agency, but every so often a letter forces him to act. This time around it is a letter from a previous intern who says he has proof that the local water supply is being contaminated.
Book is an Indiana Jones-style professor who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty in the pursuit of truth and justice. Like all Mark Gimenez’ books there is a great sense of place in the big state of Texas, of law and politics, and Book is a memorable character I’d love to meet in real life. Book is highly intelligent, moral, determined to live his life to the full everyday (for reasons the reader will discover) – and he also has other ‘skills’ apart from his brain – that comes in handy when confronted by people wanting to do him harm. And boy, there are quite a few in this book who don’t want him investigating.
Read
March 10, 2014Mark Gimenez is an author with several missions. Ostensibly he is writing a thriller and there are no complaints on that count. But he deals with topical causes, too: notably fracking, but also women's rights, Obamacare and the relationship between law and justice. It makes for a long book and at times it hinders pace, but the delays are worth while because they are so fairly argued.
Noe of this would sell many copies if the characters didn't grip. These do. John Bookman is a maverick law professor with a useful sideline in martial arts. His intern, Nadine, is a genuine original, timing her one-liners with deadly precision. An assorted cast of Texan goodies and baddies is nicely differentiated, thanks to the author's ability to write believable dialogue. The small town newspaper editor and the local sheriff are both rooted in the same soil but there are subtle shades of difference.
For a thriller to start with a long chapter of cut and thrust about the US Constitution between professor and students, followed by another debating the ethics of faculty salaries is brave indeed, yet the pages turn themselves with ease.
This is an impressive performance.
Noe of this would sell many copies if the characters didn't grip. These do. John Bookman is a maverick law professor with a useful sideline in martial arts. His intern, Nadine, is a genuine original, timing her one-liners with deadly precision. An assorted cast of Texan goodies and baddies is nicely differentiated, thanks to the author's ability to write believable dialogue. The small town newspaper editor and the local sheriff are both rooted in the same soil but there are subtle shades of difference.
For a thriller to start with a long chapter of cut and thrust about the US Constitution between professor and students, followed by another debating the ethics of faculty salaries is brave indeed, yet the pages turn themselves with ease.
This is an impressive performance.
Read
June 7, 2015Great Legal Thriller with A Lot of Everything
I am a huge fan of Gimenez' work.
" The definition of a liberal: a conservative who had been arrested."
In Con Law, lawyer and professor, Bookman and his reluctant intern Nadine, head to west Texas, after getting a letter from a former intern, asking for help. Upon arriving in the small thriving town of Marfa, they discover their Book's friend that requested help was killed the very day he posted the letter to Bookman.
Con Law actually refers to Constitutional Law, a class he teaches at UT in Austin.
Great book. Laugh out loud humor. Jimenez, as always, tackles history, law, ethical, moral and social issues. Con Law takes you into the controversial side of domestic oil and gas fracking and weighing the impact of steady employment for this small artist community v. environmental responsibility.
Another great compelling read from Mark Gimenez that doesn't avoid sensitive social issues like racism, poverty or alternative lifestyles.
Each book leaves me thinking, I need to learn more about 'this'.
I am a huge fan of Gimenez' work.
" The definition of a liberal: a conservative who had been arrested."
In Con Law, lawyer and professor, Bookman and his reluctant intern Nadine, head to west Texas, after getting a letter from a former intern, asking for help. Upon arriving in the small thriving town of Marfa, they discover their Book's friend that requested help was killed the very day he posted the letter to Bookman.
Con Law actually refers to Constitutional Law, a class he teaches at UT in Austin.
Great book. Laugh out loud humor. Jimenez, as always, tackles history, law, ethical, moral and social issues. Con Law takes you into the controversial side of domestic oil and gas fracking and weighing the impact of steady employment for this small artist community v. environmental responsibility.
Another great compelling read from Mark Gimenez that doesn't avoid sensitive social issues like racism, poverty or alternative lifestyles.
Each book leaves me thinking, I need to learn more about 'this'.
June 17, 2017
I've always enjoyed Mark's legal thrillers and have read many of them. His ability to apply legal theory in layman's terms has been astounding.
This book though...held promise.A lot. Long haired hero. Ditzy intern. Throw in Texas drama. But. Somehow the plot went haywire. Too good to be true. Fiction yes, made believe but it must be plausible. Possible.
Here we had Brookman, the hippy professor of Constitution Law. Alone in Texas. Texas of all American states. Barging in. Stirring. Disturbing lives Threatening livelihoods within the gas and oil industry. Demanding answers. Seeking the truth behind Nathan's death. Armed with a Harley, a briefcase and his intern. Accusing all and sundry...I'll leave it here. Maybe it might be made into a movie...I'll watch it. Just for the art installation.
A thick book. All 478 pages of it. BORING...
This book though...held promise.A lot. Long haired hero. Ditzy intern. Throw in Texas drama. But. Somehow the plot went haywire. Too good to be true. Fiction yes, made believe but it must be plausible. Possible.
Here we had Brookman, the hippy professor of Constitution Law. Alone in Texas. Texas of all American states. Barging in. Stirring. Disturbing lives Threatening livelihoods within the gas and oil industry. Demanding answers. Seeking the truth behind Nathan's death. Armed with a Harley, a briefcase and his intern. Accusing all and sundry...I'll leave it here. Maybe it might be made into a movie...I'll watch it. Just for the art installation.
A thick book. All 478 pages of it. BORING...
October 9, 2014
I couldn't decide what rating to give this book. Maybe 3 1/2 stars would be more accurate. John Bookman (Book) is a professor at the University of Texas Law School, and teaches Con Law. He's a popular teacher, bestselling author, and gifted lawyer. So popular that he receives thousands of letters pleading for help. Since Book can't help everyone, he responds to the ones that really matter to him.
I liked the way this book opens: Bookman is in his Constitutional Law class, discussing past and present Landmark Supreme Court cases. Having taken a Con Law course myself, and always been fascinated by the Supreme Court, I thoroughly enjoyed this part.
Gimenez has a great sense of humor, and this book is a terrific thriller. I will be reading more of his books.
I liked the way this book opens: Bookman is in his Constitutional Law class, discussing past and present Landmark Supreme Court cases. Having taken a Con Law course myself, and always been fascinated by the Supreme Court, I thoroughly enjoyed this part.
Gimenez has a great sense of humor, and this book is a terrific thriller. I will be reading more of his books.
August 1, 2017
My second read from this author. Won't be my last. Turns out he is a bit like me -- a liberal lawyer with a love/hate relationship with Texas. The protagonist is much the same, only a law professor. Like The Perk, the setting is another unique town in Texas: Marfa. And there's fracking goin' on down there.
The plot and its pace are almost perfect. It is not what you might call a 'nail-biter'. Could be, but you would have to leave out a lot of history of the area and factual information on the various topics. I love how he does this. You can still call it a page-turner. Thankfully, not written as an 'ebook', meaning that it's an actual novel and takes its time.
The main character, 'Book' Bookman, is a Constitutional law professor at the University of Texas. Rides a Harley, skilled in Taekwondo, legal media star, and can seemingly take off for long periods of time to pursue justice where ever it may be needed and with whichever intern assigned to him at the time. So, you need to buy into that. If you can, its fun. Plenty of sly wit.
Too much time reviewing and not enough time reading. I'm off to read another Gimenez novel.
The plot and its pace are almost perfect. It is not what you might call a 'nail-biter'. Could be, but you would have to leave out a lot of history of the area and factual information on the various topics. I love how he does this. You can still call it a page-turner. Thankfully, not written as an 'ebook', meaning that it's an actual novel and takes its time.
The main character, 'Book' Bookman, is a Constitutional law professor at the University of Texas. Rides a Harley, skilled in Taekwondo, legal media star, and can seemingly take off for long periods of time to pursue justice where ever it may be needed and with whichever intern assigned to him at the time. So, you need to buy into that. If you can, its fun. Plenty of sly wit.
Too much time reviewing and not enough time reading. I'm off to read another Gimenez novel.
May 12, 2022
I was looking for a light, quirky little Texas mystery but I got much more. I learned stuff, especially about abortion law and fracking and our southern border, all as of 10 years ago, so outdated but still disturbing. And Marfa was portrayed as a suburb of NYC with a vibrant art scene in conflict with local oil field rough necks. Primarily Con Law was a lark, and I will be looking for the next in this series about a UT law professor who hops on his Harley and goes off to right a wrong. His next road trip will bring him to Waco, circa Branch Davidians. Gotta go along on that ride. (Some reviewers rank Gimenez with Grisham.)
January 7, 2018
This is a tough book to review. It gives a complete and charming history of Marfa, Texas as the setting for this adventure. Then comes a detailed explanation of fracking which I admit was very interesting. FINALLY the author got to the murder which brought his main character to Marfa. Was it a textbook or a novel? Anyway, it was an interesting experience.
March 12, 2020
John Bookman (or Book) is apparently a professor and a famous lawyer in the United States. When Nathan Jones (his ex-intern) writes a letter asking for help, Book cannot help but go and help him out.
What I really liked this book for is the detail, the sheer detail portrays the knowledge the author holds in the justice system of the States. Moreover, apart from a few fictional (or movie-like) scenes, the book grips you tight and reminds you of John Grisham.
A great light read, well-written and very well portrayed.
What I really liked this book for is the detail, the sheer detail portrays the knowledge the author holds in the justice system of the States. Moreover, apart from a few fictional (or movie-like) scenes, the book grips you tight and reminds you of John Grisham.
A great light read, well-written and very well portrayed.
August 28, 2019
I really didn't enjoy this book. Hard to decide whether it was subject matter or convoluted storyline.
August 23, 2020
This book was barely a 3 for me... until the last few chapters. And then BAM! Things got crazy!
September 10, 2017
this is one of those books that you just want to slap the stupid out of ALL the characters, seriously all of them were either racist, sexist, homophobic or just plain idiots (most of the time all of the above)
skip it
skip it
March 19, 2019
Excellent pacing set authentically in Marfa Texas. Steeped in the history of the region and Marfa’s notorious historical characters enough to be insightful. This murder mystery legal thriller is woven into the fabric and lore of the now mythic desert art community and the controversy surrounding frack-drilling. The thing about Gimenez is his style. Easy to read prose with believable characters flawed of realistic human traits - we get them warts and all. A Hero, heroic yet human against Villains believable because they’re human. Always a few laughs in Mark’s works as he can truly assume tone in human discourse pushing the readers inner voice into his characters - I hear accents when I read conversations. Not just another legal thriller, this story lends itself to examine the never ending conversation that is constitutional law. Through the eyes of the world in which we find ourselves, and some Texas law students, We find ourselves exploring the ramifications of recent decisions made by the Supreme Court Justices and their interpretation of those words written by the founding fathers some 230 years ago. What indeed does a government propose it’s purpose be? To supply answers to all the social problems in America? ‘The framers did not create a federal government that possesses all powers except those denied in the constitution, but rather a government that possesses only those powers granted in the constitution. Perhaps the federal government isn’t supposed to solve every social problem in America....’. Like all of Gimenez’ books, this one had to end, all too soon for me. So, on to the next one - please keep ‘em coming!
May 10, 2018
John Bookman is a law professor at the University of Texas teaching Constitutional Law. He is extremely well known, having appeared on national TV on political talk shows. He receives many letters from people which his intern opens and reads and passes the interesting ones to him. He has received such a letter from Nathan Jones, a former intern telling him about unlawful fracking going on in Texas and says he has the proof this is happening. This is the basis of the story and the author explains in great detail the pros and cons of the situation. At times the political aspects of the novel get a little heavy. The character I really enjoyed was Nadine Honeywell, an intern for the professor. She is a great character and makes the story as far I am concerned. Book himself has personal problems which are interesting to read, too. The last part of the novel does help the story along a great deal.
January 9, 2019
Loved this book and John Bookman, the main character. John teaches Constitutional Law at U of Texas, but is not your typical lawyer. He wears t-shirts, rides a Harley and helps the “little people.” A previous intern, Nathan Jones, living in Marfa sends him a letter telling of water contamination by a big, local gas & oil company from their fracking fluids. When John gets to Marfa with his new intern, quirky Nadine, he finds out that Nathan was killed in a sole auto accident late at night on the day he mailed the letter. John suspects murder and not just an accident. I loved the facts about Marfa, the famous artist community and how the gays from NY moved to this small town to get away from the stress of a big city. Well known artists were Donald Judd, John Chamberlain & Dan Flavin. I also learned about El Cosmicos, the retro trailer/teepee/tent park. So cool. 10 Stars! (12.24 to 1.8.19)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
I really wanted to like this author! I haven’t seen that many legal thrillers around other than Grisham and I was hoping to have found another I could enjoy but I really struggled with this book.
He was so overly detailed about everything and the descriptions were just making it drag! Okay it’s a legal thriller but do you really need whole chapters debating Roe v Wade and ObamaCare it was just so hard going and forced and trying way too hard!
The story was okay I suppose but I just have a feeling this author just wants a platform to argue everything and this was Fracking!
Overall, aside from the fact that the main character was a lawyer the victim was a lawyer it wasn’t really a legal thriller for me.
2.5 rounded up to 3 - really disappointed, too overly detailed
He was so overly detailed about everything and the descriptions were just making it drag! Okay it’s a legal thriller but do you really need whole chapters debating Roe v Wade and ObamaCare it was just so hard going and forced and trying way too hard!
The story was okay I suppose but I just have a feeling this author just wants a platform to argue everything and this was Fracking!
Overall, aside from the fact that the main character was a lawyer the victim was a lawyer it wasn’t really a legal thriller for me.
2.5 rounded up to 3 - really disappointed, too overly detailed
August 5, 2019
Brilliant!
Brilliant, simply brilliant novel! Mark Gimenez brings his compelling characters to life with his incredible pacing. I find myself flying through his writing because I cannot wait to read what happens next. And next. And next. And, to save you time, his legal references are real, no need to Google them. His historical references? Again, factual. But for all the wealth of knowledge you'll gain, you will be thoroughly entertained with every page. The dialogue is perfectly constructed and jumps off the page. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Excellent!
Brilliant, simply brilliant novel! Mark Gimenez brings his compelling characters to life with his incredible pacing. I find myself flying through his writing because I cannot wait to read what happens next. And next. And next. And, to save you time, his legal references are real, no need to Google them. His historical references? Again, factual. But for all the wealth of knowledge you'll gain, you will be thoroughly entertained with every page. The dialogue is perfectly constructed and jumps off the page. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Excellent!
March 27, 2021
Good Read
This was a good book. Although it seems slow in places, I found myself liking the characters, immersed in the story, and reading along to see what happened next. Professor Bookman is a likable guy who is drawn to danger. I’ve read a lot of books by this author and overall this one did not disappoint.
Gimenez frequently adds little tidbits of interesting information into his stories. They are definitely more complex than a typical thriller. This particular book had a lot of information central to fracking.
If you like interesting mysteries where you can learn some things along the way, this is a good book for you.
This was a good book. Although it seems slow in places, I found myself liking the characters, immersed in the story, and reading along to see what happened next. Professor Bookman is a likable guy who is drawn to danger. I’ve read a lot of books by this author and overall this one did not disappoint.
Gimenez frequently adds little tidbits of interesting information into his stories. They are definitely more complex than a typical thriller. This particular book had a lot of information central to fracking.
If you like interesting mysteries where you can learn some things along the way, this is a good book for you.
June 15, 2021
A good legal thriller with a difference as it has the star constitution law teacher Book stray away from the courtroom and the classroom to investigate the death of his ex intern in Texas.
These is a lot of information about fracking for shale oil and gas in Texas and the world, the technology, the drawbacks, environmental issues. All very interesting.
Also some insights into the economy of Texas and the influence of Mexican illegals on it.
Some great characters revealed during the murder investigation and in the side stories involving the professor. However prof Book is the most lovable character, humorous, witty and strong.
A book for buffs of legal fiction.
These is a lot of information about fracking for shale oil and gas in Texas and the world, the technology, the drawbacks, environmental issues. All very interesting.
Also some insights into the economy of Texas and the influence of Mexican illegals on it.
Some great characters revealed during the murder investigation and in the side stories involving the professor. However prof Book is the most lovable character, humorous, witty and strong.
A book for buffs of legal fiction.
April 9, 2019
Excellent book that will teach you more about constitutional law then you ever thought you needed to know (you were wrong). John Bookman, tenured professor at UT Austin School of Law and darling of the TV journalists, sets out to help a former intern of his who is in an ethical quandary regarding a client's fracking and disposal of the fracking fluids. "Book:, as he is called, is too late to help his former intern but in time to avenge his death. Astride his Harley, wearing his doodad, he rides through Marfa, Texas, a town known for its mysterious lights, a tempting target for his enemies.
September 8, 2017
This is the first Mark Gimenez novel I have read, but I've had his name down for a while. Despite the title, this book has very little to do with Constitutional Law. There are obviously a few facts that he wanted to get out there and they serve as bookends, but this novel is about fracking. To be honest, I glazed over some of the detailed specifics he went in to, but they weren't necessary to enjoy the story. I'll certainly add his other books to my reading list.
October 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book and how the arguments in the con law class gave me a peek of what's happening inside a classroom in a law school. I like that the plot is not dragging and the chapters are not so long either. An interesting mix of knowledge in this book - con law, art in Marfa, oil & gas in Texas. What I especially like is the adventurousness of John Bookman brought about by his compassion and how he tries to instill strength and courage to his interns.
December 2, 2020
John Bookman is a tenured professor teaching constitutional law at the University of Texas Law School.. He is also known to take on lost causes and win. The class discussions are interesting and very entertaining. The conservative v, liberal fights enhanced with dueling tea shirts. There are several laugh out loud moments. A good story and plot enhanced by likable and interesting characters. I will continue to read all that Gimenez has written.
December 16, 2024
John (Book) Bookman is U of Texas tenured prof of constitutional law. He (with latest intern) takes on the hopeless causes of people who who write asking for his help. This one, former intern, writes to that his client is doing something illegal in Marfa Texas. Book and intern follow clues. Interesting sets of conflicts -- in class discussions of Con Law, between friends, between Mexican/white, art/original, oil fracking/eco groups.
June 9, 2017
I really liked all previous books by this author, but this was poor.
Why it was called con law I have no idea. True there was discussion of con law at the start and end, but it had nothing to do with the story, but was interesting none the less.
The characters in the action part of the story were unreal.
Why it was called con law I have no idea. True there was discussion of con law at the start and end, but it had nothing to do with the story, but was interesting none the less.
The characters in the action part of the story were unreal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews