Local Rules

by Jay Brandon

Attorney Jordan Marshall is just on his way to the beach, passing through Green Hills, Texas, a small town he's barely noticed before. Arrested by an over-zealous cop, he's hauled before the judge who seems to rule over the town. Before Jordan knows what's happening, he's appointed to represent a young punk charged with assault. It seems like a simple case, so why does he encounter such hostility everywhere he goes as Wayne's lawyer? Then Jordan learns of the murder that happened shortly before Wayne beat up his best friend, the murder of Jenny Fecklewhite, the beautiful and brilliant teenager who was the pride of the town. The hostility comes from the fact that everyone in town thinks Wayne killed her, even though he hasn't been arrested for that crime. Then the next murder happens... Jordan also becomes involved with Laura Stephone, the lovely court reporter with the sad smile. She seems to be too good and too smart to have stayed stuck in this little town, but yet she remains. Laura is his guide to the town, then a more intimate guide. With a new introduction by the author. "In swiftly moving prose and with an affectionately rendered, credible case, Brandon delivers a solid string of riveting, detailed courtroom dramas-- and some moving bedroom scenes as well." Publishers Weekly "Local Rules is a great story and a terrific mystery with a surprise ending that will knock you out." South Bend Tribune "Jay Brandon knows how to put together a tight, believable courtroom melodrama." Entertainment Weekly

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Crime

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Robert Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, a read like unto Scott Turow. Unlikely situations made commonplace, small (relatively) Texas town, beautiful females, family secrets, friend vs friend, belligerent law enforcement, a judge who effectively rules the town & county and murder both inadvertent and deliberate. A San Antonio attorney on his way to the beach gets crosswise with the sheriff's deputy that stopped him for speeding and ends up as defense counsel appointed by the judge for an initial hearing. Then he finds that the charge is murder one. Family problems, little girls, and love all contribute to a surprise ending.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad storyline, at times it almost got a little boring then picked up. Crazy ending but scene it coming. I seen how bad the prosecutors closing arguments were. Too complex and saying things not in evidence.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 estrelas!
O enredo é bastante interessante, duas mortes, dois misterios interligados.
A historia começa muito bem mas lá para o meio enrola um bocadinho daí, só ter dado 3 estrelas. Nao estava à espera da reviravolta no final!

[Jenene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than I thought I would. Unexpected twists that I did not see coming.

[Kathy O’GORMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story /suspense

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a cute little old man at the library the other day. The author, Jay Brandon, is an attorney from San Antonio who writes mysteries and legal thrillers set in the San Antonio area. This novel had an excellent surprise twist at the end. I will definitely be looking for more of Mr.Brandon's work.

[Jill Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot more than I expected I would. It was an interesting plot, with enough twists and turns to keep me wondering. A couple of them I didn't see coming, which is not common, since I read so many mysteries. The characters were well fleshed out and believable. You also got a real sense for what life in a small town is like. I would definitely read another of his books.

[Hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this at a book sale (how bad could it be) WATCH OUT, John Grisham and Michael Connelly - this guy is really good!

Nice twist at the end I didn't expect and I thought Jay really developed the characters well.

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery. What a twist at the end.

[Marilyn Elison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this during my county librarian days, and it may have had a bit of rough language--I simply can't remember.

[Nicole Gust]

it was a terrible book - until the last 10 pages then I couldn't put it down.

[Bob Mask · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good Mystery.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. Keeps you interested the whole way through and great ending