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Jack Tobin #2
The Law of Second Chances
The Law of Second Chances
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
29 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
James Sheehan
6 books63 followersJames Sheehan was born in New York City and grew up there in a four-room railroad apartment with his five brothers and sisters.
He started working at the age of twelve, shining shoes at a local shoe-repair shop. At fourteen, he had a newspaper round. He worked at a local delicatessen, an antique store where he stripped and delivered furniture, as a construction worker during the summers, a short-order cook throughout his college years, and as a roofer's assistant while he attended graduate school in Florida.
He is currently a trial attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida where he has practiced law for over 30 years. His experience of growing up in New York has shaped his life.
He started working at the age of twelve, shining shoes at a local shoe-repair shop. At fourteen, he had a newspaper round. He worked at a local delicatessen, an antique store where he stripped and delivered furniture, as a construction worker during the summers, a short-order cook throughout his college years, and as a roofer's assistant while he attended graduate school in Florida.
He is currently a trial attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida where he has practiced law for over 30 years. His experience of growing up in New York has shaped his life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 22, 2024
Zu viele Wunder und noch mehr bessere Absichten
Wer kennt sie nicht, diese Bücher mit dem verheißungsvollen Anfang, bei denen der Auto, je länger desto öfter über die eigenen Vorurteile stolpert, um am Ende nur noch irgendwie über die Ziellinie zu robben? The law of second chances gehört in diese Kategorie.
Glaubt man dem Klappentext, so könnte der Autor das Vorbild für zahlreichen Grisham-Helden sein, denn mit seiner Drei-Personen-Kanzlei hat Sheehan zahlreiche erfolgreiche Antidiskriminierungsklagen gegen Großkonzerne gewonnen und millionenschwere Entschädigungen für seine unterprivilegierten Mandanten heraus geholt, bevor er sich im ländlichen Florida zur Ruhe setzen konnte.
Diese persönliche Schnittstelle teilen sich der Autor und sein Held Jack Tobin, der nichts mit Strafrecht am Hut hatte, ehe der dunkelhäutige Sohn eines Jugendfreundes zum Opfer des korrupten weißen Systems und seiner durchweg inkompetenten Vertreter wurde. Die Mission zur Rettung Rudys vor der Todesspritze bildet die Handlung des Erstlings Der Todeskandidat/The mayor of Lexington Avenue, der auch auf Deutsch übersetzt wurde. Diese Ehre wurde dem Nachfolger nicht mehr zuteil, dessen Anklang beim D-A-CH-Publikum wohl unter der Messlatte durchgesprungen sein muss.
Getreu dem Titel des zweiten Streichs, gab ich Sheehan trotzdem eine zweite Chance beim nächsten Aufguss seines Rezepts aus aktuellem Todeskandidaten aus der nächsten Generation mit Verbindung zur Jugendgeschichte. Der Erstling kam beim Nervenkitzel nie so recht zur Sache, dieses mal fügt JS als Spannungsbeschleuniger immerhin einen weiteren Todeskandidaten ein, der schon 17 Jahre in Death Row verbracht hat und bereits sediert auf der Hinrichtungspritsche liegt, als Jacks Verstöße gegen den guten Ton des Rechtssystems doch noch ein Wunder bewirken.
Ich will da nicht weiter ins Detail gehen, das erste Drittel mit drei Handlungssträngen mit der Jugend im New York in den 60ern und den herrlichen Naturschilderungen hatte durchaus seinen Reiz, aber dann überzog JS sein Glaubwürdigkeitskonto gleich maximal: Der Todeskandidat zieht vom Gerichtssaal gleich ins Haus des Anwalts mit der sterbenskranken Frau ein und wird später als Multimillionär zum Partner von Jack beim nächsten Fall. Der zu spät erkannte Unterleibstumor, der im vorigen Roman glücklich wieder gefundenen Jugendliebe, bildet so etwas wie den vierten Handlungsstrang. Ein Element, mit dem JS die Grenzen eines herausragenden Anwalts aufzeigen will, der nur im System Wunder wirken kann, nicht aber im persönlichen Leben.
Der Handtaschendieb, dem man den Mord an einem Multimilliardär anhängen will, ist natürlich der Sohn eines Footballkameraden, der Rudy alles beigebracht hat, so dass den Underdogs eine Wundermeisterschaft gelang, ehe sich das System an den Überraschungssiegern aus der Bronx rächte.
Ein verletzter Spieler des Serienmeisters überlebt die Wartezeit auf den Krankenwagen nicht, der 25 Minuten braucht, also stellt man den Schwarzen und den Hispano, auf deren Konto das fatale Tackling geht, vor die Wahl: Bau oder Vietnam.
Nur einer kehrt lebend und als Drogenwrack zurück, um den Handtaschendieb zu zeugen. GAAANZ VIEL SCHLECHTES GEWISSEN, zum Glück gibt es den Jugendfreund, der damals den Sportunfall auf sich genommen hätte, weil die Polizei einem Weißen nicht so viel antut.
Ich will keine Geheimnisse der Auflösung preisgeben, da macht Sheehan sogar einen guten Job, leider sind seine Schurkenbeschreibungen selten platt und die Guten haben keine Macken, sogar wildfremde mit den unterschiedlichsten Hintergründen bilden eine Solidargemeinschaft, um die weiße Bastion aus Inkompetenz und Korruption zu stellen, die einen grüneren Planeten verhindern will.
Fazit:
Viele dieser Elemente finden sich in den Justiz-Thrillern nach Grisham, der seinen Helden aber eine gewisse Lernkurve gönnt und auch den Schurken mehr als ein paar menschliche Züge lässt. Natürlich geht der Großmeister des Genres hin und wieder gegen Ende die Puste aus, manche Lösungen sind politisch korrekter Kitsch, bei denen Hollywood noch ein paar Schippen Schmalz drauf legen musste,
aber der fiese Nachgeschmack stellt sich bei den Ausrutschern eher hinterher ein. Bei Sheehan hatte ich schon früh den Eindruck, dass es sich um eine Art Proto-BLM-Manifest in Romanform handelt.
Bis zu den Szenen im Gericht war ich trotzdem dazu bereit auf drei Sterne aufzurunden, aber da kackt der Roman derart massiv gegen Grisham oder Connellys Lincoln-Lawyer ab, dass ich schon aus Gründen des literarischen Respekts nur einen Stern vergeben kann. Sorry James, du wirst trotz dieser literarischen Todsünde mit gutem Gewissen sterben. Die Karriere als Autor ist schon länger tot.
Wer kennt sie nicht, diese Bücher mit dem verheißungsvollen Anfang, bei denen der Auto, je länger desto öfter über die eigenen Vorurteile stolpert, um am Ende nur noch irgendwie über die Ziellinie zu robben? The law of second chances gehört in diese Kategorie.
Glaubt man dem Klappentext, so könnte der Autor das Vorbild für zahlreichen Grisham-Helden sein, denn mit seiner Drei-Personen-Kanzlei hat Sheehan zahlreiche erfolgreiche Antidiskriminierungsklagen gegen Großkonzerne gewonnen und millionenschwere Entschädigungen für seine unterprivilegierten Mandanten heraus geholt, bevor er sich im ländlichen Florida zur Ruhe setzen konnte.
Diese persönliche Schnittstelle teilen sich der Autor und sein Held Jack Tobin, der nichts mit Strafrecht am Hut hatte, ehe der dunkelhäutige Sohn eines Jugendfreundes zum Opfer des korrupten weißen Systems und seiner durchweg inkompetenten Vertreter wurde. Die Mission zur Rettung Rudys vor der Todesspritze bildet die Handlung des Erstlings Der Todeskandidat/The mayor of Lexington Avenue, der auch auf Deutsch übersetzt wurde. Diese Ehre wurde dem Nachfolger nicht mehr zuteil, dessen Anklang beim D-A-CH-Publikum wohl unter der Messlatte durchgesprungen sein muss.
Getreu dem Titel des zweiten Streichs, gab ich Sheehan trotzdem eine zweite Chance beim nächsten Aufguss seines Rezepts aus aktuellem Todeskandidaten aus der nächsten Generation mit Verbindung zur Jugendgeschichte. Der Erstling kam beim Nervenkitzel nie so recht zur Sache, dieses mal fügt JS als Spannungsbeschleuniger immerhin einen weiteren Todeskandidaten ein, der schon 17 Jahre in Death Row verbracht hat und bereits sediert auf der Hinrichtungspritsche liegt, als Jacks Verstöße gegen den guten Ton des Rechtssystems doch noch ein Wunder bewirken.
Ich will da nicht weiter ins Detail gehen, das erste Drittel mit drei Handlungssträngen mit der Jugend im New York in den 60ern und den herrlichen Naturschilderungen hatte durchaus seinen Reiz, aber dann überzog JS sein Glaubwürdigkeitskonto gleich maximal: Der Todeskandidat zieht vom Gerichtssaal gleich ins Haus des Anwalts mit der sterbenskranken Frau ein und wird später als Multimillionär zum Partner von Jack beim nächsten Fall. Der zu spät erkannte Unterleibstumor, der im vorigen Roman glücklich wieder gefundenen Jugendliebe, bildet so etwas wie den vierten Handlungsstrang. Ein Element, mit dem JS die Grenzen eines herausragenden Anwalts aufzeigen will, der nur im System Wunder wirken kann, nicht aber im persönlichen Leben.
Der Handtaschendieb, dem man den Mord an einem Multimilliardär anhängen will, ist natürlich der Sohn eines Footballkameraden, der Rudy alles beigebracht hat, so dass den Underdogs eine Wundermeisterschaft gelang, ehe sich das System an den Überraschungssiegern aus der Bronx rächte.
Ein verletzter Spieler des Serienmeisters überlebt die Wartezeit auf den Krankenwagen nicht, der 25 Minuten braucht, also stellt man den Schwarzen und den Hispano, auf deren Konto das fatale Tackling geht, vor die Wahl: Bau oder Vietnam.
Nur einer kehrt lebend und als Drogenwrack zurück, um den Handtaschendieb zu zeugen. GAAANZ VIEL SCHLECHTES GEWISSEN, zum Glück gibt es den Jugendfreund, der damals den Sportunfall auf sich genommen hätte, weil die Polizei einem Weißen nicht so viel antut.
Ich will keine Geheimnisse der Auflösung preisgeben, da macht Sheehan sogar einen guten Job, leider sind seine Schurkenbeschreibungen selten platt und die Guten haben keine Macken, sogar wildfremde mit den unterschiedlichsten Hintergründen bilden eine Solidargemeinschaft, um die weiße Bastion aus Inkompetenz und Korruption zu stellen, die einen grüneren Planeten verhindern will.
Fazit:
Viele dieser Elemente finden sich in den Justiz-Thrillern nach Grisham, der seinen Helden aber eine gewisse Lernkurve gönnt und auch den Schurken mehr als ein paar menschliche Züge lässt. Natürlich geht der Großmeister des Genres hin und wieder gegen Ende die Puste aus, manche Lösungen sind politisch korrekter Kitsch, bei denen Hollywood noch ein paar Schippen Schmalz drauf legen musste,
aber der fiese Nachgeschmack stellt sich bei den Ausrutschern eher hinterher ein. Bei Sheehan hatte ich schon früh den Eindruck, dass es sich um eine Art Proto-BLM-Manifest in Romanform handelt.
Bis zu den Szenen im Gericht war ich trotzdem dazu bereit auf drei Sterne aufzurunden, aber da kackt der Roman derart massiv gegen Grisham oder Connellys Lincoln-Lawyer ab, dass ich schon aus Gründen des literarischen Respekts nur einen Stern vergeben kann. Sorry James, du wirst trotz dieser literarischen Todsünde mit gutem Gewissen sterben. Die Karriere als Autor ist schon länger tot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
Amazing story that continues where The Mayor of Lexington Ave left off. The flashbacks to Lexington Ave were much easier to follow that in the previous book (perhaps, because I was more familiar with the characters and expecting it, perhaps because it was better written) and the story itself was wonderful and enthralling.
May 31, 2010
PROTAGONIST: Jack Tobin, lawyer
SETTING: Florida
SERIES: 2 of 2
RATING: 4.25
Jack Tobin is a retired trial lawyer who has found new meaning in his life by representing death row inmates. He works pro bono and won't accept a case until he feels that his client is innocent. He's worked some real miracles in the courtroom, freeing criminals who have a death penalty or life in prison facing them. He finds the work fulfilling and is living a life of joy with his wife, Pat, in their own little paradise in Bass Creek, Florida.
Several events conspire to threaten his peaceful existence. First and most importantly, Pat is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which is almost always terminal. They are deeply in love, and all Jack wants to do is to be there for his wife. But he's just met another man who may need him, a death row inmate named Henry Wilson. All the evidence points to Wilson's guilt; although Jack isn't completely convinced that Wilson is innocent, he agrees to represent him, sensing a kind of nobility to the man that won't let him rest easy.
In a parallel story, a thief named Benny Avrile has partnered with a female con artist to steal money from a rich man named Carl Robertson. The situation goes horribly wrong, and Robertson ends up dead. Benny is arrested for his murder and also becomes a client of Jack's, at the behest of a man who was important to him when he was growing up. Although reluctant to represent Benny since he doesn't appear to be innocent, Jack soon realizes that even if Benny is guilty, he deserves the benefit of excellent legal representation.
The real strengths of this book are the way that Tobin handles the investigations that will help him during trial, as well as revealing the flaws of the criminal justice system. Unlike in many legal thrillers, the evidence doesn't come easily to him at all. He chases many leads that go nowhere—this felt quite realistic and led to a sense of shared frustration, in that the clock is ticking and Wilson may end up executed before he can be proven innocent. The negative side of the approach was that the painstaking investigation did slow down the narrative somewhat—reality isn't always very exciting.
I was puzzled by the inclusion of several chapters which dealt with a football team that Jack was on as a young man. Although the chapters established a few of the relationships in the book, I felt there was too much page time dedicated to establishing this background. Perhaps Sheehan had another purpose to this that I was unable to see.
"Second chances" in this book refers not only to the opportunity that is provided to a person on death row but also to Jack Tobin, who must force himself to take a second chance on life after the death of his beloved wife. Sheehan did a wonderful job of engaging the reader's emotions; the segments dealing with Pat were powerful and moving. I hesitate to label THE LAW OF SECOND CHANCES a "legal thriller"—there is so much more to it than stunning courtroom scenes and fast-paced action. It's a quieter book than that, which made it all the more appealing to me.
SETTING: Florida
SERIES: 2 of 2
RATING: 4.25
Jack Tobin is a retired trial lawyer who has found new meaning in his life by representing death row inmates. He works pro bono and won't accept a case until he feels that his client is innocent. He's worked some real miracles in the courtroom, freeing criminals who have a death penalty or life in prison facing them. He finds the work fulfilling and is living a life of joy with his wife, Pat, in their own little paradise in Bass Creek, Florida.
Several events conspire to threaten his peaceful existence. First and most importantly, Pat is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which is almost always terminal. They are deeply in love, and all Jack wants to do is to be there for his wife. But he's just met another man who may need him, a death row inmate named Henry Wilson. All the evidence points to Wilson's guilt; although Jack isn't completely convinced that Wilson is innocent, he agrees to represent him, sensing a kind of nobility to the man that won't let him rest easy.
In a parallel story, a thief named Benny Avrile has partnered with a female con artist to steal money from a rich man named Carl Robertson. The situation goes horribly wrong, and Robertson ends up dead. Benny is arrested for his murder and also becomes a client of Jack's, at the behest of a man who was important to him when he was growing up. Although reluctant to represent Benny since he doesn't appear to be innocent, Jack soon realizes that even if Benny is guilty, he deserves the benefit of excellent legal representation.
The real strengths of this book are the way that Tobin handles the investigations that will help him during trial, as well as revealing the flaws of the criminal justice system. Unlike in many legal thrillers, the evidence doesn't come easily to him at all. He chases many leads that go nowhere—this felt quite realistic and led to a sense of shared frustration, in that the clock is ticking and Wilson may end up executed before he can be proven innocent. The negative side of the approach was that the painstaking investigation did slow down the narrative somewhat—reality isn't always very exciting.
I was puzzled by the inclusion of several chapters which dealt with a football team that Jack was on as a young man. Although the chapters established a few of the relationships in the book, I felt there was too much page time dedicated to establishing this background. Perhaps Sheehan had another purpose to this that I was unable to see.
"Second chances" in this book refers not only to the opportunity that is provided to a person on death row but also to Jack Tobin, who must force himself to take a second chance on life after the death of his beloved wife. Sheehan did a wonderful job of engaging the reader's emotions; the segments dealing with Pat were powerful and moving. I hesitate to label THE LAW OF SECOND CHANCES a "legal thriller"—there is so much more to it than stunning courtroom scenes and fast-paced action. It's a quieter book than that, which made it all the more appealing to me.
February 25, 2011
A fast paced legal thriller you'll want to read straight through.
James Sheehan's second novel, The Law of Second Chances, has brought us a captivating novel deftly weaving the principle of "6 degrees of separation" into the story of Jack Tobin, a Florida trial lawyer. This intriguing thriller was published in March 2008 by St. Martins Press.
Jack Tobin had been a successful civil trial lawyer, establishing his own firm. After twenty years he sells out his twenty million dollar interest to retire. Life intervenes and he finds a calling to represent death row inmates.
Henry Wilson has only eight weeks left on death row but with the encouragement of his wife, Pat, Jack assumes his case and begins his search for the new evidence to stop the execution. He is then approached by Luis, the father of another murder suspect. Luis turns out to be a childhood friend reaching out from his past. Benny is suspeccted of the murder of an oil man but when his original lawyer is murdered suspicions that begin with gut-feelings lead to the search for other suspects.
James Sheehan grew up in New York City and has been a practicing trial lawyer in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area for thirty years. Both have shaped his novels "The Law of Second Chances" and "The Mayor of Lexington Avenue"
James Sheehan's second novel, The Law of Second Chances, has brought us a captivating novel deftly weaving the principle of "6 degrees of separation" into the story of Jack Tobin, a Florida trial lawyer. This intriguing thriller was published in March 2008 by St. Martins Press.
Jack Tobin had been a successful civil trial lawyer, establishing his own firm. After twenty years he sells out his twenty million dollar interest to retire. Life intervenes and he finds a calling to represent death row inmates.
Henry Wilson has only eight weeks left on death row but with the encouragement of his wife, Pat, Jack assumes his case and begins his search for the new evidence to stop the execution. He is then approached by Luis, the father of another murder suspect. Luis turns out to be a childhood friend reaching out from his past. Benny is suspeccted of the murder of an oil man but when his original lawyer is murdered suspicions that begin with gut-feelings lead to the search for other suspects.
James Sheehan grew up in New York City and has been a practicing trial lawyer in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area for thirty years. Both have shaped his novels "The Law of Second Chances" and "The Mayor of Lexington Avenue"
September 16, 2010
I absolutely loved The Mayor of Lexington Avenue, so I couldn't resist picking up this book. Structurally, the book is fascinating because it involves three distinct story lines and I kept wondering how he would tie them all together. In fact, at times I thought maybe he wouldn't tie them together, but it worked beautifully.
Jack Tobin is an attorney who has semi-retired to a small town in Florida. His passion is providing legal assistance to death row inmates. Dealing with his wife's cancer and an impending execution of his client, Tobin sets on a race to prove the man's innocence..or at least the lack of evidence to sustain the conviction.
As a lawyer, I admire his ability to incorporate legal points and analysis that are true to realities of the law. He does not fictionalize the law to match a story line. I can't say that for all writers in this genre.
I will not spoil the outcome, but if you love legal thrillers and great writing, Sheehan's work is definitely worthy of your time. If you are new to Sheehan, I strongly recommend starting with The Mayor of Lexington Avenue.
Jack Tobin is an attorney who has semi-retired to a small town in Florida. His passion is providing legal assistance to death row inmates. Dealing with his wife's cancer and an impending execution of his client, Tobin sets on a race to prove the man's innocence..or at least the lack of evidence to sustain the conviction.
As a lawyer, I admire his ability to incorporate legal points and analysis that are true to realities of the law. He does not fictionalize the law to match a story line. I can't say that for all writers in this genre.
I will not spoil the outcome, but if you love legal thrillers and great writing, Sheehan's work is definitely worthy of your time. If you are new to Sheehan, I strongly recommend starting with The Mayor of Lexington Avenue.
November 19, 2018
Once I got past the unbelievability of much of Henry’s death penalty appeal, especially the conscience-stricken judge risking his license for a convict, by page 150 or so the plot and characters suddenly become more realistic. Sal’s end is fitting, the conspiracy twist is a good one, and the father-son reconciliation is fairly good. Jack Tobin’s startling moment of clarity about medical malpractice defense would be applauded by John Grisham (who would have been much worse on dialogue), and the failed romance is predictable but fun. This is a good yarn to while away a lazy Saturday. The courtroom drama is the most enjoyable part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2016
Excellent read
Wow. I'm loving this author. Book one was much better but book two did not disappoint. The ending was definitely a shocker! On to book three!
Wow. I'm loving this author. Book one was much better but book two did not disappoint. The ending was definitely a shocker! On to book three!
April 25, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “AS GOOD AS GRISHAM AND PATTERSON AT THEIR BEST!!”
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The author, James Sheehan sets lofty literary goals for himself when he embarks on his journey with three simultaneous plot lines. Sheehan not only keeps all three stories interesting, but makes you look forward to getting back to the other two tales, while you’re still immensely interested in the current saga you’re immersed in. The book starts out in New York focusing on Benny Avrile, a down and out, street-hustling, drug-abusing, pick pocket, street reprobate, who if you didn’t count the abandoned building he slept in, you could also add “homeless” to the previous description.(Think of “Ratso Rizzo” from “MIDNIGHT COWBOY”) As fate would have it, as Benny is stealing a credit card from an attractive woman at a bar, he is unknowingly, interfering with the unholy agenda of another beautiful upscale woman, sitting next to his targeted victim, who has much higher criminal aspirations than Benny could ever dream of. Before you know it, Carl Robertson, a multi-billionaire oil man, is shot and killed and Benny is arrested for murder.
The protagonist is Jack Tobin, a lawyer who had made his money defending insurance companies and lives in Florida. After building up his law firm and selling it for millions of dollars, Jack now only defends people he believes are innocent and “destiny” has brought him to Starke, a maximum security state prison in Florida. A big, physically imposing, African-American inmate by the name of Henry Wilson, after being on death row for seventeen years, is now eight weeks away from being executed. After a harrowing meeting with Henry at the prison, and some follow-up investigation, Jack believes in Henry’s innocence and takes on his case in the hopes of being granted an appeal.
In the midst of these two major storylines, the author deftly interjects “flashbacks” to more than thirty years before to Jacks adolescence in New York, mostly concentrating on his friends and acquaintances surrounding his neighborhood football team “The Lexington’s”. The teenage friendships made here, miraculously and seamlessly, tie in down the road during the fantastic culmination of this intelligently written crime saga. This taut legal drama encompasses lifelong love lost, lives saved, friendships renewed, murder, conspiracies, characters who change from client to sidekick to partner, all without the author missing a beat, and with the reader refusing to put down the book until they ride this multi-dimensional masterpiece to its conclusion.
I am a voracious reader and the recent products put out by Grisham and Patterson pale in comparison to this splendid story. The author has introduced and has in place some really interesting characters that hopefully will set the stage for a follow-up book with our newfound friends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The author, James Sheehan sets lofty literary goals for himself when he embarks on his journey with three simultaneous plot lines. Sheehan not only keeps all three stories interesting, but makes you look forward to getting back to the other two tales, while you’re still immensely interested in the current saga you’re immersed in. The book starts out in New York focusing on Benny Avrile, a down and out, street-hustling, drug-abusing, pick pocket, street reprobate, who if you didn’t count the abandoned building he slept in, you could also add “homeless” to the previous description.(Think of “Ratso Rizzo” from “MIDNIGHT COWBOY”) As fate would have it, as Benny is stealing a credit card from an attractive woman at a bar, he is unknowingly, interfering with the unholy agenda of another beautiful upscale woman, sitting next to his targeted victim, who has much higher criminal aspirations than Benny could ever dream of. Before you know it, Carl Robertson, a multi-billionaire oil man, is shot and killed and Benny is arrested for murder.
The protagonist is Jack Tobin, a lawyer who had made his money defending insurance companies and lives in Florida. After building up his law firm and selling it for millions of dollars, Jack now only defends people he believes are innocent and “destiny” has brought him to Starke, a maximum security state prison in Florida. A big, physically imposing, African-American inmate by the name of Henry Wilson, after being on death row for seventeen years, is now eight weeks away from being executed. After a harrowing meeting with Henry at the prison, and some follow-up investigation, Jack believes in Henry’s innocence and takes on his case in the hopes of being granted an appeal.
In the midst of these two major storylines, the author deftly interjects “flashbacks” to more than thirty years before to Jacks adolescence in New York, mostly concentrating on his friends and acquaintances surrounding his neighborhood football team “The Lexington’s”. The teenage friendships made here, miraculously and seamlessly, tie in down the road during the fantastic culmination of this intelligently written crime saga. This taut legal drama encompasses lifelong love lost, lives saved, friendships renewed, murder, conspiracies, characters who change from client to sidekick to partner, all without the author missing a beat, and with the reader refusing to put down the book until they ride this multi-dimensional masterpiece to its conclusion.
I am a voracious reader and the recent products put out by Grisham and Patterson pale in comparison to this splendid story. The author has introduced and has in place some really interesting characters that hopefully will set the stage for a follow-up book with our newfound friends.
June 5, 2019
The Law of Second Chances is the second book in the Jack Tobin series following on from The Mayor of Lexington Avenue.
The author has clearly continued to hone his craft as I found this to be even better than the former which was already excellent; the only thing I didn't particularly like in the former was the flash backs to the past. In this installment however they seem to be much better integrated into the story serving a greater purpose than they seemed too in the former. I certainly enjoyed the structure of this book and the way the two main plot lines dovetailed into one another.
Utilising many of the characters from the original novel, this installment brings them back together to fight another case against a seemingly corrupt group hell bent on railroading a small time criminal for a murder with dubious eyewitness evidence and no hard evidence linking him to the crime.
It's quite hard not to just plough through this in one sitting as the way the story unfolds is quite captivating and keeps your attention throughout the unfolding lead in, the investigative process and the court maneuvering.
Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
The author has clearly continued to hone his craft as I found this to be even better than the former which was already excellent; the only thing I didn't particularly like in the former was the flash backs to the past. In this installment however they seem to be much better integrated into the story serving a greater purpose than they seemed too in the former. I certainly enjoyed the structure of this book and the way the two main plot lines dovetailed into one another.
Utilising many of the characters from the original novel, this installment brings them back together to fight another case against a seemingly corrupt group hell bent on railroading a small time criminal for a murder with dubious eyewitness evidence and no hard evidence linking him to the crime.
It's quite hard not to just plough through this in one sitting as the way the story unfolds is quite captivating and keeps your attention throughout the unfolding lead in, the investigative process and the court maneuvering.
Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
April 21, 2020
This is the first book by James Sheehan, a trial lawyer in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, that I've read. Do I have to have to read his first, i.e., The Mayor of Lexington Avenue? Yes, I'd like to, because this one was so good, but this one can easily be read as a standalone.
Talk about getting more bang for your buck, this book certainly delivers. I felt as if I was getting two books in one, not a bad thing, but Sheehan could have had two best-sellers, if he so desired. The first could have been the Henry Wilson story and the second the Benny Avrile story. Not only did I enjoy the story (stories?) line, but Sheehan's ability to incorporate legal points and analysis without fictionalizing them to match a story line was great.
As I was reading the first story, which had parts of the second here and there, I kept wondering how Sheehan was going to tie them together. He wound up doing a great job in this regard. Thank you James Sheehan. No spoilers from me, but if you are a fan of well-written legal thrillers, this is one for you.
Talk about getting more bang for your buck, this book certainly delivers. I felt as if I was getting two books in one, not a bad thing, but Sheehan could have had two best-sellers, if he so desired. The first could have been the Henry Wilson story and the second the Benny Avrile story. Not only did I enjoy the story (stories?) line, but Sheehan's ability to incorporate legal points and analysis without fictionalizing them to match a story line was great.
As I was reading the first story, which had parts of the second here and there, I kept wondering how Sheehan was going to tie them together. He wound up doing a great job in this regard. Thank you James Sheehan. No spoilers from me, but if you are a fan of well-written legal thrillers, this is one for you.
June 30, 2024
I have to say that I struggled with the first 150 pages or so. It was to the point I was considering putting it down. The flashbacks to the Lexington Avenue football team were confusing (maybe it was because I didn’t know this was a book 2). Much of the early part of the story was also very predictable. And I was worried that it was going to turn into a mushy, feel good, everyone doing the right thing story, especially when it came to Henry. Things were just too easy.
I was glad I didn’t put it down. Once the Henry court case was resolved, the book took a much more dramatic and unknown turn. I was locked into the second half of the book and couldn’t put it down. I had a pretty good idea about one of the plot twist as it seemed too obvious and unbelievable. But overall, it was a very solid read.
I was glad I didn’t put it down. Once the Henry court case was resolved, the book took a much more dramatic and unknown turn. I was locked into the second half of the book and couldn’t put it down. I had a pretty good idea about one of the plot twist as it seemed too obvious and unbelievable. But overall, it was a very solid read.
January 16, 2018
Best book and best author I've read in quite a while
I loved this book. I will reread it I liked it so much. It is so well written. The characters are real and believable. I can't wait to start in the others. If you like court/legal drama with suspense and wonderful characters this is the book you should pick up next.
I loved this book. I will reread it I liked it so much. It is so well written. The characters are real and believable. I can't wait to start in the others. If you like court/legal drama with suspense and wonderful characters this is the book you should pick up next.
January 5, 2025
Did not expect much but surprisingly The Law of Second Chance is above my expectation. The story is quite slow but it did help with character building and understanding each of them more. The best part is the courtroom battle that’s entertaining without being too much drama or cliche. This one really feel realistic and while the twist isn’t so surprise it is quite a good one.
August 5, 2025
Disclaimer: I listened to this book through Audible’s Plus catalog, which makes no mention of it being part of any series, and I did not find this out until the book mentions it some hours in.
I don't know how to describe it. The book ranges from 'ehh' on some occasions, to 'okay' most of the time, to 'damn, that was pretty good' every now and then.
I don't know how to describe it. The book ranges from 'ehh' on some occasions, to 'okay' most of the time, to 'damn, that was pretty good' every now and then.
May 24, 2018
The first book I've read by this author - but it won't be the last! This James Sheehan book is as good a legal thriller writer as many written by John Grisham are! I hope Mr. Sheehans' other books are equally as good.
September 28, 2018
I've really enjoyed getting re-acquainted with James Sheehan's legal thrillers - this is one I hadn't read before but had always wanted to. Again, the intertwining story lines and the legal discourse kept me reading far too late into the night.
March 6, 2019
Really enjoyed the book.........though I found that as I got to the end of it, that it seemed to have concentrated more on the origin of Henry (the convict who won his freedom from death row with the help of Jack Tobin) that I forgot the reason why the second case was going on.
August 5, 2022
Audiobook. There was a lot of information to keep track of that didn’t all come together until the end, but overall it was an entertaining book. I was surprised by the twist at the end with Molly, but it made sense when they explained it.
July 20, 2023
I enjoy lawyer novels and how the law is interpreted.
I also look at books with an eye for TV drama. This one has it. Colorful characters, predicaments to get out of and the occasional humor and comeuppance some deserve in life. Entertaining novel.
I also look at books with an eye for TV drama. This one has it. Colorful characters, predicaments to get out of and the occasional humor and comeuppance some deserve in life. Entertaining novel.
January 25, 2025
Picks up pretty seamlessly from where Mayor of Lexington Avenue left off, with new and returning characters, and some tragedy. Lots of courtroom drama and hints of a grand conspiracy cloaked in murder. Quick, thrilling read.
October 10, 2018
Love love love this book. But as the story unfolded this Lois Barton character was so predictable, regarding Benny's case how the story would end.
August 14, 2019
Excellent story and writing. Kept my interest all the way through the book and a nice twist at the end. I'll be keeping Sheehan as "an author worth reading again".
June 7, 2020
Fabulous
Absolutely a fantastic book by one of the best writers around. So far I have only read 3 of his books but I intend to read all that are available.
Absolutely a fantastic book by one of the best writers around. So far I have only read 3 of his books but I intend to read all that are available.
September 14, 2020
He is a better writer than John Grisham and definitely better than James Patterson, IMHO.
January 30, 2022
This was a great book! Reminded me of Grisham’s earlier lawyer novels.
February 20, 2024
2nd half was better. Jack Tobin is a good guy
November 2, 2024
Enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, I didn't notice it was the second in the series, so I'll be listening to 'The mayor of Lexington ave' next. I'm sure it will clear up some small details. 😀
Read
October 7, 2025DNF the last little bit before the book expired on audible. Enjoyed the first book better than the second one. I think the flashbacks are harder to follow in an audio format.
November 12, 2025
Good, easy audio for car ride
December 22, 2025
Another slam dunk courtroom drama. Great characters and well written storyline.
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