What do you think?
Rate this book
Necessity
Joseph Antonelli faces the most controversial case of his brilliant legal career when he is tasked with the man who assassinated the President, but whose cunning defense strategy may put Antonelli's own life in jeopardy.
- GenresMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2018
19 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Buffa
34 books68 followersD.W. Buffa (full name: Dudley W. Buffa) was born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area. After graduation from Michigan State University, he studied under Leo Strauss, Joseph Cropsey and Hans J. Morgenthau at the University of Chicago where he earned both an M.A. and a Ph. D. in political science. He received his J.D. degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Buffa was a criminal defense attorney for 10 years and his seven Joseph Antonelli novels strive to reflect, from his own experience, what a courtroom lawyer does, the way he (or she) thinks, and the way he feels about what he does.
Buffa had been writing for pleasure for many years when Henry Holt and Co. decided to publish his first novel, The Defense, in 1997. The week it was published, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, the literary critic of the New York Times, called The Defense ‘an accomplished first novel" which ‘leaves you wanting to go back to the beginning and read it over again."
The Defense was followed by The Prosecution and then The Judgment, which was one of the five books nominated in 2002 for the Edgar Award as best novel of the year. While the first three novels are set in Portland, the author's fourth novel, The Legacy, takes place in San Francisco and is as much a political thriller as it is legal thriller. Star Witness tells the story of Stanley Roth, one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, who is charged with murder of his famous movie star wife.
Breach of Trust, published in 2004, was considered by one critic as "one of the few books that fifty years from now will really matter." It offers readers a scintillating look at Washington politics. Buffa's seventh Joseph Antonelli novel, Trial by Fire, was released in 2005; in this latest Antonelli book, the focus is on the media and the role that television "Talking heads" increasingly play in very high profile criminal cases. Publishers Weekly says of Trial by Fire, "In this intelligent, gripping legal thriller... fast moving dialogue and fine sense of characterization keep the reader hanging on for the ride."
The author's last several novels reflect a subtle shift in storyline from D.W. Buffa's original 'judicial' arena into the the broader one of politics. Buffa has built a new series around protagonist Senator Bobby Hart, an Antonelli-type everyday hero of strong moral fiber who is willing to take on "The Establishment" for the betterment of his constituents...
D.W. Buffa lives in Northern California.
Buffa had been writing for pleasure for many years when Henry Holt and Co. decided to publish his first novel, The Defense, in 1997. The week it was published, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, the literary critic of the New York Times, called The Defense ‘an accomplished first novel" which ‘leaves you wanting to go back to the beginning and read it over again."
The Defense was followed by The Prosecution and then The Judgment, which was one of the five books nominated in 2002 for the Edgar Award as best novel of the year. While the first three novels are set in Portland, the author's fourth novel, The Legacy, takes place in San Francisco and is as much a political thriller as it is legal thriller. Star Witness tells the story of Stanley Roth, one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, who is charged with murder of his famous movie star wife.
Breach of Trust, published in 2004, was considered by one critic as "one of the few books that fifty years from now will really matter." It offers readers a scintillating look at Washington politics. Buffa's seventh Joseph Antonelli novel, Trial by Fire, was released in 2005; in this latest Antonelli book, the focus is on the media and the role that television "Talking heads" increasingly play in very high profile criminal cases. Publishers Weekly says of Trial by Fire, "In this intelligent, gripping legal thriller... fast moving dialogue and fine sense of characterization keep the reader hanging on for the ride."
The author's last several novels reflect a subtle shift in storyline from D.W. Buffa's original 'judicial' arena into the the broader one of politics. Buffa has built a new series around protagonist Senator Bobby Hart, an Antonelli-type everyday hero of strong moral fiber who is willing to take on "The Establishment" for the betterment of his constituents...
D.W. Buffa lives in Northern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 29, 2019
In this novel, my second political thriller by D.W. Buffa, I expected much. The scandalous premise alone was enough to make me want to dive in and see how he would spin the plot. Buffa did not disappoint, either from a legal standpoint or with political implications that resonate in today’s America. Scandal arises when President of the United States, Walter Bridges, arrives in San Francisco and is murdered aboard Air Force One. Things only get more troublesome when the murderer admits what he’s done, claiming it was needed to save the Republic. The murderer is none other than US Senator Kevin Fitzgerald, a favourite son in California and perhaps the entire country. The buzz in the air could not be louder, though criminal defence attorney Joseph Antonelli expects the other shoe to drop soon. It does, when he is recruited to defend Senator Fitzgerald in open court. With political and social nuances surrounding both the trial and defendant, Antonelli prepares as best he and waits as the world’s eye shifts to San Francisco. While the prosecution tries to nail home the fact that there is no doubt about who committed the assassination, Antonelli works diligently to split hairs and reveals that things may not have been as straightforward as first expected. A lingering sentiment of the law of necessity—where sacrificing one can save the greater whole—becomes a theme in a case that reveals just how disliked President Bridges might have been and how his election came through ties to a foreign power. As Antonelli fights for his client, he knows this will be the legal battle of his life, where losing could be an act of treason all its own. A wonderful novel that fits nicely into the current political climate of the United States and exudes #realnews from the get-go. Recommended for those who love political thrillers that seek to shake the system to the core.
I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to D.W. Buffa and cannot say enough about this book. He offers a thinly veiled sentiment about the US political system in both novels, though this one was as blatant as they come. Working through treason, assassination, and top-secret intelligence, Buffa provides the reader with a stellar piece of writing that will leave them wondering until the final pages. Joseph Antonelli is a wonderful character whose down to earth nature and sharp wit when it comes to the law cannot be missed. I realise that Buffa has a seven-book series dedicated to the man (yet this was not included??), so I will have to go back and see the character develop from the early stages. That being said, there is something about this man as he seeks to defend what has to be the most well-known defendant in California in recent memory. A well-paced courtroom demeanour, Antonelli is able to extract the key elements of a witness’ testimony without causing everything to come tumbling down, at least until the time is right. A handful of other legal and political characters offer up a wonderful flavour to this book that leaves little to the imagination. Much is revealed about a presidency mired in scandal and illegal vote-getting, though this is one man who refuses to believe the vote tally as being anything but skewed against him. There is no way parallels to the Trump Administration can be lost on the reader—nor should they—and it is wonderful food for thought at a time when many options are being considered about how to handle the quagmire that is presidential politics. With twists revealed throughout, the attentive reader will discover that there is more to the story than one politician killing another and admitting it, though much is kept locked away and information that never sees the light of day becomes the impetus for action. Brilliant in its execution, this is one book sure to ruffle at least a few feathers.
Kudos, Mr. Buffa, for a thought-provoking novel that keeps the reader on their toes. Not for the casual reader, as this book is intense from the outset.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to D.W. Buffa and cannot say enough about this book. He offers a thinly veiled sentiment about the US political system in both novels, though this one was as blatant as they come. Working through treason, assassination, and top-secret intelligence, Buffa provides the reader with a stellar piece of writing that will leave them wondering until the final pages. Joseph Antonelli is a wonderful character whose down to earth nature and sharp wit when it comes to the law cannot be missed. I realise that Buffa has a seven-book series dedicated to the man (yet this was not included??), so I will have to go back and see the character develop from the early stages. That being said, there is something about this man as he seeks to defend what has to be the most well-known defendant in California in recent memory. A well-paced courtroom demeanour, Antonelli is able to extract the key elements of a witness’ testimony without causing everything to come tumbling down, at least until the time is right. A handful of other legal and political characters offer up a wonderful flavour to this book that leaves little to the imagination. Much is revealed about a presidency mired in scandal and illegal vote-getting, though this is one man who refuses to believe the vote tally as being anything but skewed against him. There is no way parallels to the Trump Administration can be lost on the reader—nor should they—and it is wonderful food for thought at a time when many options are being considered about how to handle the quagmire that is presidential politics. With twists revealed throughout, the attentive reader will discover that there is more to the story than one politician killing another and admitting it, though much is kept locked away and information that never sees the light of day becomes the impetus for action. Brilliant in its execution, this is one book sure to ruffle at least a few feathers.
Kudos, Mr. Buffa, for a thought-provoking novel that keeps the reader on their toes. Not for the casual reader, as this book is intense from the outset.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 16, 2018
Thank you to Polis Books and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of Necessity by DW Buffa in exchange for an honest review. This novel is the latest in a series featuring defense attorney Joseph Antonelli but it reads well as a standalone. The plot is ripped from the headlines, in particular since the US presidential election of 2016. Joseph Antonelli is hired to defend a man accused of murdering the president on Air Force One in San Francisco. The defendant admits to the crime but invokes the law of necessity which could find him exonerated. This is a trial like no other and the outcome will shock you, while also reminding you of characters that appear regularly in political news. The novel is well written, with the legalese well explained and the tension kept to the maximum.
August 12, 2018
The premise was certainly topical.
But where was the copy editor? Way too many misspellings and mistakes.
But where was the copy editor? Way too many misspellings and mistakes.
November 30, 2018
It has been a while --- years, actually --- since D.W. Buffa has favored his reading public with a story featuring criminal defense attorney Joseph Antonelli, who has never lost a case. Buffa has infused his creation with an encyclopedic knowledge of classical literature and Western philosophy, which hold him in excellent stead whether he is in the courtroom or at a dinner party. One cannot walk away from a Buffa novel without feeling educated to at least some extent and entertained to the fullest.
That brings us to NECESSITY, the latest installment in the series, which is as current and controversial as today’s headlines. Buffa smoothly introduces the complex heart that beats at the center of the book. Walter Bridges, the current President of the United States, is assassinated at close quarters while visiting San Francisco. The accused is Kevin Fitzgerald, the distinguished senator from California who had requested an audience with Bridges. Fitzgerald, all but caught in the midst of the act, freely admits his culpability. Antonelli is approached from a couple of different quarters to defend Fitzgerald but refuses, at least at first. Actually, that description does not do NECESSITY justice. Let me (with the author’s permission) provide you with the opening sentences from Antonelli’s lips to your ear:
It was a strange case, a great case, a case that, once it got to trial, might well change forever the history of the United States. Other presidents had been murdered, but no one who had killed a president had ever been brought to trial. I did not want any part of it.
And so the story would end, but for the fact that Antonelli is persuaded to change his mind and represent Fitzgerald after all. The defense that he mounts is that of “the law of necessity,” the distant cousin of self-defense and Good Samaritan acts. It permits an individual to commit what otherwise would be a criminal act when that person is confronted with an emergency situation that compels him or her to act in such a manner to avoid greater harm from occurring. Chaos erupts. Bridges, the victor of a controversial election that led to an even stormier term of office, was loved and hated in roughly equal measure by the populace. Given his death and its manner, it seems that half the country is anointing Fitzgerald a hero, while the other half wants to hang him immediately.
Antonelli is thrust into a political whirlpool that he navigates well, though not without difficulty, particularly because almost everyone seems to be lying to him about one thing or another under the pretext of attempting to assist him. True help comes from two unexpected sources. One is an enigmatic, intelligent and romantically irresistible woman named Tangerine, whose presence haunts every page following her introduction, whether she in onstage or not. The other is... But that would be telling, and would be giving away the conclusion to this fabulously conceived and wondrously told tale, in which Antonelli reveals all, including a major disclosure that no one will see coming.
Anyone with a love of literature as it is properly written will be infatuated with NECESSITY, whether they agree with every word of it or find themselves throwing the book (or reading device) across the room in anger at intervals of a few pages. Although I fell into the latter category, I was still compelled to read it as I was swept up in the momentum and beauty of the narrative. Buffa obviously wanted to make a legal political statement, but along the way also crafted one of the few serious romantic works of our time.
Expect NECESSITY to appear on numerous 2018 “Best of” lists, both because of and in spite of what it is. It’s a beautifully told, riveting work that will sweep you up and carry you away.
Reviewed by Anonymous
That brings us to NECESSITY, the latest installment in the series, which is as current and controversial as today’s headlines. Buffa smoothly introduces the complex heart that beats at the center of the book. Walter Bridges, the current President of the United States, is assassinated at close quarters while visiting San Francisco. The accused is Kevin Fitzgerald, the distinguished senator from California who had requested an audience with Bridges. Fitzgerald, all but caught in the midst of the act, freely admits his culpability. Antonelli is approached from a couple of different quarters to defend Fitzgerald but refuses, at least at first. Actually, that description does not do NECESSITY justice. Let me (with the author’s permission) provide you with the opening sentences from Antonelli’s lips to your ear:
It was a strange case, a great case, a case that, once it got to trial, might well change forever the history of the United States. Other presidents had been murdered, but no one who had killed a president had ever been brought to trial. I did not want any part of it.
And so the story would end, but for the fact that Antonelli is persuaded to change his mind and represent Fitzgerald after all. The defense that he mounts is that of “the law of necessity,” the distant cousin of self-defense and Good Samaritan acts. It permits an individual to commit what otherwise would be a criminal act when that person is confronted with an emergency situation that compels him or her to act in such a manner to avoid greater harm from occurring. Chaos erupts. Bridges, the victor of a controversial election that led to an even stormier term of office, was loved and hated in roughly equal measure by the populace. Given his death and its manner, it seems that half the country is anointing Fitzgerald a hero, while the other half wants to hang him immediately.
Antonelli is thrust into a political whirlpool that he navigates well, though not without difficulty, particularly because almost everyone seems to be lying to him about one thing or another under the pretext of attempting to assist him. True help comes from two unexpected sources. One is an enigmatic, intelligent and romantically irresistible woman named Tangerine, whose presence haunts every page following her introduction, whether she in onstage or not. The other is... But that would be telling, and would be giving away the conclusion to this fabulously conceived and wondrously told tale, in which Antonelli reveals all, including a major disclosure that no one will see coming.
Anyone with a love of literature as it is properly written will be infatuated with NECESSITY, whether they agree with every word of it or find themselves throwing the book (or reading device) across the room in anger at intervals of a few pages. Although I fell into the latter category, I was still compelled to read it as I was swept up in the momentum and beauty of the narrative. Buffa obviously wanted to make a legal political statement, but along the way also crafted one of the few serious romantic works of our time.
Expect NECESSITY to appear on numerous 2018 “Best of” lists, both because of and in spite of what it is. It’s a beautifully told, riveting work that will sweep you up and carry you away.
Reviewed by Anonymous
April 11, 2018
This novel is compelling, thought-provoking, and feels like it could be ripped from today's political headlines. Mr. Buffa is at the top of his game here. The courtroom scenes are masterfully crafted and the suspense remains high throughout. This is a top notch legal and political thriller. I believe this is the eighth book in the Joseph Antonelli series, but it is the first one that I have read.
Joseph Antonelli is faced with the biggest case of his career. No one who has ever been accused of killing a president has ever been brought to trial in the United States, and Antonelli initially wanted no part of this historical trial. When he finally agrees to defend the accused, Antonelli encounters the best and worst that Washington has to offer. This book is packed with espionage, double crosses, and deception.
Kevin Fitzgerald, a U.S. Senator from California, stands accused of assassinating the president, Walter Bridges. His argument, however, is that the assassination was a necessity for the good of the country. It seems like the majority of the country would agree that Fitzgerald was justified in his thinking, harkening back to the times of Caesar, when trials were decided by public opinion. Antonelli must navigate the murky political waters and prove that his client is essentially not guilty of murder, yet simply that he was seeking to solve a problem for the good of the people.
I would recommend this book to fans of political and legal thrillers. I received this as a free ARC from Polis Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Joseph Antonelli is faced with the biggest case of his career. No one who has ever been accused of killing a president has ever been brought to trial in the United States, and Antonelli initially wanted no part of this historical trial. When he finally agrees to defend the accused, Antonelli encounters the best and worst that Washington has to offer. This book is packed with espionage, double crosses, and deception.
Kevin Fitzgerald, a U.S. Senator from California, stands accused of assassinating the president, Walter Bridges. His argument, however, is that the assassination was a necessity for the good of the country. It seems like the majority of the country would agree that Fitzgerald was justified in his thinking, harkening back to the times of Caesar, when trials were decided by public opinion. Antonelli must navigate the murky political waters and prove that his client is essentially not guilty of murder, yet simply that he was seeking to solve a problem for the good of the people.
I would recommend this book to fans of political and legal thrillers. I received this as a free ARC from Polis Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2018
This was a well-written, interesting book. Criminal defense attorney Joseph Antonelli is asked to represent the man accused of murdering the President of the United States. The defendant has invoked the “Law of Necessity,” which states that a crime is justified if it serves the greater good and thus prevents a greater harm from occurring. This is the most controversial case of Antonelli's career and he has no idea what kind of trouble and danger he will encounter. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
July 29, 2018
3.5. Sitting U.S.Senator confesses to killing the president who can be none other than the current 45 and invokes the defense of Law of Necessity. The trial scenes though were, IMO, ridiculous. Rather than answering questions, the witnesses all gave long, verbose speeches riddled with hearsay and blatant violations of all rules of evidence. Prosecution and defense attorneys also gave speeches rather than examining and cross examining the witnesses. Basic premise of the book was interesting and timely though.
December 11, 2018
With characters based on the 2016 presidential election, conspiracies abound as the president is found murdered on Air Force One, and his chief nemesis is caught with murder weapon in hand, confesses to the deed... out of necessity. Enter San Francisco’s super-lawyer, Joseph Antonelli, who must convince the jury and the public that his client should not be punished. The case unfolds at a very deliberate pace with new revelations changing the course of the trial. An excellent read! I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2020
Good thriller with twists and turns aplenty. Taken right from the Trump era. President Bridges is killed on the presidential plane that has landed in S.F. Senator Kevin Fitzgerald admits killing the president under the law of “Necessity”, meaning that he did it to save the country from the despotic leaning of Bridges. A trial in S.F. Where his lawyer, Joseph Antonella, tries to use this defense theory. By the end of the trial, he learns the truth...Fitzgerald didn’t kill the president but thought by claiming he did, he would be hailed a hero for saving the country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
The premise was lame and the ending was exactly as expected about half way through the book. The story line was a not even thinly veiled attack on the Trump presidency, and I surely get enough of these tales from the news. The courtroom sequences describing the Russian collusion could have been copied verbatim from recent news stories. It was a slog to get through to the end. I wish the reward had been less predictable.
July 30, 2018
While I have read every one of Buffa’s novels and considered him one of my favorite authors for character development I will never read another.
I consider myself an independent and read to hear both sides of the discussion -both fiction and non fiction. I only gave this a 2 star rating because I love the Joseph Antonelli character. Stop watching Fox News
I consider myself an independent and read to hear both sides of the discussion -both fiction and non fiction. I only gave this a 2 star rating because I love the Joseph Antonelli character. Stop watching Fox News
September 23, 2018
What if
This is fiction with a heavy dose of real events and real people as its core. You see the underside of the horror that you know exists and feel no shock at the twists and turns that are clarified.
The only problem with this book is the terrible formatting. Maybe there was a rush to publish that encourage shoddy work or maybe no one cares that it be almost unreadable
This is fiction with a heavy dose of real events and real people as its core. You see the underside of the horror that you know exists and feel no shock at the twists and turns that are clarified.
The only problem with this book is the terrible formatting. Maybe there was a rush to publish that encourage shoddy work or maybe no one cares that it be almost unreadable
July 5, 2018
Another great legal thriller by the master
Buff a is one of the best at creating courtroom scenes as well as the preparation needed to try a criminal case. I have read all of his novels and they are all great!
Buff a is one of the best at creating courtroom scenes as well as the preparation needed to try a criminal case. I have read all of his novels and they are all great!
August 25, 2020
As with his other books, this one is another legal thriller with unexpected twists with lead character, criminal defense attorney Joseph Antonelli. Written before the current president was elected, I am starting to wonder if Buffa has psychic abilities to see the future.
June 19, 2018
Entertaining plot, though based on Trump's character and administration a frustrating amount, from the president's personality type to a "crooked" political opponent.
June 19, 2018
Thinly veiled political references to current events. Very thinly veiled. But a decent read. I figured out the twist.
Oh, and lots of editing errors. I found four in as many pages.
Oh, and lots of editing errors. I found four in as many pages.
November 7, 2018
Fine. Weird storyline, but it was entertaining at least
February 19, 2025
great read and greater author
How glad I was, after reading his first three, that there were more!! Wow. Nothing has changed- only better. I Must read the rest.
How glad I was, after reading his first three, that there were more!! Wow. Nothing has changed- only better. I Must read the rest.
May 30, 2018
Welcome back, Joseph Antonelli. "Necessity" is Buffa's first Antonelli book since "Trial By Fire" in 2005, and his enigmatic, highly literate trial attorney has not lost a step. Wise, observant and always willing to take on unwinnable cases, Antonelli is a fascinating and reluctant hero.
"Necessity" is an alarming book in many ways. First, it presents a controversial topic in this politically charged year, the defense of the admitted killer of our current President. Second, most of Buffa's characters disliked the President, and are not at all unhappy that he was killed. But justice needs to prevail, even for the murderer of an unpopular President.
As in his previous novels, Buffa's characters are unique and well drawn, his plots are carefully constructed and filled with interesting twists, and his courtroom scenes capture the procedures and nuances in a way that only a former attorney can describe.
"Necessity" is an alarming book in many ways. First, it presents a controversial topic in this politically charged year, the defense of the admitted killer of our current President. Second, most of Buffa's characters disliked the President, and are not at all unhappy that he was killed. But justice needs to prevail, even for the murderer of an unpopular President.
As in his previous novels, Buffa's characters are unique and well drawn, his plots are carefully constructed and filled with interesting twists, and his courtroom scenes capture the procedures and nuances in a way that only a former attorney can describe.
July 31, 2018
Certainly a page turner but ultimately disappointing. The characters are almost 1 to 1 drawn from the Trump administration with no attempt to disguise them with the possible exception of making the Kelly Ann Conway character intelligent (a wide digression from reality).
The central problem of this book is that rules of evidence and courtroom procedure seem more Perry Mason than prima facie.These supposedly brilliant lawyers are two dimensional and don't act or even sound like they went to law school. Worse, a character named Tangerine of all things is introduced mostly to be beautiful and, like other people in the novel, force the reader to concentrate on her rather than look too closely at the plot.
The characters all pretend to know history but it is all superficial and often farcical. The French consul plays to stereotype more than once as does the rich lawyer joking about his many ex-wives whose names no one remembers. A hearty laugh and knowing wink.
Finally, the many typos were annoying- deGaul instead of de Gaulle , her on place of here, country instead of county.
In the plus side, it is an easy read for the beach perhaps. Get it when you find out in the second hand paperback rack for a dollar.
The central problem of this book is that rules of evidence and courtroom procedure seem more Perry Mason than prima facie.These supposedly brilliant lawyers are two dimensional and don't act or even sound like they went to law school. Worse, a character named Tangerine of all things is introduced mostly to be beautiful and, like other people in the novel, force the reader to concentrate on her rather than look too closely at the plot.
The characters all pretend to know history but it is all superficial and often farcical. The French consul plays to stereotype more than once as does the rich lawyer joking about his many ex-wives whose names no one remembers. A hearty laugh and knowing wink.
Finally, the many typos were annoying- deGaul instead of de Gaulle , her on place of here, country instead of county.
In the plus side, it is an easy read for the beach perhaps. Get it when you find out in the second hand paperback rack for a dollar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 1, 2018didn't read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews