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Dismas Hardy #19
The Missing Piece
The beloved New York Times bestselling Dismas Hardy series returns with this “perfect piece of entertainment from a master storyteller” (Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author) about a relentlessly twisty murder mystery.
No one mourned when San Francisco DA Wes Farrell put Paul Riley in prison eleven years ago for the rape and murder of his girlfriend. And no one is particularly happy to see him again when he’s released after The Exoneration Initiative uncovered evidence that pinned the crime on someone else. In fact, Riley soon turns up murdered, surrounded by the loot from his latest scam. But if Riley was really innocent all along, who wanted him dead?
To the cops, it’s straightforward: the still-grieving father of Riley’s dead girlfriend killed the former prisoner. Farrell, now out of politics and practicing law with master attorney Dismas Hardy, agrees to represent the defendant, Doug Rush—and is left in the dust when Rush suddenly vanishes. At a loss, Farrell and Hardy ask PI Abe Glitsky to track down the potentially lethal defendant. The search takes Glitsky through an investigative hall of mirrors populated by wounded parents, crooked cops, cheating spouses, and single-minded vigilantes. As Glitsky embraces and then discards one enticing theory after another, the truth seems to recede ever farther. So far that he begins to question his own moral compass in this “superb thriller from a veteran crime writer” (Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author) that you’ll savor to the last word.
No one mourned when San Francisco DA Wes Farrell put Paul Riley in prison eleven years ago for the rape and murder of his girlfriend. And no one is particularly happy to see him again when he’s released after The Exoneration Initiative uncovered evidence that pinned the crime on someone else. In fact, Riley soon turns up murdered, surrounded by the loot from his latest scam. But if Riley was really innocent all along, who wanted him dead?
To the cops, it’s straightforward: the still-grieving father of Riley’s dead girlfriend killed the former prisoner. Farrell, now out of politics and practicing law with master attorney Dismas Hardy, agrees to represent the defendant, Doug Rush—and is left in the dust when Rush suddenly vanishes. At a loss, Farrell and Hardy ask PI Abe Glitsky to track down the potentially lethal defendant. The search takes Glitsky through an investigative hall of mirrors populated by wounded parents, crooked cops, cheating spouses, and single-minded vigilantes. As Glitsky embraces and then discards one enticing theory after another, the truth seems to recede ever farther. So far that he begins to question his own moral compass in this “superb thriller from a veteran crime writer” (Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author) that you’ll savor to the last word.
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First published March 29, 2022
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About the author
John Lescroart
142 books1,299 followersJohn Lescroart (born January 14, 1948) is an American author best known for two series of legal and crime thriller novels featuring the characters Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky.
Lescroart was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo, California (Class of 1966). He then went on to earn a B.A. in English with Honors at UC Berkeley in 1970. In addition to his novels, Lescroart has written several screenplays.
Lescroart was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Junípero Serra High School, San Mateo, California (Class of 1966). He then went on to earn a B.A. in English with Honors at UC Berkeley in 1970. In addition to his novels, Lescroart has written several screenplays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
March 13, 2022
3.5 stars
The Missing Piece is a multilayered mystery/legal thriller/procedural about a convicted murderer and rapist who, when evidence demonstrates his innocence, is released from prison only to be murdered months later.
The mystery centers around a defense attorney, his boss, and a PI investigating multiple crimes all linked to the death of the accused murdered. What seems like a cut and dry case is much more complicated than it initially appears, resulting in a moral quandary.
I haven’t read this series before, and I think I made a mistake starting with book #19. There were many characters to keep track of and multiple points of view to wade through. I struggled to keep track of who was who, but Abe Glitsky stood out from the others. I liked most of the characters, but I need to get to know them better to truly care. Since I had no attachment to the characters, I didn’t find myself invested in their personal lives, but I was intrigued by the case.
The plot goes in many directions, takes some surprising twists and turns, and often misdirects with red herrings to unravel the events surrounding the mysterious murders. At the same time, the plot is tightly wound, and all angles eventually tie together. I found The Missing Piece to be fast-paced and easy to read. Although there are many characters and pieces to keep track of, they all flow together. This was an enjoyable read, but not one I loved, but I feel like if I read the earlier books in the series that my love will grow!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Missing Piece is a multilayered mystery/legal thriller/procedural about a convicted murderer and rapist who, when evidence demonstrates his innocence, is released from prison only to be murdered months later.
The mystery centers around a defense attorney, his boss, and a PI investigating multiple crimes all linked to the death of the accused murdered. What seems like a cut and dry case is much more complicated than it initially appears, resulting in a moral quandary.
I haven’t read this series before, and I think I made a mistake starting with book #19. There were many characters to keep track of and multiple points of view to wade through. I struggled to keep track of who was who, but Abe Glitsky stood out from the others. I liked most of the characters, but I need to get to know them better to truly care. Since I had no attachment to the characters, I didn’t find myself invested in their personal lives, but I was intrigued by the case.
The plot goes in many directions, takes some surprising twists and turns, and often misdirects with red herrings to unravel the events surrounding the mysterious murders. At the same time, the plot is tightly wound, and all angles eventually tie together. I found The Missing Piece to be fast-paced and easy to read. Although there are many characters and pieces to keep track of, they all flow together. This was an enjoyable read, but not one I loved, but I feel like if I read the earlier books in the series that my love will grow!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2022
I love to read mysteries and legal thrillers, yet I haven’t read anything by John Lescroart before. The Missing Piece is such a page-turner and I've been missing out this whole time! After I passed the halfway mark in the book, panic kicked in and I knew I need to read more Dismas Hardy and the gang so I have gotten myself a copy of books 1-3.
A man sentenced for rape and murder got off on technicality through Exoneration Initiative program and shortly after his release he was shot dead. Doug, the father of the victim is believed to have done the killing according to an eyewitness. Doug was charged then got out of jail on bail. On the day of his trial, Doug didn't show up. Later, he too was found murdered. What's going on?
John Lescroart is a master storyteller. The switch between characters flows nicely that it took me a bit to realize the story went from the legal side with Wes Farrell to the investigative side with Abe Glitsky. Is this normal for this series? I don't know, but I enjoyed it! I notice that this book doesn't have that much Dismas Hardy, but other characters are excellent and I had no trouble catching up. To be honest, I had no clue whodunit. The Missing Piece is part legal thriller, and part police procedural so if that's something of your interest you don't want to miss this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with this ARC.
Available March 29, 2022
A man sentenced for rape and murder got off on technicality through Exoneration Initiative program and shortly after his release he was shot dead. Doug, the father of the victim is believed to have done the killing according to an eyewitness. Doug was charged then got out of jail on bail. On the day of his trial, Doug didn't show up. Later, he too was found murdered. What's going on?
John Lescroart is a master storyteller. The switch between characters flows nicely that it took me a bit to realize the story went from the legal side with Wes Farrell to the investigative side with Abe Glitsky. Is this normal for this series? I don't know, but I enjoyed it! I notice that this book doesn't have that much Dismas Hardy, but other characters are excellent and I had no trouble catching up. To be honest, I had no clue whodunit. The Missing Piece is part legal thriller, and part police procedural so if that's something of your interest you don't want to miss this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with this ARC.
Available March 29, 2022
February 2, 2022
Book 19 of the Dismas Hardy series.
Wes Farrell has crossed over from being a prosecutor to a criminal defense attorney. Only problem is he is majorly burnt out. He no longer believes anything his clients tell him. And truly doesn’t care about the outcome. But that attitude may cost him…. Or his client!
When Paul Riley convicted rapist and murderer is released from prison by The Exoneration Initiative, it’s not long before he is gunned down outside his apartment. The only eye witness is Paul’s dad. Only how reliable a witness is he? And the police can’t seem to get out of their own way.
There is so much going on with a plethora of characters, but being a long time fan of this series I was able to follow along easily. Abe Glitsky, former homicide detective, now private investigator takes a large role in this book! Which made me very happy as he is one of my favorite characters from this series.
I have a lot of long standing series that I have slowly stepped away from. I love the characters but the storylines just failed to hold me, and the characters alone can only hold it together for so long. I’m happy to say this series is going as strong as ever. Of course I love all the characters! I feel like I’ve grown up with them. And each storyline is as intricate and thrilling as ever.
If you are a fan of this series and want to walk down memory lane while enjoying a thrilling storyline then make sure this book is on your list! Can this be read as a stand-alone? Sure. But I highly suggest starting at the beginning! It’s worth it!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
Wes Farrell has crossed over from being a prosecutor to a criminal defense attorney. Only problem is he is majorly burnt out. He no longer believes anything his clients tell him. And truly doesn’t care about the outcome. But that attitude may cost him…. Or his client!
When Paul Riley convicted rapist and murderer is released from prison by The Exoneration Initiative, it’s not long before he is gunned down outside his apartment. The only eye witness is Paul’s dad. Only how reliable a witness is he? And the police can’t seem to get out of their own way.
There is so much going on with a plethora of characters, but being a long time fan of this series I was able to follow along easily. Abe Glitsky, former homicide detective, now private investigator takes a large role in this book! Which made me very happy as he is one of my favorite characters from this series.
I have a lot of long standing series that I have slowly stepped away from. I love the characters but the storylines just failed to hold me, and the characters alone can only hold it together for so long. I’m happy to say this series is going as strong as ever. Of course I love all the characters! I feel like I’ve grown up with them. And each storyline is as intricate and thrilling as ever.
If you are a fan of this series and want to walk down memory lane while enjoying a thrilling storyline then make sure this book is on your list! Can this be read as a stand-alone? Sure. But I highly suggest starting at the beginning! It’s worth it!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books
October 11, 2021
4 stars for another well crafted legal mystery in the Dismas Hardy series. This book focuses on an Exoneration Initiative case, where convicted murderer Paul Riley is released after this legal team files legal appeals on his behalf and succeeds in getting the alleged murderer exonerated and released. But then 4 months after his release Riley is murdered and a witness claims that he saw Doug Rush, the father of the murdered victim from the original trial 11 years ago, at the scene of Riley's murder. Rush is arrested and Wes Farrell, a lawyer with Hardy's firm, agrees to defend Doug.
Doug is released on bail. Doug disappears and Hardy assigns his chief investigator, Abe Glitsky to find him. Another murder happens and Abe is attacked, because he won't give up the investigation. Abe does solve the case, but there are several false clues and some interesting moral questions raised in the book: What happens if a factual killer is released on a technicality?
This series is probably best read in order, but I have not done so. This book worked fine for me as a stand alone.
One quote, describing Wes Farrell: "The customer cut a fine figure, an attorney in a thousand dollar business suit. Like the werewolves of London, his hair was perfect, full and speckled with just the right amount of gray, for the ever-crucial gravitas."
Thanks to Atria Books and John Lescroart for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Revised Pub. date March 29, 2022
Doug is released on bail. Doug disappears and Hardy assigns his chief investigator, Abe Glitsky to find him. Another murder happens and Abe is attacked, because he won't give up the investigation. Abe does solve the case, but there are several false clues and some interesting moral questions raised in the book: What happens if a factual killer is released on a technicality?
This series is probably best read in order, but I have not done so. This book worked fine for me as a stand alone.
One quote, describing Wes Farrell: "The customer cut a fine figure, an attorney in a thousand dollar business suit. Like the werewolves of London, his hair was perfect, full and speckled with just the right amount of gray, for the ever-crucial gravitas."
Thanks to Atria Books and John Lescroart for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Revised Pub. date March 29, 2022
April 10, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 19th book in the Dismas Hardy series, the attorney gets involved when a released prisoner is murdered. The book can be read as a standalone but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
Eleven years ago, Paul Riley was convicted of the rape and murder of a young woman named Dana Rush. Riley's case was subsequently taken up by the Exoneration Initiative (EI), which helps people who were wrongly convicted. The EI got a confession from another convict, and Riley was released from prison.
Since then Riley has moved into a garage apartment on his father's property, got a job in a restaurant, and taken up his old vocation - burglary. One evening, Riley comes home with a good haul of jewelry and money and gets shot in the head.
Riley's dad tells the police he heard the shot and saw Doug Rush, the father of the raped girl Dana Rush, leaving the property. The police take the ID seriously because Doug - who STILL believed Riley was guilty - railed against his release and threatened to kill him.
The police arrest Doug Rush and botch the job by kicking and beating him while he's helpless on the ground. A video of the assault is uploaded to the internet and the police are vilified for brutality. This being the case the police want a quick conviction, so they look a tad less bad.
Meanwhile Doug hires Wes Farrell - a former District Attorney who's now a defense lawyer in Dismas Hardy's law firm - to represent him. Being on the prosecution side has infiltrated Wes's psyche and he believes all defendants are guilty, including Doug. As things play out, Doug forfeits his million-dollar bail by not showing up for his preliminary hearing, and Wes feels somewhat vindicated in his opinion.
Then Doug is found murdered and the police, who are embarrassed by the whole business, drag their feet on the investigation. Wes Farrell and Dismas Hardy - whose law firm got a $100,000 retainer from Doug - feel they owe him a debt. So the lawyers enlist the help of private detective Abe Glitzky, who was once Head of Homicide for the San Francisco Police Department. Abe sets out to discover who killed Doug, believing it's the same man who shot Paul Riley. So two birds with one stone.
During Abe's investigation he speaks to various people, including Doug's neighbor, Doug's lady friend, the members of Doug's motorcycle club, and people associated with Paul Riley.
Additional deaths blur the picture, and at one point Abe, a happily married man, gets the come-on from an interviewee, which made me laugh. 😄 Abe also contacts a lawyer at the EI, who admits the EI doesn't always get it right and some guilty convicts have been sprung from prison.
Though this is a Dismas Hardy book, the novel is mostly a police procedural focused on Abe Glitzky. I like police procedurals and Abe is an appealing character, so that's fine with me.
Thanks to Netgalley, John Lescroart, and Atria Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
October 3, 2021
This book is extremely timely. It looks at the ethical dilemma of reminding people that someone is innocent until proven guilty and the need for fair representation. It turns a stern eye at the police as more folks use cell phones to record police brutality.
Wes Farrell is having a crisis of faith. As Lescroat writes, “The prosecutor Wes had been for the past eight years had altered his DNA and he believed what he told Gina: once you got yourself all the way to arrested- he didn’t care too much about the individual circumstances or even the crime itself-you were guilty.” But Wes is now back to being a defense attorney. And he just can’t bring himself to believe the defense attorney mantra, that they do it for the one in a hundred accused who’s actually innocent.
This 19th book in the series brings back all the regular players, including Farrell, Hardy and Glitsky. Back when Wes was the DA, he sent away a man for the rape and murder of a young woman. The man is exonerated through the efforts of the Exoneration Initiative and released from prison. On the exact day of the woman’s death, the man is shot. And his father claims he saw Doug Rush, the father of the woman, leaving the man’s apartment. Now, Wes is taking Doug's case. But things take another turn. Now, it’s Glitsky’s turn to take the lead, as he investigates how everything might have played out.
It’s not a fast paced story. There are lots of possibilities and red herrings thrown up as Glitsky struggles to figure out what happened.
I enjoyed the story as the pace and possibilities felt real. I liked the mental gymnastics Glitsky goes through trying to put the puzzle pieces together. There are lots of suspects, but no evidence that puts any of them squarely in the mix. Although I have to say, I caught on to who was behind the crimes early on in the book.
While it’s part of a series, it could easily be read as a standalone as the reader is given adequate background on the characters.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
Wes Farrell is having a crisis of faith. As Lescroat writes, “The prosecutor Wes had been for the past eight years had altered his DNA and he believed what he told Gina: once you got yourself all the way to arrested- he didn’t care too much about the individual circumstances or even the crime itself-you were guilty.” But Wes is now back to being a defense attorney. And he just can’t bring himself to believe the defense attorney mantra, that they do it for the one in a hundred accused who’s actually innocent.
This 19th book in the series brings back all the regular players, including Farrell, Hardy and Glitsky. Back when Wes was the DA, he sent away a man for the rape and murder of a young woman. The man is exonerated through the efforts of the Exoneration Initiative and released from prison. On the exact day of the woman’s death, the man is shot. And his father claims he saw Doug Rush, the father of the woman, leaving the man’s apartment. Now, Wes is taking Doug's case. But things take another turn. Now, it’s Glitsky’s turn to take the lead, as he investigates how everything might have played out.
It’s not a fast paced story. There are lots of possibilities and red herrings thrown up as Glitsky struggles to figure out what happened.
I enjoyed the story as the pace and possibilities felt real. I liked the mental gymnastics Glitsky goes through trying to put the puzzle pieces together. There are lots of suspects, but no evidence that puts any of them squarely in the mix. Although I have to say, I caught on to who was behind the crimes early on in the book.
While it’s part of a series, it could easily be read as a standalone as the reader is given adequate background on the characters.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
March 7, 2022
Eleven years ago San Francisco DA Wes Farrell successfully sent Paul Riley to prison for life after he was tried for the rape and murder of his girlfriend, Dana Rush. Now he has been released under the Exoneration Initiative which reviews old cases, looking for holes in the evidence, and in Riley’s case found evidence that someone else could have raped and killed Dana. However, her father Doug Rush remained convinced that Riley was to blame and swore he would kill him.
A few months after Riley’s release, he is living in the apartment above his father’s garage, working at a restaurant and doing a little burglary on the side to pay the rent. After his father hears a single gunshot coming from the garage after work one day he sees a man he identifies as Doug Rush racing down the stairs. Although Rush loudly proclaims his innocence heis arrested for Riley’s murder and hires Wes Farrell, now a defence lawyer. However after Farrell gets Rush bailed he disappears the night before he’s due in court, leaving a puzzled Farrell to look into his case with the aid of PI Abe Glitsky.
As this is the 19th book in Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy series, all the characters will be well known to his fans. Although it is the first book in the series that I’ve read, I felt it also worked well as a stand-alone novel as the characters were easy to get to know, especially through their casual, and often witty, dialogue with one another.
The plot, although complex, was well paced with plenty of false turns as Glitsky delves deeper into Doug Rush’ life and friends. Farrell is struggling with his misgivings about being a defense lawyer. After so many years as a prosecutor, he can’t help believing that most of his clients are guilty of the crimes they are accused of and he is having difficulty justifying the morality of his decision to defend them. Glistsky is a very able and smart investigator who turns up a number of intriguing directions in the case, eventually sending the investigation in a totally different direction. This is a well put together murder mystery with a touch of legal thriller and has convinced me I should add this series to my reading list.
With thanks to Atria Books via Netgalley for a copy to read
A few months after Riley’s release, he is living in the apartment above his father’s garage, working at a restaurant and doing a little burglary on the side to pay the rent. After his father hears a single gunshot coming from the garage after work one day he sees a man he identifies as Doug Rush racing down the stairs. Although Rush loudly proclaims his innocence heis arrested for Riley’s murder and hires Wes Farrell, now a defence lawyer. However after Farrell gets Rush bailed he disappears the night before he’s due in court, leaving a puzzled Farrell to look into his case with the aid of PI Abe Glitsky.
As this is the 19th book in Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy series, all the characters will be well known to his fans. Although it is the first book in the series that I’ve read, I felt it also worked well as a stand-alone novel as the characters were easy to get to know, especially through their casual, and often witty, dialogue with one another.
The plot, although complex, was well paced with plenty of false turns as Glitsky delves deeper into Doug Rush’ life and friends. Farrell is struggling with his misgivings about being a defense lawyer. After so many years as a prosecutor, he can’t help believing that most of his clients are guilty of the crimes they are accused of and he is having difficulty justifying the morality of his decision to defend them. Glistsky is a very able and smart investigator who turns up a number of intriguing directions in the case, eventually sending the investigation in a totally different direction. This is a well put together murder mystery with a touch of legal thriller and has convinced me I should add this series to my reading list.
With thanks to Atria Books via Netgalley for a copy to read
January 27, 2022
I’d only previously read one book in this series – the first – and it was alright: though I didn’t love it there were elements that caused me to promise myself I’d come back for another delve into the life and cases of lawyer Dismas Hardy. It’s taken me to book nineteen in the series to keep that promise and guess what, Dismas hardly makes an appearance in this one. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge in the thirty two years since book one was penned and there’s quite a few references to past events in the early pages, something I find slightly irritating as someone who repeatedly randomly dips into crime fiction series. But get past this and the story settles down into a caper largely featuring the law firm’s regular private investigator Abe Glitsky.
Wes Farrell, the former San Francisco District Attorney who now works with Hardy, is having second thoughts about being a defence attorney. This heralds quite a bit of debate about the Innocence Project which looks to revisit past cases and exonerate wrongly convicted criminals. Wes is not a fan of IP, believing that most convicts did something that should have had them sent down even if they didn’t commit the crime for which they were imprisoned. And when he picks up the case of a man charged with murdering the convicted killer of his daughter, now released as a result of an IP appeal, he is predisposed to be sceptical regarding his claims of innocence. But then events take a sinister turn and Web hires Abe to come in and do some digging around.
The characters are all well drawn, the dialogue is snappy and smart and the story rattles along at a good pace. Soon it becomes clear that’s there’s a lot more to what’s gone on than was initially evident and Abe gets drawn deeper and deeper into what proves to be a confusing but intriguing case. So this is not really a legal thriller, more a fairly standard murder mystery - but actually a pretty good one. I really liked Abe, he’s dogged and though he is generally good natured he’s also got that bit of edge necessary to kick something out of the weeds when the need arises. This is a case that sends him in various directions and I was never quite sure how it would eventually play out.
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to re-visit this series – I think it just fell off my radar – but I’m really glad I found my way back. I’ll now definitely be working back through the earlier books as there was plenty here to entice me. My thanks to Atria (Simon & Schuster) for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Wes Farrell, the former San Francisco District Attorney who now works with Hardy, is having second thoughts about being a defence attorney. This heralds quite a bit of debate about the Innocence Project which looks to revisit past cases and exonerate wrongly convicted criminals. Wes is not a fan of IP, believing that most convicts did something that should have had them sent down even if they didn’t commit the crime for which they were imprisoned. And when he picks up the case of a man charged with murdering the convicted killer of his daughter, now released as a result of an IP appeal, he is predisposed to be sceptical regarding his claims of innocence. But then events take a sinister turn and Web hires Abe to come in and do some digging around.
The characters are all well drawn, the dialogue is snappy and smart and the story rattles along at a good pace. Soon it becomes clear that’s there’s a lot more to what’s gone on than was initially evident and Abe gets drawn deeper and deeper into what proves to be a confusing but intriguing case. So this is not really a legal thriller, more a fairly standard murder mystery - but actually a pretty good one. I really liked Abe, he’s dogged and though he is generally good natured he’s also got that bit of edge necessary to kick something out of the weeds when the need arises. This is a case that sends him in various directions and I was never quite sure how it would eventually play out.
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to re-visit this series – I think it just fell off my radar – but I’m really glad I found my way back. I’ll now definitely be working back through the earlier books as there was plenty here to entice me. My thanks to Atria (Simon & Schuster) for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 12, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, John Lescroart, and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There is something captivating about the writing of John Lescroart, perhaps because he tackles legal matters from all angles. His series intertwine so well, using a strong core of characters, but never seem to run out of ideas along the way. Now that Wes Farrell is no longer the District Attorney, he’s turned to working for the defence, something that has him less than happy. As he ponders his future, he’s contacted by the father of a victim whose killer he helped put away. It would seem there is some concern that a murder has been committed. As Farrell takes the case and uses all his resources, things take a definite turn, sending the lead investigator down a path with many dire warnings. Lescroart at his best, sure to impress those who have long followed this series.
After an illustrious career, Wes Farrell knew it was time to end his tenure as District Attorney and find something new to fill his time. While it was not the best offer, Farrell chose to work for the defence, alongside his longtime friend, Dismas Hardy. However, Farrell’s been having second thoughts about defending those he feels are guilty and thinks that it might be time to call it a career. Hardy, having taken the plunge many years before, seeks to counsel his friend, but does not appear to be making much headway.
When a call comes into the firm, asking for Farrell to attend the local jail, he’s intrigued. It’s a man he knows well, the father of a victim whose killer was just released from jail by an energetic Exoneration Initiative. It would seem that Doug Rush is now being accused of killing his daughter’s killer, with an eyewitness who saw the murder. While Rush asserts his innocence, even Farrell cannot be sure of it, feeling that there was more than enough anger to fuel some retribution.
As Farrell begins his defence, he realises that he will be up against a mountain of evidence. He acquires the services of Private Investigator Abe Glitsky, former homicide detective with the San Francisco PD and best friends with Dismas Hardy. While Glitsky is ready to take on the investigation, he’s not too sure what it will reveal, particularly with Farrell sure his client his guilty.
When Rush does not turn up after being granted bail, everyone’s sure he’s on the lam. Glitsky works to uncover what’s going on with Rush, as well as trying to nail down an alibi. Things take a definite turn for the worse and Glitsky becomes trapped in a web of deception, double speak, and lies. He discovers that the Exoneration Initiative has done work across the country with some interesting results, though the fallout has much to be desired. Could all this pose significant issues for Glitsky, Farrell, and others around San Francisco. A great piece by John Lescroart that keeps the reader in the middle of the action.
Lescroart’s writing is so entertaining that varied that it owes not matter whose perspective the novel takes, the story is sure to be worth reading. Lescroart has built-up various offshoot series, using his core characters, all of whom work well together and keep the overall story arc intact. There is something about these stories that keeps me coming back, from the legal maneuvers to the investigative measure, as well as the dry wit that matches my own. When Lescroart publishes, I take note, having done so for the last two decades, since I stumbled upon this series.
There are a few central characters in this piece, making it difficult to choose just one. Wes Farrell and Abe Glitsky are the apparent protagonists, offering up their own views and development throughout. Both have had great backstories woven into their respective series in the past, but do not hesitate to always leave their mark at present again. There is a richness to the characters and great interaction between them, leaving series fans to bask in the banter that is a special part of this large and complex set of series.
As with many of his novels, I was pulled into the middle of this book in the opening chapters. Tackling some retribution issues proved to be only the tip of the iceberg, as Wes Farrell and Abe Glitsky forged ahead to make their marks on the piece. Strong narrative flow helped create a needed momentum, as the reader seeks to understand the complexities of the plot as it is developed. Chapters vary in length and perspective, keeping the reader guessing about what awaits them as things progress. As mentioned before, the web of characters and series that connect here have always impressed me, allowing some who play a major role to be but cameos at times, while others step into the limelight. I cannot wait to see what comes of this series, which has remained strong, even with the ever-growing number of books!
Kudos, Mr. Lescroart, for another winner. I eagerly await publication when I see you have another book in the works!
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A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
There is something captivating about the writing of John Lescroart, perhaps because he tackles legal matters from all angles. His series intertwine so well, using a strong core of characters, but never seem to run out of ideas along the way. Now that Wes Farrell is no longer the District Attorney, he’s turned to working for the defence, something that has him less than happy. As he ponders his future, he’s contacted by the father of a victim whose killer he helped put away. It would seem there is some concern that a murder has been committed. As Farrell takes the case and uses all his resources, things take a definite turn, sending the lead investigator down a path with many dire warnings. Lescroart at his best, sure to impress those who have long followed this series.
After an illustrious career, Wes Farrell knew it was time to end his tenure as District Attorney and find something new to fill his time. While it was not the best offer, Farrell chose to work for the defence, alongside his longtime friend, Dismas Hardy. However, Farrell’s been having second thoughts about defending those he feels are guilty and thinks that it might be time to call it a career. Hardy, having taken the plunge many years before, seeks to counsel his friend, but does not appear to be making much headway.
When a call comes into the firm, asking for Farrell to attend the local jail, he’s intrigued. It’s a man he knows well, the father of a victim whose killer was just released from jail by an energetic Exoneration Initiative. It would seem that Doug Rush is now being accused of killing his daughter’s killer, with an eyewitness who saw the murder. While Rush asserts his innocence, even Farrell cannot be sure of it, feeling that there was more than enough anger to fuel some retribution.
As Farrell begins his defence, he realises that he will be up against a mountain of evidence. He acquires the services of Private Investigator Abe Glitsky, former homicide detective with the San Francisco PD and best friends with Dismas Hardy. While Glitsky is ready to take on the investigation, he’s not too sure what it will reveal, particularly with Farrell sure his client his guilty.
When Rush does not turn up after being granted bail, everyone’s sure he’s on the lam. Glitsky works to uncover what’s going on with Rush, as well as trying to nail down an alibi. Things take a definite turn for the worse and Glitsky becomes trapped in a web of deception, double speak, and lies. He discovers that the Exoneration Initiative has done work across the country with some interesting results, though the fallout has much to be desired. Could all this pose significant issues for Glitsky, Farrell, and others around San Francisco. A great piece by John Lescroart that keeps the reader in the middle of the action.
Lescroart’s writing is so entertaining that varied that it owes not matter whose perspective the novel takes, the story is sure to be worth reading. Lescroart has built-up various offshoot series, using his core characters, all of whom work well together and keep the overall story arc intact. There is something about these stories that keeps me coming back, from the legal maneuvers to the investigative measure, as well as the dry wit that matches my own. When Lescroart publishes, I take note, having done so for the last two decades, since I stumbled upon this series.
There are a few central characters in this piece, making it difficult to choose just one. Wes Farrell and Abe Glitsky are the apparent protagonists, offering up their own views and development throughout. Both have had great backstories woven into their respective series in the past, but do not hesitate to always leave their mark at present again. There is a richness to the characters and great interaction between them, leaving series fans to bask in the banter that is a special part of this large and complex set of series.
As with many of his novels, I was pulled into the middle of this book in the opening chapters. Tackling some retribution issues proved to be only the tip of the iceberg, as Wes Farrell and Abe Glitsky forged ahead to make their marks on the piece. Strong narrative flow helped create a needed momentum, as the reader seeks to understand the complexities of the plot as it is developed. Chapters vary in length and perspective, keeping the reader guessing about what awaits them as things progress. As mentioned before, the web of characters and series that connect here have always impressed me, allowing some who play a major role to be but cameos at times, while others step into the limelight. I cannot wait to see what comes of this series, which has remained strong, even with the ever-growing number of books!
Kudos, Mr. Lescroart, for another winner. I eagerly await publication when I see you have another book in the works!
Love/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/...
November 5, 2021
This book is extremely timely. It looks at the ethical dilemma of reminding people that someone is innocent until proven guilty and the need for fair representation. It turns a stern eye at the police as more folks use cell phones to record police brutality.
Wes Farrell is having a crisis of faith. As Lescroat writes, “The prosecutor Wes had been for the past eight years had altered his DNA and he believed what he told Gina: once you got yourself all the way to arrested- he didn’t care too much about the individual circumstances or even the crime itself-you were guilty.” But Wes is now back to being a defense attorney. And he just can’t bring himself to believe the defense attorney mantra, that they do it for the one in a hundred accused who’s actually innocent.
This 19th book in the series brings back all the regular players, including Farrell, Hardy and Glitsky. Back when Wes was the DA, he sent away a man for the rape and murder of a young woman. The man is exonerated through the efforts of the Exoneration Initiative and released from prison. On the exact day of the woman’s death, the man is shot. And his father claims he saw Doug Rush, the father of the woman, leaving the man’s apartment. Now, Wes is taking Doug's case. But things take another turn. Now, it’s Glitsky’s turn to take the lead, as he investigates how everything might have played out.
It’s not a fast paced story. There are lots of possibilities and red herrings thrown up as Glitsky struggles to figure out what happened.
I enjoyed the story as the pace and possibilities felt real. I liked the mental gymnastics Glitsky goes through trying to put the puzzle pieces together. There are lots of suspects, but no evidence that puts any of them squarely in the mix. Although I have to say, I caught on to who was behind the crimes early on in the book.
While it’s part of a series, it could easily be read as a standalone as the reader is given adequate background on the characters.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
Wes Farrell is having a crisis of faith. As Lescroat writes, “The prosecutor Wes had been for the past eight years had altered his DNA and he believed what he told Gina: once you got yourself all the way to arrested- he didn’t care too much about the individual circumstances or even the crime itself-you were guilty.” But Wes is now back to being a defense attorney. And he just can’t bring himself to believe the defense attorney mantra, that they do it for the one in a hundred accused who’s actually innocent.
This 19th book in the series brings back all the regular players, including Farrell, Hardy and Glitsky. Back when Wes was the DA, he sent away a man for the rape and murder of a young woman. The man is exonerated through the efforts of the Exoneration Initiative and released from prison. On the exact day of the woman’s death, the man is shot. And his father claims he saw Doug Rush, the father of the woman, leaving the man’s apartment. Now, Wes is taking Doug's case. But things take another turn. Now, it’s Glitsky’s turn to take the lead, as he investigates how everything might have played out.
It’s not a fast paced story. There are lots of possibilities and red herrings thrown up as Glitsky struggles to figure out what happened.
I enjoyed the story as the pace and possibilities felt real. I liked the mental gymnastics Glitsky goes through trying to put the puzzle pieces together. There are lots of suspects, but no evidence that puts any of them squarely in the mix. Although I have to say, I caught on to who was behind the crimes early on in the book.
While it’s part of a series, it could easily be read as a standalone as the reader is given adequate background on the characters.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
March 30, 2022
The latest instalment of the long running Dismas Hardy series, is John Lescroart’s The Missing Piece. With over twenty books spanning more than three decades, most readers will be familiar with these characters. When an exonerated convicted murderer is assassinated shortly after his release, his victim’s father is a slam dunk case for the murder. Yet Dismas is on the case as things get complicated when his client disappears and a vigilante may be targeting the Exoneration Initiative. For fans of John Lescroart, another Dismas Hardy mystery adventure will be most welcomed. As a standalone read it was an enjoyable enough tale with a three-and-a-half-star read rating. With thanks to Atria Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
May 1, 2022
The Missing Piece is my first time reading one of the Dismas Hardy series from John Lescroart and I found it successful on many levels. First, there are characters that are interesting, that I want to know more about whether I like them or not. Then there is the opening situation…a two-fold issue setting: Wes Farrell, one of the attorneys in Dismas Hardy’s firm, is having an existential battle within himself over being a defense attorney at all, since, in his opinion, they all are guilty. Secondly, the Exoneration Initiative has been at work locally and won release for a man Farrell convicted years before of rape and murder.
Ultimately, Paul Riley, the exonerated former client, is murdered and Farrell becomes involved in this new case. The words “innocent until proven guilty” become key to so many actions. This leads to such an interesting and exciting series of events as Abe Glitsky, private investigator for the firm, takes over front and center of the action. I have to say that I became very involved, to the point of positing my own theory of the crime—wrong, of course.
This is the first book I’ve read for a while that I just had to get back to, then had to finish. Guess I will have to read some of the other books in the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Ultimately, Paul Riley, the exonerated former client, is murdered and Farrell becomes involved in this new case. The words “innocent until proven guilty” become key to so many actions. This leads to such an interesting and exciting series of events as Abe Glitsky, private investigator for the firm, takes over front and center of the action. I have to say that I became very involved, to the point of positing my own theory of the crime—wrong, of course.
This is the first book I’ve read for a while that I just had to get back to, then had to finish. Guess I will have to read some of the other books in the series.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2022
Is this the perfect crime or a perfect conundrum?
“The Missing Piece” is about one shot, just one bullet, fired, that hits its mark, and changes everything for everyone. It is book nineteen in the “Dismas Hardy Series.” I had not read any of the previous books, but was able to follow the complex narrative. There are a lot of multifaceted characters with multifaceted backgrounds and associations, but the narrative gave me the details I needed; all are introduced with pertinent information. Readers get to know them within the context of the narrative, their appearance, their mannerisms, their opinions, and their ability to hide secrets. This is a conversation driven story filled with what people say to each other, say about each other, and occasionally what they say to themselves.
The action takes place in a week and over many past years. An exonerated prisoner is released, but perhaps he is not actually innocent, but had only been released because of legal errors. This makes him a free man but not an innocent man. Then there is a murder, and another one, or two. Something serious and dangerous is happening; things have to be somehow related, but connection does not mean causation. There is no hard evidence, no pattern, nothing. People are looking, but not seeing. This is a five-hundred piece puzzle, dropped on the floor, with a missing piece.
“The Missing Piece” is a complex story that evolves bit by bit. Each character holds a piece of the puzzle, and multiple points of view bring out the diverse part that each character plays. The seemingly unrelated clues ultimately come together, and the whole story is exposed. The chain of events may be elaborate and diverse, but the motive is simple and uncomplicated. I received a review copy of “The Missing Piece” John Lescroart and Atria Books. And, yes, “Sympathetic Pheromones” would be a great name for a band.
“The Missing Piece” is now available in print, on Kindle, and as an audiobook from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
“The Missing Piece” is about one shot, just one bullet, fired, that hits its mark, and changes everything for everyone. It is book nineteen in the “Dismas Hardy Series.” I had not read any of the previous books, but was able to follow the complex narrative. There are a lot of multifaceted characters with multifaceted backgrounds and associations, but the narrative gave me the details I needed; all are introduced with pertinent information. Readers get to know them within the context of the narrative, their appearance, their mannerisms, their opinions, and their ability to hide secrets. This is a conversation driven story filled with what people say to each other, say about each other, and occasionally what they say to themselves.
The action takes place in a week and over many past years. An exonerated prisoner is released, but perhaps he is not actually innocent, but had only been released because of legal errors. This makes him a free man but not an innocent man. Then there is a murder, and another one, or two. Something serious and dangerous is happening; things have to be somehow related, but connection does not mean causation. There is no hard evidence, no pattern, nothing. People are looking, but not seeing. This is a five-hundred piece puzzle, dropped on the floor, with a missing piece.
“The Missing Piece” is a complex story that evolves bit by bit. Each character holds a piece of the puzzle, and multiple points of view bring out the diverse part that each character plays. The seemingly unrelated clues ultimately come together, and the whole story is exposed. The chain of events may be elaborate and diverse, but the motive is simple and uncomplicated. I received a review copy of “The Missing Piece” John Lescroart and Atria Books. And, yes, “Sympathetic Pheromones” would be a great name for a band.
“The Missing Piece” is now available in print, on Kindle, and as an audiobook from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
August 31, 2021
A group called the Exoneration Initiative reviews old cases, and tries to secure freedom for those they believe were convicted unjustly. Paul, the man who was imprisoned for the rape and murder of Doug's daughter Dana, is freed with EI's help. When Paul is murdered a few months later, Doug is charged with his murder. Then, when Doug is also killed, the case becomes even more complicated, and PI Abe Glitsky is determined to get to the bottom of it, despite the danger it puts him in. Even though I'd never read anything by Lescroart, and this novel was listed as 19th in the series, I was able to read it as a stand alone. Now I want to read the other 18; I just couldn't put it down. Recommended for anyone who likes urban police procedurals. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
October 12, 2021
Innocent until proven guilty. That’s the basis for our American justice system, isn’t it? A jury is, in theory, screened and selected on the premise that each member will be unbiased, will impartially listen to the evidence, and will deliberate without prejudice. Defense attorneys are duty bound to defend their clients to the best of their abilities, regardless of their personal opinions of the guilt or innocence of the accused.
In The Missing Piece, John Lescroart’s 19th episode of his Dismas Hardy series, defense attorney Wes Farrell is facing a late-career crisis. As a prosecutor for the Office of District Attorney in San Francisco, he successfully prosecuted Paul Riley, a man who was charged with raping and murdering a young woman. Eleven years later, Riley has been set free, thanks to an organization known as The Exoneration Initiative. The group’s advocates discovered evidence that exposed led to another person confessing to the crime. Farrell is no longer with the DA’s office; he’s back with his old law firm, Farrell, Freeman, Hardy & Roake.
It turns out that no one is particularly happy to see Paul Riley when he’s released from prison. Even his father isn’t all that welcoming. No one seems more unhappy, however, than the father of the woman who was raped and murdered. So, when Riley is murdered only a month after his release, the father, Doug Rush, is the prime suspect. Here’s the rub: Rush was so impressed with Farrell’s skills in the courtroom during the trial more than a decade earlier that he wants Wes to defend him. What will Wes do? He’s no longer certain where his head and his heart are leading him.
The plot thickens, as the saying goes, and the focus quickly shifts from Wes Farrell to Abe Glitsky, the former homicide detective turned private detective. Abe stirs up a hornet’s nest with his questions and leaves in his wake a trail of dead bodies. Okay, not really his fault. He does uncover some interesting data about other EI alumni and questions an assortment of witnesses. This book is not a barnburner, by any means, but it certainly held my interest.
Even though I had a good idea who was responsible, my mind was doing some crazy mental gymnastics trying to keep up with Abe’s investigation. Naturally, he takes too many chances and well…I’m not saying more than that.
I love this Hardy series! I love how Lescroart shuffles his lead characters from one book to another and that when one team member gets in over his head, the others all get together and pitch in. Those who are familiar with San Francisco will probably recognize some familiar places like the Embarcadero and the Little Shamrock Bar, which was established in 1893 and survived the 1906 earthquake.
On a more serious note, of course, is the matter of justice. Guilt. Innocence. Fairness. We see what happens when an unauthorized person decides to take matters into his own hands.
I received an ARC digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. My thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Mr. John Lescroart.
4.5 stars rounded down
November 7, 2022
My favourite - a legal thriller with Dismas Hardy. A rape and murder prisoner (Paul Riley) is released. Following the work of the Exoneration Initiative to free him on legal technicality. Then Paul Riley is murdered followed by the murder of his father. Delightfully twisty and clever plotting.
Unputdownable.
Unputdownable.
March 14, 2021
304 pages
5 stars
All the usual “suspects” are back in this, the latest, in John Lescroart's Dis Hardy/Abe Glitsky/Wes Farrell series. It was like greeting old and familiar friends.
Lescroart's characters have a talent for self-examination. Always questioning their actions and motives. I like that in a book. Thinking people.
This is a thoughtful telling of the story of a man falsely accused of a murder. The man is accused to murdering the man who raped and killed his daughter. Wes prosecuted him in his original trial and he was convicted. However, the Exoneration Initiative finds fault with the trial and the man is released from prison.
Wes takes his case. Finally getting bail, the accused man is also murdered. Wes and his team hire Abe Glitsky to investigate the murders.
This is where the story gets sticky – and exciting.
The balance of the story is peopled with people who lie, who cheat, who have anger issues, along with crooked police, police who use excessive physical violence – and a murderous vigilante.
This is is very well written and plotted as are all of Mr. Lescroart's novels. The writing is smooth and even and the transitions are flawless. The characters are interesting and have continued to grow throughout the series. The level of involvement with their personal lives is just perfect. Enough to keep them interesting, but not so much that it intrudes on the story. Very well done, Mr. Lescroart! I have read his books for years and will continue to do so. He has always been among my favorite authors.
I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkably good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
5 stars
All the usual “suspects” are back in this, the latest, in John Lescroart's Dis Hardy/Abe Glitsky/Wes Farrell series. It was like greeting old and familiar friends.
Lescroart's characters have a talent for self-examination. Always questioning their actions and motives. I like that in a book. Thinking people.
This is a thoughtful telling of the story of a man falsely accused of a murder. The man is accused to murdering the man who raped and killed his daughter. Wes prosecuted him in his original trial and he was convicted. However, the Exoneration Initiative finds fault with the trial and the man is released from prison.
Wes takes his case. Finally getting bail, the accused man is also murdered. Wes and his team hire Abe Glitsky to investigate the murders.
This is where the story gets sticky – and exciting.
The balance of the story is peopled with people who lie, who cheat, who have anger issues, along with crooked police, police who use excessive physical violence – and a murderous vigilante.
This is is very well written and plotted as are all of Mr. Lescroart's novels. The writing is smooth and even and the transitions are flawless. The characters are interesting and have continued to grow throughout the series. The level of involvement with their personal lives is just perfect. Enough to keep them interesting, but not so much that it intrudes on the story. Very well done, Mr. Lescroart! I have read his books for years and will continue to do so. He has always been among my favorite authors.
I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkably good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 10, 2022
I almost gave this 4 stars, because it lacked a lot of the humorous interactions I so liked in previous books, but it was still there. And there were so many twists and turns that made up for it. Also, Abe Glitsky played a big part in this one, and I like him a lot. When he and Hardy get together, it's always interesting, but Hardy didn't play as big a role in this one as in other books, it seemed.
Another minus was the lack of good t-shirts from Wes Farrell. Some of the previous books had some good/clever ones, but I don't think there were any that were very good in this one. In fact, Wes himself was pretty serious in this book, but his malaise brought up the problem of perception of people accused of crimes. He has gone from prosecution to defense, and is now questioning his beliefs, thinking that anyone accused of a crime is probably guilty of something, even if it's not the exact crime they're accused of. I think this is very possibly true, but the ones who are not guilty deserve to be represented, and nobody knows for sure who they are.
Another minus was the lack of good t-shirts from Wes Farrell. Some of the previous books had some good/clever ones, but I don't think there were any that were very good in this one. In fact, Wes himself was pretty serious in this book, but his malaise brought up the problem of perception of people accused of crimes. He has gone from prosecution to defense, and is now questioning his beliefs, thinking that anyone accused of a crime is probably guilty of something, even if it's not the exact crime they're accused of. I think this is very possibly true, but the ones who are not guilty deserve to be represented, and nobody knows for sure who they are.
October 10, 2021
This is the nineteenth in the Dismiss Hardy series; the first one was published in 1989! Over the years, I have read quite a few of them. I enjoy the repeating characters; it is like visiting with old acquaintances whenever a new book in the series is released.
A solid legal thriller/police procedural (albeit most of the work done by a former head of homicide turned PI), it takes a while for the case(s) to be solved as Glitsky chases a number of red herrings. The plot is maybe not the strongest in this series, but it still makes for a page turning, enjoyable read.
Lescroat quickly fills in the background information on the main characters meaning this book will work as a standalone, but I think it may be more enjoyable if you have read some of the others. I’m looking forward to the next in this series to see how Farrell (DA turned defense attorney) resolves his present career crisis.
A solid legal thriller/police procedural (albeit most of the work done by a former head of homicide turned PI), it takes a while for the case(s) to be solved as Glitsky chases a number of red herrings. The plot is maybe not the strongest in this series, but it still makes for a page turning, enjoyable read.
Lescroat quickly fills in the background information on the main characters meaning this book will work as a standalone, but I think it may be more enjoyable if you have read some of the others. I’m looking forward to the next in this series to see how Farrell (DA turned defense attorney) resolves his present career crisis.
December 11, 2021
Just finished the 19th installment in the Dismas Hardy Series by John Lescroart and I'm torn. I'm a fan of Lescroart's work and I've enjoyed all the works produced in this series, yet, I'm not as impressed or thrilled with The Missing Piece.
Wes Farrell is hired to represent Doug Rush who's been arrested for murdering the man who'd been convicted and exonerated of the rape and murder of his daughter. Farrell is convinced his client, Rush, is guilty of the crime and is conflicted with representing him. In a past life, his work as a prosecutor has convinced him that everyone's guilty. As he struggles with his own personal ethics, his client is murdered.
Insert Abe Glitsky, the resident investigator that can't seem to let this case go as he finds connections that other investigating police ignored. Against the odds, he presses on to find out who is actually guilty of killing Doug Rush and the man convicted of murdering his daughter. The danger that's instore investigating this case could not be greater.
That danger is palpable and a driving force in this fast paced mystery/thriller. Generally, the Hardy series is a simple, easy read, and that doesn't change here. The first chapter sets the stage followed by the layering of more mystery and intrigue that it's hard to walk away without needing to know whodunnit. I HAD to know whodunnit.
My only issue is that after awhile, I didn't care whodunnit. There's too many periphery characters and "persons of interest" that I no longer was able to keep it all straight. This could totally be my fault because I don't have the privilege of reading books how I used to, within a couple days or so. I admit, I may be the problem.
Yet, I can't help but be disappointed with The Missing Piece. I don't know what it was but something was missing for me with this title. The ending was a little too wrapped up similarly to the summation's from my favorite TV show, Monk. The OCD detective perfectly sums up what the bad guy did in the last few minutes of the show. That's kinda what happened here. One of the (too) many characters happens to be the murderer with too few nuggets of information provided on how, where, or why he was even a suspect.
Regardless, although The Missing Piece was a quick read and entertaining enough, I don't think it's a great installment to the Hardy series. Sure I'm under impressed with the title, but Lescroart is a great writer. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley
Wes Farrell is hired to represent Doug Rush who's been arrested for murdering the man who'd been convicted and exonerated of the rape and murder of his daughter. Farrell is convinced his client, Rush, is guilty of the crime and is conflicted with representing him. In a past life, his work as a prosecutor has convinced him that everyone's guilty. As he struggles with his own personal ethics, his client is murdered.
Insert Abe Glitsky, the resident investigator that can't seem to let this case go as he finds connections that other investigating police ignored. Against the odds, he presses on to find out who is actually guilty of killing Doug Rush and the man convicted of murdering his daughter. The danger that's instore investigating this case could not be greater.
That danger is palpable and a driving force in this fast paced mystery/thriller. Generally, the Hardy series is a simple, easy read, and that doesn't change here. The first chapter sets the stage followed by the layering of more mystery and intrigue that it's hard to walk away without needing to know whodunnit. I HAD to know whodunnit.
My only issue is that after awhile, I didn't care whodunnit. There's too many periphery characters and "persons of interest" that I no longer was able to keep it all straight. This could totally be my fault because I don't have the privilege of reading books how I used to, within a couple days or so. I admit, I may be the problem.
Yet, I can't help but be disappointed with The Missing Piece. I don't know what it was but something was missing for me with this title. The ending was a little too wrapped up similarly to the summation's from my favorite TV show, Monk. The OCD detective perfectly sums up what the bad guy did in the last few minutes of the show. That's kinda what happened here. One of the (too) many characters happens to be the murderer with too few nuggets of information provided on how, where, or why he was even a suspect.
Regardless, although The Missing Piece was a quick read and entertaining enough, I don't think it's a great installment to the Hardy series. Sure I'm under impressed with the title, but Lescroart is a great writer. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley
March 13, 2022
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of the 19th book in the Dismas Hardy series!
The Missing Piece is a finely plotted novel with interesting characters, and a good, solid mystery. Familiar characters are all there: Dismas, Abe Glitsky (former cop, now a PI), Wes Farrell (former DA and now a defense attorney), as well as Franny and Treya, (the wives of Dismas and Abe). The book starts off with Farrell in focus and then turns the focus on Glitsky. There isn't much focus on Hardy this time but Glitsky carries the storyline with ease!
When Farrell was a DA, he convicted a man named Paul Riley for rape and murder. After eleven years in prison, Riley was released due to the work of a group called The Exoneration Initiative. Riley soon turns up murdered and The Missing Piece takes off like gangbusters, with misdirection, ethical issues, and self-reflection!! I love this series!!
The Missing Piece is a finely plotted novel with interesting characters, and a good, solid mystery. Familiar characters are all there: Dismas, Abe Glitsky (former cop, now a PI), Wes Farrell (former DA and now a defense attorney), as well as Franny and Treya, (the wives of Dismas and Abe). The book starts off with Farrell in focus and then turns the focus on Glitsky. There isn't much focus on Hardy this time but Glitsky carries the storyline with ease!
When Farrell was a DA, he convicted a man named Paul Riley for rape and murder. After eleven years in prison, Riley was released due to the work of a group called The Exoneration Initiative. Riley soon turns up murdered and The Missing Piece takes off like gangbusters, with misdirection, ethical issues, and self-reflection!! I love this series!!
March 23, 2021
The gang is back!
In this latest installment of the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky series, the author focuses the story around Abe and his investigation of a series of murders related to the “Exoneration Initiative”, which is an “Innocence Project” type fictional initiative that seeks justice for incarcerated humans.
And that’s where the rub lies. “Exonerated”, as Lescroart explores in this book, does not mean “innocent”, but rather incorrectly prosecuted - due to some fault in the handling of the evidence, trial, or case. This makes for a number of tricky ethical quandaries which Lescroart debates with us skillfully. Is “justice” served by freeing a criminal who did in fact commit a crime but ended up being “incorrectly” prosecuted? How does a legal defense team morally process their role in freeing defendants who are actually guilty?
These themes come to life with the release of Paul Riley, a convicted rapist and murderer who is freed after eleven years in prison due to the work of the Exoneration Initiative. This time, the story only peripherally includes the legal team of the series (Dismas, my favorite character has only a very brief appearance in this book) but rather focuses on the crime(s) that occur and the investigative ups and downs performed by Abe and his police contacts that lead us to the twisty and satisfying climax.
All in all, this book is a wonderful journey with old friends. I’ll be interested to see (no spoilers here), how the author resolves next steps for conflicted prosecutor-turned-defense-lawyer Wes Farrell in future books.
A big thank you to NetGalley; the publisher, Atria Books; and the author John Lescroart for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts presented here are my own.
June 20, 2025
A penny ante criminal is sent to prison for murder, but is exonerated, then found dead with some ill-gotten gains. The prime suspect disappears...and my attention started to wander.
September 22, 2022
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Missing Piece in exchange for an honest review.
I will not write a long summary of the book; you can read a synopsis in the book jacket. I will write a review based on my impression and thoughts about the novel .
The Missing Piece is clever, sly, and delightfully twisty. It is an entertaining legal/ crime mystery. WHAT A MYSTERY! ! Solving the murders of two victims is complex and intellectually challenging. The reader is privy to all internal thought processes of the private investigator who is digging into identifying the killer. There are a lot of holes he digs only to discover hard rock obstacles… so onto digging another hole! The reader joins him as he goes down numerous rabbit holes in his quest. We are kept guessing until the very end. WHAT AN ENDING!
The suspenseful climax is thrilling and the denouement is satisfying!
The pace is fast and the plot is unique. The style of writing is smooth and succinct- no filler fluff!. The main characters are very well developed with dynamic, three dimensional characters who are very likable.
This is the 19th book in the Dismis Hardy series and the first one I have read. While it can be a stand alone, I am sure reading the series In order would provide background and motives of the main characters but it’s not necessary. I will definitely go back and read more books in this series ( but maybe not all 18 of them!).
.
I will not write a long summary of the book; you can read a synopsis in the book jacket. I will write a review based on my impression and thoughts about the novel .
The Missing Piece is clever, sly, and delightfully twisty. It is an entertaining legal/ crime mystery. WHAT A MYSTERY! ! Solving the murders of two victims is complex and intellectually challenging. The reader is privy to all internal thought processes of the private investigator who is digging into identifying the killer. There are a lot of holes he digs only to discover hard rock obstacles… so onto digging another hole! The reader joins him as he goes down numerous rabbit holes in his quest. We are kept guessing until the very end. WHAT AN ENDING!
The suspenseful climax is thrilling and the denouement is satisfying!
The pace is fast and the plot is unique. The style of writing is smooth and succinct- no filler fluff!. The main characters are very well developed with dynamic, three dimensional characters who are very likable.
This is the 19th book in the Dismis Hardy series and the first one I have read. While it can be a stand alone, I am sure reading the series In order would provide background and motives of the main characters but it’s not necessary. I will definitely go back and read more books in this series ( but maybe not all 18 of them!).
.
June 1, 2022
Another great book in the Dismas Hardy/Abe Glitsky series! This had so many twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I enjoy these books just as much as the John Grisham legal thrillers, but more invested in the returning characters.
October 20, 2021
Book Review: The Missing Piece (Dismas Hardy #19) by John Lescroart
Published by Atria Books, March 29, 2022
★★★★★ (4.5 Stars)
John Lescroart's fluid literary style is complemented with themes subtly and undivisively rooted in verisimilitude. Lescroart is not one to shy away from hard hitting issues that matter in real life.
The Missing Piece (Dismas Hardy #19)
After expounding on the twin controversial issues of illegal immigration and sanctuary cities (in Dismas Hardy Book 18), John Lescroart takes on a social justice vanguard: "The Exoneration Initiative".
"Exoneration Initiative(s)", also known as "Innocence Project(s)" are 501(c) not-for-profits peppered across the country that provide free legal assistance to the wrongfully convicted, with a focus on cases that lack DNA evidence.
But, invariably, a convict's exoneration ensues in an unvindicated crime, along with the exacerbation of the pain and anguish of the victim's family, more so if the freed person were to be factually guilty, notwithstanding legal technicalities.
The author covers the difference between factual guilt and legal guilt in the book.
-----
San Francisco, Calif.
Doug Rush is shocked and livid to learn that his daughter's convicted rapist and murderer, and ex-boyfriend, Paul Riley, is being released from the penitentiary. It is the twelfth anniversary of the Dana's tragic death.
The Exoneration Initiative (of Northern California) had reexamined Riley's case and went through all DNA samples. They found the DNA sample of another convict also incarcerated for rape and murder, and that convict, Deacon Moore, confessed.
But Doug knows without the shadow of a doubt that Paul Riley is factually guilty.
Shortly after, Riley is found shot to death...
-----
Front and center in Book 19 is Dismas Hardy's law firm partner, Wes Farrell, defending the victim's father, Doug Rush, accused of murder; the same Wes Farrell who, as then San Francisco district attorney, had put Paul Riley behind bars over a decade ago.
Also front and center is Abe Glitsky, the law firm's hired private investigator who does a sort of "Philip Marlowe" to Doug Rush's "Terry Lennox" (Raymond Chandler's "The Long Goodbye"), relentlessly getting to the bottom of affairs, even after the client's death, until every last "missing piece" is found.
In the background pulling the strings is Dismas Hardy (Factoid: Dismas comes from the penitent thief who died next to Christ in Calvary), managing partner at the law firm of Freeman, Farrell, Hardy & Roake.
A thoroughly enjoyable quick read!
Review based on an ARC from Atria Books and NetGalley.
Published by Atria Books, March 29, 2022
★★★★★ (4.5 Stars)
John Lescroart's fluid literary style is complemented with themes subtly and undivisively rooted in verisimilitude. Lescroart is not one to shy away from hard hitting issues that matter in real life.
The Missing Piece (Dismas Hardy #19)
After expounding on the twin controversial issues of illegal immigration and sanctuary cities (in Dismas Hardy Book 18), John Lescroart takes on a social justice vanguard: "The Exoneration Initiative".
"Exoneration Initiative(s)", also known as "Innocence Project(s)" are 501(c) not-for-profits peppered across the country that provide free legal assistance to the wrongfully convicted, with a focus on cases that lack DNA evidence.
But, invariably, a convict's exoneration ensues in an unvindicated crime, along with the exacerbation of the pain and anguish of the victim's family, more so if the freed person were to be factually guilty, notwithstanding legal technicalities.
The author covers the difference between factual guilt and legal guilt in the book.
-----
San Francisco, Calif.
Doug Rush is shocked and livid to learn that his daughter's convicted rapist and murderer, and ex-boyfriend, Paul Riley, is being released from the penitentiary. It is the twelfth anniversary of the Dana's tragic death.
The Exoneration Initiative (of Northern California) had reexamined Riley's case and went through all DNA samples. They found the DNA sample of another convict also incarcerated for rape and murder, and that convict, Deacon Moore, confessed.
But Doug knows without the shadow of a doubt that Paul Riley is factually guilty.
Shortly after, Riley is found shot to death...
-----
Front and center in Book 19 is Dismas Hardy's law firm partner, Wes Farrell, defending the victim's father, Doug Rush, accused of murder; the same Wes Farrell who, as then San Francisco district attorney, had put Paul Riley behind bars over a decade ago.
Also front and center is Abe Glitsky, the law firm's hired private investigator who does a sort of "Philip Marlowe" to Doug Rush's "Terry Lennox" (Raymond Chandler's "The Long Goodbye"), relentlessly getting to the bottom of affairs, even after the client's death, until every last "missing piece" is found.
In the background pulling the strings is Dismas Hardy (Factoid: Dismas comes from the penitent thief who died next to Christ in Calvary), managing partner at the law firm of Freeman, Farrell, Hardy & Roake.
A thoroughly enjoyable quick read!
Review based on an ARC from Atria Books and NetGalley.
September 20, 2021
I came to the Dismas Hardy party late, reading my first book in the now 19-book series in 2018. Since then, I haven't missed a one - and like the others, this one was thoroughly enjoyable and once again made me eager to read more.
As this one opens, Wes Farrell, former San Francisco District Attorney who now on the defense side at Hardy's firm, is thinking about quitting - he's tired, he says, of defending people he thinks are guilty. One of those he helped put in jail as a prosecutor, Paul Riley, has just been released from jail after being found guilty of murder - one of many cases taken up by a group called the Exoneration Initiative. The group works to find legal snafus that indicate their clients were wrongfully convicted.
Riley, though, doesn't waste much time trying to keep his nose clean; perhaps as a result, not long after his release, somebody shoots him dead. The culprit, the investigating officers are certain after hearing from a witness to the crime, is the father of the girl Riley was convicted of raping and killing - a man who many times threatened to kill Riley if he ever got the chance. Back at the law office, Farrell agrees to defend the father, Doug Rush, whom he thinks did, in fact, do the deed. Not long thereafter, Rush skips bail and runs - and Farrell asks Abe Glitsky, Hardy's former police partner who's now a private detective mostly working for Hardy's firm, to track him down.
From that point on, the trail becomes a winding road with several turnoffs, at least one of which becomes a dead end (pun intended). Throw in a timely issue like police brutality, and you've got another well-written book in this entertaining series. My only complaint? The series namesake is noticeably absent throughout most of this story, so I'm hoping he gets to play a bigger role next time out. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
As this one opens, Wes Farrell, former San Francisco District Attorney who now on the defense side at Hardy's firm, is thinking about quitting - he's tired, he says, of defending people he thinks are guilty. One of those he helped put in jail as a prosecutor, Paul Riley, has just been released from jail after being found guilty of murder - one of many cases taken up by a group called the Exoneration Initiative. The group works to find legal snafus that indicate their clients were wrongfully convicted.
Riley, though, doesn't waste much time trying to keep his nose clean; perhaps as a result, not long after his release, somebody shoots him dead. The culprit, the investigating officers are certain after hearing from a witness to the crime, is the father of the girl Riley was convicted of raping and killing - a man who many times threatened to kill Riley if he ever got the chance. Back at the law office, Farrell agrees to defend the father, Doug Rush, whom he thinks did, in fact, do the deed. Not long thereafter, Rush skips bail and runs - and Farrell asks Abe Glitsky, Hardy's former police partner who's now a private detective mostly working for Hardy's firm, to track him down.
From that point on, the trail becomes a winding road with several turnoffs, at least one of which becomes a dead end (pun intended). Throw in a timely issue like police brutality, and you've got another well-written book in this entertaining series. My only complaint? The series namesake is noticeably absent throughout most of this story, so I'm hoping he gets to play a bigger role next time out. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
March 28, 2022
This is book 19 in a detective series featuring Dismas Hardy, ex-cop and lawyer in San Francisco. It can be read as a stand alone. I’ve only read one other in the series, many years ago. Not all his books feature Dismas and this is one of them where he made cameo appearances only. It features his best friend, aging former homicide detective, now a P.I. Abe Glitsky.
This novel is pretty convoluted and revolves around those criminals cleared from life sentences by the Exoneration Initiative. One case in particular is close to home for this law enforcement team. There are two murders involved in the plot, but the main story is about the release of one who was exonerated for the rape and murder of the others daughter. Like I said, convoluted.
It is a police procedural more than a legal thriller, but straddles the line between both genres.
I found it interesting, but a bit long for my taste, and like I said, leads you down one road in speculation, then another.
For this reader a 3.5 to 4 star review. Watch for its release coming in November, 2021. My thanks for the eARC provided through NetGalley, Atria books and of course the talented Mr. Lescroart. All opinions are my own.
This novel is pretty convoluted and revolves around those criminals cleared from life sentences by the Exoneration Initiative. One case in particular is close to home for this law enforcement team. There are two murders involved in the plot, but the main story is about the release of one who was exonerated for the rape and murder of the others daughter. Like I said, convoluted.
It is a police procedural more than a legal thriller, but straddles the line between both genres.
I found it interesting, but a bit long for my taste, and like I said, leads you down one road in speculation, then another.
For this reader a 3.5 to 4 star review. Watch for its release coming in November, 2021. My thanks for the eARC provided through NetGalley, Atria books and of course the talented Mr. Lescroart. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this novel. It may well be the first I have ever read by Lescroart. The characters are all new to me and it was obvious the people in the legal office have a long history. That a law office would spend time investigating the murder of a client seemed a bit far fetched. I did appreciate learning a bit about groups looking into wrongful convictions.
I found it to be slow and kind of all over the place. Glitzky, a retired police detective and the investigator for the attorneys, looks at possible killers in a number of areas. It was like he was grasping at straws, trying to find connections and reasons where there might be none. I felt as one of the characters did late in the novel, voicing his frustration that Glitsky thinks he has solved the murder for about the hundredth time. (3751/4166) Glitsky is a nice enough guy but the wandering investigative work was not a compelling force to make me engaged in the novel. I did finish the book but was not impressed with it enough to read earlier ones in the series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I found it to be slow and kind of all over the place. Glitzky, a retired police detective and the investigator for the attorneys, looks at possible killers in a number of areas. It was like he was grasping at straws, trying to find connections and reasons where there might be none. I felt as one of the characters did late in the novel, voicing his frustration that Glitsky thinks he has solved the murder for about the hundredth time. (3751/4166) Glitsky is a nice enough guy but the wandering investigative work was not a compelling force to make me engaged in the novel. I did finish the book but was not impressed with it enough to read earlier ones in the series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 11, 2022
This is the 19th Dismas Hardy book. I have enjoyed every one on them. It is always a pleasure to renew the continuing adventures of these cops and lawyers. The Hunt Club is back.
Hardy believes that the job of lawyers and prosecutors is “Making sure the system works.”
This story revolves around a rape and murder conviction, followed by an Exoneration Initiative leading to a prison release, then another murder. It takes everyone’s collaborative efforts to solve this one.
And of course there are Wes Farrell’s T-shirts: “You can’t make everybody happy. You’re not an avocado” and “Where there’s a will… there’s a relative.”
“Through the lingering fog outside he could barely make out the cars parked along the street.” The best description of San Francisco evening fog.
This book’s theme “that would propel this story [is] about self-doubt, the elusive nature of proof, and the lure of vengeance.” Good job.
Hardy believes that the job of lawyers and prosecutors is “Making sure the system works.”
This story revolves around a rape and murder conviction, followed by an Exoneration Initiative leading to a prison release, then another murder. It takes everyone’s collaborative efforts to solve this one.
And of course there are Wes Farrell’s T-shirts: “You can’t make everybody happy. You’re not an avocado” and “Where there’s a will… there’s a relative.”
“Through the lingering fog outside he could barely make out the cars parked along the street.” The best description of San Francisco evening fog.
This book’s theme “that would propel this story [is] about self-doubt, the elusive nature of proof, and the lure of vengeance.” Good job.
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