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Jesse Falkenstein #1
A Case for Appeal
Seven witnesses testify against a young woman in a murder trial. She is convicted but Jesse Falkenstein, her attorney, doesn't give up hope as he works to save her from execution. - The Mystery Lover's Companion, Art Bourgeau
- GenresMystery
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1961
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 10, 2020
This is the first book of a dozen or so featuring Jesse Falkenstein, a Talmud-quoting (or maybe it's Uncle Malachi-quoting) defense attorney in mid-twentieth century Los Angeles. He keeps telling himself he's not a detective even as he goes about investigating the witnesses in two murders, whose testimony put his attractive client in danger of a life sentence or even the death penalty.
The only thing which didn't ring true to me was Jesse's unhinted-at infatuation with and then love for his client. It was too abrupt to be believable. However, the author (Elizabeth Linington, who wrote around eighty novels mostly featuring LA cops from the Sixties into the Eighties using multiple pseudonyms) presumably wasn't trying to write a romance.
The only thing which didn't ring true to me was Jesse's unhinted-at infatuation with and then love for his client. It was too abrupt to be believable. However, the author (Elizabeth Linington, who wrote around eighty novels mostly featuring LA cops from the Sixties into the Eighties using multiple pseudonyms) presumably wasn't trying to write a romance.
April 18, 2017
Seven people identify Nell as the abortionist who dropped off two dying clients. By the time the book starts, the small town (hopefully mythical) jury ask for the death penalty. Welcome to 1961.
Jesse Falkinstein, brought into the case by his old college roommate, begins searching desperately for new evidence to justify an appeal. Meanwhile, his jail visits are awakening a growing love for the innocent young woman who is facing death if he isn't successful.
It is a different time and place but the mystery fair. The author leaves plenty of clues. I just needed Jesse to explain them.
Jesse Falkinstein, brought into the case by his old college roommate, begins searching desperately for new evidence to justify an appeal. Meanwhile, his jail visits are awakening a growing love for the innocent young woman who is facing death if he isn't successful.
It is a different time and place but the mystery fair. The author leaves plenty of clues. I just needed Jesse to explain them.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews