Theodore Boone.

Ok, so I loved this. I didn't even see it coming (he normally publishes in February, because that's when a mate and I swap the books for our birthdays!) but happened to be browsing on Amazon when I saw it was to be released on the 3rd of June. I pre-ordered and it arrived (1p less than advertised too) a couple of days ago. I read it a couple of days ago (why wait, with a Grisham) and I have to say I loved it.

Now, I've also read a few reviews online and people seem pretty critical of it. They seem to think it's a bit childish. I, however, loved it. I am a big fan of children's literature, so maybe that helped, but I wouldn't say it was just a kiddies book anyway! It is, however, more suited to a young audience than some of his earlier work. And if they weren't expecting something a little different, perhaps they didn't read the big letters on the back where it says, 'high intensity legal drama for a new generation of readers'. :o)

I liked the way it was written - there were a couple of expressions and phrases used that I really enjoyed, here's a couple of them:
"...he whisked by Mrs Goodloe at the curb without speaking because she'd lost her hearing and most of her mind as well. He did smile at her, though, but she did not return the smile. Her teeth were somewhere in the house."
"The man tried to look menacing, and he was successful"
Just thought they were nicely put, really.
I thought that the characters are well introduced, and there are various threads hanging at the end of the book, presumably for the next installment. The storyline works for me: sure, it's a little far-fetched, but it is fiction, after all...

Theodore Boone