Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob by William Landay

Landay’s critically acclaimed novel is a fast paced thriller. While it is full of courtroom drama, it also delves deeply into family dynamics.

A young boy is found murdered near school in a small New England town. The community is shaken. Andy Barber, ADA, leads the homicide investigation. His 14 year old son, Jacob, goes to the school and Andy is determined to find the killer and make the world safer for his son.

However, in a turn of events, Andy is thrown off the case and Jacob is arrested for murder. Andy and his wife Laurie adamantly defend their beloved son. As his guilt becomes more and more evident, everything in their life is tested: their marriage, their identity, friendships, belief in their son, and belief in the court system.

What do you do when you discover someone you love so intensely is capable of unimaginable horrors? How far would you go to protect your child?

A recommend for the legal drama, mystery and thriller reader.