This book was seriously disappointing. The characters are somewhat flat and inconsistent; Daniel is downright annoying in his meekness and pessimism. He’s so downtrodden and beaten from the beginning, it’s really unlikely to me that he survived until the end, much less that he essentially saved the day. And Kate’s development, or perhaps the way she was revealed throughout the story, seemed unnatural, and therefore unbelievable; it made her unlikeable. Additionally, this book is far too long. The author, in a note at the end, states he combined two stories into one to make this book, and it shows. They are roughly hewn together in places and the sheer length of them both makes them a daunting read. Technically, this is the second in the Amanda Jaffe series, and she does make an appearance here, but she is as flat and underdeveloped in her short appearance here as she was in the first book. After two books, I should feel like I know the principle character, and I can’t say that about Amanda Jaffe.The prevailing characteristic of the first book that made it so appealing was how incredibly devious the killer was. His crimes, his thought processes, were absolutely fascinating in their wickedness. There is no such element this book, and therefore nothing even remotely interesting about it.This series was recommended to me, but I don’t think I can continue. I may well try another of Margolin’s books, but I’m not sure I’ll return to the Amanda Jaffe series.
What do You think about The Associate (2015)?
This book was slightly confusing to me, mainly due to the lawsuit. I had a hard time following who was on team Geller Pharma and the main reason was because there was a LOT of story lines/characters to follow. There were a few surprises I enjoyed and the two main characters were endearing. I also thought it was interesting that no matter what Daniel (the associate) did, he always seemed to end up looking guilty. The book was good, but it lacked the excitement and most of the are-you-freaking-kidding-me? page turning qualities I look for in a murder/mystery. But... I stepped outside of my comfort zone with Margolin. And now I am off to read my brand spanking new, just arrived today, Nuclear Jellyfish by Tim Dorsey! I recently won it from Goodreads giveaways! Another new author to test out! :) Life is good.
—Rychelle Boden
Good, fast-paced roller coaster rideIf the first two opening scenes don't grab you than you had better check your pulse and see if you're still alive!Others have reviewed The Associate and correctly stated that it is not a pure legal thriller. True enough. There are legal parts to this story, but the case is not resolved through fancy legal footwork. Rather, the thriller becomes a mystery too and we race along with our heroes to see if they can save everyone and expose the villains.Is it great literature? Hardly. But, it's a lot of fun and I tore through it like a starving man at a buffet. Read all of my reviews of Phillip Margolin books here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
—Dale
Quick and interesting reading. An Associate at a major Law Firm is asked to do another Associate a favor and go through the discovery for a Pharmaceutical Company that is being sued. This ultimately leads to his termination for having let a piece of paper go through erroneously that said the law suit was justified. After his termination he begins to investigate what happened (highly unrealistic) and goes to meet with the head of his former firm at a cottage in the country in the mid-evening, where he finds his murdered body. He is ultimately arrested and jailed for the murder. Eventually he is released on his own recognizance (another unlikely event). He continues his investigation and ultimately solves the murder and all that led up to it. It was well written and intriguing even though it was totally implausible.
—Joyce
