Judith D Collins
Jun 1, 20154 min
By Adam Mitzner
ISBN: 9781476764245
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: 4/15/2015
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars
From the acclaimed author Publishers Weekly called “a gifted writer” comes this nail-biting legal thriller in the bestselling tradition of John Grisham and Scott Turow.
Aaron Littmann, the chairman of one of the country’s most prestigious law firms, has just been contacted by a high-profile defense attorney, whose client is Nikolai Garkov, a Russian businessman arraigned on terrorism charges for pulling the financial strings behind recent treasonous acts. The attorney informs Aaron that Garkov is looking to switch representation and will pay one hundred thousand dollars just to take the meeting.
But Aaron doesn’t have any choice, as Garkov is ready to go public with the damning evidence that Aaron and the judge in the high-profile case—Faith Nichols—had a torrid affair during another recent case. Filled with suspense, twists, and turns, Losing Faith will captivate legal thriller fans everywhere.
A special thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Talented writer and attorney, Adam Mitzner returns after award-winning A
Conflict of Interest and A Case of Redemption with another scandalous, and suspenseful powerhouse legal thriller— LOSING FAITH, putting him in the same class as John Grisham, and the best-of-the- best. Mitzner has been added to my favorite author list, and one of the 4 thriller authors to watch in 2015.
Aaron Littmann, is married to a beautiful wife, Cynthia, a physician with twins, and a successful law career as the chairman of one of the most prestigious Manhattan law firms, Cromwell Altman Rosenthal and White in New York, overlooking Central Park.
He is on top and has it all. He has been contacted by a high-profile defense attorney whose client Nikolai Garkov, a Russian businessman and gangster, with ties to many illegal activities and terrorist bombing (everyone would like to see him put away).
He suspects Garkov is looking to switch representation and he is willing to pay a hundred thousand dollars for the initial meeting. So, curious, he goes to the meeting.
However, Aaron's past hidden deeds (at the Ritz Carlton) come back to haunt him as Garkov wants something. What will his prestigious law firm think of him if he takes this case? This is not the type of client they represent.
Aaron had a past affair with judge, Faith Nichols, and Garkov knows about it. Their affair has ended; however, now he is being blackmailed to make sure Faith gets him off all charges, or both their careers will be ruined.
Both Faith and Aaron are married, and they just happened to be on another recent case together (which is a no, no), which will destroy their careers and their lives, unless he influences Faith. However, Faith is not speaking to him, since the last disaster case.
In the meantime, Aaron looks to his best friend and law partner, the older Sam Rosenthal, his mentor and a father figure who took him under his wing years ago.
To further complicate matters, there is Rachel, the sexy, single law partner who is in love with Aaron (obsessed), and an unstable past. How does she fit into the mix?
Presently, Honorable Faith Nichols is being considered for a supreme judge candidacy, her life’s dream. However, she has been sent a message, she will not be considered unless she puts Garkov behind bars. Yum, what a web of scandalous deceit and lies. Little does she know, she is supposed to be getting him off, not putting him away. When an unexpected murder occurs, the fingers are pointed at Aaron.
If you love legal page-turner thrillers, LOSING FAITH is the book to read. So many twists and turns you do not see coming, with emotions high, and a wealthy criminal pulling all the strings.
A big fan of legal thrillers and John Grisham, I am always on the lookout for newfound authors. When I listened to Mitzner’s audiobooks: Conflict of Interest and A Case of Redemption, I was blown away with his writing (both 5 stars +).
When I saw LOSING FAITH on NetGalley, I immediately requested an ARC and was delighted to be approved – moved it to the top of the list. I typically do not jump ahead a few months; however, was tempted and had to read.
EPIC! Totally captivating - three winners in a row. With his background as a practicing defense attorney in New York City– reflective throughout the pages with his vast knowledge as both writer and attorney.
Loved the quote:
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
–COLDPLAY “Viva La Vida”
Review Links:
I grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, which is about an hour outside of New York City. I graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. and M.A. in politics, and from there went directly on to law school at the University of Virginia.
After law school, I joined the litigation department of a large New York City law firm, and after a few more stops, am currently the head of the litigation department of Pavia & Harcourt LLP, which is located in midtown Manhattan. Pavia & Harcourt recently received some fame because it is the law firm where Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor practiced before she was appointed to the bench. Website Twitter @adammitzner