Review of OFFER OF PROOF by Robert Heilbrun

William Morrow, September 2003

Public defender Arch Gold gets the case of a lifetime dropped into his lap--the first New York death penalty case in recent memory. And unlike most of his clients, this one, an 18-year-old accused of capital murder, is innocent, the victim of mistaken identity. Arch is willing to do just about anything to save this kid's life. And even when the murder victim's prints are found on the suspect's money--a devastating blow to his case--Arch doesn't lost faith.

Arch thinks he knows who really killed Charlotte King. But he can't find proof. And the man he suspects, a very powerful private investigator, makes for a formidable foe.

This was a fascinating legal mystery, told with utter confidence and all the realistic details that make you believe it's all true. However, the climax felt rushed. There was a gun, and then it was over, literally in one sentence. And the twist at the end was so out of left field that it felt jarring, Given the very realistic tone of the rest of the book. Still, an above-average read by this first-time author, whose mother is mystery writer Amanda Cross. Must be in the blood.

Three Stars

Reviewed 11/14/03

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