The Victim

Usual disclaimer: Given a print copy of The Victim by Eric Matheny in exchange for an honest review. Fortunately, I have not been asked for a dishonest review yet.

First, let me say I am not generally a legal, or for that matter a mystery, reader. That said, I found The Victim to be a completely entertaining read. The story is very complex. The main character is not a good guy, but then, neither are most of the rest of the characters who populate this book. It is interesting that a book filled with so many unlikable, or at least, unsympathetic characters in the legal profession was written by a lawyer.

Eric Matheny weaves a twisted story of murder, revenge, murder (yes I meant to say that),conspiracy, duplicity, sex, treachery and legal maneuvering. Not being a lawyer myself, I cannot speak to the accuracy of the depiction of the legal profession, but I didn't find them particularly complimentary.

The Victim is somewhat slow to develop but builds in intensity and complexity throughout. There were plenty of twists and turns. When I read, I don't try to guess what is going to happen next, I just go along for the ride. Good thing here because I doubt I could have guessed much if any of the way the story unfolded. I finished the second half of the book in one sitting. The pace was fast and the action riveting, I just couldn't put it down.

All the plot lines are concluded satisfactorily, not a true happy ending, but, an appropriate ending. My reaction at the conclusion was: Whew! The Victim is not a "feel good" book in my estimation. It is dramatic, very dramatic, and at times even heartbreaking. Definitely entertaining and definitely worth reading. Enjoy!


Mike