This is the place where I admit I've never read a John Grisham book... until now (haven't knowingly seen any movies based on his books, either). If his adult books are as fun as his first YA book was, I just might have to change that.

Theo (don't call him Teddy) is an 8th grader with a preternatural affinity for the law; the son of two lawyers, he spends most of his free time in their office, or running around the courthouse. Apparently he has (or had) asthma, a plot device that gets him out of playing sports and into their office after school. He's also giving out free advice - and legal referrals - to his friends, which makes him sound a little like Lucy van Pelt but with some genuine knowledge to back up what he's saying.

The biggest trial in town in decades is underway and somehow Theo gets involved, and in a way that seems plausible but barely so. His ability to hack into legal resources is a little unbelievable, but I suppose it could happen. It's also plausible that someone that young would be seen as a resource for classmates, but for adults? Not quite. His relationships within the courthouse seem on a level with "favorite pet" or "mascot", which is quite believable.

The cliffhanger ending was a little annoying, but I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series.

Copy provided by publisher.