Why this book should probably have never been published:

1. Characters all were of dubious intelligence, and no one likes an idiot. A villain, maybe, or a nice, vengeful antagonist, but not a moron - let alone three of them.

2. Overt sexualization of the one female character. Must we describe her attire and 4-inch stilettos every time she enters the courtroom?

3. Eye-rollingly (yes, that's a word) predictable plot, from the boring Krayoxx case to the "I didn't see that coming! Oh wait, yes I did." sub-plot.

4. Fairy-tale ending for our hero (I use the term loosely, as I can't imagine mustering the concern to cheer on his successes or empathize with his disappointments)...really? Is this chick lit for the legal crowd?

5. Total lack of suspense. This will not be made into a movie with Tom Cruise sprinting down an empty street at night, briefcase full of sensitive, damning materials in hand.

As a quick read when you're just trying to pass the time (think plane/train/automobile), this may do, but only if you've read everything else on the underwhelming shelves of Hudson News. Otherwise, pick up a copy of the latest The Girl who Partook in Slightly Counter-Cultural Practices book and move on.