“The Conviction” by Robert Dugoni, published by Touchstone Books.

Category – Mystery/Thriller

If you like a splendid mix of courtroom drama and action Robert Dugoni is your author. Although his books may be read in any sequence they are best read in order due to the fact that there is a common thread throughout his novels.

David Sloane’s wife has been murdered and his stepson Jake has witnessed it. David, thinking he was doing the right thing, gave custody of Jake to his biological father. Jake has rebelled and has become a troubled teen.

When David’s friend Tom Molia, a detective, invites David and Jake on a wilderness hike with his son T.J., it seems the perfect way to help Jake. WRONG!!!!!!

Jake and T.J. immediately get into trouble and are quickly sentenced by a judge to a detention or boot camp. David and Tom run up against an entire town trying to get some justice for their young sons.

The duo, getting no help from the locals, start looking into the judges sentencing of young people without due process and the detention facility that seems to be run by thugs and may have a few secrets of its own. David and Tom find themselves going outside the law to try and get Jake and T.J. released.

This is another top notch read from author Robert Dugoni that will excite the John Grisham and James Lee Burke fans, a story that combines law and action with a couple of very interesting twists.