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Robin Lockwood #2
The Perfect Alibi
A young woman accuses a prominent local college athlete of rape. Convicted with the help of undisputable DNA evidence, the athlete swears his innocence and threatens both his lawyer and his accuser as he's sent to prison. Not long after, there's another rape and the DNA test shows that the same person committed both rapes—which is seemingly impossible since the man convicted of the first rape was in prison at the time of the second one. Now, the convicted athlete, joined by a new lawyer, is granted a new trial and bail. Shortly thereafter, his original lawyer disappears and his law partner is murdered.
Robin Lockwood is a young lawyer with a prestigious small law firm and a former MMA fighter who helped pay for Yale Law School with her bouts. She is representing the victim of the first rape for her civil lawsuit against her rapist, who is now convinced the rapist is stalking her and trying to intimidate her. At the same time, another client is up on a murder charge—one that should be dismissed as self-defense—but the D.A. trying the case is determined to bring it to trial. Now she has to mastermind two impossible cases, trying to find the hidden truth that links the two of them.
Phillip Margolin, the master of the legal thriller, returns in one of his twistiest, most compelling crime novels yet.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 902 reviews
May 9, 2019
No Spoilers!!!
I am not going to get into the plot of the book. You can read the blurb. I am just going to put down my thoughts. I am going to make this short and sweet.I was so surprised how much I loved this book. I
I love my thrillers and this one was a gripping read. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in two days. I just was so intrigued to find out what was going to happen next. I just loved the plot. I loved almost everything about this book. It could of been a five star read. Until... It started to get impausible, farfetched a couple of times. It had me LMAO! I was shaking my head, rolling my eyes and I am still giggling about it. This was a delicious read, like eating sweet candy then sucking on a lemon and becoming bitter. Even though it was farfetched, I still loved this book. When a book has me laughing, that's a damn good book.
Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite authors and I have been reading his books for years. My favorite of his was Gone But Not Forgotten. I can't wait to read his next book, they are always addicting reads.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Phillip Margolin for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I am not going to get into the plot of the book. You can read the blurb. I am just going to put down my thoughts. I am going to make this short and sweet.I was so surprised how much I loved this book. I
I love my thrillers and this one was a gripping read. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in two days. I just was so intrigued to find out what was going to happen next. I just loved the plot. I loved almost everything about this book. It could of been a five star read. Until... It started to get impausible, farfetched a couple of times. It had me LMAO! I was shaking my head, rolling my eyes and I am still giggling about it. This was a delicious read, like eating sweet candy then sucking on a lemon and becoming bitter. Even though it was farfetched, I still loved this book. When a book has me laughing, that's a damn good book.
Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite authors and I have been reading his books for years. My favorite of his was Gone But Not Forgotten. I can't wait to read his next book, they are always addicting reads.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Phillip Margolin for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 16, 2019
3.75*
I have been a long time fan of Phillip Margolin. I believe I have read every book he has released! I am always guaranteed for a great light legal thriller that will keep me guessing.
He has done it again!
Robin Lockwood is a partner in a law firm in Oregon. She is able to handle all kinds of cases, from death row trials to civil law suits and everything in between. And in the course of this book you will see it all!
The only issue I had with this book was a it felt like it somewhat lacked focus.
There are so many characters and story-lines that I found myself re-reading pages just to keep everything straight!
With so many moving parts that you will need to stay on your toes to keep up!
That said, Philip Margolin continues to deliver fabulous legal thrillers that I always look forward to ever year! I’m now patiently waiting for his next...
A buddy read with Susanne!❄️
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Phillip Margolin for an ARC to read and review.
I have been a long time fan of Phillip Margolin. I believe I have read every book he has released! I am always guaranteed for a great light legal thriller that will keep me guessing.
He has done it again!
Robin Lockwood is a partner in a law firm in Oregon. She is able to handle all kinds of cases, from death row trials to civil law suits and everything in between. And in the course of this book you will see it all!
The only issue I had with this book was a it felt like it somewhat lacked focus.
There are so many characters and story-lines that I found myself re-reading pages just to keep everything straight!
With so many moving parts that you will need to stay on your toes to keep up!
That said, Philip Margolin continues to deliver fabulous legal thrillers that I always look forward to ever year! I’m now patiently waiting for his next...
A buddy read with Susanne!❄️
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Phillip Margolin for an ARC to read and review.
February 10, 2019
2.65 Stars* (rounded up)
When a young college student accuses a football player named Blaine of rape, the DNA test is irrefutable and he is imprisoned. A rising attorney named Robin Lockwood, who is a former MMA Star is hired to represent the young woman in the civil suit. When another girl is then raped by someone who has the exact same DNA as Blaine everything is questioned as Blaine does not have an identical twin and Blaine was imprisoned while the second girl was raped. What is going on?
Meanwhile, several attorneys are being murdered. Why? Are these deaths related? This is where things got complicated. Very complicated. Though Robin Lockwood should let the police handle it, she can’t help but investigate and boy is she good at it.
The complicated storylines in “The Perfect Alibi” was just one of the problems for me with this mystery suspense by Phillip Margolin. As some of you know, I work in the legal field and know a good amount about the law - I discovered the big reveal to be completely implausible and not even remotely feasible, if the author had done his homework he would know that too. That being said, aside from the parts of this novel that were overly complicated, it was well written and the characters were fantastic. I loved Robin Lockwood - she saved the day.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books - St. Martins Press and Phillip Margolin for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 2.10.19.
When a young college student accuses a football player named Blaine of rape, the DNA test is irrefutable and he is imprisoned. A rising attorney named Robin Lockwood, who is a former MMA Star is hired to represent the young woman in the civil suit. When another girl is then raped by someone who has the exact same DNA as Blaine everything is questioned as Blaine does not have an identical twin and Blaine was imprisoned while the second girl was raped. What is going on?
Meanwhile, several attorneys are being murdered. Why? Are these deaths related? This is where things got complicated. Very complicated. Though Robin Lockwood should let the police handle it, she can’t help but investigate and boy is she good at it.
The complicated storylines in “The Perfect Alibi” was just one of the problems for me with this mystery suspense by Phillip Margolin. As some of you know, I work in the legal field and know a good amount about the law - I discovered the big reveal to be completely implausible and not even remotely feasible, if the author had done his homework he would know that too. That being said, aside from the parts of this novel that were overly complicated, it was well written and the characters were fantastic. I loved Robin Lockwood - she saved the day.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books - St. Martins Press and Phillip Margolin for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 2.10.19.
June 18, 2020
It's a good thing this cloddish, plodding, sodding dirt of a story is short. Otherwise, it would not have been worth the effort to get through. 2 of 10 stars!
January 6, 2019
A rich,good looking college football player is accused of the rape of a poor, young girl. Despite his parents wealth, he is convicted and sent to jail. This time justice prevails. But wait, a few weeks later, another girl is raped and the now incarcerated man’s DNA is found on the girl. How can that happen? How can someone be in two places at once, especially when one of the places is jail?
To complicate matters further, the young rape suspect with the help of a new lawyer is granted bail and a new trial. While out on bail, his first attorney goes missing and his well-liked partner is found murdered in his office. If you’re curious to see where this ride takes you, then Phillip Margolin’s new book, The Perfect Alibi, is the perfect book for you.
On top of all the murder, mystery and mayhem is the story of young defense attorney, Robin Lockwood, a former MMA fighter that also happens to be a Yale law grad as well. She represents the young woman in the civil case against the alleged rapist which should keep her busy but then she is assigned a court appointed capital murder trial with a District Attorney hell bent on winning this case at all costs. The Perfect Alibi is full of more twists than turns and Lockwood will have to use both her book and street smarts to solve these mysteries while being stalked.
Lots of characters and a great crime mystery from one of the best writers out there today. Stay focused and allow yourself an early start in the day because you won’t want to put it down until you are finished.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #ThePerfectAlibi
To complicate matters further, the young rape suspect with the help of a new lawyer is granted bail and a new trial. While out on bail, his first attorney goes missing and his well-liked partner is found murdered in his office. If you’re curious to see where this ride takes you, then Phillip Margolin’s new book, The Perfect Alibi, is the perfect book for you.
On top of all the murder, mystery and mayhem is the story of young defense attorney, Robin Lockwood, a former MMA fighter that also happens to be a Yale law grad as well. She represents the young woman in the civil case against the alleged rapist which should keep her busy but then she is assigned a court appointed capital murder trial with a District Attorney hell bent on winning this case at all costs. The Perfect Alibi is full of more twists than turns and Lockwood will have to use both her book and street smarts to solve these mysteries while being stalked.
Lots of characters and a great crime mystery from one of the best writers out there today. Stay focused and allow yourself an early start in the day because you won’t want to put it down until you are finished.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #ThePerfectAlibi
March 19, 2019
Philip Margolin brings Robin Lockwood back for another legal thriller set in Oregon. Lockwood, a former MMA star, is ready to do battle when she is approached by a young woman who confides that she’s been raped. Robin explains that she cannot prosecute a criminal case, but is willing to help with any civil matter that might be needed. Listening to her client, Robin learns that a football player, Blaine Hastings, turned a booze-fuelled lustful encounter into something violent that led to a sexual assault. Hastings has a much different tale, though he cannot explain the semen left in and around the victim. At trial, Hastings is less than happy with his legal representation and is sent away. However, things take a definite turn when another woman is raped, identifying a different man, but Hastings' DNA is left inside her. As Hastings was incarcerated at the time, he could not have committed the crime, but what’s happened? Robin is baffled and unsure how to help her client, but the local authorities are sure there is some scientific explanation. Hastings is released on bail but soon disappears, just as his lawyer's legal partner is slain. Robin is hired to defend the man accused of the murder, though no one believes that he could be involved. Working both mind-blowing cases, Robin watches as the D.A. lands himself in some hot water and turns the local legal community on its head. With time running out and answers scarce, Robin will have to act to get answers, while still keeping an eye out for Blaine Hastings, who's sure to have a bone to pick with her. A well-crafted novel with layered sub-plots that all link together, Margolin shows why he is the master of his genre. Perfect for fans of legal thrillers full of twists and those whose search for justice is unending.
I usually enjoy Phillip Margolin and his novels, which mix the law with dramatic developments throughout. This was no exception, as the story twisted and turned from one part to the next. Robin Lockwood remains a wonderful protagonist, able to tear down anything put before her, be it a charging body or legal argument. Her attentiveness shows that she has the makings of a sensational legal mind and she surrounds herself with those who are able to help her excel. Juggling a seemingly impossible workload, Lockwood finds enough time to locate her fair share of trouble. Others in the book prove quite effective at advancing the plot and creating a niche for themselves. As Margolin creates a smaller story within each part, there are characters who shine in parts of the book, backing off in other domains. The story was strong and its scientific element did not drown out the effectiveness of the legal arguments. The reader is in for a treat, offered nuances of many aspects of the law, jammed into this mid-length novel. With fresh ideas and ever evolving themes (as well as a cameo by one of Margolin's long-time stars), this is another book worthy of its fair share of praise. A mix of chapter lengths serves a great purpose while always leaving the reader to wonder what awaits. Perfect for a single-day reading, should time permit.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin, on another success. I am pleased to have discovered your work and cannot wait to see what else you have in store!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I usually enjoy Phillip Margolin and his novels, which mix the law with dramatic developments throughout. This was no exception, as the story twisted and turned from one part to the next. Robin Lockwood remains a wonderful protagonist, able to tear down anything put before her, be it a charging body or legal argument. Her attentiveness shows that she has the makings of a sensational legal mind and she surrounds herself with those who are able to help her excel. Juggling a seemingly impossible workload, Lockwood finds enough time to locate her fair share of trouble. Others in the book prove quite effective at advancing the plot and creating a niche for themselves. As Margolin creates a smaller story within each part, there are characters who shine in parts of the book, backing off in other domains. The story was strong and its scientific element did not drown out the effectiveness of the legal arguments. The reader is in for a treat, offered nuances of many aspects of the law, jammed into this mid-length novel. With fresh ideas and ever evolving themes (as well as a cameo by one of Margolin's long-time stars), this is another book worthy of its fair share of praise. A mix of chapter lengths serves a great purpose while always leaving the reader to wonder what awaits. Perfect for a single-day reading, should time permit.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin, on another success. I am pleased to have discovered your work and cannot wait to see what else you have in store!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 25, 2019
The Perfect Alibi by Phillip Margolin is the second book of the legal thriller Robin Lockwood series. In the first book of the series readers were introduced to Robin who was just beginning as an assistant to a legendary attorney and now she is back tackling her own cases.
In this second installment of the series Robin meets with a young girl who is looking to bring about a case on her rapist. She and a friend had attended a party and while flirting on thing led to another and then the young man would not stop as she struggled and fought.
As Robin dives into her first case she finds another on her desk that also needs her attention. But as the defendant in the first is in prison another attack happens which may show his innocence but as Robin digs further she begins to untangle clues that may link both cases.
The Perfect Alibi was another great addition to this series from Phillip Margolin. The series is rather fast paced as it follows along from the beginning of a case, the investigation and court room appearances all of which keep the pages turning as the twists and turns come. Will definitely be looking forward to more to come in this thrilling legal series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In this second installment of the series Robin meets with a young girl who is looking to bring about a case on her rapist. She and a friend had attended a party and while flirting on thing led to another and then the young man would not stop as she struggled and fought.
As Robin dives into her first case she finds another on her desk that also needs her attention. But as the defendant in the first is in prison another attack happens which may show his innocence but as Robin digs further she begins to untangle clues that may link both cases.
The Perfect Alibi was another great addition to this series from Phillip Margolin. The series is rather fast paced as it follows along from the beginning of a case, the investigation and court room appearances all of which keep the pages turning as the twists and turns come. Will definitely be looking forward to more to come in this thrilling legal series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 15, 2024
“I keep seeing Frank’s head … I’ve never seen so much blood.”
Lots of legal meat and potatoes in Margolin’s THE PERFECT ALIBI - the defense of a man accused of killing a drunk cop; rape and all things rape; the murder of a partner in a law firm fired for inadequate defense in a rape trial; obstruction of justice and prosecutorial misconduct; jailhouse snitches; wealth, privilege and entitlement. In short, a veritable cornucopia of plots and sub-plots that weave in and out of each other creating a Gordian knot of suspense and twisted legal dynamics. And that perfect alibi? I’d say that being in prison when a rape is committed for which you would otherwise be the prime suspect is pretty air-tight!
Enjoyable but not up to scratch when compared with some of Margolin’s other efforts. I think the novel would have been better served by saving a sub-plot or two from this banquet and serving them up in a separate novel
Paul Weiss
Lots of legal meat and potatoes in Margolin’s THE PERFECT ALIBI - the defense of a man accused of killing a drunk cop; rape and all things rape; the murder of a partner in a law firm fired for inadequate defense in a rape trial; obstruction of justice and prosecutorial misconduct; jailhouse snitches; wealth, privilege and entitlement. In short, a veritable cornucopia of plots and sub-plots that weave in and out of each other creating a Gordian knot of suspense and twisted legal dynamics. And that perfect alibi? I’d say that being in prison when a rape is committed for which you would otherwise be the prime suspect is pretty air-tight!
Enjoyable but not up to scratch when compared with some of Margolin’s other efforts. I think the novel would have been better served by saving a sub-plot or two from this banquet and serving them up in a separate novel
Paul Weiss
June 10, 2019
This was my first Phillip Margolin book, and I can't say I was very impressed... It was just OK. For such an experienced and popular author the writing was very generic. I don't know if this is typical of all his books, or he's just at the point where his books sell, so he doesn't put in much of an effort. I guess I was just expecting more.
Decent story though. 3 stars
Decent story though. 3 stars
February 26, 2019
The Perfect Alibi by Phillip Margolin is the second book in his Robin Lockwood series. Though this novel is part of a series with the same the primary character, it reads as a standalone.
Robin Lockwood, former MMA fighter, is now a partner in the law firm, Barrister, Berman & Lockwood. She’s currently litigating two important cases that are causing her to question herself and her chosen career. Robin also involves herself in a case possibly related to one of hers that’s being handled by another lawyer, so she has a full plate.
This is only the second book that I’ve read by bestselling author, Phillip Margolin, but I’m impressed. Robin is a well-developed female protagonist. The plot is intricate with perfectly timed twists. This is an expertly conceived legal thriller. The only downside may be the abundance of characters, but this didn’t affect my reading or understanding of the story.
The Perfect Alibi is an excellent legal thriller and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This is the perfect book for those looking for a smart read.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Robin Lockwood, former MMA fighter, is now a partner in the law firm, Barrister, Berman & Lockwood. She’s currently litigating two important cases that are causing her to question herself and her chosen career. Robin also involves herself in a case possibly related to one of hers that’s being handled by another lawyer, so she has a full plate.
This is only the second book that I’ve read by bestselling author, Phillip Margolin, but I’m impressed. Robin is a well-developed female protagonist. The plot is intricate with perfectly timed twists. This is an expertly conceived legal thriller. The only downside may be the abundance of characters, but this didn’t affect my reading or understanding of the story.
The Perfect Alibi is an excellent legal thriller and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This is the perfect book for those looking for a smart read.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
May 21, 2022
The Perfect Alibi is a robust and suspenseful legal mystery with a dynamic female protagonist.
SUMMARY
A young woman accuses a prominent local college athlete of rape. Convicted with the help of DNA evidence the athlete swears he is innocent and threaten both his lawyer and his accuser as he is sent to prison. Then there is another rape and the DNA shows the same person committed both rapes. An impossibility since the man convicted of the first rape was in prison at the time of the second one. Now the convicted athlete joined by a new lawyer, is granted a new trial and bail. Shortly thereafter, his original lawyer disappears and the lawyer’s partner is murdered.
Robin Lockwood is a young lawyer with a small law firm hired to represent the first rape victim in a civil lawsuit against the rapist. The victim is convinced the rapist is stalking her and trying to intimidate her. At the same time another of Lockwood’s client’s is in jail on a murder charge, that he claims is self defense, but the D. A. is determined to bring the case to trial. Lockwood now has to mastermind two impossible cases, trying to find the hidden truths between each of them.
REVIEW
There is so much going on in THE PERFECT ALIBI it may make your head spin. I’m not sure anyone really has the perfect alibi in this one. There are so many attorneys, victims and bad guys, it’s hard to keep them all straight. But it’s worth the read. Robin Lockwood’s character as the protagonist was captivating. She is a smart, strong, and confident woman attorney, who can take care of herself. She had me when she easily took down a twenty-something up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighter who she sparred with at her boxing ring.
THE PERFECT ALIBI is suspenseful and skillfully crafted. The robust story contains multiple rapes, assaults, threats, lies, infidelity, drug deals and at least three murders. Not sure how much more you can fit into one book, but it all comes together in the end. Best selling author Phillip Margolin practiced criminal defense law from 1972 until 1996, when he became a full time author of legal thrillers. He has since written over 25 novels.
Thanks to Netgalley, Phillip Margolin and Minotaur for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Minotaur
Published March 5, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
A young woman accuses a prominent local college athlete of rape. Convicted with the help of DNA evidence the athlete swears he is innocent and threaten both his lawyer and his accuser as he is sent to prison. Then there is another rape and the DNA shows the same person committed both rapes. An impossibility since the man convicted of the first rape was in prison at the time of the second one. Now the convicted athlete joined by a new lawyer, is granted a new trial and bail. Shortly thereafter, his original lawyer disappears and the lawyer’s partner is murdered.
Robin Lockwood is a young lawyer with a small law firm hired to represent the first rape victim in a civil lawsuit against the rapist. The victim is convinced the rapist is stalking her and trying to intimidate her. At the same time another of Lockwood’s client’s is in jail on a murder charge, that he claims is self defense, but the D. A. is determined to bring the case to trial. Lockwood now has to mastermind two impossible cases, trying to find the hidden truths between each of them.
REVIEW
There is so much going on in THE PERFECT ALIBI it may make your head spin. I’m not sure anyone really has the perfect alibi in this one. There are so many attorneys, victims and bad guys, it’s hard to keep them all straight. But it’s worth the read. Robin Lockwood’s character as the protagonist was captivating. She is a smart, strong, and confident woman attorney, who can take care of herself. She had me when she easily took down a twenty-something up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighter who she sparred with at her boxing ring.
THE PERFECT ALIBI is suspenseful and skillfully crafted. The robust story contains multiple rapes, assaults, threats, lies, infidelity, drug deals and at least three murders. Not sure how much more you can fit into one book, but it all comes together in the end. Best selling author Phillip Margolin practiced criminal defense law from 1972 until 1996, when he became a full time author of legal thrillers. He has since written over 25 novels.
Thanks to Netgalley, Phillip Margolin and Minotaur for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Minotaur
Published March 5, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
April 3, 2019
I have enjoyed reading Phillip Margolin’s books. In particular I enjoyed the Amanda Jaffe series. I think the Jaffe series has ended. This is the second book that features Robin Lockwood. She was in “The Third Victim”. Maybe this is a new series.
The book is well written. The book takes place in Oregon. A woman was raped. This book is about the civil lawsuit. The plot twists and turns. The suspense builds throughout the story. The characters are interesting as is the DNA science. I enjoyed the appearance of Amanda Jaffe toward the end of the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is seven hours six minutes. Therese Plummer does an excellent job narrating the book. Plummer is an actress, voice-over artist and an award-winning audiobook narrator. I enjoyed listening to her voice.
The book is well written. The book takes place in Oregon. A woman was raped. This book is about the civil lawsuit. The plot twists and turns. The suspense builds throughout the story. The characters are interesting as is the DNA science. I enjoyed the appearance of Amanda Jaffe toward the end of the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is seven hours six minutes. Therese Plummer does an excellent job narrating the book. Plummer is an actress, voice-over artist and an award-winning audiobook narrator. I enjoyed listening to her voice.
August 17, 2019
Motion to Dismiss
Grounds for a motion for dismissal are
1) Weak plot at times plain dumb
2) Amateurish writing
3) Choppy dialogue at times laughable
4) Amnesia? Ha!
5) No character development
Your honor the author has written over 20 books and this is the best he can come up with?
The DNA was planted? I'm shocked! Amnesia? Your honor is this some daytime soap opera? What next? He has a twin? He's actually a woman? He was abducted by aliens?
In closing the main character Robin Lockwood is dry, dull, and unexplored. I bet she's bad in bed. Objection!
Withdrawn. Your honor i rest my case.
Motion to dismiss granted!
Grounds for a motion for dismissal are
1) Weak plot at times plain dumb
2) Amateurish writing
3) Choppy dialogue at times laughable
4) Amnesia? Ha!
5) No character development
Your honor the author has written over 20 books and this is the best he can come up with?
The DNA was planted? I'm shocked! Amnesia? Your honor is this some daytime soap opera? What next? He has a twin? He's actually a woman? He was abducted by aliens?
In closing the main character Robin Lockwood is dry, dull, and unexplored. I bet she's bad in bed. Objection!
Withdrawn. Your honor i rest my case.
Motion to dismiss granted!
January 26, 2019
Phillip Margolin always writes great mysteries/thrillers - you can count on it. This is a complex one with several legal cases to follow and some suspense. Robin Lockwood is a great character as the defense attorney - she's just interesting. A good bit of this story involves ethics and morals. The cases followed in this book are an interesting rape case, a murder of an Oregon legal partner, the murder of an assistant district attorney, the murders of a stroke victim and his wife, the murder of a New York attorney - there's a lot going on. This book may not be Margolin's best, but it is definitely an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Phillip Margolin and St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Phillip Margolin and St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2019
I will start by saying I did not read book one. I had no clue this was a series. It reads as a stand alone. I will be ordering book one today. It was such a good read with twist after twist after twist and I had no idea what was going to happen next. I have found another fantastic author to add to my must read list.
March 4, 2019
2.5 Stars
Lots of murder, lies, and misdirection takes place in The Perfect Alibi and it will keep readers guessing as to who did what. There are multiple cases and crimes committed throughout this book and there are times I felt it was a bit too much, but it does come together at the end.
Our main players, Rex Kellerman, Doug Anderson, and Robin Lockwood connect these cases and seemingly random tangential subplots. While the rape case may be the catalyst for bringing these three attorneys together, it takes a backseat to the other events happening.
For as much as I didn’t like the writing (or execution), the plot kept pulling me along and I needed to know how it would all end. I cringed or rolled my eyes at lot of the dialogue and inner thoughts of our characters. They at times appeared to be slight caricatures of the parts they were playing.
For me it read almost like a cozy mystery but maybe a tad darker as the rapes and murders aren’t really detailed but do have some specifics. I thought the two rape cases would be the focal point and so was thrown a little when that wasn’t the case. While I found the plot compelling, I felt the execution needed some work.
Lots of murder, lies, and misdirection takes place in The Perfect Alibi and it will keep readers guessing as to who did what. There are multiple cases and crimes committed throughout this book and there are times I felt it was a bit too much, but it does come together at the end.
Our main players, Rex Kellerman, Doug Anderson, and Robin Lockwood connect these cases and seemingly random tangential subplots. While the rape case may be the catalyst for bringing these three attorneys together, it takes a backseat to the other events happening.
For as much as I didn’t like the writing (or execution), the plot kept pulling me along and I needed to know how it would all end. I cringed or rolled my eyes at lot of the dialogue and inner thoughts of our characters. They at times appeared to be slight caricatures of the parts they were playing.
For me it read almost like a cozy mystery but maybe a tad darker as the rapes and murders aren’t really detailed but do have some specifics. I thought the two rape cases would be the focal point and so was thrown a little when that wasn’t the case. While I found the plot compelling, I felt the execution needed some work.
March 12, 2019
An up-and-coming local college athlete is accused and sent to prison for rape, with DNA evidence to prove it. However, soon after another rape occurs, and the same DNA is found. How can this be? No person, unless they are identical twins, can have the same DNA. And, the man in question is an only child. Now he's granted a new trial and is released on bail. Robin Lockwood is representing the young woman that accused the athlete of rape. Now, Robin has to protect her client who thinks she's being stalked by the newly released rapist...
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
May 24, 2019
(4.5) I really love this series! I just wish there were more! Robin Lockwood is the best! The MMA experience means she can take care of herself physically as well as in the courtroom, and i just really enjoy that aspect. Actually i enjoy the whole atmosphere of these books. I love her investigator.. The detective Carrie.. Her mentor. Even the "people" you don't love so much- it's fun to encounter them again & see what they've been up to.😂 It's the perfect mix of crime drama and legal thriller. It's never obvious exactly what's going on or who did what & why.. I just really enjoy these. This 1 is just as good (or better) then the first! Till next time Robin.. keep kickin ass!
March 3, 2019
An interesting, if somewhat unfocused, read.
This is my first Phillip Margolin novel, and for about the first 25%, I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting and really kept my attention. After that, things became a little disjointed. There were just so many story lines. It felt like an octopus, with Robin Lockwood, the main protagonist, being the brain...and 8 separate tentacles (or plot lines) radiating outward. It was a lot. Even worse, I figured everything out VERY early on...despite all the plots, the twists weren't really twists at all. I will say everything was tied up nicely at the conclusion, and all the stories played well off the others, but it just felt a little too convoluted.
I didn't realize, at first, that this was the sophomore offering in a series, but this could very much be a standalone effort.
The only other thing I can say about this book, and part of the reason it didn't get a better ranking...the dialogue isn't great. It's terribly stilted and awkward. Some authors excel at dialogue, others don't. This is clearly an area upon which Mr. Margolin could improve. Having said that, I'd likely pick up another of his novels. I feel he has great crime writing potential, but I do hope he realizes that often times, less is more.
2.5 stars
**As always, thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. It's greatly appreciated.
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Review posted on Goodreads: March 2, 2019
This is my first Phillip Margolin novel, and for about the first 25%, I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting and really kept my attention. After that, things became a little disjointed. There were just so many story lines. It felt like an octopus, with Robin Lockwood, the main protagonist, being the brain...and 8 separate tentacles (or plot lines) radiating outward. It was a lot. Even worse, I figured everything out VERY early on...despite all the plots, the twists weren't really twists at all. I will say everything was tied up nicely at the conclusion, and all the stories played well off the others, but it just felt a little too convoluted.
I didn't realize, at first, that this was the sophomore offering in a series, but this could very much be a standalone effort.
The only other thing I can say about this book, and part of the reason it didn't get a better ranking...the dialogue isn't great. It's terribly stilted and awkward. Some authors excel at dialogue, others don't. This is clearly an area upon which Mr. Margolin could improve. Having said that, I'd likely pick up another of his novels. I feel he has great crime writing potential, but I do hope he realizes that often times, less is more.
2.5 stars
**As always, thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. It's greatly appreciated.
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Review posted on Goodreads: March 2, 2019
June 8, 2020
Phillip Margolin is one of my favortie authors, but this book has such obvious logical holes that it becomes almost laughable. First you have two people with supposedly the same DNA so you let the one in jail loose. Why wouldn't you recheck his DNA before you cut him loose? Any judge in the country would allow that under the circumstances. Secondly, a brilliant but dastardly DA, is going to prosecute a man after having an affair with his wife. If he is that brilliant surely he would know he was setting himself up for disbarment. This is like reading a James Bond book and having Superman come down and rescue him. Just stupid, and what utter contempt Minotaur books has for its' readers.
August 16, 2019
I’m a Margolin fan but this book is a mess. Too many side stories that could have been cut.
Also, this book pissed me off. I don’t like the author perpetuating the “false rape” accusation theory. It’s such a rare thing and it’s way over used. We don’t need books like that acting like women are setting up men for rape as payback. It’s BS.
Also, this book pissed me off. I don’t like the author perpetuating the “false rape” accusation theory. It’s such a rare thing and it’s way over used. We don’t need books like that acting like women are setting up men for rape as payback. It’s BS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
This is the first Phillip Margolin bok I've read, and probably the last. Flat characters, wooden dialogue, and uninspired prose. The plot did engage me enough to keep reading, but I wouldn't recommend this.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2019
A legal thriller from Phillip Margolin, who I have enjoyed reading for many years. This one was the second book in the series about Robin Lockwood. I initially didn't know that and have not read The Third Victim. This book read just fine as a stand alone. I did not have trouble following the story or characters. I did think there were a lot of characters and because they were all involved in the law, it took a bit to get them all sorted out. The sides of the legal table seemed fluid in this one. The plot was gripping and I read the book very quickly. His style is easy to read. The mystery was complex and I didn't have it all figured out until it was spelled out for me. Robin Lockwood is an likable character and the cast of people around her are diverse and engaging. I am definitely going to read the first book in this series. I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light, quick read in the thriller genre.
March 19, 2019
2.5 stars
I hadn't read a Phillip Margolin book in a while and the description of this one intrigued me, so I picked it up.
What I liked: I love the Portland setting, although it doesn't really make as strong an appearance in this one as in previous books by him. I still like the familiar locale. I liked Robin quite a bit and admired her tenacity and smarts. She's the type of lawyer I'd want in my corner if something went wrong. The overall mysteries in the book were decent and kept my interest throughout.
What I didn't: The first main thing I disliked intensely was the slang used to describe some of the main situations. I can't really describe without giving total spoilers, but suffice it to say no attorney worth their salt would use slang terminology for sexual situations when talking with colleagues and in professional situations. Also, I thought some of the cases here were too convoluted to follow and I had a difficult time figuring out which attorneys/police officers were talking about which cases because many of the players overlapped cases.
This was a decent read, but nothing amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I hadn't read a Phillip Margolin book in a while and the description of this one intrigued me, so I picked it up.
What I liked: I love the Portland setting, although it doesn't really make as strong an appearance in this one as in previous books by him. I still like the familiar locale. I liked Robin quite a bit and admired her tenacity and smarts. She's the type of lawyer I'd want in my corner if something went wrong. The overall mysteries in the book were decent and kept my interest throughout.
What I didn't: The first main thing I disliked intensely was the slang used to describe some of the main situations. I can't really describe without giving total spoilers, but suffice it to say no attorney worth their salt would use slang terminology for sexual situations when talking with colleagues and in professional situations. Also, I thought some of the cases here were too convoluted to follow and I had a difficult time figuring out which attorneys/police officers were talking about which cases because many of the players overlapped cases.
This was a decent read, but nothing amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 30, 2019
Too many cases and lawyers in one book and became very confusing. Author should have stuck with main plot (rape) and one other sub plot.
January 22, 2019
Am I missing something? Why are other NetGalley readers giving this book 3 to 5 stars and writing positive reviews? The first third of the book held my attention, but then it turns into a mess. Brief chapters, mostly written in short pieces of dialogue, are told from different points of view which results in a jerky narrative that is impossible to follow.
Finally, I do not understand why "St Martin's Press," which in my previous reading experiences publishes readable books, is printing this junk.
#NetGalley
Finally, I do not understand why "St Martin's Press," which in my previous reading experiences publishes readable books, is printing this junk.
#NetGalley
January 7, 2019
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE PERFECT ALIBI by Phillip Margolin in exchange for my honest review.***
When a college football star’s DNA is found inside the body of the young woman he’s accused of raping, conviction is a slam dunk. His response is to threaten the lives of his lawyer, the victim and the judge. The victim hires Robin to represent her in a civil case. Then the same DNA is found inside another rape victim, while the perp sits in jail. Next people start dying.
THE PERFECT ALIBI is my first Phillip Margolin novel. Filled with twists, turns and intrigue, I was curious to how the subplots may or may not connect. At times I had trouble keeping Robin’s different cases, suspects, police and attorneys separate. I had to stop to think who attached to what case.
Detectives and DNA lab experts explained that only identical twins have the same DNA, although as a TV procedural veteran, I’ve seen at least two episodes on CSI and Law&Order: SVU where identical DNA was found in unrelated people when one had donated bone marrow to another. (I’m easily distracted by details).
The multiple payoffs in THE PERFECT ALIBI make this a must read mystery.
When a college football star’s DNA is found inside the body of the young woman he’s accused of raping, conviction is a slam dunk. His response is to threaten the lives of his lawyer, the victim and the judge. The victim hires Robin to represent her in a civil case. Then the same DNA is found inside another rape victim, while the perp sits in jail. Next people start dying.
THE PERFECT ALIBI is my first Phillip Margolin novel. Filled with twists, turns and intrigue, I was curious to how the subplots may or may not connect. At times I had trouble keeping Robin’s different cases, suspects, police and attorneys separate. I had to stop to think who attached to what case.
Detectives and DNA lab experts explained that only identical twins have the same DNA, although as a TV procedural veteran, I’ve seen at least two episodes on CSI and Law&Order: SVU where identical DNA was found in unrelated people when one had donated bone marrow to another. (I’m easily distracted by details).
The multiple payoffs in THE PERFECT ALIBI make this a must read mystery.
April 26, 2019
His worst book ever.
I’ve read many many Margolin books. And for the most part enjoyed every one. But this one...
It was way too short leaving out descriptions to help visualize what the author was envisioning, lack of in-depth character descriptions, etc. it’s like the teacher said no more than 300 pages!
The writing was really amateurish. Dialogue was choppy. Too many characters. Motives came out of the blue.
It feels like this was an earlier attempt that he either put away for awhile, or was initially rejected by publishers. It’s always a hint when an author is slowing down, when another writer is authored on the book cover.
You can do so much better
I’ve read many many Margolin books. And for the most part enjoyed every one. But this one...
It was way too short leaving out descriptions to help visualize what the author was envisioning, lack of in-depth character descriptions, etc. it’s like the teacher said no more than 300 pages!
The writing was really amateurish. Dialogue was choppy. Too many characters. Motives came out of the blue.
It feels like this was an earlier attempt that he either put away for awhile, or was initially rejected by publishers. It’s always a hint when an author is slowing down, when another writer is authored on the book cover.
You can do so much better
September 13, 2022
Woof too many damn characters in this book to make sense. I guess it’s a surprising ending because your like “who the fuck is that again!?”
February 14, 2020
This was a captivating read and provided a peek into the office work of district attorneys, particularly in criminal matters. My only problem was my confusion with the depth of characters.
Robin Lockwood is a young attorney who finds herself representing a woman who has been raped and is now interested in bringing a civil suit against her rapist. Simultaneously, she becomes involved in defending an attorney accused of killing his law partner. In the background, there’s a contract killer, a pharmaceutical company whose new drug may have precipitated a stroke. A bit too tangled a cast of characters for my liking, but nonetheless a good read.
Robin Lockwood is a young attorney who finds herself representing a woman who has been raped and is now interested in bringing a civil suit against her rapist. Simultaneously, she becomes involved in defending an attorney accused of killing his law partner. In the background, there’s a contract killer, a pharmaceutical company whose new drug may have precipitated a stroke. A bit too tangled a cast of characters for my liking, but nonetheless a good read.
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