Having now read the whole series back-to-back the similarities between the books are many and obvious. In fact, I think copy-and-paste must have been a frequently used tool during the writing. The general plot, of this book and indeed the whole series, all follow and share the same structure which isn't a problem, except you know how the book will evolve. However, the dialogue and description in the courtroom, the interaction between Harvey and the always-so-sexy prosecutor, the theatrics in the court room, they're very close to identical from book to book; to the point you can predict the next sentence. Characters are so alike they blend into one....one prosecutor, one judge, one detective. You don't have to be an attorney to recognise all the court cases are strong for the defence, with only some circumstantial evidence requiring explaining away. However, to strengthen the plot you're told repeatedly the case looks lost. Really? Every case this attorney handles is a result of the LAPD, who Harvey has supposedly the utmost respect for, arresting the wrong person out of expediency, laziness or stupidity, even when the murdered child is "one of their own". The reader can't be fooled so easy.
It's not difficult to pick holes in both this book and the series although I still describe them as very satisfying reads. I mostly enjoyed them for what they are: short, undemanding, feel-good reads, However, I'm glad Bill Harvey is retiring