The Attorney

by Harold Q. Masur

The Attorney [Mass Market Paperback] [Jan 01, 1973] Masur, Harold Q. …

309 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1973

About the author

Harold Q. Masur was an American lawyer and author of mystery novels.

He graduated from the New York University School of Law in 1934 and practiced law between 1935 and 1942. Then he joined the U.S. Air Force. In the late 30s he started writing Pulp Fiction. In 1973 he was President of the Mystery Writers of America

Reviews

[Girard Bowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look up "potboiler" in the dictionary, and you'll find "The Attorney." However, I mean "potboiler" in the best sense of the word, if that's possible. This is a well-written legal thriller, and it would be at home on any beach. Not deep literature, it's a good story, and Masur keeps turning up the heat. I think it's better written than many of the books churned out by big-name popular authors, whose best books are far behind them, and not nearly as well-told as The Attorney. There are a few passages of purple prose, and some of the '70s benighted attitudes are present, but not enough to spoil the story except for the exceeding fragile reader.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Masur's books, particularly those with lawyer/detective Scott Jordan. Masur wanted to do Perry Mason-type stories, only better. I'd say he succeeded. A page turner.

[John Marr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps Masur's magnus opus, this one starts slowly (albeit not painfully so) as he carefully sets the stage and introduces the characters for what turns out be corker of a court room drama. A wealthy young legal student is accused of the brutal sex-murder of his girlfriend's Broadway-star mother. Once action hits the court room, look out! The legal action is fast moving and exciting as Masur consistently delivers legal curveballs that are neither corny nor contrived up until the climax that may be melodramatic but also satisfying. A book plainly ahead of its time.