The Law of Second Chances

by: James Sheehan

Published by: St Martins Press

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there really were a law of second chances? However, not everyone deserves a second chance and very few people ever get a second chance.

Jack Tobin is a retired lawyer. His legal practice did not include criminal cases, but when an old friend came to him and pleaded to help his son, Jack got involved in pro bono cases to free wrongly convicted criminals. Jack would not take a case unless he was totally convinced that the person was innocent of the crime for which he had been convicted.

Jack and his wife Pat live in Bass Creek, Florida. Pat has always been interested in Jack’s cases, and he enjoys discussing the pros and cons of each case with Pat. Jack has taken on the case of Henry Wilson, convicted years before of murder, when his wife Pat is diagnosed with cancer. Jack almost gives up the case to devote all of his time to his wife. Pat will not agree to this so Jack fights Henry’s fight while trying to deal with his wife’s illness.

Meanwhile back in Manhattan, Benny Avril, a small-time hood is arrested for murder. Although Benny does not know it, he has a connection to Jack–and eventually Jack will become involved in Benny’s case.

The story of Jack’s fight to save Henry, the conclusion, and the connection to Benny in Manhattan makes for a very exciting story. The legal battles give the reader an insight to what really happens on paper and in the courtroom.

The flashbacks to Jack’s life as a young boy in New York help you to understand Jack and his young friends. It is amazing the different directions life led these young people and how some are finally able to come together in their adult years.

I intend to recommend this book to all my friends. I also feel now I must read The Mayor of Lexington Avenue, the book published prior to The Law of Second Chances.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended for anyone who loves legal thrillers–and good writing.