Try Darkness

by: James Scott Bell

Published by: Center Street

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid

In this legal thriller, Ty Buchanan is not your ordinary lawyer, and if you want to hire him, you won’t call and make an appointment with his secretary nor will he receive you in a typical attorney’s office. A priest would probably refer you to Ty–and Ty would meet you at his office, a local coffee bar called the Freudian Sip.

Currently Ty is living on the grounds of St. Monica’s in a trailer. His best friends are Father Bob and Sister Mary Veritas. Ty is recovering from the death of his fiancée and false accusations of her murder. His law practice is currently limited to offering legal services to the poor.

Father Bob introduces Ty to a woman who calls herself Reatta, and her little girl Kylie. Reatta is threatened with eviction and hopes that Ty can keep her and her daughter in their hotel. The hotel is a residential hotel but the hotel owners are trying to establish that they are a commercial tourist hotel so that the tenant protection laws don’t kick in.

Ty agrees to take the case but before he can get too far in the investigation, his client is dead–and he finds himself taking care of Kylie. Kylie is a very bright little girl and manages to help Ty discover more about her background.

Meanwhile Ty is also defending a man on a murder charge. Ty is convinced he is innocent and that it is merely a case of mistaken identity.

Ty is forced to deal with his old law firm and former best friend in his negotiations. Sister Mary is a tremendous help in research, helping with Kylie and generally trying to keep Ty in line.

To say much more would reveal spoilers but I thought this was a very good book and Ty has a very unique way of practicing law. Kylie is a charming little girl and Sister Mary is a lot of fun.

Armchair Interviews says: Be ready for a big surprise ending.

Author’s Web site: http://www.JamesScottBell.com