Review of Paul Levine's Latest Novel, The Deep Blue Alibi: A Solomon vs Lord Novel

Author: Paul Levine

ISBN: 0440242746

Overview

Steve Solomon is the kind of lawyer you'd want on your side when you're in serious legal trouble. His philosophy is simple: if the facts don’t fit the law, bend the facts. His law partner, Victoria Lord, brings a sense of ethical respectability to their unconventional Miami law firm, Solomon & Lord. These two lawyers first teamed up in Paul Levine’s previous novel, Solomon vs. Lord, and are now back in action in The Deep Blue Alibi.

Plot Summary

The novel opens with Steve attempting to seduce his law partner and girlfriend, Victoria, in the ocean. Their romantic moment is interrupted when they witness a yacht washing ashore at Sunset Key in the Florida Keys. The yacht contains $100,000 and two men, one of whom, Ben Stubbs, is gravely injured with a metal spear in his chest. The other man, Hal Griffin, is a close family friend of Victoria, whom she refers to as Uncle Grif.

Stubbs does not survive, and Uncle Grif is accused of murder. The motive appears to be linked to a massive multi-million dollar project called Oceania, which involves building a hotel and casino on coral reefs. Stubbs, an employee of a government environmental agency, was supposed to write a favorable report for the project. Did he change his mind, or was someone trying to sabotage the project due to its environmental impact?

Character Dynamics

Levine adds depth to the story by exploring family secrets related to both Steve and Victoria. Steve's father had resigned as a judge and lost his law license after being implicated in a corruption probe. Steve is determined to clear his father's name and restore his license. Victoria, on the other hand, struggles with the psychological baggage of her father's suicide, which she has never fully come to terms with.

Themes and Style

Levine masterfully weaves secondary themes into the narrative, revealing shocking and interesting twists in the final chapters. His writing style is engaging, with eccentric characters and a convoluted plot that keeps readers hooked. The novel is a blend of legal drama and personal struggles, making it a compelling read.

Interesting Stats

• According to the American Bar Association, there are over 1.3 million lawyers in the United States, but only a small fraction specialize in the kind of high-stakes, unconventional cases that Solomon & Lord tackle (source).
• The Florida Keys, where the novel is set, are home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world, making the environmental stakes in the story particularly relevant (source).

Conclusion

Paul Levine's The Deep Blue Alibi is a captivating legal thriller that combines humor, suspense, and complex characters. The dynamic between Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, along with the intricate plot, makes this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. Levine's ability to blend legal intrigue with personal drama sets this book apart, ensuring that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Solomon vs Lord series.

Norm Goldman Editor of BookpleasuresNorm Goldman's Reviews

References:

1. American Bar Association. "Lawyer Demographics." ABA.
2. Florida Keys & Key West. "The Florida Keys & Key West." Fla-Keys.