The first female trial attorney in a rural Southern town is appointed to represent a Mexican laborer accused of killing the trusted legal assistant of the most powerful attorney in the county who is also running for governor.
Elizabeth Shaw finds herself in a dilemma of great magnitude when she's appointed by Judge J.T. Lockman to represent the most hated man in the rural county where she practices law. Her client is accused of killing a popular legal assistant who worked for the most powerful lawyer in the county, a man who's also about to announce his candidacy for governor of the state. Elizabeth's dream that she might someday be appointed as a judge begins to dissipate when she takes on this highly controversial case, but disappears completely when the married gubernatorial candidate makes it clear that he wants an affair with her as the cost of any such appointment. This novel continues the arc of change in a rural county from the prejudices of the past to a more hopeful future when the county's first female trial attorney enters the scene. She's a woman who knows her way around the courtroom and how to accept the foibles of the men who surround her in the male dominated legal community, making her very popular with the courthouse regulars. Her talents are less accepted by some of the good old boys who run the power base of the county, but she's prepared to take on anyone who gets in the way of proper representation of her clients. When her criminal client avows his innocence, her determination to do the best she can no matter what the consequences to her personal life puts her on a collision course with the most powerful lawyer in the county. It's a battle to the end for the truth to come out about what really happened to the beautiful young assistant whose death haunts everyone who knew her.
Professional Reviews
Red City Review
Living and Dying in the Rainbow Light: Book III in the Lincoln County Law Trilogy by Jerri Blair switches back and forth between five different story lines. The book mainly focuses on the murder trial of defendant Mark Botto, who faces the death penalty for killing a beautiful young legal assistant. His lawyer, main character Elizabeth Shaw, is convinced he didn’t do it despite a good amount of evidence that makes it seem like he did. While the majority of the book centers around this case, the book also tells the story of Elizabeth’s days spent in a peaceful commune, Elizabeth’s fight to help a young juvenile delinquent named Ramone, the case of parents accused of murdering one of their twin girls, and Judge J.T. Lockman dealing with their daughter contracting AIDS. The different subjects the book delves into make for a memorable novel that touches on many controversial issues.
One of the most interesting things about this book is the way it explains some of the details of law that the average person wouldn’t know or even necessarily think about. It also goes into detail about DNA analysis and other scientific aspects of murder cases in a style that is never boring. The novel deals with the misogynism that a female professional had to deal with in the late 80’s and early 90’s in a small rural town, as well as the horrors of child molestation, racial and class prejudice, gay rights, and the stigma of AIDS. Although a few parts of the book feel unrealistic, such as the presence of a ghost in J.T. Lockman’s house, a detailed confession where you wouldn’t expect one, and the unbelievably perfect description of the early days of a commune, the majority of the novel feels like it could have really happened. From Elizabeth Shaw’s beauty and integrity to the very flawed murder defendant who insists he’s changed his ways, the characters are thoroughly developed. Because of this, the reader cares about them deeply. Overall, the storylines and characters are brought together in a way that make for a very enjoyable book.
Lee Broom
Lee Broom reviewed Living and Dying in the Rainbow Light: Volume III of the Lincoln County Law Trilogy
Enjoyable legal thriller April 4, 2017
This is a very suspenseful book. I really got into the mystery, trying to figure out what really happened behind the scenes. It's a story full of twists and turns as a man is on trial for the murder of a local paralegal. The courtroom drama is great and keeps your attention all the way through the book. I like the main character, Elizabeth, an attorney who is defending the suspected murderer. She's a strong, smart woman who handles her case and her colleagues with ease. The book also centers around a judge, J.T., who presides over the case with fairness and dignity, as he deals with some hard things going on at home. It's a story that draws the reader in, to this small town that has some seriously interesting people who have all kinds of quirks and endearing qualities. I'd like to go back and read the first couple of books in the series, because I think it would give more insight into some of the people with their backgrounds. But, no worries, this story stands alone and is an enjoyable legal thriller with its own compelling events. I recommend it.
Show Less
Revenge is Fun series. Millions of dollars are missing from the Venice Canals HOA and so are the Vice President and Treasurer. Were they kidnapped? Where is the money? Twists galore and a surprise ending with humor along the way.
