Martin Lovett must re-live his criminal acts, trying desperately to rationalize his actions to himself as well as to Cindy, his wife of many years.
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After confronting an intruder in his home, elderly Martin Lovett's world is dramatically shaken.Previously secret aspects of his life begin coming to light. His possible involvement in criminal activities of the past now lead investigators on a trail that threaten to destroy the life he and Cindy have enjoyed for over fifty years. His friends want to believe in him but even Cindy is plagued with doubts about the husband she has known and trusted for a lifetime. Growing up during the war years of the forties, Marty lived through some pretty gritty times, leaving school at an early age, seeking adventure, finding trouble instead. In the meantime, Marty is plagued with memories of his past life. The deception of keeping his criminal activities from his wife is especially painful. The present day courts finally resolve the issue with Martin Lovett. Will it relate to your Concept of Justice?
Excerpt
Deciding it was time to help this little girl get warmed up, Pete unwrapped the blankets. As he picked up the flashlight and was reaching for the blankets he checked his watch. God, it was almost six o'clock! He was supposed to be monitoring the CB in a few minutes. Taking one of the blankets over to her, he instructed her to wrap up in it and place her hands around the post. As she did he again took out the roll of duct tape, securing her hands. He left her then, closing the door and lifting the beam in place to make sure it stayed closed.
Christine was terrified to be left alone in this small dark place, but relieved that her tormentor had gone. Maybe he wouldn't come back. The blanket wanted to slide off her shoulders and with her hands tied around the post she couldn't do anything about it. Huddling down next to the post she pulled some of the blanket back in place with her teeth. God, it was so cold. I just know I'll die here, she thought. But surely the police would be here to get her out soon. People can't just haul someone away and lock them up like this and get away with it, she reasoned. If he does come back I must not make him angry again or he will surely let me freeze to death. The dragging minutes seemed like hours as she lay curled up around the post, shaking uncontrollably.
Concept of Justice is such a realistic picture of the criminal mind that I couldn't help feeling a little bit relieved that I don't live next door to Henry Custer. Anyone who can plan burglaries, murders, kidnappings and counterfeiting schemes with such flawless attention to detail should be watched very carefully!
The book's main character, Martin Lovett, makes some very bad choices in his life and isn't always a nice guy, but he remains oddly likable throughout the story and I found myself rooting for him despite his flaws. Maybe it's because of his devotion to his wife Cindy, a fine woman who knows nothing of his criminal activities; or it could be because of the dirt-poor family Marty came from and all the hardships he had to overcome growing up. Possibly it's just that the lowlifes he gets mixed up with make him look like an Eagle Scout in comparison, but I know I couldn't help feeling that Marty was really a decent guy and wanted a happy ending for him.
Concept of Justice unfolds one subtle layer at a time and culminates in a resolution that is both surprising and completely credible, thanks to some tenacious law enforcement officers who add even more human flavor to this intriguing story. The author's extensive knowledge and expertise in a variety of professions is impressive and make for a book that has no loopholes or slips in logic that annoy me to no end. This crime thriller will keep you up late turning pages to find out how the deliciously complex plot turns out, but you definitely won't regret missing a little sleep for this book.
Reviewed by Tim Smith
6/28/2003
Henry Custer has crafted an intriguing and engaging thriller. His hero (if you can call him that), Marty Lovett, always dreamed of getting his hands on the big prize. It's the one thing that's driven his whole life starting in the economically-challenged '40's. Years later his big chance finally comes, but things go terribly awry, resulting in a kidnap/murder that floats to the surface 30 years later. This is a riveting and exciting morality tale that teaches an important lesson: be careful what you do and who you do it to, because it just may come back to haunt you.
Reviewed by
4/24/2003
When you have in hand a novel that is both deeply compelling and darkly disturbing, what are you going to do? On the one hand, you can't put "Concept of Justice" down. Henry Custer has command of his craft. He's going to make you keep turning pages whether you want to or not. On the other hand the subject is stark, real, and, in that sense, disturbing. It is not necessarily a fun read. But it is a good read ~ a damn good read! And for the latter reason, alone, I urge you to beg, borrow or... or better yet buy your own copy of "Concept of Justice." You'll want to read it more than once anyway!
Reviewed by Lisa Young
4/20/2003
When I read the boat scene, I found myself wondering how in the world I was going to like Martin. When the character got his life together, I breathed a sigh of relief that lasted until his middle-age. There a new bout of doubt and the meat of the story begins. A unique point of view from an interesting author.
Reviewed by Sheila MacDonald
3/7/2003
Mr. Custer,
You have the gift of a true storyteller. Every one of the characters came alive in your story. Martin Lovett the main character had me feeling sorry for him and then wanting him to pay for his crimes…. Your book reads like a movie!
Thank you for taking me on a journey I will never forget! I wish you all the success you clearly deserve! I look forward to reading your new book, “Dirt Floor.”
Intriguing story line, Henry! Vivid description of Christine's plight and makes me want read more. Congrats!
God's Grace,
Marcyle
Reviewed by Elliot Parsowith
10/1/2002
I rarely can sit for any length of time reading a book. I finished this book in two sittings. Once I started, I could not put it down. A very good drama, excellent writing and vision by the author.
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