A Matter of Life and Death: A Robin Lockwood Mystery

In bestseller Margolin’s lively fourth Robin Lockwood mystery (after 2020’s A Reasonable Doubt), former professional boxer Joe Lattimore, who’s now homeless and desperate to provide for his wife and young child, accepts an offer to participate in an illegal no-holds-barred fight. When Joe’s opponent dies during their bout, he finds himself at the mercy of the fight promoter, who pressures him into robbing the home of circuit court judge Anthony Carasco and the judge’s wealthy wife, Betsy. Joe enters the house only to find Betsy’s battered body. Despite the massive evidence piling up against Joe, Portland, Ore., defense attorney Robin believes his claim that he’s been set up. Prosecuting attorney Vanessa Cole, who views the “high-profile, sure-winner, death penalty case” as a way of keeping her position come election time, provides a perfect foil for Robin. Chicanery, sexual peccadilloes, and plenty of two-fisted action keep the plot moving steadily along the road toward justice. Those who like to see despicable people get their comeuppance will be more than satisfied. Agent: Jennifer Weltz, Jean V. Naggar Literary. (Mar.)