cover image Write to Die

Write to Die

Charles Rosenberg. Thomas & Mercer, $15.95 trade paper (498p) ISBN 978-1-5039-3761-1

This lively series launch from Rosenberg (Paris Ransom) introduces a pair of mismatched L.A. lawyers: Rory Calburton, a cautious, conservative, and meticulous new partner in Hal Harold's Harold Firm, which specializes in entertainment litigation, and Sarah Gold, a new Harold associate. Gold boasts an impressive r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9 as well as a PI license. She also has impulse control disorder, which makes her prone to rash decisions. Calburton leads the defense in a case in which retired actress Mary Broom is accusing director Alex Toltec of stealing her script for a movie that's about to be released by TheSun/TheMoon/TheStars studio. Then Joe Stanton, the studio's general counsel, is murdered; Harold is arrested for that crime; and Calburton ends up heading his defense as well. Rosenberg adroitly depicts the maneuverings of lawyers and judges as Hollywood shenanigans link both cases. Gold's unorthodox and amusing activities outside the courtroom add spice. Agent: Erica Silverman, Trident Media Group. (July)