Red Verdict

The amusing latest in former FBI director Comey’s crime series featuring deputy U.S. attorney Nora Carlton and special agent Benny Dugan (after FDR Drive) finds the duo involved in a foreign espionage case. Edgar Perez, CFO of drone maker Grand Central Avionics, goes out for pasta at his favorite New York City restaurant and dies at the table. Medical examiners reveal he was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok, a preferred execution method of Russian intelligence. Nora and Benny soon discover, however, that the Perez killing was a mistake, and the probable victim was his boss, George Costas, who was spying for Russia. The pair arrests Costas and takes him to trial, and it’s in the courtroom that the novel comes to life. Comey masterfully orchestrates the legal proceedings as Nora and assistant U.S. attorney Sean Fitzpatrick battle an irascible father-son defense team, and ushers the narrative to a seemingly sound conclusion that he turns on its head with a final twist. Bolstered by Comey’s easy familiarity with subjects ranging from New York City’s Italian restaurants to Russia’s intelligence apparatus, this sleek blend of legal thriller and spy drama goes down smooth. It’s pure pleasure. Agent: Kirby Kim, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (May)