Christopher Paget Series by Richard North Patterson

The investigation of a politically powerful industrialist; the death of a key witness; the corruption of a federal agency. These are the explosive elements facing cynical young government lawyer Christopher Paget as he embarks on a mission that will hurl him into a brutal world of murder, kidnapping, and deception... moreThe investigation of a politically powerful industrialist; the death of a key witness; the corruption of a federal agency. These are the explosive elements facing cynical young government lawyer Christopher Paget as he embarks on a mission that will hurl him into a brutal world of murder, kidnapping, and deception. From its intriguing beginnings to its stunning climax, international best-selling author Richard North Patterson’s first novel is a taut, gripping thriller about real people forced to face their inner fears and values. less

TV journalist Mary Carelli admits that she shot and killed Mark Ransom, one of the world’s most famous authors. She claims it was self-defense. She swears he tried to rape her. Now she has to prove it in a court of law—with her former lover acting as her attorney…Christopher Paget is one of the top lawyers in the country. But defending the mother of his son in the trial of the decade, he begins to have doubts... moreTV journalist Mary Carelli admits that she shot and killed Mark Ransom, one of the world’s most famous authors. She claims it was self-defense. She swears he tried to rape her. Now she has to prove it in a court of law—with her former lover acting as her attorney…Christopher Paget is one of the top lawyers in the country. But defending the mother of his son in the trial of the decade, he begins to have doubts. Is Mary telling the truth? Did she invent her story about the rape? What is she hiding? With each shocking revelation, Paget is forced to question his defense, his ethics, and the whole legal system. Because no one, not even the judge, is completely innocent. And guilt is a matter of degree… less

The same 3-hour quality performce for less2 cassettes / 3 hoursOnly $8.99Read by Ken HowardA stunning new courtroom drama from the author of the nationwide bestsellers Final Judgment, Silent Witness, and Degree of Guilt.In San Francisco, a dead man discovered amid evidence that might confirm suicide but strongly suggests murder... moreThe same 3-hour quality performce for less2 cassettes / 3 hoursOnly $8.99Read by Ken HowardA stunning new courtroom drama from the author of the nationwide bestsellers Final Judgment, Silent Witness, and Degree of Guilt.In San Francisco, a dead man discovered amid evidence that might confirm suicide but strongly suggests murder.  An investigation that uncovers the viscous custody fight he waged with his estranged wife over their young daughter: his extorting threats, his accusations of sexual abuse of the child.  A grand-jury indictment for murder handed down to his estranged wife's new lover, a high-profile defense attorney.  A trial, sensational from the very start: the attorney-turned-defendant's motives for murder made clear in the courtroom and in the out-for-blood press - his alibi so quickly dismantled that even his son begins to doubt him.  Finally, the revelations in the courtroom overshadowed by what threatens to remain hidden: in the little girl's tangled loyalties, in the defendant's damning refusal to testify on his own behalf, and in the details of a childhood trauma that haunts his lover's adult life.... less

When the body of nine-year old Thuy Sen is found in the San Francisco Bay, the police quickly charge Rennell and Payton Price with her grisly murder. A twelve-person jury, abetted by an incompetent defense lawyer, is nearly as quick to find the brothers guilty, and to sentence them both to die for their crimes... moreWhen the body of nine-year old Thuy Sen is found in the San Francisco Bay, the police quickly charge Rennell and Payton Price with her grisly murder. A twelve-person jury, abetted by an incompetent defense lawyer, is nearly as quick to find the brothers guilty, and to sentence them both to die for their crimes.Fifteen years later, overworked pro bono laywer Teresa Peralta Paget, her husband Chris, and stepson Carlo, a recent Harvard law graduate, become convinced not only that Rennell didn't receive a fair trial but that he may well be innocent. Racing against the clock and facing enormous legal obstacles, Teresa, Chris, and Carlo desperately try to stay Rennell's execution, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court, and to an enormously moving and powerful conclusion.From the Hardcover edition. less