Final Witness

Rating:
Summary: A legal thriller with a difference
Review: Although this is mainly a courtroom drama, there is a blend of other genres too, making this a very individual novel. It is part literary prose, part action thriller, part old-fashioned English mystery, part family saga to name a few issues. It combines various settings, from an old aristocratic mansion to cosmopolitan London, to dirty gangways and alleys. There is however a classic mystery structure, which is not lost in the study of various relationships (father-son, wife-husband, the ingenuous man and the seductive woman and many others). It is an intricate and multi-level story that offers enjoyment as well as serious reflection. I found that the author's ability for character development was amazing - an example is that although the accused has all the characteristics of a typical evil manipulative beautiful woman, she is often portrayed as sweet and vulnerable, arising a mixture of emotions in the reader. I reccommend this book to anyone who likes their mysteries complex and thought-provoking rather than action-based.

Rating:
Summary: A legal thriller with a difference
Review: Although this is mainly a courtroom drama, there is a blend of other genres too, making this a very individual novel. It is part literary prose, part action thriller, part old-fashioned English mystery, part family saga to name a few issues. It combines various settings, from an old aristocratic mansion to cosmopolitan London, to dirty gangways and alleys. There is however a classic mystery structure, which is not lost in the study of various relationships (father-son, wife-husband, the ingenuous man and the seductive woman and many others). It is an intricate and multi-level story that offers enjoyment as well as serious reflection. I found that the author's ability for character development was amazing - an example is that although the accused has all the characteristics of a typical evil manipulative beautiful woman, she is often portrayed as sweet and vulnerable, arising a mixture of emotions in the reader. I reccommend this book to anyone who likes their mysteries complex and thought-provoking rather than action-based.

Rating:
Summary: Living Up To His Name
Review: I don't usually read legal dramas, but I was interested to see what the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien would produce. I was not disappointed. He put together an enjoyable "who done it" with plenty of twists that had me anxious to find the truth at the end of the novel. He demonstrated a real talent for descriptive prose; using it to make all of his characters and locations vivid. The story wasn't anything particularly groundbreaking, though it was interesting to get a glimpse into the less familiar territory of the British legal system. There were also elements of fantasy in the House of the Four Winds and the curse of the Sackville family's sapphire ring. (I thought that using the Sackville name was a nice and subtle homage to his grandfather!) Overall, this was a well-done novel.

Rating:
Summary: Living Up To His Name
Review: I don't usually read legal dramas, but I was interested to see what the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien would produce. I was not disappointed. He put together an enjoyable "who done it" with plenty of twists that had me anxious to find the truth at the end of the novel. He demonstrated a real talent for descriptive prose; using it to make all of his characters and locations vivid. The story wasn't anything particularly groundbreaking, though it was interesting to get a glimpse into the less familiar territory of the British legal system. There were also elements of fantasy in the House of the Four Winds and the curse of the Sackville family's sapphire ring. (I thought that using the Sackville name was a nice and subtle homage to his grandfather!) Overall, this was a well-done novel.

Rating:
Summary: legal thriller with a difference
Review: I have to admit that the main reason I picked up this book to read was the last name of the author...and an interesting escape route by the author's statement cautioning against any comparison with his famous grandfather....
This novel is probably one of the better written legal thrillers with not as much emphasis on court room dramatics and unrealistic plot twists. The story is well-written - few characters (though the depth of character portrayal leaves much room for improvement) seen in the context of a murder..in different angles...legal, romance, family relations, and emotions...
The story at times seems to be very predictable...but the author manages to sustain a high level of interest throughout the book. A worthy first effort by an author who has to live up to huge expectations imposed by his surname. Readers trying to find another Grisham will be disappointed...Simon gives uses the murder story as the canvas to bring to light some complex human interactions...

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I hope Mr. Tolkien is at work on another novel. I will certainly watch for it.

Rating:
Summary: highly recommended
Review: I loved this. It really kept me guessing and turning the pages. Anyone who likes classic suspense novels or courtroom dramas won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: Tolkien does not disappoint
Review: I picked up this book also because of the author's name, but found it a great read that kept my interest throughout. It is well written, and unlike many current mystery best sellers, has a well developed plot that is consistent and credible throughout. The characters are well developed and complex, as real human beings are. I truly did not know until the end what the resolution would be, and that is rare these days. I read 7 to 10 books a week, and this is one of the best

Rating:
Summary: Tolkien does not disappoint
Review: I picked up this book also because of the author's name, but found it a great read that kept my interest throughout. It is well written, and unlike many current mystery best sellers, has a well developed plot that is consistent and credible throughout. The characters are well developed and complex, as real human beings are. I truly did not know until the end what the resolution would be, and that is rare these days. I read 7 to 10 books a week, and this is one of the best

Rating:
Summary: Good 1st book
Review: I picked up this book because it WAS a courtroom drama without knowing who the author was til I read about him in the back cover.
I had no problem following the plot and knew that had to be the connection of the accused to the mystery man before it was stumbled on almost belatedly by the boy for the final witness.
I found a few inconsistencies in the editing but nothing serious. Namely the ability of Sir Peter to reach his home by phone after it had been explained the phone lines had been cut outside the home requiring Tom to run to the neighbors to call emergency.
All in all I think the author did a bang up job for a first novel