I've been reading John Lescroart since book 1 and have enjoyed the series and characters as they develop novel to novel. This go-around, we are treated to Dismas Hardy's secretary, Phyllis. Although I found her character's political opinions and social commentary irritating, it did not distract too much from the narrative.
This book ties up loose ends from previous novels. Basically it's a battle of the wits and a race to the finish line between Dismas Hardy and newly elected District Attorney Ron Jameson, each side with clandestine plotting meetings and investigators on the payroll to see who can prove the other is a murderer first. Throw in a parolee brother who is nothing but trouble, a couple more bodies to account for, an underground railroad for illegal immigrants, (got all that?) and we have ourselves a heck of a novel. I'm surprised Mr. Lescroart wrapped it up with a red bow at the end so we can start novel #19 on a clean slate, so to speak. Satisfying for long time enthusiasts, probably more than a little confusing for the first-time reader (pssst: start with book #1). Will be waiting until the next offering in the series...

Intricate plot, razor sharp dialogue and fast moving characters and action are hallmarks of Lescroart's novels and this one is true to form.

Published by Atria Books on January 22, 2019

The new Dismas Hardy novel begins with an avalanche of change. Ron Jameson, who got away with murder, has protected himself by getting elevated to a position of power that allows him to deflect suspicions. Jameson has been elected District Attorney, defeating Hardy’s friend and former law partner, Wes Farrell. Hardy invites Farrell back into the firm, along with Gina Roake, who quit the practice to write novels, only to find that writing novels doesn’t pay the bills as easily as practicing law. Hardy’s friend Abe Glitsky retired from his job as an investigator in the DA’s office when Farrell was defeated. Glitsky’s wife Treya, who had been Farrell’s secretary, also retired. Now that Hardy has two new partners, he’s hoping he won’t need to work as many hours.

Things seem to be going well until Hardy’s loyal secretary, Phyllis McGowan, mysteriously vanishes for a couple of days. Hardy noses around and discovers that her brother was recently released from prison. A few days later, things seem back to normal until some goons from the police department show up with an arrest warrant and haul Phyllis off to jail. Hardy, naturally, represents her.

Jameson charges Phyllis with the rare crime of being an accessory after the fact — in this case, an accessory to murder. The alleged murderer is Celia Montoya and the victim is Hector Valdez, who was allegedly trafficking women. Phyllis’ brother was allegedly a witness to the murder and is the reason for Phyllis’ arrest. Hardy suspects she’s in jail because she works for the firm that now employs Farrell, the DA who lost his election to Jameson. Professional courtesies, like allowing Hardy to surrender Phyllis voluntarily, have gone out the window.

Jameson got elected as a “tough on crime” candidate, which is the first sign that he’s a jerk. I mean, is anyone in favor of crime? Of course not. “Tough on crime” always means “tough on the Constitution.”

When Hardy and Jameson go to war, one of Jameson’s investigators decides to reinvestigate the Dockside Massacres. Series fans will know why Hardy and his friends don’t want to draw attention to that particular episode, which unfolds in three novels (The First Law, The Second Chair, and The Motive) and is revisited in The Ophelia Cut. New readers might want to check out The Ophelia Cut before reading The Rule of Law. It isn’t essential to do so, but The Ophelia Cut is one of the best entries in the series, so it won’t be wasted time.

In some Dismas Hardy novels, including this one, John Lescroart gives the reader information right away that Hardy only learns or suspects later in the story. In this case, the reader knows from page one that Jameson committed murder, so this isn’t a whodunit. The plot instead focuses on the efforts of Hardy, Glitsky, and the rest of the team to prove Jameson’s guilt while exonerating (more or less) Phyllis and worrying about their exposure in the Dockside Massacres.

The case is timely in that it involves San Francisco’s status as a sanctuary city and the political aspirations of people (like Jameson) who want to want to make headlines by being either for or against local resistance to the hardball tactics of ICE. Jameson is happy to play both sides of the debate as long as he gets headlines. The Rule of Law takes on the Trump administration’s immoral and heavy-handed approach to immigration enforcement — an approach that discourages immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating in criminal investigations for fear that they will be taken into custody and deported. If you are a Trump fan, you’ll probably hate this book, as well as most books that reflect a realistic and compassionate view of how America’s leadership has betrayed its values. If you are a crime fiction fan, you’ll probably regard The Rule of Law as another winning entry in the Dismas Hardy series.

RECOMMENDED

Dismas Hardy is now in his sixties and is looking to slow down his day to day activity at his San Francisco based law firm. His pal, Wes Farrell has lost his re-election bid for DA and his friend, Gina Roake who is the former fiancée to Hardy’s now deceased partner, wants to return to the practice of law after a hiatus to write novels. Hardy takes his two colleagues into his law firm and looks forward to less stressful managing partner duties as opposed to high drama defense lawyering.
But that is not to be. Hardy’s long time secretary Phyllis, known for her efficient work habits but private personal life, takes some unexplained days off. The day she returns she is arrested in Hardy’s office for allegedly being an accessory to murder. Phyllis apparently is a member of an underground railroad that helps undocumented immigrants acclimate into American society. One such person she helps is accused of murdering a smuggler. The new DA, Ron Jameson is delighted to tweak Wes Farrell, the former DA and Hardy for his association with Farrell by rushing to judgement in arresting Phyllis.
But Jameson has some skeletons in his own closet. Hardy works with his best friend and former head of homicide, Abe Glitsky to dig around in the new DA’s past. This proves to be more dangerous than anticipated.
The book is fast paced and interesting with lots of legal maneuvering. The plot comes close to the plausibility line but the drama and unexpected twists keep you engaged. Long time Lescroart fans should not miss this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance look.

This series and this author are a bedrock. Consistently entertaining and well written, they never fail to capture and hold my interest.

I want him stopped. I don't want me and the rest of the legal community in this city to have to live the next four years playing by his rules, which - trust me- are not the rule of law.

After Hardy's secretary is arrested by the new DA, Hardy firmly believes that the legal community is in trouble. Phyllis his secretary was physically hurt during her arrest and improperly indicted by a grand jury that the DA had pushed. Now Hardy is representing his secretary and is learning about the work she did after hours. Helping illegal immigrants go on to Canada. Working as a underground railroad, she put herself in harms way. Was the indictment of Phyllis a jab to Hardy and his firm?

A thriller on the what happens when absolute power corrupts absolutely. Hardy must find the DA weakness and go against all odds in vindicating his saint of a secretary Phyllis. What he uncovers that the rule of the law only seeks the truth.

A Special Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I have read all of the Dismus Hardy series and have enjoyed following his story. This one was a good addition. Although there was more than one plot happening, it was still easy to follow. It is very well written and entertaining. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

How many ways can i say i love love LOVE the Dismas Hardy series and I am always SO happy when I see a new one coming down the pipe. This one was a good read, especially if you've followed along and you love Phyllis ( Isort of aspire to be like her). Turns out the proper, professional, stodgy old lady has some underground connections and a very interesting story to tell. There were a LOT of characters in this book, but Lescroart makes up for it with skillful writing and as always some great twists. I hope we're not anywhere near close to seeing the last of the Hardy series!

"The Rule of Law" by John Lescroart, Atria Books, 336 pages, Jan. 22, 2019.
 
San Francisco defense attorney Dismas Hardy and his firm have added a new partner, Wes Farrell, the former district attorney who lost his bid for re-election to Ron Jameson.
 
Jameson has a grudge against Hardy and Harry's best friend, Abe Glitsky, who retired as head of homicide. Jameson is also hiding a big secret; he killed Peter Ash, who was having an affair with Jameson's wife, Kate, and Kate murdered his law partner, Geoff Cooke, to frame him for Ash's murder.
 
Hardy's long time secretary, Phyllis McGowan doesn't show up for work for several days. Hardy can't reach her. He learns that her brother, Adam, was just released from prison where he served a sentence for robbery and murder.
 
Phyllis returns to work, but then she is arrested as an accessory to murder in the death of Hector Valdez. Hardy didn't know that Phyllis is part of an Underground Railroad to help undocumented people.
 
This is the 18th in the series. While there is some backstory from earlier books, enough is explained that new readers can follow the story. There are a lot of characters, many of whom play minor roles, but it is well plotted.
 
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Here's another good read by John Lescroart. I have enjoyed reading this series of books. There a couple of sections that are a little too drawn out. Overall this was a good read. I can't wait until the next book in this series.

The Rule of Law by John Lescroart
A Dimas Hardy Novel #18

I usually don’t step into a series on book eighteen but for some reason did just that with this book and had no trouble at all following the story. In fact, it may have made me want to go back and begin with book one of the series and read them all!

As mentioned in the blurb about the book The long-time employee of Dismas Precision Hardy (and there is a story I want to hear in the future) has gone missing. He begins to worry early on as her disappearance is so against her normal pattern of behavior. So, he decides to play sleuth and find out what he can about her whereabouts only to have her show up in a few days and immediately be taken into custody by the police. Since he is a lawyer, doesn’t believe she is guilty and has a feeling it is payback of some sort he dives into clearing her name. There is murder and prostitution and human trafficking and political intrigue and a major cover-up and good friends dealing together with issues as they no doubt have done before in the previous books. I believe the author was tying up threads he felt were left hanging from previous stories but they all flowed seamlessly as the story unfolded.

This book did bring to light an intriguing underground railroad that I was unaware of and when I looked it up online learned even more. This was an interesting and intriguing story that left me wondering if it could have really happened but as I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters I didn’t worry too much about the details.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books – Simon & Schuster for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

Have you discovered John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy yet? If not, you are missing out on a crackerjack series to which this book is a sterling addition. This is the eighteenth in the series, but if you were to start with this one it stands on its own, so that wouldn’t be a problem.

Dismas is a lawyer in San Francisco; a former cop and assistant DA. In this book his longtime, stalwart secretary Phyllis is arrested as an accessory after the fact in a murder case. The new District Attorney has it in for Dismas and his friends because one of Dismas’ partners is the previous District Attorney. Phyllis is arrested at work and treated so roughly that her shoulder is dislocated. I don’t like spoilers so I am not going to say anything more about the plot.

This is an engrossing, I-can’t-put-it-down novel. Like all of Lescroart’s books you get pulled in immediately. This particular book is extremely timely; there are immigration and political issues involved which make it feel as if you could have read some of it in your morning newspaper. I enjoyed that aspect very much, as too many writers tend to set their books in a bubble outside of current events.

I highly recommend this excellent legal thriller, even to those who tend not to read in this genre. This is the best of the best, and worth your time.

In this 18th book in the 'Dismas Hardy' series, John Lescroart ties up hanging elements from previous books. Thus the author revisits crimes that occurred in 'The First Law' - where Russian mobsters were implicated in mass murder and 'Fatal' - where infidelity had dire consequences. Though this book could be read as a standalone, familiarity with the series is beneficial.

*****

Dismas Hardy's genteel secretary Phyllis McGowan has worked in his San Francisco law firm for nearly forty years, and considers it her sacred duty to monitor visitors to his office.

Thus Hardy is shocked when Phyllis disappears from her desk for several days without explanation. Hardy is even more flabbergasted when Phyllis returns and is arrested for being an accessory to murder. Moreover, the arrest is rough and humiliating, and results in Phyllis having a dislocated shoulder.

Hardy is certain this harsh treatment was instigated by District Attorney Ron Jameson, a power hungry egomaniac who has a grudge against Hardy.

Hardy not only campaigned against Jameson in the last election, he made Jameson's rival Wes Farrell a partner in his law firm.

When Hardy gets a chance to speak to Phyllis, he learns that her ex-convict brother Adam asked her to assist an illegal immigrant named Celia Montoya. Phyllis agreed, with dire consequences. Celia has now been arrested for murdering Hector Valdez, the brutal pimp who forced her into prostitution - and Phyllis is accused of helping Celia flee.

Hardy, who's furious about Phyllis's harsh treatment, files official complaints against Jameson and engineers a scathing newspaper column about him. Jameson is furious and embarrassed, especially when his teenage children take him to task. As retribution, Jameson starts an investigation into a ten-year-old crime that involved Hardy's client John Holiday. The case was closed, but Jameson believes that Hardy and his friend - former Head of Homicide Abe Glitsky - were implicated somehow.

The situation is even more complicated because SFPD Homicide Inspectors Beth Tully and Ike McCaffrey believe that District Attorney Jameson LITERALLY committed a felony several years ago, and pinned the crime on someone else. With the encouragement of Hardy and Glitsky, the Inspectors are quietly reopening the case.

All this sets up a complex 'cat and mouse' scenario where Hardy wants to take Jameson down, and Jameson hopes to get Hardy indicted.

To say more would be a spoiler.

Other important characters in the story include Jameson's wife Kate - who feels his new job as District Attorney is driving a wedge between them; Jameson's secretary Andrea - a beautiful woman who catches his eye; and District Attorney's investigator Chet Greene - who's determined to 'find the dirt' on Hardy and Glitsky.

The novel held my attention, but it's not one of Lescroart's best books. The plot feels repetitious since Investigator Greene questions one person after another about the same thing, with no new answers. On top of that, the story's climax is too much like a deus ex machina, and left me feeling unsatisfied.

Still, I'd recommend the book to Dismas Hardy fans who want to keep up with the lives of favorite recurring characters.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (John Lescroart) and the publisher (Atria) for a copy of the book.

A solid 4 stars.
Another taut thriller from John Lescroart. The bad guys are revealed early on, so the book is more of a thriller than a mystery. This book resolves murders that took place in a stand alone by Lescroart, Fatal, and I urge you to read that before this book. This is book 18 in the series and they work better if read in order, although I have not done that.
I can't reveal too much about the plot, without spoilers to Fatal. The book revolves around a nasty feud between the District Attorney, Ron Jameson, and Dismas Hardy, a lawyer and friend of Wes Farrell. Farrell was Jameson's opponent in the election and Jameson is out for revenge.
Some other characters who play a role in the book:
Abe Glitsky, retired San Francisco PD Chief of Detectives
Chet Greene DA investigator
Beth Tully, SFPD detective
Some quotes:
"Which meant that both of them, husband and wife, were killers.
And after you murder someone, life is never the same."
"Lawyers looking for fun" Glitsky said. There's something you don't hear everyday."
Thank You Tasha Hilton at Atria Books for sending this book through NetGalley

Dismas Hardy is back with all of his friends in a complex case that is ripped from the headlines. A new district attorney, surrounded by whispers of having committed murder and remaining undetected, uses his office to settle political scores. The first case on the DA’s agenda involves a sanctuary case and somehow, Hardy’s long-time faithful secretary. Before this case is resolved, San Francisco legal politics will be turned upside down and inside out. This is another strong addition to the Dismas Hardy series and well-worth reading. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

In this latest installment in a long running legal thriller series, Lescroart addresses not only murder and corruption but also the sanctuary movement and the problems undocumented persons face in the judicial system. Dismas finds himself battling a wide array of forces when his longtime devoted secretary Phyllis is arrested as accessory to murder after she drove Celia, who allegedly murdered the man who trafficked her, to safety. Phyllis' brother, the odious Adam, is a real problem here. One issue I had, btw, is that Phyllis, who has worked for a defense attorney for 25 years, should not have been as naive as she was about so many things. At the same time, the case opens up a ball of wax involving murders by the new DA (!) and his wife (!). Fans of this series will no doubt enjoy how threads from previous books pull together; as a casual reader (I've not read all of them), I was confused in spots as to who was who. While Lescroat does his best to make this readable as a standalone, sometimes there's too much backstory (not clear what is relevant) and at others there isn't quite enough. No matter what, this is a complex legal tale which will keep you engaged. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

"After you murder someone, life is never the same." What a great opening line!!

Dismas Hardy is back with his crew, handling notable legal cases in San Francisco. Wes Farell lost his re-election to DA and is once again working with Hardy, and it doesn't take long to realize the new DA, Ron Jameson, is doing everything in his power to make life for Hardy, his partners, and his firm difficult.

Phylis, Hardy's personal secretary for forty years, has been charged as an accessory to murder after the fact in a case is related to human trafficking.

It has been awhile since I read a book in this series, and while it took me some time to remember the backstories of the full, rich characters which are as much a hallmark of Lescroat books as his plots, I fell comfortably back in the fold and enjoyed the read. For those who haven't read this series, it would be best to start at the beginning.

3.5 stars from me. Lescroart always can be counted on to deliver a good read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dismas Hardy and his exploits make me avoid completing the tasks I should so I can keep up with his! Once again this is another well plotted, well written and well developed character study and legal thriller. I won’t go into the plot other than to say it deals with current, relatively recent and long ago murders. Hardy fans will be familiar with some from previous novels. This was an excellent and absorbing read. Thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for an e-Galley for an honest review.

Dismas Hardy does it again! John Lescroart's hero never disappoints. Another great story and read. Dismas is standing up for the people in this one, as usual. Lot of the same cast of characters and a couple of new ones. You can never go wrong curling up with a Lescroart/Hardy book!

Thank you net galley for the book! I have read all the Dimas Hardy books and this one did not disappoint. Dismas Hardy, Abe Glitsky, Wes Farrell and the rest of the gang return.
Wes has lost the District Attorney election to Ron Jameson who is gunning for Dismas, his firm and anyone who is involved with him.
DIsmas Hardy’s secretary Phyliss is arrested for helping a murderer get away, thinking she was helping a poor illegal immigrant. She is a pawn to help bring down everyone associated with the old district attorney, Wes Ferrell.
The writing is excellent, the action builds and things happen. I did feel that reading previous books helped in my enjoyment of the book. I really like this series