Not the author's best work

I have read most of this author's work and usually enjoy it enough that I automatically order whatever he writes. This book let me down. The plot was excellent, but there were some really stupid plot points. For example, the main character is an attorney. He is working on a court-appointed murder case. Not only does the judge assign the top-rated criminal defense attorney in the area to help him. but a beautiful woman shows up out of nowhere and he hires her (no showing of ID or any paperwork?) to help with the case. But he thinks everything is just fine and doesn't question anything. The person accused of the murder is a math genius turned artist who thinks he was taught by Michelangelo in a previous life. He wears a robe and seems to talk with either an accent or just poor American english grammar. That got old really quickly.

The writing itself felt unrealistic. People just don't talk the way they do in this book.

I kept looking at the cover for a mention of a co-author. This, other than the plot line, did not seem up to Mr. Margolin's normal standards and I kept looking for someone else to blame. Maybe an intern helped. I will still order his next book, but may wait for the paperback.

Charlie Webb is a third rate lawyer who lucks into a major case when an artist steals a flash drive along with a painting of his from a restaurant owner. The story unfolds quickly and turns into a very good legal thriller with twists and turns before it's all done. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Title: An Insignificant Case
Author: Phillip Margolin
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books
Pub Date: November 5, 2024
My Rating: 3.8 Stars
Pages: 304

Charlie Webb is average. In fact, he was an average student, attended an average university then onto an average law school. He did pass the bar but was never offered a position in an above average law firm so opened his own. His clients are … you guessed it – average.

Charlie’s life is about to change when the court appoints him the attorney for an artist who calls himself Guido Sabatini (born Lawrence Weiss). , is also an accomplished card shark and burglar and by no means average but ‘very unique’.

Sabatini has been arrested –for stealing his own painting from Gretchen Hall the owner of a popular restaurant La Bella Roma’ who brought one of his paintings however he is insulted that she placed his painting where he considers hidden from patrons. BTW: This isn’t the first time he has done this! However, this time he not only took back his own painting but also took something from the safe- no not money- something more valuable to Gretchen Hall. It was a thumb drive which has incriminating evidence.
Next thing we know Gretchen is dead and guess who is accused….. and wants our average lawyer to be his attorney!!

Since I am a fan of awesome legal thrillers as well as fun ones such as David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter-I did like this!
This was a fun read, Yes! I call myself a Phillip Margolin – especially love the Robin Lockwood series and am I anxiously waiting for Book #8 in that series!!

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 5, 2024.

An Insignificant Case is a new stand-alone thriller by Phillip Margolin. Charlie Webb is the new kid on the block. Fresh out of law school and working on court-appointed cases to survive. One day he is assigned a robbery case that changes the course of his life.

This novel felt like two books in one. The beginning started strong, and 60% in felt like we started a sequel. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly and I think this could have worked as the start of a new series following Charlie Webb. Overall it was enjoyable just not my favorite Phillip Margolin.

Pass the cannolis. This one has staying power.

Guido Sabatini, artist extraordinaire, believes that he was trained by the renowned masters Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Believe it. He does. Guido's paintings are breathtaking in their beauty of old Venice and its waterways. His talent is undeniable........but its source is questionable.

Guido has changed his original identity from being a math wizard and professional gambler to his present creative status. He was known then as Lawrence Weiss. Guido/Larry bought a beautiful farm and uses the barn to produce his magnificent artwork.

But Guido has a misstep. A major one. He sold one of his masterpieces to Gretchen Hall, owner of La Bella Roma restaurant where the pasta and cannolis reign. Guido took issue of where Gretchen hung his prize art.......in her office rather than in the eatery for full view. He later breaks in to steal the painting. He opens her safe to look for some bargaining power. What he finds inside will circle the wagons around this storyline. Guido's life is now in danger. Big time.

In steps Charlie Webb who has been viewed as "average" in all his endeavors. Charlie passed the Bar but hasn't really made inroads into the legal field. That is until Guido chooses Charlie to represent him in the burglary case that transforms into a possible sex trafficking game that turns into murder and definite mayhem. Charlie, munch on one of those cannolis.......you'll definitely need the sugar.

An Insignificant Case is an entertaining read brought to you by Phillip Margolin who always guarantees chapters that fly by and characters who gallop alongside it. It's a definite one to search out like in the Godfather flick......leave the gun and grab the cannolis.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Phillip Margolin for the opportunity.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press for the copy of An Insignificant Case by Phillip Margolin. The writing drew me right into the compelling but somewhat distasteful story. I liked how the book kept me guessing until the end. The only thing I really hated was having the description of a woman being about her tight jeans and how one man kept thinking of sleeping with her. This is 2024, shouldn’t there be other ways of making a woman attractive that isn’t only about looks? We also had to hear a description of what was on the thumb drive at least twice. UGH. Books by Margolin are always fast and easy to read and this was no exception. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley,  Phillip Margolin, and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy of "An Insignificant Case".

I absolutely loved this book! Phillip Margolin has once again delivered a gripping legal thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Charlie Webb, the underdog lawyer with a knack for getting into the most unexpected situations, is a character you can't help but root for. Despite his humble beginnings and unremarkable career, Charlie is thrust into the most dangerous and high-stakes case of his life, and watching him navigate this treacherous world is both thrilling and satisfying.

If you're a fan of legal thrillers, or just looking for a great read, I highly recommend this book. Phillip Margolin has proven once again why he is a master of the genre, and this novel is a brilliant example of his work. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, suspenseful story!

Charlie Webb, described as a “third rate” lawyer ekes out an existence by defending shady characters such as motorcycle gang members. He is appointed to defend a colorful character who sees himself as the reincarnation of artist Guido Sabatini. For him, painting is all. He breaks into the office of someone who has purchased one of his works to steal it back because she disrespected his talent by not hanging it where the public could view it. He also steals something out of her safe that turns out to be evidence in a sex trafficking case that may involve some important public figures. In the race to get the evidence back, three people are killed and Guido is charged with their murder. He insists that Charlie defend him, even though he has never defended a homicide suspect. The dangerous chase is on by both the good guys and the bad to reclaim the evidence and bring charges against the real killers and sex traffickers.

Through the years, I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Margolin’s books, especially the more recent ones in his attorney Robin Lockwood series. An Insignificant Case is a standalone. Although a bit predictable, there were some twists in this fast, entertaining read. Recommended for those who enjoy mysteries, thrillers, crime novels, legal thrillers, and quirky characters.

This wasn't bad, per se. But I felt bored at points and not really scared. The book was good, but IDK if legal thrillers are for me...yet. However, if you are into that kind of thing, this book is well-written and probably more your cup of tea.

An Insignificant Case is a gripping legal thriller that stands out for its detailed portrayal of the legal system and its moral complexities. The strengths of the book lie in its dynamic plot, realistic characters, and Margolin's adept storytelling. However, some readers might find the legal jargon and procedural details a bit overwhelming if they are not familiar with such settings. Overall, it is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery with ethical dilemmas.

So-called "third-rate" Charlie Webb is the central figure in Philip Margolin's novel An Insignificant Case. Webb starts out weak but ends up strong as gets involved in major cases after representing a strange artist in an insignificant case. Margolin does a great job in bringing interesting characters and some interesting plot twists to his novel.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

An Insignificant Case- A THRILLER is a misleading title. it does have some suspense, but certainly not a white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat, breathtaking thriller! It’s a mystery but the thrills and chills are absent. Still, a very good mystery with some twists and turns I didn’t see coming!

An Insignificant Case is a fast and fun read! Pacing slowed in the middle and my interest waned a bit. Also, I wish the characters had been developed to a greater dimension. Charlie is a very endearing character and I hope this will be the premier of a new series! Phillip Margolin is known for his intense courtroom drama novels; this is a nice but lighter addition to his repertoire!

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

3.5*
The latest stand-alone legal thriller from the talented and established author, Phillip Margolin.

Charlie Webb may not be the first lawyer you’d necessarily turn to when finding yourself in a pickle. He works independently, barely making enough money to put a roof over his head… and his personal life doesn’t fare much better.

But a golden opportunity lands in his lap to defend a man named Guido Sabatini. (At least that’s how he likes to refer to himself.)

He’s an artist who’s accused of stealing back one of his paintings. The motivation? He didn’t like where the purchaser hung it!😂 But in the midst of the art heist, Guido helped himself to a thumb-drive that it seems everyone wants to get their hands on.

Now Charlie is really in over his head… the stakes just ramped-up to murder charges!

I would classify this book as legal thriller-lite. As with most books by this author they are quick, enjoyable reads. I did hope for a bit more character development with Charlie and some of the others. I think it would have added a bit more depth to the storyline.

Overall, another entertaining addition to Phillip Margolin's catalogue of legal thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

I wanted to add a quick personal note - I have enjoyed Margolin's books for decades, so I was thrilled to find an offering from him on Netgalley; he certainly is a "tried and true" famous author of captivating mysteries and legal thrillers..

Phillip Margolin’s latest standalone novel, An Insignificant Case, is a masterful blend of legal drama and suspense that keeps you turning the pages...

Set against the backdrop of Oregon’s legal landscape, the novel introduces us to Charlie Webb, a lawyer whose career and life have been anything but remarkable—until now.

Charlie Webb, a washed-up lawyer from a lower rung law school, has spent his career handling minor cases for dubious clients and court-appointed cases. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is appointed to defend Guido Sabatini, a crackpot artist with a penchant for trouble. Sabatini, born Lawrence Weiss, is arrested for breaking into a restaurant to steal back a painting he sold, only to also swipe a thumb drive from the owner’s safe. This odd and simple theft begins a cascade of other actions and unexpected consequences.

Margolin excels in character development, particularly with Charlie Webb. Described in book description as “a leaky boat floating down the stream of life,” Webb’s transformation from an insignificant lawyer to a key player in a high-stakes case is made compelling and believable.

This novel explores themes of redemption, the quest for justice, and the unexpected ways in which seemingly insignificant events can alter the course of one’s life. 

Margolin’s writing is crisp and fast-paced, with just the right amount of legal jargon to keep the story grounded without overwhelming the reader. 

An Insignificant Case is a thrilling ride that showcases Phillip Margolin’s expertise in legal thrillers. With well-drawn characters, a gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Not a single insignificant thing to be found here!
Margolin has struck gold, once again, in his stand alone thriller about attorney Charlie Webb and Leonard Weiss (aka Guido Sabatini).
Charlie, a not too famous attorney about town, is assigned Guido's ( as he prefers to be known ) case involving his theft of a picture he had painted and sold to the owner of a local Italian restaurant and then proceeded to break into and steal back because he did not like the placement of the picture. A simple case of B&E which could easily be dismissed with return of the picture and some community service suddenly takes on epic proportions when it turns out to that isn't all Guido stole. He also made off with a thumb drive whose contents can apparently topple current govt officials and city leaders.
All of a sudden non descript Charlie, along with his client, become the targets of hit men out to retrieve the drive.
A great thrilling and absolutely riveting story with amazingly interesting sub stories and characters who jump right off the pages.
Would love to have another Charlie Webb adventure unfold.



that jump right off the pages.

Charlie Webb, an unremarkable attorney with a small practice, is appointed to represent an eccentric artist, accused of a burglary. What at first appears to be a simple matter explodes when the accused artist also steals a thumb drive that contains incriminating information that puts both the artist and Charlie’s life at stake. An Insignificant Case is an enjoyable, quick read with quirky characters, some dark humor, and an engaging plot. The courtroom scenes are perfect - no overly tedious legal jargon or maneuvering, just straightforward testimony that’ll hold your interest. Loved the characters and the banter between them, and the ending hints at another book, which would be welcomed! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely fantastic!! I loved this book so much!! I could not put it down. (Seriously). Charlie Webb is a middle-of the-road attorney starting out in his career. Taking small cases - largely court appointed. His life begins to change when he's asked to take on Guido Sabatini (born Lawrence Weiss) as a client. Guido believes he's the reincarnation of an Italian painter that studied with the masters. Nothing takes him away from his painting (and he's really good). However, when a client did not display his artwork in a prominent place, Guido breaks in, steals the painting, and some other easy-to-conceal items from the client's safe. Of particular note, is a missing flash drive that Charlie cannot get Guido to confirm or deny that he has. I'd be remiss if I did not mention that Charlie does work for a biker gang... and he enlists them to protect Guido when bodies start piling up and attempts are made on this life. Seriously, everyone needs the Barbarians in their back pocket. As always, Mr. Margolin has written such a deep and fantastic character - here's hoping that perhaps Amanda Jaffe or Robin Lockwood make a cameo in the next Charlie Webb book! Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an advanced reader of the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another enjoyable offering from Philip Margolin. I have enjoyed his books and the characters he weaves in and out if his narratives.

Margolin continually knocks out a wonderful legal thrill and this is no exception. Charlie is a down-at-the-heels public defender assigned to represent an artist who steals back his work if he doesn't like where it's been hung. Read the novel for Guido if nothing else.
Guido happened to steal some incriminating evidence with his latest are retrieval and now both Guido and Charlie are running for the lives. The bright light for me is seeing insignificant Charlie realize his worth and legal brilliance has nothing to do with the grades he got in law school. He is acing life.

A superb book by Phillip Margolin and I hope you can sense the thrill when you reading this novel, An Insignificant Case. I really like the protagonist, Charlie, and I hope can find more books with this character. Thanks.