Steve Solomon, law partner and lover of Victoria Lord, is in big trouble. While it is not unusual for him to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, that doesn't usually lead to his arrest for murder. Generally a wise-ass whose motto is more like "if the facts don't fit the law, bend the facts," Steve Solomon definitely needs Jake Lassiter pleading his case.
The book begins with a short (half page) and exciting first chapter. A sleazy bar owner is killed, and Solomon is found with the gun in the room with the body. His story about the bar girl who suddenly disappeared has everyone wondering, but Lassiter takes the case. The combination of both series characters makes for some interesting moments, especially when the inevitable chemistry between Lassiter and Lord contributes to Solomon fans' angst about his situation.
Sometimes author Levine's descriptions of female characters become a bit too stereo typical for me. I don't care if they are tall, cantaloupe breasted or wearing four inch heels. Surely a man who has made it through law school and successfully defended many clients notices more than the surface appearance of the women he meets. On the other hand, much of the banter is in character, and the reading audience seems to love it, so I guess I must slog through it to get to the good parts.
Bum Rap has some interesting characters, good dialogue and great court room scenes. The detective work kept me interested and I loved the Miami background. It is definitely a light summer read that kept me guessing without straining my brain.
- Beverly
Publisher - Thomas & Mercer
Date of Publication - July 1, 2015