Genre: Legal Thriller
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During the last few years the opioid crisis has filled the pages of many newspapers, magazines and books. Who is to blame? Why is the use of heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc., on the rise? Are doctors prescribing too many pain killers? J. D. Trafford approaches this topic with a vengeance in his latest novel, Without Precedent.
Corporate attorney Matthew Daley is one of the most successful defenders of pharmaceutical companies in the country. His latest success comes at the same time his sister Allison dies of a heroin overdose, rendering the offer of a promotion bittersweet. His return home before her funeral sets his life in a whole new direction.
Taking a stand for his sister, he takes on a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical company represented by a team of New York corporate attorneys, trying to prove that their drug was the first step in his sister’s heroin addiction. Trafford’s knowledge of this issue, whether by research or experience, draws the reader in, and his likable protagonist keeps us interested.
I found myself disliking "Big Pharma" even more than I thought I did, when I read about their relationship with the physicians who prescribe their products. I realize that the description of these corporate bigwigs was fictional yet I can’t help but believe that there is a ring of truth in the author’s words.
As much as I liked Matthew, I did think some of the other characters were a bit weak. His alcoholic mother could have been much more interesting if her backstory had been developed. His father was superficially presented too, even though there seemed a great deal to develop there. I kept waiting to find out more about his brother, Jackson, and friend, Sherman, who helped build his ragtag team. Imagine the fun Trafford could have had building the character of Jackson, a liberal redneck.
The story itself was compelling though, and the reader can’t help but cheer for this New York lawyer who returns to fight a hometown battle. I have reviewed several of Trafford’s novels, and liked them all enough to anxiously await his next one.
- Beverly
Publisher - Thomas & Mercer
Date of Publication - March 12, 2019
Corporate attorney Matthew Daley is one of the most successful defenders of pharmaceutical companies in the country. His latest success comes at the same time his sister Allison dies of a heroin overdose, rendering the offer of a promotion bittersweet. His return home before her funeral sets his life in a whole new direction.
Taking a stand for his sister, he takes on a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical company represented by a team of New York corporate attorneys, trying to prove that their drug was the first step in his sister’s heroin addiction. Trafford’s knowledge of this issue, whether by research or experience, draws the reader in, and his likable protagonist keeps us interested.
I found myself disliking "Big Pharma" even more than I thought I did, when I read about their relationship with the physicians who prescribe their products. I realize that the description of these corporate bigwigs was fictional yet I can’t help but believe that there is a ring of truth in the author’s words.
As much as I liked Matthew, I did think some of the other characters were a bit weak. His alcoholic mother could have been much more interesting if her backstory had been developed. His father was superficially presented too, even though there seemed a great deal to develop there. I kept waiting to find out more about his brother, Jackson, and friend, Sherman, who helped build his ragtag team. Imagine the fun Trafford could have had building the character of Jackson, a liberal redneck.
The story itself was compelling though, and the reader can’t help but cheer for this New York lawyer who returns to fight a hometown battle. I have reviewed several of Trafford’s novels, and liked them all enough to anxiously await his next one.
- Beverly
Publisher - Thomas & Mercer
Date of Publication - March 12, 2019
