Genre: Legal Thriller
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I find that the best books are the ones that grab my emotions early in the story. The Alligator Man starts with a plot somewhat typical of the genre. Kevin Wylie works for a big firm and discovers that his boss is less than honest in his dealings. Add to this a girlfriend who is ready to walk, and an estranged father who is dying, and some authors would get lost in the plodding. James Sheehan is not your typical author. He takes us to St Albans, Florida where alligators can grab a man right off the street. Then he introduces us to Roy Johnson, one of the most hated corporate leaders in America, whose former company, Dynatron, caused the suffering of most of the town.
The death of Roy and subsequent arrest of Billy Fuller, a former employee of Dynatron who lost his wife, house and good friend because of Johnson's betrayal, gives Kevin a reason to stay in his childhood town. His father's deteriorating health keeps him there as the estranged pair begin to work together.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters as the story built in intensity. The main characters were realistically portrayed and though the plot was farfetched at times, it always kept me coming back. The side characters were interesting and definitely showed small town appeal. I particularly liked the woman who ran the diner and gossiped whenever given the chance. What small town would be complete without her?
I would like to think that there are quite a few lawyers like Kevin Wylie around, and I am hoping that Sheehan brings him back in a future novel.
- Beverly
Publisher - Center Street
Date of Publication - October 8, 2013
The death of Roy and subsequent arrest of Billy Fuller, a former employee of Dynatron who lost his wife, house and good friend because of Johnson's betrayal, gives Kevin a reason to stay in his childhood town. His father's deteriorating health keeps him there as the estranged pair begin to work together.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters as the story built in intensity. The main characters were realistically portrayed and though the plot was farfetched at times, it always kept me coming back. The side characters were interesting and definitely showed small town appeal. I particularly liked the woman who ran the diner and gossiped whenever given the chance. What small town would be complete without her?
I would like to think that there are quite a few lawyers like Kevin Wylie around, and I am hoping that Sheehan brings him back in a future novel.
- Beverly
Publisher - Center Street
Date of Publication - October 8, 2013
