Judge Norcross is an "everyman" sort of character whom we can all relate to in The One-Eyed Judge. There are no life saving heroics...only a man determined to do the best he can in a job that often sets up difficult choices. His home life is as challenging as his days in court, and Ponsor does a great job making the reader feel invested in a positive outcome for this inherently good man.
Norcross lost his wife several years before and is now dating Claire, a professor from a nearby college. When her colleague, Sidney Cranmer is arrested for purchasing and being in possession of child pornography, his case is presented in Norcross' courtroom. The conflict is evident, and the judge and Claire are determined to separate this case from their lives.
It is difficult at times to read about child pornography, and I appreciate Ponsor's efforts to tell the story as gently as possible. Cranmer's interest in suspected pedophile Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, does not help his case, and his defense attorney wants him to accept a plea. His attorney, the prosecuting attorney and the FBI agent who is overseeing the case are all portrayed well and capture the readers' interest as the book progresses.
Meanwhile, due to a tragic accident, Judge Norcross must take responsibility for his two young nieces while he juggles his cases and his relationship with Claire. Again, Ponsor shows us a man struggling instead of a superhero becoming an instantly perfect father-figure. I enjoyed this second book in a series and hated getting to the last page. I am anxiously looking forward to the next offering from an author who made my "must read" list.
- Beverly
Publisher - Open Road Media Mystery & Thriller
Date of Publication - June 6, 2017