Dead Even
by Brad Meltzer
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Book Summary Information
Author: Brad MeltzerEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1999-03-01
ISBN: 0446607339
Number of pages: 560
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Book Reviews of Dead Even
Book Review: "Awful" doesn't come close to describing this book
Summary: 1 Stars
If I could give this book zero stars, I would have. The story is completely unbelievable. The dialog is ridiculous. No lawyer at a high-priced law firm and no Assistant District Attorney speak like the characters in this book speak. Sara, the newly hired ADA, who previously had worked 6 years at a high-priced law firm, answers her phone "This is Sara". And an "experienced" ADA takes time to coach her on the proper way to answer the phone. RIDICULOUS! There are too many completely stupid and unbelievable plot details to describe, but suffice it to say that if all criminals were as idiotic as the ones in this book, they would be caught very easily. However, if lawyers (ADAs and defense lawyers) were as idiotic as those in this book, it would be a toss-up if any criminal would be acquitted or go to jail.
I bought this book while browsing in a used book store. I was looking for some new authors to try out, and saw several books by Brad Meltzer. I thought it was a good sign that he had written several books. I thought it a good sign that they were all New York Times best sellers. So I bought three of his books. Looks can be deceiving. Dead Even is the second Meltzer book I read. The first one I read (The Tenth Justice, Meltzer's first book) was also unbelievably bad, and for the same reasons. Stupid story. Stupid dialog. However, since I already owned 2 more Meltzer books, I decided to try reading Dead Even. I thought it unlikely that he could write another book as bad as The Tenth Justice. I was wrong.
I'm determined to finish Dead Even - only because I don't like quitting anything in the middle. However, the only way I can get through the drivel that is a Meltzer novel is to skim through paragraphs (and even pages) when it gets so bad I can't bring myself to read it. There is a lot that is completely superfluous and is easily skimmed through.
The third Meltzer book I bought will remain unread. I will not waste my time, and my mind, on another Meltzer book.
If I could, I would advise Meltzer to try watching Law and Order, CSI, and shows on truTV, and to also read some true crime books to get some better ideas. Then he would have to learn how to write.
Summary of Dead Even
Prosecution Vs. Defense Husband Vs. Wife Life or Death Sara Tate, Manhattan district attorney, has grabbed a case that could make her career. She's smart, tough, and sure to get a conviction...until Jared, her husband and a powerful defense attorney, is hired by the other side. But Sara doesn't know Jared has been warned to get his client off or she will be killed. Hiding desperate motives, the two begin a vicious battle in court and at home. For Sara has a terrible secret too...and both soon face an unthinkable truth: No matter who wins, the other may die.Sara Tate starts her job as a New York City assistant district attorney the day before massive budget cuts. To keep her job, she grabs a case slated for one of the DA office's hot shots, thinking it will be the kind of showpiece that'll make her a hero. The next day, she learns that the defense attorney on the case is her husband, Jared Lynch. To make matters worse, what appeared to be a simple breaking and entering is beginning to look more like a murder.
Someone is pitting Sara and Jared against each other and both are being threatened: win the case or your spouse dies. Sara and Jared have struggled and suffered more than your ordinary young lawyers and their desperation to protect one another and their life together is almost palpable. But the more they fight to win the case, the more they put each other's lives in jeopardy.
Dead Even is truly gripping. Brad Meltzer has created characters that are realistic enough to be believable, but quirky enough to be captivating. The lawyers are especially determined and the criminals are especially sinister. Even more impressive than his characters is his don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-something plot, which grabs you on page one and doesn't let go until you close the cover. When reading Dead Even, you may find yourself holding your breath as you furiously turn the pages. It's a legal thriller that gives Grisham's books a run for their money. -- Mara Friedman
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