'Patterson has the rare gift of enthralling as he informs' Mark Lawson, Guardian

In a novel of international intrigue, an American lawyer, Damon Pierce, attempts to save Bobby Okari, the West African leader of a protest movement, from execution by the country's corrupt and autocratic leader. Pierce is in a race against time, and as the complex trial-involving terrorism and the geopolitics of oil, missing witnesses and evidence, and the whims of a lawless country-unfolds, bodies fall and fates dangle.

Complicating matters further is Okari's wife, Marissa Brand, with whom Pierce had a relationship years before that he's never quite forgotten; she, in fact, persuaded him to take the case in the first place, and it is who she plays a crucial role in the eventual outcome of this taut and atmospheric novel.

About the Author

Richard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels, including Conviction, Balance of Power and The Race.

Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson was the SEC's liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups.

He lives in San Francisco and on Martha's Vineyard with his partner, Dr Nancy Clair.

Reviews
Passionate...exciting [and] eye-opening, page by page. * Washington Post *
This stellar legal thriller both informs and entertains... Patterson has exerted all his considerable skill in creating a nightmare atmosphere that will cling to readers long after the last page is turned. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *
A satisfying fable that pits a hero who deeply believes in the rule of law against a violent, lawless regime that holds all the cards. * Kirkus Reviews *
Nearly flawless-by the time you realize how well Patterson is writing, you are already caught up in this novel. * San Francisco Chronicle *
Suspenseful-pervasive danger as real as the actual reality. * New York Daily News *
compelling legal thriller, reminiscent of Exile. Patterson once again brings a timely, controversial subject - America's dependence on foreign oil - to the forefront in this...engrossing read. * Library Journal *



Book Information
ISBN 9781447254416
Author Richard North Patterson
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Macmillan
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 735g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 27mm