‘The Right To Remain’ by James Grippando; Harper; 352 pages; $30
James Grippando’s novels about Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck offer a compelling meld of Florida’s legal system and contemporary issues, with domestic drama and the value of friendship added.
Grippando’s 20th Swyteck novel, “The Right To Remain” upholds his high standards, with a look at an issue many people may not be aware of — companies hired by police agencies to dispose of firearms. It is a nail-biting, suspenseful legal thriller.
Jack’s latest client, Elliott Stafford, is not what he was expecting, nor is the case as simple as it first appears. Elliott is accused of murdering retired FBI agent Owen Pollard, who was a partner in VanPoll firearms disposal. Owen’s death initially was ruled a suicide; his body was found in his kitchen by his wife, Helena. But Elliott, a member of VanPoll’s finance team, becomes a suspect after he is subpoenaed by a grand jury. The case begins with murky motives. Owen had a volatile marriage, as he and Helena often argued over the rearing of their 6-year-old son. Owen also didn’t get along with business partner C.J. Vandermeer, who is eccentric with a violent streak.
Defending Elliott becomes a challenge. He goes on a “speech strike,” refusing to talk to Jack or assist in any way with his defense. Elliott’s past and his link with the Pollards add to the labyrinth plot.
“The Right To Remain” moves at a brisk pace, as Grippando delves into the ethics of weapons disposal, gin trafficking, scams targeting couples desperate to adopt a child, and family relationships and identity. Jack and his wife, Andie, are a strong couple but wrestle with raising a bright daughter and maneuvering their big careers. Jack’s work as a criminal defense lawyer and Andie’s position as an FBI agent mandate they keep secrets from each other so as not to compromise their cases.
As usual, Grippando uses Miami as more than a background, showing readers the heat, history and demands of life in South Florida. Grippando, who lives in Coral Gables and himself is a lawyer, takes readers by the hand, leading them into the courtroom to show how the legal system works, or sometimes doesn’t, and the rivalry among lawyers.
Grippando keeps the plot of “The Right To Remain” as fresh as when he began this series with “The Pardon” in 1994.
Meet the author
James Grippando will discuss “The Right to Remain” in conversation with Oline H. Cogdill at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Rubel Mystery Collection at the Pompano Beach Branch Library, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd.; 954-357-7643. The event is free, but registration is required at broward.libnet.info. Books will be available for sale, with 10% of proceeds donated to the Pompano Beach Friends of the Library.