If you have ever read James Patterson, this is him at his best. As for Viola Davis, I could feel her influence throughout the writing.
In a rural Alabama town with less than four thousand people, Judge Mary Stone will preside over one of the most contentious subjects in the United States, especially in the South. The courtroom turns into the stage for an explosive case of personal autonomy and the decision will reverberate throughout the entire country. Judge Stone will have to maintain neutrality while trying to protect her courtroom and the town she loves.
I have read a few Patterson books several years back and loved his writing style. His quick-chapter style keeps the story moving at a fast pace. In Judge Stone, Davis and Patterson continue that trend, but this may be the best Patterson book I’ve come across. Unlike the other stories, this not only had a great plot, but the character development really stood out to me. I have to think that was where Davis contributed heavily to the story. After listening to her memoir Finding Me, I was struck by how great of a storyteller she is not just on the screen but off it as well. I had always noticed in her acting that she was astounding at her character work, but I could feel the actions and emotions of our main character Judge Mary Stone.
This was easily a 5-star read for me. If you love courtroom thrillers or just great character work in general, you are in for a treat!
