However, other forces seem to be conspiring against her. A parolee under her supervision, Eddie Downly, has been accused of raping an eight year old girl. What is worse is the guilt that Carolyn feels that this could have been prevented had she been more diligent supervising Downly. For the first two years of his almost four year probation, Carolyn had been conscientious about checking periodically with her charge. Since Downly has shown no signs of being a social predator, either rapist or pedophile, Carolyn had spent her time on her more demanding cases.

The guilt that a young girl is a victim because of her negligence and the knowledge that her own daughter could be attacked by this same individual make her tremble.

Of course, it never rains, it pours. Carolyn has been assigned the case of newly paroled (after twenty three years) Daniel Metroix - a schizophrenic who has been incarcerated for killing Tim Harrison, the seventeen-year-old son of Charles Harrison, Chief of Police.

Carolyn vaguely remembers the case because she briefly dated Liam Armstrong who, together with Nolan Houston, was with Harrison when the altercation with Daniel Metroix took place. Devastated by his son’s death, Charles Harrison has become an alcoholic and is critically ill with liver disease. He is outraged at the news Metroix has been released from prison and vows to do something about it.

After having talked with the quiet, studious man who has spent more than half his life in prison, Carolyn questions whether Daniel was actually responsible for young Harrison's death.

A fast entertaining read, Sullivan's Law introduces Carolyn Sullivan and several other interesting characters. A tough lady who stands up for what she believes and isn't afraid of making enemies, Carolyn is a prime example of the 21st Century woman. She does push the limit of believability a bit. Would a compassionate mother do such risky things to put both herself and her children in danger, all in the name of justice?

Carolyn’s law school professor, Arline Shoeffel, provides some interesting commentary on the legal system, and is witty and insightful. She also owns at least two rather expensive cars unless the author has forgotten she assigned her an Acura on page 32 and later, on page 125, she is driving her silver Lexus. Suffice it to say, teaching law school must pay well. Our heroine Carolyn must also have an auto dealership friend as the single mother struggling to make ends meet, drives an Infiniti.

Carolyn's male associates, her boss, Brad Preston, the policeman in charge of the Metroix case, Hank Sawyer, and a new neighbor, physics professor Paul Leighton are infinitely more interesting than the ladies because the author succeeds in portraying each as just shady enough to make them appear to have a mysterious other agenda. Is their concern for Carolyn genuine or are they really a villain in disguise?

Several of the less than perfect aspects of the criminal justice system are exposed as the plot moves along. As in many professions, the more competent individuals are given heavier caseloads (the reward for doing good work is more work). Unfortunately, their ability to do a good job is hampered by having too much to do. Moreover, the court seems more interested in obtaining a conviction than in apprehending the perpetrator of the crime. Though not unique to the criminal justice profession, politics, friendships and personal animosities seem to play a pivotal role in job assignments. Who best meets the qualifications for an assignment is secondary.

This book is an adequate meal more than a sumptuous dinner. There are significant points to ponder beyond the basic story line, but there is not enough substance to promote insomnia for the next week.

--Andy Plonka