As the story begins, he has come to New York City to attend a reunion of his Harvard Law School class at the Plaza Hotel. This is atypical of Antonelli. He usually avoids such gatherings and is only there because he was specifically asked to attend by his law school roommate, the class’s most prominent member, Thomas Stern Browning, Vice President of the United States. Browning was the scion of a prominent Detroit auto family and was born into great wealth and privilege. He was elected to the U. S. Senate representing Michigan, but he has a residence in New York where he spends much of his time.

Browning is the featured speaker at the dinner. His remarks include high praise of his former roommate. Antonelli knows that one of the stories Browning tells in fact never occurred.

Also in attendance at the reunion is another classmate, Jimmy Haviland. The Plaza Hotel holds unpleasant memories for many in the class including those three. At a party there when they were still in law school, a classmate, Annie Malreaux, fell to her death from a window of a hotel suite. Both Browning and Haviland were in love with Annie, and Haviland still suffers deep sorrow over the incident.

Browning asks to meet with Antonelli after the dinner. He tells him that he expects an indictment in the death of Annie Malreaux and wants Antonelli to defend whomever is charged. Antonelli cannot understand how this can be possible: Annie’s death was ruled accidental.

Antonelli and Browning meet again in Washington, D.C. Browning campaigned for the presidential nomination but agreed to take the second spot on the ticket in order that the party could win the presidency. He is dissatisfied as Vice President because the promises that were made to him prior to the election regarding his influence on personnel and decisions have turned out to be false.

At an embassy reception Antonelli meets Gisela Hoffman, a beautiful German reporter. Antonelli is attracted to her and she seems interested as well. In addition, Antonelli meets Browning’s wife, Joanna, after many years. During a summer clerkship while he was still in law school, Antonelli dated Joanna and came close to marrying her but his decision to return to Portland, Oregon, and practice criminal defense law rather than joining a New York Wall Street law firm ended their relationship. Joanna is often indisposed, and Antonelli realizes that she’s an alcoholic.

Browning’s prediction proves accurate. Jimmy Haviland is indicted for Annie’s murder. As he’d promised, Antonelli undertakes his defense. This is a high profile case with national attention. The district attorney himself will prosecute the case rather than leaving it to an assistant. Before trial, Antonelli must learn something of Annie and the circumstances surrounding her death. Was it really an accident? Is there more going on than merely the prosecution of a years-old homicide?

Breach of Trust is a skillfully written mystery and legal thriller. The past and present are neatly woven so that the details behind Annie’s death and the interpersonal relationships between the various characters are only gradually revealed. Character development and setting are both strengths. The plot is secondary to the characters for the first few chapters. This makes for a slower beginning than many mysteries and legal thrillers, but once the story hits its stride it becomes nearly impossible to put down.

Those readers who enjoy courtroom drama will find Breach of Trust well worth their time. The judge and district attorney are well developed characters, and the courtroom scenes are vividly depicted.

The surprise ending will take most readers unaware. It’s a memorable finale for an engrossing tale. This one is strongly recommended.

--Lesley Dunlap