The Hero Rule

When I read the NetGalley description of ‘The Hero Rule’ by Brandon Hughes - a legal/crime mystery thriller, set in the Deep South of the USA and with an idealistic, charismatic young lawyer as the central character - I immediately thought of John Grisham. This, to my mind, was no bad thing. After reading the book I was left feeling that there is definitely room for both Grisham and Hughes on this particular block.

‘The Hero Rule’ has an intricate and clever plot; the characters are very well drawn with realistic shades of grey to their personalities; the US legal system and investigative and prosecutorial processes are described in satisfying detail; the dialogue and the atmospheric depiction of locations in the Deep South have a seeming authenticity to this British reader; and the ending is pleasingly thought-provoking and challenging.

This all came together in a captivating book which provided me with a first class read. Highly recommended.

Charlie Clements is convicted of murder and facing the death sentence. His defence counsel, Duncan Pheiffer, is convinced he's innocent. Any hope of Charlie being released on appeal are quashed just hours after the verdict as Duncan is murdered.

Prosecutor Barclay Griffith takes an interest in the case and raises questions about Clements’ conviction. He follows his own moral code and finds himself enveloped in a web of lies. Can he find the truth and finally serve justice?

This is a very entertaining book with excellent characters and an interesting plot. The story is a little off, however, by wasting a lot of time in unnecessary descriptions, and early revelations are a waste of suspense.

Such a good book. Enjoyed far more than expected. Well developed characters snd good writing. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the intricate web of justice, where the lines between right and wrong often blur, Brandon Hughes' "The Hero Rule" emerges as a compelling legal thriller that delves deep into the moral quandaries of the criminal justice system.

The story unfolds in the small town of Towne, Alabama, where the sudden death of defense attorney Duncan Pheiffer sends shockwaves through the community. His demise, under mysterious circumstances, leaves a void that his friend and career prosecutor Barclay Griffith is determined to fill. As Griffith embarks on a quest for truth, he is confronted with the daunting task of navigating through a labyrinth of lies, deceit, and ethical dilemmas.

Barclay Griffith, the protagonist, is a character of profound complexity. His unwavering commitment to the "Hero Rule"—doing the right thing for the right reason—is tested as he faces the ultimate moral conflict. The authenticity of Griffith's character is a testament to Hughes' two decades of experience in the criminal justice system, providing readers with a realistic portrayal of a prosecutor's life.

Hughes' narrative is rich with legal expertise, weaving a tale that is as informative as it is thrilling. His prose is sharp, his courtroom scenes are vivid, and his understanding of the human condition is nuanced. The pacing is masterful, with each chapter drawing the reader deeper into the mystery.

At its core, "The Hero Rule" is a meditation on justice and the sacrifices one must make in its pursuit. It challenges readers to consider the price of truth and the weight of conscience in a world where justice is not always just.

"The Hero Rule" is a must-read for aficionados of crime and legal thrillers. It's a novel that provokes thought, leaving a lasting impression on its audience. Brandon Hughes has crafted a world that is as haunting as it is enchanting, and in Barclay Griffith, he has given us a hero for our times—a flawed yet righteous man who reminds us that sometimes, to uphold justice, we must be willing to break the rules.