And justice for all?

fiction and nonfiction with common themes

I just finished two books that I didn’t think had much in common except for a quest for justice. But as I reflected I realized they share other themes like how politics ruins everything; how the dedication of good detectives and journalists are necessary in a free society; how money and power sadly rule over what is right. Yeah, I’m an idealist.

There’s a new main character in the Michael Connelly universe: Detective Stilwell who was banished from Los Angeles to Catalina Island for the crime of refusing to roll over. He’s good at his job, a hound dog for the truth, and trying to cultivate a relationship with island native Tash, a woman who would be happy never to step foot on the mainland again.

The plot of Nightshade revolves around murders, private clubs, political influence, and corruption. Harry Bosch isn’t mentioned but his “everybody counts or nobody counts” philosophy is clearly shared by Stilwell.

As the novel moves forward Stilwell and Tash go through some hairy moments, endure twists and threats, and emerge relatively unscathed. Is this a love story or a mystery? Both! I like how Connelly laid the story out, offered glimpses into the mind of a detective, and showcased Catalina island life. I’ve read all of Connelly’s books and I think his writing has evolved over the years into a more tight and spare style. They’re ALL great but his recent books are some of my favorites. I hope to see more of Detective Stilwell.

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Perversion of Justice by Julie K. Brown is an infuriating read. It’s the subject matter: sicko pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his many enablers. Brown is the Miami Herald reporter who broke the Epstein story that led to his NY arrest in 2019. The whole time I was reading it I was muttering to myself, alternating between “these mf’ers” and “freaking lawyers” and shaking my head in disbelief. I just can’t with these twisters of truth, these flaunters of wealth and power, these people who think they can do whatever they want, to whoever they want.

Brown takes the reader through the story of how she came to investigate Epstein – she wanted to focus on the victims / survivors. She mixed some personal details into the story, which helps the reader understand what it takes to be an investigative journalist while also raising children and trying to have a life. Stories like this prove the need for local reporting as a stopgap for corruption and injustice.

All her Herald articles are easily found online but this book expands on them. It’s not an easy read at all – it’s frustrating, especially in light of all the recent happenings, like the decision to move Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to a low security prison camp in Texas. The evasions and diversions are so blatant it would be laughable if it wasn’t so deadly serious.

Could this be the scandal that takes down a president? Time will tell, but in the meantime I urge you to read this book. You will come away stunned, angry, and informed. The survivors of Epstein’s predation deserve justice and it’s still possible for them to find it.