Ellis - Jury of One

[A] terrific legal thrillerin the tradition of Scott Turow and even superstar John GrishamThe twists and turns are always surprising, the courtroom politics interesting, and the story a grabber from start to finish.

Toronto Sun

He powers his latest legal thriller with a narrative engine that smashes through the barriers of coincidence and credulity, leaving readers breathless at the authors audacityAs expected from past Ellis performances, there is a beautifully sustained trial sequence, with several surprises. But what really makes his third book so impressive are the human challenges he sets up and conquers.

Chicago Tribune

A steady stream of twists and complicationsa stunning Perry Masonstyle courtroom shocker will knock readers right out of their seats. After they pick themselves up off the floor, the ensuing fast and furious revelations will have them flying through the final pages.

Publishers Weekly

Ellis keeps the suspense bubbling at its highest peak. This first-class legal thriller is strongly recommended for all libraries where good writing, excellent character development, and exceptional trial strategies are appreciated.

Library Journal

[A] twist sets the storys last third spinning as Ellis tightens, then ties up, a solid case. Unlike the mob of hacks who want to be the next Grisham, Ellis is never glib, hackneyed, or tiresome. In style, plot, and character, he engages and entertains.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The gladiatorial trial sequences are detailed and riveting[Elliss] misdirection and plot twists will please fans of Bernhardt, OShaughnessy, or Margolin.

Booklist

Praise for the legal thrillers of David Ellis

L IFE S ENTENCE

Ellis balances plot, setting, pacing, characterization, and surprises in just the right measure to create a compelling high-stakes courtroom drama. He also takes time to explore the psyche of lawyers as Turow does so well.

Katy Munger, The Washington Post

Who does Ellis think he isJohn Grisham? The answer to that has to be, Yeswith any luck. Ellis certainly writes as well as his Georgia colleague, and his plotting is even sharper.

Chicago Tribune

Ellis sets a new standard with this superb legal thriller[a] stunning ending.

Library Journal

Chillinga tale combining betrayal, tense courtroom drama, family tragedy, and a quick twist of surprise at the end. It was hard to put down.

San Antonio Express-News

[The] tight plot and believable dialogue keep the pages turningLife Sentence has a wallop of an ending.

The Santa Fe New Mexican

This insiders tale of political chicanery and extreme ambition is effectively tolda skillfully written crime story with some very believable characterizations. Recommended.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Praise for the Edgar Awardwinning

L INE OF V ISION

The best suspense novel Ive read in a while.

James Patterson, author of 3rd Degree

A fresh take on the legal thriller. Crackles with unexpected twists.

San Francisco Chronicle

Dont think you can put Line of Vision downyou cant. Dave Ellis wont let you go, from the first tantalizing page to the final double twist.

Barbara Parker,
New York Times bestselling author of Suspicion of Madness

The most original and exciting thriller Ive read in a long time. Starts at a fever pitch and never lets up.

J. F. Freedman,
New York Times bestselling author of Above the Law

Line of Vision is a wicked delightDavid Elliss hero beguiles like Patricia Highsmiths Ripley at his most devious. The story grabs, shakes, twists up, and wont let go, all the way through to its deeply satisfying resolution.

Perri OShaughnessy,
author of Unlucky in Law

Almost continuous tension and a surprisingly sympathetic narrator. [Martys] struggle is compelling and the verdict a stunning surprise. Expertly written, intricately plotted, and, of course, highly entertaining.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

A spellbinding legal dramasexy, seductive, and full of surpriseswhich features a fascinating if unreliable protagonist. This is the best first novel Ive read in a good long time.

William Bernhardt,
author of Hate Crime

Titles by David Ellis

L IFE S ENTENCE

L INE OF V ISION

J URY OF O NE

J URY

of O NE

David Ellis

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

JURY OF ONE

A Berkley Book / published by arrangement with the author

PRINTING HISTORY
G. P. Putnams Sons hardcover edition / March 2004
Berkley mass-market edition / March 2005

Copyright 2004 by David Ellis.
The Edgar name is a registered service mark of the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.
Cover design by Marc Cohen.

All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

ISBN: 978-1-101-65817-8

BERKLEY
Berkley Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
The B design is a trademark belonging to Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

T O MY WIFE ,
S USAN

A FEELING HE cannot escape: Someone is watching. He has no visual confirmation but its a sense, his gut telling him that hes not alone as he stands on the street outside the athletic club on the commercial districts southwest side. The bitter air of a February evening stings his sweaty body, the light wind shooting over the top of his long black coat and filling the space inside his sweatshirt. His fellow players have left in their various directions, to high-priced condos along the citys lakefront or, in some cases, to student housing at whatever school they are attending. Not so for this young man. He will walk four blocks to the Austin bus that will transport him to the citys south side, to his middle-class home.