Reddition

In author John J. Blenkush’s novel, Reddition, the lead player in the story is a man who has sacrificed his freedom for the woman he loves only to become the target of a powerful political and criminal pairing. With a collection of dangerous men counting on his silence about a heinous crime committed many years ago, Rue Theodore Day finds himself charged with the murder of a police officer. He is represented by a young, inexperienced lawyer who believes in his client’s innocence. When Garret Lawton, a troubled attorney in Payne Creek, Colorado, is offered a client by his old friend, Tate Hartford, he quickly turns down the offer. Even though Garret’s law practice has been suffering for years, he is suspicious of Tate’s offer since his old friend is the county public defender. Garret has been plagued with personal and career problems that led to alcoholism which has led Hartford to throw work his way in the past. But the case of Rue Theodore Day not only seems to be a simple plea bargain, it also reminds Garret of a case he was involved in years ago that turned the entire town against him. When Garret refuses to take the case, Tate offers it to Garret’s partner and nephew, Lang Lawton. Lang, who has been more of a paralegal than a partner in his uncle’s practice, jumps at the opportunity to represent the accused cop killer. But after his initial visit with his client, Lang develops serious doubts about Rue’s guilt and begins to investigate the dead cop’s partner, who was at the scene of the murder. He also looks deeply into his client’s background. Lang’s discoveries take him to California and Mexico. His obsession with the case leads to great personal loss and professional revelations. Blenkush has woven a complicated and elaborate tale that includes mystery, action and layers of emotional dysfunction. The political and criminal angles in the plot add an edge to the story that holds the reader’s attention. The threads of substance abuse and family instability contribute to the depth and texture of the book, keeping the reader anxious to learn the truth about Lang and Rue’s families and how these revelations brought the two men together. Reddition is an intriguing tale of murder, family and political gain. It is a labyrinth of mysterious characters and unexpected plot twists that will take readers on a wild ride. Melissa Brown Levine