The Legal Limit (Vintage Contemporaries)

Mason’s brother protected him as a child but subsequently became a bully from a jail cell. Rightfully convicted of a crime, Gates Hunt turned down a plea bargain and ended up receiving the full sentence of decades. In his mind, Mason was to blame. The characters were well developed and interesting. The book meandered through other subplots following the way life goes - each piece of the puzzle revealing something unforeseen. Friendship, love and the unrelenting letter of the law are explored. This book is not just a mystery but a work of literature. Looking forward to read in more.

In 1984, Gates Hunt murdered a man in cold blood. His brother Mason helped him cover up the crime by providing an alibi and disposing of the murder weapon. Both brothers vowed to keep the secret...until one of them, motivated by greed, decided not to. The Legal Limit is a moderately paced legal thriller about the ensuing blackmail. Gates becomes a prisoner while Mason becomes a lead prosecutor and Gates presents Mason with an ultimatum: help me get out of jail or I tell the police that you committed the 1984 murder. So, Mason can help his brother and betray the law, or be a 'straight shooter' while facing a murder indictment. This book is equal parts a legal thriller and a character exploration. Earlier, I wrote that the book is 'moderately paced." Those wanting a real "page turner" may be disappointed with this book's first half, which follows the simulteneous rise of Mason Hunt and fall of his brother, Gates. Martin Clark does a great job in "setting the stage" by painting two very intriguing characters. Even though the book may be slow-going for some, the patient will be amply rewarded by a chock-full-of-tension storyline that dominates the second half of the book. One of the most enjoyable, and tense, aspects of this book is the fact that there is no clear "right" or "wrong" side in it. While we can't help but feel sympathy for Mason Hunt, we are constantly reminded of his dilemma. If he helps his brother out of prison to save himself, he breaks the law. If he denies any involvement, he lies. If he admits involvement in covering up his brother's crime, he betrays his brother and opens himself up for possible imprisonment. Sometimes, "no win" situations are the most tense. I reccomend this book to anyone who wants the not-so-typical legal thriller. This is far more "literary" and even philosophical than John Grisham, while containing all of the firey tension (albeit not at such a blistering pace). Very entertaining.

Anyone with any liking of stories regarding legal shenanigans will like this book a lot. I really enjoyed the detailed background information in the story that gave us a look at what makes and forms people's lives and actions. It is also interesting to see the lengths crooks and bad intentioned people will go with their twisted deeds. Michael K

It was enough to keep you reading but never got that exciting and I felt the end just died away. Just ended like a boring trial.

I do not usually read legal novels, but this one is gripping, because the characters are so human, likeable or hateful, realistically portrayed and the story is so interesting.

Martin Clark is an elegant writer with a commanding use of the English Language. He writes with intelligence and humor and has an uncanny ability to draw you into the most incredible tales. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The difference between "The Legal Limit" and other books about lawyers/court cases is that in "The Legal Limit" the reader gets an in-depth honest look at the complicated issues lawyers and judges face in their jobs and in their personal lives. This is true of "The Legal Limit" in part because it is based on a true event, Clark uses many real people in his book, and he is himself a judge. However, this is more than a book about a crime in a specific locale. "The Legal Limit" is a fast-paced, riveting story that could be set anywhere. It's a story about relationships (about which Clark writes so well) as well as difficult situations where the law must be followed but sometimes is unjust. I read this book in a day. When I finished, I was impressed by Clark's skill as a writer. His previous books (The Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living and Plain Heathen Mischief) are excellent, but it's clear Clark's heart is in "The Legal Limit." He must be a compassionate judge, which is good for anyone who comes into his court, but after reading this book, I think readers hope he will give up his full-time job for writing.

This is a book about a lawyer, but not really a legal thriller. There are interesting themes about loyalty, family and ethics. I found the first half of the book was a little slow, but it got really interesting after that. If you like a good story with well developed characters, you'll enjoy this book.