You know that feeling when you’re so absorbed in a book that you look up and suddenly it’s 2am? That’s exactly what happened to me with Robert Dugoni’s latest legal thriller, “Her Deadly Game.” As a long-time fan of courtroom dramas, I dove into this one with high expectations – and boy, did Dugoni deliver.
The Queen’s Gambit Meets A Time to Kill
Imagine if Beth Harmon from “The Queen’s Gambit” grew up to be a lawyer instead of a chess champion, and you’ll get a sense of our protagonist, Keera Duggan. A former chess prodigy turned attorney, Keera finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes murder case that’s as intricate and unpredictable as any chess match.
The story kicks off when Keera, fresh from a career setback at the prosecutor’s office, reluctantly joins her family’s struggling criminal defense firm. Her first major case? Defending a wealthy investment manager accused of murdering his paralyzed wife. As Keera digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies, hidden motives, and a potential frame-up that would make even the craftiest chess player’s head spin.
A Cast of Characters as Complex as a Chess Board
Dugoni populates his novel with a cast of characters as diverse and intriguing as chess pieces:
- Keera Duggan: Our flawed but brilliant protagonist, struggling with family expectations and her own demons
- Vince LaRussa: The charismatic client accused of murder, whose true nature remains elusive
- Patsy Duggan: Keera’s father, a legendary defense attorney battling alcoholism
- Miller Ambrose: The ruthless prosecutor with a personal vendetta against Keera
Each character is carefully crafted, with layers that peel away as the story progresses. I found myself constantly re-evaluating my opinions of them, much like Keera does throughout the novel.
More Than Just Another Legal Thriller
What sets “Her Deadly Game” apart from your run-of-the-mill legal thriller is the way Dugoni weaves chess strategy and family dynamics into the courtroom drama. The parallels between Keera’s approach to the case and her chess-playing background are clever without being heavy-handed.
For example, there’s a moment when Keera realizes she needs to sacrifice a key piece of evidence to set up a stronger defense later – a move straight out of the chess playbook. It’s these little touches that elevate the story and keep you guessing until the very end.
The Courtroom Scenes: Where the Real Game is Played
As someone who’s sat through actual trials (not nearly as exciting as this, let me tell you), I was impressed by how Dugoni captures the tension and strategy of courtroom proceedings. The back-and-forth between Keera and the prosecutor, Miller Ambrose, crackles with energy. You can practically feel the jury leaning in to catch every word.
One particularly memorable scene involves Keera cross-examining a key witness. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say it’s a masterclass in legal maneuvering that had me pumping my fist and saying “Yes!” out loud. My cat gave me a very judgmental look for that one.
A Family Saga Wrapped in a Legal Thriller
While the courtroom drama is gripping, it’s the exploration of Keera’s complicated family dynamics that gives the story its heart. The Duggan family is a mess of Irish-American dysfunction, with Keera’s alcoholic father Patsy at the center. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the novel, and Dugoni handles it with surprising nuance and sensitivity.
There’s a scene where Keera and Patsy are prepping for trial, and the way they navigate their shared history while trying to focus on the case is beautifully done. It’s moments like these that elevate “Her Deadly Game” beyond just another legal thriller.
The Chess Metaphor: Subtle but Effective
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical when I realized chess was going to be a major theme in the book. I’ve seen it done poorly in other novels, where it feels forced or pretentious. But Dugoni strikes the perfect balance here.
The chess elements are woven seamlessly into the story, providing a framework for Keera’s strategic thinking without overwhelming the plot. There’s even an ongoing online chess match that mirrors the progression of the trial—a clever touch that adds an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.
Dugoni’s Writing: Sharp, Pacy, and Addictive
If you’ve read any of Dugoni’s previous works (like his fantastic Tracy Crosswhite series), you know he has a knack for pacing. “Her Deadly Game” is no exception. The chapters are short and punchy, often ending on mini-cliffhangers that make it all too easy to say “just one more” until suddenly it’s the wee hours of the morning.
His prose is clean and efficient, with moments of unexpected beauty. There’s a description of Seattle’s Occidental Square at dusk that made me feel like I was right there, smelling the coffee and hearing the street musicians.
A Few Minor Quibbles
No book is perfect, and I did have a couple of small issues:
- The pacing in the middle section drags a tiny bit as we get into the nitty-gritty of trial prep
- A subplot involving Keera’s ex-boyfriend feels a little underdeveloped
- Some of the legal jargon might be a bit dense for readers unfamiliar with courtroom procedure
But honestly, these are minor complaints in an otherwise stellar read.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Legal Thriller Fans
“Her Deadly Game” is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting new series. Keera Duggan is a compelling protagonist with plenty of room for growth, and the combination of legal drama, family saga, and chess strategy makes for a unique and engaging read.
I’m already looking forward to the next installment, “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” to see where Keera’s journey takes her next. Will she continue with criminal defense? Go back to prosecution? Or maybe leave the law entirely to become a professional chess player? (Okay, probably not that last one, but you never know!)
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of legal thrillers like John Grisham or Scott Turow
- Chess enthusiasts who enjoy seeing the game applied to real-life situations
- Readers who appreciate complex family dynamics in their fiction
- Anyone who loves a good courtroom showdown
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Those who prefer their thrillers with more action and less legal procedure
- Readers who get frustrated by unreliable narrators or morally ambiguous characters
- People who have no interest in chess (though I’d argue the chess elements are accessible even if you don’t know a pawn from a bishop)
Final Thoughts: A Chess Match Worth Watching
In the end, “Her Deadly Game” is like a well-played chess match – intricate, strategic, and deeply satisfying when all the pieces finally come together. Dugoni has crafted a legal thriller that manages to feel fresh in a crowded genre, thanks to its unique blend of courtroom drama, family conflict, and chess strategy.
As I closed the book (well, swiped to the last page on my e-reader), I found myself already itching for the next installment. Keera Duggan is a character with staying power, and I can’t wait to see what moves she makes next.
So, if you’re looking for a smart, engrossing read that will keep you up way past your bedtime, give “Her Deadly Game” a shot. Just don’t blame me when you show up to work bleary-eyed because you couldn’t put it down. Trust me, I speak from experience on that one.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to dust off my old chess set and see if I can channel some of Keera’s strategic brilliance. Though maybe I’ll start with checkers and work my way up.
