William J. Coughlin & Walter Sorrells: Proof of Intent

Thomas Dunn Books (Hardcover), ISBN 0312280661

Upon finishing a book, rarely do I think to myself “Wow, I didn’t even see that coming!” but I love it when I do. Proof of Intent inspired exactly that reaction.

His latest work best described as self-parody, writer Miles Dane’s career could be better, but he reveled in his glorious personal life. Until now. He stands accused of brutally beating his sleeping wife to death with a martial arts club. The night of the murder, he hires Charley Sloan, a lawyer and recovering alcoholic, to clear his name. Unfortunately for Sloan, Dane’s story keeps changing, forcing Sloan to resort to the shyster tactics his detractors love to hold against him.

To throw a familial monkey wrench into the mix, Sloan’s almost-estranged daughter, Lisa, also a recovering alcoholic, begs to work for her father while she wrestles with her personal demons. A biased judge, an elusive witness, an incriminating past novel and an unreliable client all add to Sloan’s difficulties in defending Dane — and make him wish for a drink of single malt whiskey more than once. But when Dane finally gets his day in court, he remembers why he puts up with it all.

Proof of Intent moves quickly, often skipping months at a time to get to the good parts. With all the backstory out of the way, the action moves into the court room, where the theatrics of fictional lawyers are always witty, hilarious and sharp. Real life never looks like this, but that’s why we read fiction. Charley and the reader discover new twists and angles at the same time, and unlike lesser courtroom thrillers, the twists actually prove unexpected, leaving the reader’s head trying to catch up with the story.

Unfortunately, the narrative pushes the more human elements of the plot — mainly Charley’s relationship with Lisa — for the entire middle of the book, making her reintroduction at the end seem a little forced. Charley Sloan’s flaws make him likable, and his self-observations provide humor in situations that could easily turn into downers. Sorrell’s possesses an amazing ability to write vast amounts of dialogue (or in the courtroom scenes, monologue) that never falls flat. Yet the words remain plausible. A few loose ends dangle at the end, though revealing their nature would ruin the book for future readers. Read and enjoy.

Ceridwen Lewin

New Hampshire writer Ceridwen Lewin is working on her first novel and numerous short stories.