Poison: A Novel

John Lescroart

Feb 2018 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

From the bestselling author whose prose “matches the best of John Grisham and Scott Turow” (Providence Journal) comes a gripping thriller featuring attorney Dismas Hardy as he investigates the murder of a wealthy man whose heirs are all potential suspects.

Finally recovered from two gunshot wounds, Dismas Hardy is looking forward to easing into retirement and reconnecting with his family. But he is pulled back into the courtroom when Grant Wagner, the steely owner of a successful family business, is murdered. The prime suspect is Wagner’s bookkeeper Abby Jarvis, a former client of Hardy’s, who had been receiving large sums of cash under-the-table from the company—but she insists that she’s innocent.

Preparing for trial, Dismas investigates the Wagner clan and discovers dark, twisted secrets, jealous siblings, gold-digging girlfriends, betrayals, and blackmail. The closer he gets to the Wagners, the clearer it becomes that Dismas has a target painted on his back. With razor-sharp dialogue and whip-smart plotting, Poison once again demonstrates that “Lescroart is a master craftsman” (Associated Press).

Ratings and reviews

How in the world is it that I have never read a novel by John Lescroart? Poison, the 17th book in the Dismas Hardy series was an unbelievable ride! The series, which rotates around attorney Hardy, is a legal thriller by name but is so much more. I had to catch up with many characters in the series through this single book, and managed, as well as thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I do think it would be beneficial to start at the beginning and work your way through them in order. There were many references throughout the story that I imagine were probably parts of previous books, and while it didn’t ruddy the reading experience, and even gave me glimpses into some of the past stories that may be of interest, it almost made me feel like I was reading a brief spoiler of what may be to come if I go back and read the earlier books in the series. Dismas Hardy has had a long run of things and is considering slowing down. He has been shot on a previous cases and is getting up in age. Unfortunately for him, an old client has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he feels an obligation to take on her case, against his better judgement. He soon finds himself in the midst of a dangerous game of cat and mouse, while trying to prove his client’s innocence. Abby Jarvis, a bookkeeper who has a history of manslaughter has been picked up under suspicion of killing her boss Grant Carver, a well known, and well off business man. Upon looking into the murder, investigators found Abby had been skimming money from the business, putting her as the primary suspect. In addition to following the legal aspect of the case, the book closely follows the homicide detectives as they knock on doors and try to solve the case. It had a real Law and Order feel with so many perspectives at play and I found myself pouring through the pages completely immersed in the family secrets, investigative research, unexpected twists, courtroom drama and web of lies. I really connected to Hardy and how invested he became in his case. I am so looking forward to starting at the beginning of his journey and devouring all the books in this series. A high 5 star rating for John Lescroart!

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About the author

John Lescroart is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine previous novels, including the The Rule of Law, Poison, and Fatal. His books have sold more than ten million copies and have been translated into twenty-two languages. He lives in Northern California.