Sometimes I face a book series so gripping that I am almost not able to wait for the next volume. I remember a few years ago when I was waiting impatiently for the next Harry Potter books. Later on I was awaiting the next Millennium books or the adventures of prosecutor Teodor Szacki.

I think that thanks to Chris Tvedt, the author of a judicial crime fiction series, I have something to await once again. The first volume "Justified doubt" begins the series of adventures of a lawyer named Mikael Brenne, whose work defending petty thieves and his private life leave a lot to be desired. Both aspects do not pan out especially well. The future shows that daily life with its boring troubles is not as bad as it seems. Mikael tries to save his company's finances by cooperating with a Serbian businessman. He quickly realises that it was probably a mistake. Every coming day brings new doubts and risks. Murky businesses, phantom companies, strange partners and brutal methods of action become bread and butter for the lawyer. Will the huge money and his companions' impunity lead to the rejection of his own rules? And maybe Mikael will realize in time who the people in suits are and will resign from the cooperation? And maybe, when he ends up entangled in doubtful businesses, he will do something completely different? See for yourself by reading this uniquely addictive book.

After reading the short description of the novel on the back cover and realizing that the action takes place in a court, I was expecting rather boring and wordy prose. To my surprise and satisfaction I had in my hands an addictive piece of crime fiction which kept me guessing until the last page. Excessive court details were kept under control, so that it was not boring and eased us into the world of lawyers, and also meant that the book was credible and realistic. The narration is interesting in this book as well. The author very often describes reality in a very naturalistic and direct way. The chapters are short and economical with words. All this means that the action accelerates fast. This book is really very readable.

One thing I wasn't sure about was the main hero's moral choices. I don't always agree with his thoughts and the decisions he takes. Sometimes I have the impression that he is obviously making a mistake and putting himself in trouble. The way he deals with women both surprised and irritated me, causing me to wonder whether I liked him or not. The end of the book is a surprise and poses a question about the ethical standards and reputation of the main hero. All this means that his character - sometimes black and sometimes white - is colourful and human. However, all of us sometimes face choices which are lacking in satisfaction and lead to consequences which we are not able to foresee.

Next in line on the shelf awaits another volume - "In one's own right"

I do recommend it!