Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer
Michael Stockham
Whistling Pigs Press LLC (2022)
ISBN: 978-1737958406
Reviewed by Leigh Kimberly Zoby for Reader Views (01/2023)
Michael Stockham’s “Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer” is an emotionally charged legal thriller based on true events. The story follows Daniel Simmons, a lawyer fresh out of law school, as he juggles the responsibilities of his personal and professional life.
Daniel is fighting his first legal battle representing long-term inmate Emmett Kendrick in a lawsuit against Texas’ Teton Springs Correctional Facility. Teton Springs Prison employs a large number of the town’s residents, where intimidation runs rampant and people are scared to speak up. The Medical Facility at Teton Springs has repeatedly neglected to dispense much needed heart medication to inmate Emmett Kendrick while in solitary confinement. Meanwhile, Daniel’s wife Hannah is pregnant and experiencing serious life-threatening complications for herself and her unborn child. With thoughts heavy on his family, he must continue to fight a battle against small town prejudices. The pressure is on for Daniel as Hannah and Emmett’s lives are on the line.
“Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer” is raw and thought provoking. The multi-storyline between managing a legal battle while enduring a family medical crisis ensures the reader will remain engaged throughout the story. I could not put this book down. I was shocked during the trial at how nurses and doctors banded together to hide their deceptions. Even though this book is fiction, it spotlights real-life issues dealing with human rights and prejudices.
Mr. Stockham’s writing style is expressive and full of emotion while remaining easy to follow. This story has so much going on and it is laid out to emphasize the struggle Mr. Simmons faces being torn between family and career. The characters are well developed and easy to become invested in while they face trials and tribulations. There are even a couple of characters I loved to hate. I struggled to like Hannah and thought she was foolish to put her physical and financial life in danger to have a house full of children. Emmett on the other hand was surprisingly well spoken and had resilience, demanding respect.
“Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer” is one of the best novels I have read in 2022. I normally am not a fan of legal dramas, but Mr Stockham’s writing style drew me in and held me to the last word. I highly recommend this book giving it 5 out of 5 stars.
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