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A thirteen year old prostitute was found beaten, sexually abused, thrown into the Columbia Gorge in Portland, Oregon and left to die, but miraculously survived. The District Attorneyšs Office didnšt want to try the case because the girl, Kendra Martin, was addicted to drugs at the time of the attack and it was thought that no one would believe her story. But the police assigned to the case believed that it could be solved, so the investigators sought the help of Deputy District Attorney Samantha "Sam" Kincaid. Sam, after looking into the case, decided to take it. JUDGMENT CALLS by author Alafair Burke, takes the readers into the seamier side of Portland. Wešre introduced to the world of child prostitution and how these girls are exploited by their johns, the streets, and even by the legal system. This is Ms. Burkešs first novel and itšs skillfully written and very good. Most of the characters are well rounded, fascinating, and three dimensional people who interest the readers. Samanthašs father and Detective Chuck Forbes, her high school boyfriend, who is now one of the investigators on the case, are two of the outstanding characters shešs created. Chuck and Samantha have always had an on again, off again relationship, but right now they are considered a couple once more even though both are a little unsure of the situation. This close association between a DA and the investigating detective brings Samšs case under scrutiny and Chuckšs work under suspicion. Kendra Martin is a wonderful character as well. This is a 13 year-old who was raped, beaten, and left for dead but when Samantha tries to help her, Kendra is mature enough to take what aid she can get. There are multiple plotlines in the book, which Ms. Burke weaves skillfully until the end, when they all come together to make a first-rate, compelling story. Alafair Burke is the daughter of best selling author, James Lee Burke, but more to the point of this novel, she has the background of being a former deputy district attorney in Portland, Oregon, who also teaches criminal law. Ms. Burke has found her own voice as a writer in JUDGMENT CALLS and we see that she has the makings to become one of the more successful mystery, police procedural, and thriller novelists around today. I have high hopes for this new series. I will be looking forward to and definitely be reading the next Samantha Kincaid book when it is released.
Reviewed by Sharon Katz, August 2003
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