Defending Jacob

A Novel

By: William Landay

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A legal thriller that’s comparable to classics such as Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent . . . tragic and shocking.”—Associated Press

NOW AN EMMY-NOMINATED ORIGINAL STREAMING SERIES • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Entertainment Weekly • Boston Globe • Kansas City Star

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: his fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, and as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.

Award-winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis—a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control.

©2012 William Landay (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Landay has proven himself to be an extraordinary writer, and Defending Jacob is an amazing novel. Do yourself a favor and read it. It’s that good.” (Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times best-selling author)

“Harrowing . . . This searing narrative proves the ancient Greek tragedians were right: the worst punishment is not death but living with what you—knowingly or unknowingly—have done.” ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“[Landay] reaches a new level of excellence with this riveting, knock-your-socks-off legal thriller. With its masterfully crafted characterizations and dialogue, emotional depth, and frightening implications, the novel rivals the best of Scott Turow and John Grisham. Don’t miss it.” ( Booklist, starred review)

Drags on and on

Excellent narration, possibly even a tad too slow for my taste. But the story drags on, very drawn out.

Outstanding book!!!

This book was excellent and definitely exceeded my expectations with its style and twists and turns!!! Great storyline and fantastic narration! Loved it!

Couldn't turn it off

If you could sum up Defending Jacob in three words, what would they be?

Still don't know

Who was your favorite character and why?

Andy, mostly because he's the one you get to really know. His total devotion to his son and unwaivering confidence in his innocence was admirable.

What aspect of Grover Gardner’s performance would you have changed?

He wasn't the most engrossing performer I've heard. There are some performers that become the book and bring it to life. There are some that sound like any average joe reading a book out loud. Mr. Gardner definitely is closer to the former than the latter, but I really prefer narrators who can "act" every character in the book. His peformance was definitely strong enough that I got hooked, so that's really what is important.

If you could take any character from Defending Jacob out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ugh... none of them. Maybe Father O'Malley, or whatever his name was, but only because I had a mental image of him as Mike from Breaking Bad. I didn't really relate to any of the characters in this book. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy hearing their story.

Any additional comments?

At the end of the story, I still don't know if Jacob was innocent or guilty.

Like 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Well written, but predictable. Very reminiscent of 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. If you've read that one, no need to listen to this one.

interesting story

What made the experience of listening to Defending Jacob the most enjoyable?

The reader is very good. There was no obvious outcome in the story.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings the story to life. He has good pacing and intonation.

Any additional comments?

This is a book that holds your interest. Although there were hints as to what the outcome would be, the path took turns in getting there.

Wow.

Any additional comments?

Having just finished the book, I'm still reeling. The last hour was totally unexpected. It is definitely worth the time to listen.

Fascinating Story

I loved this book. It is an excellent portrayal of a family in crisis and presents many moral dilemmas. The courtroom scenes are outstanding. Kept me guessing until the end. The narrator was good, but not great. He had difficulty changing his voice to portray different characters.

Couldn't stop listening.

I don't think I have ever used the term "riveting" in describing a book, but this one earns that distinction. Being a mother of sons, I could identify with the need to defend one of my own. Not a "feel-good" book, but definitely worth the time. The reader sounded like he could be an attorney and a father. I felt like I was listening to the true story of this family.

Engaging Mystery/Legal Combo

Very classic Grisham-like tale that keeps you listening beyond your typical window of commuting or otherwise. Tackles family, legal systems, police investigations and the mind set during each phase. Well done.

Riveting!

Wow this book was excellent! It combines a family drama with a suspenseful legal thriller. I’m an avid reader and a lawyer. The novel is very true to life in the way it describes the difficulties of marriage encounters when faced with one of the most terrifying situations that a parent could imagine. It also very cleverly Demonstrates the law can be boring at times and very hard work. It realistically portrays unique political issues that a government lawyer often faces. I wholeheartedly recommend it!