Twenty-three years after publishing his first novel John Grisham has written a legal thriller for kids. Named after the protagonist, Theodore Boone is the story of a 13-year-old whiz kid whose best friends include local judges and bailiffs, who sits in his parents' law firm after school and offers legal advice to friends on everything from impounded pets to foreclosure notices. Plus he manages to get straight A’s in school in everything but Chemistry. Hero!
Theo wants to be a lawyer or a judge when he grows up. At 13, that's pretty focussed. Unwittingly, he becomes involved in the biggest murder case in the history of Strattenburg. Who says there aren't surprise witnesses? Our hero knows one and has to protect the man's identity but use the information he has to alter the course of the case. After all, justice must be done. A man who murdered his wife for insurance money should be punished. But if the key witness doesn't come forward and testify, how will the rich smug killer from Waverly Creek be punished? And the hardest part - how will Theo tell his parents that he's involved in something he has no business doing?
The plot and language are simple. A bit too simple for adults I'm afraid. But a nice read if your kid's up to no good in his summer break. Maybe he'll return to school telling friends that he wants to be a criminal lawyer. I would’ve done that.
A second novel featuring Boone is expected next year. Who knows, Theo may just be the new Nancy Drew.
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