Mahogany Row

Mahogany Row, Wayne J. Keeley, The Fiction Works, 2001

Attorney Mark McCoy walks into his office at the New York City law firm Ashley, Stepford and Simpson, to find his boss, John Simpson, dead from a slit throat. Everyone, including the police and Mark's lawyer, think Mark is guilty. Mark had opportunity, no alibi and plenty of motive (being passed over for partner). Mark's only chance is to become a fugitive until he can solve the case.

He gets help from Sherry, one of the women in the typing pool, who has quite a history of her own. Together, they discover some interesting things about Simpson. He had quite a thing for violent, kinky sex, and was a regular at a local high class strip club. Simpson, who was white, also preferred black women.

Mark also discovers a huge case of insurance fraud involving Southgate Insurance, Ashley Stepford's biggest client. Many years ago, a clear case of medical malpractice (a botched birth leading to severe brain damage) plus the fact that Southgate's own reinsurance had lapsed, meant that the insurance company was in severe trouble. The plaintiff's lawyer died in a mysterious hit and run, and the new lawyer settled the case for peanuts. In exchange, the lawyer, Roger Ashley, now of Ashley, Stepford and Simpson, is set up for life, getting all of Southgate's outside counsel work.

This is a short, thrilling, action-packed story. It has everything a good legal thriller needs, including a surprise ending. It's easy to read, and well worth the time.