Through Net Galley, I reviewed an advance copy of One and Done by James Chandler. The second book in a series that follows Attorney Sam Johnstone as he defends a college basketball star accused of murder. I had not read the first book in the series but was able to enjoy the book despite not knowing the backstory. (Though there are spoilers, so you may want to read the Misjudged first.)
As an avowed fan of courtroom dramas and college basketball, this book checked all the boxes. The mystery is solid and the lead character’s backstory is compelling. There is a lot going on including drugs, a gay victim, PTSD, an overly ambitious reporter and a cartoonish school administrator. Overall, many of the supporting characters were a bit one-dimensional and the courtroom scenes lacked authenticity.
As a throwback to the classics of the genre and with the inclusion of a star basketball player as the defendant, I wanted to love this book. The mystery will keep your attention so the book is worthy of a read however, overall, I would rate this one as 4 Stars for the idea and 3 Stars for the execution.
The only compensation received in exchange for this review was the advance copy. My thanks to Severn River Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read One and Done.

Gay basketball manager found dead. Star black player had argument with him, seen on video following him. Newspaper reporter looking for sensational story blows it out of proportion as a hate crime. Veteran/lawyer, fighting his own demons, takes the case. Lots of ingredients, and the author does a good job of mixing them together in an interesting book.

A great legal thriller, I really enjoyed the novel, and thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance reading copy.