This is not a new author to me, it's just been awhile since I've read his books. Nor have I read all the prior in this series. It read easily as a standalone. Legal thrillers are my favorite genre and this looks at the age old question "was justice served?". It also delves into new issues with wrongful convictions and exoneration.
The story of Dismas Hardy and Wes Farrell is very well rounded as it includes the legal process, attorneys, judge, clients, detectives, criminals, witnesses, private detectives, police, victim's family, and an exoneration initiative group. Dismas not not really a primary character in the story.
Paul Riley is not particularly likable, a petty criminal, convicted murderer. When the Exoneration Initiative frees him on a technicality, Doug Rush wastes no time murdering him. Or did he? Mr. Rush has every reason to make good on his previous threat to kill the man who he knows murdered his daughter.
Attorney Wes Farrell is floundering and questioning his purpose in his current position with the firm. He takes on the defense of Mr. Rush. Then has to hire PI Abe Glitsky to find his client when he disappears, forfeiting a million in bail.
The law has always been very clear as to attorneys representing clients regardless of guilt or innocence. This story describes a case where the convicted defendant is exonerated after serving many years. The fairness of the trial itself is in question, not guilt or innocence. There are perspectives from many sides. It will certainly make you think and it is an enlightening glimpse into the legal system.
Glitsky will go through many theories, dead end senarios, uncover lies and corruption, back and forth from one killer to different killers. In the end will it matter and was the right killer punished?
Definitely one of the best legal murder mysteries I've read recently. The issues raised will continue to resonate with me. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley, John Lescroart, and Atria Books for the advance digital copy of "The Missing Piece", Dismas Hardy Series #19. These thoughts and opinions are mine alone, given voluntarily.

I love the Dismas Hardy series by John Lescroast. San Francisco DA Wes Farrell put Paul Riley in prison eleven years ago for the rape and murder of his girlfriend. No one is happy to see him released after The Exoneration Initiative uncovered evidence that pinned the crime on another person.. Riley soon turns up murdered, surrounded by the loot from his latest scam. The question is who wants him dead. Many think it is the grieving father of Riley’s dead girlfriend, Doug Rush. Farrell, now practicing law with Dismas Hardy, agrees to represent the defendant and is left in the dust when Rush disappears. Farrell and Hardy ask PI Abe Glitsky to track down Rush. The search takes Glitsky through wounded parents, crooked cops, cheating spouses, and single-minded vigilantes. The story is a solid Lescroart read.

Clearly this wasn’t my cup of tea. Well it could also be the fact that this was the 19th book in the series and I had literally picked a book from the middle of a series. Even though the core plot is good enough to make a standalone read, it doesn’t quite work full in that capacity because like 80% of the book is dealing with the personal relationship between the central characters. They are talking about previous incidents, jabbing at backstories that maybe well in knowledge to the followers of this series. So I don’t think my issues with the book is actual issues related to the book. Because I simply picked up the book from the wrong shelf. I should have probably started with Book1 rather than directly going to Book 19. So literally with THE MISSING PIECE I had to deal with the missing pieces.

I totally get it that by the time a book reaches this far, there are a lot of history, back stories and previous incidents that will be rolled into every sequels. Being a fan of many series myself, I can very well understand, the need to see more of the personal aspects of the central characters along with the usual investigative plots. This is exactly what the book is dealing with. I am guessing that the incidents in this book is some sort of after currents of incidents in the previous books.

So my issue with the book was majorly that actual events or actions in the book was nearly to nil. 90% of the book is talks and talks. And even in that 90% only 20% of it is about the actual plot and rest of them are basically piling up with reference to either previous events, backstories or just mere portal of camaraderie between particular characters. I wouldn’t say that it would be a totally bad idea to pick up this book as a standalone as the book has its own plot but since the actual events and action are so less, it is a bit tough to cope up with all the information overload. You kind of become a bit dazed at the mere facts and not knowing which ones to shelf and where. That was what made it a bit tough for me to enjoy the book.

It is a legal thriller so the investigative arc is not exactly like an alpha male with a machete kind. Its more of paperwork, procedures, round table discussions and brain storming. So for somebody who is a fan of guns, blood, car chases and fists and kicks, this may come as a bit slow. So that was why I couldn’t fully get into the book

This is book 19 in a detective series featuring Dismas Hardy, ex-cop and lawyer in San Francisco. It can be read as a stand alone. I’ve only read one other in the series, many years ago. Not all his books feature Dismas and this is one of them where he made cameo appearances only. It features his best friend, aging former homicide detective, now a P.I. Abe Glitsky.

This novel is pretty convoluted and revolves around those criminals cleared from life sentences by the Exoneration Initiative. One case in particular is close to home for this law enforcement team. The plot is quite convoluted as there seems to be two murders involved in the release of one of the victims who was exonerated for the rape and murder of the others daughter.

It is a police procedural more than a legal thriller, but straddles the line between both genres.
I found it interesting, but a bit long for my taste, and like I said, leads you down one road in speculation, then another.

For this reader a 3.5 to 4 star review. Watch for its release coming in November, 2021. My thanks for the eARC provided through NetGalley, Atria books and of course the talented Mr. Lescroart. All opinions are my own.

Sometimes, you can start a book way late in a series and just groove with it. Sometimes, you feel like you’re missing something. So, yeah…shame on me for starting with book 19.

The thing is that I’m not at all certain that my tepid reaction to the book was as a result of my not being up on the characters and their histories. Maybe a smidge? I was just kind of underwhelmed with the whole plot in general. It just wasn’t exciting.

I stuck with it out of mild curiosity, but it never rose beyond that. The solution to everything was interesting, but not mind-blowing.

I liked our characters enough that I’ll definitely check out book one in the series and decide where to go from there.

So maybe not working so much as a standalone? Maybe not working so much plot wise for me? Or maybe just not for me.

*ARC via publisher

I want to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Missing LInk. This is another good book featuring Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky who, by now, are very familiar characters. As always, Mr. Lescroart offers a very well developed plot dealing with how the criminal justice system may or may not be working. After being released from prison for rape and murder of his girlfriend through the efforts of the Exoneration Initiatve, Paul Riley is murdered. The story takes off from there and, as it progresses, raises serious questions regarding beliefs, leading to self-doubt and where the criminal justice system may or may not be working. It is very well paced and suspenseful . It’s a solid 4 for me.

This was my first book in the Dismas Hardy series and my first book by John Lescroart. I am not sure if should have read all of the others in the series first, but it took me awhile to catch on to the main characters at play. I always enjoy a good legal thriller and this one did not disappoint me! I will definitely be buying more books by this author. Recommended for readers that enjoy John Grisham novels.

I forgot how much I enjoyed this series until I started reading this book. Once again John Lescroat provides the reader with a smart well crafted legal/police procedural. There's nothing like a gritty Lescroat book and his amazing characters. It was great to be with Dismas, Abe and Wes once again.

An absorbing, page turning legal/investigative thriller with multiple unanticipated twists. The Missing Piece is another winner by bestselling author John Lescroart.

Paul Riley is out of prison after being sent away 10 years ago for the rape and murder of a young woman. Freed after the work of The Exoneration Initiative overturned the conviction, Paul has been on the outside for several months when he’s found dead, shot in the head in his own place. The obvious suspect is the woman’s still-grieving father, Doug Rush. But as former San Francisco DA and now defense attorney Wes Farrell and PI Abe Glitsky investigate after taking on Rush as a client, the list of potential suspects grows…as does the body count. Love triangles, biker gangs, and vigilante justice all play a part in unravelling the mystery that poses a danger to all involved.

This series is quite entertaining and right up there among the best legal thrillers in the genre, with The Missing Piece being no exception. Although this book focuses mostly on Wes Farrell and Abe Glitsky with only a cameo from Dismas Hardy, it’s a compelling story that keeps you guessing throughout on not only who the true murderer is, but also on Farrell’s future as a defense attorney and Glitsky’s ability to stay among the living as he pokes the hornet’s nest. The Missing Piece combines a fast-paced and intriguing storyline that stands on its own with further development of the regular characters to keep the series moving forward in an effective manner.

I arrived late to this series, picking up my first Dismas Hardy novel 3 years ago. But I’ve been a big fan since and highly recommend it for engaging plots and charming characters. If you’re already engaged in this series, then you know what I’m talking about and you should definitely pick up a copy of The Missing Piece. But if you’re not already reading about Dismas Hardy and his friends, then I’ve got good news for you. There are 19 entertaining books in the series to add to your TBR pile.

Really enjoyed this book. The plot kept me engaged straight out the gate. This is a first read for me by this author, I look forward to reading more!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of the 19th book in the Dismas Hardy series!

The Missing Piece is a finely plotted novel with interesting characters, and a good, solid mystery. Familiar characters are all there: Dismas, Abe Glitsky (former cop, now a PI), Wes Farrell (former DA and now a defense attorney), and Franny and Treya, (the wives of Dismas and Abe). The book starts off with Farrell in focus and then turns the focus on Glitsky. There isn't much focus on Hardy this time but Glitsky carries the storyline with ease!

When Farrell was a DA, he convicted a man named Paul Riley for rape and murder. After eleven years in prison, Riley was released due to the work of a group called The Exoneration Initiative. Riley soon turns up murdered and The Missing Piece takes off like gangbusters, with misdirection, ethical issues, and self-reflection!! I love this series!!

Reading a Lescroart novel is somewhat like being the mouse in the corner with a group of highly volatile and highly intelligent cops…or at least the movie and TV versions! The characters, with a couple of exceptions, are the same and those his readers have come to know and appreciate. The plot is exceptional and will grab the reader at the onset and never let go. The basic introduction is that a person who had served eleven years of a life with no parole sentence is exonerated and set free. Three months later, he is murdered. Wes Farrell reluctantly agrees to defend the man charged with the murder. Telling anyone more about the story will reveal way too many of the twists and turns in the plot. Recommending that anyone who likes procedurals with a twist won’t. Thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC for an honest review.

John Lescroart writes mysteries for readers who want to think while they read; and it’s a lot of fun. His books move quickly but offer twists and turns that ask readers to puzzle along with the story. It’s almost impossible not to think about the moral conundrums buzzing within the plot. THE MISSING PIECE has more than its fair share as murders beget murders and one mistake follows upon another. Attorneys don’t believe in their clients and innocence is nowhere to be found. This is a juicy tale that has red herrings galore. Finding the truth will take dedication and creativity. The book is a delight. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I had been missing books by this author, and I’m so glad he got back into writing during the pandemic. As usual, there is lots of suspense in this book, and plenty of twists. Retired from the police department, Abe Glisky is now a private investigator and is intent on finding the murderer in this case, and several murders like it in other cities. This book also focuses on The Exoneration Initiative, a group that looks into what they believe are people being falsely sent to prison. They are often able to get a prisoner released from prison on technicalities, whether correct or not. Anyone who likes a good mystery will like this book. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a good page turning beach read. It's been a while since I'd been part of the Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky world and this didn't disappoint.

Paul Riley is convicted of raping and murdering Doug Rush's daughter Dana. Then the Exoneration Initiative steps in and the conviction is overturned. Paul Riley is not a good guy and he gets out of jail. Then he is murdered. This is the story of the Doug Rush, Paul Riley, the police, Mr. Rush's attorney, Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky, the private investigator who can't let the whole mess go unanswered.

A well drafted procedural with a number of unsavoury suspects and a startling denouement.

I enjoyed this book, which kept me guessing till the very end.

I’m amazed with this book. This was not disappointing. I will read more of John.
I didn’t like to much the thrillers but this one changed my perspective of the things

I didn't even know that this book was the 19th book out of 19... But the characters were well developed and the story line wasn't too out of place - so even though I read the only book from this series and it was the last one, I felt like I didn't miss much. A page turner with a good resolution to the crime stories.

As usual, John Lescroart does not disappoint! While this is the 19th book in the series and I hadn't read a Dismas Hardy novel in a few years, it was easy to pick back up with these familiar characters. Lescroart introduces the characters well and you do not feel like you need background knowledge from any of the previous books to jump right into the plot. This book follows a few threads as Paul Riley is released from prison after the Exoneration Initiative gets his murder and rape conviction overturned. Riley turns up dead and the suspect is the father of the victim in that original crime. Wes Farrell, now a private practice attorney with Dismas Hardy, takes the case of the father, Doug Rush, but when he goes missing more questions pop up. Abe Glitzky, another well known character and now working as Private Investigator, delves into the search for Rush but quickly finds that nothing is easy to piece together in this case! Each dead end, each lead, and every character takes us on a winding path to find the truth. This book includes Lescroart's signature style with a mix of legal procedural and murder mystery. This book was engaging and made for a solid page turner that I did not want to put down! Even if you are new to Lescroart's work, you could start here and find this a fast-paced interesting read. Thanks to Lescroart adn NetGalley for the ARC of this book in return for my unbiased and honest review. I will definitely be looking to catch up on the Lescroart books I have missed in recent years after becoming reaquainted with this work here!

Usually a huge fan of Jon Lescroart, this one fell short for me. I have only missed 2 books in the Dismas Hardy series, so I was super excited to get an ARC of this one.
While I enjoyed the mystery portions, the writing was a little jumpy this time. I had a hard time keeping track of some things. It was a solid read, but just lacking the usual depth I come to enjoy with Dismas tales.