⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (3.75/5)

I enjoyed this audiobook but wasn’t fully invested like I usually am with Margolin books. Don’t get me wrong it was good, I just liked his other stuff better.

I loved the character Guido Sabatini. I also liked Charlie Webb. I just wanted more out of the characters based on the length of the book. I was laughing and shaking my head at Guido’s antics while rooting for Charlie Webb to get a win.

The story read more quirky because of Guido so made me chuckle at times but it also tackled heavy issues like sex trafficking. The collab of a silly character like Guido and the seriousness of the other issues just didn’t meld together for me.

That being said, IF this became a series I’d totally read it because there definitely seems like there is more to be done with these story lines.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I discovered this author earlier this year when I was looking for lawyer series. I LOVED his Robin Lockwood series and hope to continue reading it soon. When I saw this new standalone, I was thrilled to read it.

The main character Charlie Webb is a regular, good guy. He's not too smart or too ambitious but he has integrity which turns out to be the most important thing. He gets assigned a case to defend a "painter" who stole the painting back from the person who bought it. His paintings are truly inspirational. He broke in and apparently took another item as insurance, a flash drive. He agrees to give everything back if the owner will hang the painting where more people can see it.

Meanwhile, the owner of the painting has been arrested for sex trafficking along with her movie producer partner. Now multiple people including their clients are worried about what the painter took and attempts on his life begin. Charlie teams up with Bridget, the prosecutor in the sex trafficking case to try to resolve things. He also has a new legal intern who turns his head.

An Insignificant Case is fast paced and exciting. The hunt for the flash drive leaves a trail of bodies on the side of those trying to conceal it and those trying to expose it. It's fun to see Charlie grow and use his legal skills effectively. He learns more about people as well. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it highly. I wouldn't mind having more stories about Charlie.

Narration:
I don't believe I've heard this narrator previously. I enjoyed his voices for both males and females. They felt appropriate and kept me in the story. The performance added to my experience. I listened comfortably at 1.5x speed.

Book Review | "An Insignificant Case" by Phillip Margolin
Even the Best-Kept Secrets Have a Way of Being Revealed

“An Insignificant Case” by Phillip Margolin is a thriller set in and out of the courtroom, starting with a case of a stolen painting.

Our main character, Charlie Webb, is a lawyer who can only be described as mediocre and second-rate. He is assigned to defend Guido Sabatini, born Lawrence Weiss, a man claiming to be reborn as a Renaissance painter who worked with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Webb and most others assume Guido is severely mentally ill, but Charlie begrudgingly takes on the burglary case.

Sabatini has a history of selling paintings to paying customers, becoming incensed by how they choose to display his art, and then stealing his work back due to their “disrespect” of his craft. It’s safe to say that Weiss—I mean Sabatini—is not taken seriously. That is until it surfaces that his latest crime includes the theft of a thumb drive and a body count piles up, pointing the blame directly at Guido.

With the burglary case as the reader’s entry point, the door bursts wide open and reveals an underworld of sex trafficking, abuse of power, and murder. No one can be trusted and lackluster Charlie Webb is tasked with getting to the truth and defending his unique client.

What seems like a straightforward case explodes into a media frenzy akin to the likes of Diddy and Jeffrey Epstein.

Although complex, Margolin delivers the plot in an organized and comprehensible manner, drawing the reader in with the charismatic story of Guido Sabatini and an on-air sex trafficking arrest at the Oscars. There is a lot of meat on that bone and the readers are hungry!

Margolin successfully meets the reader where they’re at in terms of knowledge of the law and criminal court cases, translating jargon and procedure into digestible pieces so the reader can sit back and enjoy the entertaining ride.

Along the journey, the author introduces interesting characters, all pieces of the larger picture with several mysteries baked in and connected in unexpected ways. Even though Guido is giving unhinged, the reader can’t help but root for this endearing character who was merely advocating for his art. Additionally, the character of Charlie Webb feels accessible in an everyman way, exhibiting the hallmarks of someone trying to do their job but getting distracted by his penis, as the common male stereotype dictates.

You root for him and Sabatini but the male diversions are my only grievance with the book. It was clearly from a male perspective with the male characters losing focus to their primal desire for the female body, reinforcing the idea that men cannot think clearly when an attractive woman is in the room. Yawn. That narrative is a bit dusty and could use some polishing. Even with this tired depiction, it may invoke a swift eye roll from the reader but should not detract from the larger story being told, but be ready for that. Also, as a warning, there are deeply traumatic and potentially triggering topics interspersed related to SA and trafficking.

As the reader reaches the three-quarters mark of the book, the story feels like it is organically drawing to a close but then a new court case emerges with Charlie Webb at the helm once again. At first, I found this to be clunky and I was mildly exasperated by the extended storylines but then was captivated by the additional material. When I thought the book was over, I wanted more—ask and you shall receive I guess! Although the transition felt slightly empty, the finale added more depth and intrigue and is a welcome conclusion.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced audio copy of the book, narrated by Peter Ganim, who did an outstanding job bringing life to every single one of the characters. Ganim’s performance is inspired, authentic, and engaging.

I typically prefer a female narrator but Ganim is one of my new favorite audiobook narrators, male or female, and I will be seeking out more of his work as well as more of Margolin’s writing.

Overall, “An Insignificant Case” is a tasty thriller calling upon wildly popular real-life crime themes popular in the current zeitgeist but with Margolin’s distinct twist. If you liked “The Firm” by John Grisham, then you will want to grab a copy of “An Insignificant Case.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very interesting somewhat long book. I read using the audiobook and the narrator was great. The characters were really thought out and had a lot of depth.
Love Charlie and his biker gang friends and love Guido.

All through the book Guido answers Charlie with “as you wish” which constantly made me chuckle.

The book was a bit longer than I thought it needed to be. The last quarter could have been put into a sequel.

Overall can’t wait till the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.

I listened to the audiobook of An Insignificant Case narrated by Peter Ganim. He is a wonderful narrator, giving different tonal voices to the many characters that are in this legal thriller. I would probably listen to anything he narrates.

I enjoyed reading this book. It's not a great piece of writing but the premise is great and there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader entertained to the very end. I don't understand the title but....that makes no difference. The court case revolves around sex trafficking and abuse which is hard to read but the more people write about it, maybe the world will realize what a serious problem it is. There is enough humour to lighten the themes.

I've read a number of books by Phillip Margolin and I'd say this one is up there with his better ones.

Fast paced legal thriller about taking down big shot producer (read Harvey W.). Gobs of characters I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep track of on audio, but they all connected fairly quickly. Overall a wonderful book and narration was great!

Entertaining and fast-paced legal thriller.

This is a standalone, so I was able to jump right in and get my fix as I love fiction involving legal maneuvering and complicated plots. This one however, got me with the characters. So many different personalities on the legal end and a really quirky mathematician turned artist who made for a very interesting criminal.

The basic plot involves an inappropriately displayed painting, a stolen flash drive, sex trafficking, murder, and vigilantism. The story takes off quickly and the excellent writing kept me hooked. As the action ricochets from one scenario to another, the attorneys adapt and try to keep their client alive.

Guido Sabatini (born Lawrence Weiss) is a most unlikely criminal as he's a slightly crazy painter who believes he was trained by the masters in a past life. He gets mad when a painting he sold to a restaurateur is not hung out in the main dining area but hidden away in an office. He decides to break in and liberate it, but also, in spite, takes a flash drive from the office safe thinking he will simply give it back once the owner hangs the painting in a more suitable place. Arrested for theft, he needs an attorney. Enter third rate lawyer Charles Webb. Charlie's a good guy but he's no match for what's coming. Oh, Guido. What a nest of serpents he let loose. There is something on that flash drive that many people will get to keep secret.

I really liked this story and was lucky to be able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publishers. The narrator did an excellent job of voicing the characters with appropriate tone, accents, and dramatic flair. The production was well done and enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Wonderful read!

Charlie Webb is a lawyer. He’s not the brightest in the bunch, but he gets by.
He has a few clients, but really needs to build up his practice.

So, when he gets called in for a case on an indigent who can’t afford a lawyer, he’s not thrilled, but a case is a case. Even if it’s a little insignificant one…
As he meets his new client, Guido Sabatini (aka Lawrence Weiss), he’s shocked at how the guy looks and acts! He looks like Jesus…reborn…and, well, he acts like he’s crazy!

He swears he’s been taught to paint by Michelangelo, and that he’s lived many lives. 😮😮

So, he’s a fruitcake. But, still, a case is a case!
And…Charlie actually kind of likes the guy…

He’s brought up to pace on the case, and realizes that Guido sold a painting to a restaurant owner, but then went back and stole the painting back, BECAUSE…he didn’t like where she displayed it! 🤣🫣
(And he learns he’s done this exact same thing before…)
BUT, he also took something else…and now, his own LIFE may be in danger…

As the case progresses, more and more people, cops, lawyers, judges…and people of great influence are getting involved…and Charlie is really not understanding why?? This is a little case…. And then well, the whole thing just BLOWS UP… in a way you’d never expect!

Kudos to Margolin for ‘painting’ such a terrific story under the guise of such a shady character!

Great characters. Great building up of the story! And the fact that so many high profile people end up involved in the case…and then people start dying…well, just phenomenal!!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#AnInsignificantCase by #PhillipMargolin and narrated beautifully by #PeterGamin.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

**** Book release is slated for November 5, 2024! A few days away!! *****

TRIGGER WARNING: 🛑 There is mention of sexual abuse and a snuff film, so if this is something you cannot handle, you may want to avoid this one. 🛑

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Charles Webb is a not the flashy, top tier lawyer. Though he practices criminal defense, he has no experience with murder cases. Guido Sabatini is an artist who sales his paintings to restaurant owners a then will “liberate” the painting if he does not like where it is displayed. Sabatini steals his painting back from Gretch Hall’s restaurant, as well as a flash drive from the safe. He is eventually arrested and assigned Charles Webb as his lawyer. When Gretchen and her drive are found dead, Sabatini is charged with their murders and will only take Charles Webb as his lawyer.

This legal thriller will keep you guessing. There is a good cast of characters with twists and turns along the way to keep you interested.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Phillip Margolin for providing a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. The publication date is currently set for November 05, 2024.

I love legal thrillers and Philip Margolin never disappoints. In this stand-alone novel Charlie Webb is a third-rate lawyer from a third-rate law school who gets by representing old college friends in barroom brawls and court appointed clients. When he is appointed to represent a known mentally disturbed man on a simple robbery case everything changes. The man who stole back a painting he sold also stole something from a safe that could potentially put a lot of very prominent Oregonians in prison and Charlie soon finds himself and his client the target of some extremely dangerous men. Lots of twists and legal maneuvering make this a fast-paced legal thriller you won’t want to miss.

Excellent read! I loved the audio - great job holding my attention. Fast paced and just long enough.
Lawrence Weiss left his lucrative career to paint - taking on the identity of Guido Sabatini, struggling with some serious mental health issues.
After relinquishing a purchased painting placed in a restaurant owner's office, Guido also grabs a thumb drive for extra insurance to have charges dropped.
Two young women come forward to give testimony against very powerful people in their town with connections to Hollywood. Murders. Arrests. And this thumb drive become the focus of murder investigation - Guido charged, Charlie Webb his legal counsel.
Some coincidences seem too kind to Guido's case - Charlie begins to work with the prosecutor to get the truth and keep his client alive.

An Insignificant Case, Phillip Margolin’s newest suspenseful standalone legal thriller, is a captivating read. Lawyer Charlie Webb, the court-appointed attorney for a simple robbery involving painter Guido Sabatini and a stolen painting, is drawn into a capital case nightmare. The young lawyer's feelings of inexperience, being overmatched, and utterly unqualified add to the suspense. The investigation and the courtroom drama are well-executed, making it a quick and enjoyable read. However, the ending felt somewhat rushed.

The audiobook’s narrator, Peter Ganim, delivers a stellar performance, enhancing the overall experience. His narration brings the characters and the story to life, making it a great listen. I look forward to more from him in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with the advanced audio copy of An Insignificant Case in exchange for an honest review. And thank you, Phillip Margolin, for writing another fantastic book!

This book is a thriller about a Mentally ill artist/theif that wound up with an item that would prove important to a large criminal case and a subpar lawyer representing him.

Phillip Margolin is an amazing writer, this thriller kept me on the edge of my seat with all of the twists and turns throughout it. Peter Ganim bringing the story alive with his perfect narration of the story.

That being said there where a few things that bothered me in the story, I had a lot of trouble with the writer going into detail about the SA and murder of minors, I get it’s an important part of the story I just wish the SA part wasn’t detailed .

My other issue with the audiobook is that there were a couple of comments the writer made about women in the book as the main character that came off as misogynistic.

All and all the book is amazing and I would highly recommend it, just be aware that the book contains SA and other abuse of minors so that you can make an informed decision on wether or not this is the right book for you .

This audiobook was a fast-paced, well-written thriller that hooked me from the start. The plot centers on an artist—a theme I’ve been drawn to lately—and the character’s creative side added a unique layer to the story. It’s rare to see art woven into a thriller like this, and it gave the story an extra spark.

The other main character, a lawyer trying to find his footing in his field, brought a contrasting perspective that made the dynamic even more compelling. The two characters' paths intertwine in such a way that it drives the story forward, adding layers of tension and curiosity.

The pacing was spot on, keeping the momentum alive as each twist unfolded. I was totally caught up in discovering what really happened, and it was an adventure to piece it all together with the characters

I went back and forth about requesting this book because it is outside of my typical reading. The description really sold me so I was very excited when my request my approved! I have worked at a district attorney's office for the last seven years so books surrounding lawyers and court cases always catch my eye, but I normally don't read them because they tend to let me down... not this one though!

This was a really gripping, interesting, and faced paced story. The beginning was a bit confusing because this story follows multiple POVs and you get all of their names up front, however after a bit of reading it all sorted out in my brain. The characters were witty and really fun. It was exciting with lots of twists and suspenseful scenes. I will definitely be adding Phillip Margolin's other books to my tbr!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan audio for this arc.

An Insignificant Case by Phillip Margolin
Narrated by Peter Ganim

Charlie Webb spent his entire academic life being a C student which has led him to see himself as ranking a C as a lawyer. Not able to get hired on by a law firm, Charlie opened his own law practice and he gets work, has successes, and seems pretty settled into his mediocre life. This makes Charlie sound like a loser but the reality of the situation is that he has some very loyal, although somewhat shady friends, who will always have his back. He, also, for all his insecurities when it comes to women, really does seem to attract them, both beautiful and successful women at that. It seems that Charlie might be his own worst enemy, with much more value than he gives himself credit for, since others see him for more than he sees himself.

Charlie is appointed to be the attorney for a nutty artist who calls himself Guido Sabatini although the man's name is really Lawrence Weiss. Guido/Lawrence wants Charlie to represent him, no one else really wants the job with this loose cannon of a crackpot, although Charlie does get a big surprise when a high powered lawyer joins his team once Guido/Lawrence all the sudden needs a lawyer with much more expertise that Charlie possesses. Charlie, Guido/Lawrence, and his ragtag and glamorous friends are heading to court.

Two attractive women enter Charlie's life at this time. One is a woman who wants to work as his assistant for "experience" and the other is a woman who is on the opposite side of the courtroom than Charlie until she's not. Oh Charlie, you do downplay your talents and attraction in so many ways. Charlie and company are up against a tough crowd and the danger is great for anyone bucking that touch crowd that is willing to kill off those who show resistance to their greatness.

This author is new to me and I enjoyed this story. It felt shorter than it really is because the audiobook narrator is so good, so fitting as Charlie. While this is a standalone story, I may try one of the series by this author. I also wouldn't mind seeing Charlie again.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

A stolen flash drive. What does the flash drive contain? Someone is willing to commit murder to keep the contents from going public. When a local artist is upset that his painting is not on public display, he decides to break in an retrieve his painting, he also helps himself to a flash drive he finds in the owners safe. This leads to a game of cat and mouse with the owner and her driver attempting to get the flash drive back. This book gives off vibes of several court cases in recent news. The courtroom drama is top notch. Multiple twists to keep you guessing.

There were some pretty significant issues in "An Insignificant Case".

TW: Child trafficking.

A significant portion of this book was eerily similar to the Harvey Weinstein case.

Underaged girls were not cast in productions without producing sexual favors.

I listened to the audiobook.

Even though the book was well-written and Peter Ganim's narration was superb, I had zero interest in listening to a rehash of Harvey Weinstein-type allegations.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was the wrong reader for this book.

This was a great, easy to listen to lawyer down on his luck getting a case that kicked him into the limelight. The characters were approachable and the story easy to follow. The narrator did a good job telling the story, although the voice for the main character, Charlie Webb, seemed a bit forced.

My favorite character had to be the eccentric Guido Sabatini, also known as Lawrence Weiss. A man of gifted intelligence who was also a talented painter who left his "real life" behind after getting caught card counting while gambling to live the life of the reincarnated artist. He sold his art to restaurant owners and if they did not hang the piece in the dining room of the restaurant, he "liberated" it from where it hung, only to try and convince the owner to hang the art in a more public place for all to see when he gave it back to them. With his latest liberation, he also took a thumb drive, hoping it would give him information to blackmail the owner into seeing it his way. Unfortunately he ended up finding evidence in a child kidnapping, sex and murder ring, and people kept getting killed trying to find the thumb drive. Eventually Guido was arrested and Charlie was assigned to his case.

I appreciated the fact that although the premise of the case was an ugly topic, the author did not expound on this and the description of a video shown in court was minimal. There was little profanity in the book and no sex scenes between characters.

The story continued in typical courtroom drama and ended with an ending that made me think, what would I think if I had been the lawyer. I recommend this to people who enjoy reading or listening to legal thrillers.

Thanks to NetGalley and McMillian audio for allowing me to review this audiobook.

2.5/5
This was fine? I wasn’t super interested one way or another. Suspected the twists to an extent. Probably the only reason I finished was because it was a short and quick audiobook.