Book Review: Unlawful Games

Reviewed by Joelene Pynnonen

A twisty legal thriller that explores both sides of a sinister cat and mouse game

Sal Amici is living the dream. Having just won a seemingly unwinnable trial, his law firm has him in their sights for partner. He has a gorgeous, devoted wife and two amazing kids. A new multimillionaire client asks for him specifically when approaching Sal’s law firm; it looks like it’s his lucky day. If Sal manages to win this high-profile trial, the partnership is in the bag. 

But taking on philanthropist Sean Lancaster as a client could be his undoing. Though he claims he’s innocent, Sean has been accused of brutally murdering his wife and three children. He is also a cagey, shadowy type who seems strangely at home in the violent prison environment he is being kept in. 

On top of this, Sal can’t shake the feeling that there’s a devious reason that Sean asked for his representation. With his funds, he could hire a team of elite defense attorneys. Trying to keep up with the workload and his demanding, and possibly dangerous, client takes a toll. Soon, it seems that the wonderful life Sal had built might come crumbling apart around him.

Unlawful Games is the first book in the Sal Amici series. It is a suspenseful legal thriller infused with a flurry of twists. Told alternately from the perspectives of the defense attorney and the client, it’s a mystery that unravels bit by bit. It reads like a cat and mouse game: We get a glimpse into the minds of both the players, antagonist and protagonist. The major difference is that, for a long time, Sal isn’t even aware he’s being hunted.

Unlawful Games starts strong. A rising star lawyer given a high-profile case that could make his career sets the stakes high from the outset. As Sean’s intentions begin to unfold, it becomes clear how much Sal has to lose as well as gain. 

The suspense is thick through the entirety of Unlawful Games. As the book delves deeper and deeper into Sean’s twisted psychology, it becomes clear how much control he has in Sal’s work and personal life. As the book progresses, it feels more and more like a trap is about to close around Sal, and the entire world he has built will implode.

Later on, the plot can be tripped up by some coincidences, inexplicable behaviors, and confusing character motives. The explanation for why these events take place also requires some suspension of disbelief.

There’s a lot to like in Unlawful Games. The villain is as sinister as they come, the atmosphere is taut, and there are twists aplenty.

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