Defending Jacob

By William Landay

Book Overview

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Entertainment Weekly - The Boston Globe - Kansas City Star "A legal thriller that's comparable to classics such as Scott Turow's Presumed Innocent . . . Tragic and shocking, Defending Jacob is sure to generate buzz."--Associated Press NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student. Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He's his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own--between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he's tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive. Award-winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis--a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control. Praise for Defending Jacob "Ingenious . . . Nothing is predictable. All bets are off."-- The New York Times "Stunning . . . a novel that comes to you out of the blue and manages to keep you reading feverishly until the whole thing is completed."--The Huffington Post "Gripping, emotional murder saga . . . The shocking ending will have readers pulling up their bedcovers to ward off the haunting chill."-- People "The hype is justified. . . . Exceptionally serious, suspenseful, engrossing."-- The Washington Post "Even with unexpected twists and turns, the two narratives interlock like the teeth of a zipper, building to a tough and unflinching finale. This novel has major motion picture written all over it."-- The Boston Globe "Yes, this book came out in January. No, we are not done talking about it."-- Entertainment Weekly

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385344228
• ISBN13: 9780385344227
• Release Date: January 2012
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Great Reading.

This is by far one of the Best books I have ever read, it's a book I could not put down and I stayed up late reading it and it was so well written it made you feel you were right there trying to help Jacob. It went right to the top of my favorites I just ordered more of his books, hoping they will be as good, but it would be hard to beat Defending Jacob. the ending was so sad. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

A wonderful book

This book will keep you awake reading to see what Jacob and his family are doing. The courtroom drama is great. I was glued to the pages waiting to see what Jacob's Father would do to clear his name. His Mother tried very hard to keep him calm. I suggest this to every mystery lover, this is a real mystery. Read this one Keep Jacob in mind.

Couldn't put it down.

I've never been a reader, but this book was suggested to me, so I bought it. Defending Jacob caught hold of my throat right way, not letting me go, until the very unexpected ending. That was when I was able to breath again. I've read it twice now. Read it! You won't be disappointed.

Must read!!

Impossible to put down!! Such a good book!!!

once you open the cover of this book, you better block out a few hours because you won't be able to

This is a truly gifted author. I was also a criminal prosecutor like the author in real life and his character in the novel; my length of term was over 20 years. This is the best read that I've had in many years. This man's work is truly a treasure; read this author, you will not be disappointed.

Unbelievable dad.

The father is this book was way overboard. He stood up for his son and threw away evidence that he knew he should have kept. The way the father deluded himself ruined the book for me. It was unbelievable - his son or not. I don't want to read anything else by this author.

Interesting read.

The author of Defending Jacob can write. Not a boring sentence in this novel. I love endings that match the novel. When they dont match the book Im antagonized. Not with this book. You won't see the ending coming. Highly recommend.

Freaking Amazing!!!

If you're someone who loves a lot of dialogue, you will definitely love this book. I personally love dialogue so I just loved how much of there it was. This book kept me on my toes the entire time and I could not put it down at all. Was one of the first books I read where the author doesn't make the answer obvious at the beginning. Truly a thriller masterpiece. William Landay masters the ability of questioning if you could remain loyal to your family or job. This is also a show on Apple TV starring Chris Evans and each actor played out there roles beautifully. Overall, the book (and show) are just a chef's kiss.

Gripping Novel That I Could Not Put Down

Incredible page-turner that draws you into the story completely. The reader becomes so invested in each of the characters that the book becomes impossible to put down. You have to keep reading so you can find out what happens.