Precession is a fascinating look into the world of Attorney Riley Morgan and the characters that become her clients.
Abby Arrington's first novel in her Riley Morgan series proves to be a compelling introduction into the world of her protagonist and all the interesting characters who reside there. Riley is a sharp renegade attorney managing her own law firm with a heart for justice and a desire to "make it right".
From the first chapters we are drawn into the action as we find one of her main characters, Agent Kent Donovan, waiting not so patiently for the results of an intelligence search. The action continues as FBI agents show up at Riley's door with questions about one of her clients. This is not going to be just a courtroom legal thriller, and the readers should enjoy the balance of action and legal proceedings.
The novel follows the course of two clients that Riley is representing. One client is a recording artist and the case involves the struggle to free him from a one-sided contract that has his future in a stranglehold. The second case deals with a domestic dispute and the actions of an abused wife to free herself from an oppressive relationship and establish a new life for her and her children. While the cases take place in different arenas, the theme of seeking freedom and a new life resounds.
Along the journey toward finding their freedom, the colorful characters provide some rich dialogue. The cast of characters run the range from the nefarious manager, a childhood friend who has become Riley's family of sorts, the longtime colleague of Riley's who has the inside on the case, the colorful townspeople in the settings in Mystic, a Federal Agent that manages to get the bad guy while having a few challenges of his own, and an attorney that seems to be self-serving and real ladies' man, but may turn out to surprise the reader as this series unfolds. Each character's personality is well developed with insights into their history and convincing dialogue.
The friendship between Riley and her best friend, Dani, provides several of the humorous sequences in the novel and also many touching moments of support and true emotion. Dani's character has a flair for some sarcastic banter and memorable lines. She offers the catch phrase "make it right" and along with many other interesting observations, she provides a humorous insight into the good life of a dog. And, to that end, dogs are well represented in this novel, as Mason, a golden retreiver, serves as Riley's constant companion.
Riley's battles with opposing attorney, Sam Stone, are also especially memorable. The underlying attraction between the two, and the hard-fought battle for their respective clients, creates some plot friction.
Precession is named for the reference in the book to astral precession which causes displacement of stellar objects, such as the Pole Star ("North Star") used by navigators to find their bearings. The novel does take the reader on a winding journey much like that of the referenced star. We may not know the true north during all of the plot twists, but the ride is enjoyable.
Definitely a good summer (fall or winter) read and fits nicely in a carry-on travel bag. It's also a great book to give to your friends and introduce them to this author.
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