Phillip Margolin

Phillip Margolin is an American author of legal thrillers who gained prominence after transitioning from a 25-year career as a criminal defense attorney. His works frequently draw from his extensive legal background, combining courtroom drama with complex criminal investigations. Before becoming a novelist, Margolin served in the Peace Corps in Liberia and worked at the Oregon Court of Appeals after graduating from New York University School of Law. His legal career, which was inspired by Perry Mason books, provided authentic material for his later writing career. The author's first published work was a short story titled "The Girl in the Yellow Bikini" in 1974, though he didn't become a full-time writer until 1996. His novels often feature strong female protagonists and intricate plots set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest legal system. Since beginning his writing career, Margolin has authored numerous bestselling legal thrillers, including "Gone, But Not Forgotten," "The Last Innocent Man," and the Madison Kincaid series. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of legal procedure while maintaining suspense-driven narratives.

Readers appreciate Margolin's fast pacing, plot twists, and insider knowledge of legal proceedings drawn from his career as a criminal defense attorney. The Amanda Jaffe and Brad Miller series receive particular attention for their authentic courtroom scenes and procedural details. Common praise focuses on: - Complex mysteries that maintain suspense - Accurate portrayal of legal system mechanics - Strong character development in recurring protagonists Frequent criticisms include: - Predictable endings in some books - Uneven writing quality across his catalog - Secondary characters that lack depth Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 across all titles Amazon: 4.2/5 average The Last Innocent Man: 4.3/5 Gone But Not Forgotten: 4.1/5 "His legal expertise shines through in every courtroom scene" - Amazon reviewer "Sometimes sacrifices character development for plot twists" - Goodreads review "The earlier works feel more carefully crafted than recent releases" - LibraryThing user

Gone, But Not Forgotten (1993) A defense attorney investigates a series of murders where women vanish, leaving behind black roses and notes saying "Gone, But Not Forgotten."

The Last Innocent Man (1981) A brilliant defense attorney questions his career after successfully defending a man he believes to be guilty of murder.

After Dark (1995) Portland lawyer Tracy Cavanaugh becomes entangled in a web of deception when she takes on a death row appeal case.

The Burning Man (1996) Peter Hale, a young attorney whose career is in shambles, becomes involved in a complex murder case in Portland.

The Undertaker's Widow (1998) Judge Richard Quinn faces dangerous complications when presiding over a murder trial involving Portland's former mayor.

Wild Justice (2000) A series of gruesome murders leads police to suspect a respected surgeon of being a serial killer.

The Associate (2001) A young lawyer becomes involved in a case that connects to a murder that occurred a decade earlier.

Ties That Bind (2003) Defense attorney Amanda Jaffe takes on a case involving a serial killer who targets defense attorneys.

Sleeping Beauty (2004) A seventeen-year-old girl is found unconscious near her murdered father, leading to a complex investigation.

Proof Positive (2006) Amanda Jaffe defends a mentally ill man accused of murdering a deputy district attorney.

Executive Privilege (2008) A private detective and law student investigate murders linked to the President of the United States.

Supreme Justice (2010) Former CIA agent Brad Miller investigates a conspiracy involving the U.S. Supreme Court.

Capitol Murder (2012) Private investigator Dana Cutler and attorney Brad Miller become entangled in a terrorist plot in Washington, D.C.

Sleight of Hand (2013) A magician plots an elaborate scheme to murder his wife and inherit her fortune.

Woman with a Gun (2014) An aspiring novelist becomes obsessed with solving a decade-old murder case after seeing a striking photograph.

Violent Crimes (2016) Amanda Jaffe defends an environmental lawyer accused of killing his firm's managing partner.

The Third Victim (2018) Criminal defense attorney Robin Lockwood defends a prominent attorney accused of kidnapping and torture.

The Perfect Alibi (2019) Robin Lockwood investigates a series of rapes where the accused have seemingly airtight alibis.

A Reasonable Doubt (2020) Robin Lockwood becomes involved in a case featuring a magician's deadly illusion from twenty years ago.

A Matter of Life and Death (2021) Robin Lockwood defends a young man accused of murder despite compelling DNA evidence against him.

John Grisham spent nearly a decade practicing law before becoming a legal thriller author, bringing authenticity to his courtroom scenes and legal plots. His focus on Southern lawyers and complex conspiracies shares similarities with Margolin's approach to legal storytelling.

Lisa Scottoline writes legal thrillers drawing from her background as a former trial lawyer in Philadelphia. Her books feature female protagonists in the legal field and combine procedural accuracy with criminal investigations.

Michael Connelly creates crime fiction centered on legal proceedings and investigations, often set in Los Angeles. His background as a crime reporter informs his detailed portrayal of both courtroom dynamics and criminal investigations.

Scott Turow continues to practice law while writing legal thrillers based in Chicago. His work demonstrates detailed knowledge of criminal defense and prosecution, focusing on ethical dilemmas within the justice system.

Linda Fairstein writes from her experience as head of the Manhattan District Attorney's sex crimes unit. Her books combine legal procedure with criminal investigation, featuring a female prosecutor protagonist.