Gone, But Not Forgotten

A series of brutal murders rocks Portland, Oregon, as wealthy businessman Martin Darius faces accusations of killing multiple women and a private investigator. Defense attorney Elizabeth "Betsy" Tannenbaum takes on his case, despite her misgivings about her mysterious new client. The investigation reveals connections to similar crimes on the East Coast, leading to questions about Darius's true identity and past. Betsy must navigate a complex web of evidence while racing to uncover the truth before more victims surface. The story moves between Portland and New York, involving high-ranking political figures, law enforcement, and a cast of characters who each hold pieces of the larger puzzle. Elements of psychological suspense and legal drama intertwine as Betsy works to defend her client while confronting mounting evidence of his possible guilt. Gone, But Not Forgotten explores themes of identity, justice, and the moral complexities faced by criminal defense attorneys who must represent clients regardless of personal beliefs.

Readers describe this as a page-turning legal thriller with shocking twists, though some find the violence against women excessive. The parallel storylines and complex plot keep readers guessing until the end. Readers appreciated: - Fast pacing and building suspense - Multiple perspective structure - Realistic courtroom scenes - Character development of protagonist Martin Darius - Pacific Northwest setting details Common criticisms: - Graphic violence and gore - Predictable ending - Too many characters to track - Some implausible plot points - Dated elements (published 1993) Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes: "The first half is unputdownable but the ending feels rushed." Several reviews mention skimming violent scenes while still finding the overall story compelling. The book maintains steady ratings and reviews 30 years after publication.

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✧ The author, Phillip Margolin, worked as a criminal defense attorney for 25 years before becoming a novelist, lending authentic legal expertise to his courtroom scenes ✧ "Gone, But Not Forgotten" was Margolin's breakthrough novel, spending several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list in 1993 and establishing him as a major name in legal thrillers ✧ The book's plot was partially inspired by real-life serial killer cases from the Pacific Northwest, a region where Margolin practiced law ✧ The protagonist's name, Elizabeth Tannenbaum, pays homage to notable female attorneys who broke barriers in the legal profession during the 1970s and 1980s ✧ The novel has been translated into 20 different languages and was adapted into a 2004 television film starring Brooke Shields