While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
A Review By: SY
Avery Keene, a brilliant young law clerk for the legendary Justice Howard Wynn, is doing her best to hold her life together - excelling in an arduous job with the court while also dealing with a troubled family. When the shocking news breaks that Justice Wynn - the cantankerous swing vote on many current high-profile cases - has slipped into a coma, Avery’s life turns upside down. She is immediately notified that Justice Wynn has left instructions for her to serve as his legal guardian and power of attorney. Plunged into an explosive role she never anticipated, Avery finds that Justice Wynn had been secretly researching one of the most controversial cases before the court - a proposed merger between an American biotech company and an Indian genetics firm, which promises to unleash breathtaking results in the medical field. She also discovers that Wynn suspected a dangerously related conspiracy that infiltrates the highest power corridors of Washington.
As political wrangling ensues in Washington to potentially replace the ailing judge whose life and survival Avery controls, she begins to unravel a carefully constructed, chesslike sequence of clues left behind by Wynn. She comes to see that Wynn had a much more personal stake in the controversial case and realizes his complex puzzle will lead her directly into harm’s way in order to find the truth.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Adenrele Ojo
A renowned United States Supreme Court Justice exposes corruption in the legal and political system presiding over a case of biotech capitalism and ethics...all while he is in a coma.
Stacey Abrams opens the audiobook with an author's note explaining the inspiration to write this story, and I have to say, I learned something fascinating about the U.S. legal structure in the process. Her explanation frames the major dilemma explored in the book well and Ms. Abrams uses the game of chess as an analogy for all the players in this thriller. She weaves sophisticated legal concepts with chess maneuvers that send Avery Keene on a race against time to save the lives of unexpected characters.
This is not a casual listen - this tale requires major attention to the storyline because the plot is intricate and all the details and characters matter. Be prepared to tune in intently, or the plot points won't connect.
Adenrele Ojo provides a strong performance for the entirety of the book, projecting the fear, confusion, and angst that the main character undoubtedly experienced unraveling this mystery.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence
