Book Review: Law of Attraction by Allison Leotta
In her debut novel, Leotta introduces the world to Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis.
As a federal prosecutor, Curtis had seen numerous domestic violence cases, but none affected her like that of Laprea Johnson. First, Curtis is devastated after Johnson lies to have her abusive boyfriend D’marco Davis released, after vehemently seeking his incarceration. Second, the case reaches a climax after Johnson is found dead in a trash heap. Curtis has another opportunity to ensure justice is served for Johnson when she is assigned to work with senior U.S. Attorney Jack Bailey on the murder trial. Despite a plethora of evidence to secure a conviction, Curtis’ instincts tell her something about the case is amiss.
Eventually, the turmoil in Curtis’ personal life causes her to comprehend why Johnson, along with other victims of domestic violence reunite with their partners. Before the domestic violence trial, Curtis had gotten involved with law school classmate Nick Wagner, who represents Davis. The relationship deteriorates, as neither can separate their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Curtis finds herself attracted even more to another attorney at work.
Furthermore, both cases present an opportunity for Curtis to avenge the domestic violence she witnessed as a child. Curtis is constantly fraught with guilt about her past and tries to make amends by successfully prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence.
Suspense permeates each page, keeping readers focused on finding out who killed Johnson, the killer will be brought to justice, and whether Curtis will find true love. Being a former federal prosecutor allows Leotta to make the novel insightful in two ways. One, Leotta, uses her experience to educate readers about how domestic violence kills, damages lives, and separate families. Two, Leotta provides clear explanations of legal procedures and ethical obligations lawyers must follow make this novel understandable to readers who are unfamiliar with the legal profession. Lawyers can still identify with Curtis through their experiences.
As a federal prosecutor, Curtis had seen numerous domestic violence cases, but none affected her like that of Laprea Johnson. First, Curtis is devastated after Johnson lies to have her abusive boyfriend D’marco Davis released, after vehemently seeking his incarceration. Second, the case reaches a climax after Johnson is found dead in a trash heap. Curtis has another opportunity to ensure justice is served for Johnson when she is assigned to work with senior U.S. Attorney Jack Bailey on the murder trial. Despite a plethora of evidence to secure a conviction, Curtis’ instincts tell her something about the case is amiss.
Eventually, the turmoil in Curtis’ personal life causes her to comprehend why Johnson, along with other victims of domestic violence reunite with their partners. Before the domestic violence trial, Curtis had gotten involved with law school classmate Nick Wagner, who represents Davis. The relationship deteriorates, as neither can separate their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Curtis finds herself attracted even more to another attorney at work.
Furthermore, both cases present an opportunity for Curtis to avenge the domestic violence she witnessed as a child. Curtis is constantly fraught with guilt about her past and tries to make amends by successfully prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence.
Suspense permeates each page, keeping readers focused on finding out who killed Johnson, the killer will be brought to justice, and whether Curtis will find true love. Being a former federal prosecutor allows Leotta to make the novel insightful in two ways. One, Leotta, uses her experience to educate readers about how domestic violence kills, damages lives, and separate families. Two, Leotta provides clear explanations of legal procedures and ethical obligations lawyers must follow make this novel understandable to readers who are unfamiliar with the legal profession. Lawyers can still identify with Curtis through their experiences.