Scott Turow is the inventor of the modern legal thriller but he is also in a category of his own - a brilliant stylist who probes in riveting forensic fashion the most important and complex of ethical issues. The Chief Judge of Kindle County and four of his most prominent subordinates have been taking bribes for years now to swing cases and avoid convictions. The US Attorney is desperately trying to build up a case against the five judges. But the only way he can hope to convict them is withthe help of Robbie Feaver, a thoroughly compromised lawyer who is also one of the most charismatic characters Turow has ever created - a charming, conscience-free womaniser who genuinely loves women.