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Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig presents a gripping narrative that intricately weaves themes of identity, conflict, and the quest for justice against the backdrop of legal corruption. Verne Slater, a stand-up comic, is brutally stabbed after a performance featuring controversial jokes about gender identity. His injury leads to a deeper investigation involving Chance Cormac, a reinstated lawyer seeking redemption after a six-month suspension for knocking out an adversary on the steps to the courthouse. The central conflict pivots on societal tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, highlighted through the violent reaction to Verne's material. This sets off a chain reaction that reveals the complexities of personal identity, illustrating how cultural misunderstandings can spiral into violence. The antagonistic figure, Red, once a sympathetic character, becomes a perpetrator of violence cloaked in internal turmoil, embodying the tragic consequences of anger and discrimination. As Chance pursues justice for his client, he gets embroiled with a rogue police officer, unscrupulous attorneys, and corrupt officials in Brooklyn, New York.
I am a fan of well-crafted legal thrillers, and Richard A. Danzig offers a great addition to the list of authors I cherish. This book offers great writing with dialogues that sparkle, creating the kind of drama that entertains and keeps readers invested in the story. The richly developed characters will keep readers' attention, especially Verne, once a great performer now reduced to navigating life in a wheelchair and dealing with despair and anger as he adjusts to his new reality. His wife, Rose, represents compassion and moral strength amid this trauma. Chance Cormac is a likable protagonist, facing the challenges of legal practice while confronting his mistakes, particularly regarding his former love, Sally, who is embroiled in a separate legal battle concerning their goddaughter, Melody. Punch Line brims with tension, conflict, and realism. The author infuses the narrative with brilliant social commentaries and delivers genuinely flawed and unforgettable characters. Fans of The Liar's Club by Mary Karr and The Good Fight by Philip S. Goodman will discover the same thematic landscapes in this novel.