Book Review: Misdemeanor Man

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Misdemeanor Man     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Dylan Schaffer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting
Bloomsbury, Jun 2004, $23.95, 304 pp.

California public defender Gordon Seegerman detests the time practicing law takes away from his true vocation, playing the music of Barry Manilow as the lead of the Barry X and the Mandys band. His current client’s case could interfere with his biggest gig, but alas he knows what pays the bills. Thus, Gordon defends fortyish Harold "willy wanker" Dunn on an indecency charge in which the prosecutor is his former girlfriend Sylvie Hernandez. The Santa Rita jail is not the Copacabana and off the record Sylvie (not Mandy) once broke Gordon’s heart.

Gordon runs into three obstacles. Sylvie wants to put away Harold for a long time since the accused has a previous rap, witnesses will testify about the alleged flasher’s shortcomings, and one victim is an eight-year-old girl. The judge is unreasonable on or off the record. Finally Harold rejects any plea bargain as he insists he is innocent being framed by G-0-D. Bail is high and Harold is placed in the High Power unit, but some unknown person puts up the cash so that Harold is released. Not long afterward, Harold vanishes and a key witness dies. Gordon investigates so he can get on with his gig.

MISDEMEANOR MAN records at two speeds. Gordon’s satirical groupie like homage is fun to follow as the lawyer wants to play the “songs that make the world sing”. The out of control misdemeanor makes for an interesting legal thriller, but though the greater portion of the plot appears as a preliminary act, it cannot compete with Barry X and the Mandys. Often humorous with some flat notes, readers wanting something different will appreciate this Manilow obsession, but could Bette Midler be next?

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner