Defending Jacob tells the story of a 14 year old boy accused of murdering a classmate in the woods before school on a chilly April morning. Jacob’s father is the assistant district attorney and immediately launches to his defense. 

The tension of the story is simple, is Jacob innocent like his father believes? But Landay adds more to the problem, unbeknownst to most Jacob’s grandfather is in prison for murder. Is there a murder gene? Was Jacob born with a propensity toward violence? 

I think this novel was a bit over written and could have been condensed. However I loved the characterization and the development of both parents. I think it could’ve been made much more interesting with the addition of Jacob‘s perspective. 

Overall I am glad I read it and it has aged better than most novels from 10 years ago. If you are a fan of legal fiction, I think this is a great read.