Judge & Jury

James B. Patterson (born March 22, 1947) is an award-winning American author. Formerly an advertising executive for J. W. Thompson in the early 1990s, Patterson came up with the slogan "Toys R Us Kid". Shortly after his success with Along Came A Spider he retired from the firm and devoted his time to writing. The novels featuring his character, Alex Cross, a black forensic psychologist formerly of the Washington, D.C. Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, now working as a private psychologist and government consultant, are the most popular books among Patterson readers. James Patterson has been criticized by Stephen King, who called Patterson's books "dopey thrillers".[citation needed] Patterson shrugged off the comments, stating that he wants to be the "thrillingest thriller writer of all time".[citation needed] James Patterson has also been put as one of Forbes magazine's top 100 celebrities.

Perfecting the mobster's attitude, as well as that of the FBI agent tracking him, could be difficult for some, but innuendo, accent, and timing are Joe Mantegna's trademarks in narrating, and he does a superb job here. Nick Pellisante comes alive as the emotionally burdened agent, as does Andie DeGrasse, the not-so-willing juror, as their lives become entangled while the Mafia don laughs in the face of the law. Using wise-guy accents for the mobsters and a sincere tone for the agent, Mantegna weaves this story flawlessly, bringing the listener into a gritty world in which the villains get the upper hand, but only for a short while. D.L.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine