Beverley MclachlinReseñas

Suspense

Very Polite and Canadian
Review of the Simon and Schuster paperback edition (September 2020) of the original Simon and Schuster hardcover (September 2019)

One June afternoon while on my knees transplanting Lily of the Valley, my idea of inexpensive ground cover, I looked up to see the housekeeper from the adjoining Argentinian Embassy residence peering over the fence at me. “Hola!”, she said, and introduced herself. I put down my trowel and we chatted about the weather. As she prepared to take her leave she looked at my grubby shorts and asked with a nod towards my house: “What are those people like to work for?” I considered and then quipped: “Madame is quite nice, but monsieur can be difficult.” - Canada’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Beverley McLachlin, reacts quickly when mistaken as her own gardener.

Truth Be Told was the March 2023 read for my QCC online book club. The zoom meeting to discuss the book was held mid-month and I had to confess at the time that I had only gotten through about 1/3rd of the book as it was not very exciting reading. I did eventually manage to finish it and although it never became very dramatic, there were at least several good natured anecdotes, such as the above example, which made me like McLachlin as a person and her autobiography as a result.

See photograph at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/resizer/PdbFsdoh0d8lCYkFt1nXHg-vAuQ=/1200x0/filt...
Photograph of Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin by Fred Chartrand, sourced from the Globe and Mail May 2, 2014 article Chief Justice denies allegations of improper contact with PMO.

This is no 'blood and guts' history of cases heard before the Supreme Court of Canada. You never hear stories of any fireworks behind the scenes. The period of McLachlin's time on the Court (1989 to 2017, as Chief Justice from 2000 to retirement in 2017) was full of momentous decisions related to Canadian Charter rights, Women's rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights, LGBTQI+ rights etc. It is all told in a matter of fact manner with little drama and suspense.

The closest it comes to any controversy was a time when Prime Minister Steven Harper's office initiated a bit of a smear campaign when it accused McLachlin of interfering with a Harper appointment to the Court. Months before the actual Harper appointment, McLachlin had advised Harper's Justice Minister of certain requirements for a Quebec Provincial appointee. McLachlin was correct in the law and the later Harper appointee was not approved as a result. McLachlin hints back at the political conflict later with an anecdote:

I thought about calling my new puppy Harper so I could say, "Harper, sit! Harper, lie down!" I actually liked the name, but I decided that people in the dog park might misunderstand. In the end, I decided on Darcy, from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.

Most everyone else in the Book Club enjoyed Truth Be Told, although there was one dissenting opinion which expressed the view that the book could have used an editor to improve the writing. Although the humorous and dramatic anecdotes were few and far between, I still rate it as a 3 star "Like".

Other Reviews
Book Review of Truth Be Told at Court.ca by Stacey Blydorp, January 22, 2020.

Trivia and Links
A profile of Beverley McLachlin's life can be read at No Ordinary Woman.

A listing of Beverley McLachlin's Supreme Court of Canada opinions can be read at Wikipedia.

A listing of the Supreme Court of Canada cases heard during McLachlin's time as Chief Justice can be read at Wikipedia.

Lots of typos and other odd errors½

I enjoyed this book better than the first in the series. I found the characters had more depth, and the plot was more intricate. There were twists near the end that I wasn't expecting! It is clear that the author, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, knows the law well and both the court room scenes and the workings of the defense team were so authentic. The case related to a woman who wanted medical assistance in dying but did not qualify under existing legislation, so it was topical.

My only issue is that there were too many references to the first novel, which I read a long time ago. I don't remember some of the actions referred to. In the end, I don't think this mattered to the story, but it was annoying.½

Jilly Truit has become known as a very good criminal lawyer who frequently is sought for high profile cases. When Joseph Quentin asks her to defend his wife Vera who has been charged with murder, she feels she should decline the request because she has heard that Vera is in denial and all the evidence clearly indicates she did it. As Joseph is known as "The Fixer" in legal circles and if he can't help his wife, who will be able to?

The prosecutor is Cy Kenge who Jilly has tangled with before and she has discovered is willingly to bend the rules to win. While this case is taking much of her time, she becomes involved in helping an immigrant girl who is being used by in a prostitution ring that catered to supply young women to wealthy men. This led to danger for Jilly.

Much of the book takes place in the courtroom but moves a very exciting pace with some surprises along the way. You may need to record the many characters who make up the novel just to keep track who is who.

During LibraryThing's 2021 Christmas card exchange a reader friend suggested I might enjoy reading novels by Beverley MacLachlin. Best suggestion ever to a reader who enjoys legal thrillers! I missed the advertisement that "Full Disclosure" was the 1st title in a series about character Jilly Truitt, criminal defense attorney but both can easily be read as a stand-alone although with any series I prefer to read the novels in order.

If a married woman is found dead in the matrimonial bed with no signs of a break-in then it's always the husband who committed the murder right? The police have arrested and charged Vincent Trussardi with his wife Laura's murder. The crime scene is ghastly exhibiting the brutality that ended Laura's life. But all are innocent until proven guilty and Jilly Truitt, and associates Jeff Solosky and Alicia Leung are defense team for this case with Richard Beauvais contracted for the investigator work.

As a reader there doesn’t need to be a trial for me to designate it as a compelling legal thriller. However, when the courtroom drama of a trial is written by an author clearly understanding the structure of the court system, courtroom procedures, familiarity with prosecution and defense and the motivation of their actions, jury selection, evidence, disclosure, tunnel vision, and reasonable doubt the authenticity is all the more fascinating.

Adding depth to the legal thriller is the portrayal of Cy Kenge, prosecutor and former mentor to Jilly in the hours outside of their offices and the court. I only wish I was familiar with more artists as mentioned during the course of describing paintings in various homes. I did recognize the novels Jilly and/or her foster mother Martha were reading that made me smile.

I solved one aspect of interest to Tilly in her personal life. I did not succeed in unraveling all of the legal twists. I highly recommend you read this credible novel written by the 1st woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of Canada and the longest-serving Chief Justice in Canadian history.

I am hopeful that Beverley McLachlin is currently at work on another legal thriller. I’m eager to read more of her writing.

A legal mystery set in Canada, written by our former Chief Justice. I enjoyed it! The BC system is a little different from Ontario's, which makes for some compelling turns.

I am very grateful to a reader friend that I met via the 2021 LibraryThing Christmas card exchange for suggesting that I might enjoy books by Beverley MacLachlin. I missed the advisement that "Full Disclosure" was the 1st title written but I'll be reading that in the very near future! I enjoyed "Denial" as a stand-alone but when possible I like to read books in a series in order. It wasn't mentioned this was a series in the note received or at time of purchase so I didn't realize that both titles are about the character Jilly Truitt, criminal defense attorney.

Beverley McLachlin was the Chief Justice of Canada from 2000 to 2017. She is the 1st woman to hold that position and the longest-serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. In 2018, her 1st legal thriller was published and "Denial" is a riveting 2nd novel.

The writing is excellent, the story compelling, the characters and dialogue realistic. The author is clearly familiar with both sides of the law, prosecution and defense, witness statements and testimony at trial, and the crucial weight of evidence (burden of proof, admissibility, relevance, weight and sufficiency) of what can be admitted into the record of a legal proceeding.

Early on I had a suspect and immediately knew when the set up occurred of a different suspect. But even though my sleuthing opinion didn't falter I could not find the clue(s) to motive. I thought my suspect's alibi was weak but understandably accepted by law enforcement. The suspense kept building through the investigation and trial and I couldn't wait for the verdict. I was absolutely blown away by the twists. What a wild roller coaster ride! WoW!

Best legal thriller I've read in a long time!

A sequel to the first Jilly Truit murder mystery Full disclosure by Beverly McLaughlin. This time she is asked to defend Vera Quentin for killing her elderly mother with an injection of morphine to end her suffering from bladder cancer. Since her death is not imminent, the rules of MAID Medical Assistance in Dying do not apply. It’s a good story with a parallel involvement into human trafficking. This is a stand alone tale so one does need to have read the first novel. A twist in the plot at the end is a big surprise.½

The author is a former supreme court judge in Canada. Her first legal mystery was just ok and I expected this one, her second, to show some improvement, but it was not to be. McLachlin's writing is flat, pedestrian, missing the quality that would lift it up. The plot is ok, but the novel just didn't do the job for me. The dreary cover is a good fit.½

Before writing a review of Denial it’s important to inform that the author, Beverley McLachlin, served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 2000 to 2017. She is the longest serving Chief Justice as well as being the first woman in that position. Because legal thrillers are one of my favorite genres, I was delighted that McLachlin has turned to writing legal fiction in her retirement. This is the second instalment in the Jilly Truitt series but it reads well as a stand-alone. Truitt is a successful criminal defense lawyer who can pick and choose her clients. When asked to defend Vera Quentin, the wife of a legal acquaintance, she is hesitant. She is accused of murdering her mother who had been battling cancer for a long time. The press have called it a mercy killing but Vera maintains her innocence. The courtroom scenes are at the heart of this novel and the author’s career surely gives them authenticity. The characters are varied and the reader will sometimes have difficulty telling the good from the bad. Just a note to point out that there is an interesting interview with John Grisham and Beverley McLachlin at the back of the book. Denial is highly recommended. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I found this hard to put down and the courtroom scenes were excellent. On the other hand the references to Jilly's past were irrelevant to the story and distracting, and even Mike's reintroduction was more of a plot device than real background character development. The writing is 'workmanlike', which is fine for a plot-driven story like this one, and I enjoy the Vancouver setting. The ending was a bit much for me: I prefer justice to be done and to be seen to have been done.½

So-so. Legal intricacies are interesting. I figured out the ending quite early.

Great insight into the judicial system and some of the biggest cases in Canada.

I admire our former Supreme Court Chief Justice very much. This book didn't disappoint me in any way except, perhaps, hoping she will write even more about the law and workings of the Supreme Court. Her writing is very measured and circumspect, but the amazing story of her life from a small prairie town to the Supreme Court comes through as an example of what hard work and commitment can accomplish. It was interesting to read about her early days in law school where there were very few female students or role models; about how society in her time limited -- almost unquestioningly -- the options for women. She overcame that challenge and many others.

Fair courtroom drama written by the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. For me, the ending was anticlimactic, a hurried wrap-up of all the story lines. Not my favorite book, but I like this genre, so my time wasn't wasted.

McLachlin is one year older than me and it was surprising how her early life in a rural area paralleled mine. She had parents who encouraged her to pursue her dream to be an educated woman in a time when this not always easy to do. She chronicles the barriers she overcame, meeting and marrying her first love and the recognition of her skill as a lawyer which led quickly to becoming a judge.

The highlight of the book for me was her descriptions of the years she spent on the Supreme Court and the background on historic cases and the reasons for the final decisions. In the role as Chief Justice, she met many famous and important people with having dinner with the Queen as the highlight for her.

This is very readable and enjoyable.

This is Beverley McLachlin’s very readable, interesting, revealing and enjoyable memoir. She was the first woman to become Canada’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2000 and she retired from the bench in December 2017.
She traces her life from her birth in Pincher Creek, Alberta where she was raised in humble surroundings by loving, solid parents amid the beautiful scenery of the prairies and the foothills of the Rockies. Her sense of justice was innate and was reinforced by her parents.
She was a very good student and was able to become well educated through scholarships and part time jobs. Initially she wanted to become a professor of philosophy but she chose the law and it gave her the practical experience to fight for social justice that philosophy could not.
She broke barriers for women in law and on the bench she championed causes which discriminated against women, indigenous people and the disenfranchised. She changed laws which were sexist and anachronistic and pushed for a more open court and justice system.
Her time on the bench included groundbreaking judgements related to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Among these were definitions of sexual assault, same sex marriage, legalized assisted suicide.
Her personal life is a happy one although her first husband Rory McLachlin died at a young age of cancer, leaving her a widow with a young son. Even so, she accepted the offer to become a Supreme Court judge in 1989.
Her story is told with humour, humility and grace. One feels great pride in her achievements, successes and renown.

I was really excited to read this book. I felt the authors legal expertise shine throughout and enjoyed Jilly's character, with her take-no-crap attitude. I was a little disappointed by the predictability of some parts though, so it wasn't my favourite. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys law and order type stuff.

I'm not a crime fiction fan, but couldn't resist a novel by our recently retired Chief Justice, Beverley McLachlin. I enjoyed this story of Jilly Truitt, a criminal defense lawyer defending a man charged with murdering his wife. I found her character very believable, and while I figured out a key plot element early on, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story....there were enough other interesting relationships and story lines to engage me.

Enjoyable read. Compelling personal and courtroom drama, realistically portrayed by a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Jilly Truitt is a young, ambitious criminal lawyer making a name for herself.

When a wealthy businessman, Vincent Trussardi is accused of murdering his young wife, he reaches out to Truitt to defend him. This will be a high profile case with a significant retainer and Jilly is eager to take it on even though the evidence overwhelmingly suggests her client is guilty.

Full Disclosure is Beverley McLachlin’s first novel after retiring as the longest Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada for seventeen years, the first women to hold that position and the longest-serving Chief Justice in Canadian history.

As a jurist, McLachlin is formidable, as an author she’s just a beginner, and it shows.

There are a number of plot points in the book that stretched this reader’s suspension of disbelief nearly to the breaking point, but I hung in there expecting some insights regarding the Canadian legal system, the professionals involved and those they prosecute or defend.

There weren’t any. In fact, the lack of originality had me wondering if I hadn’t read this before. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy it. The story takes place in Vancouver, Canada, my hometown and hers, and it was fun recognizing the restaurants, landmarks and neighbourhoods where the scenes unfold.

Unfortunately, as the novel draws to an end, and with many questions still unanswered, the author (out of desperation?) resorts to the old, tired technique of having her protagonist goad a suspect, Perry Mason style, into confessing. Of course, this confession is taped on a recorder hidden in her pocket and is used to exonerate her client. See what I mean about lack of originality.

Though it didn't have any real bearing on the novel, I was surprised and disappointed at the author’s treatment of a First Nation person in her story. Though a very minor character, when this young woman is challenged by isolation and unhappiness her choice is to become a drug addict and support her habit by prostitution.

With so many other positive possibilities out there, why did someone of the McLachlin’s stature and presumed sensibilities choose this clichéd depiction of our Indigenous people?

Despite the efforts of the best editors Simon and Schuster employ, I doubt Full Disclosure would have been published had it not been for the author’s significant profile which, like all books written by celebrities, assures at least some sales.

The real test will be McLachlin’s next novel.

The author was Canada's first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and thus has the background to write a novel about a murder trial. Jilly Truitt is a criminal lawyer who takes on the case of Vincent Trussardi who is accused of murdering his wife despite being warned by several people to avoid this guy. The police and most others are convinced he is guilty and tell her she will lose the case. The woman who saved Jilly from a life of drugs and crime on the street also warns to stay away from Trussardi. The crown prosecutor in the case is CY Kenge who has been her mentor.

It is refreshing to read a murder trial novel set in a Canadian courtroom.

When I heard that Canada’s first female Chief Justice had written a legal thriller, I had to check it out. Is there any better-informed legal authority who could shed light on the Canadian justice system?

Jilly Truitt is an ambitious criminal defense lawyer working in Vancouver. Despite warnings from several people, she takes on the case of defending a wealthy businessman, Vincent Trussardi, who is charged with murdering his wife. She hopes she can find something which will give the jury reasonable doubt to acquit her client. As she discovers that Trussardi comes with considerable baggage, she deals with her own past which involved foster care and drug abuse.

I appreciated reading a book written from a Canadian perspective. It shows the criminal justice system in Canada and what happens in a Canadian courtroom; this is a refreshing change from the plethora of American legal thrillers and television courtroom dramas. The book is truly Canadian in many respects: it shows the various neighbourhoods of Vancouver and makes reference to the Pickton’s pig farm, the vineyards of the Okanagan, and Indigenous art like Salish carvings. So what’s with the Americanized spelling of words like “color” and “favor” and “splendor”?

Unfortunately, there are weaknesses in the novel. For instance, there are so many people connected to Jilly who have had dealings with Vincent: her social worker, her almost-fiancé, her last foster father. What are the chances that a drug dealer known to Jilly would also have known the murder victim? Months pass for the truth of what happened to be discovered yet nothing is, but then after the verdict has been delivered, the truth is quickly revealed.

The identity of the murderer is fairly obvious. The list of perpetrators is very short considering how the victim was killed, so a Sherlock Holmes is not required to solve the case. There is considerable discussion of “tunnel vision” during the trial, but it seems that the reader is expected to suffer from this defect.

The book blurb mentions that Jilly “uncovers a startling revelation that will change not only the case, but her life forever.” This is not true. An astute reader will suspect the truth very early on because the clues are so obvious. Repeatedly conversations are cut short: “’No, I didn’t” and “’It’s over, Jilly’” are two statements made by people which Jilly should have followed up with “What do you mean?” but she doesn’t.

I feel uncomfortable criticizing the work of such an accomplished woman, but I would be less than honest if I ignored the flaws. The novel is a quick read with short, easily manageable chapters, and it requires little thought so the best I can say is that it is a good beach or airport read.

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Full disclosure
This is a first novel by Canada’s former Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin. It’s very readable and introduces us to Jilly Truitt, an up and coming defence lawyer practicing in Vancouver. She has a dark past which involves her unknown parents, foster homes and drugs. Through a strong support system she succeeds in law school. She defends one of the city’s wealthiest citizens, Vincent Trussardi, who is accused of murdering his wife.
The details of Truitt’s past emerge during the investigation. Her interactions with the the Crown attorney Cy Kenge provide some interesting drama.
I found the ending a little too convenient but overall it’s a good story.½