THE BODY IN QUESTION tells the story of two jurors on a murder trial, sequestered for a three-week period, who begin an affair almost at once.Both jurors are only identified by their jury number (C-2; F-17) during the course of the trial. Although the testimony they hear each day in the jury room is given some attention, the author is more interested in their affair, how it affects the eventual verdict of the jury and how it affects the elderly husband the female juror has left behind. There is a significant age gap between C-2 and her husband, perhaps making it easier to leap into an affair.
This is a very well-written book. The reader is anxious to see how this affair will impact on the jury decision or if it even will. The jury is small-only six jurors and an alternate and secrets are hard to keep with unlocked doors. We know far less about F-17 because the story is from C-2's pov. I am anxious to look for Jill Ciments previous books after reading this one.
For more reviews, go to Barrie Summy's place, right here.
10 comments:
Very glad you enjoyed this, Patti. It does sound good.
So not a Twelve Angry Men, then. Does sound interesting.
This is just another example of how many worthwhile authors are out there waiting to be discovered. Ciment has six earlier novels, a short story collection, and a memoir, yet I had never heard of her before.
Me, either. But now I will look for them.
Patti, you are so good at writing short reviews with solid summaries and strong hooks. It does sound like an intriguing set up! The weird thing about my state of Maine is we have very few jury trials (due to low population and low crime?) so I've never been called to serve on a jury.
Glad to hear of a good author new to me! What an interesting setup!
I have been called many times (Detroit!) but am always dismissed since my son is a prosecutor. I would love to serve.
I ordered this book from the library. I haven't read anything by this author, but, wow, her books look good! Thank you for reviewing!
Glad you enjoyed the book, Patti. It's an unusual take for what sounds (by the title) like a mystery or courtroom drama. Tweeted.
I do the same thing. If I read a book at random and really enjoy it, I look for other books by the author to read. - Margy
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