Fruit of a Poisonous Tree
   Norm Harris
  2001 1stBooks.com
    ISBN: 1588209636


In a dark Seattle alley, a silent murder is committed. Its repercussions echo across the Puget Sound to the naval base there, to the corridors of Congress & to the shores of the Korean peninsula.

Introducing us to Faydra Green, erstwhile First Daughter & intrepid JAG lawyer, Norm Harris weaves a wicked plot with credible people, fascinating naval insights & glimpses into the multi-layered world of Black Ops.

It sure helps that I'm a great fan of JAG, the Belisarius television series & could “see” the story play out as a two parter.

When Seattle Police Detective Farmer arrests Marine Sergeant Simon Linn for the murder of another military man in an alley in his precinct, he doesn't know he's got a hero in his jail nor what stone he has turned over.

When Commander Green is ordered to bail out one of their own from a Seattle jail, she hasn't a clue as to why. Hot on the trail, conferring with legendary Black Ops commanders & sifting through the paper trail along with her resourceful team, she begins to see a bigger picture.

Enter Ford Clay, Esq., to represent the accused man. Sometime lover & longtime friend of Fay's, Ford walks a quiet & uncorrupted path through Washington politics on behalf of his heritage, the American Indian People.

The trail branches out, undercover naval intelligence segues into an international two-step as Washington, the US Navy & North & South Korea jockey for recovery of a crashed spy plane & an intentionally scuttled Navy frigate in the Yellow Sea.

An absorbing read with a local flavor. Norm Harris' characters ride ferries just like us & they know Bremerton & its environs, including Seattle, as well as we do.

Some naval jargon, which is easily understood, a few gaps which I hope Norm Harris fills in in his next book & we're off to a running start on a rollicking good read!

Do check out my lively Interview with this first time author!
(09/09/01)

Rebecca