Secrets of the Wholly Grill
 Lawrence G. Townsend
 (Reviewer - Narayan Radhakrishnan)
 2002 Carroll & Graf
  ISBN: 0786709650

A Comic Novel about Software, Barbecue, & Cravings. A superb take on the legal system, its pompousness, intellectual property laws and of course legal thrillers -- the MASH among the legal thrillers.

Sr. Reviewer - Narayan Radhakrishnan writes:

As a lawyer and as a self-proclaimed “numero uno legal thriller lover”, I usually read about 50 legal thrillers a year -- of the likes of John Grisham, Scott Turow, Lisa Scottoline, Richard North Patterson etc., etc. Suspense, courtroom drama, intrigue -- are most probably the words that come to mind while describing legal thrillers.

However, words like amusing, hilarious & funny cross my mind after reading Secrets of the Wholly Grill -- a novel the like of which I have never ever read in this realm of mystery writing.

Intellectual Property Lawyer Lawrence G. Townsend-s foray into fiction writing -- Secrets of the Wholly Grill -- is a superb satire, one that will be enjoyed by any person with a sense of humour.

Thinksoft, a software company introduces an innovative “laser-powered cooking device connected by modem to a proprietary information network, designed to provide the ultimate outdoor dining experience for millions of barbecue loving Americans -- the Wholly Grill.” A special sauce is shipped free by Thinksoft to many a customer, but the can can only be used on the Wholly Grill. Using the sauce in any other grill results in freakish accidents & dangerous explosions.

One such victim is Lenny Milton whose dog has lost his eyesight by consuming a barbecue product using this sauce in an ordinary grill. He approaches Will Swanson -- a novice young attorney (a superb caricature of a lawyer usually seen in Grisham novels) & together, with the help of reporter Persi Valentino & lawyer Edwin G. Ostermyer, they take on Thinksoft. What follows is a rip-roaring humorous ride with David/Goliath style action that will enthrall & amuse.

Secrets of the Wholly Grill is a satire on our litigation-obsessed society, the unscrupulous monopolistic nature of modern day companies, on legal thrillers & finally on Consumerism.

We seldom associate legal thrillers with humour, (or for that matter lawyers with humour) -- save for John Mortimer-s wonderful Rumpole works, I have never read a “funny” novel featuring legal-themed stories. The book reminded me a lot of MASH -- a novel about doctors & medical service, unlike any other -- & in that sense -- Secrets of the Wholly Grill -- is a unique look into the legal system, unlike any other.

Secrets of the Wholly Grill is a wholly satisfying read. Highly, highly recommended.
(09/08/02)

Narayan
2002©Narayan Radhakrishnan
A RebeccasReads.Com Sr. Associate Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
I am a 26 years old lawyer practicing in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Along with my legal practice, I have finished post-graduate studies for both Business Law & Human Rights. I am a self proclaimed numero-uno legal thriller lover & am the proud owner of all of Grisham's & Turow's novels. I enjoy John Mortimer's Rumpole & relish an occasional Martini & a rare Scot(ch)t-oline with a Patterson on the side.

My work A FICTION OF LAW is now about 500 pages in length & features 500 lawyer authors & 2000 legal thrillers covering a 300 year period - inclusive of entries from the USA, UK, Asia, Europe, China, Middle East etc. Still in search of a publisher.
www.keralatourism.org