Losing Faith

Losing Faith
Adam Mitzner
Gallery Books
Simon & Schuster
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-1-4767-6424-5
Hardcover
2015
$ 26.00
368 pages

"It is common narcissism that people view their lives like novels in which they are the protagonist.  It's a comforting thought, because it means that even when the story twists and all looks lost, there remains the unshakeable belief that a happy ending awaits."
When a federal judge is beaten to death, the most likely suspect is Aaron Littman, the chairman of a prestigious New York City law firm.  He is guilty of many things, but he probably did not kill the judge.  Unfortunately, even if he is found not guilty, he will probably lose his wife and his career even if he wins his freedom.
For his defense, his mentor and colleague, Sam Rosenthal has the task of finding the real murderer, or minimally showing that there are others who could be guilty of this crime.
The characters are believable, flawed but logical in their actions.  The pace is racing to the last page.  The story is well-organized and developed page-by-page relying on a setting that perfectly fits. 
One of the positive aspects of Losing Faith is the realism.  The inside view of the legal system is astounding, as well as frightening to those who have never needed a criminal lawyer. 
Another special gift in this thriller are the authentic life lessons regarding justice in this country. 
"There's one thing I never say to my clients: that I'm with them all the way.  The reason I don't is that I know it's just not true.  The truth is I'm with them until prison...and then, that's something they have to do on their own...And whether or not I was innocent or guilty wouldn't be the only consideration, because the sad truth in that innocent men do get convicted."
This short paragraph quickly strips all the television programs and novels of idealism, stating the reality of life.
Many of these lessons are hidden within the action of the story but are lessons everyone should know.
"Trials aren't about the truth.  They're about winning."
"One thing that Faith learned early on as a lawyer was that there is no such thing as good and bad people.  There are just people, who sometimes do good things and other times do bad things, and the idea that the guilty are punished is just something that people say; it isn't even remotely true."
The author, Adam Mitzner is and experienced defense attorney in New York City.  This is his third attorney novel with high action and revelations inside the justice system.
Losing Faith is an enthralling journey into the world of those who need a defense attorney.  This novel if for anyone who hopes they will never need the lessons learned in this thriller.