Book Review: In Danger of Judgment
In Danger of Judgment. David Rabin, Black Rose Writing, 4 August 2022, Paperback, Hardback, eBook, Audiobook, 381 pages.
Reviewed by Paige Liwanag.
David Rabin’s first novel is just about as captivating as a thriller gets. His attention to detail is amazing, and it’s clear he has firsthand knowledge of the topics he writes about. Rabin’s own history as a trial lawyer for 30 years, and expert shooting knowledge, fully immerse the reader into the world of Bernie Bernadelli, the novel’s main character. Chicago natives will find it especially easy to put themselves in Bernadelli’s shoes thanks to Rabin’s descriptions of the city’s streets and neighborhoods in the 1980s, during a period of major heroin-related crime.
Detective Bernadelli, his partner Marcelle, and a new work associate, John, are at the forefront of this novel’s storyline, which begins with the detectives taking on a new case surrounding the mysterious deaths of a family of heroin dealers. Each character has their own eccentricities, which Rabin perfects with his ability to naturally write dialogue (something any writer knows is a true art form). It really was through the characters’ dialogue with one another that I got to know and appreciate each of them, almost as I would a friend, despite their human faults. As is true in life, it is at times hard to tell who is a protagonist and who we should be against. I have such respect for any writer who can bring characters to life in such a real way, and Rabin expertly delivers.
Lovers of history, war history and crime novels will be fully entranced by In Danger of Judgment. The mystery of the storyline stems from events that took place within a small special operations group in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
You will find yourself searching hard for answers just as the detectives are, and picking up the book to check in on your new friends whenever you have a few minutes to spare. I want to say more but ultimately want readers to experience the novel firsthand.