Robert Desjardins

A Darker Shade of Orange: a Novel Robert Desjardins

A throwaway comment about a universally hated judge, "Where is Lee Harvey Oswald, when we need him," lands attorney Dennis McCauley in deep trouble when his alcohol-fueled statement comes hours before the judge is gunned down. The evidence of his guilt is overwhelming. Powerful forces in politically conservative Orange County are mobilized against McCauley, a maverick with a well-documented history of taking action into his own hands. A scandal-plagued sheriff, a career-driven district attorney, and a corrupt cop conspire to bring McCauley down. McCauley's life becomes a nightmare as he seeks to prove his innocence and save his life and his law practice. He enlists the aid of a savvy former cop and a beautiful, former prosecutor. The defense team must unravel a mosaic of corrupt judges, crooked politicians, and the power brokers who control them to prevent McCauley from facing the death penalty. They have a few hopes to solve the case, but no guarantees. As McCauley's defense team maneuvers to protect him and his reputation, a not-guilty verdict is not enough. They intend to uncover the plot and prosecute the real culprit. But the killer has struck before, and there's nothing to stop him now.