From Publishers Weekly
Burke's earnest, fast-paced debut introduces a sharp new crime series revolving around Deputy DA Samantha "Sam" Kincaid, a hip, 30ish lawyer working in Portland's Drug and Vice Division. As a former DA herself, and now a teacher of criminal law, Burke brings a hyper-reality-TV quality to the text, as well as a sometimes overzealous attention to technical minutiae. Kendra Martin, 13, has been prostituting herself to support a heroin addiction begun after her mom's boyfriend insisted that "popping wasn't really like shooting up." When Kendra is found left for dead, Kincaid is determined to bring to justice the violent sex offenders who brutally raped and beat her. Narrated in a crisp first person and injected with good-natured humor ("It's a fundamental truth that the number and density of cuss words increases exponentially as the number of cops and DAs in a room goes up"), the book is tightly plotted and detail laden. The secondary characters are less vivid than the assertive, likable Kincaid, but they serve their purpose. Kincaid's ex-boyfriend, Det. Chuck Forbes, is involved in the investigation of Kendra's case and another possibly related crime; Tim O'Donnell, a crude senior DDA on Portland's Major Crimes Team, is suspiciously eager to have Kendra's case tried under his jurisdiction. Cracking the case not only drags up an earlier death-penalty conviction but uncovers the roots of a prostitution ring that shakes up the entire Major Crimes Team and tests Kincaid's faith in her own judgment. This is a solid first effort from Burke, daughter of another "crime fighter writer," James Lee Burke.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
This first novel by a former Portland, Oregon, district attorney (and daughter of award-winning crime writer James Lee Burke) introduces D.A. Samantha Kincaid, a sympathetic protagonist and welcome newcomer to the legal-thriller landscape. When a teenage prostitute is raped and left for dead, Kincaid, determined to charge the perpetrator with attempted murder, finds herself investigating a prostitution ring of underage girls and a possible serial killer. Burke blends courtroom drama and criminal investigation with surprising aplomb, and she uses her Northwest setting to good advantage. Stronger subplots and more attention to the development of secondary characters would have helped, but the drama of the main plot should be enough to satisfy most legal-thriller fans. This promising debut augurs well for a successful series; the second Samantha Kincaid novel will appear in spring '04. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
"Alafair Burke has been on the front line in the courtroom and the streets, and brings her world alive in this exciting first novel." -Linda Fairstein

"Captivating. Alafair Burke is a wonderful writer, with the kind of style and confidence I most admire. I'm a big fan and look forward to the next novel in the series." -Sue Grafton

"Judgment Calls expertly shows that the most gripping drama is not found in the courtroom but in the places where choices get made, in the shadows cast by politics and corruption and human desires. Burke comes out of the gate with a first novel that proves she's got what it takes and will be sticking around." -Michael Connelly

"A terrific debut; very different from her famous father's work, but the storytelling DNA is all there, for sure." -Lee Child

"First-rate, suspenseful entertainment ...we'll be hearing more from tough, tart, sexy, high-minded Samantha Kincaid." -Washington Post

"Burke's earnest, fast-paced debut introduces a sharp new crime series revolving around Deputy DA Samantha 'Sam' Kincaid, a hip, 30-ish lawyer working in Portland's Drug and Vice Division. As a former DA herself, and now a teacher of criminal law, Burke brings a hyper-reality-TV quality to the text...This is a solid first effort from Burke, daughter of another 'crime fighter writer,' James Lee Burke." -Publishers Weekly

"Burke blends courtroom drama and criminal investigation with surprising aplomb, and she uses her Northwest setting to good advantage . . . This promising debut augurs well for a successful series." -Booklist

"If you love "Law and Order," you'll love Judgment Calls." - New Orleans Times-Picayune

"A grabber of a first novel." -Houston Chronicle

"Burke writes with both a clarity and a self-assuredness that belies her first-novelist status. The plot lines are tightly woven, and she adroitly ties things together in the end. This is the first in what should be a popular series." -Library Journal

"Alafair Burke is the real deal...Judgment Calls is a fine work, introducing what I hope will be a long-running series about the trials and tribulations of Samantha Kincaid...with Judgment Calls, Alafair Burke has arrived on the crime fiction scene in dramatic fashion...in a year during which there have already been many worthy debut novels to choose from, Alafair Burke's entry must be considered one of the top choices. Believe the hype-she's going to go very far."
-January Magazine

"Alafair Burke is, without question, a new writer to watch. Judgment Calls is a remarkable debut -a skillfully told tale with memorable characters and plot twists that will keep readers involved from the first page to the satisfying end. Take this one home with you-you'll enjoy it, and not many years from now, you'll be able to tell your friends that you knew she'd be a star when you read her first book." -Jan Burke

"It's no mystery why Alafair Burke's first novel, Judgment Calls, is already getting rave reviews...Burke demonstrates a natural-born propensity for suspense." -Phoenix New Times

"An engrossing novel that compares to the best of the genre." -Rocky Mountain News

"Author Burke is a splendid guide through its satisfyingly twisty plot." -The Seattle Times

"Fast-paced, well-plotted debut."-Raleigh News-Observer

"[Burke] has developed her own unique style of storytelling that is both fresh and wholly original. Judgment Calls is an exciting first novel and the perfect summer book to send shivers of suspense down the reader's spine." -Tucson Citizen

"It's her meticulous approach to nailing the criminals in the courtroom that gives Judgment Calls its principal appeal... As a female sleuth figure, Kincaid seems standard issue...but she and the book get into fresh territory when she applies her mind to her case and the courtroom. It's the attention to the minutiae of trial tactics that illuminates Kincaid's character and gives distinction to the novel." -The Toronto Star

"Alafair Burke has made an excellent start...we'll be watching for the return of Samantha Kincaid." -Toronto Globe and Mail

"Burke comes out of the gate flying...this has all the makings of a successful series, and we're looking forward to the next." - New Mystery Reader

"An accomplished and thrilling tale of her own...she writes in her own style, at her own pace, and the result is an engrossing novel that compares to the best of the genre." -Rocky Mountain News

"Burke definitely stands on her own merits as she delivers a debut that immediately springs to life...tightly plotted, Judgment Calls is a personal story wrapped around a realistic, likeable heroine...[It] would be an engrossing read no matter whose name was on the cover."
-South Florida Sun Sentinel



Review
"Alafair Burke has been on the front line in the courtroom and the streets, and brings her world alive in this exciting first novel." -Linda Fairstein

"Captivating. Alafair Burke is a wonderful writer, with the kind of style and confidence I most admire. I'm a big fan and look forward to the next novel in the series." -Sue Grafton

"Judgment Calls expertly shows that the most gripping drama is not found in the courtroom but in the places where choices get made, in the shadows cast by politics and corruption and human desires. Burke comes out of the gate with a first novel that proves she's got what it takes and will be sticking around." -Michael Connelly

"A terrific debut; very different from her famous father's work, but the storytelling DNA is all there, for sure." -Lee Child

"First-rate, suspenseful entertainment ...we'll be hearing more from tough, tart, sexy, high-minded Samantha Kincaid." -Washington Post

"Burke's earnest, fast-paced debut introduces a sharp new crime series revolving around Deputy DA Samantha 'Sam' Kincaid, a hip, 30-ish lawyer working in Portland's Drug and Vice Division. As a former DA herself, and now a teacher of criminal law, Burke brings a hyper-reality-TV quality to the text...This is a solid first effort from Burke, daughter of another 'crime fighter writer,' James Lee Burke." -Publishers Weekly

"Burke blends courtroom drama and criminal investigation with surprising aplomb, and she uses her Northwest setting to good advantage . . . This promising debut augurs well for a successful series." -Booklist

"If you love "Law and Order," you'll love Judgment Calls." - New Orleans Times-Picayune

"A grabber of a first novel." -Houston Chronicle

"Burke writes with both a clarity and a self-assuredness that belies her first-novelist status. The plot lines are tightly woven, and she adroitly ties things together in the end. This is the first in what should be a popular series." -Library Journal

"Alafair Burke is the real deal...Judgment Calls is a fine work, introducing what I hope will be a long-running series about the trials and tribulations of Samantha Kincaid...with Judgment Calls, Alafair Burke has arrived on the crime fiction scene in dramatic fashion...in a year during which there have already been many worthy debut novels to choose from, Alafair Burke's entry must be considered one of the top choices. Believe the hype-she's going to go very far."
-January Magazine

"Alafair Burke is, without question, a new writer to watch. Judgment Calls is a remarkable debut -a skillfully told tale with memorable characters and plot twists that will keep readers involved from the first page to the satisfying end. Take this one home with you-you'll enjoy it, and not many years from now, you'll be able to tell your friends that you knew she'd be a star when you read her first book." -Jan Burke

"It's no mystery why Alafair Burke's first novel, Judgment Calls, is already getting rave reviews...Burke demonstrates a natural-born propensity for suspense." -Phoenix New Times

"An engrossing novel that compares to the best of the genre." -Rocky Mountain News

"Author Burke is a splendid guide through its satisfyingly twisty plot." -The Seattle Times

"Fast-paced, well-plotted debut."-Raleigh News-Observer

"[Burke] has developed her own unique style of storytelling that is both fresh and wholly original. Judgment Calls is an exciting first novel and the perfect summer book to send shivers of suspense down the reader's spine." -Tucson Citizen

"It's her meticulous approach to nailing the criminals in the courtroom that gives Judgment Calls its principal appeal... As a female sleuth figure, Kincaid seems standard issue...but she and the book get into fresh territory when she applies her mind to her case and the courtroom. It's the attention to the minutiae of trial tactics that illuminates Kincaid's character and gives distinction to the novel." -The Toronto Star

"Alafair Burke has made an excellent start...we'll be watching for the return of Samantha Kincaid." -Toronto Globe and Mail

"Burke comes out of the gate flying...this has all the makings of a successful series, and we're looking forward to the next." - New Mystery Reader

"An accomplished and thrilling tale of her own...she writes in her own style, at her own pace, and the result is an engrossing novel that compares to the best of the genre." -Rocky Mountain News

"Burke definitely stands on her own merits as she delivers a debut that immediately springs to life...tightly plotted, Judgment Calls is a personal story wrapped around a realistic, likeable heroine...[It] would be an engrossing read no matter whose name was on the cover."
-South Florida Sun Sentinel



Book Description
After three years on the job in Portland's Drug and Vice Division, Deputy DA Samantha Kincaid gets what she wants: her first case with the Major Crimes Team. Kendra Martin, a 13-year-old runaway, has been found drugged, viciously assaulted, and left for dead in the Columbia River Gorge. Despite pressures to kick the case to assault, Samantha goes for attempted murder. Unfortunately the girl's story isn't gelling. Then again, neither is the alibi of the suspect she ID'd, a low-life who insists he's innocent. One thing is certain. Kendra knows the streets better than Vice-and Samantha's following her down every last one of them to crack the case.

But the road to the truth is more dangerous than Samantha dreamed, leading to an earlier death-penalty conviction, a teenage prostitution ring, and threats to Samantha's own life. When the possibility of a serial killer enters the fray, it sends Samantha's trial into a tailspin, and tests her judgment-in both her professional and personal life-to the very death.



From the Back Cover
"A bold, brash entry into the world of crime fiction. Judgment Calls is strong, smart, and shocking." - Linda Fairstein

A Judgment In Question
After three years on the job in Portland's Drug and Vice Division, Deputy DA Samantha Kincaid gets what she wants: her first case with the Major Crimes Team. Kendra Martin, a 13-year-old runaway, has been found drugged, viciously assaulted, and left for dead in the Columbia River Gorge. Despite pressures to kick the case to assault, Samantha goes for attempted murder. Unfortunately the girl's story isn't gelling. Then again, neither is the alibi of the suspect she ID'd, a low-life who insists he's innocent. One thing is certain. Kendra knows the streets better than Vice-and Samantha's following her down every last one of them to crack the case.

A Life On The Line
But the road to the truth is more dangerous than Samantha dreamed, leading to an earlier death-penalty conviction, a teenage prostitution ring, and threats to Samantha's own life. When the possibility of a serial killer enters the fray, it sends Samantha's trial into a tailspin, and tests her judgment-in both her professional and personal life-to the very death.

"This is smart, savvy, expert-and highly recommended."
- Lee Child

"First-rate, suspenseful entertainment...we'll be hearing more from tough, tart, sexy,
high-minded Samantha Kincaid."
-Washington Post



About the Author
A former deputy district attorney in Portland, Oregon, Alafair Burke now teaches criminal law at Hofstra School of Law and lives on Long Island, New York. She is the daughter of acclaimed crime writer James Lee Burke. Henry Holt will publish the second Samantha Kincaid mystery, Missing Justice, in spring 2004.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
This powerful debut thriller by Alafair Burke (daughter of crime writer James Lee Burke), introduces readers to an intriguing new investigator who offers a gritty-yet-compassionate legal eagle's￯﾿ﾽeye view of how the system deals with sex crimes, drugs, and violence. Samantha Kincaid is a deputy district attorney in Portand, Oregon. Though she's usually assigned to the Drug and Vice Division, her passion for justice leads her to take on a brutal assault case where the victim is an underage prostitute who was attacked and left for dead. The case has been assigned to the Major Crime Team but is in danger of being sidelined because of problems with the investigation. Sam sets out to prove that this was more than simple assault: She thinks it was attempted murder. The danger grows, both in court and in the field, as Sam uncovers unexpected connections to even more serious crimes, including a deadly conspiracy, a prostitution ring, and more. Alafair Burke's personal experience as a former deputy D.A., combined with a flair for well-drawn characters and bold plotting, mark her as a writer to watch. Sue Stone

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid walks into her office in Portland's Drug and Vice Division one Monday morning to find the sergeant of the police bureau's vice unit waiting for her. A thirteen-year-old girl has been brutally attacked and left for dead on the city's outskirts. Given the lack of evidence, most lawyers would settle for an assault charge; Samantha, unnerved by the viciousness of the crime, decides to go for attempted murder. But as she prepares for the trial, she uncovers a dangerous trail leading to a high-profiles death penalty case, a prostitution ring of underage girls, and a possible serial killer. And she finds her judgment - not only in matters of the law but in her personal life - called into question.

FROM THE CRITICS

The Washington Post

This is a solid debut, and the publisher promises that we'll be hearing more from tough, tart, sexy, high-minded Samantha Kincaid. — Patrick Anderson

USA Today

After leaving the DA's office and before she started teaching criminal law at New York's Hofstra School of Law, [Burke] wrote Judgment Calls, the first of a series about an ambitious young assistant district attorney, Samantha Kincaid, who is struggling to make a name for herself while putting away drug dealers and rapists. — Ayesha Court

Publishers Weekly

Burke's earnest, fast-paced debut introduces a sharp new crime series revolving around Deputy DA Samantha "Sam" Kincaid, a hip, 30ish lawyer working in Portland's Drug and Vice Division. As a former DA herself, and now a teacher of criminal law, Burke brings a hyper-reality-TV quality to the text, as well as a sometimes overzealous attention to technical minutiae. Kendra Martin, 13, has been prostituting herself to support a heroin addiction begun after her mom's boyfriend insisted that "popping wasn't really like shooting up." When Kendra is found left for dead, Kincaid is determined to bring to justice the violent sex offenders who brutally raped and beat her. Narrated in a crisp first person and injected with good-natured humor ("It's a fundamental truth that the number and density of cuss words increases exponentially as the number of cops and DAs in a room goes up"), the book is tightly plotted and detail laden. The secondary characters are less vivid than the assertive, likable Kincaid, but they serve their purpose. Kincaid's ex-boyfriend, Det. Chuck Forbes, is involved in the investigation of Kendra's case and another possibly related crime; Tim O'Donnell, a crude senior DDA on Portland's Major Crimes Team, is suspiciously eager to have Kendra's case tried under his jurisdiction. Cracking the case not only drags up an earlier death-penalty conviction but uncovers the roots of a prostitution ring that shakes up the entire Major Crimes Team and tests Kincaid's faith in her own judgment. This is a solid first effort from Burke, daughter of another "crime fighter writer," James Lee Burke. Agent, Philip Spitzer. (July) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

When 13-year-old prostitute Kendra Martin is beaten and raped, the lack of evidence seems to prevent serious charges from being laid. Enter Samantha Kincaid, Portland, OR, deputy district attorney frustrated by both the savagery of the beating and what she perceives as her employer's seeming lack of interest in the case. Working alone, Sam is left to dig for evidence, a search that soon leads to a prostitution ring, the discovery of similar crimes, and talk of a serial killer. Further complicating matters is Sam's involvement with a police officer under suspicion for the role he may have played in a connected case. Burke, the daughter of the brilliant James Lee Burke, writes with both a clarity and a self-assuredness that belies her first-novelist status. The plot lines are tightly woven, and she adroitly ties things together in the end. This is the first in what should be a popular series and is recommended for public libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/03.]-Craig Shufelt, Lane P.L., Oxford, OH Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews