Margaret McLean

“Whitey on Trial” by Margaret McLean and Jon Leiberman

Corrupt men and crooked law enforcement battle in the courtroom. It is fact that James Bulger (Whitey) is a violent, power-hungry, cold and calculated man. And unfortunately, it is fact that representatives of our government aided this man and many other gangsters to get what they wanted. Forget that innocent people were killed in the crossfire, these gangsters and law enforcement personnel—such as John Connolly, FBI agent, who now sits in federal prison, John Morris, FBI agent, and many others—looked out for themselves. Their personal agenda meant more to them than human beings.

And it wasn’t just murder—as if that wasn’t bad enough—it was also bribery, blackmail, and a multitude of other crimes that some of us cannot even imagine, that spurred these despicable people to continue on a path of others’ destruction. Anything to gain wealth and power for themselves.

“Whitey on Trial” is a non-fiction accounting of what went on at Whitey’s trial. But it also examines our own government’s actions as well. Some say the representatives of our government were just as evil as Whitey’s reign of terror. Witness after witness and bereaving family members, one after the other, spoke of the brutal conduct of Whitey, Stephen Flemmi, and the Winter Hill gang’s accomplices.

Judge Casper said during Whitey’s sentencing, “…I wished that we were watching a movie, that what we were hearing was not real…,” but unfortunately, “…we were hearing about the real inhumane things that human beings did to other human beings, seemingly without remorse and without regret.” Yes, it’s sad that what went on was not that of fiction, but real life horror. It turned my stomach to see the abuse of power and the corruption that can occur to those who swore to protect citizens.

I commend authors McLean and Leiberman for an unbiased accounting and one that is well-written.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier Reina, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”… (lisätietoja)

Margaret McLean's Under Fire is a super legal thriller that keeps you reading until you finish it. It is her first novel and the writing is as good as any author with a publishing history. The only issue that I have with Under Fire is that part of the plot is too weird to be believable. However, even though this bothered me I could not put the book down due to the suspense factor.

There are 2 strong characters in Under Fire. Former prosecutor Sarah Lynch is talked into co-representing an African immigrant against arson and homicide charges by her liberal defense attorney uncle Buddy. Amina Diallo, the immigrant, is the only police suspect for the crimes. Uncle Buddy has a hunch that she is innocent and as a defense strategy sets out to find the person responsible for the crime. Uncle Buddy is a loveable but eccentric character. I can see him on TV or in a movie. His character traits are accentuated by straight-laced Sarah. Together they make a great couple.

At least half of the story takes place in the courtroom with Sarah and Uncle Buddy going against prosecuting attorney Nick Marinelli whom Sarah used to supervise. With my own 30 year work history as a paralegal, I found that to be funny as hell. The thoughts of some of the jurors during the trial is a secondary plot. I don't think I have read any legal thrillers where this occurred.

I loved this book and am looking forward to more from Margaret McLean. I hope Sarah and Uncle Buddy become part of a series.… (lisätietoja)

Readers of my blog know I don’t review too many thrillers/trial fiction. I have read many of John Grisham’s and Scott Turow, but I was really interested in this novel for two reasons. One, the author is female and two, Margaret McLean was a practicing criminal prosecutor and she also currently teaches law.

Amina Diallo is a Muslim Senegalese immigrant accused of burning down her home and market business. During an attempt to save her and her fifteen year old son Malick, a Boston firefighter is shot and killed. The last person who saw the victim alive is his partner Andy who recalls seeing Amina pointing a gun. Amina is charged with murder and arson. Her case causes high profile attention and rapidly instills anger and hostility toward the accused. The murder of a firefighter in the line of duty has already pronounced her guilty in the eyes of the world.

Amina has retained Buddy Clancy, her somewhat eccentrically quirky, laid-back and seasoned defense lawyer. He has an affinity for colorful often purposeful bow-ties and he and his dog Rehnquist always wear a matched pair. Buddy’s niece Sarah Lynch was a prosecuting attorney fighting the gangs. When tragedy impedes her ability to continue, she focuses on playing hockey, giving up law. When her uncle Buddy ropes Sarah into agreeing to meet with Amina, just to talk, Sarah is reluctant. During the meeting, she learns something interesting about Amina, and suddenly realizes she believes in her innocence. Sarah agrees to work with her uncle on the defense side of the court.

The plot is plausible and the writing easy going. The character of Buddy Clancy definitely steals the show or the trial scene anyway. He is in command at all times with witty quips and humor that often has him on the hot seat with Judge Killian. Nothing seems to phase the patient Buddy, and he is the antithesis of his aggressive and impatient niece Sarah. They make for a near perfect legal team and in my opinion the drama of the court trial is the most exciting. At the end, the author leaves room for what you think will be a sequel or series.

If you like trial quick paced puzzling criminal fiction, Under Fire will deliver sharp trial banter. Margaret McLean’s background is a huge benefit as she expresses her story with authenticity. Under Oath, her second novel is due out in April 2012, fortunately with the same amusing character Buddy Clancy and his dog Rehnquist.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].… (lisätietoja)

This book is meatier and the characters more substantial than the usual legal thriller. From the beginning of this well-written and edited first novel, it is apparent that the author knows quite a bit about both courtrooms and fire investigations.

When the store of Amina Diallo, a black Muslim refugee from Senegal, is torched; and a fireman is shot and killed attempting to rescue her and her son from the burning building, there is an immediate rush to judgment. Amina is arrested for both crimes within hours. Buddy Clancy, an old-time smooth lawyer, undertakes her defense; and persuades his niece, Sarah, a former prosecutor, to help.

Political and hidden financial interests, as well as media hysteria and mass bigotry create a perfect storm. Angry mobs storm the courthouse, and a `citizen vigilante' shoots at Amina during her arraignment hearing, wounding Sarah instead. Uncle Buddy's ties add a bit of humor to the courtroom action, much of which is viewed from the perspective of various jurors.

If you enjoy Grisham's novels, you will be pleased with this book. The characters may even be more believable and sympathetic than many of his. This was an excellent first novel, and I look forward to more from this author.… (lisätietoja)