New York Times Best Thriller of 2023New York Times Editors Pick 2023For seventeen years smalltown public defender Andy Hughes has been underpaid to look after the poor the addicted and the unfortunate souls who constantly cycle through the courts charged with petty crimes Then in the summer of 2020 hes assigned to a grotesque murder case that brings national media focus to rural Patrick County VirginiaAlicia Benson the wife of a wealthy businessman is murdered in her home The accused killer Damian Bullins is a cunning felon with a long history of violence and he confesses to the police He even admits his guilt to Andy But a simple typographical error and a shocking discovery begin to complicate the stateamp8217s case making it possible Bullins might escape punishment Dutybound to give his client a thorough defense Andyamp8212despite his misgivingsamp8212agrees to fight for a notguilty verdict a decision that will ultimately force him to make profound lifeanddeath choices both inside andamp160outsideamp160the courtroomamp160amp160With its unforgettable characters spoton blueprint of the justice system intricate plotting and provocative noholdsbarred endingamp160The Plinko Bounceamp160demonstrates once again why Martin Clark has been called quotthe thinking manamp8217s John Grishamquot byamp160The New York Timesamp160and praised as amp8220hands down our finest legalthriller writeramp8221 byamp160Entertainment Weekly