Poetry of Reading: June 2026

Defending Jacob William Landay

by Natasa Djordjevic - 10:46 AM

“An emotion is a thought, yes, an idea, but it is also a sensation, an ache in your body. Desire, love, hate, fear, repulsion - you feel these things in your muscle and bones, not just in your mind.”

William Landay's bestselling novel, "Defending Jacob," intricately weaves the threads of a legal thriller with an emotional exploration of familial turmoil as the Barber family faces an unthinkable crisis, feeling increasingly isolated from friends and neighbors who once stood by them.

At the heart of the story is Andy Barber, a dedicated and successful first assistant district attorney in a prestigious Boston suburb known for its affluence and tight-knit community. He balances a fulfilling career with a deep devotion to his wife, Laurie, and their teenage son, Jacob. As a senior staff attorney who reports directly to the elected District Attorney, Andy is accustomed to handling high-profile cases that allow him to showcase his legal acumen and commitment to justice.

The tranquility of Andy's life is violently disrupted when a local high school student, Ben Rifkin, is discovered dead in a picturesque park near the school. In a shocking turn of events, Andy's entire world is turned upside down when Jacob, his son, is arrested as the prime suspect in the murder. This case is not just a professional challenge for Andy; it becomes a crisis that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear.

Through this gripping narrative, Landay delves into profound questions that resonate with parents everywhere: Can we ever truly know our children? What lengths will a parent go to in order to protect their child? How do family dynamics shift when one's beliefs about a child's fundamental goodness are called into question? The author also explores the various influences that shape a child's behavior, including the long-standing debate between nature versus nurture and the potential impact of genetic predispositions.

Jacob is portrayed as a typical, yet complex, fourteen-year-old teenager. He embodies the struggles of adolescence, often behaving as a puzzle that his parents find difficult to piece together. Jacob grapples with social challenges at school, where he is deemed unpopular and, at times, odd by his peers. Despite being active on social media, he maintains a guarded demeanor with his parents, sharing little about his inner life and ongoing experiences.

Amid the turmoil, Andy carries a heavy secret that complicates his family’s situation even further: his father and grandfather both had histories of committing murder. This troubling family legacy weighs heavily on Andy’s conscience, especially as he fears the prosecution might exploit this information to argue for the existence of a "murder gene" in Jacob’s DNA. After Jacob's arrest, Andy confides this dark secret to Laurie, adding another layer of tension to their already strained family dynamics.

As the investigation develops and evidence begins to stack up against Jacob, the District Attorney makes the decision to remove Andy from the case, resulting in his suspension with pay. Investigators learn from Jacob's classmates that he had previously been bullied by Ben and that he possessed a knife, suggesting a potential motive for the murder. Compounding the stakes, Jacob’s fingerprint is discovered on the deceased boy’s jacket, casting an even darker shadow over the case.

The interactions between the Barbers and their legal counsel, as well as a psychologist hired for Jacob's defense, become some of the most engaging and revealing moments in the book. During these poignant meetings, the family is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about Jacob, ultimately challenging their perceptions of him. Landay, drawing from his experience as a former prosecutor, offers readers an insightful and realistic portrayal of both the prosecution and defense strategies, while providing a detailed look at courtroom procedures and the broader legal landscape.

As the trial draws to a gripping conclusion, readers encounter a surprising plot twist that shakes the very foundation of the story. More than just a shock, the resolution offers a brilliant and unsettling ending that leaves readers contemplating the complexities of trust, guilt, and the often ambiguous nature of justice, ensuring they are left both satisfied and deeply reflective long after finishing the novel.

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Caligula Simon Turney

by Natasa Djordjevic - 9:42 AM

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Silent on the Moor Deanna Raybourn

by Natasa Djordjevic - 9:34 AM

At the conclusion of "Silent in the Sanctuary," readers discover that Brisbane has acquired a sprawling estate and has composed a letter to Portia, the sister of Julia, seeking her assistance. The letter explicitly instructs that Portia is not to accompany Julia to the estate; however, this directive is soon overlooked, leading to the unfolding events in "Silent on the Moor." Julia is resolute in her goal to confront Brisbane and finally resolve the complex issues that have long been between them.

After a grueling journey through the rugged terrain of Yorkshire, Julia, Portia, their brother Valerius, a pair of loyal maids, and their two dogs arrive at the dilapidated front steps of Grimsgrave Hall. The once-grand estate stands crumbling, steeped in mystery and secrets. Upon her arrival, Brisbane's reaction is a mix of surprise and dismay. Although he appears unhappy to see Julia, he clings to her hand with a sense of urgency, suggesting that he actually craves her presence. This conflicting behavior raises alarm bells for Julia, leading her to suspect that he might be concealing something significant that could put her in danger.

The household at Grimsgrave is further complicated by the enigmatic Allenby ladies, who are intriguing characters in their own right. Lady Allenby, a devout woman beset by the pains of rheumatism, does her utmost to be cordial and welcoming to Julia and her family, despite her physical limitations. Ailith, the eldest daughter of the Allenby family, possesses a certain charm and grace, while her sister Hilda exhibits a wild demeanor and a lack of social etiquette. The Allenby ladies have taken refuge in Grimsgrave Hall, relying on Brisbane's charity until a cottage on the estate can be made habitable for them. The recent loss of their brother has cast a pall over the household, yet the mourning they display feels somewhat ambiguous; while they are clearly saddened by his absence, their grief lacks the depth expected of those who have lost a beloved family member, leading Julia to question the true nature of their relationship.

Eager to build a friendship with Ailith, Julia is initially optimistic about their budding relationship, but she soon learns that appearances can be deceiving and that Ailith may not be the ally she hoped for. In an effort to contribute positively to the Allenby family's situation, Julia decides to take on the task of cataloguing the extensive and exotic Egyptian collection that belonged to the former master of the estate. She hopes that by organizing these artifacts and preparing them for sale, she can generate some much-needed funds to aid the Allenby ladies and improve their dire circumstances. However, as she delves deeper into the collection, Julia stumbles upon a disturbing narrative filled with secrets that revolve around forbidden love and tragic choices.

The surprises do not end there, as what unfolds next is nothing short of astonishing—mummified infants uncovered amidst the artifacts, a shocking attempt on Brisbane's life, the unexpected return of a long-lost sister of the Allenby family, and a hidden secret that shakes the very foundation of the familial ties between the brother and sister. The climax of the tale is a stunning revelation that left me shaken and captivated. To give too much away would spoil the excitement, so I encourage you to explore the story for yourself!

The underlying tension of repressed feelings between Julia and Brisbane permeates the narrative, adding an intriguing layer to the book without allowing it to devolve into a focus solely on romance. Thankfully, the story culminates in a well-deserved happy ending for our hero and heroine, bringing a sense of closure and satisfaction. I can confidently declare that this is my favorite installment in the Lady Grey mystery series, and I would highly recommend that readers pick it up at their earliest opportunity. Deanna Raybourn has once again showcased her mastery of romantic suspense, weaving a spellbinding tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.