The latest page-turning novel by Penn State alumnus Paul Levine hits bookstores and online outlets July 1 with a compelling combination of characters from Levine’s previous lawyer-driven mysteries as well as some faithful nods to the University and even a few scenes set in Pennsylvania.
“Bum Rap” (2015, Thomas & Mercer) features former Penn State and NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter, the protagonist in 10 previous novels by Levine. In this novel, Lassiter combines with Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, who drove Levine’s Solomon & Lord Series.
In “Bum Rap,” Solomon faces a murder charge and Lassiter, who usually works alone, finds himself collaborating with Lord to find someone who can clear Solomon’s name. They must find that witness before the Russian mob does the same thing -- with a clearly different intent. At one point, their search stretches from Miami to a pretzel plant in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
According to Publishers Weekly, “Levine effectively blends a puzzling crime, intelligent sleuthing, adroit courtroom maneuvering, and a surprising attraction between Victoria and Jake in this welcome addition to both series.” In a starred review, Booklist also offered praise for the 334-page paperback, calling it an “irresistible south-Florida romp. A delicious mix of thriller and comic crime novel.”
Levine, who earned his Penn Sate journalism degree in 1968, has won the John D. MacDonald fiction award, has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, Shamus and James Thurber prizes, and has written for multiple hit TV shows.
A former journalist and lawyer, Levine lives in Miami, where “Bum Rap” is set.
For more information about “Bum Rap” and Levine’s other novels, visit www.paul-levine.com.