Violent Crimes: An Amanda Jaffe Novel    by Phillip Margolin Order:  USA  Can Harper, 2016 (2016) Hardcover, Softcover, Paperback, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Philip Margolin has created a character who has been very well-received by his fans. Portland Lawyer Amanda Jaffe was introduced in Wild Justice and now displays her legal prowess once more in Violent Crimes, the fifth book in this series. She is working a case involving environmentalists. Readers get a glimpse of Big Oil with the appearance of Dale Masterson who is senior partner in a large Portland, Oregon, law firm. Masterson has become fantastically wealthy representing the interests of oil and coal companies. His colleague Christine Larson is discovered dead. Then Dale is found beaten to death in his sprawling mansion. Dale's son Brandon confesses to killing his father! Jaffe is hired to represent Brandon. Facts just don't add up to her. Brandon is an activist protesting the damage that the oil and coal companies do to the environment – all in the effort to make more and more money. He feels that his father's death will wake up the public to stop those companies in their earth-destroying methods, that fill their pockets with more money than they can use, with no care for those whose lives are changed forever – and not for the good. Jaffe is not sure just what her defense of Brandon will be, but she is sure he is innocent. And if he is innocent, who did kill Larson and Masterson? Also, why would Brandon confess to killing his father if he is, indeed, innocent? Margolin has once again produced a thought-provoking novel that is likely to keep you up late at night. It might also make you a little more aware of what is being done to the earth in the guise of what is best for us. Don't miss it. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews