First degree
(Book)

An unabashed animal lover, Paterson, New Jersey, lawyer Andy Carpenter has grown a fast reputation as that rare defender who saves both dogs and humans from Death Row. Thanks to the high-profile success of his last case, he's at the top of every local felon's wish list of attorneys. But despite his newfound fame and fortune, he's suffering from a painful attack of lawyer's block, rejecting every potential client who comes his way. His office is eerily quiet, except for the pen of his secretary, Edna, scratching nimbly across and down the New York Times crossword puzzle, while his soul hungers for a case to sink its legal teeth into.
He's about the get his wish. And it'll be a first-degree kick in the head.
It begins in the asphalt heart of Paterson, with the discovery of a once dirty, now decapitated cop. Then not one but several prime suspects emerge. Drawn into this affair, Andy has things under control...until the last suspect turns out to be none other than Laurie Collins, Andy's lead investigator and the love of his life. Now to clear Laurie, Andy must spring a brilliant yet desperate courtroom trap - before it engulfs them both.