Book Talk: Paul Levine, ‘Early Grave’

This is the fifteenth novel in the court/thriller series, featuring Jake Lassiter. I’ve read most of the books over the years, not paying any attention to the order in which they were issued. Each was an interesting and enjoyable read. But for those of you who feel strongly about reading series in order, this one should be saved for last. “Early Grave” (2023, 417 pages) is one of the most “personal” cases in which Jake is involved, as you’ll soon see.

As we know from previous books in this series, Jake was a standout football player in high school, a home-town hero. He went on to play for Joe Paterno at Penn State and then professional football for Don Shula in Florida. So, nobody knows the violence and danger of football as well as Jake, who is now an attorney and a victim of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), the brain malady that affects people who have had multiple concussions.

Jake’s former teammate and best friend Tank Pittman is allowing his son Rodrigo (Rod) to play football for the local high school by signing the consent form and having his wife’s name forged to the document. Jake is complicit in the act, and Rod is his godson, whom he loves. But, during the kickoff, which both Jake and Tank know is the most dangerous part of the game, Rod is seriously injured and may never walk again. Needless to say, Tank’s wife Lily is furious at both Tank and Jake.