The Spire : A Novel

Mark Darrow grew up in small-town Ohio with no real advantages. But thanks to Lionel Farr, a professor at a nearby college, Darrow became an excellent scholar/athlete and, later, a superb trial lawyer. Now Farr offers his protégé a job as his alma mater's new president, which Darrow accepts. But being back on campus opens old wounds. Sixteen years ago, on the night of his greatest football triumph, Darrow found the body of a black female student at the base of the college bell tower, known as the Spire…

Darrow's best friend was charged with the murder, and was sent to prison for life. But Darrow is about to discover that the case against his college friend left crucial questions unanswered. Despite his new obligations—and his deepening attachment to Farr's beautiful though troubled daughter—Darrow begins an inquiry into the murder and is soon convinced that the real killer is still at large…and that his own life is surely at risk.

“A page-turner.” —The New York Times Book Review on Degree of Guilt

“Compulsively readable.” —People on Degree of Guilt

“One intense courtroom clash after another...An intelligent and gripping thriller.” —The Washington Post on Degree of Guilt

“Flamboyant and entertaining.” —The Boston Globe on Degree of Guilt

“Electrifying.” —The Cleveland Plain Dealer on Degree of Guilt

“One of the year's best thrillers…Superb characterizations and intense dialogue make this utterly compelling reading.” —Library Journal on Degree of Guilt

“Absorbing.” —Publishers Weekly on Degree of Guilt

“Passionate…exciting [and] eye-opening, page by page.” —Washington Post on Eclipse

“Compelling and credible…guaranteed to rouse you to thought.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch on Eclipse

“This stellar legal thriller both informs and entertains… Patterson has exerted all his considerable skill in creating a nightmare atmosphere that will cling to readers long after the last page is turned.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Eclipse

“A satisfying fable that pits a hero who deeply believes in the rule of law against a violent, lawless regime that holds all the cards.” —Kirkus Reviews on Eclipse

“Nearly flawless--by the time you realize how well Patterson is writing, you are already caught up in this novel.” —San Francisco Chronicle on Eclipse

“Suspenseful--pervasive danger as real as the actual reality.” —New York Daily News on Eclipse

“A terrific legal thriller populated by rich, well drawn characters [Patterson] magnificently brings to life. Not to be missed.” —Providence Sunday Journal on Eclipse

“Fascinating.” —Booklist on Eclipse

“[A] compelling legal thriller, reminiscent of Exile. Patterson once again brings a timely, controversial subject--America's dependence on foreign oil--to the forefront in this...engrossing read.” —Library Journal on Eclipse

“An electrifying page-turner.” —Seattle Post-Intelligencer on The Race

“Patterson has redefined himself as a writer willing to take risks.” —USA Today on The Race

“Absorbing and suspenseful.” —Publishers Weekly on The Race

“Required reading.” —New York Post on The Race

“With verve, intelligence, passion and humanity, Patterson tells an important story--and one that may find a place with Advise and Consent and Seven Days in May on the shelf of honored political thrillers.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch on The Race

“Absorbing…timely…a gripping read.” —Booklist on The Race

“Will get your blood boiling…” —Grand Rapid Press on The Race

“A timely, fast-paced political yarn....Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) on The Race

“A slick new entertainment…Frank Capra idealism meets Karl Rove reality.” —Entertainment Weekly on The Race

“Torn from the headlines...Exile delivers.” —The New York Times Book Review on Exile

“Artful…compelling.” —USA Today on Exile

“Astonishing, hugely entertaining.” —Bill Clinton on Exile