Identical, Turow - B

                                          When one of the dozen or so writers whom I've read for years comes out with a new book, I generally never read the reviews.  This year, because of this blog, I do check them after I've finished the book, just to see if I've missed something important.  So, it was gratifying to see that one of the Times' noted legal writers came to a similar conclusion about the very skilled Scott Turow's latest venture into Kindle County.  There is the wonderful and warm feeling of familiarity with the place, its corrupt Chicago style politics, and the way he blends in characters from previous novels. Here we see both Raymond Horgan and Sandy Stern in minor roles.  And, Turow remains masterful in courtroom presentations.  This story, though, flagged with overdrawn character backgrounds that left me wondering when the chapter would finish.  Also, the plot is a bit of a stretch at times and strains one's credulity.  I think the conclusion is that he was slightly off his game here, but then again, his game is pretty elevated.