Capitol Scandal

By: A. W. Gray

Narrated by: Rebecca Mitchell

The crime: murder. The accused: a wealthy Texas congressman. The victim: a young intern with whom he was having an affair. Attorney Sharon Hays is reluctant to defend this charismatic politician - for highly personal reasons. Now she must either withdraw from the case, confessing to the secrets of her own past, or remain silent and defend a man she has every reason to hate.

©2014 A. W. Gray (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A W Gray: Best Crime Writer of the 90's

Evidently he hasn't been published since the 90s. Its a shame, his Bino series is the best entertainment on Audible and the Sharon Hays series is top notch courtroom drama as well.

In the prequel to this book, Sharon Hays experiences sudden fame when her roommate from her days as a struggling actor, now a hollywood movie star, is accused of murdering her husband. That work, entitled The Best Defense, exposes the farcical media storm and its influence on the LA legal system whenever celebrity is involved. (My review of Best Defense has been under review by the Audible staff for the past 4-5 days. You would think they would appreciate our efforts more.)

Capitol Scandal exposes the farcical media and legal storm in Washington when a Texas congressman is accused of murder. Washington beltway rules are for insiders only, so when Sharon Hays is called in to defend her client, she quickly learns far more is at stake than his getting a good defense.

There are many side stories that come into play here. In the he end I found myself entirely consumed with the life of Sharon Hays.

Rebecca Mitchell is a wonderfully talented narrator.

This is a series, though I am not sure if Audible carries it in its entirety. Its good enough to stand on its own, but I do recommend reading The Best Defense first.

Must Read Previous Books

There must be at least 1 previous book involving the main character Sharon, a 30+ single mother and lawyer. I was confused & frustrated as if I'd missed the first half of a movie - there should have been a warning that Capital Scandal was part of a series.

Many things didn't make sense. Example, Sharon had a daughter (before law school) with a now-famous actor, but doesn't get child support. Sharon's personality, which had great potential, was never developed. While the plot was unique, it was too unbelievable in places.