Accusation by Paul Batista
Those could be the perfect words to hear from your agent if you are a struggling actor and have just landed that plum role. Or not so much so, if you already are a celebrity living the dream life with untold riches, fame and a beautiful loving wife.
In the case of Aaron Julian, a rags-to-riches movie star who seemingly lacks for nothing, that message provides a jolt like the chilly wintry New York air outside his plush residence at the famous Dakota — especially when it is delivered at 2:00 a.m.
And we’re off — with the swift, well-crafted legal thriller Accusation (Oceanview Publishing) by Paul Batista, who brings solid creds as a well-known trial lawyer, TV commentator and serial author.
#METOO MEDIA CIRCUS … AND MURDER?
In Accusation, Batista tackles the #MeToo movement as famous actor Julian is accused of preying upon actresses up for supporting roles in his films. Six women are said to have come forward claiming sexual harassment. Julian and his wife, Veda, a star pop singer in her own right, vehemently deny the charges. Ironically, Aaron and Veda watch two of the women and the prosecuting attorney being interviewed on CNN by Chris Cuomo, whose brother — and, because of former New York Governor Andrew, the former TV host himself — knows a thing or two about #MeToo.
As the matter escalates into a media circus, Julian enlists the help of smart, powerful, tough-as-nails defense counsel Raquel Rematti — a trademark character for Batista making her third appearance in one of his seven books. Batista introduces us to a slew of intriguing supporting characters, from government officials to attorneys to FBI agents to private investigators to technology experts to the accusing women themselves. Things are further complicated when a couple of them turn up dead.
FULL SPECTRUM OF MEDIA AND LEGAL MACHINATIONS
The book provides a vivid picture of media and legal machinations in action at their sparkling best — and worst. The seeming ease with which evidence and people can be manipulated at the very least makes one ponder: do things like this happen in real life? The fluidity of Batista’s story and writing style offer nothing to put such theories to rest.
So buckle up and get ready for a ride into the New York justice system in which the characters, their institutions and the venue all add up to fast and fun reading.
The book checks off two of the most important boxes for me: a riveting plot that I breezed through in record time, and a jaw-dropping ending that left me shocked but totally satisfied.
My only request to the author: write another one in a hurry!
