
James Patterson and Mike Lupica join forces once again to deliver The Hamptons Lawyer, the third installment in their gripping Jane Smith thriller series. Known as the Hamptons Lawyer, undefeated criminal defense attorney Jane Smith is back in the courtroom and on the battlefield of her own mortality. This time, Patterson and Lupica turn up both the legal tension and emotional depth, creating a novel that balances sharp courtroom drama with a deeply human story of resilience.
Jane “Effin’” Smith is not your average protagonist. She is fearless, blunt, and brilliant, a defense attorney who can outmaneuver the most ruthless prosecutors. But she is also fighting a far more personal battle: terminal brain cancer. Even as her body weakens, Jane refuses to slow down. Her latest client, Rob Jacobson, a wealthy playboy with a history of trouble, has once again been accused of a brutal triple homicide his second accusation after barely escaping conviction for a similar crime. The evidence looks damning, but Jane’s instincts tell her he’s being framed. Determined to uncover the truth, she digs into a web of lies that connects Jacobson to dangerous mob boss Sonny Blum and a shadowy network of corruption and deceit.
As if defending a seemingly doomed client weren’t enough, Jane must also deal with her own ticking clock. Her doctors have warned her that her time is running out, and the side effects of her treatment leave her drained. Yet she still shows up in court every day, armed with her sharp mind and her two Glocks, ready to take on anyone who stands in her way. Her private life adds another layer of emotion her boyfriend, Ben Kalinsky, has proposed, but Jane refuses to let love turn into pity. Her decision captures the tragic dignity of a woman determined to live on her own terms, even as she faces death.
The pacing of The Hamptons Lawyer is classic Patterson: quick, propulsive, and cinematic. The short chapters keep the story moving at breakneck speed, while Lupica’s knack for dialogue and character depth gives it emotional weight. The legal proceedings are filled with sharp exchanges and moral dilemmas, while the action outside the courtroom keeps readers on edge. From hitmen lurking in the shadows to courtroom showdowns with the district attorney, every page carries a sense of urgency.
Yet what truly anchors this novel is Jane herself. She is flawed but magnetic a woman who swears, fights, loves, and defends with the same intensity. Her battle with cancer is portrayed with honesty and grit, making her one of Patterson’s most human characters in years. Readers can’t help but root for her, even when her defiance puts her in danger.
Still, not everything in The Hamptons Lawyer hits perfectly. Some readers may find the plot repetitive, echoing the same rhythms of previous installments with mob entanglements, corrupt cops, and another shocking murder that feels more like a setup for the next book than a resolution. The courtroom tension occasionally takes a backseat to the personal drama, and the case against Jacobson, while engaging, doesn’t break new ground. However, Jane’s personal journey her courage in the face of inevitable decline makes up for these narrative loops.
Ultimately, The Hamptons Lawyer is a fast-paced, emotionally charged legal thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Patterson and Lupica have created a character who transcends the genre: a lawyer battling both crime and her own mortality, fighting for justice even as her time slips away. This is more than just another entry in a bestselling series it’s a story about strength, integrity, and the will to keep fighting when the odds are impossible.
If you’re looking for a smart, character-driven legal thriller packed with action and heart, The Hamptons Lawyer deserves a spot on your reading list.