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Full Disclosure

Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada, makes her fiction debut with her legal thriller, Full Disclosure.

Beverley McLachlin

CBC Books Posted: May 08, 2018 12:55 PM EDT | Last Updated: May 28, 2019

There's nothing Jilly Truitt likes more than winning a case, especially against her former mentor, prosecutor Cy Kenge. Jilly has baggage, the residue of a dark time in a series of foster homes, but that's in the past. Now she's building her own criminal defense firm and making a name for herself as a tough-as-nails lawyer willing to take risks in the courtroom.

When the affluent and enigmatic Vincent Trussardi is accused of his wife Laura's murder, Jilly agrees to defend him, despite predictions that the case is a sure loser and warnings from those close to her to stay away from the Trussardi family. Determined to prove everyone wrong, Jilly investigates Laura's death, hoping to discover a shred of evidence that might give the jury a reasonable doubt. Instead, she is confronted by damning evidence and uncooperative witnesses at every turn. Someone isn't telling the truth, but who?

With her reputation and Vincent's life on the line, Jilly tries to unravel the web of secrets surrounding Laura's murder. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a startling revelation that will change not only the case, but her life forever.

From the gritty streets of Vancouver to the fateful halls of justice, Full Disclosure is a razor-sharp thriller that pulses with authenticity and intrigue. (FromSimon & SchusterCanada)

From the book

Despite the onset of middle age, toned muscle shows beneath Trussardi's prison reds. His face is even featured, conventionally handsome. A mane of white-streaked black hair flows from forehead to chin; a black-russet mustache and beard frame full lips, the square of his jaw. His bearing is proud, his gaze lamenting. Why not, I think. If the papers are right, he has much to grieve for.

I break eye contact and flip open the briefcase at my side.

"Joseph Quentin called me," I say, signing in to my MacBook Air. "He says you want me to act for you." I open a document and type "Vincent Trussardi."

"Yes, they tell me I must fight this charge and that to fight it, I must have a lawyer. I understand you are competent, Miss Truitt." His voice sinks to a whisper. "You will do as well as any. Who knows, perhaps better."

I glance up from my screen. Is he guilty? Does he just want to get this over with?

"I look forward to getting to know you," he says, as if we're agreeing to a merger.

I launch into my spiel. "Mr. Trussardi. The law presumes you innocent, but a murder charge is serious. I'm here to help you." First lesson in client management: calm themdown. "Relax, you're in good hands."

He nods.

From Full Disclosureby Beverley McLachlin 2018. Published by Simon & Schuster Canada.

Full Disclosure

Beverley McLachlin

From the book

Interviews with Beverly McLachlin