"Every lawsuit has a Magic Moment, a moment when all participants know that something is about to happen. They don't know what, but they know there's something."
 |
Undue Influence by Shelby Yastrow Trafford Publishing
book review by Jennifer Kimble
A sound-minded man of seemingly minimal means dies and leaves his entire estate to a local Jewish synagogue with which he has no prior relationship. This meticulously planned gesture appears, on the surface, to be routine and simple, until that estate is evidenced to be worth $8 million. Tempers flare and accusations fly as characters come out of the woodwork to stake their claim to the hefty estate which boasts no apparent blood heirs. From attacks on his character, to charges of forgery and theft, no stone is left unturned in the quest to cast doubt on the validity of his wishes. A dizzying turn of events takes the reader on a journey to humanize the memory of a low profile bookkeeper, man who had no known friends or relatives and even fewer hints as to where the enormous amount of money came from.
The author provides an accurate, yet easy to understand mix of probate law with well-developed characters and intrigue, showing an understanding for the legalese surrounding wills and inheritance proceedings while keeping the reader engaged and guessing from page to page. The cast of characters multiplies throughout the novel as we watch greed and speculation continue to tempt and lure those hoping for their piece of the estate. The book is a comfortable read for those who have experienced tiffs over inheritance and provides insight into the murky waters that can surround even the most intricately prepared and thought-out wishes. An engrossing and engaging legal read from page one until the end.