In the realm of legal intrigue, Robert Feaver, endearingly dubbed Robbie, emerges as the most captivating and intricate figure—a psychological enigma tailored to a niche within the law. Robbie embodies the quintessential, almost caricatured, ambulance chaser, a master of self-promotion whose claim to fame includes the ability to summon tears on demand in hospital corridors, lamenting the injustices faced by potential clients. Truth for Robbie is more of a flexible concept, while his unfulfilled aspirations as an actor find expression in his skillful Method-like manipulations, both in luring clients and swaying courtroom verdicts. Standing toe-to-toe with Evon, he is accused of lacking any foundational beliefs, yet to Robbie, life is merely a "Play," a strategic manipulation of emotions and psychology to secure an upper hand.

Evon, who clings to moral absolutes despite her estrangement from formal faith, finds herself repulsed yet magnetically drawn to Robbie’s moral fluidity. His arguments perplex her, leaving her unable to refute him, while she is irresistibly pulled by his inherent charm that captivates many. Despite his perceived ethical void, Evon observes that Robbie inadvertently spreads good, albeit in haphazard fashion. Initially, she dismisses Robbie as nearly sociopathic, devoid of genuine empathy, only to discover his profound sensitivity, realizing he reconciles a deep understanding of others' feelings with relentless self-interest. Robbie stands as the novel's crowning glory, an unforgettable paradox who deftly navigates existence without illusions. To Evon, his spontaneous nature and swift adaptability continually unearth unforeseen depths. In a comical twist, even a stoic FBI agent folds Robbie into an embrace, declaring him the finest confidential informant he has ever encountered.

Contrasts and Transformations

Evon Miller, operating under the guise of DeDe Kurzweil, is an FBI operative partnered with Jim McManis, tasked with managing Robbie as an informant. Her upbringing in a conservative religious enclave initially shapes her into a black-and-white thinker regarding ethics. Yet, the ethical quagmire of the Petros Project sting and her interactions with Robbie usher her into a new self-awareness by the novel's end. Immersed in undercover work, her identity dissolves, compelling her to embrace a new persona rather than revert to her unsatisfying role as a Des Moines Special Agent. By aiding Rainey through her final struggles, Evon steps into Robbie's morally ambiguous realm, and through accepting her sexuality and finding love with a woman, she shatters the rigid molds imposed by her family and even her supportive sister. Robbie catalyzes change in Evon, as he does with everyone in the narrative.

Alliances and Rivalries

Stan Sennett and George Mason form an intriguing duo, initially adversaries but eventually wary collaborators united by the quest to unearth evidence against corrupt judges—Stan seeks justice and personal prestige, while Robbie aims to evade incarceration. George, a long-standing friend and rival to Stan, navigates these waters with his own motivations. Their law school camaraderie now finds them serving divergent masters; Stan adheres to the unyielding demands of a prosecutor, while George dances with the nuances of compromise. Stan's humble beginnings feed his ambition and sense of deservingness—why should others enjoy leniency when he never did? In contrast, George's genteel Virginian roots inspire a sense of duty to the common good and an acceptance of life's ambiguities. Yet, Stan's resolute nature, ruthless drive, and even his dedication to jogging overshadow George, much to George's chagrin.

Ultimately, George's triumph over Stan becomes another victory for complexity over dogma, and he proves to be an apt choice as a narrator, despite faltering when delving into Evon's imagined perspective.

Figures of Authority

Brendan Tuohey emerges as a classic character—a hardened Irish cop turned judicial power broker whose inner...