The Associate by John Grisham

     This 2009 spy thriller has a lot of bite. The ending works though it may not fuller satisfy the reader. Two huge law firms have gone to war over a government contract for a special jet fighter. A young man coming out of law school finds himself in the middle of the action, forced to steal secrets for an unknown agency, his handler clever and mysterious. Thanks to an indiscretion from his past Kyle must do as he is told until he can figure out a way of saving himself from disgrace and possible prison. 

     All Kyle wants is the life of a small town lawyer like his dad. Unfortunately, he has to go in for a big time law firm as as associate with miserably long hours and duties that damage his sense of pride in himself. Can he get out of the mess he has been thrown into? Could those who were there when the indiscretions occurred help save him from a cruel fate? All answered by the end of the book though perhaps not in an expected way. 

     Are there law firms in existence in New York like the one Kyle is made to work for? I suppose there is that possibility. If I were a lawyer I certainly wouldn't care to work for them. 

     Among other things, Grisham's knowledge of New York and also how the law works in the USA comes to the fore. He also has a great grasp of modern gadgetry including spyware and bugs.

     The Associate is a great read, highly recommended.