Red Mass: An Ellis Portal Mystery - Hardcover

*Starred Review* Red Mass will inspire mixed emotions in Aubert fans: the customary joy of experiencing a brilliantly crafted, elegantly worded adventure featuring former judge Ellis Portal, on one hand, and a deep sadness, on the other hand, in realizing that this is the series' final entry. Following the life of Ellis Portal through the five novels in the series has been a rare treat, thanks mainly to the protagonist. Portal is a complex, flawed man who has been both difficult to like and impossible not to love. Whether he was a high-ranking Toronto judge or a drunken bum living in a tent city or a newly minted lawyer attempting to restart his career as a sober sexagenarian, Portal has maintained an innate morality and dignity. In the series finale, Portal is called on to defend a judge charged with murdering his wife. Complications include Portal's hatred of the defendant, an old enemy, and the fact that he is pitted against his daughter, Ellen, who is arguing for the Crown. While the courtroom scenes are exciting, what stand out are Portal's personal battles with his family, his friends, and himself. An eminently worthy finale to an outstanding series but not, we hope, the last word from the gifted Aubert. Jenny McLarin
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An eminently worthy finale to an outstanding series but not, we hope, the last work from the gifted Aubert. (Jenny McLarin Booklist )