As I was reading this book I kept saying, “This is throwing Harvey Specter, Mike Ross and a dash of Mickey Haller vibes”. Little did I know that the author, Jon Cowan, is a writer and executive producer of one of my favorite television shows, Suits. Now that I have that under my belt, let’s talk about Proof. This is a legal thriller that has more than just a kick ass new lead character in Jake West, but an amazing set of supporting characters like Grace and Javier. Yes, Jake West is flawed and a cheating alcoholic and seemingly a terrible dad, yet somehow, I found myself cheering him and his crew on while they try and uncover the truth.
Jon Cowan writes more than just a legal thriller. The author captures the very heartbeat of the city—not just its sights, sounds and even details down to the food, but its underlying rhythm, its contradictions, and its soul. Each scene feels lived-in, each character infused with the kind of restless energy that defines city life. The city isn’t just a backdrop here—it breathes, moves, and speaks through his writing. Cowan intertwines the political climate, bribery, back scratching and moral dilemmas while this story grows and changes with every page.
Although Proof marks Jon Cowan’s debut as a novelist, his arrival on the literary scene is anything but tentative. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night, and the cast of deeply layered characters has much to reveal. If you're drawn to gripping stories involving a murdered ex-best friend, a harrowing lawsuit over a deadly house fire, and a tangled web of corruption and betrayal, this is a must-add to your summer reading list.
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