In this legal thriller, Pamela Samuels-Young tells readers that she is just warming up.  You have Vernetta Henderson, a successful attorney who hopes to make partner at her law firm. The question is, just how far will she go and how much of her own principles will she compromise as she deals with a case that turns out to be a whole lot more than she anticipated at first.   The author, Ms. Samuels-Young, is also an attorney. So, you get the impression that you are getting an insider’s look into the legal world.  The reader will see some of the issues that arise and how treacherous the legal world can be.

As a Black female attorney, Vernetta definitely has issues, personal and professional.     She tries to do the right thing and seems so innocent at first.  But she has to wise up and cover her butt.

 “In Firm Pursuit” is intriguing. You’ll want to see Vernetta triumph.  Actually you want to see her get out of her situation alive.    Vernetta is doing what she does best, representing her firm and the client.   

Unfortunately her client is deceptive and definitely not the best client to have, especially when you take into consideration that the client should tell the truth to the persons representing them.  But that was not the case.  And then too, there was the second-year associate, Haley, who instead of working with Vernetta, did everything she could to undermine her progress and gain acco-lades. Much to Haley’s chagrin, however, she ended up almost out of a job and actually had to eat humble pie.   When an apologetic Haley approached her, Vernetta remained gracious, even though readers may think she should have opened a can up on Haley.

Ms. Samuels-Young said she was inspired to write a legal thriller because she loved to read them but found that “typically there were none with African Americans.”    In a recent interview she said she could identify with Vernetta because as an attorney, “sometimes cases come across your desk where the company is wrong.”

Ms. Samuels- Young said she considers her books to be like “John Grisham with a twist.” “In Firm Pursuit” is her second novel, following “Every Reasonable Doubt.”      You can expect more from her in the future and don’t be surprised if her characters eventually make it to the big screen.


If you have a book you would like reviewed, contact Cheryl at csmith@dallasweekly.com