Confirming Justice by Diane & David Munson Published by: Barbour Books (2006) 344 pages Rating: 5/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Diane & David Munson: Facing Justice

The Munsons' first novel, Facing Justice, was quite an intriguing mix of military and legal suspense. This time around, the focus is almost entirely on the legal side of things, while including some political intrigue and mysteries, as well.

The focus is primarily on Federal Judge Dwight Pendergast. While dealing with a bribery case involving the son of a cabinet secretary, the judge is also struggling with his own deteriorating kidneys. Adopted as a baby, Pendergast turns to FBI agent Griff Topping to track down his biological family, hoping to find a brother who can donate a kidney. The mystery leads Topping to involvement in a major drug operation at the same time that the President of the United States is looking for a new nominee to the Supreme Court. One guess as to whom he selects...

While the realism of the story is full of details only those on the inside could provide, this novel does drag on a bit long compared to the first one. Some personal squabbles within Judge Pendergast's family and friends are a little bit off and don't seem as true-to-life. Also, the Christian content seems slightly more forced at first, but things smooth out as the story progresses.

The moral balancing act that a judge must execute is portrayed very clearly, especially when Pendergast is faced with the possibility of dismissing a case against someone he knows is guilty. At the same time, the behind-the-scenes political intrigue is also shown clearly, though a little simply by necessity, as one Senator seeks to find dirt on potential Presidential nominees.

For a realistic look at these settings within the Federal Justice Department, without a lot of the extraneous "stuff" that fill so many books on the bestseller lists, you really can't beat this husband-and-wife team. Their characterizations and pacing need some work, but there's definite potential for some even more exciting stories to come. Mildly Recommended.