Publishers Weekly
11/23/2020
Gigl’s enjoyable debut and series launch introduces criminal defense attorney Erin McCabe, an intelligent and resourceful protagonist with an unusual backstory. One day in 2006, 28-year-old William Townsend Jr., the son of a U.S. senator who’s “a big player down in South Jersey,” is found stabbed to death in a sleazy hotel outside Atlantic City. The cards are stacked against Sharise Barnes, the Black, transgender, teenage prostitute who’s arrested for the crime. Sharise admits to killing Townsend, but claims it was in self-defense. With the aid of an FBI agent, Erin searches for witnesses to support Sharise’s self-defense claim and for clues to what led Townsend to his death. Slowly a pattern emerges, one that the victim’s wealthy, well-connected, and politically savvy father will do anything to keep buried. Erin’s ability to navigate the intricacies of the law is just as fascinating as the subsequent perils she encounters. Gigl, an attorney, offers some enlightening insights into the workings of the legal world. Agent: Carrie Pestrito, Laura Dail Literary. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Praise for BY WAY of SORROW
“Does a remarkably effective job of mixing an exciting legal thriller with the personal story of its protagonist. Gigl shows the good and the bad that comes along with Erin’s transition. The depictions of bias, discrimination, and feelings of disconnect that come with losing your friends and family are shown to varying degrees and to a range of resolutions. But the message doesn’t overwhelm the medium. Readers will find that By Way of Sorrow is a compulsively riveting page-turner with a complex heroine, a captivating plot, and no easy answers. It’s one of the best thrillers of the year.” — Mystery Scene
“Gigl, a transgender lawyer herself, provides provocative insights into the legal system and the challenges of gender identity.” — Booklist
“An intelligent and resourceful protagonist with an unusual backstory… Erin’s ability to navigate the intricacies of the law is just as fascinating as the subsequent perils she encounters. Gigl, an attorney, offers some enlightening insights into the workings of the legal world.” — Publishers Weekly
“This enthralling series debut features a twisty plot full of surprises and a cast of exciting characters—most notably, tough and relatable defense-attorney Erin McCabe—all while diving into the mud of corrupt local politics. An original legal thriller that is sure to be among the year’s best!” —Edwin Hill, author of The Missing Ones
“Robyn Gigl has delivered a compelling, provocative legal thriller like no other. It’s addictive as hell, one of those ‘just one more chapter’ books that keep you reading late into the night. Topical and fast-paced, By Way of Sorrow grabs you on the very first page with a brutal murder, and then sends you on a twist-filled thrill-ride that doesn’t let up until the startling finale. Gigl introduces a new kind of heroine with attorney Erin McCabe—she’s brilliant, resourceful, a little vulnerable and completely unique. Bravo! Is it too soon to ask when we can expect the next Erin McCabe thriller?” —Kevin O’Brien, New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Sister
“Robyn Gigl’s By Way of Sorrow is a taut, engaging, page-turner with a lot of heart. Lawyer Erin McCabe and her law partner Duane Swisher are on the case of a transgender teen accused of murdering the scion of a ruthless politician bent on burying the case, and the accused, at all costs. A good read. McCabe’s a protagonist with a lot of depth. Two thumbs up for Gigl.” —Tracy Clark, author of What You Don’t See
