TYPICAL MALE - a novel by Jacqueline L. Landry

Some things are more important than justice.

Some crimes are above the law.

TEN YEARS AGO in Washington DC, the US Navy Judge Advocate General Corps’ star litigator, Lieutenant Commander Sebastian “Sea Bass” Novotny, failed to advance to full Commander. Feeling his life was at a dead end, he left the Navy. He climbed into a bottle, losing himself and his wife, fellow JAG lawyer, Emma Alden.

Five years ago, Novotny got sober and recovered his legal career.


Now he’s the assistant DA for San Diego County, prosecuting a pedophile serial killer for 14 child murders. It’s the case every prosecutor--and survivor--dreams about. It will catapult him to the highest echolons of legal celebrity.

In the middle of the trial, Novotny is recalled into the Navy, under orders to return to DC. He must turn in his Gucci shoes, Armani suits, beard and ponytail for standard dress blues and a crew cut.

Returning to JAG headquarters under protest, Novotny finds that Alden now out-ranks him and is the Assistant Judge Advocate General. She’s also the defense counsel for the case he’s been assigned to prosecute.

Old wounds are swiftly reopened between Novotny and Alden as they go head to head on a volatile domestic violence case with treacherous undertones.

While mounting the government’s case, Novotny is also saddled with the collateral duty of serving as technical advisor for Kathryn Teller, a famous novelist with a notorious reputation. In the midst of the turmoil, he finds himself losing his war face and falling into an unexpected and dangerous liaison.

Things go from bad to worse as witnesses and evidence disappear. Secrets and lies abound as higher authorities pull the strings and tip the scales of justice. Someone wants an acquittal and will do anything to see it happen . . . even murder.