CBA Record March-April 2023

tionships between its residents. The story is told from the perspective of the town’s “just-the-facts” sheriff who is troubled by what the circumstances reveal about his community. The book probes the defendants’ lives and while doing so raises fundamental questions about the nature of justice. The book was a compelling and inter esting read. It touches not only on the classic elements of a mystery, but also gives a realistic picture of the legal system, from the complexities of working rela tionships between law and order and local politics, to its characters’ human desire to make the world a better place, as well as the social realities of criminal law. It does this without being crass or saccharine. Varga does a good job bringing this tale to life. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the mystery genre.

SUMMARY JUDGMENTS

REVIEWS, REVIEWS, REVIEWS!

Tombs of Little Egypt by Judge James M. Varga

Tombs of Little Egypt, a mystery novel, is the second book written by Judge James M. Varga of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Law Division. Varga’s believable characters, realistic dialogue, masterful plot twists, and first-hand knowledge of the justice system draw the reader into this compelling story. The mystery involves notorious – and real – crimes: grave robbing in a rural Southern Illinois town. Two drifters with criminal records are arrested. Media cov erage of the investigation and trial threat ens to dramatically change the character of the formerly sleepy town and the rela

Resource Publications – Eugene, Oregon Reviewed by Clare McMahon

Clare McMahon of Hoffenberg & Block, LLC, concentrates her practice largely in family law and is regularly appointed as a Guardian ad Litem. She is also a member of the CBA Record Editorial Board.

Actuarial Pension Valuations • All Illinois Public Retirement Plans • Private Plans • Military and Federal (CSRS/FERS) • Non-Qualified Plans • Survivor Benefits • QILDRO Income Stream Estimates

John C. Madden (925) 258-7100

www.msmqdros.com info@msmqdros.com

38 March/April 2023