Life is great for Jake at the start of “State vs. Lassiter,” the newest tale in Paul Levine’s award-winning series.

Jake’s law practice is booming...

He’s crazy about the new woman in his life...

His one-time delinquent nephew Kip is getting A’s in school...

What can go wrong?

Oh...how about a charge of first degree murder?

When money goes missing from client trust accounts, Jake confronts his banker, Pamela Baylins...who also happens to be his lover. She accuses Jake of skimming client funds; he accuses her of dipping into the till. She threatens to report him to the State Attorney...and within hours is killed.

All the evidence points to Jake, who is charged with murder. Is this the end of the linebacker-turned-lawyer?