Set in Miami in 2011, WITH PREJUDICE begins in the jury room as we meet a few of the jurors selected to sit on a murder trial. In time we also get acquainted with the prosecutor, the defense attorney, the judge and other peripheral characters.

The defendant is Gabriel Soto, who is accused of murdering the beautiful Melina Mora, but for much of the book it’s unclear why this case is its centerpiece. As the novel evolves, it becomes evident, as do the jurors’ individual stories --- and prejudices. No one comes to a trial without a very particular point of view.

"WITH PREJUDICE is ambitious and intricate enough to suggest that a sequel will be worth the wait."

Robin Peguero sets WITH PREJUDICE in a very specific moment, which has resonance for both the characters and readers. Ultimately it also holds a clue about the murder, though that twist isn’t apparent at first. He also keeps the focus on life in Miami, with its strong Latino culture and ethnic rivalries. This gives the novel a distinctive quality, if not charm.

Unfortunately, the many convoluted backstories, side stories and plot twists threaten to overwhelm the main plot, as does Peguero’s insistence on making each character represent some social group and, therefore, bias. The result at times is confusion about which character is being portrayed --- especially as, when the jurors get to the jury room to deliberate, each is referred to by the juror number, not his or her name.

Despite these drawbacks, Peguero demonstrates a knowledge of the inner workings of the justice system and, more importantly, the ability to write. There are still rough patches throughout, and character development is often at the mercy of what position that character represents. Still, WITH PREJUDICE is ambitious and intricate enough to suggest that a sequel will be worth the wait.