Burden of Proof by John G. Hemry

Burden of Proof, although set aboard a spaceship, is not primarily a science fiction book. It could be described as “science fiction/military legal drama”, and is completely fascinating as the author intertwines the details of space travel and military law while keeping the story moving. Paul Sinclair, recently promoted to Lt. j.g. (the day the book opens, in fact) is relieved to have life back to normal after having been involved in the court martial of his former captain (A Just Determination).

Life, unfortunately, is about to get a lot more interesting as an explosion in engineering disables the USS Michaelson, killing the chief pretty officer. Something doesn’t look right, and Paul soon comes to believe that the real cause of the accident is being covered up. Unfortunately, all of his evidence is circumstantial, and the suspect is the well-liked son of a powerful vice-admiral.. Burden of Proof is the second book of a four-book series, but easily stands on its own. It was the first book I’ve read by this author; having finished it yesterday I’m already planning to buy the others.

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