When Rob Jacobson, one of DC’s most powerful litigators, is asked to defend the former President of the United StatesI guess you can’t blame the guy?
When Rob Jacobson, one of DC’s most powerful litigators, is asked to defend the former President of the United States and his childhood best friend-accused of murdering his mistress-he knows it’s the case of a lifetime. He has to take the case!
After all, their friendship has already survived Jack Cutler marrying Rob’s first love, Jess-and a few other nasty things that he has done along the way…
Jack has a habit of taking what isn’t his.
But, how do you defend a man who was clearly involved with the Victim and would prefer to not testify about his unconventional sexual preferences? The other defenses that Rob and his colleague, Jane Cashman could offer up, are definitely not very palatable either.
And, there lies the dilemma. Or, at least one of them.
The first 25% gives you some background information on their friendship, but at the halfway mark we are already in TRIAL-my favorite part of ANY legal thriller-the strategies, the pivots that must be made on the fly, and the surprises!
Including the shocking ending!
The story mostly unfolds in the first person POV of Rob, with a few chapters sharing the conversations between therapist and client.
This is a riveting DEBUT novel by an acclaimed trial and appellate litigator who has argued 20 cases in the United States Supreme Court, and 60 others in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and his expertise shows. I especially enjoyed learning about jury selection. Yikes.
This case seems to take place in the not so distant future, as our two most recent Presidents are mentioned and for authenticity, you will see some parallels made between the story and the current Political environment. But, don’t worry-the mention of anything Political is minimal, and the unconventional sexual acts are only minimally described as well.
In fact, the only TW is a brief mention of a dog killed.
I read the entire book in one day.
This book definitely deserves more attention than it is getting! Add it to your TBR today if you enjoy legal thrillers!
EXPECTED PUBLICATION DATE: October 8, 2024
Thank You to Atria for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
Three years ago, Keera Duggan’s father, Patsy (Known around Court as The Irish Brawler) succesTWO WHISTLEBLOWERS DEAD
ONE WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING BOTH
Three years ago, Keera Duggan’s father, Patsy (Known around Court as The Irish Brawler) successfully defended Jenna Bernstein when she was tried for the killing of her company’s chief medical scientist, Eric Wei.
Although Jenna was found innocent in her first trial, the wunderkind CEO of PDRT (Ponce de Leon Restoraative Technologies) has since lost it all, and now she has found herself in trouble again.
But, Patsy is no longer trying cases for his family’s law firm-that task has fallen to his youngest daughter, Keera, who was once Jenna’s childhood friend. And, Keera knows that Jenna has had a mean streak since elementary school which only grew more manipulative in High School and College.
Keera knows that she will have to set aside her personal feelings towards Jenna if she is to provide her with the best defense possible.
Patsy always tried cases the way he played Chess-methodically, calculating and lethal-and his daughter is a Master Chess player who also plays the game and practices Law the same way. But, unlike her father, she isn’t going to coddle Jenna. She accepts the case but warns Jenna that it will be under her terms this time.
The story unfolds in TWO parts. The first 70% is the accusation and discovery phase of the case. (From Detectives on both sides) And, the last 30% is the trial. (the legal thriller part). Since I read Legal Thrillers for the “edge of your seat” TRIALS, I would have preferred part one to be a little bit more succinct so I could get inside the courtroom sooner, but overall, I enjoyed the second book in this series!
It can be read as a standalone as the author does a great job of filling in the blanks of what happened in book one without spoiling the details of it’s case and trial, but as always, when possible, I recommend starting at the beginning so you can get to know the characters and their relationships with each other fully. Review for “Her Deadly Game”: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is a series that I will continue with if the author writes another.
A buddy read with MarilynW and DeAnn-be sure to watch for their amazing reviews for additional thoughts!
AVAILABLE October 22, 2024
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
After a year long tutelage, Adam Green has earned a permanent spot at Stag Court as a “junior barrister”.
He is assigned to assistAdam Green is back!
After a year long tutelage, Adam Green has earned a permanent spot at Stag Court as a “junior barrister”.
He is assigned to assist on another high profile case-the “on air murder” of UK morning TV’s beloved co-host-Hannah Holby-which happened “live”!
Evidence points to celebrity chef Sebastian Brooks, who had just demonstrated his latest recipe and served it to her with millions watching. He knew of her severe allergy to Soy and is a Michelin star chef. The media frenzy is rabid as viewers ask-“shouldn’t he recognize his own ingredients?”
But, the chef is providing no answers or explanations.
So, how do you defend a man who’s committed murder in front of an entire country? And, how do you find an impartial jury?
Adam knows that what the camera has captured is only part of the picture and not the whole truth.
Like with book one, this clever, entertaining LEGAL THRILLER will have Adam using his time for the first two thirds of the book sorting through the evidence and interviewing a few unsavory characters in search of the real killer. And, in the last third we are privy to this trial, and the trial of a second case that he has been assigned to at the same time.
Phone calls from his mother are also back adding humor to the story, as she wants to make sure that he is eating and sleeping, that she has stories to impress “Debbie from unit #45”, and that she shares her ideas for who might be a suitable future wife!
This can be read as a stand-alone BUT it will spoil book one so if you plan to read both-be sure to read “The Trial” first. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I purchased this from the wonderful Blackwell’s UK-and prices listed include shipping to the U.S.! AVAILABLE NOW!...more
Kickbacks and Greenbacks-That is what New York runs on…
Fortunately, for Eddie Flynn-lawyer and former Con Artist, he knows exactly what to do with thaKickbacks and Greenbacks-That is what New York runs on…
Fortunately, for Eddie Flynn-lawyer and former Con Artist, he knows exactly what to do with that fact, as he deals with a crooked cop, and an Assassin called “Mr. Christmas” hired to take him out.
We also have Ruby Johnson-a nanny and maid to many of the wealthy families on West 74th Street, in Manhattan. But “once upon a time” she used to be “one of them”. They may have forgotten this-but she definitely hasn’t!
She knows their secrets-like who is cheating on who. And, late one night, while on her way home from a job, Ruby witnesses one lover kill another.
She knows the victim-AND she knows the killer.
So, she will make an anonymous call to the police naming the murderer.
But the DESPICABLE Ruby Johnson didn't tell the truth...
Because Ruby has her own agenda.
The latest in the Eddie Flynn legal thriller series opens with Eddie in court doing what Eddie does best-pulling a Con to get a client off. But this time, he has pulled the con on the wrong person-a crooked cop, and he will spend his time trying to stay one step ahead of the trouble that causes, while his associate, Kate, defends the innocent man, Ruby has framed for Murder.
Harry is back as a sounding board, and Bloch and Lake provide the muscle as the team tries to figure out WHO has framed their client, renowned surgeon John Jackson, and WHY.
I always look forward to a reunion with Eddie Flynn and his associates, but I have to admit that I did miss having Eddie in court, as Kate is more of a straight shooter and not quite as much fun-But Ruby and Christmas were GREAT new characters!
I do recommend that you read the series in order so you can meet the characters who become part of his ever growing team, but note, that the first may seem a bit cliche but Cavanagh’s writing has really grown since his debut!
U.S. Publication Date is: March 11, 2025
Thank You to Atria Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts! ...more
IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the criminal justice system in the UK.
Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the U.S.
I knew from the opening pages that this would be a story to savor….
One day, seventeen year old Sophie left home angry-and never returned home.
Six weeks later, her parents, Harry and Zara have grown frustrated with the lack of progress made by the Detectives and each has taken matters into their own hands in an attempt to find her.
They have interviewed everyone in the neighborhood except the tenant at #210-a man who refuses to speak with them or answer the questionnaire that they have left at his door.
Convinced that he is hiding something-they become OBSESSED with getting him to open up.
Harry cannot even bear to utter his daughter’s name and despite not believing, he turns to a tarot card reader that Sophie would often visit. Zara has turned to prayer although she hasn’t visited a mosque in years.
As the two parents try to save themselves and each other, they end up pushing the other away in their grief.
This is NOT your typical “best selling” crime mystery. It is part character study and part legal thriller, the pace steady but not fast, the writing often POETIC and INTROSPECTIVE.
It unfolds in the alternating first person perspectives of Harry and Zara, and in a dual timeline between the weeks after Sophie’s disappearance and a year later in the middle of a MURDER trial, until we reach its UNEXPECTED and surprising conclusion.
If I hadn’t been invited by the Publisher to read this-I probably would’ve missed out, but I will be watching for the author’s books now.
If you have read books by Kia Abdullah, you will probably enjoy this author as well.
Imran Mahmood has worked on the Criminal bar in London for over 20 years and regularly appears in the jury trials of complex criminal cases, bringing an authenticity to the story, which I appreciated.
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her amazing review for additional thoughts.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
Ben Pruitt was a colleague and friend, right up until the moment, 4 years ago, when he was shot to death in Boady Sandmen’s own home. Ben’s daughter, Ben Pruitt was a colleague and friend, right up until the moment, 4 years ago, when he was shot to death in Boady Sandmen’s own home. Ben’s daughter, Emma has lived with Boady and his wife Dee ever since that night. But now, her only blood relative, her Aunt Anna, is trying to gain custody of her niece, and she isn’t playing fair.
But, is it Emma, or her inheritance that is fueling her sudden desire to parent?
When Boady Sanden first receives the case of Elijah Matthews, he's certain there's not much he can do to help. Elijah, who believes himself to be a prophet has been locked up in a psychiatric hospital for the past four years, wrongfully convicted of brutally murdering the pastor of a megachurch.
It’s nearly impossible to get a straight answer out of Elijah-He speaks in riddles and bible quotes, convinced that “what will be will be”-already determined by a power higher than man.
But as a law professor working for the Innocence Project, Boady agrees to look into the file, when Elijah’s sister asks him to do so. When he does, he is alarmed to find threads that lead back to the death of Ben Pruitt.
Elijah’s care team has scheduled a Jarvis hearing to get approval to give him electroconvulsive therapy in 10 days. And, the custody hearing for Emma’s guardianship is also imminent, so it’s a race against time to SAVE both Emma, the daughter he has grown to love AND his new client.
I had never read a book by this author, known best for two series-one featuring Joe Talburt and the other featuring Detective Max Rupert- so what better way to finally become acquainted with his work than to read this standalone?
The author is a retired criminal attorney bringing credibility to this family drama/legal thriller and I can now see why he has so many fans!
The characters are well developed and the story moved along at a steady pace, so before I knew it, I had reached the CLEVER denouement! I look forward to one day tackling both of the series that I have missed.
⚠️ TW: Rufus, the family dog is injured.
Available Now!
Thank You to Mulholland Books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
Vanessa Lyons is assigned to the biggest case at Rawls, Ryan & Gold and it’s the one that will determine if she will be made a partner.
Unfortun3.5 ⭐️
Vanessa Lyons is assigned to the biggest case at Rawls, Ryan & Gold and it’s the one that will determine if she will be made a partner.
Unfortunately, Matthew Brooks has been working the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policy.
When Vanessa is denied her partnership, despite assurances to the contrary, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Was it?
They thought they were in love.
Who betrayed Whom?
This is a LEGAL thriller with not ONE, but TWO courtroom trials.
We have the Direct Examination of Vanessa Lyons, and the Cross-Examination of Matthew Brooks, along with the strategy sessions with their lawyers.
And, there is also a MURDER thrown in, to muddy the waters a bit further.
I DID enjoy this entertaining read but TWO things kept it from earning 5 stars-too much repetition and the fact that I didn’t buy into WHO was guilty of murder.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title.
Rob Rinder may not be a household name in the U.S., but he is a practicing criminal barrister and a TV personality for both the BBC and ITV, as well aRob Rinder may not be a household name in the U.S., but he is a practicing criminal barrister and a TV personality for both the BBC and ITV, as well as a Sunday Times bestselling author.
So when I saw his DEBUT novel getting rave reviews from several GR friends, I ordered a copy from Blackwell’s as I love a clever LEGAL THRILLER!
IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT
Adam Green is a pupil barrister who is hoping that he will earn a permanent spot at Stag Court as his year long tutelage under his Pupil-Master Jonathan Taylor-Cameron draws to a close. And, when the pair are assigned the most high profile case in years, he knows it will “make or break” his career.
Grant Clivedon, was a hero policeman, who once saved the Queen and right before he was to testify in an important case at the “Old Bailey”when he dropped dead suddenly - apparently poisoned.
The evidence points to Jimmy Knight, a man he convicted years prior who had just gotten out of jail, ten days before and who was was seen having a drink with Clivedon, at a run-down Pub, the night prior.
Why would a decorated Police Officer be meeting with a man who had been convicted of multiple offenses?
The TRUTH IS NOT ALWAYS AS IT SEEMS
Adam Green may be a bit naive, but his heart is in the right place as he tries to make sure his client, Jimmy Knight, gets a fair trial, making him easy to root for in this entertaining novel!
The first 200 pages of the book has Green searching for any evidence that might clear his client-and the last 100 pages or so, had me holding my breath waiting to see if he would succeed.
Although one part of the reveal didn’t seem likely to me, the truth can be stranger than Fiction so…
Adding levity to the book every few chapters are hilarious phone calls between Adam and his mother, who is determined to set him up with his future wife!
“The Trial” and its sequel “The Suspect” are BOTH available now! I am off to find a copy of book #2!...more
It’s important to choose wisely if you need an attorney to represent you when you have been accused of murder.
Keera Duggan was building a solid reputIt’s important to choose wisely if you need an attorney to represent you when you have been accused of murder.
Keera Duggan was building a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. She had to leave the prosecutors office, and join her father’s firm-Patrick Duggan & Associates-and now she is defending the “accused”, creating “reasonable doubt” if she cannot prove undeniable innocence.
Her first big test will come when she is retained by Vince La Russa, an investment banker worth millions, who may have murdered his wife. And, it will come against her former lover, Miller Ambrose, who is determined to destroy her in court.
How will that play out for the “accused”?
As a former Chess prodigy, Keera is used to strategizing. The game has helped her to consider not just what her opponent’s next move could be, but also the two or three moves which may follow it. This has helped her in her law career, and serves as a way to unwind, after a challenging day.
And, now someone aware of her Chess playing, someone calling themselves “Jack Worthing”, is sending her emails with clues to follow, which may help with the case.
If she can figure the clues out in time….
I have been wanting to give this author a try for quite sometime, so since I enjoy LEGAL THRILLERS, I jumped at the chance to download this stand-alone, by Robert Dugoni.
Part Police Procedural and part Courtroom Drama, there is some repetition which bogged down the middle JUST A BIT.
And, Keera is challenged to a game of chess by online competitor, “Dark Knight” which plays out in its entirety throughout the narrative, so the you will be reading about chess moves which may be meaningless to you if you aren’t familiar with the game. ♟♟
And, my biggest “dislike” was the justification used for the guilty party’s behavior-it wasn’t necessary in this story, and it’s one that I always hate when it is used.
STILL- there is definitely more to LIKE than to dislike as you get to know this family of “Irish Brawlers” who just happen to practice law.
And, like the CBS show, “Blue Bloods” which is a multi generational family of Cops, who meet for a weekly family dinner after solving crime all week- the Duggans will also invite you to their monthly family dinners, after they spend their time, practicing the law.
Whether this becomes Dugoni’s next LEGAL series, remains to be seen, but if it does-I am game to spend more time with them.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
“We saw him crouch to scoop away earth with one hand, running his fingers along the shiny, black plastic. It was four days, since anyone, including us“We saw him crouch to scoop away earth with one hand, running his fingers along the shiny, black plastic. It was four days, since anyone, including us, had seen Esther Bianchi.”
I was unfamiliar with the term “Greek Chorus” but it refers to a homogeneous, non individualized, group of performers of a Greek tragedy, who comment in a collective voice, periodically about the dramatic action.
The book opens with the Greek Chorus-like narrator “WE”- the remaining children, of Durton (Dirt Town), letting us in on the fate of 12 year old Esther, although in reality, these omniscient narrators were not “in the know” at the time of the discovery.
Fortunately, these short chapters only occur sporadically, as they didn’t quite work for me.
They felt COLD, when a book about a young girl losing her life, should feel ANYTHING BUT!!
This is a SLOW BURN, mystery about what happened to Esther, on the day she disappeared while walking home from school, and thankfully we feel more emotion from the remaining narrators, whose point of views alternate.
Ronnie ‘s narrative is shared in the first person, and is the most moving. She is an only child who loves Llamas, and her best friend Esther, like the sister she never had.
She thinks Esther was the brave one-but she will do anything to try to find her friend.
We also have the viewpoint of another child, Lewis who was a classmate and friend to both Esther and Ronnie.
Adult viewpoints are shared from the third person POV of Constance (Esther’s mom) and Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels- sent from Melbourne to investigate.
Dirt Town is a dying town, hot and dusty, and small enough for everyone to know one another.
At least, they think they do.
But even in small towns secrets can be hidden…
MELANCHOLY and SOMBER, this is another well written, character driven crime story-and an impressive debut-but for such a sad story, I expected to feel more, emotionally for the characters.
I probably would have-if the Greek Chorus “WE” chapters had not been included.
3.75 rounded up!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: This book has them all! A brief but GRATUITOUS scene of the abuse of a kitten. and disturbing treatment of a dog. Domestic abuse, child abuse and mention of rape.
This was a group read which included DeAnn, MarilynW, Susan, and Mary Beth and our opinions were very mixed! Be sure to read their insightful reviews for additional feedback! ...more
Eddie Flynn is back, and “The Accomplice” just may be my FAVORITE in the series, to date!!
The serial killer dubbed “The Sandman” is one of the most cuEddie Flynn is back, and “The Accomplice” just may be my FAVORITE in the series, to date!!
The serial killer dubbed “The Sandman” is one of the most cunning and cruel murderers that the FBI has ever faced. After brutally killing his Victims, he removes their eyes for his souvenirs replacing them with sand-and takes their jewelry for Carrie.
FBI agent Paige Delaney has him in her sight and is about to finally apprehend him.
Or so she thought.
Turns out, “The Sandman” now known to be Daniel Miller-knew they were on to him, and he has vanished. Only his wife, Carrie Miller is home, when they descend upon his home to make the arrest.
When they search their house they find some evidence that they feel incriminates her as an accomplice…or at the least, a person who knew about her husband’s crimes and failed to report them, choosing instead to help him by providing an alibi or covering them up.
And, America needs someone to PAY in his absence- So, Carrie Miller will be brought to trial.
Her lawyer, Otto Peltier, is in over his head, so when he can’t cut a deal for his client, he implores Eddie’s team to take over. His partner Kate believes that Carrie is another of her husband’s Victims, and that she is innocent- and she wants the case!
But, Eddie won’t defend anyone he believes is guilty. He will need to be convinced.
What they NEVER could have anticipated was that the Sandman is willing to come out of hiding to save Carrie-he loves her and he never expected her to be arrested in his place!
Eddie is informed in no uncertain terms that he will get Carrie acquitted or pay the price so he enlists the help of ex FBI agent, Gabriel Lake, to help him gather the intel he needs.
We also get insight from the journal of Carrie Miller and from “The Sandman” himself.
Each book in the series CAN be read as a stand-alone (I got hooked when I read Thirteen-not realizing that it was part of a series) but, for maximum enjoyment, read the books in order so you can appreciate the character growth and the developments in their personal lives.
Eddie returns to the “starring role” that he deserves in this installment, and his clever trial shenanigans are better than ever!
In the author’s acknowledgments he thanks his readers for spreading the word about Eddie Flynn and shares his hope that he can entertain us for years to come.
If you are reading this, Steve Cavanagh- your readers also hope that Eddie Flynn will be entertaining us for years to come, and we can’t wait for the next installment!
Because I cannot get these in the U.S. as soon as they publish (why oh why? ...more
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a jury for a murder trial?
Well, get ready to be seated in the jury box for the trial of GabrieHave you ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a jury for a murder trial?
Well, get ready to be seated in the jury box for the trial of Gabriel Soto, accused of murdering Melina Mora.
There are no witnesses and there is no murder weapon.
Throughout this legal thriller, we will get snippets of the events which touched the lives of the jurors we meet, causing them to bring to the deliberations, certain biases and beliefs, which may shape the verdict.
“YOU DON’T PICK A JURY-YOU ARE LEFT WITH ONE”
This ENLIGHTENING view into our legal system is the STRENGTH of the novel.
***
Sandy Grunwald, is an ambitious young prosecutor, sleeping with a reporter, who has her sights set on a Political career.
That is about all of the character development that we get.
This is the book’s WEAKNESS.
We watch her in court, trying to manipulate the witnesses with quick thinking, using what little evidence she has to secure a win-but we don’t spend much time with her outside of the courtroom.
The story would have benefited from more BALANCE between court case and story.
Although I felt like I was supposed to be rooting for Sandy-I didn’t get to know her well enough and I never felt a connection.
I always enjoy the “back and forth” banter between opposing counsel in legal thrillers, but this trial took 258 pages before the State rested its case.
With ONLY 51 pages left, we are treated to some VERY surprising twists, and the truth about what really happened on the night in question…
BUT-It just took too long to get to this part.
Will a last minute witness change everything? Or once again expose the flaws in our justice system?
No doubt that debut author, Robin Peguero, a prosecutor with many other admirable accomplishments, knows his stuff-and I look forward to seeing what’s next from him as he grows as an author.
Thank You to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Thought-Provoking fiction which examines Muslim Culture and expectations, Sexuality RAPE, Identity Politics, and Jury Bias.
Zara Kaleel, herself a MusThought-Provoking fiction which examines Muslim Culture and expectations, Sexuality RAPE, Identity Politics, and Jury Bias.
Zara Kaleel, herself a Muslim, left her role as barrister several years ago, to join Artemis House as an independent sexual violence advisor for women. She is still battling her own demons-some personal-and others the result from the trial of Jodie Wolfe from book #1.
Jodie was a white girl who Zara was criticized for representing as the accused were four Muslim boys.
I STRONGLY SUGGEST you read “Take It Back” (Zara Kaleel #1) PRIOR to reading this book-as this installment does spoil the result of that case.
This story opens with Kamran Hadid, seeking out Zara for help, specifically because she is Muslim. Studying at the elite Hampton School, in London, with a place at Oxford next year, he is enjoying a life of privilege, with great promise, until one drunken encounter threatens to bring it all crashing to an end.
He has been sexually assaulted by another student-Finn Anderson-at his all-boys boarding school?
DOES NOT SAYING “NO” MEAN THE SAME THING AS SAYING “YES”??
Kamran and Finn are of even height and build-so unlike a case with a man and a woman, where a clear physical balance exists, the question of how Finn could rape Kamran becomes inevitable. The case does meet the definition of RAPE, but the lines become blurred.
IT’S MORE COMPLICATED THAN “YES” VS. “NO”.
As the cover says: “One Night. Two Stories…It’s His Word Against His. May the TRUTH BE TOLD.”
Explored in two parts-the event in question and then the trial-the book gives us much to think about and even more to discuss, with a heartbreaking and SHOCKING revelation in the end. ...more
White Supremacy is alive and well in Sunville County, Alabama.
What isn’t alive and well are the many men convicted of crimes, here, by its prosecutor,White Supremacy is alive and well in Sunville County, Alabama.
What isn’t alive and well are the many men convicted of crimes, here, by its prosecutor, Randal Korn.
In fact, one out of every twenty of the death row occupants, in the U.S. was put there by Korn-as he has NEVER prosecuted a murder without calling for the death penalty, he has never been successfully appealed and he’s never lost a case.
YET
You see, the overly zealous D.A. enjoys watching executions and never misses an opportunity to witness the gruesome act in person, even if the men weren’t guilty.
Eddie Flynn has been recruited to save the latest innocent man-Andy Dubois, from that fate.
He arrived in town along with his consultant, retired judge, Harry Ford, his new partner, Kate Brooks, and their investigator, Bloch.
The evidence has been rigged, witnesses have been silenced and Eddie and his team only have SEVEN days to find an angle that will save his client’s life and maybe take down the crooked D.A. in the process.
As always, the pace is fast, but this time the book reads more like an ACTION-THRILLER than it does a courtroom drama. We don’t even enter the courtroom till almost the 3/4 mark in the book-and even then, we don’t remain in it for the duration.
Though, this is still a 4⭐️ read, I didn’t enjoy it as much as past work-as Eddie Flynn and his clever cross examinations are what make the series so entertaining! We weren’t in the courtroom nearly long enough for my preferences!
I hope that the focus returns to the courtroom in “The Accomplice” (Eddie Flynn #7) publishing soon!
Although this can be read as a stand-alone, it is beneficial to read the series in order so that you have the full background on all of the recurring characters.
Also, the PROLOGUE can be skipped if you want to avoid reading the graphic description of the NINE excruciating minutes it took for one of Korn’s Victims to die by electric chair.
DO READ the author’s note at the end of the book which talks about “The Fair Punishment Project” and America’s top Five deadliest prosecutors and the personalities that drive the death penalty.
A buddy read with Pat, Ceecee and DeAnn. Check out all of their amazing reviews for additional insight!
Eddie Flynn is a con man turned lawyer, who used to hustle insurance agencies-for personal reasons-but now he hustles juries instead.
This is book #3 Eddie Flynn is a con man turned lawyer, who used to hustle insurance agencies-for personal reasons-but now he hustles juries instead.
This is book #3 in the series.
His father taught him a lot of what he knows-including some truths about cards.
“Luck has no part in it.” he told Eddie, “ Any hand can be a winning hand. Doesn’t matter if it’s the best hand at the table, or the worst. It’s all about how you play it.”
Eddie is going to have to count on that to win his latest case, because he definitely isn’t holding the best hand.
Leonard Howell’s 17 year old daughter, Caroline, has been kidnapped and he doesn’t trust local police or the FBI to get her back.
But, he trusts Eddie.
Unfortunately, the ransom drop doesn’t quite go as planned and Howell ends up on trial for her murder.
Meanwhile, Eddie’s old friend and mentor, Judge Harry Ford, is being accused of mishandling one of his earliest cases, from when he first began practicing law. Julie Rosen, was convicted of killing her infant daughter, but now there are questions about whether she was fit to stand trial. And, this case seems to somehow be related to Howell’s case.
Interspersed with our present day narrative are chapters about Julie Rosen.
Eddie will have to decipher fact from fiction with the help of Harry, and FBI Special agent Harper and once his latest case is set up in Part One, we are treated to joining Eddie in court where once again this clever lawyer will try to outwit and outplay his latest opponent in Parts 2 and 3.
Author Steve Cavanaugh is practicing lawyer in Dublin, and his brilliant court scenes are riveting! Although this book doesn’t fill you in on as much of Eddie Flynn’s background as in books one and two, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
I definitely see growth in the author’s writing as this installment is the most complex of the three books, and I look forward to continuing with this legal thriller series as I am enjoying it!
This is a monthly buddy read with Goodreads friends DeAnn, MarilynW, Mary Beth, Pat and Ceecee. Please be sure to check out their amazing reviews!
“THE POET, ROBERT FROST ONCE SAID THAT A JURY IS TWELVE PEOPLE CHOSEN TO DECIDE WHO HAS THE BEST LAWYER”
Eddie Flynn like his father, was a bookie and“THE POET, ROBERT FROST ONCE SAID THAT A JURY IS TWELVE PEOPLE CHOSEN TO DECIDE WHO HAS THE BEST LAWYER”
Eddie Flynn like his father, was a bookie and a Con-man, but they lived by a code. They never lifted money from a straight guy, never hustled anyone who didn’t have it coming, and never took a bet from someone who couldn’t afford to lose. Fourteen years ago, Eddie gave up being a hustler, to become a lawyer, but he kept the “code” targeting, for personal reasons, insurance companies.
Today, he takes down judges and juries…I think of him as the “DEXTER” of lawyers.
The problem is-the WRONG people, know he was a Grifter, so they THINK he will be an easy lawyer to make a deal with.
They don’t know about the CODE.
In book one, the Russian Mob, used his daughter, Amy to coerce him into taking their case. In book two, the FBI uses his estranged wife, Christine as leverage.
David Child, the founder of REELER, the hot new social media APP, had been hired by a top NY law firm to design software for them-the same law firm where Christine works. But, now he has been charged with murdering his fiancé, Clara Reece.
It appears to be an airtight, open and shut case.
The FBI wants Eddie to convince David to testify against the firm, and if does so, and pleads guilty, they will offer him a PLEA deal of just 5 years time spent in prison, in exchange for that testimony.
But, David insists that he isn’t guilty and Eddie believes him, so, despite the threat of harm to Christine, he will have to find a way to outwit and outplay his opponents to prove David’s innocence, save his wife, and honor his code.
48 HOURS BEFORE THE SHOT
That is how the book opens…and we will backtrack and come full circle, in this fast paced, twisty legal thriller, which has plenty of riveting court room scenes until we return to the SHOT in question.
Steve Cavanaugh is still a practicing lawyer in Dublin, and his expertise shows!
I am reading this series, a book a month, with friends- and I am already looking forward to finding out what kind of trouble finds Eddie Flynn next! Be sure to check out the amazing reviews of the others reading it with me-Pat, MarilynW, Ceecee and DeAnn for additional insights!...more
A couple of years ago, I requested “Thirteen”, not realizing that it was book 4 in the Eddie Flynn series! (legal thrillers)
I hate when that ha3.5 ⭐️
A couple of years ago, I requested “Thirteen”, not realizing that it was book 4 in the Eddie Flynn series! (legal thrillers)
I hate when that happens!! Usually.
This time, it will end up being a blessing in disguise. Because if I had read this one first, I may not have continued the series, thinking that he might always be defending “the Mob”and I would have missed out on “Thirteen”.
“The Defense” introduces us to Eddie Flynn -a con artist turned lawyer. He used to hustle insurance companies, which it turns out, isn’t much different from hustling juries.
And, he has just been “recruited” by the Russian Mafia-to defend the “BOSS” Olek Volchek. Olek has had Eddie’s daughter Amy, kidnapped and unless he does what he has been told to do-Amy will be killed. If that wasn’t enough incentive, a bomb has been strapped to Eddie’s back.
The author is a lawyer from Dublin, so the courtroom scenes are brilliant! Right up until the end of the book, I had absolutely zero theories on how Eddie was going to get out of this alive or save his daughter.
ZILCH
I just don’t enjoy Mafia stories-they just seem so cliché.
So, while I still enjoyed how CLEVER, our protagonist is-I didn’t enjoy book one as much as I did “Thirteen” …
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