​​​Genre: Legal/Thriller

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Mirror, Mirror, the third in Hawkins’ four part series, shows the author’s ability to develop her characters as well as her plot line. When I first picked up the book I found the protagonist, Jeff Ryder, so unpleasant that I put it aside for a bit. I went back to it because I am a fan of Ms. Hawkins’ writing, and once I got into it I was hooked.

Jeff is a very successful attorney working in a  prestigious firm when the story begins, but on the day he is about to make partner he is accused of encouraging a client to falsely testify, enabling the conviction of the wrong man for the attempted murder of police rookie Chris Rafferty. As the attorney’s world crumbles around him, he desperately tries to prove his innocence and regain his life, but his own personality seems to be working against him.

Chris is now a quadriplegic recovering from the six bullets that ended his career. Hawkins features Chris and his wife Beth in some chapters and Jeff in other chapters, taking the reader on a roller coaster of emotions. When Jeff decides to represent Chris in a lawsuit proving negligence in this tragedy, he develops relationships and emotions he never saw coming, and Hawkins begins showing her strong talent in character development.

From the captivating prologue, through the strong story-line and finally bringing us to a satisfying conclusion, Deborah Hawkins showed me once again why I anxiously await the next book in this well thought out series.

- Beverly​

Publisher - Deborah Hawkins
Date of Publication - ​​August 29, 201

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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During the last few years the opioid crisis has filled the pages of many newspapers, magazines and books. Who is to blame? Why is the use of heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc.,  on the rise? Are doctors prescribing too many pain killers? J. D. Trafford approaches this topic with a vengeance in his latest novel, Without Precedent.

Corporate attorney Matthew Daley is one of the most successful defenders of pharmaceutical companies in the country. His latest success comes at the same time his sister Allison dies of a heroin overdose, rendering the offer of a promotion bittersweet. His return home before her funeral sets his life in a whole new direction.

Taking a stand for his sister, he takes on a multibillion dollar pharmaceutical company represented by a team of New York corporate attorneys, trying to prove that their drug was the first step in his sister’s heroin addiction. Trafford’s knowledge of this issue, whether by research or experience, draws the reader in, and his likable protagonist keeps us interested.

I found myself disliking "Big Pharma" even more than I thought I did, when I read about their relationship with the physicians who prescribe their products. I realize that the description of these corporate bigwigs was fictional yet I can’t help but believe that there is a ring of truth in the author’s words.

As much as I liked Matthew, I did think some of the other characters were a bit weak. His alcoholic mother could have been much more interesting if her backstory had been developed. His father was superficially presented too, even though there seemed a great deal to develop there. I kept waiting to find out more about his brother, Jackson, and friend, Sherman, who helped build his ragtag team. Imagine the fun Trafford could have had building the character of Jackson, a liberal redneck.

The story itself was compelling though, and the reader can’t help but cheer for this New York lawyer who returns to fight a hometown battle. I have reviewed several of Trafford’s novels, and liked them all enough to anxiously await his next one.

- Beverly
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​Publisher - Thomas & Mercer
Date of Publication - March 12, 2019

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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John Lescroart’s characters have varied jobs in the legal field, and through the years each of the main ones have been protagonists in his legal series. Dismas Hardy, my personal favorite, is front and center in  The Rule of Law: A Dismas Hardy Novel. 

Hardy's secretary, Phyllis, begins acting strangely, and he becomes concerned when she seems to disappear. Through the series Phyllis has been one of the most reliable characters, so the reader knows that something must be amiss. When Dismas finds out that her brother, a man who served twenty-five years in prison for armed robbery and attempted murder, has recently been released, his anxiety levels up a few notches.

Phyllis returns to work reluctant to explain her absences and is suddenly arrested as an accessory in the murder of a man who had been smuggling women into the country from Mexico and El Salvador. Dismas is sure Phyllis is innocent, but as he looks into her recent activities he realizes he might have a difficult time proving it.

As in most of Lescroart’s novels, San Francisco politics plays a large part, and some cold cases shed light on problems in the D.A.’s Office. San Francisco is a character unto herself as we get a glimpse into the restaurants, clubs and streets of this amazing city.

This seems to be the season that authors are highlighting the immigration issues, and Lescroart is no exception, but this one didn’t capture me as completely as others I have read. I loved revisiting the characters, and there were many exciting moments to keep me turning pages, but I wasn’t as invested in the outcome as completely as I have been in others I have read. I do recommend the book though, particularly if you are a fan of his previous works. 

- Beverly

​Publisher - Atria Books
Date of Publication - January 22, 2019

Genre: Legal Thriller

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James Grippando’s books are always relevant, and The Girl in the Glass Box: A Jack Swyteck Novel is certainly no exception. Grippando tackles the problems surrounding the illegal immigrant population, and he does an excellent job making his readers see the dilemma facing this community.

Julia Rodriguez fled from the violence of El Salvador with her teenage daughter, Beatriz. She escaped from an abusive husband as well as violent gangs and tried to make a life for herself in Miami. When Julia’s boss in her new hometown makes sexual advances, she turns him down immediately. Not used to being rejected, he seeks revenge by tipping immigration about her illegal status. She is arrested and waiting for deportation. Beatriz escaped capture and is living with Julia’s sister who is here legally. Enter Jack Swyteck, who agrees to represent Julia as a favor to his beloved grandmother.

One of the things that I love about Grippando’s books is his detailed description of Miami, a place I know so well. He mentions restaurants that I am familiar with and streets that I have driven down many times.

His characters are well defined too and add a depth to his stories. Jack's Abuela (Spanish grandmother on his mother’s side) is an interesting character who is present throughout the series. Since Jack’s mother died when he was very young, she plays an important role in his life. His good friend Theo is a strong sidekick with an interesting backstory that has the reader rooting for him. Of course we met Jack's wife Andie quite a few books back when she became his girlfriend. Watching their relationship grow has added dimension to the Swyteck series.

If I have any complaint about this book, it would be the ending. I tend to like things wrapped up in a tidy package, and Grippando disappointed me with this one. I can get past that though and hope that the next book finishes the job.

It is not necessary to read the previous books in the series to appreciate this one, but if you haven’t read them yet, there is no time like the present.

- Beverly

​Publisher - HarperCollins Publishers
Date of Publication - February 5, 2019

Genre: Legal Thriller

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The intensity in Phillip Margolin’s novels can keep a reader breathless for hours on end. His ability to paint a picture so vividly with words is a talent that has served him well since his first novel, Heartstone, written in 1978. Forty-one years and Twenty-three books later, The Perfect Alibi will be published in March, proving that Margolin has not lost his touch.

The the case of a young woman accusing a college athlete of rape is a common theme and  Margolin takes it up several notches. There is a DNA match that should clarify everything, but in Margolin’s world it only leads to more questions.

Protagonist Robin Lockwood, a prominent young lawyer, watches as Blaine Hastings is found guilty of the rape of Randi Stark and agrees to represent Randi in a civil suit against her rapist. At the same time she is defending another client on a murder charge that should be self defense. Then there is the case of another attorney who needs Robin’s help with a vengeful prosecutor who is accusing him of killing his partner and best friend.

Nothing is ever as it seems in a Margolin novel, and this is one of his best. The action never slows down, and every page brings a new revelation. His characters are well fleshed out and the descriptions of the surroundings and the court scenes make the story come alive. I was sad to turn the last page and anxiously await his next novel.

​-Beverly


Publisher - Minotaur Books
Date of Publication - ​​​​March 5, 2019

Genre: Legal Thriller

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It is rare to find an author who successfully presents a strong female protagonist, but Paul Batista really surprised me with two very strong leading ladies in this complex courtroom drama, The Warriors. Not only does he introduce us to this dynamic duo, he shows their strength unapologetically and without “girly” things to soften them for the reader.

Senator Angelina Baldesteri is a former First Lady who lived through the assassination of her extremely popular husband. The senator has plans to run for the presidency but there are those who do not want to see that happen. She suddenly finds herself accused of money laundering, perjury, bribery, and obstruction of justice and realizes that she needs a strong attorney to protect her reputation while proving her innocence.

Defense attorney Raquel Rematti (the first time Batista introduced this character was in his novel, The Borzoi Killings) is a personality to be reckoned with, and she agrees to represent the senator. The problem is, they are both strong willed, pig headed and want to be in charge. Raquel quickly realizes that she doesn’t know the whole truth, and there is more to Angelina’s story than meets the eye.

Throw in murder and mayhem, drug lords and a Mexican cartel, and you have Batista at his best. Bringing out the positive and negative strengths in these two characters showcases the talent of an author who draws on his own experience in the courtroom to bring us a novel that is difficult to put down until the last page.

- Beverly


Publisher - Oceanview Publishing
Date of Publication - December 18, 2018

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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Joseph Finder’s strength is in his story. My favorite authors are the ones who draw me in with their particular specialties. There are those whose characters rise off of the page and make me want to share a meal with them or just hang out with them. There are others whose power of description help me to travel the world without leaving my living room. Finder’s characters are well fleshed out and his descriptions are replete with adjectives, but it is his ability to tell a story that captures me and never lets go.

I expected a great novel when I read about Judgment, and I was not disappointed. His protagonist is a female this time, a rule-following judge who makes one mistake in her personal life and watches as her world starts to crumble. Juliana Brody presided over the Superior Court of Massachusetts and is on track to go much further in her career. Unfortunately, she is currently presiding over a case that has connections that might ultimately destroy her career.

When her lapse in judgment turns into a blackmail opportunity for the defendants in one of the cases that is before her, the Judge soon finds that her life, and the life of those closest to her, is in peril. Not one to give in to blackmailers, Judge Brody goes to any length to find out who is behind this scheme. Finder’s research is evident as we learn about underhanded business practices and Russian connections.

Yes, Joseph Finder is a storyteller, and for those who enjoy a good thriller, I promise that Judgment will make your top ten list for 2019.

​-Beverly


Publisher - Dutton
Date of Publication - ​​​​January 29, 2019

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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​I enjoy stories that take place in different locals and allow me to "live" in those areas for a while.  Scott Pratt's protagonist, Joe Dillard lives and practices law in Tennessee. I read this book last year and quickly caught up with the rest in his series.  The next Joe Dillard book is slated to come out around Thanksgiving, so I decided to get you all started on the first in the series, An Innocent Client.

Joe is tired of being a criminal defense attorney and is ready to quit, but he would love the opportunity to defend one innocent person. He believes he has found this person in Angel Christian. She is an attractive waitress who is accused of murdering a preacher after visiting an infamous strip club.

I enjoy the way Pratt writes.  This book bounces around from first to third person, which helps make it a little different than the typical legal thriller. He also involves the reader in Joe's personal life. Joe's sister is a drug addict who was recently released from prison. His mother is fighting Alzheimer's.  His family is somewhat normal, and he is looking for the same answers many of us search for every day.

Pratt's villains might be a bit too evil, but I think it helps shine the light on Joe's fight for right. I find Pratt's characters a bit easier to relate to than Grisham's, and tend to like them better.
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If you haven't gotten to know Dillard yet then you are in for a treat.  Start with this book and work your way through.  

​-Beverly


Publisher - Onyx
Date of Publication - ​​​​November 4, 2008

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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Scott Pratt was November 14, 2014’s featured author, and A Crime of Passion is the seventh in his series about defense attorney Joe Dillard.  In this book, Dillard is hired to defend Paul Milius, a record company baron accused of strangling Kasey Cartwright, a young country singer. He must travel to Nashville to defend Milius, and he doesn't want to leave his wife who is battling cancer.  The million dollar retainer is hard to pass up though, and Milius promises that his private jet will be at Joe's disposal the entire time.  Dillard ends up taking the case, and along with his son Jack, and Jack's girlfriend Charlie begins the search for what really happened. All is far from what it seems.  The devoted wife is not so devoted, and the house staff knows how to keep secrets.

As in all Joe Dillard books, Joe's relationship with his family steals the show.  Unfortunately, this book is not as strong as his others in that respect, but there was enough to keep me happy. His love for Caroline shines through each book and leads me to believe that Pratt ust have a wonderful relationship with his own wife.  Milius and those surrounding him are not the warmest of people, but once Joe starts believing in his innocence, the team works to find the truth that will free him.  
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I tend to get tired of series after five or six books, but Joe Dillard is still capturing my interest, and I anxiously await Book # 8.

​-Beverly


Publisher - Phoenix Flying, Inc.
Date of Publication - ​​​​December 4, 2014

​Genre: Legal Thriller

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Those of you who subscribe to madderlyreview.com know that Scott Pratt was our first  featured author in November of 2014.  We featured Scott because his protagonist, Joe Dillard came to life for me from book one.  Many authors write about disgruntled attorneys, but I have noticed a great deal of growth in Joe as the series continues.  His character is multi-dimensional, and I find myself worrying about his wife Caroline's cancer as though she was a friend.  Joe's reaction to this horror in his life is frighteningly realistic, and I imagine there are those who relate to these reactions.

This book goes down a darker road than Pratt's previous books, but the familiar characters make it easy to continue this trip with Joe.  I love the relationship he has with Sheriff Leon Bates and look forward to his appearances in each of Pratt's books. In Judgment Cometh: And That Right Soon we learn pretty quickly that Joe's client is innocent of the crime he is being accused of committing. Even though he is caught with the chopped up remains of a state Supreme Court justice in the back of his truck, there is more to it than meets the eye.

This is the fourth kidnapped judge, and Joe realizes that he needs to find the real killer in order to free his client. Unfortunately, this client is too intimidated to help Joe, and we watch Leon and Joe go down some very scary trails in their search for truth.   Joe brings his son Jack and Jack's girlfriend Charlie Story back, and this adds to the plot in several ways.

This is definitely darker than Scott Pratt's previous books, but if a character is to remain fresh through a continuing series, the author has to show all aspects of his life. Unfortunately, we all go through dark times and the strong find their way through to the light.  Hopefully, Pratt will continue to give us glimpses into the best of Joe Dillard for many books to come.

- Beverly


Publisher - Phoenix Flying, Inc.
Date of Publication - ​​​​July 21, 2016