​​​​Genre: Legal Thriller

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John Dobbyn’s legal thrillers written in his unique literary style are always a treat to read.  His research is evident when attorneys Michael Knight and Lex Devlin tackle a new case, and I find the information shared in High Stakes particularly fascinating. Knight takes center stage in this novel as he searches for an authentic Stradivarius violin with a jaunt through the streets of Romania. This violin is believed to house the code for a secret treasure that was hidden during the fifteenth century by Vlad Dracula.

The descriptions of the streets and little violin shop in Romania made me feel like I was there, and the notes on the tyrannical Dracula felt historically accurate and were a highlight of the story. I even enjoyed reading about the violins themselves and began to have a greater appreciation of their worth.

Dobbyn’s main setting for this series is Boston, and he seems to have a handle on the various gangs that reside there. In High Stakes we are privy to the workings of the Russian, Romanian and Chinese gangs as Knight juggles all three in his quest for the violin...and his desire to remain alive.

With little stops in Bucharest, Istanbul and even the Carpathian Mountains, this book is sure to satisfy your wanderlust as well as your craving for a good thriller. 

- Beverly
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Publisher - Oceanview Publishing
Date of Publication - ​​October 2, 2019

​​​​Genre: Legal Thriller

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I am a fan of Gimenez and his protagonist, Scott Fenney, so I was excited to find a book I hadn’t read featuring Fenney. In Accused, Attorney Fenney is contacted by his ex-wife Rebecca, who is being accused of murdering her current boyfriend. Since he was the one she left Scott for, taking her case is not a simple decision.

Trey Rawlins, a rising star on the pro golf tour, lived with Rebecca in a ultimate-million dollar home on the beach in Galveston, Texas. When Rebecca called the police to their home in the middle of the night, she was covered in Trey’s blood and her fingerprints were on the knife that killed him. She swears she is in innocent, and Scott agrees to bring his crew to Galveston to defend her.

The story is well written, but I found his description of all of the women in the novel disturbing. Aside from his daughters, the housekeeper and his law partner, there were few redeeming qualities in any of the female characters. They were all unfaithful, interested in money and fame above everything else and lied continually to get what they wanted.

He also made the pro golf tour seem populated with over-sexed men with questionable morals and more vices than the NFL and NBA put together. I had trouble empathizing with any of the characters other than Scott’s immediate family and co-workers and the D.A. who seemed almost too good to be true.

Scott never gave up in his defense of his ex-wife, and the reader gets to experience the seedier side of Galveston as more “bad guys” enter the scene. It was difficult to figure out who “done it” although I had my suspicions throughout. If you can get past the women bashing, this is a fun book to read.

- Beverly


Publisher - Navarchus Press
Date of Publication - ​​​October 1, 2011

​​​​​Genre: ​Legal Thriller 

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Every now and again I read a James Patterson novel that is recommended to me, although I miss his early days when Alex Cross kept me on the edge of my seat. The Family Lawyer wasn’t a typical Patterson thriller, but it did pull me in with its relevant theme. Attorney Matthew Hovanes is shocked to find his high school aged daughter, Hailey, has been arrested for bullying a classmate who eventually takes her own life. Matt and his law partner, Debra, are faced with a prosecutor who has a pretty airtight case.

The supporting characters were a bit weak, and I never quite understood why Hailey’s friends turned on her. In fact, Matt and Debra were the only characters that I found particularly redeemable, and so I never got fully invested in the book. It did capture me in the beginning though, because bullying is so prevalent in our society today. I was hoping this was a novel that would have a strong message, because Patterson is an author with a large audience.

While the first half of the book moved quickly, like many of Patterson’s books, this one seemed to taper off through the last quarter. The ending was somewhat predictable, and I felt like it might be a set-up for another series. I wouldn’t mind a series featuring Attorney Hovanes since he was somewhat engaging, but Patterson, whose real strength is in writing thrillers, needs to surround him with a more appealing cast.

- Beverly

Publisher - Grand Central Publishing
Date of Publication - ​​​September 5, 2017

​​​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
​ 

​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