Gone Again by James Grippando

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review:'Gone Again,' A Novel by James Grippando

In Gone Again by James Grippando, we are taken on a journey of fear and doubt. When Sashi Burgette vanished several years previously on her way to school, her family was shocked. Later the same evening when the police pick up Dylan Kyle for drunk driving, they found a piece of her clothing in his truck. His explanation proves unbelievable and he suddenly found himself the only suspect in her murder.  With his execution set for just days away, Jack Swyteck , a pro bono lawyer from the Freedom institute is pulled into the case.

Sashi’s mother has contacted him. She is convinced that her daughter is alive, she has just heard from her again, and she wants to make sure an innocent man is not killed.  She has gone to the police over the years but they feel that the calls she has received, one each birthday, is a mean hoax. The state attorney will not consider further evidence and the governor has signed the death warrant. Sashi’s mom is worried than an innocent man may be executed, unless Dylan’s attorneys can find Sashi–alive.

What Jack finds is that nothing is what it appears. Not her parents, the victim, or even the alleged killer himself. Can he find the answers to his concerns before it is too late? Finding the truth appears even more difficult than finding the missing girl.

Grippando takes us on a journey into the court system at a breakneck speed. With only days before an execution, his protagonist has very little time to find the answers. He creates a scenario that is both elusive and yet visual and he fill the pages with characters that range in solid and believable to creepy and desperate. Through it all the clock is ticking ever closer to an execution so there is a tenseness that overrides all, keeping you at the edge of your seat.

If you enjoy murder mystery, courtroom drama, and fast action you will find this to be a great addition to your library. Grippando takes us on a wild ride, with ups and downs, red herrings and a sense of dread as we follow the clues to a seemingly hopeless situation.

This would be a great work for a reading or discussion group with nuances that would create a great deal of dialogue and thought.

Rating 4/5

Violent Crimes by Phillip Margolin

Posted First to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Violent Crimes, A Amanda Jaffe Novel by Phillip Margolin.

In Violent Crimes by Phillip Margolin, Amanda Jaffe is hired to represent the son of a senior partner at a large Oregon law firm. The son, Brandon, was seen by a witness leaving the scene of the crime where the body of his father was severely and fatally beaten, and his clothes were covered in blood.

While it seems like an open and shut case, the stakes are high as Brandon’s father, Dale Masterson, represented the interests of both oil and coal. Brandon is an activist and has become disenchanted to the point of serious quarrels with his father over the damage being created by drilling. Brandon confesses to the killing, but Amanda does not see him as the perpetrator. His physique and his mentality do not seem to fit the profile. Brandon confesses to murdering his father in revenge for all the people whose lives have been destroyed by his shortsighted backing of his clients.

After speaking with him and trying to assess the situation, she believes he may be martyring himself. Yet if he is innocent then who is the killer? And does the crime also tie in to Masterson’s colleague, Christine Larson, who is found dead in her offices? A lower level employee has been tagged for her murder but are the two murders related, they worked for the same firm and knew each other.

As Jaffe digs for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Digging deeper, even at the risk of her life, she must find the answers to this vicious murder. As danger becomes her enemy and she begins to understand the real truth, can she make the decision that is necessary to put the murderer behind bars?

Margolin finds the stories that seem to often accompany the headlines and brings them into stark relief. His protagonist, Amanda Jaffe, is just the right mix of bravado, softness and smarts. She is easy to like and you find yourself digging with her to find the answers. She goes beyond what is expected of her job, but she takes the life of her clients very seriously, and she will do everything she can to make sure justice finds the way.

If mystery, suspense and courtroom drama are to your liking this is an excellent addition to your book shelf. Margolin gives us a character to admire in Amanda Jaffe, and you will find yourself looking for his other works with her in the central role.


This would be a great book for a reading or discussion group. The question of ethics is always up for debate.

Rating 4/5

The Ex by Alafair Burke

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Ex', a Mystery by Alafair Burke.

In The Ex by Alafair Burke, we are taken on a journey where both the past and present collide in the arrest of a Widower, Jack Harris, for a murder he claims he did not do. His past relationship with the first love of his life is soon to become his lifeline to reality as he begins a fight for both sanity and freedom. Having lost his beloved wife three years previous, he has finally thought to begin again. That is when his life again begins to unravel.

His only help is with the woman who first broke his heart, Olivia, one of the city’s best criminal defense attorneys. Yet can he convince her of his innocence? The circumstances surrounding the murder point directly to him as the killer.

Olivia wants to be there for him, she believes she knows him well, but time could have changed him, and the death of his wife may have been a catalyst that sent him over the edge. One of those killed in the shooting is a part of a lawsuit that involves the death of his wife, and she has some doubts.

She finally decides she is will to representing his as a way to make up for her own past with him and her own guilt in feeling somewhat responsible for his state of mind.  But what she finds is that not everything is as clear as it should be, and she may not have known him as well as she thought.

Can she help him without getting caught up in her own past and lay her own demons and doubts aside. She refuses to believe his guilt, but what if she is wrong.

Burke takes us into the lives of everyday people and sprinkles both doubt and belief, alternating between both past and present to bring us a story of hurt and anger, as well as love. Her characters are full of both flaws and mistakes, making them very likable, and drawing your involvement.  She weaves both past and present together in such a way that you feel as though you have always known the characters and even understand the motivations.

If you enjoy mystery and investigation you will find this to be a great work. If you are looking for a book to curl up with that keeps you entertained then you have found it. Burke has done another great job of bringing her characters to life.

Rating 4/5

Pleasantville by Attica Locke

Posted first to blog Critics as Book Review: 'Pleasantville,' A Novel of suspense by Attica Locke.

Attica Locke takes us into a shadowy world full of money, lies and secrets in her newest novel, Pleasantville. For Jay Porter, after a case that defines his career in the past, he finds himself both broke and tired. Because of all the appeals in his case, he has not seen a dime. That also holds true for his clients who are beginning to get restless. Fifteen years is a long time to believe in a promise. His newest case representing Pleasantville, is taking time as well, and he is ready to be done. He wants to spend time with his children.

When a female campaign volunteer disappears on the night of the Mayoral election, he finds himself with another client. This client is the nephew and campaign manager for one of the candidates. As all the signs point to his guilt, can Jay dig deep within his own wilting strength to find the answers and help guide the police who are quick to judgment on the case, in the right direction?

As he moves to make his mark, slowly and inexorably someone is working behind the scenes to take over his most promising case and many of his clients who have become close to him over the years as they continue to fight corporate greed. This is the one case that can help him reach his goals, but with his embroilment in his new work he has missed the signs of unrest.

Can he deliver on his promises and get his clients what they deserve before his reputation is gone for good, and can he save a young man from a crime he did not commit?  Everything is beginning to point to the possibility of the cases being related. Can he find the answers before it is too late?

Locke has created a group of characters that are irascible and likable. Along with them she has also given us those who have an unsavory edge, always looking for the bottom line uncaring of human cost. She creates pressure and tenseness by introducing just how easy it is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But there is also that question of ‘what if.’ You are lead to believe in a certain way, but without having all the facts, the answer may be the wrong one.

Jay Porter is a hero with a very human face. His life was once about money but time has changed him, he is there to fight for his clients many of who now number his friends. He is flawed as most are but his depth of personality draws you in. Locke creates an unlikely underdog, one that you grow quite fond of as you follow his exploits.

If you enjoy legal mysteries and suspense then this is the work for you. Full of red herrings and questions you find yourself wondering if you have missed the most obvious of clues. Locke takes us into the background of money and shows us the shadowy underbelly.

This would be a great work for a reading group or book club.


Rating 4/5

Compulsion, A Novel by Meyer Levin

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Compulsion,' A Historical Drama by Meyer Levin.

Nature or nurture, both arguments are often used in why there are those among us who have that bit of themselves that blocks the way they feel about killing, torture, abuse or pain against others. The question is difficult, for many times killers come from the best of families. 

In Compulsion by Meyer Levin we follow the fictional story of true happenings from the 1920s. Depicting a story of an early example of an infamous crime, we are immersed in the fascination of the minds of two young men. Styled after the true life crime of Leopold and Loeb, we are taken back to a time in history where Psychology was still young in the field of criminology.  

Judd Steiner and Artie Straus have it all; they come from solid families, and are very intelligent. Yet somehow they have committed an unspeakable act. It appears that these two young men feel no remorse. 

As they are caught and the facts begin to come to life, they are in a fight for their very lives. For the prosecution is urging for hanging. Yet their attorneys are pushing for a mental defense. How could two such well known and smart young men do such a deed and then feel they could get away with it. 

As we are led deeper into the psyche of the individuals the twists and turns keep you reeling. There is a strange current that keeps you wondering how such an action could have occurred and with such a lack of remorse. 

Both sides of the law feel they are right. What is the real story and who is the main instigator? That is part of what they are trying to decipher. 

Levin has given us an interesting look at the kidnapping and murder of a student, by two bright and rising stars of the community. One is charming and the other not well liked due to his superior attitude. As police begin putting together the clues, one thing becomes very clear. There is a strange lack of remorse. As Levin begins to reveal the story peeling away the layers, we find a great deal of confusion. 

He takes you back to a period of time where psychology used in investigation was in its infancy and not everyone was buying in. His take on the situation takes you there and you find yourself along with the investigators and lawyers trying to find the true happening and reason for it. Yet does it really matter in a crime like this. 

If you enjoy mystery and historical happenings you will find this quite satisfying and unique. Levin takes us deep into the darkness of the minds of two young men who, to all purposes, had it all. This is a deep and interesting look at the reasoning behind their actions and you will find it both interesting and difficult to put down. 

This would be a great book for a reading group or a book club. 

Rating 5/5

Cookie's Case, A Tug Wyler Mystery by Andy Siegel

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Cookie's Case,' A Tug Wyler Mystery by Andy Siegel.

Many things bring people together, common goals, interests and attraction. However sometimes it is basic need that is the culprit. Need is not the greatest of ties for when need dissipates so does the attachment in many cases.

Tug Wyler returns in Andy Siegel’s, Cookie’s Case.  With Tug’s background in getting his clients insurance settlements he is intrigued when he meets Cookie, a young dancer that wears a metal head brace. The fact that she is still dancing disturbs him and yet, it seems to be a part of who she is. Her beauty and grace, especially with such an unattractive device attached is amazing and he finds himself a bit smitten.

When he is introduced to her friend, an elderly Doctor, he finds the relationship a bit odd. The Doctor provides a medical procedure called a spinal tap to help her with pain, and the symbiotic relationship seems to work for them in a strange and unnatural way. When he discovers a conflict of interest with her attorney, her boyfriend, and the doctor and hospital where her surgery was done he offers to take over the case. He has no idea of the depths of cover-up he is soon to be involved with.

There is something that worries him about the case, and as his investigation begins in earnest, he begins to untangle a web of deceit full of holes. Yet even as he finds evidence of possible neglect during surgery, even his own specialists have doubts, for all the evidence points in conflicting direction. Can he get his client the money to help her regain her prior life, before she hurts herself any further?

When he is fired from the case it only tweaks his curiosity further. What nerve has he touched and how can he save his client from her on decisions. He knows there is more to what is going on in her life, and many of the leads seem to tie to her protector. Can he find the answers before it is too late. L

Siegel’s characters are a great mix of needy and diabolical. His protagonist in the form of Tug Wyler is a fun and energetic man, always looking out for the money, but hiding a heart that is not necessarily in his best interests. He really cares about his clients, and is like a bulldog when he gets hold of a case.

Cookie is a fun and brave character, and her protector is just a bit creepy, but it is hard to decipher why he creates that feeling for he has nothing but care for Cookie.  To create that type of character and to have you questioning yourself takes skill.

If you enjoy a fun and slightly bizarre mystery you will find Tug Wyler the guy to follow. His investigations are both interesting and often funny, but he delivers the goods. The medical drama is also well written and you will find yourself immersed in a strange and fascinating story of need.

This would be a great book for a reading group or book club with lots of questions and decisions that would keep the dialogue going for some time.


Rating 4/5

The Abomination by Jonathan Holt

Posted first to blog critics as Book Review: 'The abomination' by Jonathan Holt.

Religion often sparks debate as well as deep emotions and has been this way for thousands of years.  Miracles are often attributed to religious icons, yet atrocities also exist. There are very strong opinions in every facet.

In The Abomination by Jonathan Holt, a body is found in Venice, the victim of two gunshots wounds to the back of the head. During the feast day of La Befana, masked figures cloak the city, much like they do during Mardi gras, living on the edge, along with energetic passion and gossip. Initially the murder is thought to be one of the revelers caught in an argument of the moment.

Newly promoted Captain Kat Tapo of the Carabinieri, begins working her first murder case. When it is discovered that the murdered woman is dressed as a priest, dawning begins to grow. When another body is found, a known acquaintance of the first victim, Kat is drawn into a deep and ugly conspiracy of murder.  The tentacles spread in varying direction, entangling a host of people. One of them is himself in the depths of trouble over his Internet company known as Carnivia.com. What is the secret held by this strangely parallel vision of Venice itself?

Every direction she turns, trails disappear, evidence turns up missing, and the case itself if closed down. She is not ready to give up. Only finding the real answer will stop a corrupt system from abuse.

Holt has given us characters full of passion. Kat is a determined woman, yet has many flaws. She will not allow her digressions to dictate her direction though. She will not allow her mistakes to hold her back.  The system seems so corrupt, and Holt has engendered a bit of belief, yet urgent disbelief as well. Can these things really happen in the real world? And yet, I am sure that some of these very happenings do occur. Corruption is ages old, and often much deeper than known in many cases.

You will revel in the atmosphere of the beauty as well as the degradation of Venice and her canals. The undisputed joys of her people shine through as well as the tightness of some of the belief systems.

If you enjoy murder mysteries, conspiracy theories, and romance, this is a novel for you. Tying the new world through the Internet to the old world of Venice is a grand scheme and weaves a deeper twist of ingenuity into an interesting and evocative story.

This would be a great find for a book club or reading group. The myriad and depth of the conspiracies will create a great deal of discussion.

Rating 3/5

This book was received free from the publishing company. All opinions are my own based on my reading and understanding of the material.

Shadow Man by Mark Murphy

Article first published as Book Review: Shadow Man by Mark Murphy on Blogcritics.

I have heard it said that everyone has a twin, someone somewhere that looks like them that would confuse their own family. A doppelganger is the word often used to describe this phenomenon. What happens when that other someone pretends to be you? Or what if instead of a doppelganger, someone who is a whiz at disguise decides to impersonate. How long would it take those closest to you to know? If this person had an agenda, one to set you up for horrific deeds, how would you fight what looks to be so real on the outside?

In Shadow Man by Mark Murphy, we are drawn into a psychological thriller that details a strange, yet surreal killer. A man who can choose at will to become someone else.

When Malcolm King finds his perfect life beginning to fall apart he does not anywhere to turn. He sees a shadow at every turn, mocking and terrorizing him. When he finds he is the prime suspect in the murder of a rival, he is not sure what to do. All of a sudden his perfect life, his medical practice and his family are in the balance. Who is the figure hovering in the shadows, the Thin Man as he begins to see him more? Is he the killer, the one creating the nightmare that is now a part of Malcolm’s life? When he is warned by a good friend that the police are ready to make an arrest, he decides to run for his life. There is not one shred of proof that he is innocent.  

As he tries to disappear, he finds he is in trouble–there are police everywhere. As the Thin Man steps out of the shadows to offer assistance, can Malcolm trust him. He must find a way to clear himself of these fictitious charges. As the Thin Man tells his own story, Malcolm has to make a choice. He must trust him or be branded a murderer for life.

Can this stranger be the savior of his sanity and his life? Time will only tell as the killing becomes even more brutal. When his family disappears, and another friend is attacked, he forms an uneasy alliance with a man he does not know or trust. But what else can he do?

Murphy has pulled the monster from our nightmares and put him into our daily life. This strangely twisted mind is walking among us, with no one the wiser. His crimes are horrific and the way he is able to create chaos is mind numbing. You can feel a chill as you step into the mind of Malcolm and the terror he is living becomes your own.

The scenarios, and the motivation are strange and carry a hint of madness, yet that is to be expected in the mind of a murderer.  The Thin Man is an artful twist to the story and one that gives it a strangely spiritual twist, although I am not sure that is what was meant. While there is nothing spiritual about the story, the entry of this persona lends another level, one of calm yet enduring pain as well.  The depth of deceit is surprising; the exhaustion created in the minds of those impacted is inconsolable.

The story moves quickly and is full of action, some horror filled and some more uplifting. Yet it marches deliberately towards the strange and yet somewhat mysterious ending. The conclusion is satisfying, yet adds another layer of mystery that makes you want more.

If you love a good thriller you will enjoy this book, the suspense and unknown draw you deeper into a pool of mystery that is not that easy to decipher.  A great read for a reading group, this would also be an excellent addition to your library. Murphy is a writer of note, one you will see more from.

The blog tour's official site is:
http://the-shadow-man.blogspot.com/ 

Mark Murphy's Web Site: http://www.mark-e-murphy.com/

Mark Murphy's Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/dr.markmurphy

Mark Murphy's Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/Heeldawg

Mark Murphy's Blog:http://shadowmanblog.com/

Savannah Book Festival:http://www.savannahbookfestival.org/authors/mark-murphy/

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The Shadow Man blog tour site:http://the-shadow-man.blogspot.com/

The Shadow Man Book Summary:

There is a devil in the night, silent and invisible, moving in the dream realm between life and death. And he's coming for you.
Savannah surgeon Malcolm King had a perfect life—a loving wife, devoted daughter, and a thriving medical practice. But when a random airport parking lot hit-and-run links him to a dead body in a Florida hotel and an acquaintance is found dismembered and stuffed into a garbage bag, Malcolm finds himself on the run as a suspected serial killer. But he's no murderer.

Or is he?

Who is the mysterious Thin Man who lurks at the edges of his vision? Are the ravens that crowd the skies overhead a warning of impending doom - or do they exist at all?

With the help of Seminole tracker Billy Littlebear, Malcolm tries to untangle the web of clues left behind by a mysterious chameleon-like killer known as the Shadow Man. But will he be too late?

The Shadow Man is a complex, atmospheric thriller in the tradition of Stephen King. Darkly evocative and relentless in its twists and turns, it dares the reader to put it down - even for a minute.

Mark Murphy's Bio:

A physician currently living in Savannah, Georgia, Mark Murphy is also a lifelong award-winning writer. In the midst of a busy medical career which included several academic publications, Dr. Murphy’s decision to attend the Iowa Summer Writing Festival led to the inclusion of a short story, "The Funeral," in a 2004 collection of works entitled O! Georgia! A well-received regular newspaper column in the Savannah Morning News followed. The Shadow Man is his first novel.

Formats/Prices: $14.95 paperback, $5.99 ebook
Publisher: Langdon Street Press
ISBN: 9781938296031
Pages: 348
Release: July 20, 2012

Amazon paperback buy link ($14.95):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938296036?tag=tributebooks-20

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Kindle buy link ($5.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J4VR06?tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link ($5.99):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shadow-man-mark-murphy/1111759498?ean=9781938296031

MyBookOrders.com ebook buy link ($5.99):
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Suzy's Case by Andy Siegel

Article first published as Book Review: Suzy's Case by Andy Siegel on Blogcritics.

So many illnesses these days target the young. Many live a life that has no resemblance to that of most children, hospitals are their playgrounds and doctors and nurses their friends. But what happens when something goes wrong in these playgrounds, the results are generally more catastrophic.

In Suzy’s Case by Andy Siegel, you are taken into the life of a child that has suffered the worst and yet maintains a carefree and happy attitude. Suzy is an amazing and wondrous child, a joy to be around.

 We follow Tug Wyler, a personal injury and malpractice attorney, as he finds himself in a case that is six years old, with an expert that is not convinced of any wrong doing. Thinking he will easily be able to be recused from this case, he does not factor in the resilience of a strong and protective mother. Where she believes, he can only follow. Soon he is caught up in a case that is way beyond his understanding, and as he moves forward his own life is in jeopardy.

On the surface, everything is what it appears to be, but a bubbling cauldron of trouble is heating up. What really happened in that hospital six years before?  Was Suzy really just another unfortunate statistic, or is it as her mom believes. There is certainly something foul that is beginning to surface, but can Tug grab and hold before it slips away?

Always a difficult feeling when dealing with children and stories that involve them to this extent, yet Siegel has handled it with great care and sensitivity. You grow to love Suzy in a way that is beyond the imagination. She becomes so real and a pulse that glows though the pages of the book. Her mother is a woman on a mission and will not allow even the smallest of stumbles. Sharp with a few unsavory connections, she is the catalyst that continues to guide the case forward. With so little proof of her claims, she nonetheless holds the cards to make this lawsuit break apart. Her love and fierceness remind you of that of a jungle cat, and she will not stop.

Tug is known for his ability to close cases, but he is also a maverick, often putting his own career in jeopardy to do the right thing. While his life often seems to spin out of control, he really has a handle on the true meaning of integrity. There is a veil of trust that circles him, and he does not always think before acting.

This is an unforgettable journey, a story of hope and horror. The characters are so real you come to believe in them. This is like reading the story behind the headlines, but with a personal stake in the outcome.

You are alternately charmed and horrified, but it is difficult to understand the truth. If you enjoy mystery and medical suspense, you will enjoy this work. Suzy’s Case would be a wonderful addition to your library. This would be a great book for a reading club creating dialogue and disbelief, a solid work worth mention. This has been one of my favorite books of the year.

Rating 5/5

This book was received free from the authors publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

The Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti

Article first published as Book Review: The Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti on Blogcritics.

Time and tide are steady and reliable, functions you can rely on. When you involve personalities and events however, egos and feelings as well as the search for the everlasting dollar contribute to how those various functions relate to lives. Tide may never change, but time is elusive, you can have more–or you can have less. Sometimes fate intercedes. Sometimes that fate if brought about by those you know in unimaginable ways. Murder is not new; it has been around for thousands of years. The reasons are varied and yet make sense to the perpetrator at the time, but not necessarily to anyone else.

In The Wicked Wives by Gus Pelagatti, we are given the opportunity to look into the lives of a group of both women and men that were responsible for the murders of the women’s husbands in the 1930's. The story is based off a true set of crimes, and the strange and unethical reasons understate how little it takes for some to cross over to the side of murder. During this time in Philadelphia, the scandal resulted in seventeen wives being arrested for murdering their husbands. It would take one man to stand up for the victims and uncover the acts that would bring justice.

During the depression, money was scarce and this is the story about how a group of women went about finding the money to lead the lifestyles they were accustomed to, and the depravity of the acts they were willing to use to get where they felt they had to go. Not alone in their disenchanted lives, there appeared to be a mastermind, one who helped and used convincing arguments that allowed them the reasoning for killing their husbands for the insurance money. This man was also an integral part of the process and a lover to all of the women involved.

Pelagatti has used his background as a trial lawyer to help dig into the files and do the research behind this strange and bizarre set of crimes and bring us a story of these women and their prolific thoughts and reasoning’s. He digs deep into the psyche of those involved and brings us a look at the lives they led and the circumstances that lead them to the final act of taking another’s life.

As the story unfolds Pelagatti has a way of bringing sadness to the lives of those involved although each murder was well thought out and planned with malice. The women themselves almost came across as victims as well in some cases, but each time the crime seems so brutal. The conspirator, Giorgia DiSipio, was an amazing con man and as such he created a con for each of the wives. They seemed almost naïve in their belief that they were his one and only love. Even their knowledge of the others could not convince them of his unreliability. The story moves from time and place in a well-orchestrated fashion keeping you interested and often in disbelief. While the money involved seems so small in our day and times, we are continually reminded of the times and the depression as it affected the lives of all those involved.

If you are interested in true crime and murder mysteries, you will find this a strong starting point. The methodology behind the killings and the brutality of the process leaves you wondering how this could have happened. Pelagatti not only tells us a story of the times he is able to set some strange red herrings and give us a surprise that you do not see coming.

This would be a great book for your true crime library, full of history and real life. I believe it would also be a great find for a reading group, a way to discuss how little is can take to make someone step over the edge.

Rating 4/5
 
This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

What's Wrong with Donny Speck? by T. L. Peters

Often cutthroat, the world of law and the legal machinations of the attorneys  can spell huge paydays for the down and out, and for the attorneys themselves. Often attorneys cater to one particular company, there at the company’s disposal. Competition for partner is a part of the package, and frequently, underhanded games are played within the firm. Those relishing that relationship are brave enough to risk all to reach that particular brass ring.


In What’s Wrong with Donny Speck by Thomas Peters, Donny occasionally has dreams about escaping the confines of law. He is in contention with Mike Denton for the partnership in Deswold’s law firm. The problem was that Mike is everything the Donny was not. He was handsome, bold, and charismatic, dressed well and still had a headful of hair. He was also good with the ladies, including one tall ruthless and strong office worker, Leona, whom Donny just happened to have his eye on.

Donny is unkempt, often un-showered. He has learned to use the shuffle and uncooperative attitude to perfection. For some reason his boss equates this look with intelligence. While Mike has pulled ahead in the running, their most important client feels that he has mishandled his business and is now looking to have his business rechecked for errors. The law firm hides many of his transactions to keep him free from the law, but something is bothering him about some of his recent transactions. He wants Donny Speck. Asking his mentor for advice, Donny meets another potiential strong woman, Monica, who also seems a bit interested in him.

He agrees to run interference for their Client. This will require him to fly to Bolivia to handle the paperwork. From here, everything begins to turn in strange and unusual directions. His mentor’s secretary shows up, and seems to be stalking him. He finds the country in disarray. As he concludes his business and heads home, he soon finds Mike Denton and Leona murdered. Soon Donny is the only suspect and he must run for his life. Can he find what is happening and why? Will his life ever be the same?

Donny is an odd character, and I found him not at all likable. He is wimpy and whiney, and very unkempt. He is one of those characters that you dislike at the beginning and every turn he takes only makes you further understand your feeling. He is sneaky, and gets off women who slap him around. As a protagonist, he is the guy you love to dislike. His personality is virtually non- existent and yet all the action plays out around or about him.

Monica is the strength in the relationship. There are things about her that are unknown and she is full of layers. She is admirable and yet, there is something about Donny that attracts her. Without her, he will not be able to get out of the mess he is in, and yet she consistently pulls away, to return when he is in need.

This is an odd and somewhat interesting novel, which takes you from the quintessential law offices in the States and into the unbridled and rioting country of Bolivia. The descriptions of the area are well written and you can see the happenings. I believe the genre would fit the suspense category, with a bit of romance thrown in. It is also riddled with humor, a sort of tongue in cheek variety. It was a difficult book for me to get into, although the story was interesting enough. Parts of the story weighed it down, and created a bit of slow going. However, it was interesting and gave a different and unique view of the world of law.

Rating 3/5
What's Wrong With Donny Speck

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This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Blind Man's Alley by Justin Peacock

Duncan Riley has worked his way to the top of his profession and is at that place in his career as an attorney to be accepted as a partner. He has been groomed for the part by his mentor and brought in on many of the top concerns involving the very top clients of the firm, including Roth properties.  They are working on a libel suit involving a story in the newspaper and Duncan is deposing the witness's, including the journalist as well as members of Roth properties. A section of one of Roth's holdings collapsed during construction, killing three of the workers. The Article suggested possible Mob involvement and kickbacks. The Journalist Candace Snow is a fierce competitor and does not give at all under the questioning. It in fact seems to make her even more determined that some hidden agenda is happening.

At the same time, Blake and Wolcott, the firm he works for has lost some of its shine as a Top firm and has Duncan also working the pro bono case of a family being evicted from one of the tenements that is now being upgraded and owned by Roth Properties. Duncan has some concern that this could create a conflict of interest but is assured both by his mentor Steven  Blake as well as Simon Roth's daughter Leah that there is no conflict. Duncan works the Roth case by rote, researching information, filing information, putting together memos, and all the staid but important work that fills the company coffers through billable hours. He finds his mind occasionally straying to his other case involving a teenage boy Rafael and his grandmother. Rafael has been accused of smoking Pot and agreed to a plea bargain that was going to keep him out of jail and with his grandma. He denied quite vehemently that he ever had anything to do with drugs, but his court appointed attorney did not really care. With accepting the plea deal however he and his grandma are being evicted. Duncan has just won a stay on the eviction when one of the security guards for the building is murdered and a witness places Rafael as the murderer. Duncan is convinced that something is wrong and is planning to fight the case for Rafael. His firm slowly begins backing out and trying to pull the plug on the case, putting Duncan in a bad place, as he has promised to help Rafael and his Grandma. He is able to get the the testimony about gunshot residue being present on Rafael's hands thrown out of court based on expert testimony.  He then  is immediately encouraged to accept a plea bargain because all of a sudden Steven Blake has concerns about a conflict of interest. More people begin ending up dead and Duncan begins to wonder if his enemies are his friends and his friends and colleagues are actually his enemies. His world suddenly turns topsy turvey as he turns to Candace Snow as an ally. His job is no longer secure and the world as he knows it is no longer as absolute as he has always believed. This work brings to light the high stakes played out in the world of money and greed. Duncan and Candace become the hunted in this cat and mouse game of truth and justice. Who will win and who will escape with their life.

I found this book very slow at the beginning. I had to wade through lots of legalese which buried the beginning of the story and kept the book slow. About midway after establishing the ground rules the book really took off and became more interesting. I had a tough time and had to force myself in the beginning to keep on reading. I am glad I did as it was a good book and a great story.

Rated 3/5

I received this book as a free copy from Goodreads First Reads. I am not receiving any compensation and all opinions are my own based off my independent reading of this material.