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Recommend this book:
Automatic Stay
Mark Shaiken
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
COVID-19 decimated the entertainment and hospitality sectors and with regard to the human body and enterprises that can only function if they are up and running, nobody and nothing was immune. In Automatic Stay by Mark Shaiken, a reader is shown the aftermath of the pandemic from an angle a lot of individuals don't know anything about, which is legal bankruptcy. Shaiken's main character is a bankruptcy lawyer named Josephina “3J” Jillian Jones in Kansas City. Her clients come to her after negotiations to resettle a loan privately fail with a man to whom they owe millions. Bankruptcy restructuring is a complex speciality that 3J understands and successfully petitions for professionally. The business owners are the Rapinoes and the lender is Phillip Dewey, whose success and understanding at successfully thwarting clients' attempts to bankrupt and short-change him means 3J is up for the fight of her career.
Automatic Stay is the second legal thriller I've read by Mark Shaiken that features 3J, the first being Fresh Start. I have an advantage that other readers possibly do not as a career Justice Department legal shark with a background in economics. I share this only to highlight that I can tell when an author is padding a story with legal maneuvers and jargon that do not exist. Shaiken is not one of those writers and the result is a story that neither requires too much suspension of disbelief and is also engrossing. The prose is clean and frequently elegant and the pacing is pitch perfect. I was also struck by the maturation of Shaiken's writing and being able to see an author grow in their work from the start makes me feel like I am a part of their journey. Fresh Start was impressive; Automatic Stay is remarkable. I look forward to the next 3J legal adventure and what comes next from the mind of a skilled author.
COVID-19 decimated the entertainment and hospitality sectors and with regard to the human body and enterprises that can only function if they are up and running, nobody and nothing was immune. In Automatic Stay by Mark Shaiken, a reader is shown the aftermath of the pandemic from an angle a lot of individuals don't know anything about, which is legal bankruptcy. Shaiken's main character is a bankruptcy lawyer named Josephina “3J” Jillian Jones in Kansas City. Her clients come to her after negotiations to resettle a loan privately fail with a man to whom they owe millions. Bankruptcy restructuring is a complex speciality that 3J understands and successfully petitions for professionally. The business owners are the Rapinoes and the lender is Phillip Dewey, whose success and understanding at successfully thwarting clients' attempts to bankrupt and short-change him means 3J is up for the fight of her career.
Automatic Stay is the second legal thriller I've read by Mark Shaiken that features 3J, the first being Fresh Start. I have an advantage that other readers possibly do not as a career Justice Department legal shark with a background in economics. I share this only to highlight that I can tell when an author is padding a story with legal maneuvers and jargon that do not exist. Shaiken is not one of those writers and the result is a story that neither requires too much suspension of disbelief and is also engrossing. The prose is clean and frequently elegant and the pacing is pitch perfect. I was also struck by the maturation of Shaiken's writing and being able to see an author grow in their work from the start makes me feel like I am a part of their journey. Fresh Start was impressive; Automatic Stay is remarkable. I look forward to the next 3J legal adventure and what comes next from the mind of a skilled author.
Recommend this book:
Fetch Me a Hangman
R. G. Ashcroft
2022 Silver Medal
287 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
Fetch Me a Hangman by R. G. Ashcroft is set in Clayton County in 2014. Mayor Reynold Ford and his wife Katrina have two children, Hillary and Katherine. When tragedy strikes the family, Brandeis Fields, Esq. is assigned to defend the accused, Aaron Tait. Sheriff Randy Stiner collects evidence against Aaron but could have been misdirected. With the help of attorney Bill Williams as co-counsel, Brandeis interviews witnesses who may prove his client innocent. His assistant Janet, wife Adair, daughter Becca, and son Peter may also unwittingly provide information pertaining to the case. Brandeis and Reynold have an unpleasant history which may impact Aaron’s case if Brandeis cannot remain objective. Aaron has no option but to put his faith in the very legal system that could count against him.
Fetch Me a Hangman is a thrilling, suspenseful story filled with mystery and intrigue. Author R. G. Ashcroft has created a novel second to none. The characters are well defined and easy to relate to, from old Ms. Twigg to Judge McConnell. The story is filled with twists and turns as Brandeis uncovers layer upon layer of surprising evidence both for and against his client. Ashcroft keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end trying to predict the outcome of the court case. The scenes and locations are beautifully depicted, especially the parks and stately homes. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Ashcroft portrays Brandeis and his sense of humor, as well as his “down-to-earth” old-school persona. All-round, a fantastic novel highly recommended to everyone.
Fetch Me a Hangman by R. G. Ashcroft is set in Clayton County in 2014. Mayor Reynold Ford and his wife Katrina have two children, Hillary and Katherine. When tragedy strikes the family, Brandeis Fields, Esq. is assigned to defend the accused, Aaron Tait. Sheriff Randy Stiner collects evidence against Aaron but could have been misdirected. With the help of attorney Bill Williams as co-counsel, Brandeis interviews witnesses who may prove his client innocent. His assistant Janet, wife Adair, daughter Becca, and son Peter may also unwittingly provide information pertaining to the case. Brandeis and Reynold have an unpleasant history which may impact Aaron’s case if Brandeis cannot remain objective. Aaron has no option but to put his faith in the very legal system that could count against him.
Fetch Me a Hangman is a thrilling, suspenseful story filled with mystery and intrigue. Author R. G. Ashcroft has created a novel second to none. The characters are well defined and easy to relate to, from old Ms. Twigg to Judge McConnell. The story is filled with twists and turns as Brandeis uncovers layer upon layer of surprising evidence both for and against his client. Ashcroft keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end trying to predict the outcome of the court case. The scenes and locations are beautifully depicted, especially the parks and stately homes. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Ashcroft portrays Brandeis and his sense of humor, as well as his “down-to-earth” old-school persona. All-round, a fantastic novel highly recommended to everyone.
Recommend this book:
You Have The Right to Remain Silent
Zachary Blake Legal Thriller # 8
Mark M. Bello
2022 Gold Medal
398 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
You Have The Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello is the eighth book in the Zachary Blake legal thriller series. Mia Folger, a popular talk show host, doesn’t get on with her husband anymore, Congressman Bradley Crawford, and is in therapy. When Crawford's dismembered body is found, Mia comes under the spotlight as the primary suspect. Her therapist believes she is innocent and recommends Zachary Blake, a top defense attorney to defend her against the charge of murder. However, Mia went into catatonic shock when she found Crawford's body and cannot help Zack prepare her defense. It’s up to Zack and investigator Micah Love to crack the case and that's where Shari Belitz, a top jury consultant comes in. It's their job to disprove the evidence but Zack doesn’t think he needs Shari's help. Shadows in the background, evil figures, are looking to ensure that Mia goes down for the crime and it's up to the team to find the evidence to clear Mia and discover the real killer in the process.
I have not read any of the others in this series but You Have the Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello has made me want to read them all. This is more than just your standard legal thriller. With twists and turns all the way, and some tough, cocky characters, nothing is as you expect. The characters are wonderfully developed; unique, real people that we can all relate to on some level. The plot is ingenious, very cleverly written, with each twist leading you closer to an explosive ending. Throw in some psychotic, evil characters to bounce off the rest, and you have the perfect legal thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you won't put this book down until you're done. A gripping story, ideal for all fans of the legal world and social justice.
You Have The Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello is the eighth book in the Zachary Blake legal thriller series. Mia Folger, a popular talk show host, doesn’t get on with her husband anymore, Congressman Bradley Crawford, and is in therapy. When Crawford's dismembered body is found, Mia comes under the spotlight as the primary suspect. Her therapist believes she is innocent and recommends Zachary Blake, a top defense attorney to defend her against the charge of murder. However, Mia went into catatonic shock when she found Crawford's body and cannot help Zack prepare her defense. It’s up to Zack and investigator Micah Love to crack the case and that's where Shari Belitz, a top jury consultant comes in. It's their job to disprove the evidence but Zack doesn’t think he needs Shari's help. Shadows in the background, evil figures, are looking to ensure that Mia goes down for the crime and it's up to the team to find the evidence to clear Mia and discover the real killer in the process.
I have not read any of the others in this series but You Have the Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello has made me want to read them all. This is more than just your standard legal thriller. With twists and turns all the way, and some tough, cocky characters, nothing is as you expect. The characters are wonderfully developed; unique, real people that we can all relate to on some level. The plot is ingenious, very cleverly written, with each twist leading you closer to an explosive ending. Throw in some psychotic, evil characters to bounce off the rest, and you have the perfect legal thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you won't put this book down until you're done. A gripping story, ideal for all fans of the legal world and social justice.
Recommend this book:
The Advocate's Killer
The Advocate Series Book 11
Teresa Burrell
2021 Gold Medal
317 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
The Advocate’s Killer is a work of fiction in the legal and mystery genres, the eleventh title in The Advocate series and suitable for all ages. The book was penned by Teresa Burrell. The book follows the journey of a talented attorney named Sabre Brown as she becomes entangled in the dangerous pursuit of a killer who is targeting people from Sabre’s past, one by one. As the threat toward Sabre and her loved ones escalates, she and her private investigator must race to discover the identity of the stalker before she becomes another victim.
Author Teresa Burrell delivers a captivating murder mystery tale that follows Sabre O. Brown and JP as they chase down a stalker against the clock. One of the things that resonated with me the most in this novel was the three-dimensional and fully fleshed-out characters. Every character, from Sabre and JP to characters that only appeared briefly, felt like they were fully realized characters, making all the characters feel relatable. Burrell has a great mind for creating an atmosphere that builds tension and offers clues to the mystery through the dialogue used, and the way each setting and character is described. This is the first book in the series I had the pleasure of reading, and it gave me an appetite for more. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series. I would highly recommend The Advocate's Killer to anyone who enjoys mystery novels, thrillers, and character-centric stories.
The Advocate’s Killer is a work of fiction in the legal and mystery genres, the eleventh title in The Advocate series and suitable for all ages. The book was penned by Teresa Burrell. The book follows the journey of a talented attorney named Sabre Brown as she becomes entangled in the dangerous pursuit of a killer who is targeting people from Sabre’s past, one by one. As the threat toward Sabre and her loved ones escalates, she and her private investigator must race to discover the identity of the stalker before she becomes another victim.
Author Teresa Burrell delivers a captivating murder mystery tale that follows Sabre O. Brown and JP as they chase down a stalker against the clock. One of the things that resonated with me the most in this novel was the three-dimensional and fully fleshed-out characters. Every character, from Sabre and JP to characters that only appeared briefly, felt like they were fully realized characters, making all the characters feel relatable. Burrell has a great mind for creating an atmosphere that builds tension and offers clues to the mystery through the dialogue used, and the way each setting and character is described. This is the first book in the series I had the pleasure of reading, and it gave me an appetite for more. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series. I would highly recommend The Advocate's Killer to anyone who enjoys mystery novels, thrillers, and character-centric stories.
Recommend this book:
Supreme Betrayal
Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series # 6
Mark M. Bello
2021 Silver Medal
279 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
In August 1997, Hayley Larson, a 16-year-old teen who usually followed her parents’ rules, decided it was time to break a few. She went with her friends to a lakefront mansion where alcohol, drugs, and sex were plentiful. The wealthy parents were out of town, and their sons were known for their wild parties. When Hayley needed to use the bathroom, she was sexually assaulted by the 22-year-old college son, Oliver Wilkinson, and his friend, Shane Marbury. Although she reported the assault, no legal actions were taken. Fast forward to 2020 – Oliver Wilkinson is now the Republicans' choice for the next Supreme Court justice. When attorney Zachary Blake was approached by Hayley and her husband to bring this incident to light, he gladly takes the case. In the legal thriller, Supreme Betrayal, Mark M. Bello crafts an exciting plot with many twists and turns.
This story takes place in the Detroit area where Hayley and Zachary live, as well as in Washington, DC. The Senate hearings are filled with surprising moments as Oliver and his cohorts take every step imaginable for confirmation. While the cast of characters is large, each person has a well-developed, distinctive personality. Zachary Blake is a brilliant and complex personality – sometimes compassionate and other times disparaging. His private investigator Micah is hard-working and perceptive. Clare Gibson, who is in charge of the FBI investigation, is a strong advocate for the truth. The pace of the story is fast, and a reader cannot put the book down until the ending is revealed. Author Mark M. Bello captures the current political climate with an adventurous twist in the novel, Supreme Betrayal. A great read!
In August 1997, Hayley Larson, a 16-year-old teen who usually followed her parents’ rules, decided it was time to break a few. She went with her friends to a lakefront mansion where alcohol, drugs, and sex were plentiful. The wealthy parents were out of town, and their sons were known for their wild parties. When Hayley needed to use the bathroom, she was sexually assaulted by the 22-year-old college son, Oliver Wilkinson, and his friend, Shane Marbury. Although she reported the assault, no legal actions were taken. Fast forward to 2020 – Oliver Wilkinson is now the Republicans' choice for the next Supreme Court justice. When attorney Zachary Blake was approached by Hayley and her husband to bring this incident to light, he gladly takes the case. In the legal thriller, Supreme Betrayal, Mark M. Bello crafts an exciting plot with many twists and turns.
This story takes place in the Detroit area where Hayley and Zachary live, as well as in Washington, DC. The Senate hearings are filled with surprising moments as Oliver and his cohorts take every step imaginable for confirmation. While the cast of characters is large, each person has a well-developed, distinctive personality. Zachary Blake is a brilliant and complex personality – sometimes compassionate and other times disparaging. His private investigator Micah is hard-working and perceptive. Clare Gibson, who is in charge of the FBI investigation, is a strong advocate for the truth. The pace of the story is fast, and a reader cannot put the book down until the ending is revealed. Author Mark M. Bello captures the current political climate with an adventurous twist in the novel, Supreme Betrayal. A great read!
Recommend this book:
The Obituary Writer
A Murder Novel
Patrick Oster
2021 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Obituary Writer: A Murder Novel by Patrick Oster is a murder mystery with an unusual hero and unsuspecting circumstances. The Year of the Dog was supposed to be a good one for Wallace McRae, a.k.a. Mack, but it isn't so far. He used to be an award-winning investigative journalist, but now he lives in a bad apartment, his wife is dying, and he hates his obituary writing job. Mack’s work doesn’t have the usual spark until his boss tells him that a famous chemist, Dieter von Gehlen, has died. Surprised, Mack finds out that the cause of death was suicide, whereas he knows von Gehlen would never take his own life. Spurred on by this knowledge and the thirst to get back to his roots, Mack gets the green light from his boss to investigate the death and find out what really happened. His boss will get a juicy story out of it and Mack will redeem himself. However, the more he dives deeper into von Gehlen’s death, the creepier it becomes. He has to overcome threats and danger to find the truth. But it is all child’s play for Mack, isn’t it?
If you are looking for an entertaining story with an intense plot and a murder mystery that you will not be able to predict, The Obituary Writer is perfect for you. Mack is a well-rounded character that fits his description exceptionally well. He is cynical yet smart, which is the perfect combination for a hero for this story. He is driven enough to investigate how von Gehlen died yet not out of his mind to go guns blazing into a situation he knew nothing about. Helen’s life and her progress worked as his catalyst to do better, but it was his need to be satisfied with his life that drew to him to make some decisions for himself. I enjoyed the mystery behind the death, how the author fed the readers clues and made them uncover the mystery along with Mack. Reading this book was a sensory and visual experience. To say I loved it would not be enough!
The Obituary Writer: A Murder Novel by Patrick Oster is a murder mystery with an unusual hero and unsuspecting circumstances. The Year of the Dog was supposed to be a good one for Wallace McRae, a.k.a. Mack, but it isn't so far. He used to be an award-winning investigative journalist, but now he lives in a bad apartment, his wife is dying, and he hates his obituary writing job. Mack’s work doesn’t have the usual spark until his boss tells him that a famous chemist, Dieter von Gehlen, has died. Surprised, Mack finds out that the cause of death was suicide, whereas he knows von Gehlen would never take his own life. Spurred on by this knowledge and the thirst to get back to his roots, Mack gets the green light from his boss to investigate the death and find out what really happened. His boss will get a juicy story out of it and Mack will redeem himself. However, the more he dives deeper into von Gehlen’s death, the creepier it becomes. He has to overcome threats and danger to find the truth. But it is all child’s play for Mack, isn’t it?
If you are looking for an entertaining story with an intense plot and a murder mystery that you will not be able to predict, The Obituary Writer is perfect for you. Mack is a well-rounded character that fits his description exceptionally well. He is cynical yet smart, which is the perfect combination for a hero for this story. He is driven enough to investigate how von Gehlen died yet not out of his mind to go guns blazing into a situation he knew nothing about. Helen’s life and her progress worked as his catalyst to do better, but it was his need to be satisfied with his life that drew to him to make some decisions for himself. I enjoyed the mystery behind the death, how the author fed the readers clues and made them uncover the mystery along with Mack. Reading this book was a sensory and visual experience. To say I loved it would not be enough!
Recommend this book:
Coldwater Revenge
James A. Ross
2021 Finalist
292 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Coldwater Revenge by James A. Ross is a crime thriller set in 2002. A bio-research company is about to declare bankruptcy but they agree to act as a go-between for a quick payout. Their job is to pass on anonymous shipments containing Petri dishes, powders, and vials – what could go wrong? When a corpse appears in a lake, things start to spiral out of control, especially when a deadly toxin is revealed in the autopsy. Tom Morgan has returned home for a vacation but when the body turns out to be a local, someone he knew, his vacation is over. Joining the sheriff, his brother, he sets out to find the killer. But things are never that straightforward and old secrets are about to be revealed. Can the brothers hold it together long enough to find the killer or will mistrust come between them?
Coldwater Revenge by James A. Ross is an excellent thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s not just about murder; it’s about family and friends, loyalty and trust, and what happens when age-old secrets rear their ugly heads and threaten relationships. There are some wonderfully developed characters, people you come to know and love and root for all the way through. The plot is unique, with several subplots winding their way through the main one but everything ties together neatly. This is a fast-paced, gritty novel that will grip you from the start, with plenty of twists and turns to throw you off the scent – you’ll be kept guessing all the way to the very end with this one.
Coldwater Revenge by James A. Ross is a crime thriller set in 2002. A bio-research company is about to declare bankruptcy but they agree to act as a go-between for a quick payout. Their job is to pass on anonymous shipments containing Petri dishes, powders, and vials – what could go wrong? When a corpse appears in a lake, things start to spiral out of control, especially when a deadly toxin is revealed in the autopsy. Tom Morgan has returned home for a vacation but when the body turns out to be a local, someone he knew, his vacation is over. Joining the sheriff, his brother, he sets out to find the killer. But things are never that straightforward and old secrets are about to be revealed. Can the brothers hold it together long enough to find the killer or will mistrust come between them?
Coldwater Revenge by James A. Ross is an excellent thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s not just about murder; it’s about family and friends, loyalty and trust, and what happens when age-old secrets rear their ugly heads and threaten relationships. There are some wonderfully developed characters, people you come to know and love and root for all the way through. The plot is unique, with several subplots winding their way through the main one but everything ties together neatly. This is a fast-paced, gritty novel that will grip you from the start, with plenty of twists and turns to throw you off the scent – you’ll be kept guessing all the way to the very end with this one.
Recommend this book:
Ready For The People
Hank Fisher Mysteries
Mike Langan
2020 Finalist
276 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ready For The People is a mystery set in the world of law, penned by author Mike Langan. Forming another episode in the Hank Fisher Mysteries series, the story finds the central character recovering from the chaos and destruction which his last case caused him. Now, Hank makes a decision to turn his talents to white-collar crime, sniffing out corruption and scandal. As he’s trying to figure out this new direction in his life, however, an opportunity presents itself from a very unlikely source, and Hank’s situation means that he can hardly refuse ... even if terror, secrecy and his very life may be at stake if he fails.
Author Mike Langan crafts an excellent mystery which combines many enjoyable elements and crosses different action and adventure genres to add to the experience for the reader. Fans of standard crime fiction, terrorism thrillers, mysteries of all kinds and intense personal dramas are all sure to find something in the excellent wordplay and close narration which Langan exhibits throughout his tale. The plot is fast-paced, racing through exciting discoveries and dangerous moments, but also skilfully pausing to build tension and give exposition just at the moments it is most needed. Another thing I particularly enjoyed was Langan’s close attention to his central character, Hank, who feels fully realized by the novel’s end and becomes a hero you have really connected with deeply. Overall, Ready For The People is a fantastic multi-layered mystery with lots to offer fans looking for their next investigation.
Ready For The People is a mystery set in the world of law, penned by author Mike Langan. Forming another episode in the Hank Fisher Mysteries series, the story finds the central character recovering from the chaos and destruction which his last case caused him. Now, Hank makes a decision to turn his talents to white-collar crime, sniffing out corruption and scandal. As he’s trying to figure out this new direction in his life, however, an opportunity presents itself from a very unlikely source, and Hank’s situation means that he can hardly refuse ... even if terror, secrecy and his very life may be at stake if he fails.
Author Mike Langan crafts an excellent mystery which combines many enjoyable elements and crosses different action and adventure genres to add to the experience for the reader. Fans of standard crime fiction, terrorism thrillers, mysteries of all kinds and intense personal dramas are all sure to find something in the excellent wordplay and close narration which Langan exhibits throughout his tale. The plot is fast-paced, racing through exciting discoveries and dangerous moments, but also skilfully pausing to build tension and give exposition just at the moments it is most needed. Another thing I particularly enjoyed was Langan’s close attention to his central character, Hank, who feels fully realized by the novel’s end and becomes a hero you have really connected with deeply. Overall, Ready For The People is a fantastic multi-layered mystery with lots to offer fans looking for their next investigation.
Recommend this book:
Maximilian's Treasure
James D. Bell
2020 Bronze Medal
354 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Maximillian’s Treasure is an exciting legal drama tale by James D. Bell. Law partners John Brooks and Jackson Bradley assumed saving the farm for their Choctaw Indian client, Frank Dalton, would be easy. That was before they realized how desperate and dangerous some people were to get the farm for its ancient treasure. While attending a Dalton function, shooters kill Frank’s uncle. Dalton seeks revenge and is later arrested for the shooters' murders. A painting of hummingbirds found in Frank’s home by Karen, John’s secretary, holds the secret to the treasure. Jackson takes a vacation in the Caribbean, unaware that he’s being followed by ruthless killers and a beautiful vixen who always gets what she desires. John wonders how the defense team always knows what he’s doing and is surprised when he learns how.
“It’s legal because I wish it.” Attorney-at-law and author, James D. Bell will keep you enthralled with his novel, Maximillian’s Treasure. It is steeped in romance, never-ending action, and exciting adventures looking for the treasure of Emperor Maximillian 1 of Mexico, as well as being a very entertaining courtroom drama. Readers will be flipping from one main drama to another without being confused since the author is an expert at intertwining the stories with satisfying outcomes. There were times I thought John was too trusting and gullible, but he proved me wrong, especially in the courtroom. There are light Christian undertones in the plot that made reading it even more pleasant. The book cover is also amazing, just like Maximillian’s Treasure.
Maximillian’s Treasure is an exciting legal drama tale by James D. Bell. Law partners John Brooks and Jackson Bradley assumed saving the farm for their Choctaw Indian client, Frank Dalton, would be easy. That was before they realized how desperate and dangerous some people were to get the farm for its ancient treasure. While attending a Dalton function, shooters kill Frank’s uncle. Dalton seeks revenge and is later arrested for the shooters' murders. A painting of hummingbirds found in Frank’s home by Karen, John’s secretary, holds the secret to the treasure. Jackson takes a vacation in the Caribbean, unaware that he’s being followed by ruthless killers and a beautiful vixen who always gets what she desires. John wonders how the defense team always knows what he’s doing and is surprised when he learns how.
“It’s legal because I wish it.” Attorney-at-law and author, James D. Bell will keep you enthralled with his novel, Maximillian’s Treasure. It is steeped in romance, never-ending action, and exciting adventures looking for the treasure of Emperor Maximillian 1 of Mexico, as well as being a very entertaining courtroom drama. Readers will be flipping from one main drama to another without being confused since the author is an expert at intertwining the stories with satisfying outcomes. There were times I thought John was too trusting and gullible, but he proved me wrong, especially in the courtroom. There are light Christian undertones in the plot that made reading it even more pleasant. The book cover is also amazing, just like Maximillian’s Treasure.
Recommend this book:
Betrayal in Black
A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller
Mark M. Bello
2020 Silver Medal
279 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
If you’re a fan of courtroom procedurals, you can always count on Mark M. Bello to provide you with a detailed look at what usually only the lawyers, the judges, the accused, the jurors, and the immediate families witness. In Betrayal in Black, Bello brings us face to face with one of today’s hottest topics: the racial divide in America, when a white cop pulls over a car with a law-abiding black family inside and in a moment of panic shoots and kills the father in front of his wife and children. What follows is a step-by-step accounting of the hours following the shooting i.e. local police procuring details of the incident, the heartbreaking reactions of the victim’s wife, the media frenzy to be the first to scoop the story, and as in the recent real-life case of the horrific and unnecessary death of George Floyd, the subsequent protests.
In Betrayal in Black, the devastated widow hires a high-profile trial lawyer, Zachary Blake, to represent her in a civil suit. While awaiting the Grand Jury’s decision on whether to indict him, the suspended cop agonizes over his personal culpability while his fellow police officers deal with their own conflicting feelings regarding the shooting. Readers are enlightened on the legal implications and are emotionally moved by what all the key players, including Zachary Blake, are feeling and thinking. Once the case hits the courtroom, we see in precise detail how lawyers win and lose cases. That, for me, is one of the best things about reading a novel by Mark Bello. In typical Bello fashion, apart from an interesting story, expect to also get Bello’s own thoughts on racism through the words and actions of his characters. It’s a clever way to give readers more to think about than just the plot. Bello uses dialogue, for the most part, to move his story along, resulting in a quick read that comes to a satisfying close. Mark Bello’s legal fiction fans will no doubt enjoy Betrayal in Black as much as his several previous books. Indulge yourselves!
If you’re a fan of courtroom procedurals, you can always count on Mark M. Bello to provide you with a detailed look at what usually only the lawyers, the judges, the accused, the jurors, and the immediate families witness. In Betrayal in Black, Bello brings us face to face with one of today’s hottest topics: the racial divide in America, when a white cop pulls over a car with a law-abiding black family inside and in a moment of panic shoots and kills the father in front of his wife and children. What follows is a step-by-step accounting of the hours following the shooting i.e. local police procuring details of the incident, the heartbreaking reactions of the victim’s wife, the media frenzy to be the first to scoop the story, and as in the recent real-life case of the horrific and unnecessary death of George Floyd, the subsequent protests.
In Betrayal in Black, the devastated widow hires a high-profile trial lawyer, Zachary Blake, to represent her in a civil suit. While awaiting the Grand Jury’s decision on whether to indict him, the suspended cop agonizes over his personal culpability while his fellow police officers deal with their own conflicting feelings regarding the shooting. Readers are enlightened on the legal implications and are emotionally moved by what all the key players, including Zachary Blake, are feeling and thinking. Once the case hits the courtroom, we see in precise detail how lawyers win and lose cases. That, for me, is one of the best things about reading a novel by Mark Bello. In typical Bello fashion, apart from an interesting story, expect to also get Bello’s own thoughts on racism through the words and actions of his characters. It’s a clever way to give readers more to think about than just the plot. Bello uses dialogue, for the most part, to move his story along, resulting in a quick read that comes to a satisfying close. Mark Bello’s legal fiction fans will no doubt enjoy Betrayal in Black as much as his several previous books. Indulge yourselves!
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