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Recommend this book:
Unfair Discrimination
Mark Shaiken
2023 Gold Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
For some time, the Melanshin family has been buying up real estate in Meadowfield, but seems to have fallen on hard times recently; they have stopped making payments to their creditors. It does not sit well with Woody Clarke, who believes that Donnie and Lil Melanshin are deliberately reneging on their obligations, and he is prepared to use any means necessary to get the money owed. Clarke and the other creditors hire big-city lawyer Josephia Jillian Jones to aid their cause, who soon discovers that things are not as they appear in this rural community, where vengeance, bias, and racism run deep. She will need the best resources to win this case in Mark Shaiken’s Unfair Discrimination.
Mark Shaiken infuses the rich history of the American Civil War era into this modern-day tale, vividly bringing it to life. The characters are detailed and unique in their backstories and interactions with each other. The attention to detail relating to the lesser-known aspects of American social issues is informative; his injection of snippets of black history is blended smoothly into this intriguing storyline. Revenge-themed stories within rural communities have not looked this immersive to me for some time, and the courtroom antics of Clark and 3J added a refreshingly humorous touch to a story overwhelmingly oriented to legal processes. The pace is fluid and picks up as the climax approaches. Unfair Discrimination is a richly blended and enjoyable reading experience. Kudos to Shaiken for this impressive work.
For some time, the Melanshin family has been buying up real estate in Meadowfield, but seems to have fallen on hard times recently; they have stopped making payments to their creditors. It does not sit well with Woody Clarke, who believes that Donnie and Lil Melanshin are deliberately reneging on their obligations, and he is prepared to use any means necessary to get the money owed. Clarke and the other creditors hire big-city lawyer Josephia Jillian Jones to aid their cause, who soon discovers that things are not as they appear in this rural community, where vengeance, bias, and racism run deep. She will need the best resources to win this case in Mark Shaiken’s Unfair Discrimination.
Mark Shaiken infuses the rich history of the American Civil War era into this modern-day tale, vividly bringing it to life. The characters are detailed and unique in their backstories and interactions with each other. The attention to detail relating to the lesser-known aspects of American social issues is informative; his injection of snippets of black history is blended smoothly into this intriguing storyline. Revenge-themed stories within rural communities have not looked this immersive to me for some time, and the courtroom antics of Clark and 3J added a refreshingly humorous touch to a story overwhelmingly oriented to legal processes. The pace is fluid and picks up as the climax approaches. Unfair Discrimination is a richly blended and enjoyable reading experience. Kudos to Shaiken for this impressive work.
Recommend this book:
The Angel Theory
John Morelli
2023 Silver Medal
369 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The Angel Theory by John Morelli is about Bill Arena, a man disgusted with and depressed by the law. Now aged 55, he is in the middle of a crisis in his career, marriage, and supporting his children. An old friend from his high school, now a genius physicist, asks Bill for help. Peter Swanteck has made time travel possible, but using it might have unwanted consequences for the world. Peter convinces Bill to help him, and eventually, the control of the project is passed to Bill. With the time machine under his command, he opens Pandora’s box of chaos that slowly destroys his life and everyone around him. Bill Arena has to make a hard choice - destroy the machine before it can be used as a weapon or allow himself to be consumed by self-interest.
John Morelli’s The Angel Theory is an interesting, exciting, and well-written novel that hooks you from the start. While the narrative is partly science fiction with the element of time travel, Morelli grounds his narrative through its main protagonist - Bill Arena. Morelli zooms in on the vividly detailed world of Bill as he goes through various twists and turns that challenge his morals. His focus on characters rather than the quirks of time travel allows Morelli’s novel to expand organically. Through Bill, we realize that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and probably more complex than we think. This allowed me to engage in a what-if conversation with myself, giving me a better understanding of Morelli’s writing style. This is a cleverly written work that is a must-read for fans of science fiction and thriller narratives.
The Angel Theory by John Morelli is about Bill Arena, a man disgusted with and depressed by the law. Now aged 55, he is in the middle of a crisis in his career, marriage, and supporting his children. An old friend from his high school, now a genius physicist, asks Bill for help. Peter Swanteck has made time travel possible, but using it might have unwanted consequences for the world. Peter convinces Bill to help him, and eventually, the control of the project is passed to Bill. With the time machine under his command, he opens Pandora’s box of chaos that slowly destroys his life and everyone around him. Bill Arena has to make a hard choice - destroy the machine before it can be used as a weapon or allow himself to be consumed by self-interest.
John Morelli’s The Angel Theory is an interesting, exciting, and well-written novel that hooks you from the start. While the narrative is partly science fiction with the element of time travel, Morelli grounds his narrative through its main protagonist - Bill Arena. Morelli zooms in on the vividly detailed world of Bill as he goes through various twists and turns that challenge his morals. His focus on characters rather than the quirks of time travel allows Morelli’s novel to expand organically. Through Bill, we realize that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and probably more complex than we think. This allowed me to engage in a what-if conversation with myself, giving me a better understanding of Morelli’s writing style. This is a cleverly written work that is a must-read for fans of science fiction and thriller narratives.
Recommend this book:
The Hippocratic Deception
Susan Walberg
2023 Bronze Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Hippocratic Deception is a medical thriller by Susan Walberg. Justina Gonzales is applying for an internship at McIntyre, Jones, and Hancock. Justina has no experience and is ecstatic when she is offered a health law internship. A nurse shares her concern with Mother Marie that a drug diversion is going on and that many people may be involved. Justina is partnered with Frank, and her first assignment is investigating the complaint. When the compliance officer, Michelle, wants to do an audit, one of the doctors yells at her. Michelle disappears after she quits her job. A few employees are starting to disappear, and Mother Marie is threatened to withdraw the complaint. The doctors in the clinic do their best to thwart the investigation and Justina is not sure who she can trust anymore.
Susan Walberg took me on a rollercoaster ride in The Hippocratic Deception. It was fast-paced and full of action and suspense. I just kept turning the pages, unable to put it down; I was too afraid to miss anything. The plot is well-planned and executed. The storyline had my attention from the start and I was intrigued. The chapters alternated between Justina and Therese and flow into each other, The characters are authentic and relatable; they could be anyone I know. My favorite character was Justina because she is strong and knows what she wants out of life. The story is well-written and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what would happen next. The Hippocratic Deception far exceeded my expectations.
The Hippocratic Deception is a medical thriller by Susan Walberg. Justina Gonzales is applying for an internship at McIntyre, Jones, and Hancock. Justina has no experience and is ecstatic when she is offered a health law internship. A nurse shares her concern with Mother Marie that a drug diversion is going on and that many people may be involved. Justina is partnered with Frank, and her first assignment is investigating the complaint. When the compliance officer, Michelle, wants to do an audit, one of the doctors yells at her. Michelle disappears after she quits her job. A few employees are starting to disappear, and Mother Marie is threatened to withdraw the complaint. The doctors in the clinic do their best to thwart the investigation and Justina is not sure who she can trust anymore.
Susan Walberg took me on a rollercoaster ride in The Hippocratic Deception. It was fast-paced and full of action and suspense. I just kept turning the pages, unable to put it down; I was too afraid to miss anything. The plot is well-planned and executed. The storyline had my attention from the start and I was intrigued. The chapters alternated between Justina and Therese and flow into each other, The characters are authentic and relatable; they could be anyone I know. My favorite character was Justina because she is strong and knows what she wants out of life. The story is well-written and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what would happen next. The Hippocratic Deception far exceeded my expectations.
Recommend this book:
Occupational Hazard
An Al and Mick Forte Story
Alex S. Avitabile
2023 Honorable Mention
198 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite
Occupational Hazard by Alex S. Avitabile is the story of a lawyer named Al Forte who gets fired for all the right reasons, for standing up for fairness in the workplace. His boss, Gordon Gilbert, who is a control freak with too much influence and malice, despises Al for what he deems to be discord created by Al amongst the associates. Struggling to find his feet, mainly because Gilbert has badmouthed him to every potential employer, Al has no choice but to open his own firm with the help of his street-smart cousin, Mike, who knows everyone and has an immense influence on the wrong side of the tracks. Although Al wants to play it clean, he may need to cut corners and play just as dirty when he goes up against his former boss in a child maintenance lawsuit. There is no telling how dangerous it will get when both sides bring out all their forces to fight each other.
Occupational Hazard by Alex S. Avitabile is an entertaining, creative, and exciting story that explores two different but merging worlds. Avitabile explores the paradox of the legal fraternity in a fascinating narrative with intriguing characters that draw you in. Characters like Mike, who has no formal education and has friends in prison, helps his community and goes out of his way to help his cousin and a woman he doesn’t know without expecting anything in return, while the well-to-do lawyer and business owner Gordon Gilbert is influential, but treats people as disposable. On the other hand, Al is a lawyer who follows the rules, which gets him fired and eventually imprisoned. I enjoyed exploring these opposing themes, good and evil, and the characters who are layered and, therefore, interesting. The dialogue throughout the book is natural, persuasive, passionate, and humorous. Occupational Hazard is a well-written and intriguing narrative.
Occupational Hazard by Alex S. Avitabile is the story of a lawyer named Al Forte who gets fired for all the right reasons, for standing up for fairness in the workplace. His boss, Gordon Gilbert, who is a control freak with too much influence and malice, despises Al for what he deems to be discord created by Al amongst the associates. Struggling to find his feet, mainly because Gilbert has badmouthed him to every potential employer, Al has no choice but to open his own firm with the help of his street-smart cousin, Mike, who knows everyone and has an immense influence on the wrong side of the tracks. Although Al wants to play it clean, he may need to cut corners and play just as dirty when he goes up against his former boss in a child maintenance lawsuit. There is no telling how dangerous it will get when both sides bring out all their forces to fight each other.
Occupational Hazard by Alex S. Avitabile is an entertaining, creative, and exciting story that explores two different but merging worlds. Avitabile explores the paradox of the legal fraternity in a fascinating narrative with intriguing characters that draw you in. Characters like Mike, who has no formal education and has friends in prison, helps his community and goes out of his way to help his cousin and a woman he doesn’t know without expecting anything in return, while the well-to-do lawyer and business owner Gordon Gilbert is influential, but treats people as disposable. On the other hand, Al is a lawyer who follows the rules, which gets him fired and eventually imprisoned. I enjoyed exploring these opposing themes, good and evil, and the characters who are layered and, therefore, interesting. The dialogue throughout the book is natural, persuasive, passionate, and humorous. Occupational Hazard is a well-written and intriguing narrative.
Recommend this book:
Unlawful Games
Adam Klein
2023 Finalist
314 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Barely a day after being acquitted, David Flores made headlines after killing his wife and child. The reputable defense attorney for a New York law firm, Salvatore Amici, was having a hard time with the fact that he had helped acquit a murderer – David Flores. To his horror, Salvatore is asked by his seniors to represent Sean Lancaster, a city tycoon and philanthropist, in yet another murder case. Apparently, the tycoon had specifically asked for Salvatore to be his attorney. Sean Lancaster was being charged with the first-degree murder of his wife and three children, and two counts of sexual assault. Hesitantly taking the case, Salvatore finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his job, reputation, marriage, and life on the line. Why does Lancaster specifically ask for Salvatore as his attorney? Get yourself Adam Klein’s Unlawful Games to know more.
If you are looking for a mystery thriller legal novel laced with a gripping tale of nasty love affairs, family drama, betrayal, money, bribes, blackmail, prison life, courtroom drama, dirty secrets, and so much more, Adam Klein’s Unlawful Games is a must-read for you. Klein breathes life into the scenes with vivid depictions. The narration has a subtle tone to it. Klein forges an intriguing plot, with mind-blowing plot twists. I loved how tremendously dramatic the scenes were; this made the reading experience fun. Klein had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions in depicting the well-developed characters’ emotions. This allowed me to connect with the characters and understand them. Albeit egotistical, Salvatore is an emotionally sensitive, intelligent guy with a big heart and it broke my heart to see others taking advantage of that. Unlawful Games is a magnificent piece of work and I loved it. I have just added it to my favorites shelf. I am looking forward to reading more of Adam Klein’s work.
Barely a day after being acquitted, David Flores made headlines after killing his wife and child. The reputable defense attorney for a New York law firm, Salvatore Amici, was having a hard time with the fact that he had helped acquit a murderer – David Flores. To his horror, Salvatore is asked by his seniors to represent Sean Lancaster, a city tycoon and philanthropist, in yet another murder case. Apparently, the tycoon had specifically asked for Salvatore to be his attorney. Sean Lancaster was being charged with the first-degree murder of his wife and three children, and two counts of sexual assault. Hesitantly taking the case, Salvatore finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his job, reputation, marriage, and life on the line. Why does Lancaster specifically ask for Salvatore as his attorney? Get yourself Adam Klein’s Unlawful Games to know more.
If you are looking for a mystery thriller legal novel laced with a gripping tale of nasty love affairs, family drama, betrayal, money, bribes, blackmail, prison life, courtroom drama, dirty secrets, and so much more, Adam Klein’s Unlawful Games is a must-read for you. Klein breathes life into the scenes with vivid depictions. The narration has a subtle tone to it. Klein forges an intriguing plot, with mind-blowing plot twists. I loved how tremendously dramatic the scenes were; this made the reading experience fun. Klein had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions in depicting the well-developed characters’ emotions. This allowed me to connect with the characters and understand them. Albeit egotistical, Salvatore is an emotionally sensitive, intelligent guy with a big heart and it broke my heart to see others taking advantage of that. Unlawful Games is a magnificent piece of work and I loved it. I have just added it to my favorites shelf. I am looking forward to reading more of Adam Klein’s work.
Recommend this book:
From Shreds To Riches
David Fisher, Cal Orey
2022 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Based on factual events, From Shreds to Riches by David Fisher and Cal Orey is both a spectacle and a cautionary tale with a great deal of chutzpah. The story starts in the early seventies, where you find Scott Newman, aka Benjamin King, working in a posh office suite on the fortieth floor above Fifth Avenue. He loves his life as his work is working for him, unlike his father who was a blue-collar working stiff. Scott decided early in life that he will not die slaving for a low wage, so he founded Argon Industries, a light bulb telemarketing industry. But the empire that he built is about to be shattered - a battering ram blasted open the front door of his office when FBI agents raid Argon Industries, the beginning of an unforgettable sting. This is in connection to an ongoing investigation that accuses Scott and his partner, Doug Kaufman, of mail fraud and money laundering. This story will take you back into the past to trace the life of the most successful closer in the lightbulb telemarketing business and how he got into trouble.
Shreds to Riches is a rags to riches story that isn't short on thrills and intrigue. David Fisher and Cal Orey aren’t shy in creating antihero characters that you will love and understand. There will be plenty of times when you think of the moral aspects of the story yet at the same time feel that you are in no position to judge what drives Scott Newman. This is because the story is well-told in flashbacks that present the humble beginnings of the main protagonist. His rise to telemarketing power has that classic mob story feel to it, and the story becomes addictive in the way Newman deals with people and obstacles in ways that are either right or wrong. Perhaps what truly makes this story tick is that Newman is the representation of all of us—a representation that we perhaps are reluctant to reveal. It’s a powerful crime story, one that stares back at you as you turn the pages. If you love mob-style stories filled with energy, this one should be on your list.
Based on factual events, From Shreds to Riches by David Fisher and Cal Orey is both a spectacle and a cautionary tale with a great deal of chutzpah. The story starts in the early seventies, where you find Scott Newman, aka Benjamin King, working in a posh office suite on the fortieth floor above Fifth Avenue. He loves his life as his work is working for him, unlike his father who was a blue-collar working stiff. Scott decided early in life that he will not die slaving for a low wage, so he founded Argon Industries, a light bulb telemarketing industry. But the empire that he built is about to be shattered - a battering ram blasted open the front door of his office when FBI agents raid Argon Industries, the beginning of an unforgettable sting. This is in connection to an ongoing investigation that accuses Scott and his partner, Doug Kaufman, of mail fraud and money laundering. This story will take you back into the past to trace the life of the most successful closer in the lightbulb telemarketing business and how he got into trouble.
Shreds to Riches is a rags to riches story that isn't short on thrills and intrigue. David Fisher and Cal Orey aren’t shy in creating antihero characters that you will love and understand. There will be plenty of times when you think of the moral aspects of the story yet at the same time feel that you are in no position to judge what drives Scott Newman. This is because the story is well-told in flashbacks that present the humble beginnings of the main protagonist. His rise to telemarketing power has that classic mob story feel to it, and the story becomes addictive in the way Newman deals with people and obstacles in ways that are either right or wrong. Perhaps what truly makes this story tick is that Newman is the representation of all of us—a representation that we perhaps are reluctant to reveal. It’s a powerful crime story, one that stares back at you as you turn the pages. If you love mob-style stories filled with energy, this one should be on your list.
Recommend this book:
The Advocate's Labyrinth
The Advocate Series Book 12
Teresa Burrell
2022 Silver Medal
326 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When an attorney's aunt unexpectedly dies, she discovers her aunt's life was more complex than she realized in the legal mystery, The Advocate's Labyrinth: The Advocate Series Book 12 by Teresa Burrell. When attorney Sabre Brown's Aunt Goldie dies from a heart attack, she becomes the trustee to Goldie's estate. The very first thing Goldie charges her to do is hold off on telling her children of her demise and to change her locks. Believing Goldie has very few assets, Sabre can't believe her eyes when she unlocks her aunt's front door. Goldie was a hoarder, and as Sabre and her brother Ron sift through Goldie's belongings, they discover she had secrets few knew. While juggling her greedy, unpleasant cousins and the legal aspects of Goldie's estate, Sabre finds a few more surprising new elements in Goldie's life, substantially affecting the assets and their distribution. Can Sabre keep the peace long enough to fulfill her aunt's wishes? Can she protect Goldie's legacy?
The Advocate's Labyrinth is a riveting legal mystery depicting the difficulties and surprises a lawyer confronts while performing her duty. It is a brilliant novel with a complex plot and well-defined characters. Several intriguing and intense subplots thread through the storyline, creating a suspenseful and captivating book. The author, Teresa Burrell, did a magnificent job of intricately weaving them together, tying them off, and bringing the story to a satisfying and brilliant finish. Even though this is the twelfth book in a series, it does perfectly well as a standalone. Details and characters from previous books are flawlessly assimilated into the storyline. Even characters from the Tuper series have cameo roles in this book. Skillfully written, it is a sensational novel in an outstanding series. Everyone who enjoys mysteries that include the justice system will not want to miss this novel.
When an attorney's aunt unexpectedly dies, she discovers her aunt's life was more complex than she realized in the legal mystery, The Advocate's Labyrinth: The Advocate Series Book 12 by Teresa Burrell. When attorney Sabre Brown's Aunt Goldie dies from a heart attack, she becomes the trustee to Goldie's estate. The very first thing Goldie charges her to do is hold off on telling her children of her demise and to change her locks. Believing Goldie has very few assets, Sabre can't believe her eyes when she unlocks her aunt's front door. Goldie was a hoarder, and as Sabre and her brother Ron sift through Goldie's belongings, they discover she had secrets few knew. While juggling her greedy, unpleasant cousins and the legal aspects of Goldie's estate, Sabre finds a few more surprising new elements in Goldie's life, substantially affecting the assets and their distribution. Can Sabre keep the peace long enough to fulfill her aunt's wishes? Can she protect Goldie's legacy?
The Advocate's Labyrinth is a riveting legal mystery depicting the difficulties and surprises a lawyer confronts while performing her duty. It is a brilliant novel with a complex plot and well-defined characters. Several intriguing and intense subplots thread through the storyline, creating a suspenseful and captivating book. The author, Teresa Burrell, did a magnificent job of intricately weaving them together, tying them off, and bringing the story to a satisfying and brilliant finish. Even though this is the twelfth book in a series, it does perfectly well as a standalone. Details and characters from previous books are flawlessly assimilated into the storyline. Even characters from the Tuper series have cameo roles in this book. Skillfully written, it is a sensational novel in an outstanding series. Everyone who enjoys mysteries that include the justice system will not want to miss this novel.
Recommend this book:
 by Landis Wade is a historical fiction mystery that would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults who enjoy historical conspiracy novels. Chuck Yeager Alexander’s plans for an outing with his friend were destroyed when he found an ambulance parked in front of the Independence ...){kind=link}
Deadly Declarations
Landis Wade
2022 Bronze Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Deadly Declarations (An Indie Retirement Mystery) by Landis Wade is a historical fiction mystery that would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults who enjoy historical conspiracy novels. Chuck Yeager Alexander’s plans for an outing with his friend were destroyed when he found an ambulance parked in front of the Independence Retirement Community, taking away the body of his friend, the 96-year-old Mathew Collins. A brief confrontation with Sue Ellen Parker leads him to question his friend’s death. That decision motivates Chuck to examine the inconsistencies involved in his friend’s death.
Deadly Declarations (An Indie Retirement Mystery) by Landis Wade is a well-written book with an intriguing mystery. This is not just another murder investigation and the focus is less on explaining a death, but more on finding out what happened to the dead man’s missing manuscript and the authenticity of a handwritten will. The questionable will was made out on the day of the man’s death and left his estate to Sue Ellen Parker and not his granddaughter. I loved the way the author had modern-day mysteries blended with a historical puzzle in the form of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. I appreciated the way that elderly characters were used as main protagonists and not just as background figures. I enjoyed this book and I hope that the author decides to write more Indie Retirement Mysteries in the future!
Deadly Declarations (An Indie Retirement Mystery) by Landis Wade is a historical fiction mystery that would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults who enjoy historical conspiracy novels. Chuck Yeager Alexander’s plans for an outing with his friend were destroyed when he found an ambulance parked in front of the Independence Retirement Community, taking away the body of his friend, the 96-year-old Mathew Collins. A brief confrontation with Sue Ellen Parker leads him to question his friend’s death. That decision motivates Chuck to examine the inconsistencies involved in his friend’s death.
Deadly Declarations (An Indie Retirement Mystery) by Landis Wade is a well-written book with an intriguing mystery. This is not just another murder investigation and the focus is less on explaining a death, but more on finding out what happened to the dead man’s missing manuscript and the authenticity of a handwritten will. The questionable will was made out on the day of the man’s death and left his estate to Sue Ellen Parker and not his granddaughter. I loved the way the author had modern-day mysteries blended with a historical puzzle in the form of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. I appreciated the way that elderly characters were used as main protagonists and not just as background figures. I enjoyed this book and I hope that the author decides to write more Indie Retirement Mysteries in the future!
Recommend this book:
Hidden Behind the Robe
A Courthouse Thriller
Matt Graham
2022 Honorable Mention
312 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Hidden Behind The Robe by Matt Graham is a legal drama. Judge Dunning received an anonymous letter accusing Judge William Davis Hyde of sexual misconduct. The allegations stated he'd had sex with a court clerk in his chambers. Included in the message, the person stated they'd also had sex with the judge. Opening an investigation, Judge Dunning included human resources detective Ricardo Mijares, who consulted his esteemed colleague Judge Doreen Schultz. She advised Mijares to talk to the mail clerk, Mary Presley. After Mijares confirms who the author of the letter is, Judge Dunning orders cameras to be placed in the chambers of the judges, hoping to prove the allegations. An inept police officer sends out a mass email confirming the completion of the camera installation. Judge Hyde and several of his supporters condemn the action. The following day, Judge Dunning receives a threatening phone call. When he arrives at work, he receives an email proving his life will be altered.
Matt Graham detailed the emotional effects of criminal court cases by using Judge Dunning’s position. Media scenarios that are inaccurate, protestors with a misguided agenda, and social isolation from everyone could drive a person to insanity. While this is a fictional story, I have seen the same persecution by the media in trials like Kyle Rittenhouse and Derek Chauvin. The political agenda of elected officials is often the reason for scandals to surface. Dunning’s investigation threatened Hyde’s career. Labeling a person a racist is a surefire way to end someone’s career. I liked how the leads for Mijares and a student reporter opened before me. The ending was unpredictable, and the storyline was captivating. I would recommend Hidden Behind The Robe to readers who enjoy a suspense story with realistic scenarios in the justice system.
Hidden Behind The Robe by Matt Graham is a legal drama. Judge Dunning received an anonymous letter accusing Judge William Davis Hyde of sexual misconduct. The allegations stated he'd had sex with a court clerk in his chambers. Included in the message, the person stated they'd also had sex with the judge. Opening an investigation, Judge Dunning included human resources detective Ricardo Mijares, who consulted his esteemed colleague Judge Doreen Schultz. She advised Mijares to talk to the mail clerk, Mary Presley. After Mijares confirms who the author of the letter is, Judge Dunning orders cameras to be placed in the chambers of the judges, hoping to prove the allegations. An inept police officer sends out a mass email confirming the completion of the camera installation. Judge Hyde and several of his supporters condemn the action. The following day, Judge Dunning receives a threatening phone call. When he arrives at work, he receives an email proving his life will be altered.
Matt Graham detailed the emotional effects of criminal court cases by using Judge Dunning’s position. Media scenarios that are inaccurate, protestors with a misguided agenda, and social isolation from everyone could drive a person to insanity. While this is a fictional story, I have seen the same persecution by the media in trials like Kyle Rittenhouse and Derek Chauvin. The political agenda of elected officials is often the reason for scandals to surface. Dunning’s investigation threatened Hyde’s career. Labeling a person a racist is a surefire way to end someone’s career. I liked how the leads for Mijares and a student reporter opened before me. The ending was unpredictable, and the storyline was captivating. I would recommend Hidden Behind The Robe to readers who enjoy a suspense story with realistic scenarios in the justice system.
Recommend this book:
Betrayal at the Border
A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller
Mark M. Bello
2022 Finalist
334 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Miguel and Mary Carmen Gonzalez emigrated from Venezuela to Lincoln Park, a suburb of Detroit, in 2011. They have two children, 9 and 7 years old, and both work in a nearby plant. Although they entered the country legally, they never sought citizenship due to their fears about governmental authority. Canan and Karim Izaly are naturalized citizens of America; they were from Kurdistan and citizens of Syria. They fled their home in 2014 when ISIS came to their city. Although Karim had many concerns about Canan’s insistence in taking their young daughter to meet her relatives, he eventually relented. He called upon a friend to escort Canan and their daughter from the airport to their hometown. Both scenarios resulted in major immigration cases. Attorney Marshall Mann, a partner in Blake’s firm, is an immigration law expert and led the defense in both cases. These cases are featured in the novel, Betrayal at the Border, written by Mark M. Bello.
The storyline in this seventh book in the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller series has many compelling features. Mark M. Bello writes in a fast-paced manner, filled with exciting and intriguing moments. He also includes constitutional and legal information in easy-to-understand terms. The characters are developed in balanced ways. For example, although Zach Blake likes the publicity he receives, he is a strong advocate for human rights, his clients’ well-being and is generous in supporting their causes. Author Mark M. Bello skillfully depicts two aspects of American immigration laws in Betrayal at the Border. The book is engaging and informative – an exceptional legal thriller.
Miguel and Mary Carmen Gonzalez emigrated from Venezuela to Lincoln Park, a suburb of Detroit, in 2011. They have two children, 9 and 7 years old, and both work in a nearby plant. Although they entered the country legally, they never sought citizenship due to their fears about governmental authority. Canan and Karim Izaly are naturalized citizens of America; they were from Kurdistan and citizens of Syria. They fled their home in 2014 when ISIS came to their city. Although Karim had many concerns about Canan’s insistence in taking their young daughter to meet her relatives, he eventually relented. He called upon a friend to escort Canan and their daughter from the airport to their hometown. Both scenarios resulted in major immigration cases. Attorney Marshall Mann, a partner in Blake’s firm, is an immigration law expert and led the defense in both cases. These cases are featured in the novel, Betrayal at the Border, written by Mark M. Bello.
The storyline in this seventh book in the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller series has many compelling features. Mark M. Bello writes in a fast-paced manner, filled with exciting and intriguing moments. He also includes constitutional and legal information in easy-to-understand terms. The characters are developed in balanced ways. For example, although Zach Blake likes the publicity he receives, he is a strong advocate for human rights, his clients’ well-being and is generous in supporting their causes. Author Mark M. Bello skillfully depicts two aspects of American immigration laws in Betrayal at the Border. The book is engaging and informative – an exceptional legal thriller.
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