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Betrayal at the Border
A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller
Mark M. Bello
2022 Finalist
293 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.
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:
 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:
The Advocate's Labyrinth
The Advocate Series Book 12
Teresa Burrell
2022 Silver Medal
283 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:
From Shreds To Riches
David Fisher, Cal Orey
2022 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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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:
Death of a Rancher's Daughter
#2 In The Lady Lawyer Mysteries
Susan P. Baker
2021 Silver Medal
416 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Death of a Rancher's Daughter: #2 In The Lady Lawyer Mysteries by Susan P. Baker is an intriguing legal mystery that will keep you in suspense until the end. This second offering in the series has lawyer-of-a-certain-age Sandra Salinsky representing a Latina who allegedly shot the rancher's daughter, a twin. This gripping scenario takes place in Texas Hill County in a small town, revealing racism and murder, and culminates in a jury trial that will satisfy legal drama fans everywhere. Along with her attorney/mother, Sandra watches the wheels of white privilege turn.
Baker has formulated the perfectly satisfying legal suspense novel in this one. You'll appreciate the author's legal prowess, and there is a reason for that: Baker is a retired Texas judge, which lends an impressive realism to the story you don't find with some other crime dramas. I really enjoy the characters of Sandra and her mother--a unique criminal defense team to say the least, and a combination that is fresh and inviting. Their clashes seem natural. Melinda is a great character as well, as are the others that enter the picture, especially the sympathetic defendant, Rufina.
The plot that the author has built is gripping from the beginning, and you may think you have things figured out and know how the story will play out, but there are some surprises. I like how the themes of racism and phobias are used, which definitely infiltrates the legal system as well as any other. The plot is well-paced and inviting, the characters and situations convincing, and you get the feeling this author really enjoys entertaining you from a legal but also a personal aspect. If you're up for a bumpy ride through a gritty Texas murder trial, buckle your seatbelts and check out Death of a Rancher's Daughter by Susan P. Baker.
Death of a Rancher's Daughter: #2 In The Lady Lawyer Mysteries by Susan P. Baker is an intriguing legal mystery that will keep you in suspense until the end. This second offering in the series has lawyer-of-a-certain-age Sandra Salinsky representing a Latina who allegedly shot the rancher's daughter, a twin. This gripping scenario takes place in Texas Hill County in a small town, revealing racism and murder, and culminates in a jury trial that will satisfy legal drama fans everywhere. Along with her attorney/mother, Sandra watches the wheels of white privilege turn.
Baker has formulated the perfectly satisfying legal suspense novel in this one. You'll appreciate the author's legal prowess, and there is a reason for that: Baker is a retired Texas judge, which lends an impressive realism to the story you don't find with some other crime dramas. I really enjoy the characters of Sandra and her mother--a unique criminal defense team to say the least, and a combination that is fresh and inviting. Their clashes seem natural. Melinda is a great character as well, as are the others that enter the picture, especially the sympathetic defendant, Rufina.
The plot that the author has built is gripping from the beginning, and you may think you have things figured out and know how the story will play out, but there are some surprises. I like how the themes of racism and phobias are used, which definitely infiltrates the legal system as well as any other. The plot is well-paced and inviting, the characters and situations convincing, and you get the feeling this author really enjoys entertaining you from a legal but also a personal aspect. If you're up for a bumpy ride through a gritty Texas murder trial, buckle your seatbelts and check out Death of a Rancher's Daughter by Susan P. Baker.
Recommend this book:
Amid Rage
Joel Burcat
2021 Bronze Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Caught in a court battle between a coal mining corporation and an endangered community, an environmental prosecutor must find a way to remain neutral in the intriguing legal thriller Amid Rage by Joel Burcat. Mike Jacobs is an attorney with DEP, Pennsylvania's environmental agency, and his job is to ensure that mining operations are working within the confines of the law. When Ernesto Rinati, the owner of the Rhino Mining company, has a complaint with DEP, Mike is directed to keep an eye on the proceedings. Unhappy with the restrictions on his mining permit issued by DEP, Rinati filed an appeal. In the meantime, the homeowners whose residences are in close proximity to Rintati's new mine also filed an appeal to DEP, stating that the permit wasn't stringent enough. Essentially babysitting the appellants, Mike is to remain neutral concerning the debate. However, when he meets both parties during his investigation, he inadvertently sides with the homeowners. Can Mike help the residents without losing his job?
Filled with suspense and intrigue, Amid Rage by Joel Burcat is an intense legal thriller. From the first page, the elements of greed, murder, and psychopathy color the plot, creating a fascinating and irresistible novel. The storyline is intriguing and moves at a fast pace, the momentum building until it culminates in an explosive and dramatic conclusion. Containing a sinister, sadistic, psychopathic villain and bloody, action-packed scenes, the story's horror captures the imagination, making it impossible to put the book down until the protagonist prevails. Even though this is the second book in the Mike Jacobs series, the story does very well as a standalone. With an intense plot, a gripping storyline, and fascinating characters, this enthralling adventure promises to entertain everyone who enjoys courtroom drama and psychopathic criminals. Due to graphic violence and sexual content, the book is more suitable for mature readers.
Caught in a court battle between a coal mining corporation and an endangered community, an environmental prosecutor must find a way to remain neutral in the intriguing legal thriller Amid Rage by Joel Burcat. Mike Jacobs is an attorney with DEP, Pennsylvania's environmental agency, and his job is to ensure that mining operations are working within the confines of the law. When Ernesto Rinati, the owner of the Rhino Mining company, has a complaint with DEP, Mike is directed to keep an eye on the proceedings. Unhappy with the restrictions on his mining permit issued by DEP, Rinati filed an appeal. In the meantime, the homeowners whose residences are in close proximity to Rintati's new mine also filed an appeal to DEP, stating that the permit wasn't stringent enough. Essentially babysitting the appellants, Mike is to remain neutral concerning the debate. However, when he meets both parties during his investigation, he inadvertently sides with the homeowners. Can Mike help the residents without losing his job?
Filled with suspense and intrigue, Amid Rage by Joel Burcat is an intense legal thriller. From the first page, the elements of greed, murder, and psychopathy color the plot, creating a fascinating and irresistible novel. The storyline is intriguing and moves at a fast pace, the momentum building until it culminates in an explosive and dramatic conclusion. Containing a sinister, sadistic, psychopathic villain and bloody, action-packed scenes, the story's horror captures the imagination, making it impossible to put the book down until the protagonist prevails. Even though this is the second book in the Mike Jacobs series, the story does very well as a standalone. With an intense plot, a gripping storyline, and fascinating characters, this enthralling adventure promises to entertain everyone who enjoys courtroom drama and psychopathic criminals. Due to graphic violence and sexual content, the book is more suitable for mature readers.
Recommend this book:
Wyoming
Richard G. Tuttle
2021 Honorable Mention
364 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Wyoming by Richard G. Tuttle is a legal thriller that will have you hooked to the story until the end. Patrick Flaherty is not your usual man living in a small town. He suffers from chrometophobia, an aversion to money. But he accepts his reality and looks for opportunities to live a fulfilling life without needing to handle money, if possible. So, Patrick becomes a part of the community in Coolidge and does his best to live off the grid of money. However, a chance encounter with Special Agent Bolton changes his life forever. Bolton reports Patrick for tax fraud, and that opens a new can of worms for Patrick. He has no idea what he is going to do and how he will avoid jail time. Luckily for him, his lawyer is the very capable Anita Boyle, and she is ready to fight for Patrick until the end.
I have never heard of chrometophobia, so right off the bat I knew I was going to love this book! Patrick is a simple man with very simple needs. With his phobia, he finds an ingenious way of living and surviving without becoming isolated. You can tell that Richard G. Tuttle did a lot of research before writing Patrick’s character. The explanation of community life, how small towns look out for each other (even if they do judge each other), and the background building for Patrick is handled exceptionally well. The detailed descriptions of the trial are very fascinating, and readers see the behind-the-scenes in a court trial. I never knew things could be like this and how a dedicated lawyer can turn a whole case around. We usually get to see the glamorous side of the law and court trials in novels, so this is a fascinating look into the reality of a court trial. Readers experience what lawyers have to go through to get a not-guilty verdict for an innocent client. Wyoming by Richard G. Tuttle is as educational as it is entertaining.
Wyoming by Richard G. Tuttle is a legal thriller that will have you hooked to the story until the end. Patrick Flaherty is not your usual man living in a small town. He suffers from chrometophobia, an aversion to money. But he accepts his reality and looks for opportunities to live a fulfilling life without needing to handle money, if possible. So, Patrick becomes a part of the community in Coolidge and does his best to live off the grid of money. However, a chance encounter with Special Agent Bolton changes his life forever. Bolton reports Patrick for tax fraud, and that opens a new can of worms for Patrick. He has no idea what he is going to do and how he will avoid jail time. Luckily for him, his lawyer is the very capable Anita Boyle, and she is ready to fight for Patrick until the end.
I have never heard of chrometophobia, so right off the bat I knew I was going to love this book! Patrick is a simple man with very simple needs. With his phobia, he finds an ingenious way of living and surviving without becoming isolated. You can tell that Richard G. Tuttle did a lot of research before writing Patrick’s character. The explanation of community life, how small towns look out for each other (even if they do judge each other), and the background building for Patrick is handled exceptionally well. The detailed descriptions of the trial are very fascinating, and readers see the behind-the-scenes in a court trial. I never knew things could be like this and how a dedicated lawyer can turn a whole case around. We usually get to see the glamorous side of the law and court trials in novels, so this is a fascinating look into the reality of a court trial. Readers experience what lawyers have to go through to get a not-guilty verdict for an innocent client. Wyoming by Richard G. Tuttle is as educational as it is entertaining.
Recommend this book:
 by K.M. Hardy. As a favor to an...){kind=link}
The Redcap
A Sam McKay Novel
K.M. Hardy
2021 Finalist
294 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A wealthy woman's death in Chicago has become a cold case, and when a team of FBI agents from Cleveland travels to Chicago to solve her murder, local law enforcement and organized crime syndicates impede their investigation, provoking deadly consequences in the thrilling murder mystery, The Redcap (A Sam McKay Novel) by K.M. Hardy. As a favor to an old friend, the Director of Cleveland's branch of the FBI sends Agents Sam McKay and his team, Julie, Rivera, and Simon, to Chicago to solve a murder that has gone cold. While looking into the victim's life, Sam discovers a clue that the previous investigators overlooked. His new lead indicates that someone from the art world is involved and has ties to a psychotic mafia leader. Charlotte, a charming art thief, becomes involved in the investigation, but her tactics are questionable, and the team doubts her reliability. With so many elements impeding their investigation, Charlotte may hold the key to unmasking the killer, but can they trust her?
Intense and exciting, The Redcap (A Sam McKay Novel) by K.M. Hardy is a thrilling novel filled with twists and turns. Filled with avarice, malice, and murder, the story is an intricately woven web of intrigue and suspense. It is a well-written story with a complex plot, engaging characters, and a captivating storyline. I was captured by Sam's brogue from the first page, and the further I got into the story, the more I admired his character. The Isobel/Claire/Charlotte aspect was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. This is a stunning novel that is sure to delight everyone who loves a good murder mystery.
A wealthy woman's death in Chicago has become a cold case, and when a team of FBI agents from Cleveland travels to Chicago to solve her murder, local law enforcement and organized crime syndicates impede their investigation, provoking deadly consequences in the thrilling murder mystery, The Redcap (A Sam McKay Novel) by K.M. Hardy. As a favor to an old friend, the Director of Cleveland's branch of the FBI sends Agents Sam McKay and his team, Julie, Rivera, and Simon, to Chicago to solve a murder that has gone cold. While looking into the victim's life, Sam discovers a clue that the previous investigators overlooked. His new lead indicates that someone from the art world is involved and has ties to a psychotic mafia leader. Charlotte, a charming art thief, becomes involved in the investigation, but her tactics are questionable, and the team doubts her reliability. With so many elements impeding their investigation, Charlotte may hold the key to unmasking the killer, but can they trust her?
Intense and exciting, The Redcap (A Sam McKay Novel) by K.M. Hardy is a thrilling novel filled with twists and turns. Filled with avarice, malice, and murder, the story is an intricately woven web of intrigue and suspense. It is a well-written story with a complex plot, engaging characters, and a captivating storyline. I was captured by Sam's brogue from the first page, and the further I got into the story, the more I admired his character. The Isobel/Claire/Charlotte aspect was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. This is a stunning novel that is sure to delight everyone who loves a good murder mystery.
Recommend this book:
The Car Thief
A Boy's Perilous Journey through the Juvenile Justice System
Vicki Reed
2021 Gold Medal
407 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by Frank Stephen for Readers' Favorite
The Car Thief is a tale about a twelve-year-old orphan, Kelly Morgan, and his ordeals at the hand of child services and the juvenile justice system. The best he was offered after his father's death was a cold and abusive grandfather, a child home that subjected him to the point system, a juvenile detention facility, and a correction facility for adults. After a couple of failed promises and childish mistakes, he is left at the mercy of an ill-prepared justice infrastructure, a gutsy public defendant, and a veteran correctional officer. All Kelly wants is to get back to his home in Wyoming, but he may have to settle for a minimum-security forestry camp.
Author Vicki Reed addresses the flaws in the juvenile justice system and child services from the witty and innocent perspective of a child — one for who the system was not designed. As his lawyer puts it, "The law set a trap for a tiger. It caught a kitten." His story offers a mix of delight and sadness, inspiring and empathetic. Vicki Reed draws from her wealth of experience working in the juvenile justice system to deliver a fast-paced and straightforward plot, perfectly scripted with powerful diction that is easy to read and a thrilling delight. From the first scene, I was hooked and intrigued. Kelly's wit and innocence are very endearing and entertaining. Kelly is a compelling character, and his story will definitely resonate with anyone who has suffered unfairly at the hands of a failed system.
The Car Thief is a tale about a twelve-year-old orphan, Kelly Morgan, and his ordeals at the hand of child services and the juvenile justice system. The best he was offered after his father's death was a cold and abusive grandfather, a child home that subjected him to the point system, a juvenile detention facility, and a correction facility for adults. After a couple of failed promises and childish mistakes, he is left at the mercy of an ill-prepared justice infrastructure, a gutsy public defendant, and a veteran correctional officer. All Kelly wants is to get back to his home in Wyoming, but he may have to settle for a minimum-security forestry camp.
Author Vicki Reed addresses the flaws in the juvenile justice system and child services from the witty and innocent perspective of a child — one for who the system was not designed. As his lawyer puts it, "The law set a trap for a tiger. It caught a kitten." His story offers a mix of delight and sadness, inspiring and empathetic. Vicki Reed draws from her wealth of experience working in the juvenile justice system to deliver a fast-paced and straightforward plot, perfectly scripted with powerful diction that is easy to read and a thrilling delight. From the first scene, I was hooked and intrigued. Kelly's wit and innocence are very endearing and entertaining. Kelly is a compelling character, and his story will definitely resonate with anyone who has suffered unfairly at the hands of a failed system.
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