Genre: Legal / Horror

Publisher: Pinnacle

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Mallory Caine is a lawyer with a taste for intelligence in her men.  She goes for the brainy college types- especially the brain portion.  Being a zombie will do that to you.  But Ms. Caine isn’t your average, stiff-armed, head-cocked, moaning zombie.  No, a healthy dose of night cream applied liberally every morning helps keep the decomposing flesh at bay.

Mallory is not a zombie without a conscience, either.  Every life, every meal haunts her.  But she must feed in order to keep the fraction of life she has.  Otherwise, she would die without her soul, and she can’t do that.  No, Mallory must stay alive in order to find out who murdered her, who turned her into the monster she is now, and why.  Is there any cure for being a zombie?  Pay Me In Flesh puts a whole new spin on leading a double life, with its main character trying to make her living by defending in the court of law and getting her meals by picking up men on the street.

It’s tough to catch a break in a city like L.A., especially when Mallory is hearing voices and constantly getting dive-bombed by birds.  Things get complicated when her vampire friend Traci Ann is framed for murder- a murder that Mallory knows her client didn’t commit.  How does she know this?  Because Mallory herself was responsible for the policeman’s death.  When Mallory decides to defend the shape-shifting supernatural, she must go head to head with her ex-boyfriend and prosecutor, Aaron Argula, in a battle of wits and desire.  Whether the desire stems from hunger or passion, Mallory couldn’t say.

As she progresses, Mallory must deal with a corrupt system of police, lawyers, and judges who thwart her at every turn.  At night, the battle rages on to a fight for her undead life against a sword-swinging, head-slicing zealot with a vendetta against zombies.  Will Mallory be able to defend her friend without revealing her own secrets? A wry read, the story dips and twists at every turn, keeping the elusive conclusion just out of sight.  The gore is kept at minimum, with our heroine using her trusty hook-nosed pick instead of the traditional zombie method of biting.

The book promises more to come, as Mallory Caine’s story is far from over at the end.  She has yet to solve her own murder, or come to any sort of resolution with her ex or the green-eyed detective that she quarrels regularly with.  Pay Me In Flesh will keep you intrigued until the end, with its wit and unpredictable plot.

K. Bennett displays a broad knowledge of his home city, Los Angeles, as well as the law profession he once worked in.  This is his first zombie book, following his bestsellers Deadlock and Try Fear, published under a name familiar to many, James Scott Bell.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Law student Jaime Brock dreams of becoming a prosecutor so she can take down criminals and dole out justice. Part of her training includes volunteering for a local legal aid clinic under the supervision of one of her professors. Little does she know that her newest client, David Hoffman, will change her life in ways she never imagined.

David and Stacie Hoffman are on the run and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In their former lives they testified against the Chinese mafia in return for new lives in the Witness Protection program. The government promised to protect them at all costs, but when the Chinese mafia tracks them down again, the Hoffman’s smell foul play. In their possession is an algorithm that holds the key to unlock every Internet security measure that exists. Both the Chinese mafia and the government will go to great lengths to get their hands on the algorithm, and David and Stacie no longer know who to trust. Their only hope lies in the hands of Jaime Brock and her friends.

Randy Singer never disappoints and this retelling of his 2007 release is further proof. Make no mistake about it, False Witness is not just your typical legal thriller. Singer expertly combines elements of suspense, action, and intrigue into an explosive combination that really delivers.

Randy Singer brings us an updated version of False Witness that is the version he always wanted to tell. While most of the plot and main characters remains intact, Singer has added some elements that highlight the Dalit Christians in India and the persecution they are undergoing. All proceeds of this novel go to support that effort which is all the more reason to pick this one up.

As much as I loved the original version, I believe Singer’s additions have only made this story better. As always, Singer is a true master of the craft, treating us with expert plot execution, crisp dialogue, hard core suspense, and fabulous characters. Bottom line: this guy is good. Seriously good. Whether you are a long time fan or new to his writing, this one is well worth your time.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: January 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

I knew I’d like this book when, ten pages in, it refers to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as “renowned for its bizarre rulings.” Even though the statement itself isn’t a major part of the story, it does set the stage for everything that happens while making subtle (or perhaps not so subtle) political commentary.

Damage centers around Ro Curtlee—a convicted murderer and rapist—and his ultra-wealthy family who sees no qualms in using their billions to pervert justice. When Ro was first convicted nearly a decade prior, the Curtlee’s wrath was swift and harsh. Using their money and influence, they made sure that those who prosecuted their son would never have success in the professional world again.

But after a decade, Ro’s lawyers won him a retrial thanks to the Ninth Circuit, and now the convicted felon is out on $10 million bail. Immediately things begin to go wrong. The original trial’s star witness is killed and her home destroyed. Another fire claims the life of the jury foreman’s wife. Abe Glitsky, the former head detective in Ro’s case is convinced that the psychopath is out for revenge. Unfortunately, Ro is covering his tracks well and, using his parents’ influence, making the police out to be the bad guys in the story. He’s cocky and convinced that he can get away with anything  It all boils down to one final chance and one surprise twist.

John Lescroart is a long time New York Times bestselling author, but this is the first of his novels it’s been my pleasure to enjoy. More than just a fast-paced and entertaining story, Lescroart hits upon themes such as judicial activism, media sensationalism, and the raw power of money. Damage serves as an affront to our senses, because with the reader’s perspective we know that justice is being perverted, and it drives us to ask the tough questions about how our justice system can be improved. Perhaps most compelling in these regards are the intermittent asides written as newspaper articles from the paper owned by the Curtlee’s. Brilliantly written, they show just how much power the mass media has in persuading the people to a certain view.

Overall, Damage is a winner. Combining three-dimensional characters with an intriguing storyline and unforeseen twist ending, Damage makes Lescroart one of those authors I’ll have to start following more closely.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Political Thriller

Publisher: Grand Central

Release Date: November 2008

Reviewed by Josh Olds

Divine Justice begins right where Stone Cold concludes. Oliver Stone, aka former Triple Six assassin John Carr, has just killed a prominent senator and the US director of intelligence. Two men, former friends, who had destroyed his life and family. Now he’s on the run and with every intelligence agency wanting him dead, the Camel Club might not be able to help.

Through some turn of events, Stone ends up in the hick mining town of Divine, Virginia. He’s holed up way too close to DC for comfort, but he has little choice. As police forces disperse to find Carr, General Macklin Hayes has his own personal reasons for wanting Stone dead. Stone will have to deal with both the forces after him as well as the strange happenings in Divine. Stone had been in tough spots before, but this might be one of the toughest yet.

Divine Justice concludes the three-part story arc begun in The Collectors. While the titular first book in the Camel Club series and the fifth and most recent installment, Hell’s Corner, tell pretty much standalone stories, books two through four are made of individual stories that weave into an overarching epic. While I can’t be sure, it appears almost certain that Baldacci, noting the success of The Camel Club, plotted out The Collectors, Stone Cold, and Divine Justice around the same time.

Having concentrated on big-city goings on in previous novels, Divine Justice gives us a taste of law and politics in small town life. But of course Divine isn’t a normal city. Baldacci plays the two aspects of the story well, drawing out the tension in both the city of Divine as well as abroad as various forces—the Camel Club included—try to track down Oliver Stone. Baldacci is able to introduce some poignant social and political commentary in areas as diverse as drug use, the prison system, and the mining industry. It all weaves seamlessly together to create a top-notch thriller.

Undoubtedly, Baldacci fans will be clamoring for more Camel Club novels. But I for one think that Oliver Stone has worked long and hard. I’d like to see Baldacci give us more insight on Stone’s early years as John Carr. But whatever he writes, Baldacci can be sure that I’ll be reading it. His expertise in penning the Camel Club saga has earned him that.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: August 2010

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Pastor Alex Madison always enjoys killing two birds with one stone. Whenever he makes hospital visits to his church members, he never overlooks the opportunity to gain some new clients for his law practice. You never know what big case is lying in the next hospital bed and Alex even has the double sided “pastor/lawyer” business card for such occasions. During one such visit Alex meets a Muslim woman suffering from a closed head injury after being run off the road. After some reluctance from the woman’s husband, they agree to hire Alex’s firm for the personal injury case.

Meanwhile, a local murder has the nation in an uproar. A Muslim leader’s wife is brutally murdered after converting to Christianity, along with the American man who taught her. As the evidence pours in, all leads point to the husband of Alex’s client, who just happens to be a respected imam in a local mosque. Alex must now decide whether he wants to help a man he feels is wrongfully accused, or give in to the pressures of his community and congregation and walk away.

Randy Singer is at the top of his game with Fatal Convictions. Backed by meticulous research and likable characters, this story is a tightly woven gem that challenges the reader to question stereotypes and perceptions. For readers whose knowledge of Islam is based solely on United States news reports, Singer provides a balanced and in depth look into the Muslim faith and the different factions within. It’s rare to find a novel in the Christian market portraying Christians and Muslims working together, much less a story featuring a Christian pastor standing up for an imam. Singer handles these potentially controversial elements with an honesty and boldness that I can only admire, giving this market a much needed dose of relevancy.

Randy Singer doesn’t set out to provide easy answers or token solutions; rather he focuses on bringing us a story that engages the reader on every level. The courtroom drama, the disturbing honor killing scenes, even the hints of an unlikely romance. All of it works together to only prove what so many have said for years. Randy Singer is hands down one of the best legal thriller writers around. I truly hope the CBA appreciates the talent Singer consistently brings to the table with each offering. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if a “big fish” mainstream publisher scoops up Singer soon and makes him a household name. He is simply that good.

Don’t miss our interview with Randy Singer.

Review copy provided by Tyndale.

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication date: February 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

For a relatively short book, Tim Green’s Above the Law seems to contain a bit of everything. A haggard and heroic lawyer, a corrupt politician, a dirty cop, international intrigue, human trafficking, border-security issues, a drug-running operation, murder, vigilante justice, a wrongful death lawsuit, and more. There’s an awful lot packed into this story, which is well-written and enjoyable but suffers a bit after a good start, due largely to reader overload and unfulfilled plot potential.

When an illegal migrant worker is shot on a prominent senator’s Texas ranch, the incident is quickly declared a tragic hunting accident. Perhaps too quickly, Casey Jordan, operator of a legal aid clinic in Dallas, thinks when the dead man’s wife comes to her asking for help. When the wife is deported after being threatened with having her baby taken away, Casey smells a rat and opens an investigation into the shooting and other suspicious goings on at the senator’s ranch. What she finds is shocking—and dangerous, especially when the senator strikes back, first using the media to attack Casey and then sending the Environmental Protection Agency to shut down her clinic. Desperate, Casey heads to Mexico to find and retrieve the wife of the slain worker, hoping for evidence that will prove the senator’s guilt. But the senator has already shown he won’t go down without a fight, and when the attacks threaten to turn deadly, Casey realizes she is engaged in a battle for her life.

The book starts out strong, as Green explores the legal and political ramifications of the shooting, and Casey’s involvement as the legal advocate for an otherwise helpless illegal immigrant adds texture. Green takes aim at border politics as he sets up what appears to be the foundation for a fascinating courtroom battle. But the story never reaches the courtroom, as Casey instead launches her own investigation, and the second half of the book, while thrilling, feels a little out of control as the story bounces back and forth across the border and between characters.

The overly complex plot notwithstanding, Green is a talented writer, and his characterizations and scene-setting descriptions put the reader right in the middle of the story. The action scenes are intense, and the ending is satisfying if a tad abrupt. There’s not much to dislike about the book; what’s disappointing is that what at first seems like a thoughtful, issues-based thriller evolves into a rather flat, complicated shootout. Above the Law is entertaining and definitely worth reading for action fans; it’s just not quite as good as it could have been.

Publisher: Doubleday

Publication Date: January 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

More than fifteen years after John Grisham first took the world of legal thrillers by storm, he hasn’t lost a step. The Associate is every bit as suspenseful and entertaining as The Firm, The Runaway Jury, The Street Lawyer, or any of the other 23 best-sellers he has penned over the years. While perhaps not as thrilling as The Firm or as evocative as The Last Juror or The Testament, this book is clearly the work of an excellent storyteller.

Kyle McAvoy is about to graduate from Yale Law School and head off for a year or two of public-service law work—doing his duty to society before entering the high-stakes, high-reward world of corporate law. But his plans change when he is contacted by a man claiming to be in possession of a video implicating Kyle in a crime that occurred years ago. The man threatens to release the video to the public, effectively squashing any chance of a successful legal career, unless Kyle joins a New York law firm and illegally feeds his contact inside information about a multibillion-dollar lawsuit. Kyle reluctantly agrees—but he has a hidden agenda of his own. If he can prove his innocence before actually breaking any laws, he just might be able to escape with his reputation intact. But the stakes are high; if he fails, he may forfeit not only his career but his life.

Interestingly (and probably unfortunately to some) The Associate has some elements that seem very familiar from previous Grisham books. The young lawyer slaving away for a faceless corporate behemoth, performing essentially mundane tasks for hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, forced against his will to do something that turns out to be financially profitable, trying to figure out how to buck the system and turn the tables on his conspirators—these storylines have all occurred in previous novels.

What John Grisham offers readers is not so much uniquely new stories as familiar-seeming stories with a unique twist. Few authors can pull this off without seeming stale and repetitious. Grisham succeeds, and his success is evident not only by the number of readers who continue to come back for more but by the entertainment value his books offer. The Associate is vintage Grisham. The familiar characteristics combine with enough new material—and just plain good writing—to make it absolutely entertaining.

Publisher: Henry Holt

Publication date: January 6, 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

Richard North Patterson’s compelling look at the corruption caused by the oil industry in a fictional African country is thoughtful, timely, and full of the rich characterizations that readers have come to expect from this author. Difficult in places, the book presents a frankly realistic depiction of government brutality and international indifference that mirrors real life in too many places in Africa today.

When American lawyer Damon Pierce’s midlife crisis is interrupted by a frantic e-mail from Marissa Okari, an old college flame, he responds, traveling to the volatile and dangerous West African nation of Luandia. Marissa and her husband, Bobbie Okari, are witnesses to the brutal slaughter of an entire village during a human-rights protest. Now Bobbie has been arrested for the murder of three employees of PetroGlobal, the American oil company whose money has made Luadia’s corrupt dictator a billionaire. Pierce, still in love with Marissa, agrees to represent Bobbie against the trumped-up charges. Okari’s eventual trial by tribunal is at once a masterpiece of legal fiction and an in-depth look at the injustice all too often born from the dirty womb of oil money in an otherwise impoverished nation.

While Luandia is clearly modeled on Nigeria (the author admits as much in an afterword), Patterson does a good job of creating a distinct setting that adds veracity to the story while managing to avoid being a mere photocopy of an actual nation. A thoughtful mix of actual and fictional cultural details brings Luandia to life and places the reader firmly in the characters’ world. The writing is excellent, and the story, while at times infuriating to Western sensibilities, carries the reader through to the thrilling if inevitable conclusion.

Eclipse is not for squeamish readers. It includes accounts of rape, murder, kidnapping, and other atrocities that are, sadly, realities of life in parts of Africa. It also unfortunately includes an adulterous sexual encounter between Pierce and Marissa Okari that adds nothing to the story. Nevertheless, this is a worthwhile book for those able to endure some rather horrible depictions of violence and corruption (along with some leftist political leanings). It’s not exactly beach reading, but the message is important for Western readers ready to take a closer look at how our voracious appetite for oil affects the people who live in the nations it comes from.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: June 15^th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

After a tragic shooting on the set of a television news station, two lawyers from two different worlds go head to head to try a gun control case with long lasting implications. While both Jason Noble and Kelly Starling hold nothing back in their quest for justice, it seems outside influences will stop at nothing to get their verdict. Both Jason and Kelly must find a way to try a fair case in the midst of deception, conspiracy, and the public eye.

With The Justice Game, Randy Singer wasn’t content to just write another compelling legal thriller. This time around he decided to let his fans decided the verdict in an online poll taken months before publication.  An author who lets his fans determine the outcome of his novel? Surely Singer has lost his mind. Well, not only has Randy Singer not lost his mind, but he has given his fans one of his most riveting novels to date.

Singer is always at the top of his game with his ability to throw large chunks of information at his audience while somehow making each line interesting and relevant. Gun control has and always will be a hot topic in our society and Singer gives both sides of the argument equal screen time. The characters of Jason Noble and Kelly Starling are masterfully crafted helping the reader see the issue impartially through their eyes. It’s not often that you find a legal thriller where you like both the defense and the prosecution, but Singer uses this storytelling device effectively with strong character back story throughout.

In case the gun control issue isn’t enough of a catalyst for a strong story, Singer introduces us to the shady and elusive company, Justice Inc. To give too much detail would spoil the story, but let’s just say that Randy Singer has potentially thrown a major wrench into the Justice system with the creation of this fictional company. We can only hope that companies like this remain in the realm of make believe. As frightening as the implications are, Justice Inc. adds another welcome level of depth to this story.

The Justice Game is different from Randy Singer’s earlier novels because of the personal nature of this story. Early in his own career, Singer tried a very similar case after a young man gunned down a teacher at the school Randy’s kids attended. Thankfully they were not in attendance that day. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Randy Singer in this brave endeavor to tackle difficult subject matter while entertaining at the highest level.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: May 1st, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Newspaper reporter Catherine O’Rourke has become enamored with a recent case involving a woman who has killed her husband. The woman’s brother, Quinn Newburg, is representing her in court and arguing the insanity plea. Catherine closely follows every angle of the story, becoming especially intrigued by Quinn and his pursuit of justice.

Meanwhile, in Virginia Beach a series of kidnappings and murders have caught the public eye. As Catherine follows the story she begins blacking out and having strange visions that reveal details of each crime. Reluctantly, she goes to the police and is shocked when they in turn arrest her. It seems evidence has been found linking her to the murders and the police see her “visions” as far more than coincidence. Catherine soon begins to doubt her own sanity as more and more solid evidence begins piling up. Desperate for help she hires Quinn Newburg to plead her case hoping that he can prove not only her innocence, but her sanity as well. Unfortunately for Catherine, Quinn doesn’t believe her.

Randy Singer is known for riveting legal thrillers and his latest offering does not disappoint. As always, Singer’s full arsenal of talent is on display: intense courtroom scenes, complex plotlines, and unexpected twists and turns. All of these elements work and help create an exciting read that is nothing short of intoxicating. Singer’s exploration of the insanity plea is fascinating and only adds to the richness of the story.  I love novels that keep the reader guessing and I was pleasantly surprised by a clever twist that was way off my radar. Randy Singer has proven once again why he’s one of the best thriller writers in the genre. Don’t miss this one!