#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by Davide Rosenfelt

This is another good Andy Carpenter legal thriller that was a quick listen.

Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery
By David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner

Series: An Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 27 Length: 6hr 43min
Release date: 07-04-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Lights, camera, action in bestselling author David Rosenfelt’s Flop Dead Gorgeous , as Andy Carpenter goes bicoastal to prove an old friend’s innocence.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter remembers every dog that’s come through the Tara Foundation’s doors, but the most well-known alum of the dog rescue organization that Andy founded in Paterson, New Jersey, may be Mamie. Adopted by famous actress Jenny Nichols―Andy’s high school girlfriend―the miniature French poodle is now practically a starlet in her own right.
Andy doesn’t hold it against his friend. In fact, he and his wife, Laurie, have dinner with Jenny while she’s in town filming her next big hit. But after an eventful meal, there’s a plot twist the next morning that none of them see Jenny’s costar is found dead, a knife in his back. It’s not long before Jenny is arrested for the murder and finds herself in need of Andy’s legal services.
While Mamie becomes reacquainted with Tara, Andy’s golden retriever, Andy digs into the lives of the rich and famous.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a millionaire lawyer who would rather be retired and working with his dog rescue, Tara’s Foundation, named after his golden retriever. But Andy is continually pulled in to representing people he knows, or are friends of friends, who are in desperate need of his services. A famous actress, Jenny Nichols, who rescued a miniature French poodle from Tara’s Foundation, has now been accused of killing her current costar. Few people know that Andy dated Jenny in high school so of course he is going to step up to take on her defense.

All of the usual investigation team get pulled in to help. This includes Andy’s wife, Laurie, a former Paterson police officer, Marcus, Andy’s brutish bodyguard, Sam, the finance / computer wizard, and investigator Corey with his K9 partner, Simon. The team begins to pursue connections that bring threats to Andy’s life.

The pattern of these stories is similar. It seems pretty clear the accused is innocent. The actual killer is often attached to the mob, a terrorist group, or similar crime syndicate that has an obscure connection to the victim. Andy and his team are able to gather details but may not be able to get admissible evidence in time for the trial. At the last minute some evidence or admission (often with the help of Federal agents) is delivered to save the case.

Even though this story fits the repeated pattern, the investigation into connected clues and ‘Andy snark’ make the story worth the read/listen. This is an on-going legal mystery series I enjoy and recommend. I have missed a few stories in the middle of the series and I am glad that the later stories are able to be read as stand alone stories with the proviso that you have read the first several books so that you get to know Andy and his team.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner has this series down pat. He provides the perfect accents and attitudes of the characters. I totally enjoy listening to Gardner’s performance of this series.

Source: June 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23) by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this quick legal mystery.
Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Dogs, Legal Thriller
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy semi-retired lawyer who would rather spend his time walking his beloved dogs with his beloved wife, Laurie. Andy likes to avoid work when he can but isn’t about to let injustice pass by. An evening walk with their dogs lands Andy in a new case when a stranger steps in to rescue an abused dog. The man gets arrested – not just for beating the abuser but for a pending double murder charge. Andy reluctantly agrees to help the accused, Matthew, as he is returned to Maine to face the two-year old charge. Matthew insists he is innocent, but it will be hard to overcome the evidence of Matt’s DNA on the hand of the dead man.

Andy tries to leave Matt in the hands of the local defense attorney, but he just can’t do it. When Matt’s newly discovered half-sister pleads with Andy to take the case, he agrees. Andy relocates to Maine to begin the trial prep but soon runs into a threatened attack alone in the parking lot. Laurie isn’t about to allow that to slide, so soon the team, including Laurie (and the dogs), bodyguard/muscle Marcus, and hacker/accountant whiz Sam, arrive in Maine. Laurie’s other K-9 investigator, Corey, and his German Shepherd Simon arrive soon after.

Andy and team do their usual thorough job of turning over the rocks and digging the dirt for other suspects. This brings out connections to drug dealers and an extreme militia group and also leaves bodies in the wake of questions. But Andy still must address the DNA problem.

I enjoy this series and the narrator. There are always several suspects, often FBI involvement and usually a trail of bodies. I love following the trial questions and ‘watching’ as Andy presents the evidence that leads to reasonable doubt, and reveals the true villains. The fast-moving plot is enhanced with Andy’s self-deprecation and snarky banter.

While I was listening to this 23rd installment, I got my husband to listen to book one, Open and Shut, which he enjoyed. The stories can be read as standalones but it is much more fun to have at least read the first several in the series so you know the team characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries with legal procedures ... and dogs. 

Audio Notes: I am sure I have noted it in prior reviews of this series, but Grover Gardner, is the wonderful, fitting voice of Andy Carpenter. Gardner has an appropriate NJ/NY tone delivering distinct voices with appropriate energy. I love listening to the stories and hear this narrator even if I occasionally read an ebook version.

Source: NetGalley 6/3/2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Heavens May Fall by Allen Eskens

I really like the legal procedural parts of this criminal mystery.

The Heavens May Fall
Written by: Allen Eskens
Narrated by: R. C. Bray , David Colacci , Amy McFadden

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
Release date 10-04-2016
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Detective Max Rupert's and attorney Boady Sanden's friendship is being pushed to the breaking point. Max is convinced that Jennavieve Pruitt was killed by her husband, Ben. Boady is equally convinced that Ben, his client, is innocent. As the case unfolds, the two are forced to confront their own personal demons.
Max is still struggling with the death of his wife four years earlier, and the Pruitt case stirs up old memories. Boady hasn't taken on a defense case since the death of an innocent client, a man Boady believes he could have saved but didn't. Now he is back in court, with student Lila Nash at his side, and he's determined to redeem himself for having failed in the past.
Vividly told from two opposing perspectives, the truth about the stunning death of Jennavieve Pruitt remains a mystery until the very end.
©2016 Allen Eskens (P)2016 Tantor

Review:
Detective Max Rupert lost his wife, Jenni, to a hit and run car accident four years ago. He has struggled with the fact that they never found the culprit, the case took no priority for the department and was set aside with other “cold” cases. Others in his life, including retired attorney Boady Sanden, have helped pull Max from his annual drunken visits to his wife’s grave.

This year, on the anniversary date, Max is called out to investigate the death of a woman abandoned naked in a parking lot. The woman is Jennavieve Pruitt the wife of prominent attorney criminal defense attorney Ben Pruitt. As details unravel, Max becomes convinced that the husband is guilty even though the evidence is circumstantial. His gathering of facts may be slightly muddled by reason of getting an anonymous note that his wife’s death was not an accident. Did he become too distracted and obsessed by pursuing the new leads on his wife’s case to properly evaluate all the details of the Pruitt death?

Meanwhile, Max’s friend, Boady, agrees to take on the defense of Pruitt who is the attorney who took over Boady’s law practice when he retired due to stress. Boady doesn’t want to see another innocent man go to prison and he doesn’t think Pruitt could have killed his wife. There may have been motive, but others had just as much motive. And Pruitt’s alibi is weak but not unproven. All Boady has to do is establish “reasonable doubt”. The problem is, part of winning the case for Pruitt means shredding Max’s testimony during the trial. But Boady is a believer of the old Latin legal axiom: “Fiat justitia ruat cælum”, meaning "Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”

A surprise during trial testimony makes it clear that the case is more complicated than either side realized. Will the final result be truth or twisted justice?

The story is told from the two perspectives: Max as the police investigator and Boady as the defense lawyer. The reader/listener gets to follow the side-tracking thoughts for each character as they contribute to the current factual situation. I am a civil attorney who does not practice criminal law, nor handle jury trials (only civil bench trials). Still, I find the factual presentation and legal tactical skills fascinating. I did not realize that The Life We Bury was a related, earlier book which I am glad I also have on audio. I recommend The Heavens May Fall to readers who enjoy a solid criminal mystery with legal procedure.

Audio Notes: I have to admit that hearing R. C. Bray’s voice begin the story pulled me right in. David Colacci and Amy McFadden also added to the production making it an easy, quick listen. I will be glad to listen to more from these narrators.

Source: April 2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020 Fall Season goals.

Audible Book Review: Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt

It's hard to trust the legal system when corrupt people are in charge.
Justice Redeemed
By: Scott Pratt
Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Series: Darren Street, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-17-15
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Two years ago, Darren Street made a name for himself as the man who rooted out corruption in the district attorney's office. Now the hotheaded young lawyer is in the public eye yet again - this time, accused of murder.
Jalen Jordan retained Street for what seemed to be a minor traffic violation, but when evidence turned up linking Jordan to the death of two boys, Street wanted out of the case. To ensure his lawyer's cooperation and silence, Jordan threatened to make Street's son the next victim. Shortly after, Jordan's own body turned up with a bullet hole in his chest.
Now Street is on trial for his life, and the enemy he made in the DA's office is clearly out for blood. It's one lawyer out to frame another. Can a desperate father escape punishment for a crime he didn't commit?
©2015 Scott Pratt (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Darren Street is a criminal defense attorney who exposed corruption in the district attorney’s office and headed a movement to defeat the DA at the polls. Darren had hoped that the corrupt attorney would be out of the system, but he moved into a different prosecutor’s office.

Now Darren has been asked to represent Jalen Jorden who claims he was wrongly stopped for a minor traffic violation. Darren becomes aware that more is involved when the pushy man presents $50,000.00 as retainer. Darren learns that the simple vehicle stop may have produced evidence of a heinous murder of two boys. Darren wants to decline the representation, but Jordan threatens to harm Darren’s own young son. Darren is livid and panicked. He is caught in a dilemma as he is restricted by ethical codes from telling anyone what the man has disclosed in privileged communications, but he is terrified for the safety of his child. Darren rants and raves to his secretary before calling an old attorney friend seeking advice but also threatening to stop Jordan. He reaches out to an old client with a horrible request which sets up major problems.

A few days later Jordan is found dead and Darren is the prime suspect in the murder. His old enemy is thrilled to prosecute the case where all the evidence points to Darren. Darren ends up in jail where he begins to learn rules of the prison yard. He faces beatings in the yard as well as beatings in the courtroom as betrayals bring damaging testimony.

I have to say that this wasn’t an easy listen for me. I had trouble relating to Darren’s temper and irrational rants. His experiences behind bars are brutal, distressing and I shudder to think they are a realistic depiction. It is horrifying. I liked the shifting character alignments that are revealed as the story proceeds, even though some of the situations are on the edge of believability. The story moves at a good pace and the full package makes for an engaging story which I recommend to readers who enjoy legal thrillers.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed Nick Podehl’s narration in other works and he does a good job on this one too. He portrays the panic and anguish of Darren and the malevolence of Jordan and the corrupt prosecutor. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source May 2019 Sale Audible Sale $5.24. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal and “J” in Alphabet goal.

Audible Book Review: Leader of the Pack by David Rosefelt

I always enjoy the mystery and the self-deprecating humor of this series.
Leader of the Pack
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Series: Andy Carpenter, Book 10
Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-27-12
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn't mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey's family's connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn't much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey's elderly uncle. He'd rather not, but as a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.
The old man's memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he's there, it jogs something in the man's mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey's freedom after all this time. Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
©2012 David Rosenfelt (P)2012 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a criminal defense lawyer who gets to be very selective about his cases since he is independently wealthy. One of his previous clients, Joey Desimone, is in jail for killing his former lover and her husband. Joey insists he didn’t commit the murder but was the prime suspect due to his family ties with organized crime. Joey asks Andy to visit his elderly uncle. Andy takes his lovely golden retriever, Tara, along to visit. Uncle Nick seems to have lost touch with reality, but something disturbs him and he shares what seems to be a random statement. This sets Andy off searching clues even as deaths begin to occur around the investigation. The plot expands to a bigger issue with a few good twists before the conclusion.

I always enjoy the good mystery crafted by Rosenfelt and the self-deprecating humor of his quirky character Andy. Each of the main characters, Andy, his love, Lori, and his friends, Pete and Sam, are portrayed with very real-to life traits. There is almost always a connection with an organized crime family.  Tara and the rescue foundation he founded with a friend are a steady part of Andy's life even if they are not central to the plot. Each story is self-contained and entertaining. I recommend this story and the series to those who enjoy mystery with natural life humor.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner does a great job narrating. He is the voice for Andy. The combination of story and presentation makes these easy, enjoyable listens.

Source: 2017 Audible Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.

Audible Book Review: StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1 by Mike Lee

This is a wonderfully engaging scifi with great strategy in military and legal elements.
StarFire: Vince Lombard, Book 1
Written by: Mike Lee
Narrated by: Jason Brenizer

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Series: Vince Lombard, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-13-14
Publisher: Michael L. Trimble
Genre: Sci-Fi Contemporary
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Captain Vince Lombard, G-Marine company commander, is tasked with tracking down a stray ship. The Alliance Military Ship StarFire has gone silent, and previous attempts to locate her have resulted in the loss of more ships. After two previous wars with xenospecies humanity bumped into while expanding into space, no one knows what might be the cause of StarFire's missing in action status. And internal politics between Fleet command and the Galactic Marine Corps might mean that, unless something is done, humanity may get the news it's at war with yet another new race about the time they show up to attack one of the human systems in the sector.
A prequel to the book Fey, this story is a novelization of the story Vince related to Blondie in the previous book, which many readers requested. I'm happy to accommodate my readers by providing this novel-length version of that story.
©2012 Mike Lee (P)2014 Mike Lee

Review:
Captain Vince Lombard is a highly successful GI Marine commander who respects his men and demands respect. He carefully thinks ahead, and, when need be, thinks outside of the box. That may include bending, if not breaking, a few regulations when the situation demands it - as in saving his men. Vince accepts responsibility for his decisions, sharing the praise with his team but claiming the guilt for himself.

Vince is directed by his superior to locate a missing Naval asset, the Alliance Military Ship StarFire. The StarFire is the biggest ship ever built, with the ability to hold at least a thousand of the best trained Naval troops. The StarFire headed out into space but unexpectedly went silent. Two Naval sloops sent to investigate have gone silent too.

Vince’s commanding officer has one chance to get information on the situation before Naval forces arrive to take control. He trusts Vince to handle the mission: locate the StarFire, determine its status and get a report back. Did the StarFire and the sloops hit an area where communication is blocked or has something worse occurred? Has the ship been overtaken by alien forces who might use the huge weapon against mankind?

Vince knows he won’t have a chance fighting the StarFire so he prepares for the next best thing - speed to run if necessary. He chooses one transport/lander that will carry his well seasoned Master Sergeant, Alvin, with a platoon of 50 men. His commander insists he take at least three ships so he adds two long range fighters, known for distance and speed, with volunteer pilots rumored to be the sharpest. He adds one tech geek, Duggard, hoping the creative computer guy can help disguise the common communication system if needed.

What Vince’s crew find is a puzzle and a situation that they are lucky to survive with minimal, though painful, losses. In spite of a mostly successful mission, Vince now has to undergo a Fleet inquiry to determine if he will face a court-martial.

The writing is sharp and well paced with good story telling and showing. I enjoyed the author’s creative use of fluctuating time settings: Prior to Action; After Action, Action, Inquiry and After Inquiry. Exciting action unfolds as Vince remembers and gives his verbal statement to an investigative officer in preparation of the formal hearing. I loved all aspects of the story. The primary characters are well developed and likable. Vince’s revelations put me right there in the action from tactical strategizing to battle execution with the difficulties related to outer space. I also enjoyed the legal process and Vince’s skillful and psychological handling of the investigator, ‘prosecuting’ attorney and panel.

This was a great story and I highly recommend it to those who love action plus battle strategy in a combat setting and in a court setting! Readers with military and/or legal background or interest should enjoy this. Another big plus is that the book is clear of foul language - Thank you, Mr. Lee! I am very anxious to get book 2, Fey, which was actually written first. I will have to get it on Kindle as it, unfortunately, isn’t available at Audible.

Audio Notes: Jason Brenizer does a good job with narration although, while listening I thought the narration was little dry and there could have been a bit more excitement. However, after re-listening to parts as I prepared this review, I have decided that the narration fit perfectly with Vince’s (mostly) calm and level demeanor. This is a story I could imagine myself listening to again which is rare for me! I recommend the audio as a totally engaging listen.

This title was from my own Audible library; selected 8/30/14. This qualifies for 2015 Audio Challenge and TBR list.

Book Review: Extraordinary Rendition by Paul Batista

Quite remarkable and rather scary, this story is definitely a page turner!
Extraordinary Rendition
by Paul Batista

• File Size: 422 KB
• Print Length: 380 pages
• Publisher: Astor + Blue Editions (October 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B009K71N3M

Genre: Legal Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
When Ali Hussein, suspected terrorist and alleged banker for Al Qaeda, is finally transported from Guantanamo Bay to the US mainland to stand trial, many are stunned when Byron Carlos Johnson, a pre-eminent lawyer and son of a high-profile diplomat, volunteers to represent him. On principle, Johnson thought he was merely defending a man unjustly captured through Rendition and water-boarded illegally. But Johnson soon learns that there is much more at stake than one man’s civil rights.Hussein’s intimate knowledge of key financial transactions could lead to the capture of—or the unabated funding of—the world’s most dangerous terror cells. This makes Hussein the target of corrupt US intelligence forces on one side, and ruthless international terrorists on the other. And, it puts Byron Carlos Johnson squarely in the crosshairs of both. Pulled irresistibly by forces he can and cannot see, Johnson enters a lethal maze of espionage, manipulation, legal traps and murder. But when his life, his love, and his acclaimed principles are on the line, Johnson may have one gambit left that can save them all; a play that even his confidants could not have anticipated. He must become the hunter among hunters in the deadliest game.Written by no-holds-barred-attorney Paul Batista, Extraordinary Rendition excels not only as an action thriller, but as a sophisticated legal procedural as well. Batista’s keen legal mind and feel for suspense bleed onto every the page. Smart. Fast. Heart-pounding. A legal thriller of the highest order.

Review:

Byron Johnson is a sharp corporate attorney in a well respected firm. He is not ambitious for money as he is more interested in doing the right thing and representing his clients to the best of his ability. He seems to be winding down a bit in the firm and he decides to take on the representation of an alleged banker for Al Quada. Byron knows nothing of the detainee, Ali Hussien, nor of the supposed ‘brother’ who brought the case to him.

Ali has been kept in seclusion for nine years without books, visits or even charges having been brought against him. The only human contact he has had are the guards who are there 24/7 and the man who repeatedly has tortured him trying to get him to reveal the whereabouts of the hidden money.  The process of interrogation falls under the term “extraordinary rendition.” (See links below for full definition.)

When Ali was first snatched off the streets of Germany the intimidating, arrogant and intrepid agent, who he named Jessie Ventura, bullied him and subjected him to water-boarding. Ali, who continually claims his innocence, is glad to have human contact when Byron introduces himself for the short 10 minute visit they are allotted.  Ali is slow to trust but over time Byron is allowed to bring in a Koran and Ali gives passages for Byron to share with Ali’s brother. 

The government agents believe that the passages are an intricate code of information leading to hidden bank accounts. Soon it becomes clear that the corrupt agents involved will do anything in order to get the information. Byron knows he can’t trust the prosecuting attorney who refuses to provide any discovery. The case is put under extreme confidentiality restrictions and Byron is unsure what courage the Judge will bring to the proceeding. The lines cross as Byron comes under attack and it becomes apparent that the government is not necessarily the “good guy” doing the right thing.

At mid point I was feeling sympathy for Byron but that was soon overshadowed by my incredulity at his naivete.  I was relieved when Byron finally started to recognize the treachery and betrayal around him.  The story is one of those that is ‘scary’ as it could well be real, similar to “The Net” or “Enemy of the State.” It makes one contemplate - When dealing with suspected terrorists, does the end justify the means?

Although Batista deals with legal processes, the writing is crisp, direct and easy to follow. There were a couple of sections of calm detachment and I wondered why they were included. But I do think they made Byron’s life more realistic as we can each use times of hiatus in our lives to help cope with the intensity and traumas we face. This is a story that kept me reading as I worried for Byron and rooted for him. If you like legal thrillers you won’t want to miss this one!

Words I noted while reading:
            Intense, intrigue, uneasy, courage or stupidity, scary.

Extraordinary Rendition description links:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_rendition
http://www.aclu.org/national-security/fact-sheet-extraordinary-rendition

I received this from Blue Dot Literary for an honest review.

This is set primarily in New York for my Where are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Buy Extraordinary Rendition at:

“Batista does it again when international intrigue collides with murder in Extraordinary Rendition! A high -priced Wall Street lawyer gets the shock of a lifetime…  law school never prepared him for this!  It’s a fast ride–buckle up!”
–Nancy Grace, Attorney, TV Personality and NY Times Bestselling Author of Death on the D-List

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Batista, novelist and television personality, is one of the most widely known trial lawyers in the country. As a trial attorney, he specializes in federal criminal litigation. As a media figure, he is known for his regular appearances as guest legal commentator on a variety of television shows including, Court TV, CNN, HLN and WNBC. He’s also appeared in the HBO movie, You Don't Know Jack, starring Al Pacino.

A prolific writer, Batista authored the leading treatise on the primary federal anti-racketeering statute, Civil RICO Practice Manual, which is now in its third edition (Wiley & Sons, 1987; Wolters Kluwer, 2008). He has written articles for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The National Law Journal.

Batista's debut novel, Death's Witness, was awarded a Silver Medal by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). And his new novel, Extraordinary Rendition, is now being published—along with a special reissue of Death’s Witness—by Astor + Blue Editions.

Batista is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Cornell Law School. He’s proud to have served in the United States Army. Paul Batista lives in New York City and Sag Harbor, New York.

Audio Book Review and Giveaway: The Reversal by Michael Connelly

An engaging courtroom, legal thriller.
The Reversal by Michael Connelly read by Peter Giles

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (October 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607886480
• ISBN-13: 978-1607886488

     Price:  Hardcover $13.99    Kindle $12.99  Audiobook $19.79
     Genre: Legal Thriller
     My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Longtime defense attorney Mickey Haller is recruited to change stripes and prosecute the high-profile retrial of a brutal child murder. After 24 years in prison, convicted killer Jason Jessup has been exonerated by new DNA evidence. Haller is convinced Jessup is guilty, and he takes the case on the condition that he gets to choose his investigator, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch.

Together, Bosch and Haller set off on a case fraught with political and personal danger. Opposing them is Jessup, now out on bail, a defense attorney who excels at manipulating the media, and a runaway eyewitness reluctant to testify after so many years.

With the odds and the evidence against them, Bosch and Haller must nail a sadistic killer once and for all. If Bosch is sure of anything, it is that Jason Jessup plans to kill again.

Review: I really enjoyed this legal thriller although there were some slower portions.

It has been a number of years since I read a Connelly book featuring Detective Harry Bosch and I had not read the previous works which introduced Harry’s half-brother, Defense Attorney Mickey Haller.  I liked the presentation of the story through both of these characters, alternating on scenes in the courtroom with Haller and the investigative work through Bosch.

Haller uses his skills and expertise as a defense lawyer to try to anticipate and prepare the prosecution to withstand the defense to be presented. Bosch uses his determined investigative skills to come up with the witnesses needed to present the prosecution’s case. Many witnesses have retired, moved or are dead. Harry manages to find witnesses, some who were not even used in the first trial, to piece together the crime after 24 years.  There would not have been a chance for the case without Harry finding the main witness, Sara, the murdered girl’s sister.  She was only 13 at the time of the murder but she was the eye witness who identified Jessup as the killer.  Harry also finds a key person to counter the defense’s attempt to discredit Sarah.

During the trial Harry helps to oversee the secret surveillance of Jessup’s movements who has been released on his own recognizance.  This adds some action suspense into the story.

This story is not high in criminal action but rather intensive in court procedures and legal machinations.  I have never practiced criminal law and have only handled a couple of jury trials in my years of practice. Nonetheless I really liked the courtroom scenes and preparation strategy sessions, as did my husband who listened to the story too.

The narration is pretty straight forward with only a few modified voices, particularly the abrupt sharpness of Bosch and the imitation British accent of the defense Attorney.  There is not a real attempt to present the female voices other than slight intonations, but that worked fine for me. Some of the procedural portions were a bit slow and I don’t know if they would have been easier to skim in print. Since I often multi-task when listening to audio books, those scenes did not really bother me or make the audio book tedious.

The plot and legal detail are engaging enough to keep the book moving to a very interesting, if not completely resolved, ending.  Anyone who likes details of criminal investigation and all the details necessary to present a murder trial, as well as of the accompanying court procedures, will enjoy this book.

THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING TWO AUDIO CD BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Tell me if you like courtroom procedure books, TV shows or movies and let me know if you have a favorite.
Please leave your email!

2.  Two extra entries: Visit the Author Website and tell me something you found there of interest.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Seven total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 2, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.