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Charley Sloan #2
Death Penalty
Detroit lawyer Charley Sloan has been around the block once or twice. Down for the count, drinking heavily, a three-time loser in the marriage wars, Charley repairs his tattered career and gets back in the game. Heading his rogues' gallery of clients is the infamous, twisted angel of mercy, Doctor Death, whose patients have a strange habit of dying under very peculiar circumstances.But now Charley steps into a case with the opportunity to do some good. The high stakes include a literal matter of life and death. And, as he quickly discovers, they also include the sinister stench of corruption that reaches to the highest levels of jurisprudence-including Charley Sloan's respected mentor. Suddenly, a rock and a hard place never looked so good.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
132 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
William J. Coughlin
35 books44 followersWilliam Jeremiah Coughlin (1929-1992), former defense attorney and judge in Detroit for twenty years, was the author of sixteen novels. He lived in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan with his wife, Ruth, an author and book critic.
Also wrote under the pseudonym of Sean A. Key.
Also wrote under the pseudonym of Sean A. Key.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 7, 2012
I picked this up from the clearance rack at Half Price Books, and this is a definite winner.
Charley Sloan is arguably the nicest defense attorney you'd ever want to meet. Recovering alcoholic and thrice-divorced, Charley made it big before losing everything and almost getting disbarred. Climbing back from the brink, selling shoes and real estate to make ends meet, he rebuilds a small one-man practice by handling divorces, real estate transactions,representing petty criminals and the occasional high-profile murderer.
Charley finds himself in a tough situation when an old down-and-out attorney friend asks him to handle the appeal on a big liability case. When he hears whispers that one of the appellate panel judges may be on the take, Charley has to decide how to proceed. If he refuses to go along, he will lose the judgement and his percentage, but more importantly, his client -- rendered quadriplegic by an accident -- will never receive proper care.
Charley is likable, honest and truly concerned about the best interests of his clients. I found myself hoping that this wasn't the only Charley Sloan book written, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Charley Sloan is arguably the nicest defense attorney you'd ever want to meet. Recovering alcoholic and thrice-divorced, Charley made it big before losing everything and almost getting disbarred. Climbing back from the brink, selling shoes and real estate to make ends meet, he rebuilds a small one-man practice by handling divorces, real estate transactions,representing petty criminals and the occasional high-profile murderer.
Charley finds himself in a tough situation when an old down-and-out attorney friend asks him to handle the appeal on a big liability case. When he hears whispers that one of the appellate panel judges may be on the take, Charley has to decide how to proceed. If he refuses to go along, he will lose the judgement and his percentage, but more importantly, his client -- rendered quadriplegic by an accident -- will never receive proper care.
Charley is likable, honest and truly concerned about the best interests of his clients. I found myself hoping that this wasn't the only Charley Sloan book written, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
September 10, 2016
Charley Sloan has become my new favorite character I have never really been a fan of legal thrillers up until know
I read the first book in the series and really enjoyed it .
but the author has moved up another level with Death Penalty lots more happening in the second book to keep you on the ball. i am looking forward to reading the next one in the series
5 stars and well worth the read
I read the first book in the series and really enjoyed it .
but the author has moved up another level with Death Penalty lots more happening in the second book to keep you on the ball. i am looking forward to reading the next one in the series
5 stars and well worth the read
May 27, 2010
One of the few mysteries written in first person that I've read recently. I really liked the narrative voice of this lawyer-as-hero mystery. Though he's a lawyer and former judge, Coughlin doesn't get bogged down in trial scenes.
April 25, 2020
Not a Turow. Not a Grisham. Nevertheless, a worthwhile legal thriller. "Thriller" may be too strong a term, given the low-key, matter-of-fact style of the first person narrative.
Basically, I like the character of Charley Sloan, a lawyer who has lost almost everything to alcoholism and is struggling to regain control of his life. This is the second novel featuring Sloan, and unfortunately only one remains, which I will certainly read shortly.
Charley juggles multiple cases while grappling with a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't ethical dilemma. That situation, plus Charley's repeated temptations to chuck it all and go back to drinking, account for what suspense there is in the novel. The resolution of his ethical problem seemed a little contrived, and that accounts for the 4 star rating.
I'm sorry that Coughlin didn't start the Sloan series sooner and take it further before his death. I haven't read any of his non-Sloan novels, but may give one a try at some point.
Basically, I like the character of Charley Sloan, a lawyer who has lost almost everything to alcoholism and is struggling to regain control of his life. This is the second novel featuring Sloan, and unfortunately only one remains, which I will certainly read shortly.
Charley juggles multiple cases while grappling with a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't ethical dilemma. That situation, plus Charley's repeated temptations to chuck it all and go back to drinking, account for what suspense there is in the novel. The resolution of his ethical problem seemed a little contrived, and that accounts for the 4 star rating.
I'm sorry that Coughlin didn't start the Sloan series sooner and take it further before his death. I haven't read any of his non-Sloan novels, but may give one a try at some point.
April 10, 2019
This is the second in the series about Lawyer Charley Sloan. I loved the first one and this is equally as good. Charley Sloan lives in Detroit and is a lawyer, with his own small office. He used to be rich and have everything, then something happened, his license was taken away, but Charley worked his way up and got his license back.
He is now defending, Dr Death. He is a doctor accused of giving lethal injections to older patients that don't want to suffer. Not one of Charley's favorite clients, as even though he is released, the Dr seems to want to continue to offer his services.
Charley is also finding love again, with a cop, Sue..But, with failed marriages, he isn't ready for any commitment and now is he approached by his former friend and lawyer, to help to take over a case that he can win lots of money. But, in taking this case, is Charley going to lose his license for good this time.
You have to appreciate an honest man, that to torn by a decision to do the right thing, or something
that would be the wrong thing, but would be for his friend that saved his life.
A really great book and love it and starting on the next.
He is now defending, Dr Death. He is a doctor accused of giving lethal injections to older patients that don't want to suffer. Not one of Charley's favorite clients, as even though he is released, the Dr seems to want to continue to offer his services.
Charley is also finding love again, with a cop, Sue..But, with failed marriages, he isn't ready for any commitment and now is he approached by his former friend and lawyer, to help to take over a case that he can win lots of money. But, in taking this case, is Charley going to lose his license for good this time.
You have to appreciate an honest man, that to torn by a decision to do the right thing, or something
that would be the wrong thing, but would be for his friend that saved his life.
A really great book and love it and starting on the next.
June 23, 2013
Legal thrillers are a sub-genre I don't dip into much, but now and again it's fun to see how lawyers work, or at least how writers want us to think they work. William J. Coughlin, who wrote a bunch of these from the seventies to the nineties, was a judge, so his books presumably rate high on the authenticity scale. His character Charley Sloan is a recovering alcoholic in the Detroit area who lost a high-flying career to drink and since sobering up has been running a little one-man practice handling small-time stuff. This makes him an underdog, which always helps a character's appeal. In this one Sloan juggles a couple of high-profile cases along with a slew of minor ones while getting caught in an ethical bind between loyalty and the law. It makes for an entertaining read with adequate suspense despite the lack of gunplay, serial killers and vampires, and the resolution is legally and dramatically satisfying. Just a competently written story of lawyers and their business; I'll read more of these.
January 23, 2017
THE BEST!!!
Coughlin's second novel in the Charley Sloan Courtroom Thriller series is one of the best legal thrillers I've ever read. The main story is woven through the book with many short legal cases that are all interesting. Some are longer and also weave in between, but none are boring and some are downright spine tingling with suspense. The ending of the main story is totally unpredictable! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Coughlin's second novel in the Charley Sloan Courtroom Thriller series is one of the best legal thrillers I've ever read. The main story is woven through the book with many short legal cases that are all interesting. Some are longer and also weave in between, but none are boring and some are downright spine tingling with suspense. The ending of the main story is totally unpredictable! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
April 11, 2018
Good book
Charley Sloan number # 2. Very enjoyable. Light reading. No great upheavals. Just the thing for the beach. And as it is a series, no running out. At least as long as you are on the beach.
Charley Sloan number # 2. Very enjoyable. Light reading. No great upheavals. Just the thing for the beach. And as it is a series, no running out. At least as long as you are on the beach.
October 14, 2024
It was nicely written and easy to read, with three primary stories. The setting is southeast Michigan, but liberties were taken with a number of place names. I mean, Broken Axe instead of Bad Axe? Frankly, I find that kind of thing annoying. While it flowed nicely, I only gave it 2 stars because I think the outcomes in each of the 3 main story lines were either too easy or improbable.
October 2, 2017
A lawyer who has lost everything and is trying to claw his way back is approached to take on a case that could make or break him. He soon regrets his decision to take it on as he grapples to work out which Judge he can trust and which ones are out to destroy him. An enjoyable read.
November 13, 2019
Charley Sloan prevails in court again
Enjoyed watching Charley Sloan prevails again in court. He gets tangled up with client-side doesn't like and then gets approached by a crooked judge. Charley struggles to be a good man. You want him to win.
Enjoyed watching Charley Sloan prevails again in court. He gets tangled up with client-side doesn't like and then gets approached by a crooked judge. Charley struggles to be a good man. You want him to win.
December 21, 2021
This one is even better than the first Coughlin featuring Charley Sloan. Instead of one huge legal case taking up the bulk of one novel, Coughlin weaves many legal stories into this one book. Sloan continues to be a character I want to read more about. Good thing I've got another Coughlin to go!
May 27, 2017
Great read.
Accurate legal issues, believable characters and good plot. I couldn't put it down. I love Charley Sloan and his genuine goodness.
Accurate legal issues, believable characters and good plot. I couldn't put it down. I love Charley Sloan and his genuine goodness.
August 22, 2017
This is a pretty good book, even though it's your typical down and out lawyer working his way back into favor theme. The writing is good and the story kept me reading.
February 15, 2018
These books are so well written. I wish I had discovered this author years ago.
May 23, 2018
This is a good quick read. Interesting characters and subject matter. Keeps you wanting to read more.
October 2, 2018
Excellent legal thriller.
October 31, 2018
A wily, likeable tale.
February 15, 2020
Maybe Everything is too Perfect
Maybe everything is too perfect in this story but I loved it. Maybe Charley is just an unlikely lovable hero.
Maybe everything is too perfect in this story but I loved it. Maybe Charley is just an unlikely lovable hero.
April 11, 2021
Wow. What a great read. Captivating
July 31, 2021
Very good. I literally could not put it down. My new fav author
March 14, 2017
Great adventure, edge of your seat thriller.
Read
March 8, 2017Looking forward to the next Charley Sloan novel!
March 14, 2016
Besides being able to write, a fact I only discovered almost 25 years after the guy died, and me not being able to believe that I have never read anything by this guy, this is one of the best legal novels I have ever read. That includes those by my hero, Scott Turow, and my hero-runner-up, John Grisham. Where is the sand my head was buried in?
Even so, the story here wasn't about any one case, or even a few of them. It was about the life, both in toto and daily, of one lawyer. I was so taken in by this guy that I regret that I read the second novel of the series first, an omission that will be corrected almost immediately even if I can't correct the order-of-reading mistake.
I love Chicago, and this guy described Detroit as only a Detroit-lover of days gone by could have. Also, I'm not into descriptions of either characters or places unless they really add to the story. The worst waste of space is when an author describes in some detail a minor character who is in the story for two paragraphs, one being the description of him or her. For a 400+ page novel, this author used his space judiciously. I guess one should expect that type of usage from a judge.
This novel probably wasn't really 5 stars, but 4. I gave it that extra star because it hit all my buttons, as well as having its main premise being why this attorney practices, and his why is the same why as Eddie G., my protagonist in Hammering Nails Can be Murder, doesn't practice.
I just wish my stuff was as good as this guy's.
Even so, the story here wasn't about any one case, or even a few of them. It was about the life, both in toto and daily, of one lawyer. I was so taken in by this guy that I regret that I read the second novel of the series first, an omission that will be corrected almost immediately even if I can't correct the order-of-reading mistake.
I love Chicago, and this guy described Detroit as only a Detroit-lover of days gone by could have. Also, I'm not into descriptions of either characters or places unless they really add to the story. The worst waste of space is when an author describes in some detail a minor character who is in the story for two paragraphs, one being the description of him or her. For a 400+ page novel, this author used his space judiciously. I guess one should expect that type of usage from a judge.
This novel probably wasn't really 5 stars, but 4. I gave it that extra star because it hit all my buttons, as well as having its main premise being why this attorney practices, and his why is the same why as Eddie G., my protagonist in Hammering Nails Can be Murder, doesn't practice.
I just wish my stuff was as good as this guy's.
January 22, 2015
Charley Sloan is an unlikely hero, but a great character. He is a "scum bag" lawyer from Detroit with a heart of gold trying to regain his reputation after being disbarred and disgraced. An old colleague and raging alcoholic friend manipulates Charley into finishing a law suit against a major corporation for him which would result in great financial reward for both of them (well, Charley gets 25%) and the pathetic invalid victim who deserves to win.
I particularly liked this book because of the development of characters, the skillful integration of multiple legal cases, and the ethical dilemma. Charley is a wonderfully vulnerable, cynical, tormented soul. He struggles with recovering alcoholism, recovering from three bad marriages, and dealing with an overly efficient and skeptical secretary. He has charm and brains. He is interrupted by demands from other legal cases and legal work which must be addressed so a nice touch of realism. One of these cases is more developed and involves a murder charge against an arrogant, obnoxious client, "Doctor Death," who specializes in mercy killing. Added to this is an ethical dilemma where the only way it appears Charley could win the class action case is to compromise a legal code of ethics and risk losing his license for good.
I do like the legal crime genre and this was a very good, 4+ read for me.
I particularly liked this book because of the development of characters, the skillful integration of multiple legal cases, and the ethical dilemma. Charley is a wonderfully vulnerable, cynical, tormented soul. He struggles with recovering alcoholism, recovering from three bad marriages, and dealing with an overly efficient and skeptical secretary. He has charm and brains. He is interrupted by demands from other legal cases and legal work which must be addressed so a nice touch of realism. One of these cases is more developed and involves a murder charge against an arrogant, obnoxious client, "Doctor Death," who specializes in mercy killing. Added to this is an ethical dilemma where the only way it appears Charley could win the class action case is to compromise a legal code of ethics and risk losing his license for good.
I do like the legal crime genre and this was a very good, 4+ read for me.
September 29, 2016
All you want and more..
I am very critical and selective of the material I read. My absolute favorite reading is legal thrillers; especially with a fair amount of court room drama. It's very difficult to find new favorite authors after reading all from the old favorites, but I think I really found a winner in William J. Coughlin. This is the second of his Charley Sloan series and it is fantastic. This book has all you could possibly ask for and much more. Unlike most stories that have a central theme and a plot as the basis of the story this has a different twist. Although there is a central theme, it does not dominate the story. This book has the feel of several short stories wrapped around the main theme. It is very unique in the way it is written and how the different subjects all coalesce. This has got to be one of my all time favorites; not only the subject matter but the style of writing. This book is extraordinary easy to read and will keep your attention to the very last word. Excellent work Mr. Coughlin.
I am very critical and selective of the material I read. My absolute favorite reading is legal thrillers; especially with a fair amount of court room drama. It's very difficult to find new favorite authors after reading all from the old favorites, but I think I really found a winner in William J. Coughlin. This is the second of his Charley Sloan series and it is fantastic. This book has all you could possibly ask for and much more. Unlike most stories that have a central theme and a plot as the basis of the story this has a different twist. Although there is a central theme, it does not dominate the story. This book has the feel of several short stories wrapped around the main theme. It is very unique in the way it is written and how the different subjects all coalesce. This has got to be one of my all time favorites; not only the subject matter but the style of writing. This book is extraordinary easy to read and will keep your attention to the very last word. Excellent work Mr. Coughlin.
November 5, 2016
Very enjoyable
This was an enjoyable book for me. Charley Sloan is an authentic character, not a super hero or a super cool detective, but a man who has made mistakes, learned from them, and is attempting to live an honest and useful life. He doesn't have all the answers and actually reaches out to others for help and advice. I found myself rooting for him. If you're looking for grizzly murders, car chases, or exploding buildings, this series is probably not for you. If you're looking for a good story and realistic characters, I think you'll like reading about Charley Sloan.
This was an enjoyable book for me. Charley Sloan is an authentic character, not a super hero or a super cool detective, but a man who has made mistakes, learned from them, and is attempting to live an honest and useful life. He doesn't have all the answers and actually reaches out to others for help and advice. I found myself rooting for him. If you're looking for grizzly murders, car chases, or exploding buildings, this series is probably not for you. If you're looking for a good story and realistic characters, I think you'll like reading about Charley Sloan.
November 18, 2014
Good book
The book covers two primary cases and some other nonessential stuff too. As is the case when you have two dishes one is better than the other. The better of the two had good twists and an interesting conclusion - you will know what I mean when you read the book. It really is a good one.
The book covers two primary cases and some other nonessential stuff too. As is the case when you have two dishes one is better than the other. The better of the two had good twists and an interesting conclusion - you will know what I mean when you read the book. It really is a good one.
September 9, 2016
Another great read but the editing is TERRIBLE
4 Star's for the story, writing, characters but the typos in this book were unbelievable. And it seems to be a pattern. Some errors are to be expected but some of these were ridiculous. However, I just downloaded another Charley Sloan book so that should show how much I am enjoying this series and author :-)
4 Star's for the story, writing, characters but the typos in this book were unbelievable. And it seems to be a pattern. Some errors are to be expected but some of these were ridiculous. However, I just downloaded another Charley Sloan book so that should show how much I am enjoying this series and author :-)
November 20, 2016
Excellent! A compelling story with an interesting and engaging main character involved in a criminal defense case as well as a product liability case, for which he will argue the appeal for a friend. But he gets more than he bargained for in the latter case. Will the case make his reputation or destroy him?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews