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Jason Kolarich #2
Breach Of Trust
Former college football star and criminal defense attorney Jason Kolarich returns in this shocking thriller from the award-winning author of The Hidden Man.Jason Kolarich has spent the past year struggling to recover from the horrific deaths of his wife and baby daughter.On the night of their deaths, Kolarich was at the office, awaiting a call from a confidential informant named Ernesto Ramirez-a call that never came. Kolarich blames himself not only for the deaths of his wife and child, but for the informant's murder as well. He can't bring back his family, but he can find out who killed Ramirez and bring the killer to justice.Unfortunately, Kolarich's guns-blazing approach to justice lands him smack in the middle of an FBI probe of a deeply corrupt governor and his cronies. To avoid jail, Kolarich must enter a world of wiretaps, double-dealing, and kickbacks, where he soon discovers that the murder of his informant was only the tip of the iceberg.This breach of trust runs up to the highest levels of power, and exposing it may drag Kolarich into the fight of his life.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2011
299 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
David Ellis
84 books2,311 followersDavid Ellis is a lawyer and the Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for Best First Novel for Line of Vision. Ellis attended Northwestern Law School and began his legal career in private practice in Chicago in 1993. He served as the House Prosecutor who tried and convicted Illinois Governor Blagojevich in the Impeachment Trial before the Illinois Senate. He was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014 and took office December 1, 2014. Ellis currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 16, 2020
Continuing my journey through the standalone work of David Ellis, I can see that he is able to hold his own, not needing a popular author to prop him up (which is how I have read his work in the past, a collaborative effort). This legal thriller is another example that there are gripping series right under my nose that I should be discovering and devouring. Jason Kolarich was surely a complex character in the opening novel and suffered much. As this book begins, the reader gets some more backstory on the case of State Senator Hector Almundo and corrupt practices that led to the death of a store proprietor. This was also around the time that Kolarich lost his wife and daughter in a freak auto accident. Saddled with this, Kolarich’s spiral into depression saw him try to isolate himself. However, he has the legal spark inside him and found a way to dust himself off. When the wife of one witness from the Almundo case comes to see him, asking that he help find out why her husband was killed, Kolarich is interested, though he is not sure if it will open a Pandora’s Box best left locked. Almundo is so thankful for the exoneration that he helps Kolarich score a lucrative job vetting state contracts in which kickbacks are going directly to the governor’s campaign coffers. While Kolarich is keen to stay on the up and up, someone alters his memo and the US Attorney is prepared to charge him in the scheme. However, there is a way for him to save his hide, by acting as a confidential informant and offering up bigger fish. Kolarich agrees, somewhat hesitantly, and begins working on the inside, only to discover this is a highly dangerous venture. In an operation that sees Kolarich climb the rungs of power within the state, he discovers that there is more to the Almundo case than he thought and that targets may be tied to a ruthless man in the governor’s mansion, with many around him equally as dirty. If only Kolarich can get what he needs to clear himself, and get answers for a grieving widow as well! Ellis has done it again, pulling me in and making me want more. Recommended to those who love legal thrillers that are anything but cookie cutter cases, as well as the reader who likes a side of gritty in their books.
David Ellis does so well on his own, though I can see what some of his more recent work is tied to a popular author, where he can still write and ensure some higher royalties as well. Ellis crafts strong legal stories with plot lines that never stop. Jason Kolarich continues to be a worthwhile protagonist with a past that is more thoroughly revealed in the opening section of this book. His grit and determination emerge throughout as he puts himself on the line to help others (while trying to stay out of prison himself) and he never stops playing all the angles. While he may not always make the best choices, he stands by them and works himself out of the corners into which he paints himself. The reader learns more about his post-family life with a law partner and a practice that is mildly successful, alongside a peppering of other characters whose presence serve the purpose of the narrative. More grit than courtroom acumen in this piece, Ellis and Kolarich both exemplify the darker and more troubling side of the law and legal antics. The reader encounters many writing flavours throughout, blended to make a stellar final product. Never losing momentum, Ellis offers the reader something they can enjoy, as they contemplate reaching for the next novel in the series.
Kudos, Mr. Ellis, for another great thriller. I am bingeing the series, so I will grab for the next book right now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
David Ellis does so well on his own, though I can see what some of his more recent work is tied to a popular author, where he can still write and ensure some higher royalties as well. Ellis crafts strong legal stories with plot lines that never stop. Jason Kolarich continues to be a worthwhile protagonist with a past that is more thoroughly revealed in the opening section of this book. His grit and determination emerge throughout as he puts himself on the line to help others (while trying to stay out of prison himself) and he never stops playing all the angles. While he may not always make the best choices, he stands by them and works himself out of the corners into which he paints himself. The reader learns more about his post-family life with a law partner and a practice that is mildly successful, alongside a peppering of other characters whose presence serve the purpose of the narrative. More grit than courtroom acumen in this piece, Ellis and Kolarich both exemplify the darker and more troubling side of the law and legal antics. The reader encounters many writing flavours throughout, blended to make a stellar final product. Never losing momentum, Ellis offers the reader something they can enjoy, as they contemplate reaching for the next novel in the series.
Kudos, Mr. Ellis, for another great thriller. I am bingeing the series, so I will grab for the next book right now!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 3, 2011
Jason Kolarich performed well as second chair of the defense in the trial of Senator Hector Almundo. Almundo allegedly dealt the the Cannibals street gang. They were shaking down businessmen for money for the senators election and then splitting the money. When one businessman didn't want to donate. He was murdered. Almundo is charged with conspiracy.
One night, Kolarich is waiting for a call from a confidential informant, Ernesto Ramirez. The call is important so Kolarich's wife takes their infant and drives to her parents house without him. In a double tragedy, his wife and child were killed when their car crashed in a slippery road. Later, he learns that the reason Ramirez didn't call is that he was murdered.
After a period of mourning, Kolarich returns to work. He's approached by Essie Ramirez, Ernesto's widow. She wants Kolarich to find her husband's killer.
Since Kolarich feels guilty about Ernesto's death and because Kolarich feels responsible for the death of his own wife and child, he accepts. He feels that if he can find Ramirez's killer, he can somehow make up for his failure.
In this psychological novel, we experience Kolarich's pain and suffering. He jumps into the investigation of Ramirez's death and tries to ingratiate himself with the politicians and behind the scenes friends of Almundo. However, his actions are caught by the FBI who are investigating corruption from the governor's office down to the local administrators. Kolarich can't prove that he was innocently pretending to work for these officials and to escape prosecution, he agrees to work undercover for the FBI.
The novel describes an intricate story with an investigation at two levels. Kolarich's work for the FBI on the political corruption and his individual goal, to find Ramirez's killer.
Kolarich is a heroic character who is just a man, trying to do the right thing. Unlike some fictional heroes, he does make mistakes and cannot overcome a beating at the hand of corrupt enforcers.
This is a well written story that provides an entertaining portrayal as well as a fine but all to believable story.
One night, Kolarich is waiting for a call from a confidential informant, Ernesto Ramirez. The call is important so Kolarich's wife takes their infant and drives to her parents house without him. In a double tragedy, his wife and child were killed when their car crashed in a slippery road. Later, he learns that the reason Ramirez didn't call is that he was murdered.
After a period of mourning, Kolarich returns to work. He's approached by Essie Ramirez, Ernesto's widow. She wants Kolarich to find her husband's killer.
Since Kolarich feels guilty about Ernesto's death and because Kolarich feels responsible for the death of his own wife and child, he accepts. He feels that if he can find Ramirez's killer, he can somehow make up for his failure.
In this psychological novel, we experience Kolarich's pain and suffering. He jumps into the investigation of Ramirez's death and tries to ingratiate himself with the politicians and behind the scenes friends of Almundo. However, his actions are caught by the FBI who are investigating corruption from the governor's office down to the local administrators. Kolarich can't prove that he was innocently pretending to work for these officials and to escape prosecution, he agrees to work undercover for the FBI.
The novel describes an intricate story with an investigation at two levels. Kolarich's work for the FBI on the political corruption and his individual goal, to find Ramirez's killer.
Kolarich is a heroic character who is just a man, trying to do the right thing. Unlike some fictional heroes, he does make mistakes and cannot overcome a beating at the hand of corrupt enforcers.
This is a well written story that provides an entertaining portrayal as well as a fine but all to believable story.
August 17, 2020
Another winner in the Jason Kolarich series. This one goes back in time and elaborates on what was brought up in the first book, the details of his wife and child's accident, and the case he was working on at the time.
Jason goes well beyond being a simple lawyer in this one. A great read with legal, detective, action, a bit of romance. He shows himself to be a good man, although a bit reckless at times. Maybe even a bit crazy - I certainly wouldn't do the things he does. But it makes for good reading.
Jason goes well beyond being a simple lawyer in this one. A great read with legal, detective, action, a bit of romance. He shows himself to be a good man, although a bit reckless at times. Maybe even a bit crazy - I certainly wouldn't do the things he does. But it makes for good reading.
July 16, 2016
Tough to write a good story about corruption and a snitch, but Ellis does a pretty good job, considering. 6 of 10 stars
December 14, 2015
Deutliche Steigerung
Die gute Nachricht zuerst: endlich mal ein Krimi aus neuerer Zeitrechnung, der ohne das übliche Schreckensarsenal von Kinderschändern, Neonazis, Terroristen, Serienmördern oder Psychopathen auskommt. Auch die zuletzt ziemlich überbeschäftigten Forensiker und das zugehörige Team von hochqualifizierten mit jedem nur erdenklichen ethnischen Hintergrund versehenen Laborratten haben nicht mal ein noch so kurzes Gastspiel in diesem legal Thriller. Denn es geht um Korruption in einer Landesregierung, die ein paar tödliche Wellen schlägt. Ein Ausläufer davon beendet das Leben der Frau des aufstrebenden Anwalts David Kolarich, die mit der drei Monate alten Tochter ums Leben kommt, weil der übermotivierte Rechtsbeistand zu lange auf den Anruf eines Entlastungszeugen wartet, der längst nicht mehr zum Hörer greifen kann.
Mit dem juristisch versierten Ermittler, der sich auf eigene Faust und eigenes Risiko und mit einem gehörigen Schuss Lebensmüdigkeit an die Ermittlung eines Mordes macht, den er gewissermaßen provoziert hat, verfolgt David Ellis die historisch gewachsene Einzelkämpferschiene und liefert dabei immerhin und zwar ziemlich früh die Motivation seines Helden David Kolarich.
Der überambitionierte Anwalt hatte als Verteidiger im Mord- und Korruptionsprozess gegen den Senator Hector Almundo einen unwilligen Zeugen in seinem Viertel aufgesucht und mit einer Zwangsvorladung öffentlich unter Druck gesetzt. Sein Zeuge wurde eliminiert, während er auf dessen Anruf wartete. Und da er zu lange wartete, war seine ebenso gefrustete und übermüdete Frau alleine zum Besuch bei ihren Eltern aufgebrochen und mit der drei Monate alten Tochter tödlich verunglückt.
Grund genug für endlose Selbstvorwürfe und den zwischenzeitlichen Abbruch der Karriere und Ausstieg aus der Nobel-Kanzlei.
Dieses Thema wurde schon hinreichend im ersten Teil der Reihe behandelt, und wenn es einen Preis für den am weitesten hergeholten „McGuffin“ gäbe, dann wäre „Der Mann im Schatten“ ein ganz heißer Anwärter auf den Sieg. In Sachen Auflösung und Motivation ist der zweite Streich, bzw. das dritte Buch, in dem der Mord- und Korruptionsprozess gegen den auf dem Ethno-Ticket segelnden (Ex-)Senator eine Rolle spielt, eine klare Steigerung. Auch in Sachen Auflösung des Skandals, der immer weitere Kreise zieht, und der damit verbundenen Morde bleibt Ellis dieses mal nichts schuldig.
Insofern rechtfertigt das Buch doch noch seine vorschnelle Anschaffung, denn ich hatte schon während des starken Starts des später erbärmlich abgestürzten „Mannes im Schatten“ zugegriffen. Doch nach den letzten Seiten seines ersten Auftritts hätte Jason Kolarich, der dieses mal wenigstens von vorn bis hinten allein erzählen darf, bei mir keine zweite Chance bekommen.
Etliche bekannte Spannungsfaktoren finden sich auch beim zweiten Abenteuer des Anwalts außerhalb der Gerichtsschranken wieder: Erneut steht der Einzelkämpfer und Anwalt gleich doppelt unter Druck, denn das FBI ermittelt seinerseits in der korrupten Beschaffungsbehörde des vom Stellvertreter zum Gouverneur aufgerückten Carlton Snow, der mit allen erdenklichen Mitteln das Geld für die Bestätigunng im Amt auftreiben lässt, und beschäftigt einen bislang ziemlich blinden Maulwurf.
Mit dessen Hilfe entstehen immerhin Beweise, mit denen der ehrgeizige FBI-Chefanwalt Chris Moody seinen erfolgreichen Kontrahenten im Almundo-Prozess unter Druck setzen kann. Und Moody ist ebenso ehrgeizig wie rachsüchtig und würde Kolarich am liebsten mit der ganzen Bagage in der Snow-Verwaltung, in der sein Maulwurf immer weiter aufsteigt, unter Anklage stellen.
Auf seinem Weg nach oben und auf der Suche nach dem Mörder des Entlastungszeugen, der indirekt auch Jasons eigene Familie auf dem Gewissen hat, durchläuft der FBI-Agent wider Willen und in eigener Sache sämtliche Undercover-Stationen: nächtliche Frostfolter in kalten Fabrikhallen und heiße Nummern mit dem Schurkenvamp im Nobelhotel, immerhin toppt der Ex-Footballer seine Vorläufer allerdings mit der Rettung eines geläuterten Todeskandidaten aus der Hinrichtungszelle.
So weit, so gut, David Ellis hat nichts ausgelassen, sogar eine echte Herzensangelegenheit eingebaut, aus der nichts werden kann, natürlich auch jede Menge fiese Tricks zur Steigerung des Spendenaufkommens und zur legalen Umgehung von Gesetzen.
Charaktere (Unverhofftes Loblied auf Grisham)
Aber so richtig warm geworden bin ich auch beim zweiten Fall nicht mit dem eigenwilligen Anwalt, der allzu oft einfach nur bockig erscheint. Dazu waren seine Gegner auf beiden Seiten des Gesetzes einfach zu mies oder fies. Und selbst wenn John Grisham für etliche Todsünden in Sachen political Correctness auf den elektrischen Krimistuhl gehört, so hat sein Helden- wie Schurkenpersonal einen gewissen human touch, der dem Leser einen, wenn auch gelegentlich widerwillig gezollten, Respekt abnötigt. Die Stärken des Anwalts der Gegenseite werden ebenso gewürdigt wie verloren gegangene Ideale oder Illusionen, von ihren Lastern dominierte Charaktere geraten Grisham immerhin zur dynamischen Karrikatur. In Sachen Charakterentwicklung und Gesamtmotivation liegt sicherlich das große Defizit von David Ellis gegenüber seinem prominenteren Kollegen, der, im direkten Vergleich geradezu als Gigant erscheint.
Selbst Hauptheld Jason Kolarich gerät ihm bestenfalls anderthalbdimensional, der Rest des Personals ist ohnehin Pappe. Aber vielleicht bringt David Ellis eben auch nur einen Bruchteil von dem, was er beim Schreiben vor Augen hat, zu Papier. Um so wichtiger wären ein paar lebhaftere Emotionen, auf die ich wohl vergeblich warten werde. Kolarichs dritter Fall wird wieder in erster und dritter Person erzählt. ich kann gar nicht sagen, wie sehr ich diese strukturell spannungsfeindliche Methode hasse. Dummerweise habe ich Den falschen Mann schon bestellt.
Na, ja es muss auch 2015 Futter für Ein-Stern-Rezis geben.
Die gute Nachricht zuerst: endlich mal ein Krimi aus neuerer Zeitrechnung, der ohne das übliche Schreckensarsenal von Kinderschändern, Neonazis, Terroristen, Serienmördern oder Psychopathen auskommt. Auch die zuletzt ziemlich überbeschäftigten Forensiker und das zugehörige Team von hochqualifizierten mit jedem nur erdenklichen ethnischen Hintergrund versehenen Laborratten haben nicht mal ein noch so kurzes Gastspiel in diesem legal Thriller. Denn es geht um Korruption in einer Landesregierung, die ein paar tödliche Wellen schlägt. Ein Ausläufer davon beendet das Leben der Frau des aufstrebenden Anwalts David Kolarich, die mit der drei Monate alten Tochter ums Leben kommt, weil der übermotivierte Rechtsbeistand zu lange auf den Anruf eines Entlastungszeugen wartet, der längst nicht mehr zum Hörer greifen kann.
Mit dem juristisch versierten Ermittler, der sich auf eigene Faust und eigenes Risiko und mit einem gehörigen Schuss Lebensmüdigkeit an die Ermittlung eines Mordes macht, den er gewissermaßen provoziert hat, verfolgt David Ellis die historisch gewachsene Einzelkämpferschiene und liefert dabei immerhin und zwar ziemlich früh die Motivation seines Helden David Kolarich.
Der überambitionierte Anwalt hatte als Verteidiger im Mord- und Korruptionsprozess gegen den Senator Hector Almundo einen unwilligen Zeugen in seinem Viertel aufgesucht und mit einer Zwangsvorladung öffentlich unter Druck gesetzt. Sein Zeuge wurde eliminiert, während er auf dessen Anruf wartete. Und da er zu lange wartete, war seine ebenso gefrustete und übermüdete Frau alleine zum Besuch bei ihren Eltern aufgebrochen und mit der drei Monate alten Tochter tödlich verunglückt.
Grund genug für endlose Selbstvorwürfe und den zwischenzeitlichen Abbruch der Karriere und Ausstieg aus der Nobel-Kanzlei.
Dieses Thema wurde schon hinreichend im ersten Teil der Reihe behandelt, und wenn es einen Preis für den am weitesten hergeholten „McGuffin“ gäbe, dann wäre „Der Mann im Schatten“ ein ganz heißer Anwärter auf den Sieg. In Sachen Auflösung und Motivation ist der zweite Streich, bzw. das dritte Buch, in dem der Mord- und Korruptionsprozess gegen den auf dem Ethno-Ticket segelnden (Ex-)Senator eine Rolle spielt, eine klare Steigerung. Auch in Sachen Auflösung des Skandals, der immer weitere Kreise zieht, und der damit verbundenen Morde bleibt Ellis dieses mal nichts schuldig.
Insofern rechtfertigt das Buch doch noch seine vorschnelle Anschaffung, denn ich hatte schon während des starken Starts des später erbärmlich abgestürzten „Mannes im Schatten“ zugegriffen. Doch nach den letzten Seiten seines ersten Auftritts hätte Jason Kolarich, der dieses mal wenigstens von vorn bis hinten allein erzählen darf, bei mir keine zweite Chance bekommen.
Etliche bekannte Spannungsfaktoren finden sich auch beim zweiten Abenteuer des Anwalts außerhalb der Gerichtsschranken wieder: Erneut steht der Einzelkämpfer und Anwalt gleich doppelt unter Druck, denn das FBI ermittelt seinerseits in der korrupten Beschaffungsbehörde des vom Stellvertreter zum Gouverneur aufgerückten Carlton Snow, der mit allen erdenklichen Mitteln das Geld für die Bestätigunng im Amt auftreiben lässt, und beschäftigt einen bislang ziemlich blinden Maulwurf.
Mit dessen Hilfe entstehen immerhin Beweise, mit denen der ehrgeizige FBI-Chefanwalt Chris Moody seinen erfolgreichen Kontrahenten im Almundo-Prozess unter Druck setzen kann. Und Moody ist ebenso ehrgeizig wie rachsüchtig und würde Kolarich am liebsten mit der ganzen Bagage in der Snow-Verwaltung, in der sein Maulwurf immer weiter aufsteigt, unter Anklage stellen.
Auf seinem Weg nach oben und auf der Suche nach dem Mörder des Entlastungszeugen, der indirekt auch Jasons eigene Familie auf dem Gewissen hat, durchläuft der FBI-Agent wider Willen und in eigener Sache sämtliche Undercover-Stationen: nächtliche Frostfolter in kalten Fabrikhallen und heiße Nummern mit dem Schurkenvamp im Nobelhotel, immerhin toppt der Ex-Footballer seine Vorläufer allerdings mit der Rettung eines geläuterten Todeskandidaten aus der Hinrichtungszelle.
So weit, so gut, David Ellis hat nichts ausgelassen, sogar eine echte Herzensangelegenheit eingebaut, aus der nichts werden kann, natürlich auch jede Menge fiese Tricks zur Steigerung des Spendenaufkommens und zur legalen Umgehung von Gesetzen.
Charaktere (Unverhofftes Loblied auf Grisham)
Aber so richtig warm geworden bin ich auch beim zweiten Fall nicht mit dem eigenwilligen Anwalt, der allzu oft einfach nur bockig erscheint. Dazu waren seine Gegner auf beiden Seiten des Gesetzes einfach zu mies oder fies. Und selbst wenn John Grisham für etliche Todsünden in Sachen political Correctness auf den elektrischen Krimistuhl gehört, so hat sein Helden- wie Schurkenpersonal einen gewissen human touch, der dem Leser einen, wenn auch gelegentlich widerwillig gezollten, Respekt abnötigt. Die Stärken des Anwalts der Gegenseite werden ebenso gewürdigt wie verloren gegangene Ideale oder Illusionen, von ihren Lastern dominierte Charaktere geraten Grisham immerhin zur dynamischen Karrikatur. In Sachen Charakterentwicklung und Gesamtmotivation liegt sicherlich das große Defizit von David Ellis gegenüber seinem prominenteren Kollegen, der, im direkten Vergleich geradezu als Gigant erscheint.
Selbst Hauptheld Jason Kolarich gerät ihm bestenfalls anderthalbdimensional, der Rest des Personals ist ohnehin Pappe. Aber vielleicht bringt David Ellis eben auch nur einen Bruchteil von dem, was er beim Schreiben vor Augen hat, zu Papier. Um so wichtiger wären ein paar lebhaftere Emotionen, auf die ich wohl vergeblich warten werde. Kolarichs dritter Fall wird wieder in erster und dritter Person erzählt. ich kann gar nicht sagen, wie sehr ich diese strukturell spannungsfeindliche Methode hasse. Dummerweise habe ich Den falschen Mann schon bestellt.
Na, ja es muss auch 2015 Futter für Ein-Stern-Rezis geben.
April 12, 2015
This was probably worth more than three stars. But, while I find politics and corruption riveting in real life, in novels - not so much. Its just a personal preference. Jason Kolarich is a great character though and the story has lots of drama, if not so much outright tension because of the political slant. Its a good series.
February 24, 2016
Political corruption plots aren't generally my cup of tea, but David Ellis’ “Breach of Trust” has all the elements of a very compelling read. Furthermore, you can't help but like Jason Kolarich, whom we first met in “The Hidden Man”. Here, we follow this young lawyer’s struggle to uncover the truth behind the killing of a potential witness. The unveiling of this murder is of the most vital importance to Kolarich as he was waiting for a call from this witness the night his wife and baby died in a car accident. He feels that if he hadn't insisted on meeting with this witness, the latter would not have been killed for divulging what he knew, and Jason would have been in the car driving instead of his exhausted wife.
Jason’s lone crusade for the truth is quickly interrupted when a DA and federal agents threaten Jason with charges if he doesn't report to them. So Jason continues to work undercover, but now for the Feds.
David Ellis’ style is the perfect mix of substance (and depth), suspense and humor. There’s a lot in this story that makes sense. For instance, at the end when the federal agents move in to arrest the Governor’s entourage, there’s no final confrontation with Jason, which is totally realistic. The whistle-blower remains anonymous.
There were many tense and suspenseful moments when Jason was "in role" trying to elicit information from the various political appointees, some of them veritable thugs. What I liked best were Jason’s musings, his introspection, so to speak. Him sharing openly how he feels with everything he's dealing with.
Can’t wait for the next book.
Jason’s lone crusade for the truth is quickly interrupted when a DA and federal agents threaten Jason with charges if he doesn't report to them. So Jason continues to work undercover, but now for the Feds.
David Ellis’ style is the perfect mix of substance (and depth), suspense and humor. There’s a lot in this story that makes sense. For instance, at the end when the federal agents move in to arrest the Governor’s entourage, there’s no final confrontation with Jason, which is totally realistic. The whistle-blower remains anonymous.
There were many tense and suspenseful moments when Jason was "in role" trying to elicit information from the various political appointees, some of them veritable thugs. What I liked best were Jason’s musings, his introspection, so to speak. Him sharing openly how he feels with everything he's dealing with.
Can’t wait for the next book.
June 8, 2011
Another excellent book by David Ellis. In Breach of Trust we are once again introduced to Jason Kolarich. I believe the storyline for this book actually takes place before that of The Hidden Man his previous book (which I read and absolutely loved). In this book Jason has recently joined a private firm and is working to defend a politician of questionable integrity when the investigation leads to the murder of a potential witness and on the same night an accident in which Jason's wife and baby daughter are killed. Jason leaves the firm and goes on his own with a focus to find out what happened. This leads to a discovery of political corruption where Jason becomes a confidential informant. David Ellis is uniquely qualified to write this type of novel given his experience in the corruption trial of Illinois (my home state) Gov. Rod Blagovich. This is an extremely fast paced book with an excellent plot. If you like legal and political thrillers, do not miss this book. I look forward to the next book in the Jason Kolarich series.
September 15, 2023
4.3
Ravenous, charade, deny…
“I had found my calling. I was a liar. A fake. A pretender. And now for my final act. I was going to help take down a sitting governor.”
Jason previously worked in the county attorney’s office but is currently working in an undercover role for the federal government.
He is tasked with gathering information concerning the current governor’s administration, but he has his own hidden agenda for participating. His personal mission will result in making different versions of the story being revealed.
*Look Closer by this author was one of my favorites of 2022. I had a hard time finding previous books. It took me a year but I found 2 other books. I bought one while on vacation!
*Political and legal thriller
*I didn’t expect to enjoy a plot about political corruption! Intricate plot.
*A follow-the-money scenario
*Great twist near the end!
Ravenous, charade, deny…
“I had found my calling. I was a liar. A fake. A pretender. And now for my final act. I was going to help take down a sitting governor.”
Jason previously worked in the county attorney’s office but is currently working in an undercover role for the federal government.
He is tasked with gathering information concerning the current governor’s administration, but he has his own hidden agenda for participating. His personal mission will result in making different versions of the story being revealed.
*Look Closer by this author was one of my favorites of 2022. I had a hard time finding previous books. It took me a year but I found 2 other books. I bought one while on vacation!
*Political and legal thriller
*I didn’t expect to enjoy a plot about political corruption! Intricate plot.
*A follow-the-money scenario
*Great twist near the end!
June 29, 2014
I absolutely loved the first book & thought I had found a terrific new series to read, but this was such a disappointment to me. Took forever to get going, tied up in far too much mumbo-jumbo & the flashbacks got really confusing. Will not put me off the series as I have the next book to read but if it's as tedious as this one, no further investigation will be needed
July 15, 2016
I think Ellis needs to stick with Patterson Corporate Book Writing Cabal.
Story was just unbelievable, even by someone like me who studied Democratic political corruption since the 1960 election.
Story was just unbelievable, even by someone like me who studied Democratic political corruption since the 1960 election.
January 25, 2020
This reminded me of Grisham when he was still at or near the top of his game. Sharp lawyer with a good heart stumbles into a web of legal, criminal, and political intrigue, and has to outthink the conniving sleaze bags who surround him at every level.
And, low and behold, this is an actual political thriller!
Let me elaborate. One of my problems with the term "political thriller" is that people throw it around so casually. Often they are actually referring to spy thrillers, which usually have very little politics in them. Spy thrillers aren't about the exercise of power or the maneuvering of politicians.
Then there are international thrillers, where the hero is hopscotching borders to stop a villain abroad, or military thrillers along similar lines. When the hero happens to report to the president of the United States, once again some people misleadingly call it a "political thriller."
And when we do run across an actual political thriller, it is all too often set in the White House and the president of the United States inevitably becomes one of the characters.
What's great about this novel is that it actually examines the exercise of power (without all the silly trappings of staterooms in Washington, D.C.), highlighting the genuine risks, stakes, and suspense involved with real politics. It's focused on high-ranking state officials in Illinois with thankfully none of the typical Congress/White House-thriller tropes. It does so effectively, probing the state procurement bureaucracy as well as the governor's inner circle.
Kolarich is a hotshot lawyer who wins a high-profile case defending a state legislator allegedly responsible for a street gang extortion racket and murder. He investigates one of the big loose threads from the case after suffering a family loss and quitting his law firm.
He runs into dead ends with the street gangs and begins looking into the state procurement board. His involvement as a contract attorney for the procurement office catches the attention of federal agents who want him to work undercover for them and wear a wire. Kolarich has to write legal briefs for the kleptocrats so they'll think he's on their side, while he's obtaining recordings of their illegal instructions.
Kolarich works his way up the rungs of the corrupt members of the office, who each seem to have ties to the governor's office. Eventually he's able to meet the governor's chief of staff. That's really just the beginning, but I'll leave it there to prevent spoilers.
I enjoyed the insider-type account of procurement and political mischief. The stakes were high because, early on, Kolarich declines an immunity deal, so the feds keep threating him with an indictment even though he's working for them. I'm not sure how plausible that was, but it did keep the tension up and underscored Kolarich's nature as a lone ranger.
On the downside, this book was a bit on the long side. The stuff about the state procurement board seemed like a book unto itself, so I was a bit worn out by the time Kolarich penetrated the governor's office.
Also, one of the characters seemed too unbelievable to me, but I can't go into the details without potential spoilers. But it's like every time the plot needed to be moved along or we needed a bridge between two events, scenes, or characters, this character showed up.
But overall, a fun, twisty political thriller!
And, low and behold, this is an actual political thriller!
Let me elaborate. One of my problems with the term "political thriller" is that people throw it around so casually. Often they are actually referring to spy thrillers, which usually have very little politics in them. Spy thrillers aren't about the exercise of power or the maneuvering of politicians.
Then there are international thrillers, where the hero is hopscotching borders to stop a villain abroad, or military thrillers along similar lines. When the hero happens to report to the president of the United States, once again some people misleadingly call it a "political thriller."
And when we do run across an actual political thriller, it is all too often set in the White House and the president of the United States inevitably becomes one of the characters.
What's great about this novel is that it actually examines the exercise of power (without all the silly trappings of staterooms in Washington, D.C.), highlighting the genuine risks, stakes, and suspense involved with real politics. It's focused on high-ranking state officials in Illinois with thankfully none of the typical Congress/White House-thriller tropes. It does so effectively, probing the state procurement bureaucracy as well as the governor's inner circle.
Kolarich is a hotshot lawyer who wins a high-profile case defending a state legislator allegedly responsible for a street gang extortion racket and murder. He investigates one of the big loose threads from the case after suffering a family loss and quitting his law firm.
He runs into dead ends with the street gangs and begins looking into the state procurement board. His involvement as a contract attorney for the procurement office catches the attention of federal agents who want him to work undercover for them and wear a wire. Kolarich has to write legal briefs for the kleptocrats so they'll think he's on their side, while he's obtaining recordings of their illegal instructions.
Kolarich works his way up the rungs of the corrupt members of the office, who each seem to have ties to the governor's office. Eventually he's able to meet the governor's chief of staff. That's really just the beginning, but I'll leave it there to prevent spoilers.
I enjoyed the insider-type account of procurement and political mischief. The stakes were high because, early on, Kolarich declines an immunity deal, so the feds keep threating him with an indictment even though he's working for them. I'm not sure how plausible that was, but it did keep the tension up and underscored Kolarich's nature as a lone ranger.
On the downside, this book was a bit on the long side. The stuff about the state procurement board seemed like a book unto itself, so I was a bit worn out by the time Kolarich penetrated the governor's office.
Also, one of the characters seemed too unbelievable to me, but I can't go into the details without potential spoilers. But it's like every time the plot needed to be moved along or we needed a bridge between two events, scenes, or characters, this character showed up.
But overall, a fun, twisty political thriller!
November 6, 2022
David Ellis has a way of taking a potential dry situation and making it explosive. He also explains the legal text so that is makes sense and is exciting.
Read
February 9, 2011Jason Kolarich was once an up-and-coming young defense attorney at one of Chicago’s highest profile private law firms. Following a case in which his strategy was the key in securing the acquittal of a State Senator from federal murder charges it seemed as if the sky was the limit for his future. Except something went terribly wrong at the end of the trial.
While he was in his office late one winter night waiting for a phone call from an informant, Jason’s wife, tired of waiting for him to come home as promised, packed their infant daughter in the car and headed out for a planned visit to her parents. They never made it. Their car skidded off the icy road along the way, killing both. Not able to shake the loss – and the thought they’d still be alive if he had been driving – Jason has hit a place in his life where he simply doesn’t care anymore. Not about himself, his business; only his grief matters. He hadn’t taken care of his own and they were dead because of it.
But when he learns that the informant whose call he had been waiting on the night of his family’s deaths was himself killed the same night, Jason is jolted back to life and into action. Believing there’s no way the timing was a coincidence, Jason sets out to learn the true circumstances behind the informant’s death.
Before he knows it Jason finds himself in an ever deepening web of bribery, extortion, and kickbacks, one that appears to run all the way up to the Governor’s office. Caught between crooked politicians and their shady advisers and the federal government investigating the corruption, Jason has to find a way to get to the truth he so desperately needs to move on with his life, while doing whatever necessary to make sure he doesn’t end up in jail…or the ground.
Author David Ellis isn’t just any attorney turned novelist. Having served as the House Prosecutor in the Impeachment trial of Governor Rod Blagojevich before the Illinois State Senate, Ellis has had a unique peek behind the curtain at exactly how dirty politics can get and what is needed to take down corrupt government officials. That, combined with his finely tuned feel for dialogue and the sympathetic, well developed character of Jason Kolarich, makes Breach of Trust the most absorbing political thriller I’ve read in quite some time.
While he was in his office late one winter night waiting for a phone call from an informant, Jason’s wife, tired of waiting for him to come home as promised, packed their infant daughter in the car and headed out for a planned visit to her parents. They never made it. Their car skidded off the icy road along the way, killing both. Not able to shake the loss – and the thought they’d still be alive if he had been driving – Jason has hit a place in his life where he simply doesn’t care anymore. Not about himself, his business; only his grief matters. He hadn’t taken care of his own and they were dead because of it.
But when he learns that the informant whose call he had been waiting on the night of his family’s deaths was himself killed the same night, Jason is jolted back to life and into action. Believing there’s no way the timing was a coincidence, Jason sets out to learn the true circumstances behind the informant’s death.
Before he knows it Jason finds himself in an ever deepening web of bribery, extortion, and kickbacks, one that appears to run all the way up to the Governor’s office. Caught between crooked politicians and their shady advisers and the federal government investigating the corruption, Jason has to find a way to get to the truth he so desperately needs to move on with his life, while doing whatever necessary to make sure he doesn’t end up in jail…or the ground.
Author David Ellis isn’t just any attorney turned novelist. Having served as the House Prosecutor in the Impeachment trial of Governor Rod Blagojevich before the Illinois State Senate, Ellis has had a unique peek behind the curtain at exactly how dirty politics can get and what is needed to take down corrupt government officials. That, combined with his finely tuned feel for dialogue and the sympathetic, well developed character of Jason Kolarich, makes Breach of Trust the most absorbing political thriller I’ve read in quite some time.
May 13, 2014
David Ellis takes another shot at a compelling character (Jason Kolarich from The Hidden Man) and the results are solid.
Breach of Trust actually begins before the events of its predecessor, but the main action takes place after, so we see our protagonist in the months surrounding the events of Hidden (although it's not essential that you read the first to enjoy Breach). What it does for those who've read both is showcase a character under fire and ripe for change and Ellis definitely delivers that.
It was easy to praise Ellis for the cleverness and intelligence of Kolarich in Hidden and that is prevalent again in Breach. Maybe there are a few less cut-and-dried examples in this story, but I was pleased to deal with such a brave (to a fault), resourceful hero. It's a battle of bravado and bluffs in Breach and Ellis does a good job and keeping the complicated nature of the plot simple enough for the reader to follow along without a civics or a legal degree. I mean, on its surface, how compelling does the world of political bid contacting sound?
One interesting turn is that for those of us who read thrillers, we're geared to expect the next plot twist, double cross, gun fight, or explosion. Breach is very careful to only go there when absolutely necessary. I kept waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under my feet and it wasn't. That could be interpreted as a fizzled culmination of the plot (and there was a bit of that, I admit), but it also read as a very believable way for a plot heavy on recorded conversations and betrayal to play out.
Ellis relies on his characters heavily in Breach, and while they're mostly all memorable, some are developed much better than others. Near the end, he relies more on a logical conclusion that giving most of those characters a defining denouement. While that left a bit of a void, the richness of our hero Jason Kolarich makes up for shortcomings in the others.
Recommended for fans of political thrillers, especially those who prefer brains over bullets. Ellis has something here with Kolarich--it's easy to see why he went back to his story.
Breach of Trust actually begins before the events of its predecessor, but the main action takes place after, so we see our protagonist in the months surrounding the events of Hidden (although it's not essential that you read the first to enjoy Breach). What it does for those who've read both is showcase a character under fire and ripe for change and Ellis definitely delivers that.
It was easy to praise Ellis for the cleverness and intelligence of Kolarich in Hidden and that is prevalent again in Breach. Maybe there are a few less cut-and-dried examples in this story, but I was pleased to deal with such a brave (to a fault), resourceful hero. It's a battle of bravado and bluffs in Breach and Ellis does a good job and keeping the complicated nature of the plot simple enough for the reader to follow along without a civics or a legal degree. I mean, on its surface, how compelling does the world of political bid contacting sound?
One interesting turn is that for those of us who read thrillers, we're geared to expect the next plot twist, double cross, gun fight, or explosion. Breach is very careful to only go there when absolutely necessary. I kept waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under my feet and it wasn't. That could be interpreted as a fizzled culmination of the plot (and there was a bit of that, I admit), but it also read as a very believable way for a plot heavy on recorded conversations and betrayal to play out.
Ellis relies on his characters heavily in Breach, and while they're mostly all memorable, some are developed much better than others. Near the end, he relies more on a logical conclusion that giving most of those characters a defining denouement. While that left a bit of a void, the richness of our hero Jason Kolarich makes up for shortcomings in the others.
Recommended for fans of political thrillers, especially those who prefer brains over bullets. Ellis has something here with Kolarich--it's easy to see why he went back to his story.
June 4, 2015
At some point as I was reading this I was reminded of "The Firm," but this book is to "The Firm" what major league baseball is to a t-ball game. Written by a true subject matter expert, it tells a very deep and tangled story of political corruption. The level of corruption seemed so believable that I got discouraged, thinking that this sort of thing probably does go on without our knowledge.
The author is a great writer. I especially like how, when mentioning a character the reader might have forgotten, he'll slip in a quick reminder of who the character is (one of my biggest pet peeves is when an author expects the reader to remember a minor character who had little more than a mention earlier and was not developed at all).
I will definitely look for more of his books.
The author is a great writer. I especially like how, when mentioning a character the reader might have forgotten, he'll slip in a quick reminder of who the character is (one of my biggest pet peeves is when an author expects the reader to remember a minor character who had little more than a mention earlier and was not developed at all).
I will definitely look for more of his books.
November 14, 2014
As I began this book, I was disheartened to realize that this was a prequel to the first Jason Kolarich book, and I would have to suffer through the details of his personal tragedy that we learned of in that book. Knowing how it turns out was excruciating as I read about the details of how it happened.
But, this is part of the reason I enjoyed the book. The characters feel real to me and I'm right along with them for the ride. Politics and corruption usually don't hold my interest, but I was completely wrapped up in Breach of Trust all the way to the end. I look forward to the next installment.
[I was super close to giving five stars on this, 4.5 for sure]
But, this is part of the reason I enjoyed the book. The characters feel real to me and I'm right along with them for the ride. Politics and corruption usually don't hold my interest, but I was completely wrapped up in Breach of Trust all the way to the end. I look forward to the next installment.
[I was super close to giving five stars on this, 4.5 for sure]
February 2, 2011
First I will say this my first time reading a book by this author and not what I would normaly read.
I found that I really enjoyed this author and book. The book was an excellent and exciting read.
This a action packed book. Centering around potlitical corruption.
The character's are well developed and the story was really excellently writen.
Now if you like a good action packed thriller this is the one to read.
I going to check some of his other stories. I think I found a new author that I like
I found that I really enjoyed this author and book. The book was an excellent and exciting read.
This a action packed book. Centering around potlitical corruption.
The character's are well developed and the story was really excellently writen.
Now if you like a good action packed thriller this is the one to read.
I going to check some of his other stories. I think I found a new author that I like
November 16, 2024
Jason Kolarich is a defense lawyer at a prestigious firm who successfully helps the senior partner acquit a city councilman of a murder charge. The acquittal comes at a high price to Jason and he leaves the firm and is offered a job in the city as an attorney for a procurement board. The FBI quickly approaches and blackmails him to take action that he had no intentions of doing. Not as good as others by this author, but still better than most.
March 25, 2022
Mercy-there is no let up in this one for snarky, yet brilliant Jason Kolarich! This thriller starts at 100 and revs up from there to tan oh so satisfying conclusion. Delving deep into politics, corruption, greed, murder, guilt and family-there is nothing left un-scorched in this extraordinary thriller!
October 19, 2013
A better than average legal/political thriller that makes great use of the author's experience as legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. The echoes of the Blagojevich are everywhere and the seamy corruption described is all too familiar.
February 5, 2013
Tough to write a good story about corruption and a snitch, but Ellis does a pretty good job, considering. 6 of 10 stars
October 12, 2020
This book may have taken a couple of chapters to truly snag my interest.... but once it got rolling I couldn't put it down. The 'red herrings' in this "who-done-it" legal thriller are everywhere. This novel kept me guessing until nearly the last page, and I'll admit I was surprised by who the master mind turned out to be...as I'm sure you will be! If you enjoy mysteries/legal thrillers definitely add this book to your buy list.
As stated before, my favourite aspect of this book was the plot. It was cleverly executed and the 'cut and dry' murder case turned out to be anything but that.... While I'm not a huge fan of legal thrillers, I did enjoy this book. There is just enough legal drama and content to make it feel legit, but not enough that I was lost in the jargon. The author doesn't assume the reader has knowledge of legal proceedings and therefore I didn't feel like it was being written over my head.
I also really enjoyed the drama between Noah and Mia. Mia is such a go-getter and her single-minded focus is admirable. Noah, on the other hand, is passionate. Even when all the odds are stacked against him, he still drives forward because he follows his heart. The combination of these two is exciting and certainly adds to the read.
Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed it!
As stated before, my favourite aspect of this book was the plot. It was cleverly executed and the 'cut and dry' murder case turned out to be anything but that.... While I'm not a huge fan of legal thrillers, I did enjoy this book. There is just enough legal drama and content to make it feel legit, but not enough that I was lost in the jargon. The author doesn't assume the reader has knowledge of legal proceedings and therefore I didn't feel like it was being written over my head.
I also really enjoyed the drama between Noah and Mia. Mia is such a go-getter and her single-minded focus is admirable. Noah, on the other hand, is passionate. Even when all the odds are stacked against him, he still drives forward because he follows his heart. The combination of these two is exciting and certainly adds to the read.
Thank-you to Graf Martin Communications and to Baker Publishing House for a complimentary copy of this book. I really enjoyed it!
February 11, 2025
42. Breach of Trust (Jason Kolarich #2) by David Ellis 417
genres: Mystery Thriller Crime Legal Thriller
ranking: a hug, a comfort read that fed my soul 7.5/10
the first line:
If Ernesto Ramirez had been a better liar, he'd still be alive.
I am grateful to this book for ...
meeting the main character, Jason Kolarich, he is worthy of admiration.
notes:
-- I have found politics and corruption riveting
-- this is true peaking behind the curtain of politics and investigations, people doing their jobs
-- being good and doing the right thing takes balls
-- the confidence of the main character is admirable, he stayed cool, and composed, played his cards right, negotiated well, and left when he felt his job was done
-- he believed in the good in people but perceived everything with a grain of salt
-- the final scene of him on a sofa falling asleep showed how human he was
quotes:
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Unless your enemy's wearing a wire."
#readingnotes
genres: Mystery Thriller Crime Legal Thriller
ranking: a hug, a comfort read that fed my soul 7.5/10
the first line:
If Ernesto Ramirez had been a better liar, he'd still be alive.
I am grateful to this book for ...
meeting the main character, Jason Kolarich, he is worthy of admiration.
notes:
-- I have found politics and corruption riveting
-- this is true peaking behind the curtain of politics and investigations, people doing their jobs
-- being good and doing the right thing takes balls
-- the confidence of the main character is admirable, he stayed cool, and composed, played his cards right, negotiated well, and left when he felt his job was done
-- he believed in the good in people but perceived everything with a grain of salt
-- the final scene of him on a sofa falling asleep showed how human he was
quotes:
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Unless your enemy's wearing a wire."
#readingnotes
November 23, 2024
His Best Yet
Some months ago I came to David Ellis’s books as recommended by an acquaintance. I began reading chronologically.
Prior to this book I’ve had 2 recurring critiques: 1) implausiblility (typically associated with his seeming penchant for layered twists), and 2) too-tidy (and again unbelievable), in-a-single-moment, character-inconsistent reveals … making key heretofore brilliant characters amazingly of-the-sudden dupes.
This book (mostly) avoids those issues. Much better. I’d give it 4.5 stars if it were possible to post half a star.
Good story. Good addition to the Kolarich series. Enjoyable character creation and development. I look forward to book 3 of the series.
Some months ago I came to David Ellis’s books as recommended by an acquaintance. I began reading chronologically.
Prior to this book I’ve had 2 recurring critiques: 1) implausiblility (typically associated with his seeming penchant for layered twists), and 2) too-tidy (and again unbelievable), in-a-single-moment, character-inconsistent reveals … making key heretofore brilliant characters amazingly of-the-sudden dupes.
This book (mostly) avoids those issues. Much better. I’d give it 4.5 stars if it were possible to post half a star.
Good story. Good addition to the Kolarich series. Enjoyable character creation and development. I look forward to book 3 of the series.
February 19, 2023
(3). I have read a couple of other books by David Ellis, and he is a real solid author. Jason Kolarich is a good protagonist. If you are looking for a super fast paced, snap, crackle, pop violent adventure, this book is not for you. We have lots of build up, barely a twist or turn, but a nice evolving story that definitely feels believable. The last 1/4 or so moves in to high gear, but overall this book is about 50-75 pages too long. If you have the mindset and time for an interesting and patient read, it works. Pretty good stuff.
October 21, 2023
The second Jason Kolarich novel is better than first, mostly because it avoids personal tragedy related stuff that first book spent so much time on. Jason Kolarich becomes a government informant while pursuing the leads on the murder he blames himself for. It's a good thriller - hence five stars - but I miss psychological subtleties of author's earlier works. The author never mentions Chicago even though it's clear that's where action of all David Ellis novels happen and all the corruption depicted in this novel rings so true for Chicago and Illinois.
Want to read
January 27, 2021From Follett: On the night his wife and infant daughter died, attorney Jason Kolarich was awaiting a call from an informant. He blames himself not only for the deaths of his family, but for the informant's murder as well. Kolarich can't bring back his family, but he can find the person who killed the informant. And he discovers that his informant's murder was only the tip of the iceberg-and that exposing the truth will drag him into the fight of his life.
December 26, 2024
There was a lot of repetition from the first Jason Kolarich book, but I guess that was necessary to make this book a "stand-alone". Also it was difficult to keep all the many, MANY characters straight, but Ellis did a good job of this - probably other readers wouldn't have an issue with it.
It was an excellent expose of how politics works and how easy it is to slip into the grips of those you'd want to stay free of.
Another winner by Ellis!
It was an excellent expose of how politics works and how easy it is to slip into the grips of those you'd want to stay free of.
Another winner by Ellis!
August 6, 2025
"Breach of Trust" by David Ellis - finished on 5 August 2025 / 👍 Another good Jason Kolarich book (2nd in the series) where he goes after corruption in the Illinois Governor's Office. I especially loved @david_ellis_author note at the end of the book affirming the book is a complete work of fiction (the author was the prosecutor during the impeachment of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich 😆)
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