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Marc Kadella Legal Mystery #14
Duplicitous Justice
THE PERFECT PATSY – A SWASTIKA TAT AND
A PRISON RECORD – OF COURSE HE DID IT.Carstens’ new high-octane legal thriller takes more twists and turns than a Monte Carlo Rally, right from the very public assassination of a black community leader through to the author’s customary expert depiction of courtroom finesse.
Top Minneapolis defense attorney Marc Kadella didn’t so much “catch” this tricky loser of a case as it chased him down and tackled him. He could refuse to take it, but he’d be sleeping on the couch for the rest of his life.
His client is the hapless son of a friend of a friend, a young man who landed an unlucky punch in a barroom fight and served a ten-year manslaughter sentence in Arkansas.
Billy looked forward to a fresh start in Minneapolis under the watchful eye of his father’s pal, Marc’s investigator Tony Carvelli. But he soon learned he was expected to pay back the gang that protected him in prison by working for the local drug-running white supremacists.
Oh – and a rogue FBI investigation team who are supposedly out to sever the drug pipeline would also appreciate his services as a mole.
When a prominent black figure is assassinated, somebody makes sure it looks like the murder was perpetrated by the white supremacists – in particular, Billy. And somebody high up – way high up – wants the death penalty on the table.
In other words – it’s all but unwinnable. So it’s all hands on deck, 24/7. Tony Carvelli, with his seemingly endless supply of contacts, will have to call in every favor he’s owed. And, as always, Maddy Rivers, Marc’s investigator and fiancée, will be called upon to teach a few guys a painful lesson in underestimating her.
Stay tuned for great courtroom drama and a last-minute twist.
A PRISON RECORD – OF COURSE HE DID IT.Carstens’ new high-octane legal thriller takes more twists and turns than a Monte Carlo Rally, right from the very public assassination of a black community leader through to the author’s customary expert depiction of courtroom finesse.
Top Minneapolis defense attorney Marc Kadella didn’t so much “catch” this tricky loser of a case as it chased him down and tackled him. He could refuse to take it, but he’d be sleeping on the couch for the rest of his life.
His client is the hapless son of a friend of a friend, a young man who landed an unlucky punch in a barroom fight and served a ten-year manslaughter sentence in Arkansas.
Billy looked forward to a fresh start in Minneapolis under the watchful eye of his father’s pal, Marc’s investigator Tony Carvelli. But he soon learned he was expected to pay back the gang that protected him in prison by working for the local drug-running white supremacists.
Oh – and a rogue FBI investigation team who are supposedly out to sever the drug pipeline would also appreciate his services as a mole.
When a prominent black figure is assassinated, somebody makes sure it looks like the murder was perpetrated by the white supremacists – in particular, Billy. And somebody high up – way high up – wants the death penalty on the table.
In other words – it’s all but unwinnable. So it’s all hands on deck, 24/7. Tony Carvelli, with his seemingly endless supply of contacts, will have to call in every favor he’s owed. And, as always, Maddy Rivers, Marc’s investigator and fiancée, will be called upon to teach a few guys a painful lesson in underestimating her.
Stay tuned for great courtroom drama and a last-minute twist.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
179 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Carstens
32 books119 followersDennis Carstens was born in Worthington, MN, and has lived most of his life in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from a highly respected private law school, William Mitchell, in St. Paul. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired trial lawyer, Carstens brings these life experiences to his fiction for a dose of realism and accuracy missing from much of the legal thriller genre today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 30, 2023
I love the Marc Kadella series. The beginning of this newest addition was a mess though. There were so many characters that I could barely keep track. It finally did settle down and was a more representative book of the series. However, I felt like the story line of the character molesting young girls was totally unnecessary. Don't worry! I'm not giving anything away. It was a few paragraphs here and there. I remember the author telling why, in his first book, he left in the part of Marc helping his ex-wife with her tax problem. He said that he had asked people and they thought it was a good little side jaunt. However, the molestation case added nothing at all to this book and was just more characters in the beginning that you thought you needed to know. You didn't!
December 30, 2023
Excellent read
I enjoyed this book because I'm a legal junkie. The case made me think about White Supremacy and it's unfortunate state of affairs. I've no doubt lots of this story if factual.
The drawback in the book is it is riddled with grammatical errors and character switches. In the first part of jury selection, the first juror was dismissed. As it got to the second juror, he was referred to with the first juror 's name.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, just do a better job editing.
I enjoyed this book because I'm a legal junkie. The case made me think about White Supremacy and it's unfortunate state of affairs. I've no doubt lots of this story if factual.
The drawback in the book is it is riddled with grammatical errors and character switches. In the first part of jury selection, the first juror was dismissed. As it got to the second juror, he was referred to with the first juror 's name.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, just do a better job editing.
May 1, 2023
In an exciting courtroom drama, Minneapolis defense attorney Marc Kadella takes on a challenging case in the volatile atmosphere of the twin cities in the post-Floyd era. His task is to defend a man who has been framed by some powerful people to take the fall for the murder of a prominent black leader. Fortunately he has the help of Maddy Rivers, Tony Carvelli and an additional group of retired police officers, and former prosecutor Jennifer Moore.
March 31, 2023
Another great book
I love that the author keeps the same characters throughout his stories they become like famIly
and friends. Once you start reading the book it is almost impossible to put it inside until it is completely
finished. Another story and waiting to get another book from Dennis caston's
I love that the author keeps the same characters throughout his stories they become like famIly
and friends. Once you start reading the book it is almost impossible to put it inside until it is completely
finished. Another story and waiting to get another book from Dennis caston's
April 1, 2023
Engaged from the beginning as expected. I preordered the book and was looking forward to the delivery date….my only regret was that when finished started looking forward to the next one. I have read them all in sequence and already looking forward to the next one and Marc and Maddie’s wedding…the date is set!
June 15, 2023
One of my favorite Marc Kadella books! The trial was such a sham. I’m glad the epilogue reversed the jury’s decision. Shows a picture of society that really makes one wonder about honesty, integrity, and the future of our country. Indirect (sort of) references to the President added some subtle humor!
June 18, 2023
Great series
I just finished book 14 - Duplicitous Justice - and can’t wait for the next book in the series. All the books had twists and turns and kept me on my toes. Dennis Carstens keeps the characters honest and real. There is no sugarcoating, but you find yourself rooting for both the bad and the good guys. Definitely worth reading!
I just finished book 14 - Duplicitous Justice - and can’t wait for the next book in the series. All the books had twists and turns and kept me on my toes. Dennis Carstens keeps the characters honest and real. There is no sugarcoating, but you find yourself rooting for both the bad and the good guys. Definitely worth reading!
November 10, 2023
Corruption at its finest.
The start of this novel has a great deal of ground to cover so we can understand what is going on. Biker gangs, corrupt FBI agents and a lot of pressure right up to the White House!
So, Marc and his team really do have their work cut out to defend their client from murder.
A brilliant story from start to finish!
The start of this novel has a great deal of ground to cover so we can understand what is going on. Biker gangs, corrupt FBI agents and a lot of pressure right up to the White House!
So, Marc and his team really do have their work cut out to defend their client from murder.
A brilliant story from start to finish!
October 17, 2024
Another legal thriller
Carstens is one hell of a legal thriller writing author. If I ever have a need for a criminal defense attorney, I want Marc Kadella. Carstens weaves a tale that catches you, at least it does me, from the first page. You know out the who, why & how, but it’s how the truth is figured out that leaves you guessing. Great book!! This series needs to be on tv.
Carstens is one hell of a legal thriller writing author. If I ever have a need for a criminal defense attorney, I want Marc Kadella. Carstens weaves a tale that catches you, at least it does me, from the first page. You know out the who, why & how, but it’s how the truth is figured out that leaves you guessing. Great book!! This series needs to be on tv.
March 26, 2023
A case about Murder and the Coverup
Fun to read of a government conspiracy. Great prose tell the story through the eyes of the defense his lawyers. Multiple ideas run through your head as though you thoughts as it outlays the story.
Fun to read of a government conspiracy. Great prose tell the story through the eyes of the defense his lawyers. Multiple ideas run through your head as though you thoughts as it outlays the story.
April 1, 2023
Another great Marc Kadella legal thriller!
Dennis Carstens once again weaves a very complicated murder trial plot involving multiple twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend this book if you like legal mysteries!
Dennis Carstens once again weaves a very complicated murder trial plot involving multiple twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend this book if you like legal mysteries!
April 4, 2023
Poor Editing
I could make a small fortune being paid for all the typos, spelling errors and bad grammar (your instead of the contraction you’re for you are is inexcusable) but I still enjoyed the book even with all the goofs.
I could make a small fortune being paid for all the typos, spelling errors and bad grammar (your instead of the contraction you’re for you are is inexcusable) but I still enjoyed the book even with all the goofs.
April 4, 2023
Another Great Book
I love Attorney Mark Kadella and his whole group of crime fighting characters! I have read the whole series and was waiting patiently for this one. I hope this isn't the end!
I love Attorney Mark Kadella and his whole group of crime fighting characters! I have read the whole series and was waiting patiently for this one. I hope this isn't the end!
April 10, 2023
A compelling tale
Marc and the team have their work cut out for them as a drug dealing biker gang along with a government group do their best to get away with murder. This is a great addition to the series.
Marc and the team have their work cut out for them as a drug dealing biker gang along with a government group do their best to get away with murder. This is a great addition to the series.
April 15, 2023
Great procedural suspense!
The legal system was vividly described with rich, descriptive characterization of the judge, lawyers, witnesses and defendant. It was an interesting conclusion with a twist yet believable court ending.
The legal system was vividly described with rich, descriptive characterization of the judge, lawyers, witnesses and defendant. It was an interesting conclusion with a twist yet believable court ending.
June 1, 2023
editing is atrocious
The stories are carbon copied by this point. But the characters are still engaging. But the worst of it is the editing. It’s non-existent. Spelling, grammar, punctuation. The fact of it is, there IS no editing.
Shameful. Embarrassing.
The stories are carbon copied by this point. But the characters are still engaging. But the worst of it is the editing. It’s non-existent. Spelling, grammar, punctuation. The fact of it is, there IS no editing.
Shameful. Embarrassing.
November 19, 2023
awesome
The fbi is incredibly corrupt. As a whole not individuals. This is pretty realistic as far as that goes. Of course our corrupt government makes people disappear. This is a group of people I’ve come to know and love. Hoping for more stories.
The fbi is incredibly corrupt. As a whole not individuals. This is pretty realistic as far as that goes. Of course our corrupt government makes people disappear. This is a group of people I’ve come to know and love. Hoping for more stories.
November 28, 2023
Conspiracy to murder
Another great story by a great storyteller. You don't just want to read this book. You want to read the entire Marc Kadella series. The book stands alone, but the series is too good to miss.
Another great story by a great storyteller. You don't just want to read this book. You want to read the entire Marc Kadella series. The book stands alone, but the series is too good to miss.
June 20, 2025
Book 14 in the series
Drugs, conspiracies, murders, and some surprises. That is just the beginning of the duplicitous activity. Lots of twists and turns in the game. A great story.
Drugs, conspiracies, murders, and some surprises. That is just the beginning of the duplicitous activity. Lots of twists and turns in the game. A great story.
March 29, 2023
Love Love Love this series
Great story line
Characters are fascinating
Can’t wait to see Marc Maddy get Married I know it will be awesome
Great story line
Characters are fascinating
Can’t wait to see Marc Maddy get Married I know it will be awesome
March 29, 2023
Disappointed in this book, normally really enjoy this series. Also noticed lots of typos, which was unusual.
April 17, 2023
Drugs, cartels, supremacists
An intriguing story with lots of action. Involving everything that is watched nightly on the news and this solidifies the problems in today's world.
An intriguing story with lots of action. Involving everything that is watched nightly on the news and this solidifies the problems in today's world.
May 7, 2023
Marc
Nice book. Not as interesting as some of his other books.A little too much BS with he FBI. Still worth reading
Nice book. Not as interesting as some of his other books.A little too much BS with he FBI. Still worth reading
May 19, 2023
Excellent story. One of his best yet
July 4, 2023
great read
Great read, wish it wasn’t so long between books. Would recommend the series to anyone who likes law fiction reads.
Great read, wish it wasn’t so long between books. Would recommend the series to anyone who likes law fiction reads.
August 13, 2023
a fabulous read
I was captivated from the first page. The court room scenes were realistic and the ending was a surprise. I highly commend this book and author.
I was captivated from the first page. The court room scenes were realistic and the ending was a surprise. I highly commend this book and author.
February 21, 2025
Not his best
Page after page of set-up for the story got really boring! Too many unnecessary characters. I only lasted 100 pages before moving on.
Page after page of set-up for the story got really boring! Too many unnecessary characters. I only lasted 100 pages before moving on.
May 11, 2025
Difficult endinb
I am a huge fan of Marc Kadel!a and his group of cohorts. The twists to the stories always keep me guessing and reading.
I am a huge fan of Marc Kadel!a and his group of cohorts. The twists to the stories always keep me guessing and reading.
July 15, 2025
Another good book in the Marc Kadella series. It started slowly but the story gelled together as it went on.
November 21, 2025
Federal Case
Marc Kadella and friends are battling a tough one this time. The government wants a specific outcome and almost gets it.
Marc Kadella and friends are battling a tough one this time. The government wants a specific outcome and almost gets it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews