The Client List

Cass Leary Legal Thriller #12

by Robin James

When Cass inherits the practice of an old legal mentor, his client list is more than she bargained for. The resulting murder trial has all the twists and turns you've come to expect from a Robin James novel!

Coming Spring 2024!

Genres: Legal Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Legal

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2024

About the author

Robin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.

Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.

Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter

Reviews

[➦Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of Robin James ’s books that featured
Cass Leary, and I’m obviously a fan of her work. I was happily surprised when I realized, she had a new book being released next month, so of course I couldn’t wait to start reading it

We are back in Michigan by the lake visiting Cass and the rest of her clan

It had been twenty years since she saw the name on her class schedule Anderson. Now she was attending his funeral…….

Cass can’t remember the last time she had been to her mentor’s house, For some reason or another her mentor
Anderson Rix left her his clients list….. there was something like 5 open cases, but one stood out of place

So, Cass agrees to take over the client list of her former law professor………
Of course, if you have read any of Cass Leary’s previous cases you know the woman cannot stay out of trouble even if her life depends on it …… Cass will learn that no good deed goes unpunished


Robin James writes a story that captivates and intrigues the reader. While formulaic and written like her previous stories, she weaves life into the characters that keep me coming back each and every time to read more about her characters…..

If you enjoy reading Courtroom drama thrillers with amazing back stories, then you are in the right place

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Another great read from Robin James, and I'm such a fan. Thrilled this book was released a bit earlier than expected. These books always have that unique twist I never see coming. This one was no different, with a huge surprise of an ending. Loved it!

Looking forward to 2025 and book #13.

[Gary Gallucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the Cass Leary series of legal thrillers. Once again, Cass gets involved with a client who, by all appearances, is guilt as He---double hockey sticks for murder. All the evidence is stacked against her client, but Cass is determined to get to the bottom of things. Sadly, I've reached the end of the Cass Leary series as currently constituted. Number 13 is due out next Spring, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Highly recommended series. Start with book #1. You won't stop.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Client List📝

Another fantastic story where Cass gets involved in a murder trial which seems to be clear cut for the prosecution but once again has many twists and turns😍

The story starts off with Cass and Eric attending the funeral of a professor who influenced Cass at the beginning of her legal career. When the wife of the deceased professor pulls Cass aside, it soon becomes clear he has left her what’s left of his legal office - most notably his client list, which includes an active murder investigation😳

Once again, loved catching up with the Learys’ and everyone in their circle and I can’t wait to see what they are all involved in next❣️I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

**So great to be back! (mostly)**

As a major fan of the Cass Leary series, I'm always eager to dive into whatever's next, hoping for a win. It's such a treat, especially given how I sometimes forget a new book is even on its way. Such is the result of being constantly buried in new stories, I guess. Still, I've been invested since the very beginning of this series, thanks mostly to Robin James' ability to mix legal thrills/drama with the personal lives of her characters, with neither one overshadowing the other. Fortunately, the mix of the two was great here.

The premise of Cass being hand-picked by her now-deceased mentor to represent a client who is accused of killing her lover (with mounds of evidence stacked against her), was definitely intriguing with just the right amount of angst, drama, and surprising revelations. The fact that said client is also a lawyer with some very questionable character traits often left me unable to feel confident in my guesses. I legit had zero clue if she was guilty or not. I loooove being thrown for a loop in legal thrillers.

My complaints were minimal, but nagging, centering mostly on Cass's personal life, namely with her relationship with Eric Wray. I have no interest in spoiling things, but...let's just say that this is the 12th dang book in the series and the sense of stagnation is getting old. It makes all the efforts from the previous books seem pointless. Another mild complaint is the general "tameness" of the legal case. While I loved the push and pull of courtroom antics and surprises, I still prefer a more high-stakes story that glues me to the edge of my seat. This story was lacking in that a bit.

All in all, though, it ain't like a 4-star rating is bad. I was content with things, for the most part, though still crossing my fingers for certain story elements to reach their full potential in the next entry. I now await with gusto until next year. If you're curious about my commentary, click here.

[Moseleygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cass Leary's former law school mentor dies, she inherits his only remaining client: Farrah Sibley, a young lawyer, who is accused of shooting her lover, also her boss, at point blank range. With a prosecution case that seems cut 'n' died, despite a complete lack of physical evidence, and a client who seems determined to stand in the way of her own defence, Cass has her work cut out.

As usual, Cass is swamped by family drama and Detective Eric Wray seems to have something on his mind. Whilst James' novels at times seem to follow a pattern of sorts and have a tendency towards a level of predictabilitly, there's something really compulsive about them and this is no exception. James is a master at building dramatic tension whilst finding a balance between the drama of the courtroom and the craziness of the Leary family, although I'd love to see more of the relationship with Eric Wray, which, as always, seems to drag on at a snail's pace. And I'm missing Killian Thorne. Regardless, The Client List is an exciting roller-coaster of a ride with a jaw-dropping ending you won't see coming. Can't wait for the next one.

[Eydie sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! Even though it's the first book of the series that I've read, it's easily read as a stand alone, though I can see where reading the other books would fill in a lot of useful background.
This is about a young woman on trial for the murder of her boyfriend, who was also her boss. All the evidence says she's guilty. She says she's not.
The case was handed to the lead character, Cass, by her old law professor, whom, due to a falling out, she hasn't seen in decades. But he specifically wanted Cass to handle it because he knew he was dying.
But how do you defend someone when literally all the evidence points to your client being guilty? This is a great book!

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking, Brutally twisted murder.

All novels by Robin James are superb examples of legal battles, in court or in relationships. As an omnivorous reader, I love a good mystery with characters that are likable or hatable from the beginning. Her scenes, dialects and enough legal information make for a stellar read and pure entertainment. Once you've read one novel you'll soon be binge reading Everything else in the multiple series that James has gifted us with. Happy reading.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I devour these Robin James legal thrillers. They are easy reads, but very interesting. Cass must defend a woman who everyone thinks is guilty. She isn’t very likeable. She is convicted, but Cass eventually finds out who really killed her. My biggest problem was the father of the convicted woman. He was truly evil, spouting that religious bullshit, but he goes his merry way. He didn’t kill anyone but he needed to be taken down for something after all the harm he inflicted,

[Frances Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant!

As a lover of the Cass Leary books this is an another blockbuster! Great story line good strong characters and a great denouement at the end. Thoroughly enjoyable legal thriller. If you haven’t already discovered Cass Leary then head your way to book one in the series and enjoy getting to know her and her family too.

[Nikki Miner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series sticks to a pretty reliable pattern as far as a procedural novel. I do love the detail that is put into it showing that trials take time and are hard. This was a fun story to read with a sort of seeable twist, but I was interested in how they would spin it! If you want a good old procedural, then this series is definitely for you!

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this series. I love stumbling across a long series that I can get my teeth into, and this one did not disappoint. I'm even more stoked that there is another series, too, from the opposite side of the court. I thought all the books were quite fast-paced and kept my attention throughout. The side characters all had their parts to play and I loved their dynamic.

[Kenny McCay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Legal Thriller

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the books Robin James has written. Her female leads are strong and believable. The rest of her character development is outstanding. I look forward to her next book with great anticipation.

[Theresa A. Masten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller with a surprise twist

Loved all of the Cass Leary series. This book is definitely a thriller story, could hardly put it down. As the story progressed you just could not figure out who the real killer was, and it took till the end for surprise ending with a twist.

[Clancy Kress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will keep ya guessing

Client List has many twists and turns and will keep you wondering who are the corrupt ones and who are the misunderstood. This one was hard to put down and easy to get into.

[Darlene Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific read! I sincerely appreciate not only the thrilling story but the clean language. It’s so nice not to read f bombs on every page! Every book I’ve read has been very entertaining! I have really enjoyed each one.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as usual

Finished in 2 days, great book for cass as usual! Can't wait for the next book in the series in 2025

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Cass Leary novel. Lots of twists I didn’t see coming. So good!

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

As always, an excellent story! Robin James is a very talented author and definitely a favorite of mine. Totally riveting!

[Tiffany Smith-Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

People We Trust

I would have never guessed who the killer was since he was never in the picture, except he was mentioned too many times for a reader to have not noticed.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel by Robin James is always a good one. This story in the Cass Leary series did not disappoint.

[Julie Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the client is innocent, why is she going to prison?

[BETTI-JEANNE BULLOCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author Never Disappoints!

I love this Cass Leary series...the books have all the great elements...family, a bit of romance, a lot of drama and are always great legal stories!

[Jim E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read with interesting characters. Cass’ family issues are never ending. The Bodie with Farrah segment seemed unnecessary and could have been skipped and not missed.

[amber s crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, well written

[Peter Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

Thrilling legal suspense and storyline with interesting characters. Robin James never disappoints with her intriguing adventures and developments! Always a Winner!

[Laura Stiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, love the development of the other characters within the "firm"

[Hayley Mertz Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly a 4.5. I wish we could do fractional scores. Another great book! It's killing me that I have to wait a year before the next one comes out!

[Brenda Essen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Not my favorite of this series. But some interesting turns to keep you guessing till almost the end. can't wait for the next one.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next!