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Dead Peasants
Veteran trial lawyer Larry D. Thompson has decades of courtroom experience in his home state of Texas on controversial and important trials. Now, in Dead Peasants, Thompson has delivered a fast-moving and suspenseful legal thriller featuring a retired lawyer whose life gets turned upside down when a stranger asks for help.
Jack Bryant, exhausted after a high-profile career as a lawyer, takes an early retirement in Fort Worth, Texas, where he plans to kick back, relax, and watch his son play football at TCU. But then an elderly widow shows up with a check for life insurance benefits and that is suspiciously made payable to her dead husband's employer, Jack can't turn down her pleas for help and files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A chain of events that can't be stopped thrusts Jack into a vortex of killings, and he and his new love interest find themselves targets of a murderer.
Gripping, engaging, and written with the authority that only a seasoned lawyer could possess, Dead Peasants is a legal thriller that will stun and surprise you.
Jack Bryant, exhausted after a high-profile career as a lawyer, takes an early retirement in Fort Worth, Texas, where he plans to kick back, relax, and watch his son play football at TCU. But then an elderly widow shows up with a check for life insurance benefits and that is suspiciously made payable to her dead husband's employer, Jack can't turn down her pleas for help and files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A chain of events that can't be stopped thrusts Jack into a vortex of killings, and he and his new love interest find themselves targets of a murderer.
Gripping, engaging, and written with the authority that only a seasoned lawyer could possess, Dead Peasants is a legal thriller that will stun and surprise you.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
9 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Larry D. Thompson
8 books27 followersLarry D. Thompson is a managing partner of the Houston trial firm he founded. He is the proud father of three grown children and admiring brother of the late author Tommy Thompson. He lives in Houston, Texas"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 3, 2012
Dead Peasants
Larry D. Thompson
Three families of three refinery workers are killed in an explosion. Several dozen workers are maimed. Waiting with baited breath to learn the final outcome of their suit against the refinery, Jackson Douglas Bryant, attorney for all three families waits along with his clients hoping the jury finds in their favor. Beaumont Texas: The courtroom is filled to capacity, the tension runs high as the bailiff enters the courtroom, everyone rises when the judge enters and the verdict is read on all counts. Finding the refinery liable for negligence in maintenance practices, stating that the negligence caused the deaths of these workers and awarding the three families a total of 90 million dollars monumental which added up both the punitive and gross negligence charges. But, awards of this magnitude are automatically sent for mediation as you can guess the top amount is never really the end result. But, Jack is tough and he will not relent or give in until they reach a final settlement that will benefit his clients. Seventy-five million is nothing to sneeze at and will yield him forty percent. As the award was just one surprise of the day his announcement that he was going to retire was the second and this is where our story really gets interesting.
Breckenridge: Football night in a bar and a man named Jim is about to have his last drink. A lone stranger enters the pay and although he mumbles something to Jim no one really pays too much attention to him. Watching him closely after paying his tab, Jim leaves the bar and goes to open the door of his truck only to meet his maker as car and the rest hit him is just plain murder.
Jack decides to move back to his hometown in Fort Worth, Texas hoping to retire and get closer to hi son J.D. who is going to play football for TCU. But, things are not always what they appear and meeting Colby Stripling his realtor would bring out emotions in him that he thought were lost. Colby is bright, curious and wants to know more about Jack but not in a romantic way. Asking him about his past, his career opens up new avenues for her to get to know him and for Jack to explain he wanted everyone to realize that he is a success and the house that would land her a huge commission would be his home and a status symbol of his accomplishments. But, this story has much more and many twists as we meet Dwayne Allison whose car dealerships are in trouble of being closed if he does not come up with a way to pay his loans. The bank refuses to renew his loans, his clients or customers cannot get money to fund a loan to buy cars and his brother who manages his insurance programs cannot do anything to remedy the situation. But, Dwayne is crafty and thinks he has the solution. Why not cancel the life insurance policies he took out on 5000 current and former employees and use the money to pay off his debts. But, some decisions made early on backfire and the only way he can collect is if the employee is deceased.
Business empires often start small. Dwayne Allison bought one car dealership, obtained a bank loan and it snowballed into 125 dealerships. But, things began to decline with the recession and the loans and bills could not be paid and the empire started to shrink. With bank beating down his door and wanting their money he had to come up with a sure fire plan to recoup his losses. But, what he hopes to accomplish would not be possible when the truth about certain things came to light. But, Dwayne is smart and thinks he is so shrewd that he plants an idea in someone’s mind fostering more than must a garden of flowers and hopefully save his businesses.
Jack gets his dream with the help of Colby who agrees to decorate it for him. Hoping to get closer to her she keeps things at arms length for personal reasons, which will be revealed later. When Jack decides life is getting too dull he decides to rekindle his career but in a different way. Giving back to those who are needy and cannot afford lawyers is a great way to help the people of his new community and to stop some of the illegal practices that seem to be plaguing some of the people living there. A credit card company that jacks up the interest when a client is late and then demands more than just the minimum payment each month plus extra. Followed by a huge case brought to him by Colby. June Davis is the wife of Willie who worked for Allison’s dealership as a porter. Willie’s death is definitely suspect as our others that follow. But, when J.D. explains to Jack the meaning of Dead Peasant policies and how they relate to this case things begin to heat up in more ways than one. Dead Peasant policies are insurance policies taken out on employees without their knowledge. In this case the policies were taken out on workers who are current and those that are no longer with the company. Premiums are paid and the company is the beneficiary. When the case comes to court and June Davis is questioned what happens will let the reader know that she is wiser than the lawyers expected and the end result will surprise you. But, when Colby is once again attacked more drastic measures come into play as she reveals the truth behind her visits to a nursing home and the man she visits who worked for the same car dealership as Willie. Three attempts on her life and the killer is still out there. With the trial coming to pass and the hope of getting June’s case settled what happens at this trial will enlighten the reader as to courtroom procedures, legalities, insurance fraud, a judge’s integrity and how far Jack will go to prove his client deserves the money. Added into the mix are his feelings for Colby, what happens to her husband and how he tries to clear her name. Insurance experts, handwriting experts and a legal team although small yet thorough Dead Peasants is a legal/ murder thriller that will keep you on edge from start to finish until you come to the surprise and shocking conclusion. Once again Larry D. Thompson has penned a five star novel that far surpasses other legal/mystery thrillers. Jack Bryant is a solid character who with the help of our esteemed author will enlighten readers as to why you need to be careful when working for any company: Dead Peasant Polices: You don’t want one taken out on your life!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Larry D. Thompson
Three families of three refinery workers are killed in an explosion. Several dozen workers are maimed. Waiting with baited breath to learn the final outcome of their suit against the refinery, Jackson Douglas Bryant, attorney for all three families waits along with his clients hoping the jury finds in their favor. Beaumont Texas: The courtroom is filled to capacity, the tension runs high as the bailiff enters the courtroom, everyone rises when the judge enters and the verdict is read on all counts. Finding the refinery liable for negligence in maintenance practices, stating that the negligence caused the deaths of these workers and awarding the three families a total of 90 million dollars monumental which added up both the punitive and gross negligence charges. But, awards of this magnitude are automatically sent for mediation as you can guess the top amount is never really the end result. But, Jack is tough and he will not relent or give in until they reach a final settlement that will benefit his clients. Seventy-five million is nothing to sneeze at and will yield him forty percent. As the award was just one surprise of the day his announcement that he was going to retire was the second and this is where our story really gets interesting.
Breckenridge: Football night in a bar and a man named Jim is about to have his last drink. A lone stranger enters the pay and although he mumbles something to Jim no one really pays too much attention to him. Watching him closely after paying his tab, Jim leaves the bar and goes to open the door of his truck only to meet his maker as car and the rest hit him is just plain murder.
Jack decides to move back to his hometown in Fort Worth, Texas hoping to retire and get closer to hi son J.D. who is going to play football for TCU. But, things are not always what they appear and meeting Colby Stripling his realtor would bring out emotions in him that he thought were lost. Colby is bright, curious and wants to know more about Jack but not in a romantic way. Asking him about his past, his career opens up new avenues for her to get to know him and for Jack to explain he wanted everyone to realize that he is a success and the house that would land her a huge commission would be his home and a status symbol of his accomplishments. But, this story has much more and many twists as we meet Dwayne Allison whose car dealerships are in trouble of being closed if he does not come up with a way to pay his loans. The bank refuses to renew his loans, his clients or customers cannot get money to fund a loan to buy cars and his brother who manages his insurance programs cannot do anything to remedy the situation. But, Dwayne is crafty and thinks he has the solution. Why not cancel the life insurance policies he took out on 5000 current and former employees and use the money to pay off his debts. But, some decisions made early on backfire and the only way he can collect is if the employee is deceased.
Business empires often start small. Dwayne Allison bought one car dealership, obtained a bank loan and it snowballed into 125 dealerships. But, things began to decline with the recession and the loans and bills could not be paid and the empire started to shrink. With bank beating down his door and wanting their money he had to come up with a sure fire plan to recoup his losses. But, what he hopes to accomplish would not be possible when the truth about certain things came to light. But, Dwayne is smart and thinks he is so shrewd that he plants an idea in someone’s mind fostering more than must a garden of flowers and hopefully save his businesses.
Jack gets his dream with the help of Colby who agrees to decorate it for him. Hoping to get closer to her she keeps things at arms length for personal reasons, which will be revealed later. When Jack decides life is getting too dull he decides to rekindle his career but in a different way. Giving back to those who are needy and cannot afford lawyers is a great way to help the people of his new community and to stop some of the illegal practices that seem to be plaguing some of the people living there. A credit card company that jacks up the interest when a client is late and then demands more than just the minimum payment each month plus extra. Followed by a huge case brought to him by Colby. June Davis is the wife of Willie who worked for Allison’s dealership as a porter. Willie’s death is definitely suspect as our others that follow. But, when J.D. explains to Jack the meaning of Dead Peasant policies and how they relate to this case things begin to heat up in more ways than one. Dead Peasant policies are insurance policies taken out on employees without their knowledge. In this case the policies were taken out on workers who are current and those that are no longer with the company. Premiums are paid and the company is the beneficiary. When the case comes to court and June Davis is questioned what happens will let the reader know that she is wiser than the lawyers expected and the end result will surprise you. But, when Colby is once again attacked more drastic measures come into play as she reveals the truth behind her visits to a nursing home and the man she visits who worked for the same car dealership as Willie. Three attempts on her life and the killer is still out there. With the trial coming to pass and the hope of getting June’s case settled what happens at this trial will enlighten the reader as to courtroom procedures, legalities, insurance fraud, a judge’s integrity and how far Jack will go to prove his client deserves the money. Added into the mix are his feelings for Colby, what happens to her husband and how he tries to clear her name. Insurance experts, handwriting experts and a legal team although small yet thorough Dead Peasants is a legal/ murder thriller that will keep you on edge from start to finish until you come to the surprise and shocking conclusion. Once again Larry D. Thompson has penned a five star novel that far surpasses other legal/mystery thrillers. Jack Bryant is a solid character who with the help of our esteemed author will enlighten readers as to why you need to be careful when working for any company: Dead Peasant Polices: You don’t want one taken out on your life!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
April 29, 2013
This legal thriller, Dead Peasants by Larry D. Thompson threw me for a loop. After reading a bit, I started searching wildly for more information via the Internet. I wasn't aware of Dead Peasants Life Insurance Policies before,
The title of this book betrays the secret practice of many corporations taking out life insurance policies on its employees and profiting when they die. I did work for a corporation that did that while I was working. So I wonder will that company profit after I die. This situation makes a great base for a mystery. I am not to spoil it for you with very many details.
Mystery, suspense, intrigue, murder, big money, a great courtroom scene and a blooming love interest are what make this book great. My only negative is that I wanted a little more character depth for Jackson Douglas Bryant and Colby Stripling. The feelings are there but I just wanted more detail. That does not mean that I didn't love this book. This book is definitely a page turner.
Jack is a very successful lawyer who likes to take risks in the courtroom.
He played his legal cards right and made a lot of money. So when he retires he wants to go back to Fort Worth to show the people in his high school that he made a success of himself. He wants to connect with his son, and watch him play football in college. He wants a more relaxed life.
He bought house to enjoy his realtor and later interior decorator are drawn to each other but not without problems. When Jack is contacted by a widow who mistakenly receives a check made out to her dead husband's former employer. He and Colby become targets of a killer.
I highly recommend Dead Peasants for all who love thrillers and want to learn about a chilling business practice.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial renumeration was received.
The title of this book betrays the secret practice of many corporations taking out life insurance policies on its employees and profiting when they die. I did work for a corporation that did that while I was working. So I wonder will that company profit after I die. This situation makes a great base for a mystery. I am not to spoil it for you with very many details.
Mystery, suspense, intrigue, murder, big money, a great courtroom scene and a blooming love interest are what make this book great. My only negative is that I wanted a little more character depth for Jackson Douglas Bryant and Colby Stripling. The feelings are there but I just wanted more detail. That does not mean that I didn't love this book. This book is definitely a page turner.
Jack is a very successful lawyer who likes to take risks in the courtroom.
He played his legal cards right and made a lot of money. So when he retires he wants to go back to Fort Worth to show the people in his high school that he made a success of himself. He wants to connect with his son, and watch him play football in college. He wants a more relaxed life.
He bought house to enjoy his realtor and later interior decorator are drawn to each other but not without problems. When Jack is contacted by a widow who mistakenly receives a check made out to her dead husband's former employer. He and Colby become targets of a killer.
I highly recommend Dead Peasants for all who love thrillers and want to learn about a chilling business practice.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial renumeration was received.
October 10, 2012
A thrilling blend of courtroom scenes, fascinating characters, great locales and intricate investigation, Larry D. Thompson’s Dead Peasants has it all. Lawyer Jack Bryant has the instincts of a gambler and the fortune of a rich financier when he retires from his practice and returns to the Cowtown of his youth. Of course, Jack Bryant’s on the rich side of town these days, but he values his roots and values people too. Suddenly, against all my preconceptions, I find I really like him. So does Colby but she’s keeping secrets. So does Jack’s semi-estranged son. And so do his new friends on the wrong side of town, including the elderly widow whose husband went fishing and never came home.
Jack Bryant fishes for clues in this legal thriller as the tension grows. The excitement of a complex investigation is matched by danger and authentic courtroom drama, filled with murder plots, revelations and surprise. The modern-day world is vividly real with failed car dealerships, struggling banks and foreclosures. Some turn to legal and illegal tricks to survive while others turn to Jack, and he's determined to do them justice. By the end of this novel I don’t want the story to end and I hope there'll be more. These characters are just too good to let go of.
Impossible to put down, thrilling, exciting, intriguing, just plain good fun, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2012
“Dead Peasants” by Larry D. Thompson, published by Thomas Dunne Books.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
When I first saw the title of this book I thought it must be the story of a medieval King killing off his serfs. The term “dead peasants” is actually a legal insurance term for when an employer takes out an insurance policy on his workers and continues to pay the premiums even after his dismissal or retirement. The employer hopes to collect the benefits upon the person’s death. This practice has been deemed illegal in most states.
Jack Bryant is a high profile lawyer who has just won a monumental decision that will allow him to retire. He moves back to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
He purchases a mansion and falls in love with his realtor but the relationship must remain plutonic as his realtor is hiding something from her past.
Jack finds life a little boring and opens up a “pro bono” business. One of these cases has Jack, his son, and his realtor looking into several unexplained deaths in the surrounding area. They all seem to have a common thread and several attempts are made on their lives.
This is a great story for those who like a good lawyer based book that has both courtroom drama and old fashion “gum shoe” investigation. The book is well written and suitable for any audience.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
When I first saw the title of this book I thought it must be the story of a medieval King killing off his serfs. The term “dead peasants” is actually a legal insurance term for when an employer takes out an insurance policy on his workers and continues to pay the premiums even after his dismissal or retirement. The employer hopes to collect the benefits upon the person’s death. This practice has been deemed illegal in most states.
Jack Bryant is a high profile lawyer who has just won a monumental decision that will allow him to retire. He moves back to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
He purchases a mansion and falls in love with his realtor but the relationship must remain plutonic as his realtor is hiding something from her past.
Jack finds life a little boring and opens up a “pro bono” business. One of these cases has Jack, his son, and his realtor looking into several unexplained deaths in the surrounding area. They all seem to have a common thread and several attempts are made on their lives.
This is a great story for those who like a good lawyer based book that has both courtroom drama and old fashion “gum shoe” investigation. The book is well written and suitable for any audience.
April 6, 2013
The protagonist character Jack Bryant is one of those type of lawyers that you would hire in minute because he genuine and of a good heart, but at the same time he is also a character that has his own flaws and that springs him to life from the words on the white pages.
I thought earlier on I knew who was behind all the killings, but Larry Thompson writing style masterfully kept the real conclusion hidden until the dramatic end ... I liked that! The ongoing investigation along the personal life of Jack Bryant kept me turning the digital pages into the night. The plots and subplots are filled with intricate detail while still compelling and true to life. Each characters is so well defined that it is easy to be fascinated ... even those that make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
I am giving this novel a 4.5 out of 5 rating. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson.
I thought earlier on I knew who was behind all the killings, but Larry Thompson writing style masterfully kept the real conclusion hidden until the dramatic end ... I liked that! The ongoing investigation along the personal life of Jack Bryant kept me turning the digital pages into the night. The plots and subplots are filled with intricate detail while still compelling and true to life. Each characters is so well defined that it is easy to be fascinated ... even those that make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
I am giving this novel a 4.5 out of 5 rating. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson.
July 16, 2012
I am the author of Dead Peasants being launched on October 2. Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
January 4, 2023
Using real life people (especially people born in the freaking 1800s) to describe your ‘modern day’ characters is a huge no—no for me.
Using the name of ANY celebrity to describe your characters is lazy writing. Use them as a reference if you’d like—sure, no problem! But never say “he had a chin like [insert possibly unknown celebrity here].”
If I have to pull out my phone while reading, to google an actor that was relevant in the 60s … all so I can see what his chin looks like—so I know what the MC’s chin looks like … eh, I think I’ll just go to another book.
Im here to get sucked into a story, not to get booted out so I can google some old poker player born in 1853 so I know what the guys favorite cane looks like because all the author gave me was a name instead of a description of the thing.
It’s just a really dated way to write which caught me off guard considering this book was published in 2012.
By page 5 I had to look up 3 people … I stopped reading after that, which is a new record for me.
Using the name of ANY celebrity to describe your characters is lazy writing. Use them as a reference if you’d like—sure, no problem! But never say “he had a chin like [insert possibly unknown celebrity here].”
If I have to pull out my phone while reading, to google an actor that was relevant in the 60s … all so I can see what his chin looks like—so I know what the MC’s chin looks like … eh, I think I’ll just go to another book.
Im here to get sucked into a story, not to get booted out so I can google some old poker player born in 1853 so I know what the guys favorite cane looks like because all the author gave me was a name instead of a description of the thing.
It’s just a really dated way to write which caught me off guard considering this book was published in 2012.
By page 5 I had to look up 3 people … I stopped reading after that, which is a new record for me.
December 20, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and liked his style of writing. I could visualize everything as though I was watching a movie. Never heard the insurance term dead peasant and found that interesting. I liked it so much that I am getting ready to read another of his works called Insanity Plea.
I found out his brother was an author as well and wrote Blood and Money. I read that book when I was going to college. It was about a Plastic Surgeon accused of murdering his wife. My mother-in-law was a nurse and had worked with the doctor which made it more fascinating.
I found out his brother was an author as well and wrote Blood and Money. I read that book when I was going to college. It was about a Plastic Surgeon accused of murdering his wife. My mother-in-law was a nurse and had worked with the doctor which made it more fascinating.
May 22, 2021
I picked this up for a fun read and it turned out to be much more. Like his earlier book The Insanity Plea, there are important and real issues underneath the legal drama. The plot, characters and ending were all great - plus it was a page turner! Larry Thompson is becoming my favorite legal thriller author. I can tell he really does know the law.
March 6, 2017
I read this because this author had been one of our Book and Author Luncheon guests before I joined the library. It was fast paced and intriguing. I enjoyed knowing some of the landmarks.
May 1, 2013
The first thing that intrigued me about the book Dead Peasants by Larry D. Thompson was the title. It intrigued me so much, in fact, that I immediately had to look it up on Amazon just to see what it could possibly be about. Reading through the excerpt given, I just wasn't sure if I would like it. I mean, I like thrillers, but I had no idea if this book was for me. After much deliberation, I finally decided to at least give it a chance. It's like the saying goes.....Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.
Dead Peasants starts out by introducing the reader to the main character Jack Bryant, a lawyer in Beaumont, Texas who is definitely good at his job. He's been in the business long enough to know some of the tips and tricks to obtaining settlements that would shock the best of us. Most of them being in the million dollar range. As we delve into the first chapters, Jack is working on his most recent of cases. That being trying to get appropriate settlements for three families who each lost loved ones in a refinery explosion. Of course, the refinery is fighting so as to lessen the settlement, but Jack does not back down. He ends up getting each family quite a sum of money, meaning he gets quite a profit in the long run. The outcome of this case is so great, in fact, that afterwards Jack decides he is going to retire and move back to Fort Worth to watch his son play football for the TCU horned frogs.
In arriving back to Fort Worth, Jack decides to buy a house to kind of indicate to those who have known him all his life that he finally made it to the big leagues. The real estate agent selling the house, Colby Stripling, underestimates his ability to buy and is greatly surprised by the fact that he can pay for the house in cash. However, after an explanation of what he does (or did) for a living, Colby decides to give him a chance and the two become fast friends. (Or maybe more.....)
Things take a nosedive in his happy retirement when Jack is visited by a woman with a check. A life insurance check made out to her late husband's former employer, Allison Southwest. The woman deems that this is a very suspicious case, considering her husband has not worked at that particular facility for fifteen years. Jack looks into it, but finds that not everything is as it seems. Things could take a turn for the worst as the body count begins piling up. Add that to a judge seemingly biased to the side of the defense, and you have a difficult case to prove.
I enjoyed this book immensely. What surprised me most out of anything was how the writer transported me to Fort Worth so easily. I felt, literally, as if I was there with the characters, and I loved that. I will be looking forward to more books from this particular author in the future. He is someone to watch.
I recommend this novel to people who love legal thrillers and just a plain good read.
Dead Peasants starts out by introducing the reader to the main character Jack Bryant, a lawyer in Beaumont, Texas who is definitely good at his job. He's been in the business long enough to know some of the tips and tricks to obtaining settlements that would shock the best of us. Most of them being in the million dollar range. As we delve into the first chapters, Jack is working on his most recent of cases. That being trying to get appropriate settlements for three families who each lost loved ones in a refinery explosion. Of course, the refinery is fighting so as to lessen the settlement, but Jack does not back down. He ends up getting each family quite a sum of money, meaning he gets quite a profit in the long run. The outcome of this case is so great, in fact, that afterwards Jack decides he is going to retire and move back to Fort Worth to watch his son play football for the TCU horned frogs.
In arriving back to Fort Worth, Jack decides to buy a house to kind of indicate to those who have known him all his life that he finally made it to the big leagues. The real estate agent selling the house, Colby Stripling, underestimates his ability to buy and is greatly surprised by the fact that he can pay for the house in cash. However, after an explanation of what he does (or did) for a living, Colby decides to give him a chance and the two become fast friends. (Or maybe more.....)
Things take a nosedive in his happy retirement when Jack is visited by a woman with a check. A life insurance check made out to her late husband's former employer, Allison Southwest. The woman deems that this is a very suspicious case, considering her husband has not worked at that particular facility for fifteen years. Jack looks into it, but finds that not everything is as it seems. Things could take a turn for the worst as the body count begins piling up. Add that to a judge seemingly biased to the side of the defense, and you have a difficult case to prove.
I enjoyed this book immensely. What surprised me most out of anything was how the writer transported me to Fort Worth so easily. I felt, literally, as if I was there with the characters, and I loved that. I will be looking forward to more books from this particular author in the future. He is someone to watch.
I recommend this novel to people who love legal thrillers and just a plain good read.
October 2, 2012
Jackson Bryant is a successful lawyer at the peak of his career. After a particularly large settlement, he decides to retire and head back to Fort Worth, TX where he grew up. His son, J.D., has just started college and is on the football team. Because of a divorce early in his son's life, Jack hasn't had a lot of time with his son and wants to be closer to him.
Colby Stripling is the real estate agent who sells Jack his house in Fort Worth. She also decorates it for him. During this time, they get to be good friends. Jack wants more from their relationship, but Colby makes it clear there is someone else. They remain good friends.
Bored with his new life and uninterested in hobnobbing with the big wigs at the country club, Jack returns to his roots. His old neighborhood hasn't changed much, except that there are even more poor people in need of help. He decides to set up an office and do pro bono legal work.
Things are pretty quiet until Jack helps a woman who is being hounded by a credit card company. The judgement in their favor, with a write up in the local paper, blows the top off his business. He has people lined up outside to talk to him.
It's Colby who sends him his most important client. June Davis, whose late husband, Willie, worked with Colby years ago at a car dealership, has recently died. June mistakenly gets a check that was being sent to the car company, payment for a life insurance policy they had taken out on Willie when he worked for them years ago. The check isn't made out to June, it's made out to the car company. The $10,000 she was supposed to be given hasn't arrived. Jack takes the case and files to sue the car company's owner, Dwayne Allison.
Meanwhile, folks are dying under strange circumstances. Like Willie Davis, their deaths seem to be accidents. However, several attempts on Colby's life lead Jack to the conclusion that none of them were accidental.
"Dead Peasants" is a well paced legal thriller that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I couldn't put it down. There's just enough courtroom drama to satisfy the legal types, and all of it is authentic – the author, Larry D. Thompson, is a lawyer. For the more ghoulish, there's plenty of murder and mystery to keep you entertained. Jack, Colby and J.D. keep finding and putting the pieces together, but it isn't until the end that the final piece clicks into place.
The characters in "Dead Peasants" are fully rounded and authentic. The plot moves well and the villain is purely villainous. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
© 2012 Dellani Oakes
Colby Stripling is the real estate agent who sells Jack his house in Fort Worth. She also decorates it for him. During this time, they get to be good friends. Jack wants more from their relationship, but Colby makes it clear there is someone else. They remain good friends.
Bored with his new life and uninterested in hobnobbing with the big wigs at the country club, Jack returns to his roots. His old neighborhood hasn't changed much, except that there are even more poor people in need of help. He decides to set up an office and do pro bono legal work.
Things are pretty quiet until Jack helps a woman who is being hounded by a credit card company. The judgement in their favor, with a write up in the local paper, blows the top off his business. He has people lined up outside to talk to him.
It's Colby who sends him his most important client. June Davis, whose late husband, Willie, worked with Colby years ago at a car dealership, has recently died. June mistakenly gets a check that was being sent to the car company, payment for a life insurance policy they had taken out on Willie when he worked for them years ago. The check isn't made out to June, it's made out to the car company. The $10,000 she was supposed to be given hasn't arrived. Jack takes the case and files to sue the car company's owner, Dwayne Allison.
Meanwhile, folks are dying under strange circumstances. Like Willie Davis, their deaths seem to be accidents. However, several attempts on Colby's life lead Jack to the conclusion that none of them were accidental.
"Dead Peasants" is a well paced legal thriller that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I couldn't put it down. There's just enough courtroom drama to satisfy the legal types, and all of it is authentic – the author, Larry D. Thompson, is a lawyer. For the more ghoulish, there's plenty of murder and mystery to keep you entertained. Jack, Colby and J.D. keep finding and putting the pieces together, but it isn't until the end that the final piece clicks into place.
The characters in "Dead Peasants" are fully rounded and authentic. The plot moves well and the villain is purely villainous. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
© 2012 Dellani Oakes
May 6, 2013
After a successful career as a trial attorney, Jack Bryant is ready to retire to his hometown of Fort Worth to kick back, relax, and watch his son play college football at TCU. But Jack has a hard time settling into retirement, so he opens up a pro bono practice out of a motorhome. He expects to be helping poor people with their legal issues, but nothing prepares him for what happens after an elderly woman shows up with an unexpected life insurance check that is the beneficiary payment from her husband's untimely death. Jack's ensuing investigation reveals a murder for hire scheme that involves unexplained deaths that puts Jack and his love interest in a great deal of danger.
Dead Peasants is a riveting legal thriller that captivates the reader from the start, and keeps them sitting on the edge of their seat until the surprising conclusion. Author Larry D. Thompson utilizes his extensive professional experience as a trial attorney to weave a gritty tale written in the third person narrative that follows attorney Jack Bryant as he investigates an illegal insurance scheme linked to several unexplained deaths of policy holders that opens up a huge can of worms and will ultimately put his own life in danger.
This fast paced, action filled story engages the reader with a mixture of murder plots, investigative twists and turns, suspense and riveting courtroom drama. The author enlightens the reader by describing what a dead peasant insurance policy is: it is a life insurance policy taken out by the employer on an employee's life without their knowledge. The policy is not terminated when the employee leaves the company, it continues until the person's death, with the premium being paid to the company as the primary beneficiary. In reading Dead Peasants, the reader is transported into the middle of this gripping tale where they will learn about chilling true-to-life illegal schemes that are simply mind-numbing and will give them goosebumps.
With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue; dramatic interactions; and a complex storyline that has just enough courtroom drama to satisfy legal eagles, while providing plenty of murder and mystery that will keep the reader in suspense until the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place in a surprising ending; Dead Peasants is a thoroughly powerful, compelling, and chilling legal thriller that you won't be able to put down!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Dead Peasants is a riveting legal thriller that captivates the reader from the start, and keeps them sitting on the edge of their seat until the surprising conclusion. Author Larry D. Thompson utilizes his extensive professional experience as a trial attorney to weave a gritty tale written in the third person narrative that follows attorney Jack Bryant as he investigates an illegal insurance scheme linked to several unexplained deaths of policy holders that opens up a huge can of worms and will ultimately put his own life in danger.
This fast paced, action filled story engages the reader with a mixture of murder plots, investigative twists and turns, suspense and riveting courtroom drama. The author enlightens the reader by describing what a dead peasant insurance policy is: it is a life insurance policy taken out by the employer on an employee's life without their knowledge. The policy is not terminated when the employee leaves the company, it continues until the person's death, with the premium being paid to the company as the primary beneficiary. In reading Dead Peasants, the reader is transported into the middle of this gripping tale where they will learn about chilling true-to-life illegal schemes that are simply mind-numbing and will give them goosebumps.
With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue; dramatic interactions; and a complex storyline that has just enough courtroom drama to satisfy legal eagles, while providing plenty of murder and mystery that will keep the reader in suspense until the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place in a surprising ending; Dead Peasants is a thoroughly powerful, compelling, and chilling legal thriller that you won't be able to put down!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 12, 2013
Jackson Bryant is a very successful plaintiff's lawyer. He made his fortune representing clients against big companies that had wronged them. Having all the money he'd ever need, Bryant decides to retire and chooses Fort Worth as his locale. His son is about to start playing football at TCU, and Bryant decides all he wants to do is watch J.D. run that ball.
But, after buying a mansion and having it decorated and a few weeks of playing golf and poker at the country club, Bryant is bored. There's nothing really interesting in his life except his new friendship with Colby Stripling, the realtor/designer who sold him his house. So Jack decides to offer his services pro bono to the folks in Fort Worth who can't afford a lawyer.
June Davis is one of those folks. She is a recent widow; her husband of fifty years having died while fishing near their home. She comes to Bryant when she gets a confusing letter in the mail. It contains a check for four hundred thousand; a check made out to the company where her husband had worked for years as a porter, never making more than twenty thousand a year. The letter says the original letter was damaged, and Mrs. Davis' name was the only one that could be made out. She is confused, as she never knew of any life insurance on her husband, or why if there was a policy, the company is the beneficiary.
As Bryant delves into this mystery, he finds that this was a common practice at one time. Companies would take out life insurance not only on the top earners whose loss would hurt the firm, but on regular employees such as housekeepers or secretaries. They would continue to pay the premiums on these policies, which the employees often knew nothing about, even after an employee left the firm. Eventually, when the ex-employee died, the firm collected on the policy. These type of policies were known as dead peasant policies.
The dealership where Mr. Davis had worked still used these policies, even though they were outlawed in Texas years ago. Even worse, people who worked there were now dying in accidents, or were they accidents? With a bad economy and double indemnity in the case of accidental death, these deaths were very profitable for the company.
Thompson is a former defense attorney in Texas himself. He has crafted a mystery that takes the reader behind the scenes of the legal profession and shows what strategies and maneuvers take place in a trial. The concept is novel, and the execution is satisfactory. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
But, after buying a mansion and having it decorated and a few weeks of playing golf and poker at the country club, Bryant is bored. There's nothing really interesting in his life except his new friendship with Colby Stripling, the realtor/designer who sold him his house. So Jack decides to offer his services pro bono to the folks in Fort Worth who can't afford a lawyer.
June Davis is one of those folks. She is a recent widow; her husband of fifty years having died while fishing near their home. She comes to Bryant when she gets a confusing letter in the mail. It contains a check for four hundred thousand; a check made out to the company where her husband had worked for years as a porter, never making more than twenty thousand a year. The letter says the original letter was damaged, and Mrs. Davis' name was the only one that could be made out. She is confused, as she never knew of any life insurance on her husband, or why if there was a policy, the company is the beneficiary.
As Bryant delves into this mystery, he finds that this was a common practice at one time. Companies would take out life insurance not only on the top earners whose loss would hurt the firm, but on regular employees such as housekeepers or secretaries. They would continue to pay the premiums on these policies, which the employees often knew nothing about, even after an employee left the firm. Eventually, when the ex-employee died, the firm collected on the policy. These type of policies were known as dead peasant policies.
The dealership where Mr. Davis had worked still used these policies, even though they were outlawed in Texas years ago. Even worse, people who worked there were now dying in accidents, or were they accidents? With a bad economy and double indemnity in the case of accidental death, these deaths were very profitable for the company.
Thompson is a former defense attorney in Texas himself. He has crafted a mystery that takes the reader behind the scenes of the legal profession and shows what strategies and maneuvers take place in a trial. The concept is novel, and the execution is satisfactory. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
January 16, 2016
Synopsis: Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client 19s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
RIVETING!!!
I loved this book! I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.
I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn 19t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.
I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can 19t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.
The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant 19s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.
Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.
A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!
Dollycas 19s Thoughts
RIVETING!!!
I loved this book! I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.
I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn 19t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.
I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can 19t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.
The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant 19s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.
Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.
A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!
April 7, 2013
Synopsis: Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
RIVETING!!!
I loved this book! I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.
I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn’t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.
I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can’t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.
The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant’s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.
Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.
A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
RIVETING!!!
I loved this book! I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.
I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn’t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.
I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can’t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.
The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant’s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.
Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.
A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!
July 8, 2013
Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson
Published by St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 1250009499
ISBN-13: 978-1250009494
Pages: 292
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis:
Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
When I first saw the title of this book, and knowing it was a legal thriller, I have to be honest, I couldn't figure out what peasants had to do with the plot. And then it is explained. A "dead peasant" is a type of insurance policy (being vague as to details so not to include spoiler), but let me tell you, this is a bit scary as to it's existence in real life.
The writing style was fluid. The characters 3 dimensional, so it was easy to visualize both the cast and settings.
The protagonist, Jackson Douglas Bryant, attorney, has become one of my favorite characters, and hope that this is the beginning of many future books written around him. Jack Bryant is a successful lawyer, who decides to become a pro bono plaintiff's lawyer for those who do not have the means to hire an attorney. And his first case, turns out to be more than just routine. People are being killed but by who and why? And the "who done it" ending was one I didn't see coming.
One thing I really enjoyed was that, even though it was a legal thriller, it did not contain the heavy legalese often found in this genre.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but let me tell you, it won't be the last!! Loved it! A definite page turner that will keep you guessing.
(2013 Challenges: JFF, EBook, Count the Ways, First Reads, A-Z, Where Ate You, Mystery/Suspense, FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo, Read-A-Latte)
Published by St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 1250009499
ISBN-13: 978-1250009494
Pages: 292
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis:
Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
When I first saw the title of this book, and knowing it was a legal thriller, I have to be honest, I couldn't figure out what peasants had to do with the plot. And then it is explained. A "dead peasant" is a type of insurance policy (being vague as to details so not to include spoiler), but let me tell you, this is a bit scary as to it's existence in real life.
The writing style was fluid. The characters 3 dimensional, so it was easy to visualize both the cast and settings.
The protagonist, Jackson Douglas Bryant, attorney, has become one of my favorite characters, and hope that this is the beginning of many future books written around him. Jack Bryant is a successful lawyer, who decides to become a pro bono plaintiff's lawyer for those who do not have the means to hire an attorney. And his first case, turns out to be more than just routine. People are being killed but by who and why? And the "who done it" ending was one I didn't see coming.
One thing I really enjoyed was that, even though it was a legal thriller, it did not contain the heavy legalese often found in this genre.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but let me tell you, it won't be the last!! Loved it! A definite page turner that will keep you guessing.
(2013 Challenges: JFF, EBook, Count the Ways, First Reads, A-Z, Where Ate You, Mystery/Suspense, FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo, Read-A-Latte)
April 2, 2013
Jack Bryant was born and raised in Ft Worth, Texas. Some might say he grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Jack, soon to retire, is a successful plaintiff lawyer practicing in Beaumont, Texas. He moved back to his home town to watch his son play college football and to show all of those people (from the right side of the tracks) how well this former poor boy did as an adult. His son, JD Jr., is a walk-on at TCU and is balancing his training with spending time with his father. Upon arriving home Jack meets Colby Stripling, a woman with a secret, as well as a real estate agent who sells him the oversized home that he pays for with cash, just because.
When Jack realizes that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be he decides to become a pro bono lawyer for the less fortunate. His first case is for June Davis, the widow of a local man (Willie Jr.) Jack has become friends with. June finds out by accident that his former employer, Allison Motors, had a life insurance policy on her late husband that paid $400,000 when he died. Jack attempts to get Allison Motors to relinquish the funds to June however, during the course of the trial it is determined that there is more going on than just one Dead Peasant policy.
This is a fun and fast paced novel without a lot of unnecessary filler. The characters had very distinct personalities, even those that were not so prominent such as Willie Jr. You could see the confusion he suffered with the changing racial times and what he was brought up with. The descriptions of the area are rich and accurate. Being a Native of Fort Worth, I loved reading about Fort Worth, the local streets, buildings and areas that are so familiar to me. On the other hand, I found some of the other details to be exaggerated. We understand that Jack is filthy rich and he likes things a certain way, but it felt like overkill or name dropping with the incessant use of name brands or school names. It felt a little bit like product placement in the movies. However, these negatives are not enough to distract from the story line. The novel made us guess and then guess again as twist and turns led to the eventual killer. This book is not too long and would make for a great read weekend read. Excellent job!
When Jack realizes that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be he decides to become a pro bono lawyer for the less fortunate. His first case is for June Davis, the widow of a local man (Willie Jr.) Jack has become friends with. June finds out by accident that his former employer, Allison Motors, had a life insurance policy on her late husband that paid $400,000 when he died. Jack attempts to get Allison Motors to relinquish the funds to June however, during the course of the trial it is determined that there is more going on than just one Dead Peasant policy.
This is a fun and fast paced novel without a lot of unnecessary filler. The characters had very distinct personalities, even those that were not so prominent such as Willie Jr. You could see the confusion he suffered with the changing racial times and what he was brought up with. The descriptions of the area are rich and accurate. Being a Native of Fort Worth, I loved reading about Fort Worth, the local streets, buildings and areas that are so familiar to me. On the other hand, I found some of the other details to be exaggerated. We understand that Jack is filthy rich and he likes things a certain way, but it felt like overkill or name dropping with the incessant use of name brands or school names. It felt a little bit like product placement in the movies. However, these negatives are not enough to distract from the story line. The novel made us guess and then guess again as twist and turns led to the eventual killer. This book is not too long and would make for a great read weekend read. Excellent job!
April 10, 2013
This legal thriller came out last October and I can't believe I hadn't heard about it earlier. However, thanks to Partners in Crime Tours I have now read it, to the detriment of household chores.
Jack Bryant is a very wealthy man due to a successful career as a plaintiff attorney in many cases against large corporations. He was brilliant at getting huge settlements in those cases and of course his share of the settlement was sizable. After his last case, he suddenly announced that he was retiring. His son was set to play football for TCU, and you know how Texans love their football, so he was moving to Fort Worth to enjoy life and watch his son's games.
The early part of the book where he is settling into an expensive house, becoming intrigued with the beautiful realtor, meeting up with his son J.R., and where we learn about all of his cars, truck, RV, etc. is my least favorite part. Then the story picks up as he becomes bored with retirement and sets up a pro bono legal practice in his RV in a poor section of town, thereby stirring up all kinds of trouble with the people who had been taking advantage of the poor.
That's when I decided I liked this guy and the story pulled me in like a fish on a hook. I had no idea what "dead peasants" meant and was interested in the story of what that phrase has to do with taking money rightfully due unknowing people. I was fooled for most of the book; Thompson led me right down the garden path to the wrong conclusion, but in retrospect I saw all the clues I had missed. Love a book like that.
Larry Thompson is an attorney who lives in Texas so the setting and the legalities come from an author who knows what he's writing about. I enjoyed the feeling of being in Texas throughout the story.
Recommended reading
Source: Author via Partners in Crime Tours
Jack Bryant is a very wealthy man due to a successful career as a plaintiff attorney in many cases against large corporations. He was brilliant at getting huge settlements in those cases and of course his share of the settlement was sizable. After his last case, he suddenly announced that he was retiring. His son was set to play football for TCU, and you know how Texans love their football, so he was moving to Fort Worth to enjoy life and watch his son's games.
The early part of the book where he is settling into an expensive house, becoming intrigued with the beautiful realtor, meeting up with his son J.R., and where we learn about all of his cars, truck, RV, etc. is my least favorite part. Then the story picks up as he becomes bored with retirement and sets up a pro bono legal practice in his RV in a poor section of town, thereby stirring up all kinds of trouble with the people who had been taking advantage of the poor.
That's when I decided I liked this guy and the story pulled me in like a fish on a hook. I had no idea what "dead peasants" meant and was interested in the story of what that phrase has to do with taking money rightfully due unknowing people. I was fooled for most of the book; Thompson led me right down the garden path to the wrong conclusion, but in retrospect I saw all the clues I had missed. Love a book like that.
Larry Thompson is an attorney who lives in Texas so the setting and the legalities come from an author who knows what he's writing about. I enjoyed the feeling of being in Texas throughout the story.
Recommended reading
Source: Author via Partners in Crime Tours
August 29, 2014
Have you ever heard of a Dead Peasant Insurance Policy? I had-but then I have been a bookkeeper for many years. Just in case here is a definition that I copied from The Free Dictionary
A corporate-owned life insurance policy that a company may take out on its employees—often without their knowledge—designating the company as beneficiary. If the employee dies young, the company gets tax-free death benefits. If the employee lives long, it has a long-running tax break (as well as the death benefit)
Jack Bryant, a brilliant lawyer, just won a major case and has decided to retire early. His son will be playing college football and Jack has decided it is time to be more involved in his son's life. He packs up and leaves his lucrative practice and heads to Fort Worth Texas. He has lots of money so astonishes the realtor by taking an expensive, very large house. This is in the middle of the housing crisis, she really needed this sale. He knows he likes her but it takes almost the entire book for them to actually get together.
Eventually, after having the house decorated (by the realtor) Jack gets bored. He decides to do pro bono work for the people in the area who can not afford a good lawyer. He sets up shop on a piece of property he bought in a bad part of town in his RV. At first nobody comes--then one day an older African American woman comes knocking at the door. I seems she had received a check from the post office for 400,000 dollars but it was made out to her deceased husbands ex-employer.
Things really start heating up and more accidental deaths keep happening. I can almost guarantee that you won't be able to put this book down--but if I say anymore I'll give it all away!
Dead Peasants: A Thriller
A corporate-owned life insurance policy that a company may take out on its employees—often without their knowledge—designating the company as beneficiary. If the employee dies young, the company gets tax-free death benefits. If the employee lives long, it has a long-running tax break (as well as the death benefit)
Jack Bryant, a brilliant lawyer, just won a major case and has decided to retire early. His son will be playing college football and Jack has decided it is time to be more involved in his son's life. He packs up and leaves his lucrative practice and heads to Fort Worth Texas. He has lots of money so astonishes the realtor by taking an expensive, very large house. This is in the middle of the housing crisis, she really needed this sale. He knows he likes her but it takes almost the entire book for them to actually get together.
Eventually, after having the house decorated (by the realtor) Jack gets bored. He decides to do pro bono work for the people in the area who can not afford a good lawyer. He sets up shop on a piece of property he bought in a bad part of town in his RV. At first nobody comes--then one day an older African American woman comes knocking at the door. I seems she had received a check from the post office for 400,000 dollars but it was made out to her deceased husbands ex-employer.
Things really start heating up and more accidental deaths keep happening. I can almost guarantee that you won't be able to put this book down--but if I say anymore I'll give it all away!
Dead Peasants: A Thriller
February 13, 2013
Jack and his son JD make an awesome legal team. Add in one hunted realtor named Colby and you have a trifecta of legal eagles that will take on a "serial killing for hire" plot that just keeps getting more and more sinister as the pages turn!!! I could not put this book down. It's got it all. It blend thrills, kills, humour, suspense and a little flirtation splendidly! Jack is one of the most likable characters a book has produced in a long long time.
As a retired lawyer, who's made his millions, he goes back home to Texas and opens a pro bono practice. He immediately meets Cobly, his realtor, who, at first comes off extremely presumptuous, but mellows as you learn her secrets. As Jack begins taking on cases for the less fortunate, he comes to learn of a swindle going on in town that has more than just hidden stashes of cash to cover up. It seems it might be possible that a string of unsolved deaths may have something to do with it? Even worse, now that he may be getting closer to the truth of what's really going on, it may just put his life and the lives of others in danger as well.
In this page turner, you'll be mumbling under your breath at the people you feel you know and have come to dislike, you'll be rooting for the people you've come to like, and you'll be gathering up the facts yourself trying to figure out if you're on the right track as to who YOU think did it as well!
I highly recommend this book to ANYone that enjoys a wicked good thriller!!!
Cheers!
As a retired lawyer, who's made his millions, he goes back home to Texas and opens a pro bono practice. He immediately meets Cobly, his realtor, who, at first comes off extremely presumptuous, but mellows as you learn her secrets. As Jack begins taking on cases for the less fortunate, he comes to learn of a swindle going on in town that has more than just hidden stashes of cash to cover up. It seems it might be possible that a string of unsolved deaths may have something to do with it? Even worse, now that he may be getting closer to the truth of what's really going on, it may just put his life and the lives of others in danger as well.
In this page turner, you'll be mumbling under your breath at the people you feel you know and have come to dislike, you'll be rooting for the people you've come to like, and you'll be gathering up the facts yourself trying to figure out if you're on the right track as to who YOU think did it as well!
I highly recommend this book to ANYone that enjoys a wicked good thriller!!!
Cheers!
May 7, 2013
Jack Bryant is a wealthy man who has made a successful career as a plaintiff attorney. He's been a lawyer long enough to have learning the tricks of his trade and he makes a large sum getting settlements from big corporations. The book opens with Jack working on a big case against a refinery where there was an explosion and lives were lost. He ends up winning this huge case, and turning a large profit for himself, and immediately declares he's retiring.
Retirement for Jack means moving back to Fort Worth to watch his son play football for TCU. He moves into an expensive house and becomes friends with Colby Stripling, the beautiful real estate agent. Life seems to be going great but Jack soon becomes bored. Since he is set for life he decided to start a pro bono legal practice in a poorer section of town. Things begin to go down hill when he picks up an insurance case that just doesn't sit right with him.
This is a fast paced legal thriller that kept me reading until the very end. I wanted to know what was going to happen and couldn't get there quick enough. I felt that the characters were realistic and the courtroom drama was enough to satisfy my craving but not so much that I was bored. I was able to gather some of the clues in the book but I didn't know where the story was going until it ended. At that point all of the clues came together and the story had a believable ending.
Retirement for Jack means moving back to Fort Worth to watch his son play football for TCU. He moves into an expensive house and becomes friends with Colby Stripling, the beautiful real estate agent. Life seems to be going great but Jack soon becomes bored. Since he is set for life he decided to start a pro bono legal practice in a poorer section of town. Things begin to go down hill when he picks up an insurance case that just doesn't sit right with him.
This is a fast paced legal thriller that kept me reading until the very end. I wanted to know what was going to happen and couldn't get there quick enough. I felt that the characters were realistic and the courtroom drama was enough to satisfy my craving but not so much that I was bored. I was able to gather some of the clues in the book but I didn't know where the story was going until it ended. At that point all of the clues came together and the story had a believable ending.
May 30, 2013
Jackson Bryant is a successful plaintiff attorney who decides to retire after a multi-million dollar verdict. Attractive realtor Colby Stripling not only sells him his new home, but catches his attention, as well. He takes her advice and begins doing pro bono work for financially disadvantaged clients. When he agrees to help an elderly widow who received a life insurance payment made not to her, but to her husband's former employer, Jackson finds himself in the middle of a mystery involving a serial killer and murder for hire.
First, just let me say this: Wow! I have found a new favorite author. From the first chapter, I began thinking that this guy is the next Grisham. His writing is very similar, with the same pace and storytelling style. Also, the Southern small-town setting with the cunning lawyer who can put on and take off the country-bumpkin persona at will is reminiscent of Grisham's novels. However, this novel is a bit more gritty than the average legal mystery.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, especially those in a Southern setting, you will be hooked from page one.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
First, just let me say this: Wow! I have found a new favorite author. From the first chapter, I began thinking that this guy is the next Grisham. His writing is very similar, with the same pace and storytelling style. Also, the Southern small-town setting with the cunning lawyer who can put on and take off the country-bumpkin persona at will is reminiscent of Grisham's novels. However, this novel is a bit more gritty than the average legal mystery.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, especially those in a Southern setting, you will be hooked from page one.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
April 29, 2013
This was a pretty good book. I had never heard the term Dead Peasants before and I liked the way it was incorporated into this story. The first 75 pages or so were kind of slow, but it laid out all the key characters and gave you a good foundation to build on. Then the murders started and the characters all started to mesh together.
The story unfolded and I found myself second guessing myself as to who could be behind everything. I really liked Jack Bryant as well as his friend Colby. Both of these people were loyal to a fault and very giving of themselves to others. I would love to be in a position where I could help people like Jack does in the book when he starts doing his pro bono work. What a great way to give back to the community where he grew up.
The book flowed easily and I loved the short chapters (90 chapters in a 292 page book). Sometimes I only have short bursts of time to read and so this style works well for me. I look forward to seeing if Jack Bryant is going to be spearheading any other cases in the future.
The story unfolded and I found myself second guessing myself as to who could be behind everything. I really liked Jack Bryant as well as his friend Colby. Both of these people were loyal to a fault and very giving of themselves to others. I would love to be in a position where I could help people like Jack does in the book when he starts doing his pro bono work. What a great way to give back to the community where he grew up.
The book flowed easily and I loved the short chapters (90 chapters in a 292 page book). Sometimes I only have short bursts of time to read and so this style works well for me. I look forward to seeing if Jack Bryant is going to be spearheading any other cases in the future.
February 12, 2013
I thought when I saw this, "What in the world is a dead peasant, and why do I want to read about it???" Turns out it is a legal term, and yes, I definitely did want to read about it. Dead Peasants takes place in Fort Worth, which makes it even more fun. Sometimes I am skeptical of local books, but Thompson is a Houston attorney who was raised in Fort Worth. He is the brother of Tommy Thompson who wrote Blood and Money, the true-crime book about John Hill and Joan Robinson Hill, the murder which rocked Houston in the 80's. Thompson's style is similar to John Grisham's, but I loved following his Fort Worth settings. I could visualize where he was taking his characters every step of the way. The son was playing football at TCU, the attorney bought a home in Tanglewood, and he set up shop of sorts in a vacant RV in North Side. I truly enjoyed this book! I will read it again in a couple of years, when I have forgotten enough to make it fun to read again.
July 29, 2013
I first learned about these appalling “dead peasant” insurance policies in Michael Moore’s CAPITALISM movie, and immediately thought: what a great idea for a mystery/thriller. So glad Larry D. Thompson did more than get an idea. DEAD PEASANTS, no surprise, shines most in two areas: court rooms and Texas. The descriptions and dialogue in these two settings – setting Thompson knows well in real life-- are wonderful. I’d started a list of the many great lines that could only come from a Texas writer or experienced lawyer, but then decided not to spoil the book. Thompson starts adding in just the right amount of surprises and action about halfway through. (Insert chili joke here) . Lawyer Jack Bryant is a terrific character (nothing more fun than a “good old boy” with smarts/cash) and I look forward to seeing him again soon.
April 8, 2013
Jack Bryant is a retired attorney that doesn't have enough to keep him busy and decides to donate his time assisting those who cannot afford legal representation. The clients have sad stories but the biggest case is June Davis', a widow having a hard time making ends meet. She receives a check from an insurance company that is mind blowing, I had no idea this kind of policy existed. As Jack investigates, this thing blows up and puts his life in danger.
Loved this book! It grabs your attention immediately and won't let go. There's lots of action, a GREAT plot, strong characters. Not at all predictable, exactly the kind of book I like to read. Get ready for a dramatic ending! 5 stars!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars!
Loved this book! It grabs your attention immediately and won't let go. There's lots of action, a GREAT plot, strong characters. Not at all predictable, exactly the kind of book I like to read. Get ready for a dramatic ending! 5 stars!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars!
April 4, 2013
This book was amazing in every sense of the word. What I found most interesting and intriguing is the fact that the author is an actual trial lawyer. I found his writing smooth and flowing. I finished this book in 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down.
It was suspenseful and gritty and never lost a beat. Some characters and their actions were sometimes a little out there and cheesy but for the most part the main characters were strong and admiring.
I recommend this book 100%. It won't be a waste of your.
It was suspenseful and gritty and never lost a beat. Some characters and their actions were sometimes a little out there and cheesy but for the most part the main characters were strong and admiring.
I recommend this book 100%. It won't be a waste of your.
December 20, 2012
I got hooked on Larry Thompson this summer reading The Trial, set in San Marcos, TX. Ironically, I was on vacation in San Marcos when I opened the book! So the entire book was set where I was vacationing. Regardless, i love the turf and the colorfulness of the characters in his books. He does remind me of Grisham, but I give him credit on his own. This is a fun thrilling read with colorful Texans characters.
April 16, 2013
Larry pens "Dead Peasants" a face paced, believable legal thriller in a plot that was well written, entertaining and filled with action. I loved the way his characters were developed easily and wasted no time in doing so. His descriptions were so realistic that you felt you were right there as the story unfolds. A must read for all legal thriller fans.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
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