What do you think?
Rate this book
Lou Mason Mystery #1
Motion To Kill
Richard Sullivan was at the top of his profession, a rainmaker in a powerful Kansas City law firm until his body washed up on the shores of a Missouri lake. Now questions about his death, and his life, reverberate through a firm that has more to cover up than it ever knew. Dark secrets pit partners against each other and their clients in a desperate struggle to stay alive.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2002
1752 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
About the author
Joel Goldman
34 books280 followersJoel Goldman is the Edgar and Shamus nominated author of four thriller series.
His first series features Lou Mason, a trial lawyer willing to dive into the dark water to save his clients.
Joel's second series introduces former FBI Special Agent Jack Davis who has a movement disorder that makes him shake when he should shoot.Joel has a unique perspective on Jack's condition since he lives with the same disorder.
Alex Stone headlines Joel's third series. She's a public defender who applies her own code of justice when the system gets it wrong.
Joel's fourth series goes international with Cassie Ireland and Jake Carter. She's a modern day Robin Hood and he's a professional poker player. They join forces to bring down the rich and powerful.
Joel lives with his wife and two dogs in Leawood, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, MO.
Series:
* Lou Mason Mystery
* Jack Davis Mystery
* Alex Stone Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 18, 2011
Ever ask yourself, do I really care what happens in this book? I asked this question a couple of times and the answer was, not really, but I kept reading it anyway. There was just enough suspense that kept me reading. The main character was similar to the Nelson DeMille guy, always making wisecracks which helped me stay with it. But overall it was just average. Sort of like watching an episode of Law And Order.
January 23, 2018
I found Joel Goldman through Brash Books, and I'm glad I did. He tells a great, suspenseful story in words that just flow into my mind. I loved the wit and sarcasm of the main character, Lou Mason. The story was full of twists and surprises. The element of suspense hung heavy because someone was definitely trying to kill Lou. Most of the characters were people I wish I could have met, and the rest people I wish to never encounter. I saw the end coming, but was in suspense right up to the end. This book was perfect for me.
July 10, 2013
It makes me glad I no longer have to go away on corporate retreats! Mason has a lot to keep him on his toes over a couple of weeks. The ending wasn't what I expected, but it definitely leads me to want to read the next book in the series.
July 13, 2022
Boring ! This is not a legal thriller though the Hero Lou Mason and the victims are lawyers and the setting is amidst lawsuits. There were no courtroom scenes, but lots of physical action. I enjoy good police procedurals if the detectives use their common sense when needed. However the Sheriff Kelly lacked in this department. What else is the excuse for her not interviewing the last person who was seen with the victim? The interview was done much later and was cursory.
I have been reading some new authors recently and have added some series to my TBR. I am glad that this series won't make it to my huge TBR pile 😀
I have been reading some new authors recently and have added some series to my TBR. I am glad that this series won't make it to my huge TBR pile 😀
December 28, 2019
This is a very good twisty turny almost everyone a suspect mystery. I really liked the characters especially Blues :) and am looking forward to the next book where Lou is working over Blues bar. Has to be good !!!
January 15, 2013
Imagine you're on the high dive, scared to death, and you jump off, blindfolded. Halfway down, you can't tell if the pool is full of water or not. That feeling of absolute vulnerability and uncertainty is what graces Lou Mason.
It is that rush, that excitement of knowing that the main character DOESN'T KNOW enough to protect himself and just enough to know he is in danger.
As the story unfolds, Lou strikes out, makes mistakes, is lied to and mislead. His very relationships with others is either setting him up or helping him out. Even after you know what's going on, Lou is not certain if the journey was to his benefit or not.
It is this multidimensionality that makes Lou feel a part of you as you read. He, like you, is not sure what is going to happen next. He, like you, wants to survive. He, like you, is not sure that he can surmount the challenges.
Goldman writes in the between of what has happened, and what will happen. Whereas other crime novels have the main character be an amazing superhero, with all the needed tools, Lou is not only human, he's beyond human, with all the frailty and nobility that entails.
Do yourself a favor and read this book, and every book by Goldman (His Jack Davis series is even more compelling).
Even though I read these a little out of order, as soon as I read my first Goldman book, I bought the rest and enjoyed all of them.
It is that rush, that excitement of knowing that the main character DOESN'T KNOW enough to protect himself and just enough to know he is in danger.
As the story unfolds, Lou strikes out, makes mistakes, is lied to and mislead. His very relationships with others is either setting him up or helping him out. Even after you know what's going on, Lou is not certain if the journey was to his benefit or not.
It is this multidimensionality that makes Lou feel a part of you as you read. He, like you, is not sure what is going to happen next. He, like you, wants to survive. He, like you, is not sure that he can surmount the challenges.
Goldman writes in the between of what has happened, and what will happen. Whereas other crime novels have the main character be an amazing superhero, with all the needed tools, Lou is not only human, he's beyond human, with all the frailty and nobility that entails.
Do yourself a favor and read this book, and every book by Goldman (His Jack Davis series is even more compelling).
Even though I read these a little out of order, as soon as I read my first Goldman book, I bought the rest and enjoyed all of them.
October 16, 2017
Great Legal Thriller/Mystery Novel
I really hope Joel Goldman continues to write legal thrillers, and I hope he writes more about Lou Mason. "Motion to Kill" is as riveting and involved, and just as good as, as any Gresham thriller I have read. Darn good writing, characters develop in believable fashion as the story goes on, and spot-on most of the legal points, if I accurately remember my Crim-Pro and Ethics classes at NYLS almost three decades ago...I can't help but compare Goldman to Gresham: as a 1L, I was excited but dismayed at Gresham's depiction of a new associate. Now, I recognize the authenticity of Goldman's depiction of a junior partner. Goldman catches the real world of the law: black and white fades to grey, and billable hours rule the partnership.
EXTREMELY GOOD, AUTHENTIC, ARTISTIC. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
I really hope Joel Goldman continues to write legal thrillers, and I hope he writes more about Lou Mason. "Motion to Kill" is as riveting and involved, and just as good as, as any Gresham thriller I have read. Darn good writing, characters develop in believable fashion as the story goes on, and spot-on most of the legal points, if I accurately remember my Crim-Pro and Ethics classes at NYLS almost three decades ago...I can't help but compare Goldman to Gresham: as a 1L, I was excited but dismayed at Gresham's depiction of a new associate. Now, I recognize the authenticity of Goldman's depiction of a junior partner. Goldman catches the real world of the law: black and white fades to grey, and billable hours rule the partnership.
EXTREMELY GOOD, AUTHENTIC, ARTISTIC. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
May 6, 2018
Great engrossing reading!
This was a great introduction to a new series. Lou is a new partner in a Kansas City law firm. While on a weekend retreat, the head of the firm dies and Lou begins to investigate. The investigation leads to criminal conspiracies, money laundering, hit men, drugs and murder. It was a fun, fast read and a great start to a series. Lou is bold and brassy, which adds to the fun. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
This was a great introduction to a new series. Lou is a new partner in a Kansas City law firm. While on a weekend retreat, the head of the firm dies and Lou begins to investigate. The investigation leads to criminal conspiracies, money laundering, hit men, drugs and murder. It was a fun, fast read and a great start to a series. Lou is bold and brassy, which adds to the fun. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
April 4, 2019
(2 1/2). A young lawyer caught in the middle of corruption, violence, ethics concerns and a firm that is barely alive in the wake of all these issues. Sound familiar? Add in an attractive partner and a hot lady cop and we have a great many recognizable pillars for this story. To his credit, Goldman takes the pieces and makes them entertaining. Lou Mason is a very likeable protagonist, not a superhuman in brain or brawn, and this one moves right along as the layers unravel. Through in a couple of moderately corrupt government officials and you have quite the brew. Easy reading. Pretty good stuff.
March 17, 2019
Not a bad Joel Goldman thriller. A few twists make it a little more interesting than the average 'who done it'.
June 1, 2011
Motion to Kill
By Joel Goldman
Lou Mason is a lawyer with a case to prove. When Lou's partner Richard Sullivan is killed, Lou is among the suspects. Then Lou is assigned the job of going through his dead partner's files to find out what kind of funny business was going on between the firm Lou works for and a client, O'Malley, who is under criminal investigation. Only Lou is good at his job and begins to find out more than anyone wanted him to know, as the body count rises so does Lou's evidence of what was really going on, making him a risk who simply has to put out of circulation. Can you survive knowing too much?
Joel Goldman does a great job taking Lou Mason from the world of ties and business suits to the kick-ass world of mobsters, murder and self-defense. Lou thought he knew his limits before, could be he was wrong as he gets a new education in life the way the dark side lives it. The mob is embroiled in everything Lou is trying to uncover. Everywhere he turns he discovers new signs of their corruption of people he previously thought beyond their reach.
Motion to Kill is rich drama set in against the background of a law firm that may have taken part in some illegal activities to help a client out. The lead partner of the firm turns up dead days after asking Lou Mason to lose some critical documents so they don't turn up in the criminal investigation Lou is defending. Lou said no, but now his boss is dead and the evidence points to Lou as one of the suspects. It's in Lou's best interest to discover the killer but along the way he finds out more than he thought possible and he becomes a target for more than one murderer.
Goldman does a good job of developing the tension in this somewhat complicated story line. The clues are all there for the conclusion so it makes perfect sense once it comes along. The use of foreshadowing is perfect, just enough to make you satisfied that you guessed the direction the story was heading but not so much that it gives the story away. You have to keep reading to discover if your theories are right and even then Goldman keeps throwing in surprises until the very end. Overall it was a really entertaining read and I recommend it.
By Joel Goldman
Lou Mason is a lawyer with a case to prove. When Lou's partner Richard Sullivan is killed, Lou is among the suspects. Then Lou is assigned the job of going through his dead partner's files to find out what kind of funny business was going on between the firm Lou works for and a client, O'Malley, who is under criminal investigation. Only Lou is good at his job and begins to find out more than anyone wanted him to know, as the body count rises so does Lou's evidence of what was really going on, making him a risk who simply has to put out of circulation. Can you survive knowing too much?
Joel Goldman does a great job taking Lou Mason from the world of ties and business suits to the kick-ass world of mobsters, murder and self-defense. Lou thought he knew his limits before, could be he was wrong as he gets a new education in life the way the dark side lives it. The mob is embroiled in everything Lou is trying to uncover. Everywhere he turns he discovers new signs of their corruption of people he previously thought beyond their reach.
Motion to Kill is rich drama set in against the background of a law firm that may have taken part in some illegal activities to help a client out. The lead partner of the firm turns up dead days after asking Lou Mason to lose some critical documents so they don't turn up in the criminal investigation Lou is defending. Lou said no, but now his boss is dead and the evidence points to Lou as one of the suspects. It's in Lou's best interest to discover the killer but along the way he finds out more than he thought possible and he becomes a target for more than one murderer.
Goldman does a good job of developing the tension in this somewhat complicated story line. The clues are all there for the conclusion so it makes perfect sense once it comes along. The use of foreshadowing is perfect, just enough to make you satisfied that you guessed the direction the story was heading but not so much that it gives the story away. You have to keep reading to discover if your theories are right and even then Goldman keeps throwing in surprises until the very end. Overall it was a really entertaining read and I recommend it.
August 2, 2011
Lou Mason is a lawyer at a big firm. When one of his partner's is murdered it is revealed that both he and his biggest client are being investigated by the FBI. Lou is nominated to find out what is going on. When the bodies begin to pile up, Lou's quest to figure things out begins to compete with his desire to stay alive. Can he do both?
This was a thrilling legal drama. There are twists and surprises at every turn. I was continually hook into all the new secrets and details being revealed.
Lou made for a decent investigator. He was through, and realistic. He didn't get access to anything unbelievable, and his actions stayed within character. His growing violence was a little concerning, but still made sense. It made me want to know if he would be able to pull himself back and regain his balance.
The one thing I didn't really buy into was the multiple romance angles. None seemed believable, or even like much of anything. I could believe a bit of flirting, but everything beyond that felt flat. There were even a few times when the scene ended and I had to re-read to figure out that it was supposed to be a suggestive scene.
Overall, this was an exciting read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. A word of warning, there is some violence, but nothing too gory.
This was a thrilling legal drama. There are twists and surprises at every turn. I was continually hook into all the new secrets and details being revealed.
Lou made for a decent investigator. He was through, and realistic. He didn't get access to anything unbelievable, and his actions stayed within character. His growing violence was a little concerning, but still made sense. It made me want to know if he would be able to pull himself back and regain his balance.
The one thing I didn't really buy into was the multiple romance angles. None seemed believable, or even like much of anything. I could believe a bit of flirting, but everything beyond that felt flat. There were even a few times when the scene ended and I had to re-read to figure out that it was supposed to be a suggestive scene.
Overall, this was an exciting read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. A word of warning, there is some violence, but nothing too gory.
June 29, 2011
I received this book from a blog tour. Murder mystery is not my usual preference but this book was a nice surprise.
I love books that have great characters. I think I have found a new favorite character in Lou Mason. He is sharp, witty, and not too full of himself. Lou finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery. The law firm that he has been a part of for the past three months is drenched in corruption. Lou needs to find out who murdered one of the partners before he becomes the next dead body.
I find it funny what sticks in my mind and helps me love a character more. I connected to Lou over coffee. In one part of the book there is a line that says "Mason had never developed a taste for coffee and still felt like a kid when he was the only one sucking on apple juice." I loved Lou a little bit more at this point. Like Lou I never developed a taste for coffee. My kind of guy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns to the plot. There were many characters on this canvas who played their roles well. I was guessing up to the very end as to who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. The story took off from the start and never slowed down. I enjoyed reading this book and will most likely be back for more.
I love books that have great characters. I think I have found a new favorite character in Lou Mason. He is sharp, witty, and not too full of himself. Lou finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery. The law firm that he has been a part of for the past three months is drenched in corruption. Lou needs to find out who murdered one of the partners before he becomes the next dead body.
I find it funny what sticks in my mind and helps me love a character more. I connected to Lou over coffee. In one part of the book there is a line that says "Mason had never developed a taste for coffee and still felt like a kid when he was the only one sucking on apple juice." I loved Lou a little bit more at this point. Like Lou I never developed a taste for coffee. My kind of guy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns to the plot. There were many characters on this canvas who played their roles well. I was guessing up to the very end as to who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. The story took off from the start and never slowed down. I enjoyed reading this book and will most likely be back for more.
July 31, 2011
This was a great novel that was thoughtfully done and well crafted. Following the main character, Lou Mason, as he tries to find out who murdered his partner makes for a riveting read. Around every corner there seems to be an unexpected surprise and the closer Mason gets to the truth the more danger he is in evidenced by things begin blowing up around him and the dead bodies that keep appearing.
At first Lou is just seeking justice and then he is trying to stay alive on this quick-witted, fast-action thriller. It's different than most in this genre as it's a wonderful blend of police procedural and law. There's money at stake, a big name law partner has died, others may be next, and Lou decides to team up with the Sheriff to expedite things. There is no author to compare Joel Goldman to because this really was so unique and as far as one could get from a stereotypical thriller in any sub genre. And of course the two intelligent, attractive women trying to get Lou into bed just adds to the excitement. Extortion, explosions, murder, FBI, a hot sheriff and hot law partner, and sex. It seems damn perfect to me.
At first Lou is just seeking justice and then he is trying to stay alive on this quick-witted, fast-action thriller. It's different than most in this genre as it's a wonderful blend of police procedural and law. There's money at stake, a big name law partner has died, others may be next, and Lou decides to team up with the Sheriff to expedite things. There is no author to compare Joel Goldman to because this really was so unique and as far as one could get from a stereotypical thriller in any sub genre. And of course the two intelligent, attractive women trying to get Lou into bed just adds to the excitement. Extortion, explosions, murder, FBI, a hot sheriff and hot law partner, and sex. It seems damn perfect to me.
June 13, 2011
Joel Goldman introduces us to Lou Mason, a corporate lawyer turned reluctant detective, in Motion to Kill. Mason is thrust in to the midst of the murder investigation of a senior partner at his law firm after that partner asks him to compromise his ethics. The first murder leads to more murder, attempted murder, beatings, job loss, uncovered secrets, and vandalism among other things. Mason is forced to face a position he’d never dreamed possible - deciding in a split second if he can take another life to save his own. Goldman weaves twists and turns through Motion to Kill that at times leaves the reader wondering if the book is about to end and who can be trusted. Then he jerks, in an engaging way, the reader in another direction opening a whole new line of possibilities for the story to go. Mason’s friend, Blue, has a tendency to steal scenes with a quiet, unfaltering ease and confidence that is the perfect counterpoint to Lou’s insecurity and tendency to flounder. Goldman leaves the leader satisfied that justice is served but wanting more of Mason and Blue in Motion to Kill.
August 1, 2011
My advocacy of A Motion To Kill was renewed now that it is slated to become an eBook. I thought I would object to Joel’s “updates” in the story. My re-reads are like old friends and soft comfortable loafers; I like the status quo. But, the story line remains intact as promised. Lou Mason is still the sexy brilliant but flawed counselor who is thrown into chaos and finds order. In my book, he replaces that other crime-solving barrister “Mason” hands down. The plot leads you to the edge like the thrilling Yungas cliff road in Bolivia; it’s dangerous to get complacent because it takes unexpected turns and surprises leap from around every corner. The characters draw you in and you find yourself analyzing their motives for murder, hoping your favorite is innocent. A Motion To Kill takes you on an odyssey to find a killer and along the way helps Lou Mason discover himself.
July 1, 2011
I received the Kindle version of "Motion to Kill" through Smashwords by author Joel Goldman. This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down.One chapter flew into the next.
Richard Sullivan was dead, probably murdered and last seen with an attractive blonde, not his wife, at a condo he owned with Victor O'Malley.
Mason was defending O'Malley against criminal charges the feds were about to file. Sullivan had set up Mason as the fall guy in a scheme to get rid of evidence that had to incriminate both Sullivan an O'Malley. And someone had just tried to kill him and make his death look like the result of his own reckless driving.
This novel had a limited number of well developed characters, so the novel was very gripping.
Thank you so much Joel for allowing me to read your novel.It was amazing...and a definate 5 Star rating.
Richard Sullivan was dead, probably murdered and last seen with an attractive blonde, not his wife, at a condo he owned with Victor O'Malley.
Mason was defending O'Malley against criminal charges the feds were about to file. Sullivan had set up Mason as the fall guy in a scheme to get rid of evidence that had to incriminate both Sullivan an O'Malley. And someone had just tried to kill him and make his death look like the result of his own reckless driving.
This novel had a limited number of well developed characters, so the novel was very gripping.
Thank you so much Joel for allowing me to read your novel.It was amazing...and a definate 5 Star rating.
May 9, 2011
Motion to Kill by Joel Goldman review:
In a rarity on my part, I read this book in one day. Excellently complex first novel with a broad cast of characters that pulled me forward and kept me going; like an onion, layers of plots and subplots are revealed and eventually pull together in a satisfying whole. A real page-turner with plenty of action and many surprising twists and turns along the way driven by the wise-cracking protagonist and a great supporting cast. While not a courtroom novel, we still get a look at back-room deal-makers and the criminal types who have helped mess up the world.
In a rarity on my part, I read this book in one day. Excellently complex first novel with a broad cast of characters that pulled me forward and kept me going; like an onion, layers of plots and subplots are revealed and eventually pull together in a satisfying whole. A real page-turner with plenty of action and many surprising twists and turns along the way driven by the wise-cracking protagonist and a great supporting cast. While not a courtroom novel, we still get a look at back-room deal-makers and the criminal types who have helped mess up the world.
May 22, 2012
Another author I never heard of and discovered buy chance. (Pun intended) I admit I judge books by their cover, sue me I'm a graphic designer so a good cover can lead to me shelling out the coin. (The specific cover they show here stinks compared to the one I saw when I bought it BTW.) Grisham has made a career of legal thrillers and this author takes it to a new grittier level. Fun stories.
September 20, 2017
How did this get published?
This book has some silly thesis about some mafia connections laundering money, a protagonist that goes through an incredible amount of trauma and never once had a scratch on him. Kills some one and just takes off and never reports it and on and on and on. It's ridiculous. Do not waste your time reading it. Horrible.
This book has some silly thesis about some mafia connections laundering money, a protagonist that goes through an incredible amount of trauma and never once had a scratch on him. Kills some one and just takes off and never reports it and on and on and on. It's ridiculous. Do not waste your time reading it. Horrible.
October 15, 2016
I had a difficult time keeping all of the characters straight. Other than that I enjoyed the story. It was a very complicated plot but well executed. I liked Lou Mason, the main character, and will go on to his next adventure.
September 1, 2017
Book was ok and I did like the storyline, but I wasn't gripped. It was one of those books that I just picked up and put down during a week. Didn't find it compelling enough to read that extra chapter when I had the chance.
August 30, 2016
Motion to Kill
This is the first book in the Lou Mason series. It started out slow and I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but it turned out to be a good thriller. Worth reading.
This is the first book in the Lou Mason series. It started out slow and I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but it turned out to be a good thriller. Worth reading.
July 18, 2017
GOT BORING & NEEDED A LOT OF EDITING
There is to many run on sentences & the book looked liked it was never edited. Of course, what do expect for 1st time writers.
There is to many run on sentences & the book looked liked it was never edited. Of course, what do expect for 1st time writers.
November 8, 2017
Sheriff Kelly Holt (Pope County) came to talk with Lou.
Kansas City, MO. Lou Mason (lawyer, Sullivan & Christenson law firm) was horrified.
7/12, Buckhorn Resort (Lake of the Ozarks, MO.). Richard Sullivan (55+, lawyer, Sr. partner Sullivan & Christenson law firm) body had been floating in the water for quite some time.
Sheriff Holt & Lou went to see Mrs. Pamela Sullivan (widow).
Pope County. Doc Eddy Malcolm Listrom (Listrom’s Mortuary mortician) met with Lou & Pamela.
Victor O’Malley Sr. (father, Jewish, banker, Quintex corp. co-shareholder/director, client, retired Vietnam USMC vet) found 6 boxes all titled: Douchant v. Philpott Safety Systems.
What other shocking news did Lou find out about Richard?
What did Sheriff Holt reveal to Cara Trent (Richard’s mistress, law school student)?
Harlan Christenson (Quintex corp. secretary) had been murdered.
Pamela had been taken into custody at the Johnson County Sheriff’s office (Olathe, KS.) for the conspiracy to commit murder of Richard.
Wow, I took piano lessons & played at the Conservatory of Music.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well who-dun-it murder mystery written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Booksends; Character Flaw Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Kansas City, MO. Lou Mason (lawyer, Sullivan & Christenson law firm) was horrified.
7/12, Buckhorn Resort (Lake of the Ozarks, MO.). Richard Sullivan (55+, lawyer, Sr. partner Sullivan & Christenson law firm) body had been floating in the water for quite some time.
Sheriff Holt & Lou went to see Mrs. Pamela Sullivan (widow).
Pope County. Doc Eddy Malcolm Listrom (Listrom’s Mortuary mortician) met with Lou & Pamela.
Victor O’Malley Sr. (father, Jewish, banker, Quintex corp. co-shareholder/director, client, retired Vietnam USMC vet) found 6 boxes all titled: Douchant v. Philpott Safety Systems.
What other shocking news did Lou find out about Richard?
What did Sheriff Holt reveal to Cara Trent (Richard’s mistress, law school student)?
Harlan Christenson (Quintex corp. secretary) had been murdered.
Pamela had been taken into custody at the Johnson County Sheriff’s office (Olathe, KS.) for the conspiracy to commit murder of Richard.
Wow, I took piano lessons & played at the Conservatory of Music.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well who-dun-it murder mystery written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Booksends; Character Flaw Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 5, 2019
Corrupt law firms, attorneys, dirty clients and shady mobsters—Oh My! Answer me one question—what didn’t this novel have? What an exciting cast of characters wreaking all type of havoc on Kansas City.
A very powerful and prominent attorney, Richard Sullivan, was found dead along the shore of a Missouri Lake. How convenient of all places for his body to come up while the law firm was trying to enjoy a relaxing weekend of golf and seminars at their retreat. The nerve of this guy to come up dead, some thought!
Lou Mason, also an attorney working at this law firm, had too many questions and not enough answers, but one thing will become very clear to the reader, Lou was not one to mess around with. When you get right down to it, he was the man you’d want on your side. Partners were dropping dead at every turn and Lou could not figure out why? As you journey with him, it soon becomes apparent that there are some very shady dealings being dealt under the guise of “client work” being performed. Oh, to be sure, there was plenty of work being done, but none of it had to do with the law. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
I absolutely loved this book! It was Law & Order meets The Sopranos. I could one hundred percent see this as a motion picture. In fact, I’m shocked it hasn’t been contracted to be one. Lou Mason was one tough cookie! He didn’t stop until he had the answers he was seeking and he had a way of making people talk! Oh yes, this is my type of legal thriller. It gives the reader the ride of your reading life, and that’s what entertaining books are supposed to do, and this one did it! Awesome read!
A very powerful and prominent attorney, Richard Sullivan, was found dead along the shore of a Missouri Lake. How convenient of all places for his body to come up while the law firm was trying to enjoy a relaxing weekend of golf and seminars at their retreat. The nerve of this guy to come up dead, some thought!
Lou Mason, also an attorney working at this law firm, had too many questions and not enough answers, but one thing will become very clear to the reader, Lou was not one to mess around with. When you get right down to it, he was the man you’d want on your side. Partners were dropping dead at every turn and Lou could not figure out why? As you journey with him, it soon becomes apparent that there are some very shady dealings being dealt under the guise of “client work” being performed. Oh, to be sure, there was plenty of work being done, but none of it had to do with the law. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
I absolutely loved this book! It was Law & Order meets The Sopranos. I could one hundred percent see this as a motion picture. In fact, I’m shocked it hasn’t been contracted to be one. Lou Mason was one tough cookie! He didn’t stop until he had the answers he was seeking and he had a way of making people talk! Oh yes, this is my type of legal thriller. It gives the reader the ride of your reading life, and that’s what entertaining books are supposed to do, and this one did it! Awesome read!
March 25, 2019
Lou Mason isn't looking forward to the firms retreat weekend but he has no choice but to go as he is still new at the firm. He knows that he has been given no choice but to leave the firm after his senior partner Richard Sullivan wants him to lose important documents to save one of his clients. And now that Sullivan is dead someone wants Lou to take the fall as they believe he willing to do what Sullivan wanted. The local sheriff thinks that someone at the firm killed Richard but why? Yes he was dirty and cheating on his wife but who hated him that much. Lou can't leave now as he has been given the task of trying to save the firm from going under. The US attorney St John wants to take the firm down and he will do whatever he has to in proving that the firm knew all about their client's unlawful dealings. Things are getting out of control as another senior partner is murdered and someone tries to take out Lou as well. His relationship with the sheriff is heating up but she still has a job to do and at the moment that means finding out who killed Sullivan and why a well known hitman wants Lou dead? Who can he trust as everyone at the firm is after something and knows that there are others that knew what was happening and they were more than willing to take their cut? Can Lou figure things out before he becomes another victim? A good read.
May 30, 2021
Comment: This first novel by former Kansas City trial lawyer Joel Goldman is a promising first effort in which Lou Mason, a trial attorney and the most junior of 12 partners at a Kansas City law firm, investigates the murder of his firm's founding partner and rainmaker. Other murders quickly follow, and Lou and his new love interest, the investigating Sheriff, finds themselves in danger of being the next victims. Mason is a cheerfully sleazy creation, and the plot is fairly taut for a first effort with some nice twists and turns. Subsequent works in this series were nominated for Edgar awards, so I'll look forward to more fully developed supporting characters and legal details, as well as perhaps a courtroom scene or two, the absence of which are striking in a supposed legal thriller. All in all, though a likeable enough first effort with enough plot twists to make me look forward to reading additional Lou Mason stories.
October 15, 2020
I have read my share of legal thrillers and find that I'm not really a fan of the genre. However, I got this book free and wanted to give it a shot. I'm happy that I did. The protaganist, Lou Mason, was endearing to me with his sarcasm and attempts at wit. The character development was great and the plot of the story moved along nicely without getting bogged down. I should point out that I was born in Missouri and a few of the names and places were not exactly correct; I would like to believe that Goldman purposfully mixed up some of his geography. Case in point, is that Pope County is in Arkansas not Missouri. But, this certainly didn't detract from a good story. Great effort with the beginning of a series. While not a fan of the genre, Mr. Goldman may have won me over with his protaganist enough for me to read the second in this series.
April 3, 2023
Lou Mason is a partner in a troubled law firm. His boss, the guy who hired him in the first place, set him up for a fall, and he’s thinking of quitting ad moving on. He goes on a corporate retreat to the Lake of the Ozarks, and while the company employees are there, someone murders Lou’s boss—the guy who raked in the income for the firm.
Whoever murdered him used Insulin, and what a murder it was.
I guess I went into this expecting some courtroom drama. There’s none of that here. It’s fast paced now and then, but it’s also kind of boring in spots. I have the second book in the series on a hard drive, but it’s unlikely that I’ll read it.
Whoever murdered him used Insulin, and what a murder it was.
I guess I went into this expecting some courtroom drama. There’s none of that here. It’s fast paced now and then, but it’s also kind of boring in spots. I have the second book in the series on a hard drive, but it’s unlikely that I’ll read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews