Suspicious Activity: A Legal Thriller

by Mike Papantonio, Christopher Paulos

Suspicious Activity is an epic drama of intrigue, suspense, thrills, and legal combat—torn out of today’s headlines.
 
“The purpose of the lawsuit is to fully expose the bank’s willing support to groups that are killing Americans—and others—overseas.” This announcement by attorney Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis sets up the gladiatorial arena between Big Banking and a team of well-meaning activist lawyers.
 
The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars introduced the concept of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and EFPs (Explosively Formed Penetrators) that seriously maim or kill. It appears that these bombs are still being made and utilized by terrorists overseas. Who is funding them? Could it possibly be a large global bank with a major branch in New York? Is a reverse money laundering scheme in place that allows money transactions to bypass Department of Justice sanctions?
 
Deke and his colleagues—co-counsel Michael Carey and investigators Carol Morris and Jake Rutledge—set out to uncover the deceit and bring the white collar criminals to justice. With the help of Michael’s friend and war veteran, Joel Hartbeck—who first blows the whistle against the bank—the Deketomis team quickly discovers that they may have tackled more than they bargained for. A dangerous right wing paramilitary group might be involved in protecting the bank’s interests, and Hartbeck soon goes missing. As Deke’s lawsuit progresses, the sudden appearance of IEDs and EFPs on US highways cause death and destruction. Who is behind this evil?

Readers who devour the financial-action-legal thrillers of Joseph Finder, Stephen Frey, and James Grippando will enjoy Suspicious Activity .

360 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

MIKE PAPANTONIO is an American trial lawyer, television presenter, radio talk show host, and author. He is a senior partner with Levin Papantonio, one of America’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, corporate polluters, and weapons manufacturers, among other bastions of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his seven-book series of legal thrillers featuring Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis.

Mike was featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary Jesus Camp (2006) and in the award-winning documentary Oxy Kingpins (2021), about how a network of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worked together to orchestrate and perpetuate the opioid crisis that has killed over half a million people in America. He was also featured in The Devil We Know (2018), which highlighted the dangers of DuPont’s man-made chemical C8 and was adapted into the Hollywood blockbuster film Dark Waters (2019), starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins. And he was a key figure in Beyond Pollution (2012), regarding the truth behind the largest man-made natural disaster in history, the BP Oil Spill.

Mike’s most recent legal thriller is A Death in Arcadia, inspired by the infamous Dozier School for Boys.

Reviews

[Alejandro Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot centers on a lawsuit filed by attorney Nicholas "Deke" Deketomis, which aims to reveal the bank's deliberate support for groups that cause the deaths of Americans and others abroad. This begins a titanic struggle between the powerful bank and a team of lawyers with firm principles.
Deke is not alone in this crusade; he is accompanied by his legal partner Michael Carey, investigators Carol Morris and Jake Rutledge, and war veteran Joel Hartbeck, who was the one who denounced the bank. The appearance of IEDs and EFPs on American roads increases tension, directly connecting the legal plot with immediate deadly consequences.
The narrative is structured in a way that maintains a balance between detailed legal investigation and fast action scenes. The authors' style is direct and involving, using precise descriptions and sharp dialogue to maintain the reader's interest. The knowledge that both authors have of the judicial system, based on their professional backgrounds, is clear. The mixture of legal thriller with elements of action and mystery allows for a dynamic and attractive reading.
Suspicious Activity: A Legal Thriller is not only a thrilling work of fiction, but also a critical reflection on the connections between high finance and terrorism. Through well-built characters and a carefully crafted plot, the author offers a disturbing vision of how institutions that should protect us can instead become complicit in atrocities. The novel invites the reader to question the morality of large corporations and consider the courage of those who dare to stand up to them.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could there be white collar criminals that are assisting in the making of bombs and the funding of terrorists overseas? It doesn’t seem all that farfetched, and that is the starting point of this taut and gripping thrill ride.

Michael Carey, a hotshot co-counsel with lofty ambitions, joins forces with investigators Jake Rutledge and Carol Morris. The trio, going by the name the Deketomis Team, suspects that there is a well-funded and lethal paramilitary group that’s operating just outside their field of vision. Now, they have crossed from white collar crime into domestic terrorism.

When their friend and war veteran Joel Hartbeck disappears, the trio knows they’re getting closer. But the nearer they get to uncovering the shadowy secrets that lurk beyond the horizon, the more likely they will end up with their bodies dumped in a ditch to protect the interests of highly placed individuals within the US banking system and elsewhere.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that could be a real story.

This legal thriller is one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time. I must admit that at the beginning, I found the book predictable, as of course it is about some companies that seek advantage and thanks to that motivation are driven to cheat people.
I must admit that in my personal taste, there is nothing I value more than a book that talks about law being written by people who know about law and legal terminology. That gives a touch of authenticity to the text and that is why I was thrilled to discover that the authors are lawyers and I understood the reason why it is so well written.
It is a story that seems like a lie but the reality is that there is someone in the real world who may be living a similar story against a company or institution that is intimidating enough but not so smart. I recommend you read this great book!

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting

I appreciate the opportunity to follow Joel Hartbeck’s journey through gruelling Air Force Special Warfare training. The story did a great job at capturing the physical and mental challenges faced by trainees. I think I could never go through that. I really respect the ones that are able to go through with it. The author really emphasized on the rigorous nature of becoming a pararescueman. The reader is also able to follow Joel’s internal struggle with self-doubt and his interaction with confident and supportive Michael Carey. Friendship plays a big part here.
I liked the writing style which provided a realistic portrayal of military training. Although I am not quite familiar with these military words, I was able to understand it very well because it balances technical descriptions with personal reflections.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page-turning thriller
If you’re fond of thrillers with legal issues, then you should read “Suspicious Activity” by Mike Papantonio.
This novel revolves around a firm with important lawyers who get involved in a case of explosive devices and corruption that apparently the global bank is involved in. So, it’s important to find out who is behind this. Nicholas Deketomis is in charge of the case and together with his colleagues will strive to look for proof and incriminate the guilty ones. There are many secrets around this case so the team must be prepared.
What a story! There are so many unexpected twists that will hold your attention along the pages. I was immersed in the investigations and I felt part of their conclusions about the case. It’s an intriguing and complex plot that will leave you at the edge of your seat. It’s a highly recommended novel.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspicious Activity by Mike Papantonio is a legal thriller, war and military action type of book, that caught me from the first page. This novel goes around a major bank based out of New York that has been funding terrorists who are using the finds to build improvised explosive devices which are killing American soldiers and allies. The topic of the narrative is an interesting one but not so easy to write about. I have read many novels from this genre before, and I was easily lost at some point. However, this book is different. The plot as well as the character development are amazing. The descriptions are so well done that I could feel part of each scene. The narrative moves very quickly and trapped me page after page. I will recommend this book for sure, it is one of the best novels in the field that I have read so far.

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a toy for a child

I am a lawyer, and personally, this type of story excites me immensely. This legal thriller featuring gutsy lawyers dedicated and determined to eliminate crime using the best tools available, the laws and judicial systems, is perfect for lawyers like me who love this kind of action. The protagonists are fantastic and full of personality. For me, the way the author narrates the story is perfect, as it allowed me to feel as if I were in the scenes, experiencing each part of the journey. The choice of the villain (the bank) also seems spot-on to me, as it represents a powerful entity against which citizens often feel disadvantaged, making the characters' struggle seem more justified.

I will definitely continue reading works by Papantonio.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an okay story set to be action-packed but still missing some key elements. This story has a lot of potential, but we need to work on the story buildup. The story is entertaining, and as the author uses some technical or military jargon, it adds character. Since the story is central to the main character, it is easy to relate to his struggles, journey, and dilemmas. Joel is a character that has improved throughout the book and can be improved and developed some more to make him a more effective protagonist. The author gives Joel a good ending that is better than how he started in the story, and the emotions shifted from a tense courtroom to a relaxed "I'm glad that's over, and I am living my best life at the back" phase.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will obsess with this novel.

This thriller is a captivating read that will keep you reading without stopping. ''Suspicious Activity'' written by Mike Papantonio is an intriguing novel that follows a group of lawyers who wish to discover turbulent businesses that an important bank in New York City is having a terrorist organization in the production of weapons and money laundering. Finding the truth and discovering the power of this bank and the people behind is a dangerous job that this group of people has to face. This book will lead to a reading where suspense and action are present in each chapter. You will not have the opportunity to stop reading. I strongly recommend it.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins as an epic drama full of intrigue, suspense and emotion, its plot mixes legal combat and corruption.
The protagonist is a brave and committed lawyer, who has a clear mission to expose the voluntary support of a large global bank to terrorist groups. This marks the beginning of a series of events full of tension and danger.
What I liked most about this story is how the theme of improvised explosive devices is intertwined with the financial world.
The characters are well developed, each with their own background and motivations. The story maintains a constant rhythm, which has kept me attentive and trapped until the end, and each chapter reveals new twists and surprises, making it very difficult for me to stop reading.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing reading and highly recommended.

"Suspicious Activity" is a gripping legal thriller by Mike Papantonio and Christopher Paulos, immersing readers in high-stakes legal battles and corporate intrigue. Attorney Nicholas "Deke" Deketomis leads a team against a global bank suspected of funding terrorism, unfolding a suspenseful narrative of greed and justice. With authentic courtroom scenes and well-developed characters like war veteran Joel Hartbeck, the novel delves into financial crimes and the challenges of seeking justice. Papantonio and Paulos' expertise creates a compelling read for legal drama and thriller fans, offering a nuanced exploration of corruption and deception in the pursuit of truth. This was an amazing reading and highly recommended.

[Yolanda Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this amazing novel that combines intense legal drama with great suspense. The story follows attorney Nicholas "Deke" and his team as they take on a major global bank suspected of funding terrorist activities through a reverse money laundering scheme. Deke is driven by a mission to expose the bank’s nefarious operations. I enjoyed this read so much, I felt like a detective when I was reading it, and how they expose a dangerous network protected by a powerful paramilitary group was for me the perfect plot twist.
With well developed characters and a plot full of unexpected twists, this book is a thrilling and opportune read. It's a must read for fans of legal thrillers and those interested in stories that resonate with current global issues.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating legal thriller in which the author weaves a clever and intricate web of intrigue, suspense and justice.
I’ve to say that this well-crafted science fiction captivated me from the opening chapter although I tried to avoid the combat scenes because I found them a bit harsh.
As regards the content, there were several things I totally enjoyed. The dialogues between the characters are easy-to-follow and short what makes them more addictive. The author’s writing style is exquisite; the descriptive imagery used by Mike is very well portrayed in the different chapters. This vocabulary absolutely enriches the narrative.
I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book since it’s a great piece of work.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating thriller.

I am not an expert about the legal and financial world but I am sure that it is a world surrounded by secrets, corruption and even crimes. The plot of Suspicious Activity revolves around the premise that a large American financial institution is financing illicit terrorist activities until Deke and his colleagues decide to confront them.
I think I couldn't enjoy it to the fullest because there is a lot of knowledge about laws that I don't understand, but even so I can recognize that it is well written and is a solid story. Another thing that makes it more interesting, and terrifying, is that it is very similar to current news. It is a great fiction with a realistic touch.

[Almiria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspicious Activity by authors Mike Papantonio and Christopher Paulos is a legal thriller that tells the tale of a group of brave lawyers headed by Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis who want to take on global banks, believing them to be the bad actors responsible for foreign terrorism and, later, bombings in the US itself. The book takes on sweeping and dramatic themes, positioning itself as a gripping legal action thriller. Unfortunately, the plot tends to sacrifice character development in favor of action sequences. All in all, the book is a pot-boiler that avid fans of this genre may enjoy reading to pass the time. I am giving this book four stars out of five.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasoned with spicy ingredients, this legal thriller has it all, though drama, suspense, intrigue, and thrilling combats are the main themes. These are mixed smoothly together, and each of them add something to the end.
Being this a war thriller, explosive events prevail, and the tension and seriousness every was have are also included here to give the narrative some sort of realism. Even though this is a fictional tale, some insights and minutiae of Iraq’s and Afghanistan’s wars mentioned here seem real, as if this one was a historical account.
Characters are all well crafted and interesting; each of them adding their unique “glitter” to the storyline. Loved this one!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do bombs come from? Are they designed to kill? Who finances them? Those questions were asked by Deke and his colleagues, Michael Carey, Carol Morris and Jake Rutledge, who set out to solve this mystery. After months of searching and investigating, they give an alarming piece of information, but they quickly realize that they may have covered more than they expected.
This thriller book has the reader on edge at all times. The characters are complex and complete, each of them with their characteristics and personality. In my opinion, this reading is novel, since not many authors address this topic in their fiction. A great book to enjoy and be surprised by.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked the most about Suspicious Activity is the mix of genres. The novel explores in detail economics and politics while keeping the suspense and action intact for the biggest part of the book. The result is an original plot, with a variety of characters that make the ending unpredictable, just the kind of book I was looking for.

Papantonio and Paulos write with knowledge and precision about the legal aspect of the plot, building an intricated crime network and corruption that absorbed me. With almost 400 pages the authors have enough room to give background and round up the characters, making the story believable and meaningful.

Definitely a recommended read!

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reading gives no respite! Once you start, it's hard to put it down. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I followed the intricate legal plays and dangerous showdowns. It is also a read that makes you reflect on important topics such as corruption and power.

As for the characters, I want to say that they were skillfully developed by the talented authors Mike Papantonio and Christopher Paulos. From the charismatic Deke to the enigmatic antagonists, each character leaves a lasting impression. I really enjoyed this plot and recommend it. If you are looking for a read that combines suspense, action, deception and danger, Suspicious Activity is perfect for you!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping story following attorney Deke as he surfs into a very tricky lawsuit. I was really into the plot about the bank funding terrorist groups responsible for attacks overseas. I find that to be a very captivating plot and it got me flipping pages since the very beginning. The narrative style and the development of the character and the situations that he encounters are really well narrated and it just felt like a very well-balanced book. It has suspense, it has twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge.
To sum up, I think this read would make a great gift or a great choice for someone into thrillers.

[Beverly McFall Killough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspicious activity

Keeps you reading until the end. Exciting with good description of how police and FBI work to bring down criminals who lie and cheat for money. Sounds as if it might be true to life.

[Rebecca Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just get better and better!!

[Beth Alfieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Excellent characters and plot, grabs you from the start and keeps you interested, love the twist and pulling it all together at the end. I enjoyed reading this but ok.