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Jake Lassiter #9
State vs. Lassiter
Life is great for Jake at the start of “State vs. Lassiter,” the newest tale in Paul Levine’s award-winning series.
Jake’s law practice is booming...
He’s crazy about the new woman in his life...
His one-time delinquent nephew Kip is getting A’s in school...
What can go wrong?
Oh...how about a charge of first degree murder?
When money goes missing from client trust accounts, Jake confronts his banker, Pamela Baylins...who also happens to be his lover. She accuses Jake of skimming client funds; he accuses her of dipping into the till. She threatens to report him to the State Attorney...and within hours is killed.
All the evidence points to Jake, who is charged with murder. Is this the end of the linebacker-turned-lawyer?
Jake’s law practice is booming...
He’s crazy about the new woman in his life...
His one-time delinquent nephew Kip is getting A’s in school...
What can go wrong?
Oh...how about a charge of first degree murder?
When money goes missing from client trust accounts, Jake confronts his banker, Pamela Baylins...who also happens to be his lover. She accuses Jake of skimming client funds; he accuses her of dipping into the till. She threatens to report him to the State Attorney...and within hours is killed.
All the evidence points to Jake, who is charged with murder. Is this the end of the linebacker-turned-lawyer?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2013
892 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Paul Levine
81 books558 followersThe Genius and the Tramp Fight Fascists in 1930's Hollywood
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 9, 2014
Jake...my man Jake! I've been waiting for Jake Lassiter; it's just been far too long without him.
But why and how does he get into these predicaments? Oh, mostly because of women and this one, this one is no exception. But who would know that his present babe would put him in handcuffs and up for murder one.
Yes, the family is fine, all's well there except he has to solve this rap himself? Thought that was what the police do. Of course, if the police solved it...the charge and Jake's welfare wouldn't be so interesting.
This may be my chance, too, to ask for more. But Paul Levine is one busy man so he doesn't pump books out like his readers want. He just lets us beg and beg and beg for more Jake, then finally, here comes Jake with a good looking babe on his arm.
Women. Jake loves them, loves them truly.
If you haven't read this series of 11 books, pick one up. Hopefully, it will be number one To Speak for the Dead. This is one of the best series I'm reading.
Paul Levine writes solid sentences and his characters shine. His scenery in Miami is spot on. I love Florida based books, they stay at the top of my to read list. And Paul Levine knows how to write.
Solomon and Lord, too, written by Levine. That series of four novels can't be beat. This is oil and vinegar at its best. The first one Solomon vs Lord is my favorite and funny as hell. (Oops...hell ain't funny.)
No "like" button. That's strange but no problem!
But why and how does he get into these predicaments? Oh, mostly because of women and this one, this one is no exception. But who would know that his present babe would put him in handcuffs and up for murder one.
Yes, the family is fine, all's well there except he has to solve this rap himself? Thought that was what the police do. Of course, if the police solved it...the charge and Jake's welfare wouldn't be so interesting.
This may be my chance, too, to ask for more. But Paul Levine is one busy man so he doesn't pump books out like his readers want. He just lets us beg and beg and beg for more Jake, then finally, here comes Jake with a good looking babe on his arm.
Women. Jake loves them, loves them truly.
If you haven't read this series of 11 books, pick one up. Hopefully, it will be number one To Speak for the Dead. This is one of the best series I'm reading.
Paul Levine writes solid sentences and his characters shine. His scenery in Miami is spot on. I love Florida based books, they stay at the top of my to read list. And Paul Levine knows how to write.
Solomon and Lord, too, written by Levine. That series of four novels can't be beat. This is oil and vinegar at its best. The first one Solomon vs Lord is my favorite and funny as hell. (Oops...hell ain't funny.)
No "like" button. That's strange but no problem!
June 9, 2017
Perfect book for flying from Illinois to Santa Rosa, CA...started it at boarding & even with in-flight conversation had it finished in the motel that night...a page turner with a basic 250 pages that takes Lassiter thru a failed love life to a murder trial...pretty good procedural details along with the comic Lassiter observations...Doc Riggs makes a small appearance, but unfortunately, brings very little substance unlike the early novels...I loved it when Doc Riggs was Lassiter's "Meyer" to Lassiter's Travis...overall a decent Levine effort
November 30, 2024
Another excellent installment in this very good series.
June 12, 2017
4.5*
Life is good for Jake Lassiter, ex Miami Dolphins linebacker turned lawyer,…..until he wakes up on the beach with the hangover from hell and no memory of how he got there. He and his lover, Pamela Baylins were spending a romantic weekend at the Fontainebleau Hotel, courtesy of a grateful client. A call from Jake’s accountant, Barry Samchick, the previous evening regarding discrepancies in the client trust accounts, with large amounts of money being transferred to various places, had caused a heated argument between Jake and Pamela, witnessed by a number of people. Pamela was Jake’s banker and the only other person who could have accessed the accounts. After an exchange of accusations, and threats from Pamela, Jake left the hotel to get some air and clear his head, the next thing he knows he’s being woken by the Beach Patrol.
Jake, used to being the defense lawyer, finds himself on the flip side, at the mercy of the judicial system accused of first degree murder. He had defended enough murder trials in his career to understand how this would play out. Having Emilia Vazquez, an old girlfriend, prosecuting the case wasn’t going to help. She seemed determined to take on the role of a woman scorned. And Jake, despite the counsel he gives to his clients, makes the very mistakes he warns others against.
Jake fills in the gaps, following leads, and the unfolding courtroom drama is compelling and believable. The author’s knowledge of the legal system, laced with a liberal dose of cynicism, and the fact he was a trial lawyer adds authenticity.
A tightly plotted and well written narrative with all the old favourites; no nonsense Granny Lassiter, Jake’s good friend and mentor, Doc Charlie Riggs and Kip, Jake’s nephew. Jake Lassiter is a likeable, realistic protagonist, with an engaging and witty personality, sense of decency and a moral compass.
A quick, enjoyable listen at four and a half hours. Luke Daniels performance is, as always, faultless. I love his characterisations.
Life is good for Jake Lassiter, ex Miami Dolphins linebacker turned lawyer,…..until he wakes up on the beach with the hangover from hell and no memory of how he got there. He and his lover, Pamela Baylins were spending a romantic weekend at the Fontainebleau Hotel, courtesy of a grateful client. A call from Jake’s accountant, Barry Samchick, the previous evening regarding discrepancies in the client trust accounts, with large amounts of money being transferred to various places, had caused a heated argument between Jake and Pamela, witnessed by a number of people. Pamela was Jake’s banker and the only other person who could have accessed the accounts. After an exchange of accusations, and threats from Pamela, Jake left the hotel to get some air and clear his head, the next thing he knows he’s being woken by the Beach Patrol.
Jake, used to being the defense lawyer, finds himself on the flip side, at the mercy of the judicial system accused of first degree murder. He had defended enough murder trials in his career to understand how this would play out. Having Emilia Vazquez, an old girlfriend, prosecuting the case wasn’t going to help. She seemed determined to take on the role of a woman scorned. And Jake, despite the counsel he gives to his clients, makes the very mistakes he warns others against.
Jake fills in the gaps, following leads, and the unfolding courtroom drama is compelling and believable. The author’s knowledge of the legal system, laced with a liberal dose of cynicism, and the fact he was a trial lawyer adds authenticity.
A tightly plotted and well written narrative with all the old favourites; no nonsense Granny Lassiter, Jake’s good friend and mentor, Doc Charlie Riggs and Kip, Jake’s nephew. Jake Lassiter is a likeable, realistic protagonist, with an engaging and witty personality, sense of decency and a moral compass.
A quick, enjoyable listen at four and a half hours. Luke Daniels performance is, as always, faultless. I love his characterisations.
September 1, 2014
Paul Levine showed why he is one my favorite authors again! If you haven't read his JAke Lassiter or Solomon vs Lord series,do yourself a favor and start ASAP.
March 5, 2019
Shorter than normal, but still a great story. Jake Lassiter once again finds himself in the dock charged with first-degree murder. If I was Jake, like I said once before, I would swear off the opposite sex FOREVER. Jake should know that for him women=TROUBLE and Jake's latest beau is no different. State vs Lassiter is set in the world of money laundering and Ponzi schemes and Jake's new found practice is caught in the centre, with drug barons making their appearance, this is just as action-packed and thoroughly entertaining.
April 15, 2014
Paul Levine has written four books in the Solomon & Lord series, and four standalones. But perhaps my favorite of his books is the Jake Lassiter series, in which this is the tenth entry. Jake, primarily a criminal defense attorney and after twenty years of dealing with cops and prosecutors, now finds himself on the other side of the defense table: as the defendant, charged with murdering Pamela Baylins, his trusted, very personal banker and erstwhile lover. The book opens with Jake being rudely awakened by a Beach Patrol officer while lying in the sand on Miami Beach where he apparently passed out some time in the early morning hours. He is shortly returned in handcuffs to the suite in his name at the Fontainebleau Hotel, which suite also contained the dead body of Ms. Baylins, grotesquely strangled with Jake’s belt some time in those same early morning hours.
Not a good scenario for our protagonist. Only made worse by the ugly, bloody scratches on Jake’s cheek, admittedly put there by the victim after the two had very publicly argued during and after dinner at a swank steak house not far from the hotel.
It appears that during dinner Jake had received a phone call from his accountant, advising that the latter had discovered that his trust accounts were badly “screwed up,” with amounts going in and out and traveling through accounts in various places where money launderers are wont to place their money, such as the Cayman Islands. Since the only other person with access to those accounts was the woman seated beside him, namely Baylins, the ensuing argument traded accusations between the two. The only hope for Jake is that he had been caught on security cameras leaving the hotel some time after they couple had returned there, and before Pam was killed.
There are only a few others with motives to kill Pam, including a notorious Latin American realtor with various other projects going for him beyond real estate, Jake’s aforementioned accountant, and at least one other male with whom Pam had an intimate relationship. But the fact that the list is narrow doesn’t make any easier to find the killer, or evidence of any kind. Watching Jake get through the trial, ably assisted with the attorney he’d hired and despite his lawyering on his own behalf, is a treat for the reader. Having been on a diet of very long, very dark novels of late, this quick and very enjoyable read was a treat, and the novel is recommended.
Not a good scenario for our protagonist. Only made worse by the ugly, bloody scratches on Jake’s cheek, admittedly put there by the victim after the two had very publicly argued during and after dinner at a swank steak house not far from the hotel.
It appears that during dinner Jake had received a phone call from his accountant, advising that the latter had discovered that his trust accounts were badly “screwed up,” with amounts going in and out and traveling through accounts in various places where money launderers are wont to place their money, such as the Cayman Islands. Since the only other person with access to those accounts was the woman seated beside him, namely Baylins, the ensuing argument traded accusations between the two. The only hope for Jake is that he had been caught on security cameras leaving the hotel some time after they couple had returned there, and before Pam was killed.
There are only a few others with motives to kill Pam, including a notorious Latin American realtor with various other projects going for him beyond real estate, Jake’s aforementioned accountant, and at least one other male with whom Pam had an intimate relationship. But the fact that the list is narrow doesn’t make any easier to find the killer, or evidence of any kind. Watching Jake get through the trial, ably assisted with the attorney he’d hired and despite his lawyering on his own behalf, is a treat for the reader. Having been on a diet of very long, very dark novels of late, this quick and very enjoyable read was a treat, and the novel is recommended.
October 3, 2018
The tide is lapping toward Jake, and a sand sweeper will run over him if he doesn’t get up from the beach. But the mouthy nature of our hero immediately asserts itself, although once awake enough to reflect, even he realizes he doesn’t know how he came to be lying here at daybreak or why. A unique beginning that made me want to read more.
The gap in Jake’s memory, and the circumstances the police can construct of his past night, make Jake a prime suspect in a murder. The author’s experience as a criminal lawyer allows him to enlighten us, the readers, on some interesting points of the legal system as Jake finds himself in the role of suspect and finds himself making the human errors he’s seen his own clients make. People, innocent and not innocent, want to sound innocent when questioned by the police, and demanding your right to remain silent, or your right to have a lawyer present when questioned, doesn’t make you sound innocent.
The unfolding tale of the night missing from Jake’s memory and the background that led to it is both compelling and believable, and as reader I liked, enjoyed, and respected Jake. What more could a person want in a detective/lawyer novel? Here’s something else I appreciated: yes, Jake is in a tight spot, but I never felt the exasperation I’ve felt reading many novels about protagonists bullied by forces far greater than one man. (I feel too much of that in real life to want to subject myself to more of it in fiction.) Paul Levine, as an author, knows how much frustration is enough to make me root for Jake Lassiter without raising the frustration to a level that makes me want to escape the whole problem and therefore the book. After this, my first Jake Lassiter read, I trust Levine and anticipate savoring the series.
By the way, I don’t think the cover does this book justice, as I often think book covers don’t. This isn’t a book about jail or prison, but a book about running around beautiful South Florida as Jake investigates to clear himself.
The gap in Jake’s memory, and the circumstances the police can construct of his past night, make Jake a prime suspect in a murder. The author’s experience as a criminal lawyer allows him to enlighten us, the readers, on some interesting points of the legal system as Jake finds himself in the role of suspect and finds himself making the human errors he’s seen his own clients make. People, innocent and not innocent, want to sound innocent when questioned by the police, and demanding your right to remain silent, or your right to have a lawyer present when questioned, doesn’t make you sound innocent.
The unfolding tale of the night missing from Jake’s memory and the background that led to it is both compelling and believable, and as reader I liked, enjoyed, and respected Jake. What more could a person want in a detective/lawyer novel? Here’s something else I appreciated: yes, Jake is in a tight spot, but I never felt the exasperation I’ve felt reading many novels about protagonists bullied by forces far greater than one man. (I feel too much of that in real life to want to subject myself to more of it in fiction.) Paul Levine, as an author, knows how much frustration is enough to make me root for Jake Lassiter without raising the frustration to a level that makes me want to escape the whole problem and therefore the book. After this, my first Jake Lassiter read, I trust Levine and anticipate savoring the series.
By the way, I don’t think the cover does this book justice, as I often think book covers don’t. This isn’t a book about jail or prison, but a book about running around beautiful South Florida as Jake investigates to clear himself.
February 16, 2017
I am a fan of Paul Levine's Lassiter series, because every book featuring the ex-NFL player turned Miami lawyer offers a twisty plot, snappy dialogue and some great descriptions of life in Florida, many of them hysterically funny and also true. Usually the books feature an A plot and a B plot and occasionally there's even a C plot. But not this one. In this book you get only the A plot, which is about Lassiter being accused of murdering his girlfriend/banker, and that's it. More's the pity, because it's a great set-up.
I breezed through this book in about two days and afterward felt bad that it had seemed so shallow. The book starts off well, with Jake waking up face-down in the sand on a beach and then being brought back to the Fontainebleu hotel to explain how his girlfriend wound up dead with his belt around her neck.
But then, for plot reasons, Jake has to violate his own long-held rule of never talking to the cops. That just seemed hard to swallow. Even harder to swallow is that the prosecutor leading the drive to indict him is an ex-girlfriend who's got a grudge. Surely he could talk to the state attorney and get her taken off the case, right?
Often, in the past, the B-plot concerned Lassiter's relationship with his nephew, Kip, or his granny, Granny (who may actually be his great-aunt) or his mentor, Doc Riggs. But none of those get a real turn in the spotlight here. Instead they function more as a chorus to keep on telling Lassiter what a dope he was to get mixed up with the victim in the first place.
The resolution of the plot left several loose ends, I thought, and while I am glad to see Lassiter is still a free man and ready to take on more criminal cases, I am hopeful that the next one proves more of a delight to read, the way his previous outings were.
I breezed through this book in about two days and afterward felt bad that it had seemed so shallow. The book starts off well, with Jake waking up face-down in the sand on a beach and then being brought back to the Fontainebleu hotel to explain how his girlfriend wound up dead with his belt around her neck.
But then, for plot reasons, Jake has to violate his own long-held rule of never talking to the cops. That just seemed hard to swallow. Even harder to swallow is that the prosecutor leading the drive to indict him is an ex-girlfriend who's got a grudge. Surely he could talk to the state attorney and get her taken off the case, right?
Often, in the past, the B-plot concerned Lassiter's relationship with his nephew, Kip, or his granny, Granny (who may actually be his great-aunt) or his mentor, Doc Riggs. But none of those get a real turn in the spotlight here. Instead they function more as a chorus to keep on telling Lassiter what a dope he was to get mixed up with the victim in the first place.
The resolution of the plot left several loose ends, I thought, and while I am glad to see Lassiter is still a free man and ready to take on more criminal cases, I am hopeful that the next one proves more of a delight to read, the way his previous outings were.
September 30, 2013
This book was sent to me as an ARC in exchange for a review.
Paul Levine is quite a popular author and this book is rated very highly in reviews on the bookselling sites. People clearly like the characters and story. Jake is a former pro-baller and presented as something of a romantic and a good guy. He’s raising a teen nephew after the death of the child’s parents. He’s a smart ass with the cops from the moment they step into the scene despite grieving for his dead girlfriend lying on the floor. He’s able to compartmentalize in a way that doesn’t sound contrived but does come off as quite stupid for such a smart guy. Jake is quite well drawn while everyone else is one-dimensional. Women who have slept with Jake are breasts and bad attitudes. The women who haven’t slept with Jake … well, there’s his grandmother. Seriously, while he’s not that bad there does seem to be a heavy overtone of the woman scorned that is more 80’s television career woman stereotype (hot babe in a short skirt fighting against the odds in a mans world) than real feeling.
The frame up story line is used frequently in fiction and Levine’s is unique. Did Jake embezzle from his clients and if he did does that mean he killed Pam? Levine’s character has a very dim view of the justice system. Justice isn’t just blind, she’s stupid. If you're a fan of 80's mystery shows you'll like "State vs. Lassiter"
Paul Levine is quite a popular author and this book is rated very highly in reviews on the bookselling sites. People clearly like the characters and story. Jake is a former pro-baller and presented as something of a romantic and a good guy. He’s raising a teen nephew after the death of the child’s parents. He’s a smart ass with the cops from the moment they step into the scene despite grieving for his dead girlfriend lying on the floor. He’s able to compartmentalize in a way that doesn’t sound contrived but does come off as quite stupid for such a smart guy. Jake is quite well drawn while everyone else is one-dimensional. Women who have slept with Jake are breasts and bad attitudes. The women who haven’t slept with Jake … well, there’s his grandmother. Seriously, while he’s not that bad there does seem to be a heavy overtone of the woman scorned that is more 80’s television career woman stereotype (hot babe in a short skirt fighting against the odds in a mans world) than real feeling.
The frame up story line is used frequently in fiction and Levine’s is unique. Did Jake embezzle from his clients and if he did does that mean he killed Pam? Levine’s character has a very dim view of the justice system. Justice isn’t just blind, she’s stupid. If you're a fan of 80's mystery shows you'll like "State vs. Lassiter"
August 10, 2015
A quick read. Though I enjoyed the book I spent a lot of the first third of the book wondering how stupid could Lassiter really be. Pretty stupid, it turns out. Cringeworthy stupid, annoyingly stupid, Am I going to stop reading this series stupid. However a strong last third saved the book (and the series) for me. This is a good series but this isn't a strong entry.
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
June 12, 2017
Cotton candy; a handful of peanuts...
Fluff, good enough for momentary pleasure, but definitely empty calories and fleeting.
2.5 stars
Fluff, good enough for momentary pleasure, but definitely empty calories and fleeting.
2.5 stars
May 28, 2021
A fine read indeed. Not quite three stars, but I don't feel confident to give it four either. More like 3.5 stars. I definitely liked it as I do most of Lassiter's stories. It felt very different and strange and surreal to have Lassiter be the client for once, so I appreciated that unique touch this book had so it didn't quite feel like repetitive. I liked how he was forced to question himself, putting himself in the shoes of others as they look upon him as a murderer. I like that he was much more "humanized" this time around. Sure he's a lovable lug even in all his cocky arrogance, but it sure was a strange refreshing thing to see him feel small and vulnerable.
For this go-around, Lassiter's been accused of killing his banker, who also happens to be his girlfriend, and all signs seem to point directly to him, since it was their hotel room, his property being used as a weapon, and all the heated arguments they had prior to her death. Now of course we all know Lassiter's our hero lawyer and by default MUST be innocent, but...damn, how to prove it? He IS innocent...right? These are fun questions to ask and seek answers for, and I loved going along for the ride with Lassiter as he tries his best to figure things out (though that kinda leads to my complaint about the book, which I will elaborate in the next paragraph). Everything flows as I've come to expect from a Lassiter book, great writing style, dialogue, and Lassiter being Lassiter (which is always my favorite 'cause I just LOVE the guy). It had all the perfect ingredients to make a fine courtroom drama.
So why the 3.5 stars? Well frankly, the entire thing wrapped up far too quickly. Lassiter is a lawyer, yes, but in this case, he's supposed to be the client. So while he does have some interactions with his hired lawyer, much of the book is still carried by him outside of her presence trying to solve his own case anyway. She doesn't seem to be of much use, at least not as much as she's suggested to be. Sure, it's his book and it's only right he carries it, but it also took away from what could have been plenty of courtroom tension. The courtroom moments were there and they were wonderful, but they were just painfully short and rather powerless. I felt like I reached the end without much fuss or muss; it wrapped up too prettily and conveniently and you almost don't even need much of a courtroom for it to happen. I've gotten accustomed to Lassiter books not having super solid endings, but this one was oddly the most disappointing, simply because of how refreshingly DIFFERENT this story felt. That difference started out strongly at first, but it simply didn't carry into the ending. So sadly, it still ended too much like its predecessors: incompletely. That's why I had to deduct a couple stars.
At any rate, this was the last hurtle to overcome before diving into what I was MOST looking forward to when I started this Lassiter series. And that is the crossover between Lassiter, Solomon, and Lord. I adore the Solomon vs Lord books and I'm super looking forward to them all sharing the pages. Finally.
For this go-around, Lassiter's been accused of killing his banker, who also happens to be his girlfriend, and all signs seem to point directly to him, since it was their hotel room, his property being used as a weapon, and all the heated arguments they had prior to her death. Now of course we all know Lassiter's our hero lawyer and by default MUST be innocent, but...damn, how to prove it? He IS innocent...right? These are fun questions to ask and seek answers for, and I loved going along for the ride with Lassiter as he tries his best to figure things out (though that kinda leads to my complaint about the book, which I will elaborate in the next paragraph). Everything flows as I've come to expect from a Lassiter book, great writing style, dialogue, and Lassiter being Lassiter (which is always my favorite 'cause I just LOVE the guy). It had all the perfect ingredients to make a fine courtroom drama.
So why the 3.5 stars? Well frankly, the entire thing wrapped up far too quickly. Lassiter is a lawyer, yes, but in this case, he's supposed to be the client. So while he does have some interactions with his hired lawyer, much of the book is still carried by him outside of her presence trying to solve his own case anyway. She doesn't seem to be of much use, at least not as much as she's suggested to be. Sure, it's his book and it's only right he carries it, but it also took away from what could have been plenty of courtroom tension. The courtroom moments were there and they were wonderful, but they were just painfully short and rather powerless. I felt like I reached the end without much fuss or muss; it wrapped up too prettily and conveniently and you almost don't even need much of a courtroom for it to happen. I've gotten accustomed to Lassiter books not having super solid endings, but this one was oddly the most disappointing, simply because of how refreshingly DIFFERENT this story felt. That difference started out strongly at first, but it simply didn't carry into the ending. So sadly, it still ended too much like its predecessors: incompletely. That's why I had to deduct a couple stars.
At any rate, this was the last hurtle to overcome before diving into what I was MOST looking forward to when I started this Lassiter series. And that is the crossover between Lassiter, Solomon, and Lord. I adore the Solomon vs Lord books and I'm super looking forward to them all sharing the pages. Finally.
August 23, 2017
The author is a lawyer himself and it shows. The irreverent Lassiter is probably his alter-ego."My certificate hangs on the wall over the toilet. An ex-girlfriend once asked if I intended some symbolism with that bit of interior decorating. Nope, I intended to cover a crack in the plaster." In this book of the series, Lassiter is accused of murdering his girlfriend, and the evidence in support of that accusation is so overwhelming that I couldn't figure out how the author would ever be able to extricate our protagonist. The complicated investigation and the line of defense at the trial was fascinating, and the story is told in an amusing way. I like this series.
May 13, 2024
An innocent lawyer is freed.
Jake Lassiter was a lawyer who did a favor for a rich man's son and was rewarded with the man's accounts. When his lover was murdered, he swore he was not guilty of the crime, even though she was unfaithful in the bedroom, plus playing fast & loose with his clients' accounts. Jake was arrested for the murder and his trial began. I enjoyed reading the witnesses' testimony, especially when Jake insisted on questioning a witness. I also loved the explanations of various courtroom procedures. This was a hilarious book about a lawyer who skirted the law but didn't commit murder. He even got a confession from the guy who really did commit the crime.
Jake Lassiter was a lawyer who did a favor for a rich man's son and was rewarded with the man's accounts. When his lover was murdered, he swore he was not guilty of the crime, even though she was unfaithful in the bedroom, plus playing fast & loose with his clients' accounts. Jake was arrested for the murder and his trial began. I enjoyed reading the witnesses' testimony, especially when Jake insisted on questioning a witness. I also loved the explanations of various courtroom procedures. This was a hilarious book about a lawyer who skirted the law but didn't commit murder. He even got a confession from the guy who really did commit the crime.
August 7, 2018
This Jake story follows the pattern of a seemingly insurmountable case, which goes further and further downhill, until emerging facts slowly develop, keeping the reader in healthy suspense until the final reveal which may or may not come as a surprise. One can expect the usual:
Jake's self depreciating and ascerbic wit.
Jaded commentary on the judicial system, sadly credible.
Top notch courtroom dialogue, strategy, testimony, motions etc. ( This makes the Unlimited price a bargain.
All of the women have really long legs. Are authors ever embarrassed by their sameness?
Jake's self depreciating and ascerbic wit.
Jaded commentary on the judicial system, sadly credible.
Top notch courtroom dialogue, strategy, testimony, motions etc. ( This makes the Unlimited price a bargain.
All of the women have really long legs. Are authors ever embarrassed by their sameness?
July 28, 2021
Like most series that you get into, I’ve grown to love Jake Lassiter’s character and the supporting characters. When that happens, you still finish and keep up with a series no matter how unrealistic it can get.
A criminal defense lawyer on trial for murder more than once and getting off is probably as unlikely a thing as I could imagine, yet I still couldn’t wait to see how things turned out. Even though you know Jake didn’t do it, you’re still trying to find out who did.
No matter how unbelievable the series gets, it’s so well written that I would read them all!
A criminal defense lawyer on trial for murder more than once and getting off is probably as unlikely a thing as I could imagine, yet I still couldn’t wait to see how things turned out. Even though you know Jake didn’t do it, you’re still trying to find out who did.
No matter how unbelievable the series gets, it’s so well written that I would read them all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
Stave vs. Lassiter
Jake is arrested Gor the murder of his lover, Pamela Baylins. The state has primarily circumstantial evidence with which they hope to convicted him. Jake received a phone call the night Pam was killed from his accountant regarding discrepancies with his accounts. He and Pam argue and he leaves her in their suite to clear his head. The next morning the beach patrol finds him sleeping on the beach. They escort him to the hotel suite where he finds out Pam has been murdered and he is the prime suspect.
Jake is arrested Gor the murder of his lover, Pamela Baylins. The state has primarily circumstantial evidence with which they hope to convicted him. Jake received a phone call the night Pam was killed from his accountant regarding discrepancies with his accounts. He and Pam argue and he leaves her in their suite to clear his head. The next morning the beach patrol finds him sleeping on the beach. They escort him to the hotel suite where he finds out Pam has been murdered and he is the prime suspect.
June 26, 2017
Lassiter is a very interesting character. He is snarky and unpleasant but determined to do the right thing whatever the cost. Lassiter is an attorney who needed a few extra tries to pass the bar exams. He is from humble roots and lives with his grandmother or great aunt he's not sure which she is. This story is fast paced and well written. I enjoyed the book and I have already purchased another in the series .
September 19, 2021
4.5 Stars. Jake sure gets himself into a mess. Even his own granny thinks he is guilty.
This time Jake is in the role of the defendant, but that doesn’t stop him from taking a whack at a witness.
This author is known for thrilling court dramas, and this book is no exception. It is appealing and well-written. Sometimes I am not quite happy with the endings of the books in this compelling series, but I like this ending.
This time Jake is in the role of the defendant, but that doesn’t stop him from taking a whack at a witness.
This author is known for thrilling court dramas, and this book is no exception. It is appealing and well-written. Sometimes I am not quite happy with the endings of the books in this compelling series, but I like this ending.
May 10, 2017
As always, Paul weaves a great tale of down and dirty South Florida legal fare, in which his inimitable hero, Jake Lassiter, finds himself in trouble again and twists and turns to extricate himself from it. Always surprising, never dull, and a fast read. If you've never read a Jake Lassiter story, start from the beginning! They're all fun.
April 8, 2019
I loved this book!
Anyone who's already read any of Paul Levine's Jake Lassiter books knows how they will end, most likely. Basically. I've read more than a few. Somehow, this one, in which Lassiter stands trial accused of murdering his girlfriend, is the most ingenious yet traditionally satisfying of them all. 'Nuff said, McGreevy.
Anyone who's already read any of Paul Levine's Jake Lassiter books knows how they will end, most likely. Basically. I've read more than a few. Somehow, this one, in which Lassiter stands trial accused of murdering his girlfriend, is the most ingenious yet traditionally satisfying of them all. 'Nuff said, McGreevy.
November 17, 2020
I guessed from the beginning that Mr. Levine was a trial attorney turned writter. Do not get me wrong, i am not giving a bad review. The story is good and close to the realiry of a courtroom unlike other courtroom stories. The story behind the trial is a little ruff around the edges. There could have been more to the story. Overall is a good read , short and straight to the point.
March 16, 2017
I totally enjoy the books in this series. I rate this one 4.8 stars because, as in all Paul Levine's books, it is well-written, fast-paced with touches of humor and characters that draw you in. I'm ready to read some more Levine books.
June 3, 2017
State vs Lassiter enjoyable read.
Recommend as a "take-a-break-and-get-away-and-have-a-good-read" book to just relax and come back refreshed. Looking forward to his next book real soon.
Recommend as a "take-a-break-and-get-away-and-have-a-good-read" book to just relax and come back refreshed. Looking forward to his next book real soon.
October 10, 2017
Legal Who Done It
Smart-aleck attorney, Jake Lassiter, gets framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Even though all the evidence looks bad for Jake, he’s got to find the other Dude Who Done It.
Smart-aleck attorney, Jake Lassiter, gets framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Even though all the evidence looks bad for Jake, he’s got to find the other Dude Who Done It.
February 2, 2018
A light-hearted legal thriller
A lawyer gets in trouble, then he gets in a lot more trouble. Following this crime ends up being a very good story. I liked the book a lot and think you will too. There is not a boring moment from beginning to end!
A lawyer gets in trouble, then he gets in a lot more trouble. Following this crime ends up being a very good story. I liked the book a lot and think you will too. There is not a boring moment from beginning to end!
August 27, 2018
Lasseter is a hoot, big bluff, and gruff he wows the women and gets in trouble. But lawyer that he is he has the tools to extricate himself, but whe n charged with murder can he? Read it, find out. You won't be sorry.
August 23, 2020
A big shake up for Jake! One of the best!
I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to Jake and who really did it! Poor Jake stumbled into a big mess this time! A great suspense with excellent writing!
I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to Jake and who really did it! Poor Jake stumbled into a big mess this time! A great suspense with excellent writing!
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