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Lou Mason Mystery #5
Final Judgment
A shtikel mazel iz vert merer vi a ton gold – a Yiddish proverb that means “a little bit of luck is better than a ton of gold”. But when you find a dead man wrapped in plastic in the trunk of you Cadillac, you need more than a little luck. Much more.
Avery Fish is on trial for mail fraud, but he didn’t commit murder. In fact, he has absolutely no clue how a decapitated, plastic wrapped body ended up in the trunk of his caddy. Sexy, brilliant attorney Lou Mason has known Fish for years. Hell, they went to the same synagogue. Fish may be a gonif, a Yiddish term meaning thief, but he was no murderer.
The victim, already looking like an extra in a bad zombie movie, is identified as a defendant in a sexually charged lawsuit. Mason has to team up with a sharply intelligent federal agent from his past – a stunner with a hidden agenda who may be playing some serious head games of her own.
Final Judgment delivers Mason at his wise-cracking, brilliant best. Get your copy today for a thrill ride that just won’t quit!
This action-packed story will consume your imagination and keep you riveted with white-knuckle intensity right to the shocking end. Goldman cleverly weaves a serious tale of murder, fraud, betrayal, and, yes, sexually charged prose.
Get your copy of Final Judgment now – the fifth book in the riveting Lou Mason thriller series.
If you like to romp through the pages of authors like Turow, Kellerman, Fairstein, and Childs, you won’t want to miss Final Judgment.
“A page-turner of the highest caliber.” ~Michael Connelly, Best Selling Crime Author
Don’t miss the other 4 books in the Lou Mason Thriller Series: Motion to Kill, The Last Witness, Cold Truth, and Deadlocked.
Still wanting more? Try the 3 riveting Jack Davis Thrillers and the first Alex Stone Thriller. You’ll need to clear your schedule because you won’t want to put these books down!
Avery Fish is on trial for mail fraud, but he didn’t commit murder. In fact, he has absolutely no clue how a decapitated, plastic wrapped body ended up in the trunk of his caddy. Sexy, brilliant attorney Lou Mason has known Fish for years. Hell, they went to the same synagogue. Fish may be a gonif, a Yiddish term meaning thief, but he was no murderer.
The victim, already looking like an extra in a bad zombie movie, is identified as a defendant in a sexually charged lawsuit. Mason has to team up with a sharply intelligent federal agent from his past – a stunner with a hidden agenda who may be playing some serious head games of her own.
Final Judgment delivers Mason at his wise-cracking, brilliant best. Get your copy today for a thrill ride that just won’t quit!
This action-packed story will consume your imagination and keep you riveted with white-knuckle intensity right to the shocking end. Goldman cleverly weaves a serious tale of murder, fraud, betrayal, and, yes, sexually charged prose.
Get your copy of Final Judgment now – the fifth book in the riveting Lou Mason thriller series.
If you like to romp through the pages of authors like Turow, Kellerman, Fairstein, and Childs, you won’t want to miss Final Judgment.
“A page-turner of the highest caliber.” ~Michael Connelly, Best Selling Crime Author
Don’t miss the other 4 books in the Lou Mason Thriller Series: Motion to Kill, The Last Witness, Cold Truth, and Deadlocked.
Still wanting more? Try the 3 riveting Jack Davis Thrillers and the first Alex Stone Thriller. You’ll need to clear your schedule because you won’t want to put these books down!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
556 people are currently reading
491 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 18, 2017
Lou Mason Fearlessly Faces Down Terrible Odds
This is the fifth "Lou Mason" book, and it sets a new, high standard for legal thrillers. Joel Goldman has really taken this genre to another level. His understanding of the moral hazards facing a criminal attorney has allowed him to succinctly and accurately include the ethical standards that are--sometimes-- applied to lawyers and judges in the plots of the entire series. Goldman also includes a very understanding, but totally frank, view of both orthodox and non-observant Jewish sensibilities about justice, and includes a view into synagogue politics. It is refreshing to find an author who can manage to make such tricky subjects as plot elements in a successful series. (I do hold a different understanding of some of the Catholic theological details that Goldman included in book 4.)
Lou Mason swims in ethical quicksand in each of the novels, sincerely trying to save clients and achieve justice without straying TOO FAR into the dark grey legal areas. At the same time, he attempts to achieve a good, honest relationship with the women in his life, overcoming a lifetime of bad luck and untimely encounters. Will he make it? Read this fantastic series and discover the answer for yourself!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS PROBABLY THE BEST LEGAL THRILLER SERIES AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH. I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND BOTH THIS BOOK AND THE ENTIRE SERIES. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO SEE THE SERIES INCLUDED IN A LAW SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
This is the fifth "Lou Mason" book, and it sets a new, high standard for legal thrillers. Joel Goldman has really taken this genre to another level. His understanding of the moral hazards facing a criminal attorney has allowed him to succinctly and accurately include the ethical standards that are--sometimes-- applied to lawyers and judges in the plots of the entire series. Goldman also includes a very understanding, but totally frank, view of both orthodox and non-observant Jewish sensibilities about justice, and includes a view into synagogue politics. It is refreshing to find an author who can manage to make such tricky subjects as plot elements in a successful series. (I do hold a different understanding of some of the Catholic theological details that Goldman included in book 4.)
Lou Mason swims in ethical quicksand in each of the novels, sincerely trying to save clients and achieve justice without straying TOO FAR into the dark grey legal areas. At the same time, he attempts to achieve a good, honest relationship with the women in his life, overcoming a lifetime of bad luck and untimely encounters. Will he make it? Read this fantastic series and discover the answer for yourself!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS PROBABLY THE BEST LEGAL THRILLER SERIES AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH. I PERSONALLY RECOMMEND BOTH THIS BOOK AND THE ENTIRE SERIES. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO SEE THE SERIES INCLUDED IN A LAW SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
July 13, 2017
I have absolutely enjoyed this series and am so sad to see it end.
Say it ain't so Joel.
Say it ain't so Joel.
April 3, 2014
I found this murder mystery left me cold. The protagonist, Lou Mason, is a lawyer who gets too involved in his clients troubles. The plotting was quite torturous but in the end I just ground it out to see how the author resolved the cases. I don't think I will try another by Goldman.
October 21, 2016
This was an ambitious novel with so many characters you almost needed a diagram. Poor Lou Mason who ended up an honest man but disbarred from the practice of law. As his friend Abby asked, "Is that all you are, a man with a law license?" One wonders.
November 17, 2012
Excellent read, lots of twists and turns, I was guessing till the end, love Lou Mason it's been an excellent series so far, looking forward to more in the future.
October 27, 2016
I'm coming in late to this series. The character development was good, but there were a lot of them, and I'm guessing past relationships and interactions would be better understood if I'd read the earlier books first. Overall I liked it, constant action kept me engaged, never quite sure who had done what and why, so that was good.
July 9, 2017
Good book disappointed in the ending
I held my breath through every escapade that Lou Mason and Blues got themselves into. A great read, however the ending left you up in the air did not like that it was not closed up. Hopefully there will be another to finish up the story
I held my breath through every escapade that Lou Mason and Blues got themselves into. A great read, however the ending left you up in the air did not like that it was not closed up. Hopefully there will be another to finish up the story
August 19, 2017
Fast paced thriller that is sure to keep you guessing
The author has written a suspenseful story with many twists and turns that will guessing as to what will happen next and how will effect the attorney and his client. Very entertaining reading.
The author has written a suspenseful story with many twists and turns that will guessing as to what will happen next and how will effect the attorney and his client. Very entertaining reading.
October 25, 2017
Great series
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling series with action from the first book through the fifth. I will miss Lou and his companions as they start a new chapter in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling series with action from the first book through the fifth. I will miss Lou and his companions as they start a new chapter in their lives.
March 6, 2018
It was a good book, I did find it slower than the rest of them and some discrepancies on characters from the last book to this book. Halfway through I was completely interested but it seemed to drag on. It was enjoyable but not as much as the others in the series.
February 18, 2020
A twisting tale
Characters from other stories are linked to current characters. There are murders, cons and thefts, revenge. Who can be trusted, no one except Blues, Lou life and business unravel. So what comes next
Characters from other stories are linked to current characters. There are murders, cons and thefts, revenge. Who can be trusted, no one except Blues, Lou life and business unravel. So what comes next
October 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was a page turner from the get-go and never wavered from keeping my attention.
Certainly a book that one can read in one sitting and come way feeling good.
Certainly a book that one can read in one sitting and come way feeling good.
June 5, 2018
Barely ok. Far, far too many characters and storylines. An unlikeable main character. Slogged my way through it.
April 9, 2019
Making a lawyer human is not easy...
But somehow Mr. Goldman did in all five books. I have enjoyed your books and look forward to many more fun hours of reading.
But somehow Mr. Goldman did in all five books. I have enjoyed your books and look forward to many more fun hours of reading.
October 7, 2020
Mind game
This book had so many twists and turns it was kind of hard to keep up, but for some reason I couldn't put it down. Good Read..
This book had so many twists and turns it was kind of hard to keep up, but for some reason I couldn't put it down. Good Read..
December 31, 2022
Goodbye Lou Mason. I loved your character and all of your friends. I wish this could have been a 20+ book series
December 15, 2023
I wish this wasn't the end. I liked Lou and his world. I was let down, not knowing how things worked out with Abby. Maybe he'll come back in the future.
October 22, 2016
easy reading
October 17, 2016
Great Series
Another cracking read from Joel Goldman. As usual a lot of planning and thought went into this story. Is this the end of the Lou Mason thrillers?
Another cracking read from Joel Goldman. As usual a lot of planning and thought went into this story. Is this the end of the Lou Mason thrillers?
March 12, 2017
Follow closely
This book has many twists and turns in it as you read. Keeps you on you toes. Had made second guessing more than once.
This book has many twists and turns in it as you read. Keeps you on you toes. Had made second guessing more than once.
February 26, 2017
I have read all of Joel Goldman's books so know his characters well thus his books are not confusing to me since his characters are old friends. I like the way Joel develops his plots as well as the way he keeps "friends" (characters) involved in Lou's life. As with most books in the series the reader is more involved if they begin at the beginning . Nonetheless, Joel always entertains me and continues to surprise me as he develops his plot/storyline. Read this author. . . He's very good.
February 9, 2020
I've read most of the Lou Mason books and have enjoyed them all. Most the characters have appeared in previous novels, so it helps but isn't necessary to have read them. A lot of other reviewers thought there were too many characters and found it confusing. For some reason, I didn't feel that way. I have cousins in Kansas City and visited once a long time ago so like the city references. A few surprises in it and thought it was a pretty good mystery.
October 30, 2016
TORN
The book was both good and bad. I found myself with too many characters to keep track of-thank heavens for xray-but I couldn't quit the book because the story was good. I hated the ending. After getting to know the main characters the ending held no promise. Like I said, this book was difficult to read and to review. It was extremely exciting at times but I also felt lost trying to keep track of so many different cases. All in all, I'm going to do something entirely new for me. I cannot recommend this book but neither can I say it was awful. There was no cursing and I truly enjoyed his other four books in the series so I'm just going to sit on the fence. This book may appeal to you.
The book was both good and bad. I found myself with too many characters to keep track of-thank heavens for xray-but I couldn't quit the book because the story was good. I hated the ending. After getting to know the main characters the ending held no promise. Like I said, this book was difficult to read and to review. It was extremely exciting at times but I also felt lost trying to keep track of so many different cases. All in all, I'm going to do something entirely new for me. I cannot recommend this book but neither can I say it was awful. There was no cursing and I truly enjoyed his other four books in the series so I'm just going to sit on the fence. This book may appeal to you.
March 2, 2020
Three plots for the price of one
A fascinating story of coercion, blackmail, and murder. Lou Mason's heart is in the right place, but sometimes he has to bend the rules to the breaking point. A compromised judge forces Mason to help her clear her name. Then aging con man wants Mason to negotiate a plea bargain. Things get complicated when a headless body turns up. Lou Mason is up to his eyeballs in trouble. You won't want to put this one down until you finish it. As a mystery/thriller writer myself, I appreciate the skill with which Joel Goldman constructs this enjoyable novel.
A fascinating story of coercion, blackmail, and murder. Lou Mason's heart is in the right place, but sometimes he has to bend the rules to the breaking point. A compromised judge forces Mason to help her clear her name. Then aging con man wants Mason to negotiate a plea bargain. Things get complicated when a headless body turns up. Lou Mason is up to his eyeballs in trouble. You won't want to put this one down until you finish it. As a mystery/thriller writer myself, I appreciate the skill with which Joel Goldman constructs this enjoyable novel.
October 5, 2015
Good One!
Just finished reading the entire Lou Mason series. It took me a week. I read a lot. A very good series with a main character who is smart yet at times, too smart for his own good. Lou manages to step in it about every other page. Lucky for him that he usually manages to finagle his way out of most of his predicaments. This book, which appears to be the last of the series, ties together many of the supporting players from the previous ones in the series. Very good - each one a 4-5 star effort.
Just finished reading the entire Lou Mason series. It took me a week. I read a lot. A very good series with a main character who is smart yet at times, too smart for his own good. Lou manages to step in it about every other page. Lucky for him that he usually manages to finagle his way out of most of his predicaments. This book, which appears to be the last of the series, ties together many of the supporting players from the previous ones in the series. Very good - each one a 4-5 star effort.
July 12, 2014
Final Judgment
One of the best thrillers involving lawyers that I have read. The continuing shifts in possibility of a solution kept me guessing and definitely kept me interested in the book. I found it difficult to believe the hero could be fifty and do the physical deeds he did, but his mental gymnastics were well explained. The story did leave you hanging without a warm fuzzy feeling but that probably brings one back for the next book. Recommended.
One of the best thrillers involving lawyers that I have read. The continuing shifts in possibility of a solution kept me guessing and definitely kept me interested in the book. I found it difficult to believe the hero could be fifty and do the physical deeds he did, but his mental gymnastics were well explained. The story did leave you hanging without a warm fuzzy feeling but that probably brings one back for the next book. Recommended.
January 17, 2015
Probably would have given this 4.5 stars if possible, but I felt that this, the fifth (and last?) Lou Mason book, is the best of the lot, and I wanted to reflect that. Surprised that Goldman isn't better known. For my taste in legal thrillers, I'd rank him alongside, say, a Philip Margolin, in that level just below Turow, Lescroart, or the best of Grisham. Very enjoyable.
April 3, 2014
A week in the life of a bend-the-rules lawyer. Too many characters to keep up with but overall I still liked the book. I had to finish it to see what happens to Lou. There must be a sequel because there is a missing FBI agent.
October 21, 2016
Confusion
This tale of murder and mayhem gets more complicated with each twist and turn of the plot. Flawed characters help the reader to identify with them and makes them very realistic.
This tale of murder and mayhem gets more complicated with each twist and turn of the plot. Flawed characters help the reader to identify with them and makes them very realistic.
February 21, 2013
As the number of pages until the end dwindled, I wondered how Goldman was going to wrap everything up. Well, he managed it, and it was a surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews