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David Brunelle Legal Thriller #2
Tribal Court
A man is murdered in Seattle's Pioneer Square. The killer is caught just blocks away, blood still on his hands. When it's discovered that both killer and victim belong to the same Native American tribe, the tribe asserts jurisdiction and homicide D.A. Dave Brunelle has to prosecute the case in their Tribal Court. It's bad enough when the defense attorney claims the killing was justified under the ancient custom of blood revenge. It gets worse when blood revenge turns into a blood feud. The bodies start piling up, and it looks like Brunelle may be next. Can he stay alive long enough to win the case?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2013
1429 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books157 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 31, 2018
Larry's take
This could have been a good read! But seems like every other sentence had The F word in it. It gets very boring. It's used in mixed company ect, ect. Boring, boring. I finally gave up trying to get through this book. Seems the author was trying to see how many times he could get the F word in the sentence. The main character, Brunelle, is not developed. We know little or nothing of him other than he's an ill mannered wimp. I believe the tribe is actually the Puyallup's. Maybe there is some legal thing or the author couldn't use the real name or didn't want to use the real name. Oh well.
This could have been a good read! But seems like every other sentence had The F word in it. It gets very boring. It's used in mixed company ect, ect. Boring, boring. I finally gave up trying to get through this book. Seems the author was trying to see how many times he could get the F word in the sentence. The main character, Brunelle, is not developed. We know little or nothing of him other than he's an ill mannered wimp. I believe the tribe is actually the Puyallup's. Maybe there is some legal thing or the author couldn't use the real name or didn't want to use the real name. Oh well.
May 22, 2016
This is my first book by Stephen Penner and the narrator Paul Costanozo. I understand Penner is an attorney from the Seattle area who has worked both as a defense attorney and a prosecutor. What attracted me to purchase the book was a story about Native American Tribal Court in the modern world. I was a bit disappointed the author did not provide more information about tribal law and their court system, also some more information about tribal life would have been interesting.
A Native American man is found murdered in Seattle. The perpetrator is also a Native American and from the same tribe. The Tribe demands jurisdiction over the case. Brunelle, the prosecutor from Seattle, is assigned to assist the Tribal prosecutor. The defense attorney is a beautiful Native American woman who apparently is supposes to be very brilliant. She puts up a defense of Blood Revenge as the defendant killed the man who molested his niece. Now it looks as if a feud is starting and Brunelle’s life is at risk.
The book is well written. The plot is creative with some twists and turns. Most of the characters are realistic. The author has provided some humor to offset the underlying discrimination of Native Americans in the story. The court room drama is exciting. The pace is fast but I would have preferred Brunelle kept his mind on the court case and not looking at the women in the case. I felt the story had far more potential than occurred in the book so felt somewhat disappointed but I am sure if one was only looking for a “get away from it all” book this would do. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Paul Costanozo did a good job narrating the story.
A Native American man is found murdered in Seattle. The perpetrator is also a Native American and from the same tribe. The Tribe demands jurisdiction over the case. Brunelle, the prosecutor from Seattle, is assigned to assist the Tribal prosecutor. The defense attorney is a beautiful Native American woman who apparently is supposes to be very brilliant. She puts up a defense of Blood Revenge as the defendant killed the man who molested his niece. Now it looks as if a feud is starting and Brunelle’s life is at risk.
The book is well written. The plot is creative with some twists and turns. Most of the characters are realistic. The author has provided some humor to offset the underlying discrimination of Native Americans in the story. The court room drama is exciting. The pace is fast but I would have preferred Brunelle kept his mind on the court case and not looking at the women in the case. I felt the story had far more potential than occurred in the book so felt somewhat disappointed but I am sure if one was only looking for a “get away from it all” book this would do. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Paul Costanozo did a good job narrating the story.
November 28, 2014
I was in two minds whether to stick with this author as the first book had quite a lot of mistakes in but I did and decided to give this one a go. But that's enough for me. Too many mistakes in this one too were already spoiling it for me but my main bugbear is I really have no interest in tribal goings-on and found it all a bit unbelievable and historical, like not of the 21st century. I was just glazing over so no more for me at 27% in.
He had words like in dropped out of sentences, missed speechmarks, wrong tenses used and I was totally disheartened by these but then a guy said "My mom is part Muckleshoot. I wasn't as cool as the Dawullup kids..." and to me it sounded like the stuff of a kids' storybook and I'd read enough.
He had words like in dropped out of sentences, missed speechmarks, wrong tenses used and I was totally disheartened by these but then a guy said "My mom is part Muckleshoot. I wasn't as cool as the Dawullup kids..." and to me it sounded like the stuff of a kids' storybook and I'd read enough.
June 13, 2015
Oh dear. And now I don't think I can continue with this series. I was hoping this second book would surpass the first which I gave three stars. But no. It was very short. We knew who did it straight up. There seemed to be little else at stake. The only question therefore seemed to be whether Brunelle would win in prosecuting the case against an old tribal defence of 'blood revenge' which wasn't interesting enough for me to care. The attempt at a twist at the end and the ending itself were totally lame. A non-event.
September 3, 2019
Well ... the book was quick, fun to read, and it held my interest. But...
It was very farfetched. I guess with any book you read, you need to not only suspend disbelief but also immerse yourself in the book's reality as painted by the author. As a lawyer Brunelle did not make a very good prosecution. The author did not pen a very flattering description of tribal courts or police. And get that "saved in the nick of time" scene. It didn't work. His first book was excellent, this one was poor. But it read well.
I'll try one more in the series to see if he gets back on track.
It was very farfetched. I guess with any book you read, you need to not only suspend disbelief but also immerse yourself in the book's reality as painted by the author. As a lawyer Brunelle did not make a very good prosecution. The author did not pen a very flattering description of tribal courts or police. And get that "saved in the nick of time" scene. It didn't work. His first book was excellent, this one was poor. But it read well.
I'll try one more in the series to see if he gets back on track.
February 16, 2013
Good story but the fumbling around with the Brunelle's love life is distracting. Either figure it out or give up already!
September 3, 2019
Good 2nd book
What I like about these books...you have David Brunelle as the main character. The stories are different, but many of characters are the same.
What I like about these books...you have David Brunelle as the main character. The stories are different, but many of characters are the same.
September 7, 2020
It was okay! Ending was a little "fluffy" for me.
May 28, 2022
I love the pacing, but UGH the nuisances though!
Two books in and I'm already in that weird place where I'm starting to really love what I'm getting while grumbling at the same time. I feel like I'ma have to start chalking this particular series into a different category of legal thrillers. On the plus side, these books are easy to read, quick-paced, and entertaining with all the courtroom antics. There are definitely thrills and surprises, plenty of dramatic moments as well.
Character interactions are fun as hell, particularly Brunelle's inner monologues. He got me laughing more than once this time, which actually factored heavily into me throwing in the 4th star that eluded me when rating the first book. I also loved the intro to Talon Winters (who I see has her own series, which, YAY). Her shared pages with Brunelle were a hoot and a half. Woman's a beast, and I love how off-guard she made Brunelle.
Now on the other hand, though, all those aforementioned handful of winning factors don't change the fact that, as a whole, I'm not seeing much sophistication here, not in this book or its predecessor. The cases so far SEEM to be very big deals, and even progress that way for a while. But then once they reach their climax, their lack of closures cheapens them. I still have no idea how Brunelle closes a case. Two books in and we're STILL gonna end them with Brunelle never crossing the finish line? Right. Yet again, there's no full story completion here. The thing just...ends.
Furthermore, as fun as they are to read, there's not much depth to the characters in these stories (or their lives). I don't know what they do outside of the case. Brunelle himself seems to only like to drink, gamble, and pine over women. Too often he came across as a teenager rather than the fully grown man that he is. Kat was no better, though, and was actually written to be a bit more annoying this time around. Childish even. To quote my own note: "She's definitely being quite prematurely needy" when it came to David and her expectations of him. As much as I enjoy their interactions, their "relationship" was still all over the place and made little sense.
But you know what? My mixed bag feelings amounted to nothing, apparently. I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor (despite it committing many of the same sins). I think in time, I can learn to accept what's being offered to me in this Brunelle series. I suppose not EVERY legal thriller I dive into will be super detailed, daunting, or emotionally draining. Honestly, what's wrong with having a bit of fun too? Turns out, there's nothing wrong with it at all. And so, for now, that's what I will come to expect from future entries. Knowing what you're gonna get certainly does play a special part in decreasing disappointment for not getting what I'm accustomed to. And that's fine by me.
Two books in and I'm already in that weird place where I'm starting to really love what I'm getting while grumbling at the same time. I feel like I'ma have to start chalking this particular series into a different category of legal thrillers. On the plus side, these books are easy to read, quick-paced, and entertaining with all the courtroom antics. There are definitely thrills and surprises, plenty of dramatic moments as well.
Character interactions are fun as hell, particularly Brunelle's inner monologues. He got me laughing more than once this time, which actually factored heavily into me throwing in the 4th star that eluded me when rating the first book. I also loved the intro to Talon Winters (who I see has her own series, which, YAY). Her shared pages with Brunelle were a hoot and a half. Woman's a beast, and I love how off-guard she made Brunelle.
Now on the other hand, though, all those aforementioned handful of winning factors don't change the fact that, as a whole, I'm not seeing much sophistication here, not in this book or its predecessor. The cases so far SEEM to be very big deals, and even progress that way for a while. But then once they reach their climax, their lack of closures cheapens them. I still have no idea how Brunelle closes a case. Two books in and we're STILL gonna end them with Brunelle never crossing the finish line? Right. Yet again, there's no full story completion here. The thing just...ends.
Furthermore, as fun as they are to read, there's not much depth to the characters in these stories (or their lives). I don't know what they do outside of the case. Brunelle himself seems to only like to drink, gamble, and pine over women. Too often he came across as a teenager rather than the fully grown man that he is. Kat was no better, though, and was actually written to be a bit more annoying this time around. Childish even. To quote my own note: "She's definitely being quite prematurely needy" when it came to David and her expectations of him. As much as I enjoy their interactions, their "relationship" was still all over the place and made little sense.
But you know what? My mixed bag feelings amounted to nothing, apparently. I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor (despite it committing many of the same sins). I think in time, I can learn to accept what's being offered to me in this Brunelle series. I suppose not EVERY legal thriller I dive into will be super detailed, daunting, or emotionally draining. Honestly, what's wrong with having a bit of fun too? Turns out, there's nothing wrong with it at all. And so, for now, that's what I will come to expect from future entries. Knowing what you're gonna get certainly does play a special part in decreasing disappointment for not getting what I'm accustomed to. And that's fine by me.
November 1, 2025
Tribal Court is the second book in the David Brunelle series by Stephen Penner. I read this one straight after I finished the opening book in the series, which was a good introduction.
Tribal Court, is a legal thriller, that is fast paced with a well thought out plot. I found this a more entertaining as I was already familiar with the characters.
A man is murdered in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, and first impressions are that it is very straightforward. The killer is detained close to the scene, covered in the victim’s blood. But when it’s revealed that both men belong to the same Native American tribe, the case takes a dramatic turn, the tribe asserts jurisdiction, forcing Brunelle to prosecute the homicide in Tribal Court, a world where traditional customs and modern law collide.
The defence claims the killing was justified under the ancient tradition of blood revenge, a concept that challenges everything Brunelle knows about criminal law. In uncomfortable circumstances, Brunelle has to face unfamiliar legal and moral situations that threatens to turn into a blood feud. The violence becomes personal, and Brunelle is forced to fight not only for a conviction but for his own survival.
I really enjoy the courtroom scenes where author Stephen Penner calls on all his experience as a prosecutor to make the narrative realistic. Tribal Court is more than just a legal thriller, it is also an interesting glimpse of the intersection of law, culture, and justice.
Tribal Court is a very good second novel in a series I intend to continue with.
Tribal Court, is a legal thriller, that is fast paced with a well thought out plot. I found this a more entertaining as I was already familiar with the characters.
A man is murdered in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, and first impressions are that it is very straightforward. The killer is detained close to the scene, covered in the victim’s blood. But when it’s revealed that both men belong to the same Native American tribe, the case takes a dramatic turn, the tribe asserts jurisdiction, forcing Brunelle to prosecute the homicide in Tribal Court, a world where traditional customs and modern law collide.
The defence claims the killing was justified under the ancient tradition of blood revenge, a concept that challenges everything Brunelle knows about criminal law. In uncomfortable circumstances, Brunelle has to face unfamiliar legal and moral situations that threatens to turn into a blood feud. The violence becomes personal, and Brunelle is forced to fight not only for a conviction but for his own survival.
I really enjoy the courtroom scenes where author Stephen Penner calls on all his experience as a prosecutor to make the narrative realistic. Tribal Court is more than just a legal thriller, it is also an interesting glimpse of the intersection of law, culture, and justice.
Tribal Court is a very good second novel in a series I intend to continue with.
November 2, 2025
3.5 Stars
Tribal Court is the second instalment in the David Brunelle Legal Thriller Series. And so the book binge began ... this series turned out to be a gripping and masterfully crafted collection of legal dramas set against the backdrop of Seattle’s criminal justice system. The series follows David Brunelle, a dedicated and sharp prosecutor, as he navigates the complexities of law, morality, and justice.
What makes this series stand out is the balance between intense courtroom drama with deeply human stories. David Brunelle is an intriguing character - intelligent, principled, and yet flawed in ways that make him even more relatable. Mr. Penner’s writing easily brings the legal world to life with authenticity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges prosecutors face, from gathering evidence to battling wily defense attorneys.
Each book in the series presents a unique and thought-provoking case, often delving into some morally ambiguous territory. The plots are tightly woven, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Mr. Penner’s ability to build the tension and suspense is noteworthy, as is his knack for creating vivid, multidimensional characters – both the heroes and villains.
So, whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, crime fiction, or simply enjoy a well-told story, then the David Brunelle series delivers on all fronts.
Happy Reading…
Tribal Court is the second instalment in the David Brunelle Legal Thriller Series. And so the book binge began ... this series turned out to be a gripping and masterfully crafted collection of legal dramas set against the backdrop of Seattle’s criminal justice system. The series follows David Brunelle, a dedicated and sharp prosecutor, as he navigates the complexities of law, morality, and justice.
What makes this series stand out is the balance between intense courtroom drama with deeply human stories. David Brunelle is an intriguing character - intelligent, principled, and yet flawed in ways that make him even more relatable. Mr. Penner’s writing easily brings the legal world to life with authenticity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges prosecutors face, from gathering evidence to battling wily defense attorneys.
Each book in the series presents a unique and thought-provoking case, often delving into some morally ambiguous territory. The plots are tightly woven, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Mr. Penner’s ability to build the tension and suspense is noteworthy, as is his knack for creating vivid, multidimensional characters – both the heroes and villains.
So, whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, crime fiction, or simply enjoy a well-told story, then the David Brunelle series delivers on all fronts.
Happy Reading…
April 20, 2024
a little disappointed with the ending but still recommend
The storyline was interesting but the ending was wack. I really wanted to see how David was going to win the case. We went through that whole scenario and the ending didn’t live up to the hype. I was rooting for David to wipe the floor with Talon because Talon got on my everlasting nerves. I got so tired of her saying, I’m going to kick your ass. She seemed so childish and immature along with arrogant and conceited, very vain. I don’t want to read anything else that she’s in. And please do some with desperate Kat. She’s so thirsty for David. She already trying to make him a stepdad before she becomes a girlfriend. I’m not a fan of romance novels and work related relationships are the worst, too much distraction. And the point was proven by the way Kat acted on the witness stand because she mad with David for trying to do his job. I like this series but if it gonna become about romance then I won’t be reading anymore. I’m not a Kat fan, too clingy.
The storyline was interesting but the ending was wack. I really wanted to see how David was going to win the case. We went through that whole scenario and the ending didn’t live up to the hype. I was rooting for David to wipe the floor with Talon because Talon got on my everlasting nerves. I got so tired of her saying, I’m going to kick your ass. She seemed so childish and immature along with arrogant and conceited, very vain. I don’t want to read anything else that she’s in. And please do some with desperate Kat. She’s so thirsty for David. She already trying to make him a stepdad before she becomes a girlfriend. I’m not a fan of romance novels and work related relationships are the worst, too much distraction. And the point was proven by the way Kat acted on the witness stand because she mad with David for trying to do his job. I like this series but if it gonna become about romance then I won’t be reading anymore. I’m not a Kat fan, too clingy.
September 10, 2018
Spoiler alert.
Having read later David Brunelle books, this one reveals growing pains, and is not as refined or legally interesting. The Talon Winters character is over the top. Insufferable to the point where I don't want to read of her in a main character role. Perfect in every way, she constantly reminds Brunelle of his impending ass-kicking. This tension never gets resolved, given the abrupt ending which blows in from left field. In later books, legal skill and insight emerge to turn the tide on seemingly doomed cases, but not in this early version. Brunelle suffers from debilitating horniness, an ever present theme, but hey, who can think straight when she's so damn gorgeous... This too gets racheted back in later stories. One comes to realize that the center of Brunelle's universe is Brunelle, but he's darn clever guy.
Nevertheless, the courtroom exchanges are compelling, a cut above some of the Perry Mason-esque treatments one finds in the Kindle Unlimited bin.
Having read later David Brunelle books, this one reveals growing pains, and is not as refined or legally interesting. The Talon Winters character is over the top. Insufferable to the point where I don't want to read of her in a main character role. Perfect in every way, she constantly reminds Brunelle of his impending ass-kicking. This tension never gets resolved, given the abrupt ending which blows in from left field. In later books, legal skill and insight emerge to turn the tide on seemingly doomed cases, but not in this early version. Brunelle suffers from debilitating horniness, an ever present theme, but hey, who can think straight when she's so damn gorgeous... This too gets racheted back in later stories. One comes to realize that the center of Brunelle's universe is Brunelle, but he's darn clever guy.
Nevertheless, the courtroom exchanges are compelling, a cut above some of the Perry Mason-esque treatments one finds in the Kindle Unlimited bin.
October 26, 2024
In Seattle Johnny Quilcene kills George Traver, who had molested Johnny's young niece. Because both Quilcene and Traver were members of the Duwallup tribe, the tribe asks to have the murder case against Quilcene tried in their own court near Tacoma.
Seattle prosecutor David Brunelle is assigned to prosecute the case, while Quilcene is defended by the talented and ambitious Talon Winter, another member of the tribe. Winter argues that the killing falls under a tribal tradition of blood revenge. Brunelle, as an outsider in the tribal court, seems to have everything stacked against him, but he is determined to present the best case that he can. Unfortunately, the "blood revenge" shows signs of escalating into a blood feud.
As with other books in this series, interesting legal questions are explored in the context of an entertaining story.
Seattle prosecutor David Brunelle is assigned to prosecute the case, while Quilcene is defended by the talented and ambitious Talon Winter, another member of the tribe. Winter argues that the killing falls under a tribal tradition of blood revenge. Brunelle, as an outsider in the tribal court, seems to have everything stacked against him, but he is determined to present the best case that he can. Unfortunately, the "blood revenge" shows signs of escalating into a blood feud.
As with other books in this series, interesting legal questions are explored in the context of an entertaining story.
September 4, 2020
This story has David Brunelle trying a case with a tribal court in place of a state court. This issue is because both the individual who was murdered and the killer were booth Native Americans from the same tribe. This dates back to a treaty that was signed over a hundred years ago.
David will be opposed by Talon Winter, who will be having her own series. Her defense is based on a item called blood revenge. It is interesting to see David pitted against this person.
The description of what occurred while David was preparing for trial and the actual trial itself were well done. To find out how this ends up you must read this book. You will also see Fireworks going off between David and the two women. You must read this, I recommend it highly.
David will be opposed by Talon Winter, who will be having her own series. Her defense is based on a item called blood revenge. It is interesting to see David pitted against this person.
The description of what occurred while David was preparing for trial and the actual trial itself were well done. To find out how this ends up you must read this book. You will also see Fireworks going off between David and the two women. You must read this, I recommend it highly.
May 2, 2021
#1and#2 read and loved,,,Think we will give another author or two chance to
To wow me as much as this author has.But .
Ttempted to go to 3 and 4 I am sure is A new and novel. way to do
Something new,a law case about tribal law that was A treaty signed 100. years ago letting this tribe try those own cases and hasn't been used in about 100 years,a different look at the way things and feeds can be used to keep you reading as fast as you can to find out what happens.their is brilliant young. Lawyer as the defence lawyer who now has her own series,that is a. Good. Chance to keep reading this
Author,with anew,and probably her own cast Have to find time to .meet Talon. Keep you posted as we finish my next choice.
D.L..
To wow me as much as this author has.But .
Ttempted to go to 3 and 4 I am sure is A new and novel. way to do
Something new,a law case about tribal law that was A treaty signed 100. years ago letting this tribe try those own cases and hasn't been used in about 100 years,a different look at the way things and feeds can be used to keep you reading as fast as you can to find out what happens.their is brilliant young. Lawyer as the defence lawyer who now has her own series,that is a. Good. Chance to keep reading this
Author,with anew,and probably her own cast Have to find time to .meet Talon. Keep you posted as we finish my next choice.
D.L..
October 7, 2023
so glad i got this free ebook today from the series i like
this is my favorite of the series so far
david the lawyer is prosecuting a Indian man who stabbed and killed the child molester that molested his niece
they know he did it, he had the blood on his hands
but his Indian lawyer said its the Indian law that allows them to kill a family member of someone that killed their family member
the court was being held on Indian ground and they brought in someone to help him prosecutor but he was murdered too
at the end he and the medical examiner were trapped in a house with the defendant who was going to kill them, but the Indian cop who set the whole thing in motion and killed the other lawyer was going to kill them after he killed the defendant but he got shot by the police at the last minute before he could kill the other 2
this is my favorite of the series so far
david the lawyer is prosecuting a Indian man who stabbed and killed the child molester that molested his niece
they know he did it, he had the blood on his hands
but his Indian lawyer said its the Indian law that allows them to kill a family member of someone that killed their family member
the court was being held on Indian ground and they brought in someone to help him prosecutor but he was murdered too
at the end he and the medical examiner were trapped in a house with the defendant who was going to kill them, but the Indian cop who set the whole thing in motion and killed the other lawyer was going to kill them after he killed the defendant but he got shot by the police at the last minute before he could kill the other 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Well, Dave Brunelle is still a misogynistic pig, so unfortunately that hasn't changed. He even had a chance to right his ways a few times in this, but the girl takes him back every time, so why would he? *sigh*
The premise of this one was pretty cool and I'm very surprised the author handled native issues fairly gently when he's so heavy handed with regard to women.
Compared to other legal thrillers, I find these are like blunt objects. They're courtroom-based but it feels like the author would rather not be in the courtroom, which takes away from it.
And, oh man, the spelling and grammar errors. Cripes. I'm no genius but I'll read your stuff over, man. Send it to me.
The premise of this one was pretty cool and I'm very surprised the author handled native issues fairly gently when he's so heavy handed with regard to women.
Compared to other legal thrillers, I find these are like blunt objects. They're courtroom-based but it feels like the author would rather not be in the courtroom, which takes away from it.
And, oh man, the spelling and grammar errors. Cripes. I'm no genius but I'll read your stuff over, man. Send it to me.
April 19, 2019
This is the 2and book in the David Brunell series, and it was interesting because the plot was about Native American Culture in today's world. The main character ( David) is assigned a murder case that has to be Tried under Tribal Law on an Indian Reservation. The storyline also has the author showing both sides of Racism. The ending was awesome and I never figured out who the killer was. David's sidekicks ( Dr. Anderson and Detective Chen) are awesome supporting characters, looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 29, 2017
I usually enjoy any book with Native American things in it. This story is about a native that committed a murder. Her supposable murdered a man who raped his niece . So an old Indian tradition was to take a life for this , then the others family would end up taking revenge and on and on. So the prosecutor had to go and attend a Native American court to fight this case. He thought the accused was a scumbag for many reasons. So he fought with all he had to convict him.
February 18, 2025
This book hooked me right away and kept me right up to the end. I appreciated the viewpoint of Native American justice. I encountered a similar view of justice in the Marianas Islands. The plot was well developed and suspense keeps growing. I was surprised by the ending and that's good. If I'm able to predict an outcome I might as well watch Hallmark. I'm enjoying experiencing Brunelle's growth as a character. I'd love to watch him in the courtroom for real. But my imagination is very good.
November 3, 2018
Second great read!
Love the main characters David Brunelle is real no self righteous/ do no wrong man but really likable. His counter part Cat is also real. She is intelligent, strong, and also likable. The legal plot is interesting, involving, thrilling, and sometimes funny. It's well written it's just a great read and I recommend this book.
Love the main characters David Brunelle is real no self righteous/ do no wrong man but really likable. His counter part Cat is also real. She is intelligent, strong, and also likable. The legal plot is interesting, involving, thrilling, and sometimes funny. It's well written it's just a great read and I recommend this book.
April 25, 2020
Didn't like the Blunelle seemed more interested in other women than anything and does use people as what Kat said she's too good for him he is ill tempered and doesn't seem a very strong character and no feelings apart from his own not enough forensics being used won't be reading any more no warmth in the characters .
November 9, 2021
Not as good
Not as good as other of author books. Too difficult to follow with the Tribal laws and did not feel as real courtroom drama. Did entire but did no capture my interest as the others. Different cultural than I was used to. Look forward to book 3. Still enjoy the series. Thank you
Not as good as other of author books. Too difficult to follow with the Tribal laws and did not feel as real courtroom drama. Did entire but did no capture my interest as the others. Different cultural than I was used to. Look forward to book 3. Still enjoy the series. Thank you
March 6, 2023
This was an excellent courtroom drama and legal thriller. I've read several of Stephen Penner's novels in this series and I thank him for giving them away on Amazon from time to time (I'm a cheapskate and tend to read only free books). Sorry about that, Stephen but at least I'm willing to rate the novels on Goodreads.
September 16, 2024
DIFFERENT.....
I totally enjoyed this book because of the differences between it and the usual legal drama.
First: Washington's law versus native tribal law.
Second: prosecution view versus defense view.
I also liked the relationships between the character. Not to mention the surprise ending.
I totally enjoyed this book because of the differences between it and the usual legal drama.
First: Washington's law versus native tribal law.
Second: prosecution view versus defense view.
I also liked the relationships between the character. Not to mention the surprise ending.
August 20, 2025
COURTROOM DRAMA
For the most part, it is a page turner. The ball gets dropped with a weak ending.
There could have been a much better court case at the end instead of a mild 'cat and mouse' chase, with a predictable stop to the story.
The first book proved beyond a reasonable doubt that this author can create a good courtroom drama, along with some of the best!!
For the most part, it is a page turner. The ball gets dropped with a weak ending.
There could have been a much better court case at the end instead of a mild 'cat and mouse' chase, with a predictable stop to the story.
The first book proved beyond a reasonable doubt that this author can create a good courtroom drama, along with some of the best!!
March 11, 2019
Another David Brunelleschi book
I gave the novel 5 stars, but I felt it was not quite as good as other books in the series. The book seemed a little more contrived than others I read by the author. It was interesting novel however and I would recommend others to read it.
I gave the novel 5 stars, but I felt it was not quite as good as other books in the series. The book seemed a little more contrived than others I read by the author. It was interesting novel however and I would recommend others to read it.
August 15, 2020
This is the second book in the series.
I am not very knowledgeable about Native American culture, especially that of the Northwest. Everything portrayed in this sounded plausible to me.
All in all, it was a very good read.
I am not very knowledgeable about Native American culture, especially that of the Northwest. Everything portrayed in this sounded plausible to me.
All in all, it was a very good read.
February 3, 2023
Another winner!
The second legal thriller by Stephen Penner I enjoyed immensely! It kept me occupied until the last page. As usual, everything about the book was top-notch - the story, the pace, the narrative and the return of all my favorite characters!!
An outstanding thriller!!
The second legal thriller by Stephen Penner I enjoyed immensely! It kept me occupied until the last page. As usual, everything about the book was top-notch - the story, the pace, the narrative and the return of all my favorite characters!!
An outstanding thriller!!
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