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Consequential Damages
Rick Black and Jake McShane are former law school classmates with very different approaches to life and the law. Rick is a brilliant, ultracompetitive trial lawyer who believes winning is everything. He openly mocks the legal system, claiming that a lawyer who is a great storyteller can fool a jury every time. He is determined to exploit that weakness in our system, regardless of the havoc that wreaks on innocent lives. When an upstanding pillar of the community is victimized by Rick’s unscrupulous tactics, Jake is determined to bring his former classmate to justice—if he can do so without sacrificing his own integrity. Their approaches, skills and convictions are put to the test when they clash as opposing counsel in a high-stakes class action lawsuit. Dirty tricks, intimidation, intrigue—even homicide—become part of the backdrop as the litigation unfolds. Consequential Damages is a compelling legal drama full of twists, turns and suspense. And, it will make you think!
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2013
568 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Hayes
3 books25 followersJoseph Hayes is a native of Chicago, and grew up on the City's South Side. He and his wife Susan left there in the 1980s in search of sunshine and warmer weather. They found both, and now split their time between The Woodlands, Texas and La Jolla, California.
After obtaining his law degree from Berkeley, Hayes practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. He also served for many years as the chief ethics officer for a Fortune 1000 company. He now focuses on his writing, specializing in novels that combine page-turning suspense, compelling characters and a thought-provoking exploration of issues that matter -- both timely and timeless
After obtaining his law degree from Berkeley, Hayes practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. He also served for many years as the chief ethics officer for a Fortune 1000 company. He now focuses on his writing, specializing in novels that combine page-turning suspense, compelling characters and a thought-provoking exploration of issues that matter -- both timely and timeless
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 11, 2019
Returning to discover more by Joseph Hayes, I tripped upon this legal thriller that pulled me in from the opening pages. Exploring personal growth and the rigours of a courtroom drama, Hayes offers the reader something that will resonate long after they finish the final page. Jake McShane is a hard working law student at Stanford, striving to make the most of his education. When the tension all but eats him alive, it is a chance encounter with a medical student that shows him that there is a little more to life than meets the eye. After graduating, Jake finds himself returning to his native Chicago to practice, seeing some of the old drama he left behind when he moved West, but also finding it refreshing to be back where it all began. When his friend and former employer is sued for sexual harassment, Jake must watch from the sidelines as things go horribly wrong. Prosecuting the case is a former law school classmate, Rick Black, whose ruthless ways leave Jake feeling highly agitated. After a few years have passed, both Jake and Black find themselves on opposite sides of a large class-action lawsuit. With fierce determination, both sides push to win at all costs, though only one will stay within the lines of what is legal and ethical. Seeking retribution for the past, Jake must decide how to tackle Rick Black’s antics both inside and out of the courtroom. It will be up to the jury to decide which man has done all he can for the client. Hayes does a masterful job pulling the reader into the middle of the stellar thriller. Not to be missed by those who enjoy the law’s murkier side, or readers who may have read some of Hayes’ other work.
Truth be told, I was mesmerized by Hayes novel all about a wall on the US-Mexico border and could not fathom that he could write another piece with just as much impact. I was wrong, as this is another piece that inches the story along while getting the reader to commit from the start. Jake McShane is quite the character, totally focussed on his studies in the opening portion of the book, so much so that life is passing him by. After seeing the forest for the trees and marrying the one woman who could jolt him out of wasting his life, Jake finds himself back in Chicago where he seeks to remember life before law school. The backstory and character development come together nicely here, intertwining together and providing the reader with something relatable throughout the novel. Others grace the pages and find ways to advance a wonderfully balanced plot, tapping into the law and life on the streets of Chicago, without straying too far from the central tenets of the book. Interesting in its structure, Hayes (again) develops the young version of his central character over the first third of the book, peppering the narrative with the struggles of youth that might not seem relevant, but becomes essential to understanding the entire piece. From there, Jake moves into the world of the law, not what is found in textbooks, but on the streets and in the courtroom. There is little time to falter, as the law never sleeps and is always evolving, no matter who is at the helm. Hayes helps the reader discover this while developing a strong story. Mixing the short, teaser chapters with longer and more developed ones, the story progresses at breakneck speed before culminating in a major discovery that will solidify the entire legal battle. One can only hope there is more to come, for Joseph Hayes is a man with talent that readers will not want to dismiss.
Kudos, Mr. Hayes, for such a refreshing look at the law and the individual. I am glad that I stumbled upon your work!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Truth be told, I was mesmerized by Hayes novel all about a wall on the US-Mexico border and could not fathom that he could write another piece with just as much impact. I was wrong, as this is another piece that inches the story along while getting the reader to commit from the start. Jake McShane is quite the character, totally focussed on his studies in the opening portion of the book, so much so that life is passing him by. After seeing the forest for the trees and marrying the one woman who could jolt him out of wasting his life, Jake finds himself back in Chicago where he seeks to remember life before law school. The backstory and character development come together nicely here, intertwining together and providing the reader with something relatable throughout the novel. Others grace the pages and find ways to advance a wonderfully balanced plot, tapping into the law and life on the streets of Chicago, without straying too far from the central tenets of the book. Interesting in its structure, Hayes (again) develops the young version of his central character over the first third of the book, peppering the narrative with the struggles of youth that might not seem relevant, but becomes essential to understanding the entire piece. From there, Jake moves into the world of the law, not what is found in textbooks, but on the streets and in the courtroom. There is little time to falter, as the law never sleeps and is always evolving, no matter who is at the helm. Hayes helps the reader discover this while developing a strong story. Mixing the short, teaser chapters with longer and more developed ones, the story progresses at breakneck speed before culminating in a major discovery that will solidify the entire legal battle. One can only hope there is more to come, for Joseph Hayes is a man with talent that readers will not want to dismiss.
Kudos, Mr. Hayes, for such a refreshing look at the law and the individual. I am glad that I stumbled upon your work!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 24, 2015
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the plot was very complex and compelling; on the other hand, the writing style was bland and wordy, and much of the dialogue was didactic and stilted. I did a lot of skimming past boring passages to get to the interesting parts of the story. In my opinion a good heavy-handed editing would have improved the book a lot.
November 24, 2017
Good read. Left me depressingly sad.
Well crafted book with engaging characters and a fascinating story. The death of one character made me exceedingly sad and depressed.
Well crafted book with engaging characters and a fascinating story. The death of one character made me exceedingly sad and depressed.
December 19, 2017
Surprising
This story takes a twist I had not anticipated, however It is well within the realm of real life possibilities.
Made me realize just how fortunate I am.
This story takes a twist I had not anticipated, however It is well within the realm of real life possibilities.
Made me realize just how fortunate I am.
July 16, 2018
The author spends the first half of this book setting the scene. Nothing of interest happens until more than 40% of the book is gone. Then it is for a brief instant and the author returns to banality.
Eventually interesting events start to happen but then we witness characters change their behaviour 100%, taking actions completely the reverse of what they have been doing for the previous thirty or more months. To add insult to injury, the author reuses a scenario from his first book. The book's ending is nauseatingly sweet. This book is not worth the effort.
Eventually interesting events start to happen but then we witness characters change their behaviour 100%, taking actions completely the reverse of what they have been doing for the previous thirty or more months. To add insult to injury, the author reuses a scenario from his first book. The book's ending is nauseatingly sweet. This book is not worth the effort.
January 22, 2015
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Overall this was a very good book, I enjoyed the relationship interactions- but not so much the trial prep and trials. Jake and Rick- good and evil- maybe a little simplistic, but still a good book, a good message.
Overall this was a very good book, I enjoyed the relationship interactions- but not so much the trial prep and trials. Jake and Rick- good and evil- maybe a little simplistic, but still a good book, a good message.
January 29, 2018
I finished this weeks ago and just couldn't find the energy to review it. I selected it initially as it was set at Stanford and Berkeley (it later shifts to the Chicago area) and I thought I would enjoy the details and descriptions on the Bay area which is my home--and I was, as far as that goes. I also did learn a bit more about law school. But those gains were outweighed by such flat characters and stilted conversations that just didn't ring true. Good guys were always soooo good, bad guys sooooo bad--given the moral questions being raised and the complex thinking required in the professions of these people, I expected more nuancing and depth. Also, characters are introduced and details thrown in for no purpose enough times that it becomes irritating. Let them at least contribute to mood or even foreshadowing.
March 19, 2019
I normally read fantasy, but I watch a lot of procedural dramas. Consequential Damages felt like a combination of Suits and The Good Wife. I was completely sucked in to the story. The writing was excellent; so many ebooks I read are in desperate need of a proofreader.
The story follows Jake from his first year of Stanford Law to the end of his first big case, and focuses on the dynamic between honest Jake (think Phoenix Wright) and shady Rick (think Manfred von Karma). The author takes care to set up all future situations by including conversations and small events early in the book.
I wish Amanda (an Md/PhD) was more than a bit-part love interest. I would have liked her, as a geriatric specialist, to visit the shut-ins that relied on the grocery store and learn some key information. Otherwise, I enjoyed how relatable most of the characters are.
The story follows Jake from his first year of Stanford Law to the end of his first big case, and focuses on the dynamic between honest Jake (think Phoenix Wright) and shady Rick (think Manfred von Karma). The author takes care to set up all future situations by including conversations and small events early in the book.
I wish Amanda (an Md/PhD) was more than a bit-part love interest. I would have liked her, as a geriatric specialist, to visit the shut-ins that relied on the grocery store and learn some key information. Otherwise, I enjoyed how relatable most of the characters are.
June 4, 2018
Enthralling, gripping, legal thriller...
But it surprised me how many life lessons were learned and emphasized throughout the ups, and horrible, downs of this story. This was so well written... the hints dropped in the beginning about the kind of lawyer each guy was gonna be, without really pointing it out; the description of Amanda made me want to meet her; the introduction of a couple gangbangers- I mean, what was the point of that? Then the some of the trials blew me away! I was actually pretty doubtful that everything would all end on a high note, but was pleasantly surprised. I think Jake will be fine....hmmm maybe a sequel? I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for more works by this author.
But it surprised me how many life lessons were learned and emphasized throughout the ups, and horrible, downs of this story. This was so well written... the hints dropped in the beginning about the kind of lawyer each guy was gonna be, without really pointing it out; the description of Amanda made me want to meet her; the introduction of a couple gangbangers- I mean, what was the point of that? Then the some of the trials blew me away! I was actually pretty doubtful that everything would all end on a high note, but was pleasantly surprised. I think Jake will be fine....hmmm maybe a sequel? I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for more works by this author.
April 2, 2019
This book kept my interest right from the beginning. One of the people reviewing this book felt that the 1st part was not necessary. I believe that the 1st part inyroduced the main characters and the struggles they went thru to graduate from Stanford Law School. It also was a precursor to their characters and how they thought.
Jake was one that gad been brought up to believe that all things should be done properly while Rick grew up with a silver spoon and felt that winning at all cost was the most important even it was not completely legal.
The one area that was quite sad related to Amanda.
The trial between Jake and Rick was well portrayed and the end was quite satisfying.
In order to understand fully, you need to ead the book which I recommend highly.
Jake was one that gad been brought up to believe that all things should be done properly while Rick grew up with a silver spoon and felt that winning at all cost was the most important even it was not completely legal.
The one area that was quite sad related to Amanda.
The trial between Jake and Rick was well portrayed and the end was quite satisfying.
In order to understand fully, you need to ead the book which I recommend highly.
November 26, 2017
Consequential damages starts as a primer on what law school and attendant pressure is all about and evolved into a legal thriller.
Examination of the legal field which starts at first year at Stanford law school and follows the career of mainly two lawyers who first met in school and are now practicing law in Chicago.One of the lawyers does things the right way while one continues to behave in the same underhanded way he did in school.Also,basketball fans will enjoy the sequences dealing with the playing of the game and the characters on the court who also figure later in the story.
Examination of the legal field which starts at first year at Stanford law school and follows the career of mainly two lawyers who first met in school and are now practicing law in Chicago.One of the lawyers does things the right way while one continues to behave in the same underhanded way he did in school.Also,basketball fans will enjoy the sequences dealing with the playing of the game and the characters on the court who also figure later in the story.
October 10, 2018
I really liked this book. It is true there was a lot of information to get through but I think it was necessary to the story. I think the Rick character is what gives lawyers a bad name. I would have liked him sent to jail. I was very sad at the character that died. I feel it was not necessary. I was a little surprised at the ending I kept waiting for Fowler to show up again. I just did not buy he was dead. but all in all it was good to see the good side prevailed. Maybe we will get a sequel sometime letting us know what is going on with Jake & Anna. It also just kind of dropped the grandparents.
May 13, 2019
A well written legal thriller. The book starts out with the main protagonists starting law school at Stanford. The author hits first year law school on the head of the nail. The differences between the main characters sharpens through the years and the plot.
Unfortunately, the book only involves characters who play parts in the ultimate plot; characters needed to be added, even if nameless and faceless. The final trial (a class action) seems to have only one attorney on each side. The plot was also mostly predictable; it could have used some red herrings and perhaps some chapters could have been presented out of chronological order.
Unfortunately, the book only involves characters who play parts in the ultimate plot; characters needed to be added, even if nameless and faceless. The final trial (a class action) seems to have only one attorney on each side. The plot was also mostly predictable; it could have used some red herrings and perhaps some chapters could have been presented out of chronological order.
December 22, 2020
This story draws attention to some of the real problems and issues with our legal system. It's somewhat contrived in order to make its point, but it's possible to believe that something like this could actually happen. It's quite compelling.
David B. Lowe's performance isn't bad, although it lacks professional polish. The worst problem is his announcement of the end of each chapter and repeating the author and title at the beginning of each chapter. That's very distracting and quite a time waster.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
David B. Lowe's performance isn't bad, although it lacks professional polish. The worst problem is his announcement of the end of each chapter and repeating the author and title at the beginning of each chapter. That's very distracting and quite a time waster.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 23, 2019
Consequential Damages. I’m missing this book already and I finished it late last night! Liked the fast pace in the second half of the book, although it was a long drawn out school period in the first half, glad we found out who stole Jake’s outlines and good character development. However, that being said, I think the author could have gotten more for his buck had a murder not occurred and the heroine could have added a more interesting development, i.e., family life, career path etc. Manny’s predicament was heart breaking.
A free ebook on BookBub.
A free ebook on BookBub.
February 25, 2018
Beautiful book... beautiful characters....heart wrenchingly wonderful...i dont give many reviews because im not great at putting into words what im thinking , but i couldn't Not give one for this book...will stay with me for a long time...loved it !!
Loved it !!! Beautifully written with amazing and engaging characters.. absolutely incredible !!
Would recommend it to everyone I know !!
Loved it !!! Beautifully written with amazing and engaging characters.. absolutely incredible !!
Would recommend it to everyone I know !!
May 12, 2019
A wonderful thriller
A fantastic, fast paced thriller.. It talks about ethics, moral values in life . A must read category. The legal nuances have been brought out nicely. The Stanford kids have contrasting life styles. Ultimately, the good Samaritan who is concerned with making an impact on the life of other persons wins the battle amid his personal loss. My heart bleeds for the loss of Amanda. The author brings the characters before our eyes. Hats off to him
A fantastic, fast paced thriller.. It talks about ethics, moral values in life . A must read category. The legal nuances have been brought out nicely. The Stanford kids have contrasting life styles. Ultimately, the good Samaritan who is concerned with making an impact on the life of other persons wins the battle amid his personal loss. My heart bleeds for the loss of Amanda. The author brings the characters before our eyes. Hats off to him
September 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was kind of obvious early on that Rick was going to sail close to the wind although I was disappointed that Jake didn't confront Rick when he deleted the message from Amanda. Amanda's death was a sad shock and Rick's antics are probably a sad indictment of the adversarial legal system. I was pleased Jerome turned out to be a good guy but kind of let down with the ending to Fowler. Overall though it was a must read book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2017
Good Read
Good insight into Stanford Law & Stanford Med School in that they are amazing schools & try to instill in people to be the best. Also shows that unfortunately a poor moral compass can be a devastating force of destruction. Found a good message about faith instead of religion, makes a clear message of the benefits of living up to our potential.
Good insight into Stanford Law & Stanford Med School in that they are amazing schools & try to instill in people to be the best. Also shows that unfortunately a poor moral compass can be a devastating force of destruction. Found a good message about faith instead of religion, makes a clear message of the benefits of living up to our potential.
December 29, 2017
Consequential Damages
Excellent novel that provides the reader with an inside look at the lives and emotions of two friends who go through law school together but graduate with strikingly different ideas of what their roles should be. Clean, well written, entertaining and inspiring.
Excellent novel that provides the reader with an inside look at the lives and emotions of two friends who go through law school together but graduate with strikingly different ideas of what their roles should be. Clean, well written, entertaining and inspiring.
January 1, 2018
Great story
Great story however the writer had too much unnecessary details that made the book longer that it needed to be and those details really didn't add much to the main story line. The underlying moral message was tight and echoed throughout the book but at times took over the main story plot.
Great story however the writer had too much unnecessary details that made the book longer that it needed to be and those details really didn't add much to the main story line. The underlying moral message was tight and echoed throughout the book but at times took over the main story plot.
January 16, 2018
Not Real
Characters not real. The author had a point to make and wrote a book to make this point about our legal system. The primary character, Jake could have intervened in the first trial as a witness. But then the book would have been unnecessary. Characters generally all saints or all sinners.
Characters not real. The author had a point to make and wrote a book to make this point about our legal system. The primary character, Jake could have intervened in the first trial as a witness. But then the book would have been unnecessary. Characters generally all saints or all sinners.
February 9, 2018
An excellent story covering the good, the bad and the ugly. The good being those who do the right things, the bad are the systems and people that have flaws and the ugly are those who are only there for themselves with no thought or respect for others. This tale which is about the legal system has lawyers on both side of the coin and the system and some participants-the bad-in the middle
March 19, 2019
The story spans intertwined lives from High School to Law School to a high profile trial. It is evident that good vs evil is going to come to a head in a trial.
The characters are well developed and lead believable lives.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot and the relationships of the characters.
The characters are well developed and lead believable lives.
I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot and the relationships of the characters.
March 25, 2019
A more and honest lawyer ! (this is fiction, of course) Out hero starts at Stanford Law and then heads home to Chicago
Lawyer up to good, as helps those around him, the best he can. He faces many hurdles in representing individuals and then corporate law, mostly out of the courtroom
Lawyer up to good, as helps those around him, the best he can. He faces many hurdles in representing individuals and then corporate law, mostly out of the courtroom
March 26, 2019
We need more stories about forgiveness & moving on. A very Cain vs Abel story. Well written & well thought out. I was very upset about some of the character development, that why only 4 stars. Too notch court room drama. A bit to detailed & boring in places. But I would recommend this book & author.
July 3, 2019
This book had me from the beginning and I hated to put it down. It kept me in it the whole time and I felt this could be very believable. It shows you haw greed can eat at a person to get what they want. I was very sad when one of the characters died and was made to believe it was someone else that caused the accident. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read his other books.
December 4, 2017
Great comment on the human condition!
Great story, well told. Could be considered preachy, but the smooth way it was told negates that. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will look for other of the authors work.
Great story, well told. Could be considered preachy, but the smooth way it was told negates that. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will look for other of the authors work.
June 4, 2018
The truth will set you free
A very good book it focuses on the right way to go about living and it finds the good even in very worst circumstances. It's a feel good book. Who knows it might direction to your life.
A very good book it focuses on the right way to go about living and it finds the good even in very worst circumstances. It's a feel good book. Who knows it might direction to your life.
December 7, 2017
Loved this book!
This book had good guys, bad guys, and suspense. I kept wondering what would come next. It made me laugh. It made me cry. Just the right amount of romance. Can't wait to see what else Joseph Hayes has written!
This book had good guys, bad guys, and suspense. I kept wondering what would come next. It made me laugh. It made me cry. Just the right amount of romance. Can't wait to see what else Joseph Hayes has written!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews