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Jury of Peers
When Seth Meek exits the parking lot at Fort Meade, he doesn't realize that he'll never return to his dream job - creating unbreakable computer encryption for the National Security Agency. His is a life of comfort and delight - a loving wife, daughter, and another on the way. He has money, security, and promise.In the space of the next twenty-four hours, however, he is stripped of everything that he holds dear. Seth watches as his family is purposefully and hatefully murdered, becomes a Federal fugitive, and faces off against the waking nightmare of taking his own life.In shame, self-loathing, and hatred he falls back upon what he knows - computers. Now driven by his rage, and with nothing to lose, Seth embarks on a audacious quest not only to find and capture his family's killers, but also to bring them to justice.Seth, however, is not a killer. He is not a vigilante. He's just Seth... a glorified computer contractor for the NSA. Using his unique skill set, he reveals his plan to put the killers on trial... via the Internet. Social media is the perfect medium for the geometric progression that he has planned. The entire world will be the Grand Jury, forced to confront their own bloodlust, sense of justice, and morality as they decide upon a verdict. Experience more to me on Facebook
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2013
24 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 5, 2018
Wow, gruesome and wonderful at the same time!
Jury of Peers is a book about so many of societies failures. A gang kills a guys family and he gets the gang members responsible and puts them on trial on the internet. A lot of other things happen too but it is very suspenseful, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and so much more.
Jury of Peers is a book about so many of societies failures. A gang kills a guys family and he gets the gang members responsible and puts them on trial on the internet. A lot of other things happen too but it is very suspenseful, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and so much more.
November 23, 2014
This is a difficult book to review because it made me question some of my basic beliefs. I think that we can all agree that our social system is flawed but to what degree? Meek's family was brutally murdered and he himself was attacked. Our justice system was lame in finding the killers yet we have to believe that our justice system is basically good or we will fall into chaos. Meek crossed a lot of lines both socially and legally but how many of us would not have done much of the same? I enjoyed this story immensely but it was a tough read.
June 23, 2017
Wow! Talk about a psychological thriller! Very unexpected plot that challenges your beliefs about justice, right and wrong.
November 13, 2014
Brilliant book, touched on so many social and economic realities that it's easy to turn a blind eye to IF we're never directly confronted with them in our lives. And even if we are, we probably feel powerless to effect any real substantial change (although I suppose once you touch or change one persons life, that should be substantial enough). Finally an outlet, a chance to see the process of how that change could be put in motion.
Without directly lecturing you, this book covers socioeconomic divides that are built into our system and minds, fleshing them out a bit with a variety of in depth characters and perspectives, and brief glances into their lives and psyche; it also partially, but not fully (because is it possible to fully understand and analyze another human, even if we have the knowledge of what they went through) explores aspects of what shaped these young killers as they move through various stages and become our worst nightmares.
Most importantly for me, it forces the reader to look inward at our values - involving us as readers and explorers through the characters but also as participants as the jury. Throughout the book, I became more and more convinced of my convictions, strongly assuring and rationalizing with myself what was right or wrong and what JUSTICE stood for BUT with the last final twist of Seths brilliant plot, i faltered on my own convictions and suddenly, when given agency and made to act, I no longer wanted to act on my convictions.
Noooooooooo I can't do it! I want there to be redemption, to hope for better possibilities - all the while, realistically knowing that redemption and hope are limited in so many ways. So. Definitely had ME going through a slew of self criticism and evaluation. This book supports itself on structural and institutional faults, while providing an understanding of the characters flaws. It will also force you to confront your OWN flaws and participation in these faults, and that's what makes a book brilliant!
The premise is unrealistic - I think that's the point. If this had been done before, the world would (one would hope) be drastically different. But perhaps, it wouldn't be. Without giving it away, the ending of the book disappointments me - we aren't told what really changed - did any rules, laws, systems differ to better lead our youth away from violence and gangs and make our society more conscious of its underlying toxicity? Then again, it's unfair to expect the author to offer a tangible or easy solution to issues of racism, sexism, capitalism etx and so my slight disappointment with the ending has to be kept in check (hence why I gave it 5 stars).
I definitely recommend.
November 23, 2019
Most fascinating and mind-blowing book I have read in the recent years!
When the book started with a description of a teen gangs, I didn't know what to expect. When events start to happen that involves a brilliant encryption computer genius contracting for NSA, the reader gets totally immersed in the book that does not release the reader even after the last page is read.
When the protagonist of this story, Seth Meek arrives home to a horrifying scene of seeing his pregnant wife and little daughter literally butchered, he grieves immeasurably and with the help of his father plans his future activities.
His activities and the mind boggling steps he takes to share with the whole world utilizing his stupendous computer talents forms the content of this prodigious and stunning book. It is one of those books that is impossible to put down until it is finished. The narrative is extraordinary and smooth flowing, the characters are very endearing. Reading this book was an enthralling and amazing experience.
I am headed to look for more books by this awesome author.
When the book started with a description of a teen gangs, I didn't know what to expect. When events start to happen that involves a brilliant encryption computer genius contracting for NSA, the reader gets totally immersed in the book that does not release the reader even after the last page is read.
When the protagonist of this story, Seth Meek arrives home to a horrifying scene of seeing his pregnant wife and little daughter literally butchered, he grieves immeasurably and with the help of his father plans his future activities.
His activities and the mind boggling steps he takes to share with the whole world utilizing his stupendous computer talents forms the content of this prodigious and stunning book. It is one of those books that is impossible to put down until it is finished. The narrative is extraordinary and smooth flowing, the characters are very endearing. Reading this book was an enthralling and amazing experience.
I am headed to look for more books by this awesome author.
April 25, 2025
When a man witnesses the violent murder of his family, he takes justice into his own hands, and lets the world decide the offender’s fates.
The last two thirds of this book were especially riveting and thought provoking. Visceral and shocking imagery mingled with insightful dialogue. I really felt for both Meek and Saul.
There were some glaring point of view issues however as the writing jumps around between third person omniscient and third person limited. There was also some head hopping making the narrator of the story unclear at times.
Other than grammatical errors and third person mistakes, the story was very good. The knowledge of computers alone was impressive.
“Everyone has to ask themselves what they would do if given the chance to right the world’s shitty injustice on their own.”
The last two thirds of this book were especially riveting and thought provoking. Visceral and shocking imagery mingled with insightful dialogue. I really felt for both Meek and Saul.
There were some glaring point of view issues however as the writing jumps around between third person omniscient and third person limited. There was also some head hopping making the narrator of the story unclear at times.
Other than grammatical errors and third person mistakes, the story was very good. The knowledge of computers alone was impressive.
“Everyone has to ask themselves what they would do if given the chance to right the world’s shitty injustice on their own.”
December 18, 2016
An interesting novel
Although it starts out somewhat slow and there are some spots throughout the novel that could have been condensed, "Jury of Peers" is an interesting and engaging novel.
The authors takes the premise "an eye for an eye" and creates a trial for two youth who have committed a heinous crime. And the public is the jury... What happens will astonish and surprise you.
Although it starts out somewhat slow and there are some spots throughout the novel that could have been condensed, "Jury of Peers" is an interesting and engaging novel.
The authors takes the premise "an eye for an eye" and creates a trial for two youth who have committed a heinous crime. And the public is the jury... What happens will astonish and surprise you.
October 24, 2019
Crazy
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, it wasn't what I expected if I'm being honest, but in a good way. If you're squeamish, prepare yourself for a few "uncomfortable" areas. The characters are likeable, especially the cops. The sarcasm and jokes they bring add comic relief to the realistic horror some people deal with every day.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, it wasn't what I expected if I'm being honest, but in a good way. If you're squeamish, prepare yourself for a few "uncomfortable" areas. The characters are likeable, especially the cops. The sarcasm and jokes they bring add comic relief to the realistic horror some people deal with every day.
May 23, 2021
What was that?
Could only get through 20% of the story. There didn't seem to be a plot just a lot of dialogue and it wasn't very interesting.
Could only get through 20% of the story. There didn't seem to be a plot just a lot of dialogue and it wasn't very interesting.
June 20, 2015
Amazing
I selected to read this book some time ago. I read the first couple of pages and thought it was the traditional gang banger novel so I put it down to finish at a later date. This book definitely questions how a person view the American Justice system until they personally become part of a tragedy. I was faced with some hard core decisions to make if it had been me. I highly recommend this book. The Arthur did a great job, just some minor spacing in the content of the book. Because he was a teacher, he got four stars, something he should have caught, before printing.
I selected to read this book some time ago. I read the first couple of pages and thought it was the traditional gang banger novel so I put it down to finish at a later date. This book definitely questions how a person view the American Justice system until they personally become part of a tragedy. I was faced with some hard core decisions to make if it had been me. I highly recommend this book. The Arthur did a great job, just some minor spacing in the content of the book. Because he was a teacher, he got four stars, something he should have caught, before printing.
January 26, 2015
When I started reading the first couple of chapters I felt this is going to be a good book. Then like a bang it became a Deep book. It grips you hard and stays with you.
I felt like I was a part of the story, like I was sitting in the restaurant wanting to place my vote like everyone else. Made me look inside myself to see what I would do in the same situation. Would I have the guts? This story seems so real.
A proof reader was needed for this book, in which it would deserve 4 stars instead of 5. But even with the errors this was still a 5+ star story.
I am looking forward to other books by Troy Brodsky. Can’t believe this was his first book. Very good!!
I felt like I was a part of the story, like I was sitting in the restaurant wanting to place my vote like everyone else. Made me look inside myself to see what I would do in the same situation. Would I have the guts? This story seems so real.
A proof reader was needed for this book, in which it would deserve 4 stars instead of 5. But even with the errors this was still a 5+ star story.
I am looking forward to other books by Troy Brodsky. Can’t believe this was his first book. Very good!!
November 20, 2014
Jury of Peers
This was one great but tough read. Great in that the storyline really held me. Tough in that it pushed me to confront my beliefs on life, death, revenge, capital punishment, second chances and the power of love.
Seth's family was killed in a most violent way. The steps he took for revenge were complex and left the reader thinking - "what would I do?"
The book definitely kept me reading, both dreading and hoping for the ending.
This was one great but tough read. Great in that the storyline really held me. Tough in that it pushed me to confront my beliefs on life, death, revenge, capital punishment, second chances and the power of love.
Seth's family was killed in a most violent way. The steps he took for revenge were complex and left the reader thinking - "what would I do?"
The book definitely kept me reading, both dreading and hoping for the ending.
November 28, 2014
Wow.
I liked this book because it showed how justice is really blind. I so connected with Sean, the main character. My heart so went out to him. I only gave it four stars because the ending was very disappointing and not real believable. I think Troy is a good author but make your stories more believable. I personally wanted these guys to pay, big time.
I liked this book because it showed how justice is really blind. I so connected with Sean, the main character. My heart so went out to him. I only gave it four stars because the ending was very disappointing and not real believable. I think Troy is a good author but make your stories more believable. I personally wanted these guys to pay, big time.
January 3, 2015
This review is from: Jury of Peers (Kindle Edition)
I had a hard time with the beginning of the book. I had to go back and reread
it. I thought the book was going in a different direction and at about 8% I was
ready to quit. But then I started to get the correct picture and I was hooked.
Could not put the book down.
I had a hard time with the beginning of the book. I had to go back and reread
it. I thought the book was going in a different direction and at about 8% I was
ready to quit. But then I started to get the correct picture and I was hooked.
Could not put the book down.
January 17, 2015
This book was awesome. I love the fact that the story was so different. It was a serious story, however the author put in humor at just the right times, which actually would make me LOL. The book was so interesting that I truly couldn't read it fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this to everyone.
November 30, 2014
Couldn't put it down!
Well written and apparently researched. All the characters were interesting. Once I started I had to keep reading until it ended. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Well written and apparently researched. All the characters were interesting. Once I started I had to keep reading until it ended. Look forward to reading more from this author.
December 26, 2014
A very emotional reading experience
I enjoyed this book very much. It was hard to put down, and gave me much to think about. I hope to learn more about the future of many of the characters in future books by this author.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was hard to put down, and gave me much to think about. I hope to learn more about the future of many of the characters in future books by this author.
September 26, 2015
Holy hell!! I did not expect this book to get so graphic, nor did I expect to have the need to still read it when it did. Troy Brodsky dedicatedly painted some very horrid images in my head as I read this book. Very well written, and to be honest, I first thought it was a true event story.
May 19, 2015
Basic Justice, Plain . . .and simple?
A horrible crime, terrible events, and a common man - the story leads to an uncommon conclusion. Or does it? You'll need to read it, I won't tell you how it all comes around. You'll like it.
A horrible crime, terrible events, and a common man - the story leads to an uncommon conclusion. Or does it? You'll need to read it, I won't tell you how it all comes around. You'll like it.
December 30, 2016
Couldn't put it down. This one will stay with you.....
November 13, 2014
Great story. Edge of my seat tension - realistic description. Loved the characters.
March 22, 2015
great page turner. Left questions in my mind, how would I have voted.
December 9, 2015
Decent book. worth a read. Interesting characters. Only complaint was the version I have had a few typos.
May 30, 2015
3.5 stars. This book was a good read, it also made you question a lot of things and put you in the situation. Well written & enjoyable but also confronting.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews