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Dead By Proxy: A Lawyer On The Run Action Suspense
In this lawyer on the run action suspense, attorney Quinton Bell loses the trial of his career, and possibly his life.
Dead By Proxy takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the life of a criminal defense attorney, whose world is wiped out. When Quinton loses a career-defining case, he finds himself being hunted by the very client he tried to save.
As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain sight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.
When he’s forced to take on a high-profile murder case, he exposes himself and those he loves to danger. With each passing moment, the noose tightens, and he must draw on every ounce of wit to outsmart those who still want him dead.
Will Quinton Bell find a way out, or will he forever be a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse?
Dead By Proxy is the first book in the edgy Proxy Legal Thriller Series. If you like memorable characters, smart gritty action, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love Manning Wolfe’s fast-paced page-turner.
“A riveting read that expertly teams courtroom drama and legal maneuvering with imminent danger, spine-tingling suspense, a touch of romance, and non-stop action. Talk about an adrenaline rush!” – Reedsy
“Manning Wolfe just put herself on my list of must-read authors!” – John Ellsworth
Dead By Proxy takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the life of a criminal defense attorney, whose world is wiped out. When Quinton loses a career-defining case, he finds himself being hunted by the very client he tried to save.
As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain sight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.
When he’s forced to take on a high-profile murder case, he exposes himself and those he loves to danger. With each passing moment, the noose tightens, and he must draw on every ounce of wit to outsmart those who still want him dead.
Will Quinton Bell find a way out, or will he forever be a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse?
Dead By Proxy is the first book in the edgy Proxy Legal Thriller Series. If you like memorable characters, smart gritty action, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love Manning Wolfe’s fast-paced page-turner.
“A riveting read that expertly teams courtroom drama and legal maneuvering with imminent danger, spine-tingling suspense, a touch of romance, and non-stop action. Talk about an adrenaline rush!” – Reedsy
“Manning Wolfe just put herself on my list of must-read authors!” – John Ellsworth
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
63 people are currently reading
1267 people want to read
About the author
Manning Wolfe
34 books280 followersMANNING WOLFE, an award-winning author and attorney, writes cinematic-style, smart, fast-paced thrillers and crime fiction. Manning was recently featured on Oxygen TV’s: Accident, Suicide, or Murder, and has spoken at major book festivals around the world.
* Manning’s legal thriller series features Austin attorney Merit Bridges, including Dollar Signs, Music Notes, Green Fees, and Chinese Wall.
* Manning’s new Proxy Legal Thrillers Series features Houston attorney Quinton Bell, including Dead By Proxy, Hunted By Proxy, and Alive By Proxy.
* Manning is co-author of Killer Set: Drop the Mic, and twelve additional Bullet Books Speed Reads.
As a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Manning’s experience has given her a voyeur’s peek into some shady characters’ lives and a front-row seat to watch the good people who stand against them.
www.manningwolfe.com
* Manning’s legal thriller series features Austin attorney Merit Bridges, including Dollar Signs, Music Notes, Green Fees, and Chinese Wall.
* Manning’s new Proxy Legal Thrillers Series features Houston attorney Quinton Bell, including Dead By Proxy, Hunted By Proxy, and Alive By Proxy.
* Manning is co-author of Killer Set: Drop the Mic, and twelve additional Bullet Books Speed Reads.
As a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Manning’s experience has given her a voyeur’s peek into some shady characters’ lives and a front-row seat to watch the good people who stand against them.
www.manningwolfe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 9, 2023
I received an advance copy of “Dead By Proxy” and read it in one sitting, because it was very readable. I had only read one of Manning Wolfe’s short stories previously, yet I was happy to be chosen and gifted this free book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll only list a few of my many positive observations, because this is a legal thriller and I know nothing about the law. Number one positive is that I found all of the courtroom jargon, legalese, and laws, including references to court cases, etc. fascinating. There was a fair amount of explaining those, which was all written perfectly for someone with no legal background at all, and it gave me confidence in the author’s credentials both as a writer and an attorney. I can’t imagine it being tedious to someone more well informed.
Secondly, the central character is a very likable lawyer, who is also handsome, smart, and has an unusual amount of compassion and humanity. You would think being a lawyer would make him jaded against some levels of humanity, but he is forgiving, open minded, and vulnerable. He’s still single and not in it for the money, but thankfully women weren’t throwing themselves at him in this book. Since this is a series, I can’t help being reminded of many happy hours reading fictional PI series. I was surprised this book didn’t morph into one about halfway through. If you enjoy those, you’ll probably like this book.
Also, there is a lot of wealth in this book. Discussing money, fashion, neighborhoods, houses, and possessions of the rich is often turned into an indictment, where somebody must be greedy, or reached their status on the backs of others less fortunate. I liked that our lawyer is actually a success story. Someone who was clever enough to rise from scholarships and hard work into a career that paid off, where others failed despite their advantages!
This is the first book of a new series and it ends with deep secrets, as well as good and evil men who are left standing (who will assuredly be seen again), but the conclusion is a new beginning. We are not left with the feeling that the police, judges, or lawyers are all corruptible, that the system is flawed and we can’t trust anything we grew up to believe in, as the current trend in history seems to constantly be trying to brainwash us.
I like that there is a theme that second chances and redemption are possible, and that coloring outside of the lines has created such a great new legal series. In my opinion, this is a book which could be read by anyone in the Young Adult category and up, because it is not riddled with terrible language, extreme violence, and explicit sex.
I’ll only list a few of my many positive observations, because this is a legal thriller and I know nothing about the law. Number one positive is that I found all of the courtroom jargon, legalese, and laws, including references to court cases, etc. fascinating. There was a fair amount of explaining those, which was all written perfectly for someone with no legal background at all, and it gave me confidence in the author’s credentials both as a writer and an attorney. I can’t imagine it being tedious to someone more well informed.
Secondly, the central character is a very likable lawyer, who is also handsome, smart, and has an unusual amount of compassion and humanity. You would think being a lawyer would make him jaded against some levels of humanity, but he is forgiving, open minded, and vulnerable. He’s still single and not in it for the money, but thankfully women weren’t throwing themselves at him in this book. Since this is a series, I can’t help being reminded of many happy hours reading fictional PI series. I was surprised this book didn’t morph into one about halfway through. If you enjoy those, you’ll probably like this book.
Also, there is a lot of wealth in this book. Discussing money, fashion, neighborhoods, houses, and possessions of the rich is often turned into an indictment, where somebody must be greedy, or reached their status on the backs of others less fortunate. I liked that our lawyer is actually a success story. Someone who was clever enough to rise from scholarships and hard work into a career that paid off, where others failed despite their advantages!
This is the first book of a new series and it ends with deep secrets, as well as good and evil men who are left standing (who will assuredly be seen again), but the conclusion is a new beginning. We are not left with the feeling that the police, judges, or lawyers are all corruptible, that the system is flawed and we can’t trust anything we grew up to believe in, as the current trend in history seems to constantly be trying to brainwash us.
I like that there is a theme that second chances and redemption are possible, and that coloring outside of the lines has created such a great new legal series. In my opinion, this is a book which could be read by anyone in the Young Adult category and up, because it is not riddled with terrible language, extreme violence, and explicit sex.
March 20, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to BookSirens and Manning Wolfe for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
New to the world of Manning Wolfe, I gladly accepted this ARC. I love a good thriller, particularly when it involves legal matters. Wolfe develops a great story that is sure to pique the interest of readers, as a lawyer must go off the rid to save himself from a poor verdict at a recent trial. When he finds himself in the clear, new issues crop up and leave Byron Douglas scrambling to cover his tracks, all while his original foes look to locate and permanently terminate the wily lawyer. A great series debut by Manning Wolfe.
Byron Douglas is a reputable attorney in New York City whose latest client is testing his limits. While he knows the law and how to circumvent the technicalities, when Byron cannot turn the tables and help a member of the Irish Mob avoid jail, he knows that he is in trouble. Forced to come to this realization, Byron soon discovers that his head in on a platter when the jury finds his client guilty.
With little time before he becomes a body, Byron concocts a plan to make himself disappear and hopefully stymie any search for him. However, he needs a long-term plan an decides that he’ll relocate to Houston and take on the identity of a former friend whose life has taken a significant turn. Making his way to Houston, Byron takes on the identity of Quinton Bell and tries to fit in with the locals, many of whom have not seen the lawyer who became a drug addict for years.
Fully taking on the role, Quinton returns to the law and is able to work himself into a new job as a criminal attorney, when the worst possible thing happens. The actual body of Quinton Bell turns up and there is no explains it away. Quinton will have to explain it away as being the elusive Byron Douglas, whose body was never recovered in NYC. Now, it will be a scramble to keep himself off the radar as the Irish Mob appear ready to head South to get some answers. All this, while an acquaintance is levelled with some serious legal issues that will require Quinton to help her. In this heart-stopping piece, Wolfe shows that she has all the elements of a great writer in a series that could really get intense, given the time.
I always enjoy a good piece of thriller writing and find that Manning Wolfe knows how to create a great story. Her narrative flows with ease and kept me wanting to turn pages to learn a little more about what was going on. The story gains momentum as things get more intense, culminating in a standoff for Byron Douglas and those who want him dead. With great characters and a solid foundation, this could be a great series, should Wolfe keep up the high calibre writing, especially with a good cliffhanger, as the novel found itself offering at the end.
Plot lines in the book provide a great direction for the narrative and flavour things effectively for the journey throughout this book. Using great twists and surprises along the way, Wolfe keeps things on edge and leaves the reader wondering what is happening and hoe it will all play out. I can see great things for this series and hope Manning Wolfe put as much effort into the second novel of the series, which I have on my radar to begin soon!
Kudos, Madam Wolfe, for a great introduction to your style.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
New to the world of Manning Wolfe, I gladly accepted this ARC. I love a good thriller, particularly when it involves legal matters. Wolfe develops a great story that is sure to pique the interest of readers, as a lawyer must go off the rid to save himself from a poor verdict at a recent trial. When he finds himself in the clear, new issues crop up and leave Byron Douglas scrambling to cover his tracks, all while his original foes look to locate and permanently terminate the wily lawyer. A great series debut by Manning Wolfe.
Byron Douglas is a reputable attorney in New York City whose latest client is testing his limits. While he knows the law and how to circumvent the technicalities, when Byron cannot turn the tables and help a member of the Irish Mob avoid jail, he knows that he is in trouble. Forced to come to this realization, Byron soon discovers that his head in on a platter when the jury finds his client guilty.
With little time before he becomes a body, Byron concocts a plan to make himself disappear and hopefully stymie any search for him. However, he needs a long-term plan an decides that he’ll relocate to Houston and take on the identity of a former friend whose life has taken a significant turn. Making his way to Houston, Byron takes on the identity of Quinton Bell and tries to fit in with the locals, many of whom have not seen the lawyer who became a drug addict for years.
Fully taking on the role, Quinton returns to the law and is able to work himself into a new job as a criminal attorney, when the worst possible thing happens. The actual body of Quinton Bell turns up and there is no explains it away. Quinton will have to explain it away as being the elusive Byron Douglas, whose body was never recovered in NYC. Now, it will be a scramble to keep himself off the radar as the Irish Mob appear ready to head South to get some answers. All this, while an acquaintance is levelled with some serious legal issues that will require Quinton to help her. In this heart-stopping piece, Wolfe shows that she has all the elements of a great writer in a series that could really get intense, given the time.
I always enjoy a good piece of thriller writing and find that Manning Wolfe knows how to create a great story. Her narrative flows with ease and kept me wanting to turn pages to learn a little more about what was going on. The story gains momentum as things get more intense, culminating in a standoff for Byron Douglas and those who want him dead. With great characters and a solid foundation, this could be a great series, should Wolfe keep up the high calibre writing, especially with a good cliffhanger, as the novel found itself offering at the end.
Plot lines in the book provide a great direction for the narrative and flavour things effectively for the journey throughout this book. Using great twists and surprises along the way, Wolfe keeps things on edge and leaves the reader wondering what is happening and hoe it will all play out. I can see great things for this series and hope Manning Wolfe put as much effort into the second novel of the series, which I have on my radar to begin soon!
Kudos, Madam Wolfe, for a great introduction to your style.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 18, 2023
If legal thrillers and courtroom drama are your jam, then Dead By Proxy would be a good one to snag. It's full of drama, courtroom action (which I enjoy) and a couple of twists that make for a quick and fun read.
I was not expecting the ending, although I did figure out which the killer is, and I'm interested to see where this goes next.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and the author for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was not expecting the ending, although I did figure out which the killer is, and I'm interested to see where this goes next.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and the author for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 4, 2023
Many plot twists and turns to keep you engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next.
I love a good suspense/thriller novel, and this book delivers. We meet Byron Douglas, who has found himself on the wrong side of the Irish Mafia in New York and has to escape to Texas to try and disappear into the population and potentially save his life. What he doesn't expect is for his old friend's father to help him disappear. Judge Bell arranges for Byron to assume his son's life, who is presumed dead. What unfolds is a twisty tale that reveals the underbelly of the criminal world and what lengths some will go to to avoid jail.
Byron is a likable character and has morals for a lawyer. Not that lawyers don't have morals or a conscience, but there are some that do not. I appreciated that he didn't like everything as it unfolded, but he knew if he didn't assume this other identity, he could be discovered and killed rather quickly. Not that it was a foolproof plan, but it was better than nothing. I wondered how events would play out for him in the long run. What evolves was surprising, and while I might have suspected part of the plot twist, most of it was a surprise.
The action is fast-paced, the characters are varied, and the courtroom scenes are detailed. While I am not a lawyer (nor have I played one anywhere!), I felt like I had a grasp on the process from the descriptions the author laid out for us. I am intrigued by this series, and I wonder if Byron, now Quinton, will struggle with his choices and identity from now on. There are so many revelations at the end of the book, and I can't imagine how I would handle it if I were in his shoes.
While this book does wrap up the situation that Byron/Quinton finds himself in, there is a bit of a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more from this author sooner rather than later. But it looks like you will only have to wait until January for the next in this series.
I stayed up way too late reading this book (the joy, or curse, of insomnia) and gave it 4 paws up.
I love a good suspense/thriller novel, and this book delivers. We meet Byron Douglas, who has found himself on the wrong side of the Irish Mafia in New York and has to escape to Texas to try and disappear into the population and potentially save his life. What he doesn't expect is for his old friend's father to help him disappear. Judge Bell arranges for Byron to assume his son's life, who is presumed dead. What unfolds is a twisty tale that reveals the underbelly of the criminal world and what lengths some will go to to avoid jail.
Byron is a likable character and has morals for a lawyer. Not that lawyers don't have morals or a conscience, but there are some that do not. I appreciated that he didn't like everything as it unfolded, but he knew if he didn't assume this other identity, he could be discovered and killed rather quickly. Not that it was a foolproof plan, but it was better than nothing. I wondered how events would play out for him in the long run. What evolves was surprising, and while I might have suspected part of the plot twist, most of it was a surprise.
The action is fast-paced, the characters are varied, and the courtroom scenes are detailed. While I am not a lawyer (nor have I played one anywhere!), I felt like I had a grasp on the process from the descriptions the author laid out for us. I am intrigued by this series, and I wonder if Byron, now Quinton, will struggle with his choices and identity from now on. There are so many revelations at the end of the book, and I can't imagine how I would handle it if I were in his shoes.
While this book does wrap up the situation that Byron/Quinton finds himself in, there is a bit of a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more from this author sooner rather than later. But it looks like you will only have to wait until January for the next in this series.
I stayed up way too late reading this book (the joy, or curse, of insomnia) and gave it 4 paws up.
September 17, 2023
Dead by Proxy by Manning Wolfe is the first in the series Proxy Legal Thriller. Byron Douglas is a successful defense attorney, but when he loses a case he becomes a liability that the Dannon mob can't afford. Their goal is to kill him in retaliation for losing this case.
Bryon now has to forego his successful life and go on the run, utilizing various disguises. He ends up in Houston hoping to escape the clutches of the Irish mob. He stages his own death, hoping to stay out of the reach of the mob.
He comes to the attention of a judge who is the father of one of Byron's friends, who believes his son Quinton is deceased, so with the help of the judge, he leaves his previous life and becomes the "son" of the judge. He gets a job with a prestigious law firm. But not all is what it seems and Quinton as he is now known, still feels that he is being watched. Can he survive?
Dead by Proxy has a lot of twists is character-driven and tells a great legal thriller. Perfect for the reader who loves this genre. I read it in two sittings and really liked the book and look forward to reading the next in the series or the books that the author has written in other series.
I give this book 5 stars
I received a copy of the book strictly for review purposes.
Bryon now has to forego his successful life and go on the run, utilizing various disguises. He ends up in Houston hoping to escape the clutches of the Irish mob. He stages his own death, hoping to stay out of the reach of the mob.
He comes to the attention of a judge who is the father of one of Byron's friends, who believes his son Quinton is deceased, so with the help of the judge, he leaves his previous life and becomes the "son" of the judge. He gets a job with a prestigious law firm. But not all is what it seems and Quinton as he is now known, still feels that he is being watched. Can he survive?
Dead by Proxy has a lot of twists is character-driven and tells a great legal thriller. Perfect for the reader who loves this genre. I read it in two sittings and really liked the book and look forward to reading the next in the series or the books that the author has written in other series.
I give this book 5 stars
I received a copy of the book strictly for review purposes.
August 22, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I was not compensated in any way.
Dead by Proxy is an addictive thriller filled with action and suspense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more of Manny Wolfe’s excellent writing. It is brilliantly paced, crackling with energy, twists and turns, memorable characters, action and suspense.
Manning Wolfe burst into the legal thriller arena writing about big time law firms and lawyers. Manning Wolfe’s knowledge of the judicial system is impeccable with her experience being a lawyer.
Dead by Proxy is the first book in the Proxy Legal Thriller Series that introduces us to criminal defense lawyer, Quinton Bell, who finds that losing a high profile murder case is not only detrimental to his career but also, to his life. Quinton Bell never counted on his client going after him because he had lost the case. Now Quinton Bell is in survival mode and must now deal with his client and his client’s connection to unsavory characters. Can Quinton Bell stay ahead of those out to kill him or will he lose his life ? You will need to read Dead By Proxy to find out, you will not be disappointed !!
Dead by Proxy is an addictive thriller filled with action and suspense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more of Manny Wolfe’s excellent writing. It is brilliantly paced, crackling with energy, twists and turns, memorable characters, action and suspense.
Manning Wolfe burst into the legal thriller arena writing about big time law firms and lawyers. Manning Wolfe’s knowledge of the judicial system is impeccable with her experience being a lawyer.
Dead by Proxy is the first book in the Proxy Legal Thriller Series that introduces us to criminal defense lawyer, Quinton Bell, who finds that losing a high profile murder case is not only detrimental to his career but also, to his life. Quinton Bell never counted on his client going after him because he had lost the case. Now Quinton Bell is in survival mode and must now deal with his client and his client’s connection to unsavory characters. Can Quinton Bell stay ahead of those out to kill him or will he lose his life ? You will need to read Dead By Proxy to find out, you will not be disappointed !!
August 22, 2023
Exciting read! Never saw the twists coming.
October 9, 2023
There were several things about this book that stood out to me. The legal jargon, courtroom scenes, and law enforcement scenes throughout the story rang true. I can only imagine the amount of research that went into creating this twisted tale.
Byron Douglas is a lawyer, and he’s a good one. He’s earned a solid reputation in New York City as the lawyer who can get even the most guilty exonerated. But now, he’s crossed the Irish Mafia, and his life is in danger.
Byron’s meticulous planning and patience is a bold and dangerous plan as he makes his next move, one he hopes will keep him alive. With the mob hot on his heels, he boards a ferry, well aware he’s being followed. He’d counted on it. And now, after a physical altercation, he’s tossed overboard and assumed dead.
Only he’s not. From New York City to Reno, Nevada, then to Houston, Texas, Byron fights to stay alive.
The author threw in some plot twists that kept me guessing who, what, when, and where. It’s a well-executed story, and the characters are believable and three-dimensional. The main character is easy to root for. Even though he’s a lawyer and lawyers are stuck with a bad reputation, Byron is compassionate and generous. When he’s faced with the opportunity to assume his best friend’s identity, he doesn’t take it lightly, although he can’t know all the repercussions it will cause. The love interest in the story struck me as a spoiled rich girl, but she did have some depth. The Judge, who takes Byron, now aka Quentin, as his son, has good intentions, but as tension mounts, his mental stability declines. That is also believable and makes him a realistic character.
The action is fast-paced as Byron attempts to stay one step ahead of those out to eliminate him. I never hit a point of boredom with the story. The courtroom scenes are vivid, and I had no trouble putting myself inside the scene.
I had absolutely no clue how this story would culminate, but the author wrapped it up brilliantly. And while it is only the beginning of the series, this book had a satisfactory ending while leaving the reader wanting to what is next for Byron Douglas, aka Quentin Bell.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, you are sure to enjoy this book.
Byron Douglas is a lawyer, and he’s a good one. He’s earned a solid reputation in New York City as the lawyer who can get even the most guilty exonerated. But now, he’s crossed the Irish Mafia, and his life is in danger.
Byron’s meticulous planning and patience is a bold and dangerous plan as he makes his next move, one he hopes will keep him alive. With the mob hot on his heels, he boards a ferry, well aware he’s being followed. He’d counted on it. And now, after a physical altercation, he’s tossed overboard and assumed dead.
Only he’s not. From New York City to Reno, Nevada, then to Houston, Texas, Byron fights to stay alive.
The author threw in some plot twists that kept me guessing who, what, when, and where. It’s a well-executed story, and the characters are believable and three-dimensional. The main character is easy to root for. Even though he’s a lawyer and lawyers are stuck with a bad reputation, Byron is compassionate and generous. When he’s faced with the opportunity to assume his best friend’s identity, he doesn’t take it lightly, although he can’t know all the repercussions it will cause. The love interest in the story struck me as a spoiled rich girl, but she did have some depth. The Judge, who takes Byron, now aka Quentin, as his son, has good intentions, but as tension mounts, his mental stability declines. That is also believable and makes him a realistic character.
The action is fast-paced as Byron attempts to stay one step ahead of those out to eliminate him. I never hit a point of boredom with the story. The courtroom scenes are vivid, and I had no trouble putting myself inside the scene.
I had absolutely no clue how this story would culminate, but the author wrapped it up brilliantly. And while it is only the beginning of the series, this book had a satisfactory ending while leaving the reader wanting to what is next for Byron Douglas, aka Quentin Bell.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, you are sure to enjoy this book.
November 1, 2023
4.5
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and Manning Wolfe for this giveaway win! So exciting!
Exhilarating, identity, poker…
Byron Douglas is a successful practicing NYC criminal defense lawyer. The law is “ both his mistress and his life.” He has just lost the biggest trial of his career and now the NYC Irish mob want to retaliate against him. He leaves NYC for Reno, Nevada and eventually Houston, Texas for his safety and survival. Here he will go to great lengths to re-invent himself with a new name, new job, and new life. A merry-go-round of events will result in him discovering that “hope is sometimes a dangerous thing!”
Thoughts & comments:
*This was a plucky, edgy story of action-packed suspense. I found it to be a fun, escapist read that I read in 2 days. I liked the uncertainty of it all, with the cloak-and-dagger twists slowly revealed throughout.
The plot twists kept me guessing- I didn’t know who to trust or who to believe! The last page was truly a cliffhanger - don’t peek! A perfect set-up for future books in the series!
A fast-paced legal thriller, courtroom drama with a tiche of romance! I recommend this engaging read! I will definitely read the next books in this new thriller series! (First time reader of this author.)
*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and Manning Wolfe for this giveaway win! So exciting!
Exhilarating, identity, poker…
Byron Douglas is a successful practicing NYC criminal defense lawyer. The law is “ both his mistress and his life.” He has just lost the biggest trial of his career and now the NYC Irish mob want to retaliate against him. He leaves NYC for Reno, Nevada and eventually Houston, Texas for his safety and survival. Here he will go to great lengths to re-invent himself with a new name, new job, and new life. A merry-go-round of events will result in him discovering that “hope is sometimes a dangerous thing!”
Thoughts & comments:
*This was a plucky, edgy story of action-packed suspense. I found it to be a fun, escapist read that I read in 2 days. I liked the uncertainty of it all, with the cloak-and-dagger twists slowly revealed throughout.
The plot twists kept me guessing- I didn’t know who to trust or who to believe! The last page was truly a cliffhanger - don’t peek! A perfect set-up for future books in the series!
A fast-paced legal thriller, courtroom drama with a tiche of romance! I recommend this engaging read! I will definitely read the next books in this new thriller series! (First time reader of this author.)
September 26, 2025
Very entertaining!
September 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Manning Wolfe and Partners In Crime Tours. I am excited to be a part of the tour!
In Dead by Proxy, Quinton Bell loses a career-defining case and finds himself being hunted by the client he tried to save. As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain slight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.
As a child I imagined I’d be an attorney when I grew up. Instead, I fell in love with psychology and took a different route. My guilty pleasure is legal thrillers and I live vicariously through them. This is my first book by this author, and I am hooked! The characters are well written and full of depth. The cat and mouse elements combined with an action-packed adventure.
The details are descriptive, and I felt like I was a fly on the wall the entire time. Being set in Houston brought back fond memories of the years I lived in the Bayou city. I was also sucked in by all the drama in this story from the court room to the personalities I couldn’t put this book down. The red herrings were perfect, I didn’t see the final twist coming and loved it!
Dead by Proxy is the first in the A Lawyer on the Run Action Suspense series. I am anxiously awaiting book number 2 and look forward to accompanying Quinton on his next adventure. I also look forward to seeing how the characters develop and mature.
In Dead by Proxy, Quinton Bell loses a career-defining case and finds himself being hunted by the client he tried to save. As Quinton navigates the treacherous path of survival, he is running from a powerful and relentless adversary who will stop at nothing to see him silenced. Finally landing in Houston, he hides in plain slight while re-inventing his new life as a trial lawyer.
As a child I imagined I’d be an attorney when I grew up. Instead, I fell in love with psychology and took a different route. My guilty pleasure is legal thrillers and I live vicariously through them. This is my first book by this author, and I am hooked! The characters are well written and full of depth. The cat and mouse elements combined with an action-packed adventure.
The details are descriptive, and I felt like I was a fly on the wall the entire time. Being set in Houston brought back fond memories of the years I lived in the Bayou city. I was also sucked in by all the drama in this story from the court room to the personalities I couldn’t put this book down. The red herrings were perfect, I didn’t see the final twist coming and loved it!
Dead by Proxy is the first in the A Lawyer on the Run Action Suspense series. I am anxiously awaiting book number 2 and look forward to accompanying Quinton on his next adventure. I also look forward to seeing how the characters develop and mature.
October 7, 2023
Can a woman write a thriller book that leaves you going wow ‘how did I ever miss this author before?’ Yes, she can. Fist bumps and high fives to author, Manning Wolfe on this fantabulous thriller.
Dead By Proxy is a fast-read thriller that does not miss a beat. The story starts readers off in New York City and leaves them in Houston, Texas. Manning takes readers into the legal, lawyer world where her main character is trying not to get killed. What ensues is Byron becomes Quinton in a tale that you wish you were watching on the big screen.
Often, I can make a pretty good guess at who the killer is, even with an estimated guess, but in Manning’s story, she weaves the elements and characters so brilliantly that I was left speechless at the end. Let me clarify here that one reason I was awed. I did not even come up with a guess because the story enveloped me with each page swipe, so I was not concerned about who the killer was. This story does not give you pause to think it just keeps going and going until the surprise ending. That’s how a story should be for readers – solid and unputdownable.
One question begging in my mind is how many judges actually have guns under their benches? Love the authentic touches of Manning including Gaido’s and the Houston Downtown Tunnel System in this story.
If you love thriller books where the legal system is the core of the story, then I highly recommend Dead By Proxy. If you love thriller books period, then this book is a must-read, followed by the next in this series. Love when books surprise me. Dead by Proxy definitely flabbergasted me leaving me wanting more of Manning’s well-crafted writing and story.
Dead By Proxy is a fast-read thriller that does not miss a beat. The story starts readers off in New York City and leaves them in Houston, Texas. Manning takes readers into the legal, lawyer world where her main character is trying not to get killed. What ensues is Byron becomes Quinton in a tale that you wish you were watching on the big screen.
Often, I can make a pretty good guess at who the killer is, even with an estimated guess, but in Manning’s story, she weaves the elements and characters so brilliantly that I was left speechless at the end. Let me clarify here that one reason I was awed. I did not even come up with a guess because the story enveloped me with each page swipe, so I was not concerned about who the killer was. This story does not give you pause to think it just keeps going and going until the surprise ending. That’s how a story should be for readers – solid and unputdownable.
One question begging in my mind is how many judges actually have guns under their benches? Love the authentic touches of Manning including Gaido’s and the Houston Downtown Tunnel System in this story.
If you love thriller books where the legal system is the core of the story, then I highly recommend Dead By Proxy. If you love thriller books period, then this book is a must-read, followed by the next in this series. Love when books surprise me. Dead by Proxy definitely flabbergasted me leaving me wanting more of Manning’s well-crafted writing and story.
September 29, 2024
I have always been partial to a good legal thriller since I went to school as a paralegal. I like that this story is detailed on the law and cases without it feeling like you are reading in a law library. There are several twists and turns and I look forward to the next in the series.
June 15, 2024
Good storyline and. Excellent protagonist.. a lotoffuntoread.
October 10, 2023
"Hope is sometimes a dangerous thing."
Dead by Proxy by Manning Wolfe is a firecracker of a tale, sending the reader down a rabbit hole of danger, cloak and dagger tactics, and murder. Byron Douglas is a highly driven defense lawyer in New York City. Defending Killian Tyrone, who is on trial for murder and other charges and affiliated with the Irish mob, proves to be both difficult and deadly. When Tyrone is found guilty, the Irish mob boss is out for blood, and Byron’s life becomes a complete powder keg. What happens next is a runaway train, with Byron holding a one-way ticket to Houston, Texas, after a brief attempt to lay low in Reno, Nevada, heavily disguised and calling himself Clark Kensey.
While Byron can skillfully supplement his cash stash with poker winnings, the law is his passion. In Houston, Byron seeks help and advice from a highly influential judge, who happens to be the father of his childhood friend, who happens to be presumed dead. Once again, Byron changes his identity to Quinton Bell to avoid detection from the Irish mob, but how long can he maintain this ruse? How long can he disappear in plain sight?
Manning Wolfe has crafted a high-tenson thriller that keeps lobbing twists and turns at the reader. As the protagonist, Byron is likable and dynamic in his ability to adapt to his ever-changing situation. The author keeps Byron and readers on their toes by ratcheting up the already high suspense and stress at every turn. Whenever things start to settle down, that powder keg goes off again and again and again. Brilliant!
The pacing of Dead by Proxy is naturally quick, and the plot is fluid and exciting, but the characters ultimately drive this story along a fiery trajectory. Houston and nearby Galveston are great choices for settings, with an energetic mix of criminality, a legal tightrope, and thick coastal humidity.
But what about romance? Byron does find love in Dead by Proxy but at what cost? The surprise factor remains high throughout, with the tension mounting and the characters going rogue. Catch your breath and get comfy because the author fills the pages of Dead by Proxy with events, choices, and secrets that all lead straight to an explosive ending and the perfect set up for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Dead by Proxy by Manning Wolfe is a firecracker of a tale, sending the reader down a rabbit hole of danger, cloak and dagger tactics, and murder. Byron Douglas is a highly driven defense lawyer in New York City. Defending Killian Tyrone, who is on trial for murder and other charges and affiliated with the Irish mob, proves to be both difficult and deadly. When Tyrone is found guilty, the Irish mob boss is out for blood, and Byron’s life becomes a complete powder keg. What happens next is a runaway train, with Byron holding a one-way ticket to Houston, Texas, after a brief attempt to lay low in Reno, Nevada, heavily disguised and calling himself Clark Kensey.
While Byron can skillfully supplement his cash stash with poker winnings, the law is his passion. In Houston, Byron seeks help and advice from a highly influential judge, who happens to be the father of his childhood friend, who happens to be presumed dead. Once again, Byron changes his identity to Quinton Bell to avoid detection from the Irish mob, but how long can he maintain this ruse? How long can he disappear in plain sight?
Manning Wolfe has crafted a high-tenson thriller that keeps lobbing twists and turns at the reader. As the protagonist, Byron is likable and dynamic in his ability to adapt to his ever-changing situation. The author keeps Byron and readers on their toes by ratcheting up the already high suspense and stress at every turn. Whenever things start to settle down, that powder keg goes off again and again and again. Brilliant!
The pacing of Dead by Proxy is naturally quick, and the plot is fluid and exciting, but the characters ultimately drive this story along a fiery trajectory. Houston and nearby Galveston are great choices for settings, with an energetic mix of criminality, a legal tightrope, and thick coastal humidity.
But what about romance? Byron does find love in Dead by Proxy but at what cost? The surprise factor remains high throughout, with the tension mounting and the characters going rogue. Catch your breath and get comfy because the author fills the pages of Dead by Proxy with events, choices, and secrets that all lead straight to an explosive ending and the perfect set up for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2023
Did anyone get the license number of that truck that just laid me out?! That’s this book. Y’all, Manning Wolfe has written an absolute banger of a novel with Dead by Proxy.
Byron Douglas is a respected criminal defense lawyer in New York City, and he’s very good at what he does. He’s retained to represent a defendant connected to the Irish Mob, charged with murder. When his client insists on testifying against Byron’s strongly worded recommendation, Byron is unable to live up to his reputation, and the jury finds his client guilty. Byron then finds himself in a heap of trouble, literally running for his life.
I burned through this book in significantly less than 24 hours. I could not put it down, because I had to know what happened! After his defeat in court, it doesn’t take Byron long to realize the Irish Mafia has him in the crosshairs, and he starts laying some pretty meticulous plans for dropping out of sight. I was impressed! If I were in fear for my life, I don’t know that I’d have the presence of mind to set things up the way he did. (That’s probably why he’s a better trial lawyer than I ever was, that whole preparation thing.) But no plan is perfect, and while he’s making enough playing poker to survive, he misses his legal career. When his cover is blown, Byron heads to Texas to see a judge – the father of his former best friend, Quinton Bell. The judge suggests that Byron takes on a life as Quinton, but will that be enough to protect him?
Manning Wolfe does a masterful job with courtroom settings and litigation know-how. I was on the prosecution side of the bar, but I can tell you, her descriptions of the process are spot on. And I know defense attorneys are generally not highly regarded except by the people hoping for a not guilty verdict, but I appreciated that she had Byron/Quinton not being a total jerk in court. He conducted himself with professionalism and he did the best he could to provide a zealous defense to someone who was a pretty despicable person.
She also does a phenomenal job of writing a thriller that will have you chewing your nails to the quick. The tension absolutely never lets up. Quinton is constantly looking over his shoulder, second-guessing himself. He’s been made once before. Is a new identity enough to keep the eyes of the Irish off him? And even when he thinks it’s okay to draw a breath, that maybe he isn’t on their radar for a minute or two, he has to navigate life basically wearing someone else’s skin. Who can he trust? Who can he just relax and be himself with? Who can he tell his secret to? I can only imagine that keeping people at that kind of distance is exhausting.
I’m not going to tell you the whole story. That’s Ms. Wolfe’s job, and I certainly can’t do it better than she can. I will tell you this: there were things I didn’t see coming, and Judge Bell does a whole lot of stuff that I’m pretty sure violates more than one judicial canon. I know desperate times call for desperate measures, and he did what he thought was best to help Byron. But man, Judge Bell rolled some pretty big dice and hoped no one called him on any of it. And he calls himself an officer of the court. I wasn’t sure whether I really liked his character or not as the story went on!
Find yourself a comfy spot and settle in, because once you start Dead by Proxy, you won’t want stop until you get to the end. It’s a great beginning to the Proxy Legal Thriller series, and there’s a heck of a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you in a froth to get your hands on the next book!
Byron Douglas is a respected criminal defense lawyer in New York City, and he’s very good at what he does. He’s retained to represent a defendant connected to the Irish Mob, charged with murder. When his client insists on testifying against Byron’s strongly worded recommendation, Byron is unable to live up to his reputation, and the jury finds his client guilty. Byron then finds himself in a heap of trouble, literally running for his life.
I burned through this book in significantly less than 24 hours. I could not put it down, because I had to know what happened! After his defeat in court, it doesn’t take Byron long to realize the Irish Mafia has him in the crosshairs, and he starts laying some pretty meticulous plans for dropping out of sight. I was impressed! If I were in fear for my life, I don’t know that I’d have the presence of mind to set things up the way he did. (That’s probably why he’s a better trial lawyer than I ever was, that whole preparation thing.) But no plan is perfect, and while he’s making enough playing poker to survive, he misses his legal career. When his cover is blown, Byron heads to Texas to see a judge – the father of his former best friend, Quinton Bell. The judge suggests that Byron takes on a life as Quinton, but will that be enough to protect him?
Manning Wolfe does a masterful job with courtroom settings and litigation know-how. I was on the prosecution side of the bar, but I can tell you, her descriptions of the process are spot on. And I know defense attorneys are generally not highly regarded except by the people hoping for a not guilty verdict, but I appreciated that she had Byron/Quinton not being a total jerk in court. He conducted himself with professionalism and he did the best he could to provide a zealous defense to someone who was a pretty despicable person.
She also does a phenomenal job of writing a thriller that will have you chewing your nails to the quick. The tension absolutely never lets up. Quinton is constantly looking over his shoulder, second-guessing himself. He’s been made once before. Is a new identity enough to keep the eyes of the Irish off him? And even when he thinks it’s okay to draw a breath, that maybe he isn’t on their radar for a minute or two, he has to navigate life basically wearing someone else’s skin. Who can he trust? Who can he just relax and be himself with? Who can he tell his secret to? I can only imagine that keeping people at that kind of distance is exhausting.
I’m not going to tell you the whole story. That’s Ms. Wolfe’s job, and I certainly can’t do it better than she can. I will tell you this: there were things I didn’t see coming, and Judge Bell does a whole lot of stuff that I’m pretty sure violates more than one judicial canon. I know desperate times call for desperate measures, and he did what he thought was best to help Byron. But man, Judge Bell rolled some pretty big dice and hoped no one called him on any of it. And he calls himself an officer of the court. I wasn’t sure whether I really liked his character or not as the story went on!
Find yourself a comfy spot and settle in, because once you start Dead by Proxy, you won’t want stop until you get to the end. It’s a great beginning to the Proxy Legal Thriller series, and there’s a heck of a cliffhanger at the end that will leave you in a froth to get your hands on the next book!
January 25, 2024
Dead By Proxy is easily one of the best legal thrillers I’ve read. It is a fabulous start to a new series by author Manning Wolfe. However, there’s plenty of headroom left in the overarching storyline to continue the excitement.
The story follows the activity of defense attorney Quinton Bell. After losing a murder case for the Irish mob in New York, he flee the city after they come after him. Eventually arriving in Houston, Texas, Bell has to reinvent his life, yet remain under the radar and hold the Irish mob at bay. However, when the woman he loves is accused of murder, decisions have to be made that could put everyone in Quinton’s inner circle in danger.
I think I summarized the storyline poorly, because the actual story is much more thrilling than my passive description. Once the girlfriend is accused of murder, the lead up to the climax begins, and the action in the final courtroom scene is off the charts!
I think the storyline is quite clever. When someone tries to stay under the radar, yet hide in plain sight, it’s kind of like building a house of cards. What could go wrong? If they all come tumbling down, who will they fall on?
The character of Quinton Bell is very well written. Among the character’s quirks are an ability to consistently win at cards and an affinity for pimento cheese. He is definitely a unique character.
Written entirely in the third person narrative, the reader is privy to the good, the bad, and the ugly at all times. Even then, the author did a great job of “showing” rather than “telling.” Much of the story is told through dialogue, rather than the narrator.
Thrillers like this depend on pacing to make the story great and keep the reader turning those pages. I thought the pacing was perfect (except as noted in the next paragraph). The pacing up to the climax was consistent, and even after the climax the author kept the pace until the ultimate ending.
I have two criticisms of this story, and they are both minor. First, it seemed that two short chapters were inserted after the story was written. They both connected plot points that would have otherwise not been easily connected, yet they didn’t have the same “flow” as the rest of the story. It’s like having an old fence made up of pine pickets. If a picket breaks and you replace it with a new one, it will definitely serve the same purpose as all the others, but the look and feel will be different. I could be wrong about those two paragraphs, but that’s how it seemed to me.
The other point is I didn’t really like is how the story ended. It’s not a bad ending or anything like that, and it’s still a complete story in and of itself, but if you read it, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean. Authors who write series sometimes employ various techniques at the end of one book to “encourage” the reader to read the next book.
I will definitely read the next book in this series. I enjoyed this first book immensely!
The story follows the activity of defense attorney Quinton Bell. After losing a murder case for the Irish mob in New York, he flee the city after they come after him. Eventually arriving in Houston, Texas, Bell has to reinvent his life, yet remain under the radar and hold the Irish mob at bay. However, when the woman he loves is accused of murder, decisions have to be made that could put everyone in Quinton’s inner circle in danger.
I think I summarized the storyline poorly, because the actual story is much more thrilling than my passive description. Once the girlfriend is accused of murder, the lead up to the climax begins, and the action in the final courtroom scene is off the charts!
I think the storyline is quite clever. When someone tries to stay under the radar, yet hide in plain sight, it’s kind of like building a house of cards. What could go wrong? If they all come tumbling down, who will they fall on?
The character of Quinton Bell is very well written. Among the character’s quirks are an ability to consistently win at cards and an affinity for pimento cheese. He is definitely a unique character.
Written entirely in the third person narrative, the reader is privy to the good, the bad, and the ugly at all times. Even then, the author did a great job of “showing” rather than “telling.” Much of the story is told through dialogue, rather than the narrator.
Thrillers like this depend on pacing to make the story great and keep the reader turning those pages. I thought the pacing was perfect (except as noted in the next paragraph). The pacing up to the climax was consistent, and even after the climax the author kept the pace until the ultimate ending.
I have two criticisms of this story, and they are both minor. First, it seemed that two short chapters were inserted after the story was written. They both connected plot points that would have otherwise not been easily connected, yet they didn’t have the same “flow” as the rest of the story. It’s like having an old fence made up of pine pickets. If a picket breaks and you replace it with a new one, it will definitely serve the same purpose as all the others, but the look and feel will be different. I could be wrong about those two paragraphs, but that’s how it seemed to me.
The other point is I didn’t really like is how the story ended. It’s not a bad ending or anything like that, and it’s still a complete story in and of itself, but if you read it, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean. Authors who write series sometimes employ various techniques at the end of one book to “encourage” the reader to read the next book.
I will definitely read the next book in this series. I enjoyed this first book immensely!
October 10, 2023
Quick plot summary for you to get this review started: 1) Main Character is a defense lawyer. He lost a BIG case defending a member of the Irish Mob. 2) He's now on the run from said mob. Hiding out in Houston. As a defense lawyer. For criminals. Yeah. My thoughts as well. If I were on the run from the mob, I wouldn't be hiding in plain sight as a defense lawyer! But I guess that's also why I'm not the main character in a book!
DEAD BY PROXY includes fast paced action, the plot twists and turns throughout the novel. I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Wolfe's profile of cinematic writing style. I could easily visualize the scenes and action throughout the novel. Wolfe's writing style is descriptive, conversational, and captivating.
My only real legal thriller reading experience comes from Grisham books ages ago. AGES. I'd say DEAD BY PROXY is easily on par with those books. I did look up a few legal terms, but otherwise, I was fascinated by the courtroom action. Picking out the jurors. Planning out the defense. Confirming with other lawyers. All of it was compelling and pushed the plot of the novel forward.
The ending of DEAD BY PROXY sealed my appreciation of Ms. Wolfe's story and writing skills. I was telling a friend I had 25 minutes left to read and A LOT of plot left to wrap up. And then, with a literal bang, everything was wrapped up. I was also SHOCKED by the reveal of the true killer. I had my guesses as to the actual killer. But was not even close.
And like the review over on Forgotten Winds, I also wonder how many judges keep guns behind the bench!
As a character, Quinton is not one I'd want to spend time with. I wouldn't go so far as to call him an anti-hero; he's morally ambiguous to be sure. While certainly handsome and successful, he uses his talents to keep criminals out of jail. But he does use his skills to save himself from the mob. Which is probably not something I would have managed to do.
My one personal complaint while reading is the main character's name in the novel. This character's name changes various times throughout the book due to the forementioned being on the run from the mob situation. I found it distracting to keep remembering the main character's new names from scene to scene. I don't think the alternative would have worked, either. Keeping the original character's name while side characters are using the new name would probably have been just as distracting.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading DEAD BY PROXY. And I'm quite looking forward to the next in the series!
DEAD BY PROXY includes fast paced action, the plot twists and turns throughout the novel. I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Wolfe's profile of cinematic writing style. I could easily visualize the scenes and action throughout the novel. Wolfe's writing style is descriptive, conversational, and captivating.
My only real legal thriller reading experience comes from Grisham books ages ago. AGES. I'd say DEAD BY PROXY is easily on par with those books. I did look up a few legal terms, but otherwise, I was fascinated by the courtroom action. Picking out the jurors. Planning out the defense. Confirming with other lawyers. All of it was compelling and pushed the plot of the novel forward.
The ending of DEAD BY PROXY sealed my appreciation of Ms. Wolfe's story and writing skills. I was telling a friend I had 25 minutes left to read and A LOT of plot left to wrap up. And then, with a literal bang, everything was wrapped up. I was also SHOCKED by the reveal of the true killer. I had my guesses as to the actual killer. But was not even close.
And like the review over on Forgotten Winds, I also wonder how many judges keep guns behind the bench!
As a character, Quinton is not one I'd want to spend time with. I wouldn't go so far as to call him an anti-hero; he's morally ambiguous to be sure. While certainly handsome and successful, he uses his talents to keep criminals out of jail. But he does use his skills to save himself from the mob. Which is probably not something I would have managed to do.
My one personal complaint while reading is the main character's name in the novel. This character's name changes various times throughout the book due to the forementioned being on the run from the mob situation. I found it distracting to keep remembering the main character's new names from scene to scene. I don't think the alternative would have worked, either. Keeping the original character's name while side characters are using the new name would probably have been just as distracting.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading DEAD BY PROXY. And I'm quite looking forward to the next in the series!
October 6, 2023
Dead By Proxy, the first book in Manning Wolfe's Proxy Legal Thriller Series, is a legal journey that takes you on an exhilarating ride through the world of high-stakes criminal litigation, New York/Texas-style.
From the very beginning, this book sets an over-the-top tone that doesn't let up throughout the story. And you know what? That's what makes it a fun read! This book is not your typical legal thriller; it's a Texas-sized extravaganza of courtroom drama, legal maneuvering, suspense, criminals and integral moving plans.
Our protagonist, Quinton Bell/Byron Douglas, is a formidable character who combines his intelligence and legal prowess to keep me invested in his journey from the get-go. As he navigates the treacherous waters of a high-profile criminal case and a subsequent contract on his life you'll find yourself eagerly flipping the pages to see how he'll outmaneuver his adversaries. His transition and will to figure out his life and those around him led to some great characters as his supporting cast. I hate to give anything away but that very old saying of “Here comes the Judge” was playing in the background!
One of the standout features of Dead By Proxy is the way it draws on the author's experiences. Books based on a little truth are always better, and this author uses past cases as a starting point for her stories, weaving and elaborating as it lends authenticity to the tale.
The plot twists and turns like a Texas twister, keeping you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Wolfe throws another curveball your way. It's a testament to her storytelling skills that she can maintain such a high level of suspense throughout the book.
Dead By Proxy is a great start to the Proxy Legal Thriller Series. If you're looking for a fast-paced, tangled drama with characters that keep you guessing, then this book is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Quinton Bell tackles next in this exciting series.
From the very beginning, this book sets an over-the-top tone that doesn't let up throughout the story. And you know what? That's what makes it a fun read! This book is not your typical legal thriller; it's a Texas-sized extravaganza of courtroom drama, legal maneuvering, suspense, criminals and integral moving plans.
Our protagonist, Quinton Bell/Byron Douglas, is a formidable character who combines his intelligence and legal prowess to keep me invested in his journey from the get-go. As he navigates the treacherous waters of a high-profile criminal case and a subsequent contract on his life you'll find yourself eagerly flipping the pages to see how he'll outmaneuver his adversaries. His transition and will to figure out his life and those around him led to some great characters as his supporting cast. I hate to give anything away but that very old saying of “Here comes the Judge” was playing in the background!
One of the standout features of Dead By Proxy is the way it draws on the author's experiences. Books based on a little truth are always better, and this author uses past cases as a starting point for her stories, weaving and elaborating as it lends authenticity to the tale.
The plot twists and turns like a Texas twister, keeping you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Wolfe throws another curveball your way. It's a testament to her storytelling skills that she can maintain such a high level of suspense throughout the book.
Dead By Proxy is a great start to the Proxy Legal Thriller Series. If you're looking for a fast-paced, tangled drama with characters that keep you guessing, then this book is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Quinton Bell tackles next in this exciting series.
March 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe tells the story of Quinten Bell, a New York Lawyer who fails to get a member of the Irish mafia off a murder charge. With their leader thinking that He has passed on information to the FBI.
This leads to the death of a fellow lawyer, who was standing next to Quinten during an assanation attempt leading him to fake his own death and make a run for it.
While loving the premise to Dead by Proxy being gripped by the first part of the story, as Manning Wolfe introduced the main characters to the story and built the tension up.
However as the novel got into the main part of the story Dead by Proxy had less and less tension in it, almost becoming monotonous during the main part of the book.
Yes there was a twist on the tale of running away from the mob however it felt almost beyond what even a thriller of this type is able to get away with.
While Dead by Proxy for me was above the average thriller of this type with its characterisation of Quinten the main character as you got to know him as a fully fledged individual
The only problem is that Suspense thrillers such as Dead by Proxy live and die on this rather than the characterisation, and in this important matrix Manning Wolfe was unable to pull a thriller novel off.
As for the twist at the end it felt so obvious to me that they might as well put it on the cover.
Having said that, Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe is still a competent thriller that is still worth reading.
Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe tells the story of Quinten Bell, a New York Lawyer who fails to get a member of the Irish mafia off a murder charge. With their leader thinking that He has passed on information to the FBI.
This leads to the death of a fellow lawyer, who was standing next to Quinten during an assanation attempt leading him to fake his own death and make a run for it.
While loving the premise to Dead by Proxy being gripped by the first part of the story, as Manning Wolfe introduced the main characters to the story and built the tension up.
However as the novel got into the main part of the story Dead by Proxy had less and less tension in it, almost becoming monotonous during the main part of the book.
Yes there was a twist on the tale of running away from the mob however it felt almost beyond what even a thriller of this type is able to get away with.
While Dead by Proxy for me was above the average thriller of this type with its characterisation of Quinten the main character as you got to know him as a fully fledged individual
The only problem is that Suspense thrillers such as Dead by Proxy live and die on this rather than the characterisation, and in this important matrix Manning Wolfe was unable to pull a thriller novel off.
As for the twist at the end it felt so obvious to me that they might as well put it on the cover.
Having said that, Dead By Proxy by Manning Wolfe is still a competent thriller that is still worth reading.
October 10, 2023
Manning Wolfe does a slow grab while developing the characters of Dead by Proxy as three-dimensional individuals. Byron Douglas is an unforgettable man with a passion for the law. He defends high-profile cases. He gets involved with a questionable client who repeatedly refuses the advice he stresses and takes the stand to defend himself. Big Mistake! The action accelerates as Byron's life is threatened, and the FBI turns the other cheek. Byron's drastic measures changed his life in ways an average person would not consider.
The author artfully throws twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The threads are enticing and keep the energy flowing as rapidly as pages flip to identify the mastermind hiding in the shadows. The honor and soul of Byron are repeatedly tested as his heart is broken more than once as he risks his life after changing his identity. The uphill battle seems never-ending, with hitmen, liars, and murdered loved ones. This action-packed story plays upon all the senses with vivid, recognizable descriptions of the places, unmistakable smells, terrifying sounds, and unforgettable images to haunt one's dreams.
Dead by Proxy is the first in a compelling series fans of successful underdog lawyer stories can readily follow because they will be invested. Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy the suspense and anxiously await the next book by Ms. Wolfe. This series will be a home run.
The author artfully throws twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The threads are enticing and keep the energy flowing as rapidly as pages flip to identify the mastermind hiding in the shadows. The honor and soul of Byron are repeatedly tested as his heart is broken more than once as he risks his life after changing his identity. The uphill battle seems never-ending, with hitmen, liars, and murdered loved ones. This action-packed story plays upon all the senses with vivid, recognizable descriptions of the places, unmistakable smells, terrifying sounds, and unforgettable images to haunt one's dreams.
Dead by Proxy is the first in a compelling series fans of successful underdog lawyer stories can readily follow because they will be invested. Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy the suspense and anxiously await the next book by Ms. Wolfe. This series will be a home run.
October 3, 2023
The author does a great job with this novel. She meticulously develops each character and allows the reader to feel like they are watching the story unfold right in front of them. You can tell the author did extensive research and allowed some of her true passion to shine throughout the text. Manning was descriptive with her writing style and encompassed what courtrooms are like. You can tell the author's life as a lawyer shined through the pages as the mystery unraveled and the plot thickened. The novel reveals the extent the author took to make unfamiliar legal terms easier to understand. Manning does a great job of setting the scene in each chapter and makes any Houstonian feel nostalgic with references to the city. I enjoyed the lightheartedness of each character and the developed interactions. Dead by Proxy is one of the first legal thrillers I have read thus far and this book is such a great way to for me to jump into a new genre. This debut novel is a winner and I look forward to the next titles in the series.
Since the book ends on a cliffhanger, you want more. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a thrilling legal mystery. The book would be great for teens and older since the author works hard to keep the language clean.
Since the book ends on a cliffhanger, you want more. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a thrilling legal mystery. The book would be great for teens and older since the author works hard to keep the language clean.
October 13, 2023
Wow...Manning Wolfe has pulled off a compelling legal thriller in her debut novel Dead by Proxy. As dead as a dumbbell, Byron, after the trial and murder of his co-counsel Michel and Tyrone his client, a successful lawyer is forced to run from his enemies and the law firm he worked for in New York to Houston faking his death and then disguise himself as Byron Douglas the lawyer to Clark Kinsey and then Quinton who becomes a trial lawyer again.
I loved this novel, being a professional of law myself and coming from a legal background I enjoyed reading the courtroom scenes and the legal jargon associated with the case. I could identify the dangerous situations a heroic criminal defense lawyer like Byron is facing when fighting for justice for his client Tyrone and the cunning Irish mob who plays the villain trying to gun him down and kill him if he goes to the FBI and rats out the Cartel.
Not only there is tensed courtroom drama and the excitement of the high-stakes legal battle taking place in the book also the author has paid attention to the legal system and well-developed characters that have reflected her experience in the legal field.
Thanks to Partners in Crime Tour, Manning Wolfe, and Starpath books for an advance digital copy for my honest review.
I loved this novel, being a professional of law myself and coming from a legal background I enjoyed reading the courtroom scenes and the legal jargon associated with the case. I could identify the dangerous situations a heroic criminal defense lawyer like Byron is facing when fighting for justice for his client Tyrone and the cunning Irish mob who plays the villain trying to gun him down and kill him if he goes to the FBI and rats out the Cartel.
Not only there is tensed courtroom drama and the excitement of the high-stakes legal battle taking place in the book also the author has paid attention to the legal system and well-developed characters that have reflected her experience in the legal field.
Thanks to Partners in Crime Tour, Manning Wolfe, and Starpath books for an advance digital copy for my honest review.
January 15, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Byron defending a client accused of murder. Byron is not successful clearing the client. His client is sent to prison where he is later attacked. Byron believes that he is next on the list since his client was part of the Irish Mafia. He put in place a plan where he wound up dead. Ultimately the plan worked, but it still left doubts with the mob.
Byron first went to Reno, but eventually went to Houston where he believed he might find help. He soon wound up taking over the life of his friend "Quinton" who was believed dead. Byron with the help of Quinton's father, a judge, then started with a fresh identity and pretended to be the judges. Eventually Byon, acting as Quinton, started practicing law again. As it so happened, Quinton was not dead and planned on exposing Byron as a fake. Before he was able to do it, Quinton was found dead. Working with the judge, the bdy was identified as being Byron. Sppn, a lady that was a friend of the bew Quinton was charged with the murder and Byron, the new Quinton, defended her.
To discover what happened as the trial was going on and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
The story begins with Byron defending a client accused of murder. Byron is not successful clearing the client. His client is sent to prison where he is later attacked. Byron believes that he is next on the list since his client was part of the Irish Mafia. He put in place a plan where he wound up dead. Ultimately the plan worked, but it still left doubts with the mob.
Byron first went to Reno, but eventually went to Houston where he believed he might find help. He soon wound up taking over the life of his friend "Quinton" who was believed dead. Byron with the help of Quinton's father, a judge, then started with a fresh identity and pretended to be the judges. Eventually Byon, acting as Quinton, started practicing law again. As it so happened, Quinton was not dead and planned on exposing Byron as a fake. Before he was able to do it, Quinton was found dead. Working with the judge, the bdy was identified as being Byron. Sppn, a lady that was a friend of the bew Quinton was charged with the murder and Byron, the new Quinton, defended her.
To discover what happened as the trial was going on and how everything worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.
September 18, 2023
When the hot-shot New York attorney fails to clear the member of the powerful Irish mob called the Dannon Irish cartel of the RICO and murder charges in a celebrated trial, Tua Dannon, the head of that mob, decides the lawyer’s life will be forfeit. The lawyer knows he’s being watched and followed and, also, that his life is in danger. He didn’t do the defense job he was hired to pull off.
Feeling terrible about it, he picks a fight with his girlfriend, to break that tie, then makes plans to disappear. Will the mob believe he’s dead, after he fakes a drowning? Will he ever be able to practice law again? Being in the courtroom, trying and winning cases, is his first love, his lifeblood, what keeps him going. He manages to arrange to continue his profession, but the situation is shaky. At any moment, he could be discovered, or, worse, executed.
The courtroom scenes in this book are a delight. Better than Perry Mason. If you like SUITS or THE LINCOLN LAWYER, you will love them. And they’re only part of the fast-paced action. This legal thriller will keep you reading, I guarantee it.
Feeling terrible about it, he picks a fight with his girlfriend, to break that tie, then makes plans to disappear. Will the mob believe he’s dead, after he fakes a drowning? Will he ever be able to practice law again? Being in the courtroom, trying and winning cases, is his first love, his lifeblood, what keeps him going. He manages to arrange to continue his profession, but the situation is shaky. At any moment, he could be discovered, or, worse, executed.
The courtroom scenes in this book are a delight. Better than Perry Mason. If you like SUITS or THE LINCOLN LAWYER, you will love them. And they’re only part of the fast-paced action. This legal thriller will keep you reading, I guarantee it.
September 18, 2023
When defense attorney Byron Douglas must flee New York City before a mob hitman takes him out--and the Feds decline to help--he designs an unofficial witness protection program, fakes his own death, and disappears. And the reader assumes he'll spend the rest of the book living on the fringes of society, making no friends, keeping a low profile.
Wrong. Here's where the author throws in a twist. Byron takes the opportunity to practice criminal defense law under a new identity, and suddenly he's in the spotlight--the courtroom, the headlines--and lying not only to casual acquaintances, but to police, to judges, to everyone. He's trapped in a web of lies. And thanks to his high-profile job, he’s looking over his shoulder double time.
From now on, it's twist after twist: hitmen surface, a dead man returns, another dead man views his own body at the morgue. And finally a murderer is exposed.
Reading Dead by Proxy is like playing a game of literary Twister. Kudos to Manning Wolfe for serving up a suspenseful—and fun—book.
Wrong. Here's where the author throws in a twist. Byron takes the opportunity to practice criminal defense law under a new identity, and suddenly he's in the spotlight--the courtroom, the headlines--and lying not only to casual acquaintances, but to police, to judges, to everyone. He's trapped in a web of lies. And thanks to his high-profile job, he’s looking over his shoulder double time.
From now on, it's twist after twist: hitmen surface, a dead man returns, another dead man views his own body at the morgue. And finally a murderer is exposed.
Reading Dead by Proxy is like playing a game of literary Twister. Kudos to Manning Wolfe for serving up a suspenseful—and fun—book.
September 10, 2024
I haven't read many legal thrillers, but I have read several thrillers, as well as mysteries. While I tend to prefer puzzles, I really liked being able to just experience a new kind of adventure with this book. It's fun to step into the lawyer side of things, instead of always looking through a detective or law enforcement perspective. It's a really nice change of pace that I found very refreshing for my reading.
Initially, I was a little thrown off by the shifting POVs. There aren't too many that are used, but the changes usually gave me a brief hiccup to adjust to. I like sticking to Quinton's POV best, though the other briefly used perspectives add a good deal to the story in terms of layering and important information. While necessary, it still had a bit of an unexpected impact on me.
Overall, Dead By Proxy is a very entertaining and enjoyable read that puts a twist on protection programs I'm used to reading about.
Initially, I was a little thrown off by the shifting POVs. There aren't too many that are used, but the changes usually gave me a brief hiccup to adjust to. I like sticking to Quinton's POV best, though the other briefly used perspectives add a good deal to the story in terms of layering and important information. While necessary, it still had a bit of an unexpected impact on me.
Overall, Dead By Proxy is a very entertaining and enjoyable read that puts a twist on protection programs I'm used to reading about.
October 17, 2023
Dead by Proxy is book 1 in the Proxy Legal Thriller Series by Manning Wolfe. This legal thriller should absolutely be on everyones TBR list! I enjoy legal thrillers, but, since I am not an attorney, I don't like when there is a lot of legal jargon. I thought the author was outstanding in his approach to the story. I felt that she showed strong knowledge of the law and trials while writing in a way that I could follow and understand. The characters are great and "Quinton" is a strong main character. The story has twist- turns and surprises and I was not sure how everything would end. But, just as I thought I had everything figured out, Manning Wolfe threw the story up in the air and I have to wait until book 2 to see what happens! I believe that Dead by Proxy is fabulous. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 19, 2023
This is the first book of the new proxy legal thriller trilogy. It was my first book by Manning wolfe, however I can’t wait to read more of her fantastic novels. Dead by proxy dives straight into the action from chapter 1, and will leave you agasp and wanting mote throughout! With several amazing plot twist, surprises and more, Manning will have you gripped and guessing throughout right to the dramatic and spectacular conclusion. Unlike other legal thrillers I have read, manning keeps both the storyline, legal jargon and plot east to follow and understand. It’s obvious through reading her novel that Manning is a highly professional and well educated author and attorney. We’ll done Manning on a fantastic read
September 20, 2023
•Fast Paced
•Real Page Turner
•Twists and Turns
•A lawyer on the run
•A Deadly Game of Cat & Mouse
•Action-Packed Suspense Thriller
The book is gripping and a real page turner. It keeps on the edge of the seat. A criminal attorney loses the trial which turns his life upside down. His client was a mysterious person who has connections with underworld. Many unexpected things happens in plot entangling the Crime Attorney in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
There were many heartbreaking moments in book with unexpected twists. Author has shared a great insight about law. The author has taken deep inside the lives of FBI Agents, Judges and Attorney. The ending was unpredictable and jaw-dropping.
•Real Page Turner
•Twists and Turns
•A lawyer on the run
•A Deadly Game of Cat & Mouse
•Action-Packed Suspense Thriller
The book is gripping and a real page turner. It keeps on the edge of the seat. A criminal attorney loses the trial which turns his life upside down. His client was a mysterious person who has connections with underworld. Many unexpected things happens in plot entangling the Crime Attorney in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
There were many heartbreaking moments in book with unexpected twists. Author has shared a great insight about law. The author has taken deep inside the lives of FBI Agents, Judges and Attorney. The ending was unpredictable and jaw-dropping.
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