The Survival Rule

Rain City Legal #3

by Stephen Penner

A family on top of the world. With a long, long way to fall.

Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by Adam Harper, the son of Seattle’s biggest real estate developer. Adam wants to seize control of the family company by declaring his father mentally unfit.

There’s only one problem. It soon becomes clear that the old man is very much in possession of his mental faculties and Raine is going to lose the case. Ever the pragmatist, Raine decides to stick with it and rack up some billable hours.

But he soon finds himself in the middle of a deadly dispute as various members of this powerful family fight to gain control of the business. Each more ruthless than the last, they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Including murder.

As the case unfolds, Raine uncovers a familial web of deceit and treachery. And, as he closes in on the final truth, he himself becomes a target in this twisted game where only one thing matters – The Survival Rule.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Legal, Crime

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2023

About the author

Stephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.

Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.

Reviews

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Survival Rule😳

Wow, I really enjoyed this story!

Dan is once again teamed up with Sommers when an unusual client crosses his path. Sommers the “real estate expert” helps out a little with her connections and contacts, but for the most part Dan is the one doing all the work😉

Dan also meets Sawyer, the new lawyer in town and attempts to date, post divorce but unfortunately, dead bodies keep dropping every time they try😢 The Survival Rule, the law itself was a new one for me but the other concepts I did know from doing my own law degree. I figured out the “who” close to the end but not the “why”….but that’s okay, perhaps the next one my detective hat will be more firmly in place.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review🤩

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is really engaging and it is fast paced. It’s a legal thriller and the author never disappoints. If you are looking for a traditional court procedural crime thriller, this is for you.

Though this is a third book in the series but It can be read as standalone too. The truth is twisted and Adam and his father had flawed relationship. I love how the author expresses the character’s true intentions. The book is so twisted and unputdownable.

Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a legal series I’ve really enjoyed, this latest case featuring attorney Daniel Raine ends with murder and is full of surprises. Daniel has a solo practice and is still adjusting to life after divorce, weekends with his daughter and perhaps dating. The setting is in Seattle, a place I’d love to visit but – the interminable rain, not for me. Raine occasionally uses his acquaintance with a stunning local commercial real estate agent, Rebecca. She’s in the know and has networking abilities Daniel doesn’t have. Rebecca has connections with many prominent business leaders in the area. They make an interesting team investigating cases. Raine’s newest client is suing his elderly father for control of the family real estate development and construction business. It’s always complicated with a family business as Daniel discovers on a first date which ends with death and the police. Then he faces off in court against a law school adversary, Zac Chapman. Zac had once fancied the attention of Dan’s now Ex-wife. As the case winds it’s way through the court system there are many hidden motives, secrets and lies. I have been fascinated with our legal system for many years. I especially enjoy this author’s focus on specific laws or rules in his plots, I always learn something new. This story kept me riveted to the pages trying to outguess the outcome. Another legal maze with a great plot by an author I will keep reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “The Survival Rule” By Stephen Penner, and to Inkubator Books. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

[Vickiec192 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most unlucky legal duo are back working a case. Rebecca, as well as thriving in her sort of role of a PI is now in the running for yet more real estate awards, and more shockingly, Raine has met someone and is now dating!!!!

Adam Harper is the son of one of the most successful, and certainly wealthiest, real estate developers in Seattle. He hires Raine to try and remove his old man from the head of the company due to him allegedly starting to loose some of his marbles.

After the initial hearing, it is clear that this is absolutely not the case and Raine warns Adam that they are unlikely to win. Unfortunately the plot thickens that evening when the old man takes the short cut from the 19th story of their most recent development, to the car park.

Adam becomes enraged when he finds that his father has changed his will just before their day in court and removes Adam from the will, leaving everything to Mark, Adam's brother. Owing to fairly extreme circumstances, Mark is unable to inherit the business from their dad. Raine is now back in court to try to get control of the business back to Adam. A case based entirely around ' The survival Rule'

This was a tricky one for me. Of course, as most people should be, I was fully on team Raine, but I absolutely hated his client and really didn't want him to win his case.

As well as this being a fast paced crime thriller, what sets it apart for me is the fact they are also fairly educational with one aspect of the law or another. There are so many twists and turns in this one, and really good to see a completely different case to the previous books. I can highly recommend this series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Daniel in his office when a potential client arrives. This individual wants Daniel to represent him to sue his father so that he can take control of the company. Daniel agrees and on the 1st day of the hearing, Daniel learns that the father is not senile like the son said and he knows then that he is going to lose.

A short time later Daniel is on a date walking with Sawyer, a lady lawyer he met while filing Adam's, the son, lawsuit when they heard someone fall from the top of the building. The individual turned out to be Adam's father, Bill, who Adam was suing. They then had to wait around while the police wanted to question them. Adam's lawsuit was now over with Bill's death and Adam later learned that the business was being given to his brother Mark. Daniel then advises Adam about "The Survival Rule" which requires the beneficiary to be still alive after the individual who bequeathed the inheritance. As it turned out, Mrk died 4 days after his father and now the company would go to Adam.

Mark's wife now brought suit against Adam to gain control of the company. Daniel was representing Adam while a former clasmate of Daniel was representing Sarah, the wife. Zac was also the person that Daniel was up against when Adam brought the lawsuit against the father.

As the trial progresses and once Zac finished his presentation and before Daniel could do anything, something happened.

To ddiscover what happened that held the trial up, who was responsible for the killings and how everything came to a conclusion, then you need to read this book. The ending will surprise you.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the third in the series but it's another cracker. Raine is hired to help his client have his father deemed mentally unstable in order to take control of his company but things take a turn when the father ends up dead. A further death puts his client firmly in the spotlight for possible charges but first there's the matter of wading through the legalities of who is entitled to what amidst a crucial timeline of the survivor. Hence the title of the story.

It was a fantastic read. I've really enjoyed the previous books but this has taken things up another notch. I really didn't know which end was up. There's a few secrets to wade through and I was riveted trying to see how Daniel would get to the bottom of things, all the time building up to a fitting finale. Sommers is a terrific sidekick and the combination of the two really makes the book tick. I can't wait to see what case lies in store for both next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dan Raine series, highly recommend

I hate author divorce a family with kids. That’s just one of pet peeves. I like parents to raise their children together in the same household. I thought author would reunite the family or create a romance with Sommers. I’m just not teamSawyer. I’m not feeling her for Dan. But Adam was a whole trick, so arrogant, stupid, rude, selfish and many more things. But I never believed he did that to his father and brother. I peeped Sarah game from 1st day of court. Is there such a thing as survival rule for real? If so, good to know. I’ve been learning a lot of legal stuff reading these books. I appreciate author sharing.

[Ben Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

it just keeps getting better!

3rd in the series so far … hope he doesnt stop at 4! Another enjoyable read & ended all too soon. Looking forward to No.4. Highly entertaining as usual. It’s always an absolute pleasure reading material from an educated, learned, skilled writer writing about their own professions. If you enjoy Dugoni you will also enjoy Penner. The problem both of them have is that they cant get them written fast enough to satisfy their hungry audience. Well done Mr Penner, keep it up!

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the 3rd book in the series, and I liked it very much. This time, Daniel Payne needs to present a client in declaring his father senile and to take over his father's company. Again, I love the way the author informs you about the precise procedure to follow during a trial. The plot of the book made this a page-turner for me, I just couldn't stop reading. I recommend the book, and you will realize that it's worth your time.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 3 of the boxset of 4 books.
Again Dan is facing another legal case in this one he finds himself embroiled in a family dispute which seems more about gaining power of the family business interests.
His investigator Rebecca Sommers has to contacts again to aid Dan in his legal battle.
This series is really gripping I love all the legal information you gain through the story and although each book ends in court each story and plot is differ and cleverly weaved throughout and keeps the reader guessing as to what happens

[Brian Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this story particularly chilling is its plausibility: the threat could stem from our very own sun. With heightened solar activity predicted for 2024, the potential for widespread electrical disruption looms. Jack Hunt masterfully portrays how ordinary individuals might grapple with such a crisis, drawing readers deep into the narrative. It's a gripping reminder of the unpredictable forces at play in our universe, expertly crafted by Hunt.

[J ACourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such promise, and well written stories. I like the characters and, by this 3rd book, I’m starting to know a little more about them - but they’re not quite developed enough for me.
There were no real surprises with this ending, which I felt was signposted from a fairly early point. I also thought the ending was a bit rushed.
That said, I’m about to start the 4th in the series so I guess the books can’t be that bad!!

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Stephen Penner spectacularly weaves twists and turns along with the plot. The characters are clearly real people ( fictionally) immersed in a dispute over ownership of a large construction company. The resulting trial could be murder. Following this series of Seattle based legal thrillers is vibrantly realistic and a joy to read. I recommend you start with book one but this is a great stand alone novel as well. Happy reading.

[Elizabeth Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Very Good

This plot keeps you questioning and guessing until the very end, which was great.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very mystery vs the law episode.
Very entertaining and educational as to the operations of this fictional court.
The attorney and his Investigator, while being great friends and support for each other other, are both strong and vulnerable. Most important, they are believable.
Thank you, I look forward to continuing to follow Raine.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duplicity wins

Wow twists, turns, greed, avarice, backstabbing. Brilliant plot, fully twisted people and turns out the person I genuinely believe didn't was guilty of murder, was guilty of greed and avarice which turned up in the form of fraud. The opposing lawyer, I believe was in deep in criminality, was actually a pawn from the person guilty of the murders, and tried to take out the defendant's lawyer

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a son goes against his father to seize his business, you have the start of a good story. Throw in accusations of senility and a couple of dead bodies, and the story ramps up. Then you bring in the lawyers to get a quick-paced, “gotta read” courtroom drama. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Raine gets caught up in a case of murder and greed. Plus, it seems his ex-wife is dating Ethan Chapman- a fellow law student with an attitude. Daniel never liked him; he is basically Daniel's nemesis. It sure looks like his client killed his father and brother to gain control of the company. But did he? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Stephen! The Rain City series is fast becoming one of my favourites, even though I typically don't read this kind of genre of books. That being said the author has a way with words that sucks you into the story and keeps you on the edge of your seat Just like the previous book in this serious, it's thrilling, enticing and leaves you wanting more!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a case of family greed and one turning against the other to have total control of a business. But in the meantime, bodies start to turn up, and to win the lawsuit Daniel will need to uncover the killer. The Survival Rule is fast-paced, well-written, and with an ending you won't expect!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[David Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Had To Check

Ok just what was the judge's name. Mostly it was Victoria, but once it was Vanessa, I finally had to look. Regardless, these books about Dan Raines, Attorney at Law, are fun, just not terribly believable. He does have his trials and tribulations (no pun intended), but seems to persevere in the end.

[Judith Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

Stephen Penner is really the master of the courtroom procedural genera. His history as an actual trial lawyer is evident,as is his skill as a writer. You will love his characters,especially Mr. Raine, and the fast paced tempo will keep you saying " just one more page" late into the night.

[Lee Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book and hopefully Reines is learning enough about his deficiencies to have a budding relationship. Let’s hope he doesn’t associate the last second court room luck he seems to pull with his other relationships. He can’t wait for a lightening bolt. He needs to do some self assessment regarding his children and his new female companion. I enjoyed this complex court room drama! Can he win them all? Lee Fanning author of Rescues from the Sky and Contagion Chaser by Lee Walters MD pseudonym

[doug stenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reasonable initial plot but the denouement was like Scooby Doo

Liked the initial premise of the survival rule being key to the plot. Can't see why the police weren't questioning family members after the second killing. Can't see the point in the fights. Can't see why Sarah would confess everything to Raine rather than just kill him and flee. Too many loose ends and cliches.

[Eddie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Penner's novels and liked pretty much all of them. This one falls short. The characters are well drawn but the story teeters on absurd at times, so much so that the silly, unbelievable shark-jumping finale just lays there and says "so what?"

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, yes, yes!! I wish these would be made into TV series because I'd be absolutely hooked. Its a fast paced legal thriller which had me unable to put it down. Really well written and I was completely captivated needing to know how it was going to play out

[Cindy Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I've come to enjoy anything that Mr. Penner writes. His stories always have interesting characters. The storylines always flow smoothly. Looking forward to his next book.

[R.W. Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

One of the best legal thrillers I've read in a long time. Penner is up there with Grissom and some of the other greats that write these wonderful legal thrillers. Don't pass this author up or you will miss out on excellent court room drama!!

[Myrtie Redic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

It was a good book but he kept getting his butt kick and everybody act like they didn't know him and did he ever get his relationship fix with his sons it seem to me like he didn't know them very well and his ex wife just kept fussing at him like she didn't know he was a lawyer

[VADM A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

slow methodical well paced with endless curves and dips. wonderful story.

Well told story. Entertaining and engrossing with great plot twists and characters that all seem real and nicely developed. Simmers Raine and Sawyer are keepers

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tricky one. Who or who not to beieve in the battle for the Harper Construction empire. Adam Harper seeks help from Dan Raine. Not quite sure what he wants as he seems to ignore his lawyers advice. Plenty of twists and turns in this 3rd in series