Assumed Guilty: A Susan Sorella Mystery

by Mike Avery

Susan Sorella defends an eighteen-year-old boy accused of murdering his father.

Genres: Fiction

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2024

Reviews

[Robert Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this new work from the publisher.

In the third of this delightful series, young Boston criminal defense attorney Susan Sorella returns, representing an eighteen year old accused of a murder Susan becomes convinced her client did not commit. She brings us along on her dogged investigation through her battles with the prosecutors concluding in the gripping trial scenes in which the reader is made to feel by her side at counsel’s table.

Avery, a constitutional law practitioner and professor, is a standout in weaving into his stories the principles of the Constitution embedded even in a seemingly prosaic criminal prosecution. His stories illustrate the ethical pitfalls a trial lawyer navigates in everyday dealings with his/her client, witnesses, prosecutors and the court. And the story explores the difficult strategic choices a trial lawyer has to make in the run up and during a trial. There’s a lot here which elevates this above the usual legal thriller.

As a storyteller, Avery has created an array of colorful characters operating in the always-tribal City of Boston. Where else would an Italian mob boss demand a meeting to threaten an Irish street gangster to lay off a Black liquor store owner? The characters, their motives and the scene settings always ring true.

The drama builds naturally, concluding in the masterful trial scenes. The outcome remains in doubt until the jury returns to the courtroom with its verdict.

Happily, the real end of this story is knowing that Susan has been called to take on her next case and no doubt our fourth story. Can’t wait.

[William B Most · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mama's Boy! I was able to read an advance copy from the publisher, and I found the book to be a gripping, fast-paced mystery/legal thriller that keeps you guessing about what is going to happen next... and who the killer is.

As a reader, I loved trying to pick up on the clues and puzzle out the unknowns, just as the protagonist Susan Sorella does. It is an accessible read, but it has real depth - there is a whole section that grapples with the constitutionality of criminal punishment of teenagers. That heady material is balanced against the action, occasional violence, and Susan's burgeoning-but-ambiguous romance with a new character.

Similarly, Susan's struggles with navigating the gray ethical areas between her role as an attorney and her friendship with crime boss Frank Romano are fascinating, and generate a lot of conflict and pathos.

The book culminates in an edge-of-your-seat trial, which is made all the more realistic by the author's background as a trial lawyer. I can honestly say I had no idea how the story was going to resolve until the very end! I would recommend this book to anyone, whether you have read Avery's prior books in the series, or whether you are a newcomer to Susan and her legal career.

[Diane M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was furnished an Advanced Reader's Copy by the Publisher.

Mike Avery has done it again. He has created a well written and insightful page turner that kept me guessing.

Sussan Sorella takes on the defense of a young Black man facing an almost certain conviction for murder. Although there are others who have reason to want to kill the victim, law enforcement and prosecution think they have the case sewn up so they do not do an investigation.

In order to get her client freed Susan Sorella undertakes a difficult and dangerous mission to find the killer. Avery's first hand experience in Boston with law enforcement, the prosecution system and in its courts greatly enrich his Susan Sorella novels, including this one.

As a retired corporate attorney I was intrigued with the differences between my practice and the practice of a criminal defense lawyer. Years ago my then very young son said about my work: "All you do is read and write". No one would ever say that to Susan Sorella who searched for and interviewed witnesses, solicited the help of a mob boss, sparred (and flirted) with the prosecuting attorney, consulted with her client in prison and presented his case to a jury in court.

This novel would make a wonderful movie.

[Karla Basil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mamma’s Boy is a great book. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. In the story, a boy is charged with the murder of his father. He was home asleep when someone came into the home and shot his dad. He woke up to the sound of gun shots and someone running out the back door. He found his dad, deceased, and ran to the window to see someone running down the street. He went back to the scene of the shooting and picked up the gun. Then, cops broke down the door, asked him to drop the gun and arrested him. He was eighteen and scared. They read him his rights, he didn’t tell them about the suspect running away.

When his mom was called, she immediately retained a lawyer. The lawyer had her work cut out for her trying to find the suspect. Will she find out who killed the kid’s dad, or will he go to jail for a crime he didn’t commit?

[Bexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

William James is a typical high school student; thinking about girls and the independence he will get once he graduates and goes to University. He takes school seriously and has goals for himself. He is the kid that you’d want your son or daughter to hang around with… until he is found standing over his dead father with a shot gun in his hand.

William’s lawyer Susan Sorella is trying to defend her client in a case that becomes more and more complicated. Did William shoot his father? If not, then who did?

This was an excellent read! The story flowed. It had a lot of moving parts that aided in the complexity of the plot. The characters were believable and the legal elements were interesting and added to the depth of the plot and the investigation.

This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from the publisher.

Avery's experience as a top rated criminal defense lawyer leads the reader through an intricate plot line with fast paced dialogue and a surprise ending. In the first few pages the police catch the son of the dead man lying on the floor (he was killed by the gun that the son is holding). The district attorney has no doubt that the son is the killer and will seek the death penalty. But all is not what it appears to be. The defense lawyer investigates and rules out many suspects, and we do not learn until the trial who dunnit. Great characters, dialogue and plot.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent legal thriller with wonderful characters, plenty of courtroom action and drama,, unrelenting tension and suspense, and an all-around good read. The story starts with a bang on the first page, grabs the reader by the throat, and doesn't let go until the last page is turned. Unexpected revelations kept this reader on the edge of her seat.

I was concerned that I would be lost since I started the series with Book 3, but these truly are standalone books. I will be going back to read Books 1 and 2 as soon as I can. I highly recommend this series.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started exactly the way a book should start; with a bang! The first chapter was enough to suck me in and make me want to read more!!

18 year old William Jackson has been accused of murdering his father. He seems like the only suspect until a private investigator that works for his attorney works hard to find some puzzle pieces. There are some surprising twists that will leave readers shocked!

Definitely a book worth reading!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review

[Roxanne Dupuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A senior in high school who finally worked up the nerve to ask the girl he had a crush on out, and she said yes. Imagine his joy. Imagine going home and falling asleep only to be awakened by gunfire. Imagine finding your father shot to death and as soon as you pick up the gun the cops burst in and arrest you for the murder of your father.

This is a very well written book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You think you know what’s going to happen, but no - something else happens. Held my attention from the first page to the last.

[Michael Krinsky]

Note: I received a review copy (ARC) from the publisher.

At the heart of this wonderful murder mystery for me is the skilled but not yet seasoned or cynical woman criminal defense lawyer with an immensely sympathetic, painfully young client charged, on the basis of overwhelming evidence, with the death of his own father. She is in turns shrewd and funny, determined and despairing, analytical and emotional. It is a great pleasure to spend time in her company, and thoroughly engrossing to see her at work. Michael Krinsky

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan is a lawyer in Boston and has a friendship with a gangster. Her new case is an 18 year old accused of killing his father. This story had a few twists, one of which you will not see coming! This is the third in a series. I have not read the first two (although I will) but I had no problems following along. I loved Ginger playing investigator! I feel there is something totally Shady about Tony. They touched on it briefly, but then it was never mentioned again, so maybe the next book? Great story with a really good story line.

[Susan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was furnished an Advanced Reader’s Copy by the Publisher.
I really enjoyed this book. The story progresses smoothly and the characters are well-developed and memorable. The author truly captures the flavor of the various settings, having lived in Boston and on the gulf coast of Florida.
The ending was terrific, because it was unexpected, but also fitting. All in all, this was a very satisfying story.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book. The author did a fantastic job developing the characters, especially the main character, Susan Sorella, and how she handled the case. I know that Mike was a lawyer, and he showed how challenging it can be to practice law as a defense lawyer in the novel. Even though I hadn't read the first two books, I had no trouble understanding what was happening in the story. Great Job, Mr Meyer.


I was given an ARC from Hidden Gems Books for my honest review and was not compensated.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I enjoyed the story I read as it turned into a page turner for me. I had my suspicion early on as to who the killer was and after twists all through the story, I was glad to read I got it right. The author did a great job of leading us to various possibilities, hence, holding my interest.
I'll gladly read more from this author.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is about to be pulled into a case about a young man who may have killed his father. He is being charged as an adult. The case is hard as she tries to show he did not do it. Everything points at him but she believes he is innocent. How will she clear him? What will happen? Can she prove his innocence? See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Mary G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was furnished an Advanced Reader's Copy by the Publisher. Mama’s Boy is a page turner! I don’t usually read legal thrillers, but this one grabbed my attention from the beginning, built momentum and kept me guessing until the end. This is the first Mike Avery book I’ve read, but it won’t be the last!

[Lee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh the drama, suspense and the who did it just gripped me throughout!

Such a fabulous read and definitely recommend reading it! I can really see this being on the big screen!

Mike Avery just kept giving what it needed to give and I think this book is definitely worth the read.

It flowed throughout!

Thank you NetGalley!

[mary ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another excellent story from this aun. Mr. Avery can be counted on for excellent storyline, deep rooted characters and knowledge of his subject.
This book is written well with great care for grammar punctuation, spelling and timing. All needed to make a good book great.
Thank you

[Chip Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. Another page turner in the Susan Serella series. A page turner. I read it in one day and finished wanting more. Court house drama of the highest order.

[David Gespass]

I got an advance copy of this book. Mike Avery reminds me of John Grisham (of course, Mike has actually tried criminal cases) in that, when you get to the end of a chapter, you find it hard to stop. And I would love to hang out with Susan and her friends are her father's restaurant.

[Debbie Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Totally loved the twists and turns. It held me captivated to find out the ending. And what an ending it was..Surprised me and I read a lot.