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Jake Lassiter #0.5
Last Chance Lassiter
"If your cause is just, no case is impossible." -Jake Lassiter This time, the linebacker-turned-lawyer faces overwhelming odds. Lassiter represents Cadillac Johnson, an aging rhythm and blues musician who claims his greatest song was stolen by a top-of-the-charts hip-hop artist. Lassiter's personal life is in chaos. He loses his job at a deep-carpet law firm and moves to a dumpy office in a Miami Beach parking garage. Then his lawyer-girlfriend, the ambitious Kim Coates, dumps him for not being "partnership material." Not only that, he faces disbarment after punching out his own client. Only a few years out of law school, Lassiter is already developing his iconoclastic rules. "I will live by no code but my own." This time, that code could leave him disbarred or bankrupt...or worse.
146 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2012
975 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Paul Levine
81 books558 followersThe Genius and the Tramp Fight Fascists in 1930's Hollywood
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 15, 2024
Although the ninth book in the terrific Lassiter series, it is labeled as 0.5 because it is a prequel to the series providing the background to the Lassiter character. A must read for fans of the series, like me.
July 16, 2022
Lassiter has just lost his job in a big law firm and is in danger of getting disbarred because he follows his own rules. His personal life is also at new low with a snooping and ambitious girlfriend.
In this novella he defends a victim of plagiarism. It seems an impossible case as there is no proof of the original song ever existing.
I think this is the first book i read with this kind of crime and I liked Lassiter's unconventional way of solving the case.
In this novella he defends a victim of plagiarism. It seems an impossible case as there is no proof of the original song ever existing.
I think this is the first book i read with this kind of crime and I liked Lassiter's unconventional way of solving the case.
April 24, 2019
An entertaining prequel to the Lassiter series - i think I might enjoy reading them
May 27, 2021
A tiny little review for one.
It's an effective little prequel novella of my wonderful Lassiter. It's nice to see a "beginning" of the lovable lug of a lawyer he's become, talking about stuff that were only mentioned in passing in several of the previous entries. I enjoyed seeing the various triggers that contributed to his growth as a character, including his willingness to cling to his ethics and morality as a human and as a lawyer. He's not a pushover and takes pride in, a winning factor I've enjoyed reading.
I'm also glad I wasn't forced to watch him yet again be derailed by his weakness for the women he beds with in his stories, and only wish the way he was in THIS story really and truly carried on later on in his lawyer life (chronologically speaking, since I know this prequel came out later than its predecessors). He's made some baaaaad decisions when it comes to the opposite sex, which I've expressed plenty of times in my reviews for the other Lassiter entries, so it's always refreshing when that ISN'T the case.
Because it's a novella, it's a very quick pace and an easy read and a fine addition to the world of Lassiter.
It's an effective little prequel novella of my wonderful Lassiter. It's nice to see a "beginning" of the lovable lug of a lawyer he's become, talking about stuff that were only mentioned in passing in several of the previous entries. I enjoyed seeing the various triggers that contributed to his growth as a character, including his willingness to cling to his ethics and morality as a human and as a lawyer. He's not a pushover and takes pride in, a winning factor I've enjoyed reading.
I'm also glad I wasn't forced to watch him yet again be derailed by his weakness for the women he beds with in his stories, and only wish the way he was in THIS story really and truly carried on later on in his lawyer life (chronologically speaking, since I know this prequel came out later than its predecessors). He's made some baaaaad decisions when it comes to the opposite sex, which I've expressed plenty of times in my reviews for the other Lassiter entries, so it's always refreshing when that ISN'T the case.
Because it's a novella, it's a very quick pace and an easy read and a fine addition to the world of Lassiter.
August 10, 2012
Fun read novella with absolutely no suspense as it's a prequel. I would recommend it to any followers of Levine's Lassiter series. First time Lassiter readers, you can skip it and not miss anything other than the Lassiter sense of humor.
March 16, 2021
Love this series !
This book was a nice addition to the series. To find out exactly how Jack left working in a firm and branched off on his own. Bold For his clients, he fights against the odds. If you don’t know Jake Lassiter and this series then it’s time to get to know both!
This book was a nice addition to the series. To find out exactly how Jack left working in a firm and branched off on his own. Bold For his clients, he fights against the odds. If you don’t know Jake Lassiter and this series then it’s time to get to know both!
May 19, 2021
I'll read anything by Paul Levine-especially a Jake Lassiter book. This one is a novella and a prequel to the series. It's funny and in typical Lassiter form, he fights injustice in the system whenever he finds it.
September 3, 2014
Great novella which is a prequel to the Lassiter series. If you haven't read any of Paul Levine's books,do yourself a favor and pick one up ASAP!
August 5, 2015
Quick read as a short story, but fun nonetheless.
August 19, 2020
Audible.
I like Jake Lassiter.
I like Jake Lassiter.
December 28, 2020
Really fun read. Funny and quick.
October 8, 2018
#0.5 in the Jake Lassiter series. This 2012 prequel to the series by author Lassiter has brash Jake as a young lawyer after a short inglorious stint with the Miami Dolphins. This takes us back to Jake's career before #1 To Speak for the Dead (1990). Never one for rules or proper procedure, Jake manages to get himself cited for contempt of court and sued for fracturing his client's jaw. An enjoyable trip back in time for long standing fans, who will enjoy seeing the return of Jake's friend, retired coroner Charley Riggs.
Things aren't going well for Jake. First he loses his job at a deep-carpet law firm and moves into a dumpy office in a Miami Beach parking garage. Then his lawyer-girlfriend dumps him for not being "partnership material." To make things even worse, he's facing disbarment after punching out his own client. With his personal life in chaos, Jake must fight overwhelming odds to represent Cadillac Johnson, an aging rhythm and blues musician who claims his greatest song was stolen by a top-of-the-charts hip-hop artist.
Things aren't going well for Jake. First he loses his job at a deep-carpet law firm and moves into a dumpy office in a Miami Beach parking garage. Then his lawyer-girlfriend dumps him for not being "partnership material." To make things even worse, he's facing disbarment after punching out his own client. With his personal life in chaos, Jake must fight overwhelming odds to represent Cadillac Johnson, an aging rhythm and blues musician who claims his greatest song was stolen by a top-of-the-charts hip-hop artist.
February 24, 2023
Half the size of the less than 300 pages
I enjoy reading this series, although I like its other version, Solomon ands Lord, even better. However, the author keeps putting intros to all the other books in the series and in the case of this, the 240 supposed pages turned into 120, making it a short story that's longer than most, not even a novella.
In this release, #9, there's not much thrill, and we learn how despicable the legal profession truly is by a former lawyer now author. That's probably worth the cost of the book. It's definitely convinced me that being honest and fair are probably grounds for the rest of the kids to hate you. Still, Lassiter finds people who invite him to join him in pleasant activities like fishing, barbecues, or music shows, proving that you can still live a good life and have friends if you're honest and fair. The world was decidedly unfair to Lassiter and Cadillac in this book, despite the ultimate settlement.
I enjoy reading this series, although I like its other version, Solomon ands Lord, even better. However, the author keeps putting intros to all the other books in the series and in the case of this, the 240 supposed pages turned into 120, making it a short story that's longer than most, not even a novella.
In this release, #9, there's not much thrill, and we learn how despicable the legal profession truly is by a former lawyer now author. That's probably worth the cost of the book. It's definitely convinced me that being honest and fair are probably grounds for the rest of the kids to hate you. Still, Lassiter finds people who invite him to join him in pleasant activities like fishing, barbecues, or music shows, proving that you can still live a good life and have friends if you're honest and fair. The world was decidedly unfair to Lassiter and Cadillac in this book, despite the ultimate settlement.
January 24, 2024
Jake 'Wrong Way' Lassiter is big into justice, the law not so much.
As a lawyer it makes him a royal pain in the ass for those who believe that the system exists to serve the rich and powerful.
He may not have the greatest legal brain but he's persistent and cunning.
After quitting his job at a top legal firm (just a few seconds before he would have been fired) he's become a sole practitioner.
His first client is an elderly former R&B artist, 'Cadillac' Johnson, who claims his song “I'm Leaving You, Baby" has not only been plagiarised, it's become a major hit.
But plagiarism is difficult to prove and Jake has other pressing problems, a judge has sent him for mental assessment, the Bar Association wants him disbarred and his one-time girlfriend is a shark!
Jake is a memorable character and “Last Chance Lassiter”, though quite short, really whetted my appetite – I will definitely be reading the series.
3.5 Stars, moved up to 4 Stars.
As a lawyer it makes him a royal pain in the ass for those who believe that the system exists to serve the rich and powerful.
He may not have the greatest legal brain but he's persistent and cunning.
After quitting his job at a top legal firm (just a few seconds before he would have been fired) he's become a sole practitioner.
His first client is an elderly former R&B artist, 'Cadillac' Johnson, who claims his song “I'm Leaving You, Baby" has not only been plagiarised, it's become a major hit.
But plagiarism is difficult to prove and Jake has other pressing problems, a judge has sent him for mental assessment, the Bar Association wants him disbarred and his one-time girlfriend is a shark!
Jake is a memorable character and “Last Chance Lassiter”, though quite short, really whetted my appetite – I will definitely be reading the series.
3.5 Stars, moved up to 4 Stars.
December 9, 2017
This was my first Paul Levine book and I now know why he's so popular. His main character Jake Lassiter is brilliant, self deprecating, a slob and so so funny. You see the words "you set a record for billable hours" in relation to a professional firm and you automatically think the highest ever. In Jake's case it's the lowest ever. Until you get to know Jake you anticipate certain behavior but he does the exact opposite it of everything you'd expect. John Grisham is my favorite author and this is like reading Grisham with comedy. Loved it.
April 11, 2019
Glad to have discovered the Lassiter series. I enjoy the plot but I especially like the way Jake is portrayed as fully human, yet having compassion and integrity. He won't take a client that goes against his principles. This prequel shows how he first committed to that standard. Although he is still rough around the edges, he has matured into a good person. Wish there were more books with this perspective.
Note: the Amazon version of this I read is titled: "Last Chance Lassiter (The Jake Lassiter Series) (Volume 9)" but that was not an option on Goodreads. Only #0.5 was listed here.
Note: the Amazon version of this I read is titled: "Last Chance Lassiter (The Jake Lassiter Series) (Volume 9)" but that was not an option on Goodreads. Only #0.5 was listed here.
April 27, 2019
You Learn Something New From Each book
I have read all of the Jake Lassiter series through this book. Paul Levine always seems to weave a new bit of learning on interesting topics into each of his books. Of course the stories are great as well. I especially like them since I live in FL, my sister lives in Homestead, FL where many of his stories find us traveling streets I know, and my children and grandchildren are Penn Staters. Would be nice to see something in a book bringing the Penn State Dance Marathon into the theme. Pick up this series and read them all.
I have read all of the Jake Lassiter series through this book. Paul Levine always seems to weave a new bit of learning on interesting topics into each of his books. Of course the stories are great as well. I especially like them since I live in FL, my sister lives in Homestead, FL where many of his stories find us traveling streets I know, and my children and grandchildren are Penn Staters. Would be nice to see something in a book bringing the Penn State Dance Marathon into the theme. Pick up this series and read them all.
June 9, 2024
I was recommended this series about an exNFL linebacker turned lawyer. This is the novella before the actual book 1, and I wasn't sure if I should start here or with book 1, but this one arrived first in the mail so I read it and I am glad I did. It set the tone for the likeable main character and his ability to take on the corruptions of the legal system and beat them at their own game. I will definitely continue reading this series.
March 14, 2022
Last Chance Lassiter
Jake leave the Kripendorf firm after his client, who is a wife abuser, threatens to lie in court. Jake then opens his own office in a garage. Sherrill Johnson hires him to restore her grandfathers legacy of a song he wrote and sang back in 1950. MC Silky has recorded a very similar song and Jake is out to prove it.
Jake leave the Kripendorf firm after his client, who is a wife abuser, threatens to lie in court. Jake then opens his own office in a garage. Sherrill Johnson hires him to restore her grandfathers legacy of a song he wrote and sang back in 1950. MC Silky has recorded a very similar song and Jake is out to prove it.
January 12, 2023
A great introduction to the character of Jake Lassiter. This novella covers Jake's background and was a fun easy read that had me cheering for the ex-Miami Dolphins football player turned lawyer underdog and his client. As a native of Miami, it was also a trip down memory lane with the locations and landmarks.
April 13, 2024
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; APRIL 10, 2024
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Not an essential prequel as nothing here makes any difference to the series if you skip it. How Lassiter wins his case was neither clever nor inventive. Not worth the Audible price but I bought it when it first came out back in 2017 so I can't recall if I asked for a refund. My rec: read this only if you have time on your hands and nothing else close at hand.
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Not an essential prequel as nothing here makes any difference to the series if you skip it. How Lassiter wins his case was neither clever nor inventive. Not worth the Audible price but I bought it when it first came out back in 2017 so I can't recall if I asked for a refund. My rec: read this only if you have time on your hands and nothing else close at hand.
February 28, 2019
Levine does it again!
Lassiter novels (and Novellas) just keep getting better and better. I always look forward to reading them. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy legal and trial thrillers, in the spirit of Grisham's Lincoln Lawyer books. Yay for truth and justice!
Lassiter novels (and Novellas) just keep getting better and better. I always look forward to reading them. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy legal and trial thrillers, in the spirit of Grisham's Lincoln Lawyer books. Yay for truth and justice!
April 21, 2020
Fantastic!
A lawyer after my own heart. A man who refuses to fold to corruption. Now that's what I'm talking about. And there are men like this around somewhere. And lawyers too. It's just awful they are so damn hard to find. Keep up the good work, Mr. Levine.
A lawyer after my own heart. A man who refuses to fold to corruption. Now that's what I'm talking about. And there are men like this around somewhere. And lawyers too. It's just awful they are so damn hard to find. Keep up the good work, Mr. Levine.
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March 13, 2023A Great Funny Story
A fun read all the way through. Paul Levine has an outstanding sense of humor and satire and portrays it accurately through Jake Lassiter.
Highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor!!
A fun read all the way through. Paul Levine has an outstanding sense of humor and satire and portrays it accurately through Jake Lassiter.
Highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor!!
May 13, 2017
Wrong Way Lassiter
One of my faves. Enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Can't wait for another. Am going to introduce my grandson to him!
One of my faves. Enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Can't wait for another. Am going to introduce my grandson to him!
November 16, 2017
Jake Lassiter is a character that makes me smile. I love this series and want to read more. I rate it 5 stars.
April 20, 2018
"write" way lassiter!
Entertaining and interesting. Well written couldn't,
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Entertaining and interesting. Well written couldn't,
, Put it down. nyxkcyfxhc said dadm up qscszlhsx! last uh B
Hi Tj
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November 19, 2019
Love Jake Lassiter!
December 16, 2019
Great read!
I Enjoyed watching JAG on TV, so not a big surprise that I loved the books about Jake Lassiter. I had a hard time putting my Kindle down!
I Enjoyed watching JAG on TV, so not a big surprise that I loved the books about Jake Lassiter. I had a hard time putting my Kindle down!
February 2, 2020
Still entertaining
Jake is still the lawyer you would want if your case require a fight. As the previous books a fun read
Jake is still the lawyer you would want if your case require a fight. As the previous books a fun read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews