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Against the Wind
Brought to trial for murder, the much-hated motorcycle gang, the Scorpions, must rely on the expert counsel of their self-destructive defense attorney, who is himself up against the powerful D.A. and overwhelming public opinion. Reprint.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
48 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Freedman
16 books46 followersJ.F. Freedman is the New York Times bestselling author of Against the Wind, The Disappearance, House of Smoke, and In My Dark Dreams, among other titles. He is also an award-winning film and television director, writer, and producer. He lives in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 5, 2010
Good Story and hard to put down. I do not recommend it for any one that is strongly against detailed violence and swearing. If it were a movie it would have a R or NR rating. You must have a strong stomach.
June 15, 2011
FREEDMAN HAS MADE AN EXCELLENT NOVEL FOR AVID READERS
A lawyer has chosen to defend a motorcycle gang which stands accused of a murder that carries the death penalty. He is convinced they are innocent and that is how the story starts. Though the tale keeps a steady firm pace, I can affirm that then ending is the best and richest part of the book, it is full of intrigue, twisty and features something I have not seen in another mystery books and that is the deftly sudden alteration of the profile of characters, how an innocent victim can become the devil and the other way around, this was performed with mastery, brilliant narrative tactics and not relying on easy trickery. Big praise for Freedman, he is a great novelist, this book as well as his others "Key Witness" and "The Disappearance" are worth reading.
A lawyer has chosen to defend a motorcycle gang which stands accused of a murder that carries the death penalty. He is convinced they are innocent and that is how the story starts. Though the tale keeps a steady firm pace, I can affirm that then ending is the best and richest part of the book, it is full of intrigue, twisty and features something I have not seen in another mystery books and that is the deftly sudden alteration of the profile of characters, how an innocent victim can become the devil and the other way around, this was performed with mastery, brilliant narrative tactics and not relying on easy trickery. Big praise for Freedman, he is a great novelist, this book as well as his others "Key Witness" and "The Disappearance" are worth reading.
February 21, 2019
The story of this book, However Good, the RATING of 3 was because of the Content of Gross Sexual content of this book. To me this was such a good story and court room drama I loved, but can't get passed why this Author would be so XXXXX RATED... I am not a prude by any means, but this was way OVER the TOP :-(
December 5, 2009
I read this book when it first came out and could not put it down. Author's first publish and it is a gripper! If you like legal thrillers you will like this book. This is the story of Will Alexander a defense attorney who is hired to represent the leader of a motorcycle gang. There are many twists and turns dealing with the case as well as all those with Will's personal life. I started to read this back in 2002 on the way to WIU to visit Jenn. I was hooked on his writing. At that time I read all of his books. This by far is my favorite of his books but I see that he has several new books out. I'll look for those on my next library trip.
August 28, 2016
Very good and interesting book.
Will Alexander is forty years old lawyer, drinking problem and second divorce completely took him down. Forced by his partners to leave the law practice he build. He was called by biker Lone Wolf to take there case, all four bikers are accused of murder. Will character has many flaws, trying to the right thing by his daughter. I like this character and author's writing style. But if you don't like graphic sex, you might skip this book, don't. Maybe I don't know how youngsters are speaking, repeated "yeh" was to much.
Will Alexander is forty years old lawyer, drinking problem and second divorce completely took him down. Forced by his partners to leave the law practice he build. He was called by biker Lone Wolf to take there case, all four bikers are accused of murder. Will character has many flaws, trying to the right thing by his daughter. I like this character and author's writing style. But if you don't like graphic sex, you might skip this book, don't. Maybe I don't know how youngsters are speaking, repeated "yeh" was to much.
January 22, 2009
Surprisingly gripping. It’s not particularly well constructed or even believable. The “hero” is unsavory and kind of a jackass; the guys he’s defending are truly unrepentant outlaws. The murder is almost deus ex machine. It’s a little bizarre, but there’s a hint of hope that our jackass lawyer – who’s not even particularly brilliant, just lucky – will turn things around and make good. Pretty slim appeal really, and yet I had a hard time putting it down.
April 23, 2014
Well, the language is still raw, but the main character is gritty, realistic, introspective to a fault, too brilliant for his own good, a work in progress for sure, relationship dwarfed, but trying, promiscuous, and a damn good lawyer! What else can I say.
August 23, 2009
I read this book years ago and still remember how intense & gripping it was. Some scene was horrific and left me drained. However, the book was so good and the story so well written....
April 12, 2020
It had literally been a decade since we picked up a crime story by author Freedman. “Legal thriller” is almost an understatement, as especially the courtroom scenes in Part 2 and the denouement were so gripping it was a novel tough to put down. When lawyer Will Alexander is having career, women, and drinking problems, he takes on a tough case accusing four motorcycle gang members of murdering a man after midnight while raping a barfly woman in the process. Her testimony seems to seal their fate, but our relentless protagonist almost makes it his life work to set things straight.
The story was indeed incredibly suspenseful, taking us readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions as little goes Will’s way with the case, or life in general, for much of the action. Unfortunately, we pay a heavy price in explicit sex scenes and obscenity, and there’s some homosexual issues that will try even the most liberal and well-adjusted of us. After such an intense tale, we almost need a “Cat Who…” book or whatever to relax! {3.5, adjusting for "X" rating}
The story was indeed incredibly suspenseful, taking us readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions as little goes Will’s way with the case, or life in general, for much of the action. Unfortunately, we pay a heavy price in explicit sex scenes and obscenity, and there’s some homosexual issues that will try even the most liberal and well-adjusted of us. After such an intense tale, we almost need a “Cat Who…” book or whatever to relax! {3.5, adjusting for "X" rating}
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March 16, 2021IN SHORT: A lawyer's new clients are scum. But are they murdering scum?
Some graphic stuff, more detailed (and more numerous) sex scenes than necessary, and at least one very unrealistic plot development. But as a crime/legal thriller it succeeds, though it felt at least 100 pages longer than necessary.
The protagonist/lawyer/narrator is no angel. Surprise, surprise: he has issues with
The ultimate reveal of the villain(s)--as another reviewer noted--is If you don't mind such, read this one--but bring coffee if you plan to read it in one sitting.
VERDICT: Passing grade (no actual stars punched). But demerits for
Some graphic stuff, more detailed (and more numerous) sex scenes than necessary, and at least one very unrealistic plot development. But as a crime/legal thriller it succeeds, though it felt at least 100 pages longer than necessary.
The protagonist/lawyer/narrator is no angel. Surprise, surprise: he has issues with
The ultimate reveal of the villain(s)--as another reviewer noted--is If you don't mind such, read this one--but bring coffee if you plan to read it in one sitting.
VERDICT: Passing grade (no actual stars punched). But demerits for
July 3, 2020
Against the Wind was one of the best legal books I have read in some time. I had not read anything by the author J.F. Freedman in the past nor had I heard of them, but I am definitely going to look into reading more. I enjoy legal fiction, but some of the more popular authors leave me bored, this story did not. Will Alexander the lead character, is definitely a character, married numerous times and definitely a fan of the ladies, but he is an excellent attorney. When a man is found murdered the fingers are pointed at a group of bikers. As the story unfolds we learn of the deception and the prejudice that the bikers face. Will does not let them down and in the end we learn what really happened. It is a fast paced novel and one that I would definitely recommend to those that are fans of legal cases.
September 2, 2024
This was a wild, wild ride. Someone murdered a guy, then stabbed him over 40 times, cut off his penis and chucked it in his mouth. A gang of motorcycle guys are accused. They didn't do it although they ARE a rough bunch. A prime witness has been prepped by the prosecution and brain washed for 3 days. The motorcycle guys are found guilty and sentenced to death. Meanwhile the lawyers are working on an appeal for 2 long years. Then there is a prison riot and it all goes to hell. Our star lawyer, Will Alexander is asked by the governor to go to the prison and negotiate for the state. Will tracks down the star witness who admits to being brainwashed and told what to say or she will go to jail. Then some guy in West Virginia admits to the killing. Long story here. Eventually Will wins freedom for his clients. Wild, wild ride and some filthy language.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2019
I read this when it first came out in 1991.
Back then, being a biker meant one was faced with prejudice, suspicion and hatred from the public and police.
This book resonated with me immediately, as I could relate to the "guilty until proven innocent" attitudes that abounded then.
The twist at the end left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
This was the first book I ever read more than once. I still own it and occasionally read it again.
To those who have only first read this 20+ years after it was written and complain about the language and sexual remarks, please remember, it was all accepted and expected at that time.
Back then, being a biker meant one was faced with prejudice, suspicion and hatred from the public and police.
This book resonated with me immediately, as I could relate to the "guilty until proven innocent" attitudes that abounded then.
The twist at the end left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
This was the first book I ever read more than once. I still own it and occasionally read it again.
To those who have only first read this 20+ years after it was written and complain about the language and sexual remarks, please remember, it was all accepted and expected at that time.
December 21, 2021
I can't remember how this got on my ToBeReadNext pile, but wow. I don't remember ever reading anything by this guy but that will change. This is a far better than average legal thriller. It's a big fat book and the story takes some major, fascinating twists and turns. Will Alexander is a lawyer at the end of his rope - drink and sex are ruining him. His partners kick him out of the firm. His only case is defending four mean, nasty bikers in a murder case. They say they are innocent and they looks like they were born guilty. But, this story isn't at all straight forward. It's a great ride. Off now to find out what else Freedman has done!
June 16, 2017
Recommended to me by a library patron this story of a gruesome crime and the trial that follows was so detailed I could have been sitting in the courtroom. Gripping right until the last page. However, It was wordy in parts and could have been a tad shorter. First novel written in 1991 I will definitely check out what else the author has written since.
January 31, 2023
Started 1-27-23; finished 1-30-23. A courtroom/murder mystery with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. An emotionally-flawed attorney must defend four 'bikers" from a murder charge of which they insist they're innocent. The plot twists continue to the very end of the book.,leaving no loose ends. Would make a good TV series.
September 20, 2020
Great read!
Have read several of this Authors books and loved them all. Can be a little graphic for some. Intricate stories with believable characters. Looking forward to the next offering.
Have read several of this Authors books and loved them all. Can be a little graphic for some. Intricate stories with believable characters. Looking forward to the next offering.
November 21, 2021
Very disappointed....went on and on and was an effort to finish...a lot of words to describe a simple storyline that at any time failed to fire me up...draggy and boring....he came across as just dumb!
May 4, 2022
I had never read J.F. Freedman before AGAINST THE WIND. The plot had plenty of twists and turns, the characters were real and on the whole I enjoyed this book. However, at times, some of the description was tedious and I found myself jumping paragraphs.
February 10, 2023
This was an excellent book! I loved it, but I really wanted a better ending. I liked that the bikers were set free, but I wanted to know more about his daughter and Mary Lou. I wanted to know that his previous partners got their due. It just ended a little too early for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 13, 2024With his personal life in a bit of a turmoil Will Alexander takes on the case of 4 bikers accused of rape and murder. These men are certainly capable of the crime but Will believes in their innocence and sets our to prove it.
June 18, 2017
Gran novela de temática judicial
Mantiene el suspenso y la esperanza de ver a los protagonistas hasta el final
Mantiene el suspenso y la esperanza de ver a los protagonistas hasta el final
September 26, 2017
Awesome.... From start to finish. Vulgar?? No big deal!
November 30, 2017
excellent book, quick pace, would be a great movie, and a better series!
February 7, 2018
Great read in its soul
Written with words that a person can reflect on itself.The trial and tribulations are well written and the story carries the facts forward.
Written with words that a person can reflect on itself.The trial and tribulations are well written and the story carries the facts forward.
September 5, 2018
read this book a while back and passed it around friends and family it was a really good read and one that i remeber well
April 29, 2020
A page turner for sure.
December 12, 2021
This is my first JF Freedman novel and I must say I enjoyed it and may look for more. A definite page turner w a few unexpected turns.
January 22, 2022
Really good- 4 1/2 stars
May 1, 2022
This is quite the book--very involved court case, prison riots, and back to court! Warning this book would be rated for mature audiences: sexual content, violence, language, and drug material.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews