What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Mark
He couldn’t save his reputation, his marriage, or his career—but he’s dead-set on saving a friend framed for murder . . .
Divorced, disbarred, and broke. That’s where former defense attorney Mick Ward found himself after a drug-fueled collapse, and now all he wants is a quiet life. But when he discovers a body on his friend Elliott’s property, Mick has to get involved. Because the body belongs to a rival from Elliott’s criminal past, and someone’s planted a gun in his house.
Currently a Black Lives Matter activist running for Portland’s city council, Elliott suspects he’s been targeted by vengeful cops. But the worst is yet to come, and with Mick unable to practice law, he’ll have to work around the system any way he can to help his friend . . .
Divorced, disbarred, and broke. That’s where former defense attorney Mick Ward found himself after a drug-fueled collapse, and now all he wants is a quiet life. But when he discovers a body on his friend Elliott’s property, Mick has to get involved. Because the body belongs to a rival from Elliott’s criminal past, and someone’s planted a gun in his house.
Currently a Black Lives Matter activist running for Portland’s city council, Elliott suspects he’s been targeted by vengeful cops. But the worst is yet to come, and with Mick unable to practice law, he’ll have to work around the system any way he can to help his friend . . .
- GenresCrime
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2024
26 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 23, 2024
A gripping crime thriller that keeps you guessing throughout.
When Mick's friend is framed for murder he sets out to prove his innocence and discover the true culprit, while battling a web of police ignorance and hostility.
The story kept me engaged and intrigued, I loved the pacing and the many layers of mystery. As a 'who dunnit' it naturally draws you in and makes you consider all the suspects and their possible motives. This had added complexity with corruption, elements of racism, city protests for BLM movement, and drawing on legal practices and justice procedures.
The plot was creative and I enjoyed the twists, and how the characters worked together despite the elements of danger.
One to read if you enjoy high stakes murder mysteries and law and order vibes.
I'd love to see more from these characters, and hopefully the ending is setting the scene for more adventures for Mick and Casey.
When Mick's friend is framed for murder he sets out to prove his innocence and discover the true culprit, while battling a web of police ignorance and hostility.
The story kept me engaged and intrigued, I loved the pacing and the many layers of mystery. As a 'who dunnit' it naturally draws you in and makes you consider all the suspects and their possible motives. This had added complexity with corruption, elements of racism, city protests for BLM movement, and drawing on legal practices and justice procedures.
The plot was creative and I enjoyed the twists, and how the characters worked together despite the elements of danger.
One to read if you enjoy high stakes murder mysteries and law and order vibes.
I'd love to see more from these characters, and hopefully the ending is setting the scene for more adventures for Mick and Casey.
May 28, 2024
I found Black Mark to be an absolutely gripping read as we follow Mick, Casey and Elliott ( among others ) in this intriguing "whodunnit". You really can imagine the streets of Portland as Mick and the other characters chase down leads in this engaging crime thriller.
It's a read jam packed with twists and turns that will keep you guessing with a creative plot and characters with decent depth.
It's a fast-paced page turner and I read this in two sittings.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's a read jam packed with twists and turns that will keep you guessing with a creative plot and characters with decent depth.
It's a fast-paced page turner and I read this in two sittings.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
June 1, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, Oregon, this fast-paced crime thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Legal thrillers aren’t my usual jam, though this will be the first of two I review this week. Not being an expert on the genre, I still think the majority focus on current lawyers, unlike many crime-focused genres, which include any number of people playing detectives from knitting grandmas to cookie bakers to grizzled current or former detectives. So, seeing an ex-lawyer head back to the desk and courtroom to defend a dear friend and ex-con and attempt to keep him off death row was a unique and interesting experience for me.
Our main character, …, did however herald back to the grizzly detectives that populate my more typical reads. Described as a big, imposing, powerful man – more common in the police car than the courtroom – he was also grumpy, good with his hands, and tired of a world that had long since disappointed him. Far from a corporate greedy type, this lawyer has the heart of gold our grizzly, retired detective typically has set on saving the world one case at a time. A former defense attorney, he is described by many as the “patron saint of lost causes,” has spent his career focusing on cases no one else would take and spending his soul rescuing those he believed were innocent when no one else did.
As a long-time lover of the cozy genre, and the grizzle detective populating all sorts of detective stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this interpretation of a lawyer. An insight into the humanity of America’s most hated profession with fresh eyes was great. I honestly on multiple occasions forgot he was supposed to be working on the legal side of things. But, then, as he repeatedly reminded people, he wasn’t a lawyer anymore.
His relationships were messy, even the best of them. His most solid and best friendship was with the suspect, which is how he ended up in this situation – one of the reasons cozy mysteries popped into my head as a slight comparison. Amateur detective books are always featuring the sleuth having to defend their own or their loved ones’ honor. This felt like the introduction of characters we will see again someday, and I look forward to seeing the various relationships develop.
Spencer’s depiction of a recent and ongoing historical movement – the Black Lives Matter protests and organization – was done with cultural and societal sensitivity and grace. The handling of horrible racism, corruption, and so many difficult topics was handled honestly and through an understandable lens. While it is always best to let minority cultures tell their own stories, this was a good story and offered a perspective that could help bridge some gaps that might not otherwise be broached. Hopefully, for some, this book opens the conversation and opens the door for them to experience other conversations, media, and more to understand topics highlighted in this story.
If you’re a legal thriller lover or a detective/crime fiction lover, I think you’ll love this equally. However, this does deal with a good deal of serious topics so please check the content warnings.
Content Warning: Racism, Death, Gore, Violence, Police Brutality, Police Cover-ups, Egregious White Privelege, Protests Interrupted, Child Death, Organized Crime, Serious Injury
Legal thrillers aren’t my usual jam, though this will be the first of two I review this week. Not being an expert on the genre, I still think the majority focus on current lawyers, unlike many crime-focused genres, which include any number of people playing detectives from knitting grandmas to cookie bakers to grizzled current or former detectives. So, seeing an ex-lawyer head back to the desk and courtroom to defend a dear friend and ex-con and attempt to keep him off death row was a unique and interesting experience for me.
Our main character, …, did however herald back to the grizzly detectives that populate my more typical reads. Described as a big, imposing, powerful man – more common in the police car than the courtroom – he was also grumpy, good with his hands, and tired of a world that had long since disappointed him. Far from a corporate greedy type, this lawyer has the heart of gold our grizzly, retired detective typically has set on saving the world one case at a time. A former defense attorney, he is described by many as the “patron saint of lost causes,” has spent his career focusing on cases no one else would take and spending his soul rescuing those he believed were innocent when no one else did.
As a long-time lover of the cozy genre, and the grizzle detective populating all sorts of detective stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this interpretation of a lawyer. An insight into the humanity of America’s most hated profession with fresh eyes was great. I honestly on multiple occasions forgot he was supposed to be working on the legal side of things. But, then, as he repeatedly reminded people, he wasn’t a lawyer anymore.
His relationships were messy, even the best of them. His most solid and best friendship was with the suspect, which is how he ended up in this situation – one of the reasons cozy mysteries popped into my head as a slight comparison. Amateur detective books are always featuring the sleuth having to defend their own or their loved ones’ honor. This felt like the introduction of characters we will see again someday, and I look forward to seeing the various relationships develop.
Spencer’s depiction of a recent and ongoing historical movement – the Black Lives Matter protests and organization – was done with cultural and societal sensitivity and grace. The handling of horrible racism, corruption, and so many difficult topics was handled honestly and through an understandable lens. While it is always best to let minority cultures tell their own stories, this was a good story and offered a perspective that could help bridge some gaps that might not otherwise be broached. Hopefully, for some, this book opens the conversation and opens the door for them to experience other conversations, media, and more to understand topics highlighted in this story.
If you’re a legal thriller lover or a detective/crime fiction lover, I think you’ll love this equally. However, this does deal with a good deal of serious topics so please check the content warnings.
Content Warning: Racism, Death, Gore, Violence, Police Brutality, Police Cover-ups, Egregious White Privelege, Protests Interrupted, Child Death, Organized Crime, Serious Injury
June 2, 2024
Here is my review for Black Mark by Paul Spencer
I got into this book straight away. I especially enjoyed reading about the characters, Paul and Elliot and their friendship then finding a body hidden in Elliot’s backyard! This book goes on to mention the Black Lives Matter movement and how emotions are between black people and white people in Portland. The tension isn’t great and black men have been known to be killed for no reason at all. The cops have got it in for Elliot and Paul has had to hold him back at times from doing something rash, now he looks as though he could be up on a murder charge when he hasn’t done anything. It reeks of frame up but who could be behind it? The book is brilliantly written and all the characters have their own little niche for their attitudes and they are great. His attorney, Casey, is just brilliantly written and she has great guts and really stands her ground. I loved reading this book and waiting to see how it developed. The writer tackled a very emotive subject with great care and attention, he did it well. The plotting is just superb and the writing is excellent. A book full of twists and turns, some you would not believe!
Blurb :
He couldn’t save his reputation, his marriage, or his career—but he’s dead-set on saving a friend framed for murder...
Divorced, disbarred, and broke. That’s where former defence attorney Mick Ward found himself after a drug-fueled collapse, and now all he wants is a quiet life. But when he discovers a body on his friend Elliott’s property, Mick has to get involved. Because the body belongs to a rival from Elliott’s criminal past, and someone’s planted a gun in his house.
Currently, a Black Lives Matter activist running for Portland’s city council, Elliott suspects he’s been targeted by vengeful cops. But the worst is yet to come, and with Mick unable to practice law, he’ll have to work around the system any way he can to help his friend . . .
I got into this book straight away. I especially enjoyed reading about the characters, Paul and Elliot and their friendship then finding a body hidden in Elliot’s backyard! This book goes on to mention the Black Lives Matter movement and how emotions are between black people and white people in Portland. The tension isn’t great and black men have been known to be killed for no reason at all. The cops have got it in for Elliot and Paul has had to hold him back at times from doing something rash, now he looks as though he could be up on a murder charge when he hasn’t done anything. It reeks of frame up but who could be behind it? The book is brilliantly written and all the characters have their own little niche for their attitudes and they are great. His attorney, Casey, is just brilliantly written and she has great guts and really stands her ground. I loved reading this book and waiting to see how it developed. The writer tackled a very emotive subject with great care and attention, he did it well. The plotting is just superb and the writing is excellent. A book full of twists and turns, some you would not believe!
Blurb :
He couldn’t save his reputation, his marriage, or his career—but he’s dead-set on saving a friend framed for murder...
Divorced, disbarred, and broke. That’s where former defence attorney Mick Ward found himself after a drug-fueled collapse, and now all he wants is a quiet life. But when he discovers a body on his friend Elliott’s property, Mick has to get involved. Because the body belongs to a rival from Elliott’s criminal past, and someone’s planted a gun in his house.
Currently, a Black Lives Matter activist running for Portland’s city council, Elliott suspects he’s been targeted by vengeful cops. But the worst is yet to come, and with Mick unable to practice law, he’ll have to work around the system any way he can to help his friend . . .
May 23, 2024
Review: Black Mark
By Paul Spencer
Genre: Crime Thriller
Format: Book 📕
Publication date: 23rd May 2024
Available on KU? Yes
🌟: 5/5
⭐️This was an excellent read, a truly gripping crime thriller with an ending I absolutely did not see coming, it came together perfectly and believably. The best thriller I’ve read in ages I couldn’t put it down.
⭐️The characters are well fleshed out and their motivations make perfect sense. Mick Ward - disbarred lawyer and great friend, is such a likeable main character . The story is told from his point of view all the way through, which I loved! I really hope the author writes more books about him.
⭐️ The book is fast paced and gripping, I honestly struggled to take a break I just wanted to know what was going to happen, I couldn’t of even guessed the ending the mystery was so well layered and put together. I particularly enjoyed all of the procedural parts from the legal perspective it was fascinating.
⭐️ The story is packed full of contemporary issues and had me outraged throughout. Court room drama in abundance and ultimately an intriguing “whodunnit”.
Thank you so much to the author @paul_spencer_author, the publisher
@bloodhound.books and to @lovebookstours for organising and having me along on the Book tour! I recieved a copy in exchange for an honest review.
By Paul Spencer
Genre: Crime Thriller
Format: Book 📕
Publication date: 23rd May 2024
Available on KU? Yes
🌟: 5/5
⭐️This was an excellent read, a truly gripping crime thriller with an ending I absolutely did not see coming, it came together perfectly and believably. The best thriller I’ve read in ages I couldn’t put it down.
⭐️The characters are well fleshed out and their motivations make perfect sense. Mick Ward - disbarred lawyer and great friend, is such a likeable main character . The story is told from his point of view all the way through, which I loved! I really hope the author writes more books about him.
⭐️ The book is fast paced and gripping, I honestly struggled to take a break I just wanted to know what was going to happen, I couldn’t of even guessed the ending the mystery was so well layered and put together. I particularly enjoyed all of the procedural parts from the legal perspective it was fascinating.
⭐️ The story is packed full of contemporary issues and had me outraged throughout. Court room drama in abundance and ultimately an intriguing “whodunnit”.
Thank you so much to the author @paul_spencer_author, the publisher
@bloodhound.books and to @lovebookstours for organising and having me along on the Book tour! I recieved a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2024
Oh my god! This book was brilliant! I love Mick Ward and Casey! The whole story was exciting to read, a political aspect but I feel I've read and enjoyed more political books than I thought I would. This one keeps you entertained, there is the racial factor with Elliott but it's written with a way that you are on his side from the get go. Mick knows Elliott, knows who he is and what he is like so when the unthinkable happens, he's there to support his friend along the way. Although Mick isn't a lawyer anymore, he still has contacts who he can depend on as and when needed.
I love how fast paced this book is, I could have finished it in a day but felt I should pace myself to fully absorb myself in the storyline. There are a couple of twists and turns along the way and definitely a few nail biting moments when you weren't sure which was the situation was going to go.
I will be re-reading this again in future and I really hope this is the start of a series with Mick and Casey, they make a good team and look forward to more! Loved it!
I love how fast paced this book is, I could have finished it in a day but felt I should pace myself to fully absorb myself in the storyline. There are a couple of twists and turns along the way and definitely a few nail biting moments when you weren't sure which was the situation was going to go.
I will be re-reading this again in future and I really hope this is the start of a series with Mick and Casey, they make a good team and look forward to more! Loved it!
June 4, 2024
Thank you so much to love book tours and Paul Spencer for gifting me a physical copy of Black Mark in exchange for an honest review! 😊
✨RATINGS✨
✨✨✨✨✨/5
✨REVIEW✨
I haven’t read a thriller before but damn has this set a high standard for them! This was soooo good and I’m so glad I applied to arc read this!
This is about Paul and Elliot and how they find a dead body in Elliot’s back garden. The cops have it for Elliot and now it looks like he’s going up for murder.
This is a whodunnit book and it was really well written. All the characters are written so well and makes it’s so much more interesting and engaging because you feel all the emotions the characters are feeling.
The attorney Casey is definitely my favourite character! She didn’t back down and stood her ground. She was really well written.
This was a really good thriller and had me right from the start! The plot was really good and well thought out with lots of twists and turns!
If you are someone who likes crime thrillers definitely check this out!
✨RATINGS✨
✨✨✨✨✨/5
✨REVIEW✨
I haven’t read a thriller before but damn has this set a high standard for them! This was soooo good and I’m so glad I applied to arc read this!
This is about Paul and Elliot and how they find a dead body in Elliot’s back garden. The cops have it for Elliot and now it looks like he’s going up for murder.
This is a whodunnit book and it was really well written. All the characters are written so well and makes it’s so much more interesting and engaging because you feel all the emotions the characters are feeling.
The attorney Casey is definitely my favourite character! She didn’t back down and stood her ground. She was really well written.
This was a really good thriller and had me right from the start! The plot was really good and well thought out with lots of twists and turns!
If you are someone who likes crime thrillers definitely check this out!
May 16, 2024
What an absolutely fantastic book, from the very beginning I was transported into the pages of the book and felt like I was an onlooker watching the story unfold.
The main character in the book is Mick Ward a disbarred lawyer who is down on his luck and picking causal work to try and pay the bills. Whilst helping his friend Elliot build a fence on his property, he finds a body and to make matters worse it is an old gang rival of Elliots.
The police want to pin this on Elliot as he is a BLM activist who is also running for city council where he can start to make a deference. The story is told from Mick’s side who is trying to find who really killed this man and set up his friend.
I loved the way they author let the story unfold very few authors can transport me into the pages I wish I could more than 5 stars. I will definitely be looking out for more books coming out from this author. I can’t recommend this book enough.
The main character in the book is Mick Ward a disbarred lawyer who is down on his luck and picking causal work to try and pay the bills. Whilst helping his friend Elliot build a fence on his property, he finds a body and to make matters worse it is an old gang rival of Elliots.
The police want to pin this on Elliot as he is a BLM activist who is also running for city council where he can start to make a deference. The story is told from Mick’s side who is trying to find who really killed this man and set up his friend.
I loved the way they author let the story unfold very few authors can transport me into the pages I wish I could more than 5 stars. I will definitely be looking out for more books coming out from this author. I can’t recommend this book enough.
August 4, 2024
A good old-fashioned thriller 🙂
I've been reading so many different genres lately, that reading this book was a great reminder of why thrillers are my favourite genre, tge one I keep going back to.
While I often focus on domestic thrillers, I really enjoyed this one. We follow Mick Ward, a disbarred lawyer who is essentially looking for justice for his best friend, accused of killing an old enemy in the midst of a political campaign - see below for full blurb.
I found Mick to be a relatable character, one who wasn't necessarily making the right or smart choices (in my opinion). I always struggle when characters are depicted in extreme (too perfect/smart/flawed/insert adjective) so I was glad it wasn't the case here.
I was also left wanting to know more about Casey and Tony, and really liked the team they were forming with Mick.
If you like thriller, with a hint of political (and gang-realted) intrigue, then I would recommend Black Mark.
I've been reading so many different genres lately, that reading this book was a great reminder of why thrillers are my favourite genre, tge one I keep going back to.
While I often focus on domestic thrillers, I really enjoyed this one. We follow Mick Ward, a disbarred lawyer who is essentially looking for justice for his best friend, accused of killing an old enemy in the midst of a political campaign - see below for full blurb.
I found Mick to be a relatable character, one who wasn't necessarily making the right or smart choices (in my opinion). I always struggle when characters are depicted in extreme (too perfect/smart/flawed/insert adjective) so I was glad it wasn't the case here.
I was also left wanting to know more about Casey and Tony, and really liked the team they were forming with Mick.
If you like thriller, with a hint of political (and gang-realted) intrigue, then I would recommend Black Mark.
May 9, 2024
Mick Ward is a disbarred lawyer trying to figure out what he needs to do to get back into society. His friend, Elliot is a BLM activist trying to calm a city out of control. While Mick is helping Elliot build a fence, he discovers a dead body buried in the dirt.
Elliot knows the dead man and has had many public conflicts with him, He also knows that he has been set up. Mick jumps in to help Elliot prove his innocence, with the help of a lawyer, Casey, and find the real killer. The tangled web has been spun.
Each time I thought I had solved the crime, I was wrong. I was drawn in to the very end. This book is very fast-paced. I could not put it down! The characters are incredible and the storyline places you directly in the scene, watching the characters firsthand. I definitely recommend this novel!
Elliot knows the dead man and has had many public conflicts with him, He also knows that he has been set up. Mick jumps in to help Elliot prove his innocence, with the help of a lawyer, Casey, and find the real killer. The tangled web has been spun.
Each time I thought I had solved the crime, I was wrong. I was drawn in to the very end. This book is very fast-paced. I could not put it down! The characters are incredible and the storyline places you directly in the scene, watching the characters firsthand. I definitely recommend this novel!
May 17, 2024
In this gripping and evocative crime novel, Paul Spencer revives some of the tropes of classic hard-boiled crime fiction in a modern day setting. Fans of Raymond Chandler, Mickey Spillane and James M. Cain will love this book. The title surely pays homage to the genre made famous by the great Dashiell Hammett in 'Black Mask' magazine?
There's an extra layer of gritty realism as the plot unfolds in Portland, the Pacific Northwest city, in the aftermath of the killing of Andre Gladen by a Portland police officer, and the demonstrations by 'Black Lives Matter' supporters.
Mick Ward is a great character, disbarred as a lawyer, but still the perfect friend to have fighting for justice on your behalf. There's plenty of courtroom drama and legal, political and racial tension, in a complex and compelling plot which is written with razor-sharp precision.
There's an extra layer of gritty realism as the plot unfolds in Portland, the Pacific Northwest city, in the aftermath of the killing of Andre Gladen by a Portland police officer, and the demonstrations by 'Black Lives Matter' supporters.
Mick Ward is a great character, disbarred as a lawyer, but still the perfect friend to have fighting for justice on your behalf. There's plenty of courtroom drama and legal, political and racial tension, in a complex and compelling plot which is written with razor-sharp precision.
May 28, 2024
I was instantly drawn to this book by the front cover.
It really gave me classic detective vibes - and I knew that I'd love it.
I then went into this blind, as I often do, so was surprised to find that our main character wasn't a detective as such, but a former defense attorney.
After an incident involving drugs, Mick had lost his marriage, job and career. With his reputation in tatters, he's now also struggling to pay the bills!
But he still had his friends!
When Elliot finds a body on his property, he knows he'll come under suspicion - but can Mick get to the bottom of the case before the police take control.
This one grabbed me right from the start and I raced through to the end, struggling to put it down!
It read like a classic crime fiction, but I loved that there were elements here that rang true to the current world and issues that we experience now.
This was quite a complex plot which I enjoyed - involving some great legal and courtroom scenes as well as building the suspense and tension through political and racial disagreements. This had me guessing right to the end!
The characters were well presented and developed through the book, but I feel that there is definitely more to see from them all.
I wonder whether this might evolve into a great new series - and I'll definitely be there to read future books.
It really gave me classic detective vibes - and I knew that I'd love it.
I then went into this blind, as I often do, so was surprised to find that our main character wasn't a detective as such, but a former defense attorney.
After an incident involving drugs, Mick had lost his marriage, job and career. With his reputation in tatters, he's now also struggling to pay the bills!
But he still had his friends!
When Elliot finds a body on his property, he knows he'll come under suspicion - but can Mick get to the bottom of the case before the police take control.
This one grabbed me right from the start and I raced through to the end, struggling to put it down!
It read like a classic crime fiction, but I loved that there were elements here that rang true to the current world and issues that we experience now.
This was quite a complex plot which I enjoyed - involving some great legal and courtroom scenes as well as building the suspense and tension through political and racial disagreements. This had me guessing right to the end!
The characters were well presented and developed through the book, but I feel that there is definitely more to see from them all.
I wonder whether this might evolve into a great new series - and I'll definitely be there to read future books.
May 23, 2024
Set against a backdrop of the Black Lives Matter protests, Black Mark is an exciting crime thriller that I could not stop reading.
By blending realistic characters, a crime and some historical events, Paul has created a story that is completely believable, and that kept me guessing until the end. Not only that, but the institutional racism had me raging!
I really liked Mick, I hope there's going to be more books about him in the future. He's clearly very good at what he does, despite not always doing things the 'right' way! I liked his friendship with Elliott, who was another great character. Their friendship was so lovely, especially as it had started as a professional relationship.
Although this book had a lot less twists than some I've read, I couldn't put it down and although I knew who the 'baddies' were I didn't know their motive so that was a good surprise at the end.
By blending realistic characters, a crime and some historical events, Paul has created a story that is completely believable, and that kept me guessing until the end. Not only that, but the institutional racism had me raging!
I really liked Mick, I hope there's going to be more books about him in the future. He's clearly very good at what he does, despite not always doing things the 'right' way! I liked his friendship with Elliott, who was another great character. Their friendship was so lovely, especially as it had started as a professional relationship.
Although this book had a lot less twists than some I've read, I couldn't put it down and although I knew who the 'baddies' were I didn't know their motive so that was a good surprise at the end.
October 5, 2024
Mr. Spencer creates an excellent legal thriller combined with comments on social conditions in Seattle during the BLM protests. I wasn't sure if he was going on a rant, but I was very pleasantly surprised that all of the social and political aspects of the story were presented fairly. He didn't seem to present a skewed view from either side and neither side was presented as all right or all wrong. The legal aspects of the book were razor-sharp and engrossing. There were unexpected twists and turns and I stayed up much later than I should have on several occasions because I had to find out what was going to happen. Another reviewer mentioned that he hopes there will be more books featuring Mick Ward and I second that opinion. I think it would prove to be a winning series.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest opinion.
May 2, 2024
This was a really enjoyable read. Mick Ward is a disbarred lawyer helping out a friend when they discover a dead body buried in the friend's back garden. From then on, it's a quest to save his friend who seems to be being railroaded by the police which is causing ructions among the Portland public.
It was a really fast read. The story flowed so well and I just had to keep reading to see what Mick and co would come up with next to try to prove Elliot's innocence. Mick is a good character. He is determined and flawed and just came across as a real person. I don't know if this is going to be a series. I hope so. Either way, I would definitely read more by this author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
It was a really fast read. The story flowed so well and I just had to keep reading to see what Mick and co would come up with next to try to prove Elliot's innocence. Mick is a good character. He is determined and flawed and just came across as a real person. I don't know if this is going to be a series. I hope so. Either way, I would definitely read more by this author.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
May 24, 2024
Once known as the "patron saint of lost causes", Mick Ward was disbarred, and is currently doing odd jobs to make ends meet. On one such job for his friend Elliot - a former gang member, current Black Lives Matter activist and thorn in many a businessman's side - Mick uncovers a body in Elliot's yard. The body is that of Elliot's long-time gang rival, and the man who murdered his kid brother.
Believing in Elliot's innocence, Mick joins the defense team and helps them piece together what really happened.
This book had me hooked from the start. The pacing is great, the plot is multi-layered and full of twists, the characters are believable, and the writing has you feeling like you are right there in the middle of the action. It's a definite must-read imo.
Believing in Elliot's innocence, Mick joins the defense team and helps them piece together what really happened.
This book had me hooked from the start. The pacing is great, the plot is multi-layered and full of twists, the characters are believable, and the writing has you feeling like you are right there in the middle of the action. It's a definite must-read imo.
May 31, 2024
Disbarred defence attorney Mick Ward ends up trying to prove his friend Elliot’s innocence when he has been set up for a murder. With corrupt cops, gang rivalry, mafia, the powerful with deep pockets, public uproar and civil disorder; what’s not to like! Something doesn’t add up when Elliot’s life becomes endangering and time is ticking away for Mick to help him. Not being able to practice law was a huge problem but with the help of Casey, Mick was able to work from the sidelines. An easy read, lots of little clues and some red herrings to keep you guessing right until the end. The characters were strong and well thought out, all had important roles within the storyline. I like how it’s in the more present day and covers topics that actually happen in our day & age. Recommended read!
June 12, 2024
This is a well-written and well plotted thriller. A disbarred lawyer is helping his friend Elliott build a fence around his property. While doing so he discovers a body. The corpse is that of a character from his friend Elliott's former life. While investigating the police discover a gun linked to Elliott. It is obvious to Rick that Elliott is being framed because he is a Black Lives Candidate for city council.
While Rick cannot practice law he becomes an investigator for the lawyer defending Elliott. He uncovers a tangled web of deceit. We read with bated breath praying that Rick can find evidence that will exonerate Elliott.
A thoroughly enjoyable novel. I recommend it highly.
While Rick cannot practice law he becomes an investigator for the lawyer defending Elliott. He uncovers a tangled web of deceit. We read with bated breath praying that Rick can find evidence that will exonerate Elliott.
A thoroughly enjoyable novel. I recommend it highly.
August 16, 2024
Fast paced, highly engaging and plausible
Wow, what a well written book. The pace and suspense was kept high and so the time flew by whilst reading. The story, seems highly plausible, despite being fiction, as the scenes and background stories enrich the main themes. I read this in two (long'ish) beach sittings and totally enjoyed it.
High quality of writing as all the themes flowed, the characters believable and the twists and turns were exciting, topical and kept the pages turning.
Zero typo's nor story disconnects which is not the case for all novels i have read.
I look forward to the sequels.
Wow, what a well written book. The pace and suspense was kept high and so the time flew by whilst reading. The story, seems highly plausible, despite being fiction, as the scenes and background stories enrich the main themes. I read this in two (long'ish) beach sittings and totally enjoyed it.
High quality of writing as all the themes flowed, the characters believable and the twists and turns were exciting, topical and kept the pages turning.
Zero typo's nor story disconnects which is not the case for all novels i have read.
I look forward to the sequels.
May 20, 2024
Brilliant read!!
Mick Ward is a disbarred lawyer who finds himself entangled in the murder trial of an ex-client. With racial tensions at an all time high will he be able to uncover what really happened and why.
This is the best legal thriller I've read for a long time. Paul Spencer drip feeds you just enough information to keep you guessing and reading. I'm hoping this is the start of a new series as I love the dynamics between the whole legal team especially Mick and Casey. Easily a 5* read for me.
Mick Ward is a disbarred lawyer who finds himself entangled in the murder trial of an ex-client. With racial tensions at an all time high will he be able to uncover what really happened and why.
This is the best legal thriller I've read for a long time. Paul Spencer drip feeds you just enough information to keep you guessing and reading. I'm hoping this is the start of a new series as I love the dynamics between the whole legal team especially Mick and Casey. Easily a 5* read for me.
May 14, 2024
A very enjoyable page turner. The book deals with legal procedures combined with a good, old fashioned murder mystery. A new author to me and someone I will look out for again. Thank you Bloodhound ARC Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review.
May 19, 2024
A great book, enjoyed every minute. A good old fashioned murder mystery. The characters were good, and the storyline fab, it drew me in so that I felt I was on the sidelines watching everything unfold around me.
Will certainly be looking out for books by this Paul again.
Will certainly be looking out for books by this Paul again.
July 25, 2024
Excellent read
This feels almost like a Michael Connolly- it’s a very well written, well thought out book. I’ve never read this author before but his style feels very similar to The Lincoln Lawyer or Bosch. A new favourite!
This feels almost like a Michael Connolly- it’s a very well written, well thought out book. I’ve never read this author before but his style feels very similar to The Lincoln Lawyer or Bosch. A new favourite!
May 1, 2024
I read this one quite quickly as it was easy to read. The characters were strong and the storyline believable. Romance was hinted at once in the book and this was the star that I felt was missing!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews