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Cass Leary Legal Thriller #14
Code of Secrets
Coming Soon!Small-town defense attorney Cass Leary is called on to represent an innocent client who refuses to break his silence and betray a friend. If Cass can't get through to him, he'll spend the rest of his life in jail and let a killer walk free.
Don't miss the next gripping novel in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series. Perfect for fans of Grisham, Slaughter, and Connelly.
Don't miss the next gripping novel in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series. Perfect for fans of Grisham, Slaughter, and Connelly.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
1010 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Robin James
24 books415 followersRobin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 26, 2025
Andrew Doyle was raised in a quaint town in Indiana, where his family-owned farmland and worked as farmers. They also operated a store on their land. Despite this, Andrew dreamed of becoming a lawyer. He earned a scholarship and moved to Ann Arbor, where he thrived. Back in his hometown, he often felt like an outsider, different from the other people his age,
Andrew found solace in books. Upon entering law school, he confided in his family that he had finally discovered his true people.........
The people Andrew referred to included his roommates – Daria, Marcus, Kade, and of course, Andrew himself. The four of them met during their first year of law school. Throughout their time in law school, the four of them were inseparable. They stayed roommates until the very last week of their studies
A week before their final exam to qualify as lawyers, one of the roommates suggested they celebrate by renting a grand estate for the weekend. Initially, it was meant to be a small gathering, but the party quickly spiraled out of control, attracting far more guests than anticipated, leading to the tragic murder of Andrew's roommate.
Two years have gone by since that unfortunate night. Cass Leary has been tasked with looking into the murder case. Andrew’s family is convinced of his innocence and is willing to do whatever it takes to prove that Andrew did not commit the crime.
They say curiosity killed the cat; let’s hope that’s not the case here... but Leary's curiosity ultimately takes over, driving her to investigate the murder
One of the many reasons I love Robin James' books is cause of the captivating backstory’s in the law office, paired with all the drama that comes from Cass's family...... Plus, we can't forget about the attractive ex-cop Eric ..... and I can't help but notice how Cass continually lands herself in tricky situations.
June 28, 2025
Editor failed to do the job.
Storyline could’ve been good but it was very obvious it was rushed to publication. Too many editing errors or lack thereof ruined the reading experience.
Storyline could’ve been good but it was very obvious it was rushed to publication. Too many editing errors or lack thereof ruined the reading experience.
June 20, 2025
Cass Leary is asked to look into the case of Andrew Doyle, who has been convicted of murder. His family believe he is innocent, but Doyle, who initially vigorously defended himself, suddenly allowed himself to be tried without true defence and refuses to do anything to protest his innocence. Reluctant to deal with a case she hasn't tried herself, Leary begins to look into the case of murder at a student party, but the more she finds to question, the more intractable Doyle is.
As always, it's a very enjoyable read, with lots of tension and drama. It's realistic and entirely plausible in its plot: there are probably more setbacks and dead ends with no smooth, easy segueing into a solution. That's what makes James' heroine so enjoyable - she's 'real'. However, there is also some predictability to the story, which follow the same familiar pattern as all the others: nothing will be easy and Leary will face all kinds of setbacks and frustrations before finally 'getting her man (or woman)'. Yet despite that, it's an enjoyable book, with the novel addition of no actual courtroom drama for once. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this is definitely one to try.
As always, it's a very enjoyable read, with lots of tension and drama. It's realistic and entirely plausible in its plot: there are probably more setbacks and dead ends with no smooth, easy segueing into a solution. That's what makes James' heroine so enjoyable - she's 'real'. However, there is also some predictability to the story, which follow the same familiar pattern as all the others: nothing will be easy and Leary will face all kinds of setbacks and frustrations before finally 'getting her man (or woman)'. Yet despite that, it's an enjoyable book, with the novel addition of no actual courtroom drama for once. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this is definitely one to try.
June 21, 2025
Code of Secrets🤫
Code of Secrets is the next Cass Leary book by Robin and so good to get back into this world with some of my favourite characters❣️
Once again, Robin has put together a compelling story, filled with secrets at every corner. If not for one character’s comments, I would have completely fallen down the rabbit hole😳
Loved it and I can’t wait to see what Robin has in store for us next🙌 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review.
Code of Secrets is the next Cass Leary book by Robin and so good to get back into this world with some of my favourite characters❣️
Once again, Robin has put together a compelling story, filled with secrets at every corner. If not for one character’s comments, I would have completely fallen down the rabbit hole😳
Loved it and I can’t wait to see what Robin has in store for us next🙌 I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review.
August 2, 2025
**Added nothing substantial to the series**
I mean, the story/case was decent enough, I suppose. Kept my attention in the general sense. Someone's in prison for killing someone, said someone's family wants an appeal because of some such thing that might suggest innocence, but then that same someone doesn't wanna cooperate for whatever reason and Cass must find out why, blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I've read a case like this before in another legal thriller somewhere. Still, my curiosity was sparked, and I wanted answers.
But honestly, as mildly interesting as the case was, the overall pacing of the entire story was too slow and uneventful for my taste. I much prefer legal thrillers to be high stakes, nail-biting thrillers. Something that's "live" and "active" and keeps things ramped up. Even these Cass Leary stories have had their ample share of dramatically thrilling cases to keep my wholly invested. But that didn't really happen here. It was all intriguing stuff, sure, but it was just that: stuff, really.
It also didn't help that Cass's personal life, which has always been my favorite aspect of this entire series, continues to stagnate, at least when it comes to her relationship with Eric. Just when the previous book ended on a high note with those two, this one takes it NOWHERE. Lastly, this book was in dire, DESPERATE need of a better editor. There were so many glaringly obvious mistakes; I have no idea how ANYONE can miss them. I mean, wanna hire ME, Robin James? I read for a living, and I can spot errors like THAT. Either way, you gotta hire someone else, my dear.
Anyway, I'm still a fan till the end, of course. I'm always gonna look forward to the next entry in this series. I guess I'm just sad that they're not consistently great like they've been in the past. Oh well. It is what it is.
I mean, the story/case was decent enough, I suppose. Kept my attention in the general sense. Someone's in prison for killing someone, said someone's family wants an appeal because of some such thing that might suggest innocence, but then that same someone doesn't wanna cooperate for whatever reason and Cass must find out why, blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I've read a case like this before in another legal thriller somewhere. Still, my curiosity was sparked, and I wanted answers.
But honestly, as mildly interesting as the case was, the overall pacing of the entire story was too slow and uneventful for my taste. I much prefer legal thrillers to be high stakes, nail-biting thrillers. Something that's "live" and "active" and keeps things ramped up. Even these Cass Leary stories have had their ample share of dramatically thrilling cases to keep my wholly invested. But that didn't really happen here. It was all intriguing stuff, sure, but it was just that: stuff, really.
It also didn't help that Cass's personal life, which has always been my favorite aspect of this entire series, continues to stagnate, at least when it comes to her relationship with Eric. Just when the previous book ended on a high note with those two, this one takes it NOWHERE. Lastly, this book was in dire, DESPERATE need of a better editor. There were so many glaringly obvious mistakes; I have no idea how ANYONE can miss them. I mean, wanna hire ME, Robin James? I read for a living, and I can spot errors like THAT. Either way, you gotta hire someone else, my dear.
Anyway, I'm still a fan till the end, of course. I'm always gonna look forward to the next entry in this series. I guess I'm just sad that they're not consistently great like they've been in the past. Oh well. It is what it is.
July 26, 2025
After taking a month to read “The Last King of America,” I was ready for some “fast, fun reading” and “Code of Secrets” by Robin James was just what the doctor ordered. Cass Leary, defense attorney, finds herself investigating a murder to try to free an innocent man who was convicted of the crime. As she delves into the two-year-old murder, she finds the client will not allow her to go forward with evidence that might win him a new trial, because he is protecting someone. As she struggles with how to deal with a non-compliant client, she also has to handle the drama of her dysfunctional family at home. While I don’t believe that it is James’ best work, it was still entertaining, and kept me up late to discover who her client was protecting.
(360 pages)
(360 pages)
June 28, 2025
4.5 stars. Book #14. Exciting page turning murder mystery from one of my all-time favorite authors. Cass agrees to take a look at a case after listening to the pleas of a family whose son is serving time for murder. This book is aptly named. Several key players with an abundance of secrets. There were plenty of twists along the way to keep me guessing.
While I'm extremely grateful for the early release of this book, it loses a 1/2 star for the surprising and unusual handful of distracting editing errors throughout.
As always, when one of Robin James's books ends, I can't wait for the next.
While I'm extremely grateful for the early release of this book, it loses a 1/2 star for the surprising and unusual handful of distracting editing errors throughout.
As always, when one of Robin James's books ends, I can't wait for the next.
July 1, 2025
another Cass Leary classic
As ever I enjoyed this latest instalment of Cass Leary and her clan. A couple of slips of the keyboard I.e. her instead of him and Daria instead of Grace) but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment of a good story with many different facets, all interesting in their own right. It’s always nice to catchup with the goings on of her family, and after 14 books it feels like checking in on ‘old friends’ . You could read this book alone but would be much more enjoyable to start at book number 1
As ever I enjoyed this latest instalment of Cass Leary and her clan. A couple of slips of the keyboard I.e. her instead of him and Daria instead of Grace) but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment of a good story with many different facets, all interesting in their own right. It’s always nice to catchup with the goings on of her family, and after 14 books it feels like checking in on ‘old friends’ . You could read this book alone but would be much more enjoyable to start at book number 1
July 18, 2025
Not the best of this series
Disappointing, uninspiring plot.
The worst part were numerous typos and
errors that were distracting.
The biggest error was at the end of chapter 36 when Cass instructs Andrew to refuse any visit from Daria, who was the murdered victim. The author most likely meant it to read Grace, Andrew’s wife! Can’t believe that hasn’t been caught by anyone on Robin James staff or the publisher.
Disappointing, uninspiring plot.
The worst part were numerous typos and
errors that were distracting.
The biggest error was at the end of chapter 36 when Cass instructs Andrew to refuse any visit from Daria, who was the murdered victim. The author most likely meant it to read Grace, Andrew’s wife! Can’t believe that hasn’t been caught by anyone on Robin James staff or the publisher.
June 28, 2025
Cass Leary does it again
Well, actually, Robin James, but this was very exciting and hard to put down which is the kind of books. I appreciate. If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend it. I enjoy how everything is intertwined old stuff, new stuff, family stuff. It’s really great.
Well, actually, Robin James, but this was very exciting and hard to put down which is the kind of books. I appreciate. If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend it. I enjoy how everything is intertwined old stuff, new stuff, family stuff. It’s really great.
June 29, 2025
This was not a good read for me. I enjoy all the characters, although it is getting harder to keep Cass’ family members straight. I enjoyed the first part of the book, but then it got very repetitious with Cass not getting any cooperation from the convicted murderer. It just dragged on and on from there.
July 9, 2025
Good story.
I’m a loyal reader of all your books. This one had a good story line, but there were lots of missing words in sentences, use of the wrong nsme many times, pm instead of a.m. in one place. It’s distracting to read a book that hasn’t been properly proofed. You can still fix it. 😃
I’m a loyal reader of all your books. This one had a good story line, but there were lots of missing words in sentences, use of the wrong nsme many times, pm instead of a.m. in one place. It’s distracting to read a book that hasn’t been properly proofed. You can still fix it. 😃
July 23, 2025
Absolutely brilliant! Robin James never disappoints. This new Cass Leary book is full of Cass's determination and refusal to give up. She never gives up anything. Lost cause? There's no such thing in the Leary world.
Our beloved Leary family are all there as we've come to expect. I can't rate these books highly enough and can't wait for the next one.
Our beloved Leary family are all there as we've come to expect. I can't rate these books highly enough and can't wait for the next one.
June 27, 2025
great story
Case gets hooked into an appeals case only the convicted killer does not want to appeal. Lots of clues to track down. I did not give this five stars because the grammar and punctuation errors were so distracting! I look forward to the next book in the series!
Case gets hooked into an appeals case only the convicted killer does not want to appeal. Lots of clues to track down. I did not give this five stars because the grammar and punctuation errors were so distracting! I look forward to the next book in the series!
June 30, 2025
Poor editing. Misspelled words and incorrect names evident.
Interesting plot.
Poor proofreading that interrupts flow.
I have not noticed this in previous installments.
Glaring mistakes.............. ..... ..... ...
Interesting plot.
Poor proofreading that interrupts flow.
I have not noticed this in previous installments.
Glaring mistakes.............. ..... ..... ...
June 30, 2025
These are quick reads with interesting stories. This one is not my favorite, but she does get a guy released from prison after a murder conviction. I didn’t really believe the Grace character, but still entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I had hopes
I guessed the killer as soon as she said she blamed herself. I was hopeful that maybe I was wrong, but yep went there. It kinda reminded me of that grandma from her other book.
I guessed the killer as soon as she said she blamed herself. I was hopeful that maybe I was wrong, but yep went there. It kinda reminded me of that grandma from her other book.
July 2, 2025
Phenomenal
You just can't go wrong with Robin James. All of her books are exceptional although I'm a little partial to Cass Leary. She has come a long way and I've enjoyed every twist and turn of the challenges in her life.
You just can't go wrong with Robin James. All of her books are exceptional although I'm a little partial to Cass Leary. She has come a long way and I've enjoyed every twist and turn of the challenges in her life.
July 10, 2025
Great Plot
Really good story line. The Leary family continues their quirky existences, the court case is interesting. Altogether the entertaining read that we've come to expect from Robin James.
Really good story line. The Leary family continues their quirky existences, the court case is interesting. Altogether the entertaining read that we've come to expect from Robin James.
July 12, 2025
Another Great Addition to the Series
I have read all of Robin James’s Cass Keary books as well as her other series. I always enjoy her books and look forward to reading the new ones as soon as they are available.
I have read all of Robin James’s Cass Keary books as well as her other series. I always enjoy her books and look forward to reading the new ones as soon as they are available.
August 11, 2025
5/5 stars
I loved it! Great continuation of the series. Can't wait for the next! I was hoping for a little more courtroom drama, because I think that's where Cass Leary shines the most. But it was still a great book!
I loved it! Great continuation of the series. Can't wait for the next! I was hoping for a little more courtroom drama, because I think that's where Cass Leary shines the most. But it was still a great book!
September 7, 2025
Binge read the whole series
I devoured the whole 14
books! Robin James is a terrific writer and keeps you guessing until the very end. Looking forward to book 15. Now, it's on to Robin's Mara Brent series.
I devoured the whole 14
books! Robin James is a terrific writer and keeps you guessing until the very end. Looking forward to book 15. Now, it's on to Robin's Mara Brent series.
September 8, 2025
Another great read by Robin James
Love reading Robin James, whether it’s Cass Leary or Mara Brent, it’s like curling up in your favorite chair with something you know and love, and it won’t let you down. I always look forward to her next novel.
Love reading Robin James, whether it’s Cass Leary or Mara Brent, it’s like curling up in your favorite chair with something you know and love, and it won’t let you down. I always look forward to her next novel.
July 5, 2025
So good. Just what I expect from Robin James. I love Cass and her family. The story was great and I had no idea. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 8, 2025
Ok read
This is a rather far fetched book as the ending of who did it comes out of nowhere! Its not shocking, more disappointing!
This is a rather far fetched book as the ending of who did it comes out of nowhere! Its not shocking, more disappointing!
July 8, 2025
Proofreader needed
I found missing words and a reference to the wrong female character towards the end. Doesn't this publisher employ anyone to check final manuscripts?
I found missing words and a reference to the wrong female character towards the end. Doesn't this publisher employ anyone to check final manuscripts?
July 8, 2025
The Cass Leary series is always a good read.
July 12, 2025
Really enjoy this series - sort of had this one figured out...
July 12, 2025
Great read
Another book in the Cass Leary series and another great read where it was hard to put the book down.
Another book in the Cass Leary series and another great read where it was hard to put the book down.
July 14, 2025
great book
I think I’ve read every one of Robins books. This one lives up to all the others. I just like her books.
I think I’ve read every one of Robins books. This one lives up to all the others. I just like her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews