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Mason Pierce #1
The Concrete Alibi
Secrets lie buried in the rubble. Someone will kill to keep them there.
After years of working in the family construction business, attorney Mason Pierce starts his legal career with a powerful Michigan firm. When a crowded patio on the back of an old restaurant collapses, Mason’s new firm decides he’s the perfect attorney to defend the owner and figure out what went wrong.
With his client facing multiple counts of manslaughter and a massive civil suit, Mason investigates, as an angry prosecutor and an opportunistic plaintiff’s lawyer fight him at every step. Helped by a tenacious expert and his old construction crew, Mason soon discovers that there was more to the tragic accident than a simple collapse, uncovering a decades old mystery in the wreckage.
As Mason sifts through the rubble for the truth, ruthless forces converge to keep it buried. And when someone he loves pays the price for his investigation, Mason must find a way to defend his client and protect his family—even if it costs him his career.
After years of working in the family construction business, attorney Mason Pierce starts his legal career with a powerful Michigan firm. When a crowded patio on the back of an old restaurant collapses, Mason’s new firm decides he’s the perfect attorney to defend the owner and figure out what went wrong.
With his client facing multiple counts of manslaughter and a massive civil suit, Mason investigates, as an angry prosecutor and an opportunistic plaintiff’s lawyer fight him at every step. Helped by a tenacious expert and his old construction crew, Mason soon discovers that there was more to the tragic accident than a simple collapse, uncovering a decades old mystery in the wreckage.
As Mason sifts through the rubble for the truth, ruthless forces converge to keep it buried. And when someone he loves pays the price for his investigation, Mason must find a way to defend his client and protect his family—even if it costs him his career.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2025
760 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stagg
11 books324 followersMichael Stagg has been a trial lawyer for more than twenty-five years. He has tried cases to juries and he's won and he's lost and he's argued about it in the court of appeals after. He still practices law so he's writing the Nate Shepherd series under a pen name.
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this legal thriller. Great storyline with believable characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series
January 5, 2026
The Concrete Alibi is the first book in a new series by legal thriller author Michael Stagg, whose writing you may know from his excellent Nate Shephard series. The new book introduces Mason Pierce, an interesting protagonist who is light years removed from the polished attorneys we often encounter in fiction. Pierce comes from a blue-collar background and is practicing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which Stagg does an excellent job of bringing to life. One of the things I most enjoy in Stag’s novels is strong characterization and the time he takes to get his characters out of the courtroom and into the real world. The Concrete Alibi centers on the collapse of an outdoor restaurant patio that results in seven deaths and many injuries. Mason Pierce is caught up in the intrigue surrounding the ensuing lawsuits, both criminal and civil. A number of surprising twists and turns lead us to an old crime that played an unexpected role in the current day collapse and its suspicious aftermath. Mason remains steadfast, yet deeply human as he navigates moral ambiguity, personal loss, and the temptation to take vengeance on the people who are ultimately responsible for both the patio collapse and the murder of a close friend. The Concrete Alibi is a promising start to a new series from an author who reliably delivers one solid legal thriller after another.
October 25, 2025
Michael stag is one of my personal favorites, so I guess it's expected that I would give this a five-star rating. like all of Mike's other works, the dialogue is very realistic, and that matters to me.
it isn't realistic to the point of including verbal pauses or unnecessary chit chat, but there are the usual pleasantries that come with talking to people who you see on a regular basis. a lot of Michaels works take place in small towns or generally rural areas. this means that people tend to know each other and are a bit more casual with each other. I'm from the Midwest myself, and I always enjoy the comfortable way that the characters talk to each other.
his books are also strong in character development. you get to know all of the characters. Austin's death hits you a little bit harder because you know him. you feel like he's one of your friends. if you like Michael stagg, this book won't be a surprise.
it isn't realistic to the point of including verbal pauses or unnecessary chit chat, but there are the usual pleasantries that come with talking to people who you see on a regular basis. a lot of Michaels works take place in small towns or generally rural areas. this means that people tend to know each other and are a bit more casual with each other. I'm from the Midwest myself, and I always enjoy the comfortable way that the characters talk to each other.
his books are also strong in character development. you get to know all of the characters. Austin's death hits you a little bit harder because you know him. you feel like he's one of your friends. if you like Michael stagg, this book won't be a surprise.
October 19, 2025
A concrete legal thriller ❣️
This is my 9th Micheal Skagg 📕 book. I was anxiously awaiting & it didn’t disappoint.
It’s the first in a new series featuring Mason Pierce. My initial impressions were a compelling quick start to the storyline while the necessary backstory eased me into an understanding of need to know info which unfolded throughout the book.
The substance of the criminal defense was totally relatable as was the local community setting which included a return of an ex spouse & a character immersed in sports 🏀 ⚽️ 🏈 betting.
An excellent read from start to finish with more twists & turns than a roller coaster, especially nearing the end.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& looking forward to Book 2👏
Thanks
This is my 9th Micheal Skagg 📕 book. I was anxiously awaiting & it didn’t disappoint.
It’s the first in a new series featuring Mason Pierce. My initial impressions were a compelling quick start to the storyline while the necessary backstory eased me into an understanding of need to know info which unfolded throughout the book.
The substance of the criminal defense was totally relatable as was the local community setting which included a return of an ex spouse & a character immersed in sports 🏀 ⚽️ 🏈 betting.
An excellent read from start to finish with more twists & turns than a roller coaster, especially nearing the end.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& looking forward to Book 2👏
Thanks
December 10, 2025
Michael Sragg is a GREAT storyteller!
I loved the entire Nate Sheperd series and was excited when this new series came out! I love the combination of the personal / family storylines, reappearing allies and enemies, and intriguing cases. And the wit!! I just love the little 'fourth wall' comments directed at the reader. In this book I also enjoyed the references to characters and storylines from the previous series. You certainly don't have to have read that series, you'll just enjoy the little references if you have. Highly recommend Michael Stagg books, reading is my favorite way to disconnect from regular life for a little while at bedtime and I am always fully drawn into his stories - and often read a bit later than my morning self would prefer.
I loved the entire Nate Sheperd series and was excited when this new series came out! I love the combination of the personal / family storylines, reappearing allies and enemies, and intriguing cases. And the wit!! I just love the little 'fourth wall' comments directed at the reader. In this book I also enjoyed the references to characters and storylines from the previous series. You certainly don't have to have read that series, you'll just enjoy the little references if you have. Highly recommend Michael Stagg books, reading is my favorite way to disconnect from regular life for a little while at bedtime and I am always fully drawn into his stories - and often read a bit later than my morning self would prefer.
November 27, 2025
I enjoy the eccentricities of the main characters and his background in construction. Stagg has created a unique character. I also enjoy the attention to detail and plotting of the legal field. Great job as is the author's background in law. He has a lot to write, true to form.
I will definitely read more of this author. I will enjoy following Mason Pierce. I like the interaction of his friends and the background history along with his family background. The authenticity of the dialogue for some reason reminded me of the an aussie outback but to my surprise, it take place in Michigan!
Wow!
I will definitely read more of this author. I will enjoy following Mason Pierce. I like the interaction of his friends and the background history along with his family background. The authenticity of the dialogue for some reason reminded me of the an aussie outback but to my surprise, it take place in Michigan!
Wow!
October 22, 2025
Multiple dimensions of construction, liability, community power players
Attorney Mason Pierce brings insider and newcomer perspectives to his defense of a local business owner. Realities of good and evil pop up everywhere. Family loyalty requires awareness and honesty. Interesting story. I ordered Book 2.
Attorney Mason Pierce brings insider and newcomer perspectives to his defense of a local business owner. Realities of good and evil pop up everywhere. Family loyalty requires awareness and honesty. Interesting story. I ordered Book 2.
December 29, 2025
Disappointing
I did enjoy thus book, however, it is a bit darker than the Hate Shepherd series. Also, I found the secondary characters not as engaging and the relationships hard to follow. I always give 5 stars to Michael's books and while this has a lot of the elements that make his books so good, just not as good to me.
I did enjoy thus book, however, it is a bit darker than the Hate Shepherd series. Also, I found the secondary characters not as engaging and the relationships hard to follow. I always give 5 stars to Michael's books and while this has a lot of the elements that make his books so good, just not as good to me.
January 15, 2026
Loved it!
I always hope that I will like a book enough to give it 5 stars. It doesn't usually happen but it's fun when it does. I was going to take my time reading this book but couldn't put it down. Plus, the author threw in some pretty funny smart ass comments. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I always hope that I will like a book enough to give it 5 stars. It doesn't usually happen but it's fun when it does. I was going to take my time reading this book but couldn't put it down. Plus, the author threw in some pretty funny smart ass comments. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read
January 27, 2026It took a while to get there!
It was a hard read in the beginning with a lot of details that dragged on. Three fouths in it became a bonus for hanging around. If you like a legal thriller then be patient, but you'll get there. The last part of the book made up for a deserving 4 stars. Thanks!
It was a hard read in the beginning with a lot of details that dragged on. Three fouths in it became a bonus for hanging around. If you like a legal thriller then be patient, but you'll get there. The last part of the book made up for a deserving 4 stars. Thanks!
October 26, 2025
great legal thriller
The twists are surprising. Mason Pierce is an atypical lawyer but very believable and endearing. Love the mention of Nate Shepherd, and hoping for more intersections of these two beloved lawyers.
The twists are surprising. Mason Pierce is an atypical lawyer but very believable and endearing. Love the mention of Nate Shepherd, and hoping for more intersections of these two beloved lawyers.
October 27, 2025
I'm hooked
The story itself was interesting but way too long a read for me. I ate up Stagg's Nate Shepherd's 8-book series but had difficulty keeping my interest in this one, sorry. I definitely think it was the length 🤔
The story itself was interesting but way too long a read for me. I ate up Stagg's Nate Shepherd's 8-book series but had difficulty keeping my interest in this one, sorry. I definitely think it was the length 🤔
November 4, 2025
Great book
Great characters great plot, Courtroom Courtroom dialogue was excellent, my favorite book by this author, I am getting book 2 right now, as I just finished The Concrete Alibi
Great characters great plot, Courtroom Courtroom dialogue was excellent, my favorite book by this author, I am getting book 2 right now, as I just finished The Concrete Alibi
November 8, 2025
Loved it
I truly enjoyed this story. It was so compelling and interesting. I loved the way the author wove the different threads together. Once I started reading this I didn’t want to stop until I finished. Best book I’ve read in a while.
I truly enjoyed this story. It was so compelling and interesting. I loved the way the author wove the different threads together. Once I started reading this I didn’t want to stop until I finished. Best book I’ve read in a while.
November 10, 2025
I was so excited to read this book, seeing that I’ve enjoyed several books by this author!
HUGE disappointment!!!
S-L-O-W, B-O-R-I-N-G & repetitive storytelling! It was a mistake to make this a 500 page novel!
HUGE disappointment!!!
S-L-O-W, B-O-R-I-N-G & repetitive storytelling! It was a mistake to make this a 500 page novel!
November 23, 2025
I had higher hopes for this. I loved every one of the Nate Shepard books, but this 1st one in a new series disappointed. The story had way too many characters, and many of them weren't likeable. It was also confusing at times. I will read the next one in the series and see.
December 2, 2025
A really good read
A really good first book of what is apparently a series. It combines, both a good story with the kinds of insights into the characters that you like to see, with good writing. I enjoyed it and I am going to continue the series.
A really good first book of what is apparently a series. It combines, both a good story with the kinds of insights into the characters that you like to see, with good writing. I enjoyed it and I am going to continue the series.
December 11, 2025
Formidable new Character
I really enjoy the Mason Pierce character and look forward to his future entanglements and adventures! I especially enjoyed the capsule closings if all the pertinent characters. Very interesting and compelling storyline as well!
I really enjoy the Mason Pierce character and look forward to his future entanglements and adventures! I especially enjoyed the capsule closings if all the pertinent characters. Very interesting and compelling storyline as well!
January 16, 2026
Lots of action
Mason Pierce was on his 1st case and boy it was a big 1. He's experienced as a construction worker helped him sort through the details. Then he took it to trial Find out what happens this is a great book!
Mason Pierce was on his 1st case and boy it was a big 1. He's experienced as a construction worker helped him sort through the details. Then he took it to trial Find out what happens this is a great book!
January 29, 2026
Well DONE!
I was surprised by the intricate interactions involved in this novel. Mason was a standout character in EVERY way...intellectually and physically. However, the ultimate outcome was inevitable. Done and DONE!
I was surprised by the intricate interactions involved in this novel. Mason was a standout character in EVERY way...intellectually and physically. However, the ultimate outcome was inevitable. Done and DONE!
October 20, 2025
Excellent
Great start to a new series. Thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one. Also, hope to see more Nate Shepherd .
Great start to a new series. Thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one. Also, hope to see more Nate Shepherd .
November 2, 2025
Hard
This author has a history and let's us see his ability. If only he had a better editor to control his tendency to be extra wordy.
This author has a history and let's us see his ability. If only he had a better editor to control his tendency to be extra wordy.
November 9, 2025
a real page turner
One of the very best mysteries I’ve read in a long time. Excellent characters, plenty of twists and turns and a very enjoyable read.
One of the very best mysteries I’ve read in a long time. Excellent characters, plenty of twists and turns and a very enjoyable read.
November 13, 2025
so many typos and grammar errors
Good story but almost impossible to read with so many typos and grammar errors! I would have enjoyed reading it more if I had not been so annoyed.
Good story but almost impossible to read with so many typos and grammar errors! I would have enjoyed reading it more if I had not been so annoyed.
November 19, 2025
Good Read
I always enjoy Staff's writing style. It makes for a little interpersonal feeling. I'm looking forward to reading The Concrete Associate. O
I always enjoy Staff's writing style. It makes for a little interpersonal feeling. I'm looking forward to reading The Concrete Associate. O
November 27, 2025
This was a book that kept me intrigued. I would recommend
December 3, 2025
WOW - Happy Happy we found him - enjoy his writing skills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 4, 2025
I enjoyed this book. One of the few I've finished recently, so that says it all.
December 14, 2025
Twist and turns
Twists and turns with satisfaction. Great new character to develop and for us to welcome and enjoy. I await the Cinderblock Associate.
Twists and turns with satisfaction. Great new character to develop and for us to welcome and enjoy. I await the Cinderblock Associate.
December 24, 2025
New author for me.... excellent.
Can't wait to read next novel. This was extremely important and story by story read terrific! Thank you for tremendous writing.
Can't wait to read next novel. This was extremely important and story by story read terrific! Thank you for tremendous writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews