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.
Michael 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.
🎧: audiobook is great! 🤬: moderate 🫑: no romance aspect
I am so glad I tried something new. I really enjoyed this book! This is my first book by Michael Stagg but it definitely won’t be my last. The story was interesting and characters were likable in a way that kept me glued to my headphones. The details for the story location, background, and character relationships in the book added so much depth without being boring. I also was surprise by the multiple POVs we get, but ended up LOVING it! It was fun to see what different characters were thinking at certain points in the book. If you love a book that will keep you guessing what direction it will go, then look no further.
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.
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!
The Concrete Alibi by Michael Stagg* is one of those books that grabs you immediately and honestly doesn’t let up.
From the very beginning, you’re thrown into a situation that feels tense and unpredictable—a restaurant patio collapses, people are dead, and what looks like a tragic accident quickly turns into something way more complicated. And that’s where Mason Pierce comes in. Fresh into his legal career at a powerful Michigan firm, he’s handed a case that could make or break him right out of the gate.
What I loved most is how this story just keeps twisting. Every time you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on, something else comes out of nowhere and shifts everything. It’s the kind of book that makes you keep turning pages because you need to know what actually happened.
Mason as a main character really worked for me too. Even though he has a mentor advising him to take a certain approach, he doesn’t just blindly follow that path—he trusts his gut and does things his own way. And that’s what makes his investigation so interesting, because instead of just going through the motions as a defense attorney, he’s actually digging deep to uncover the truth behind the collapse. With the help of his construction background, a solid expert, and even his old crew, he starts piecing together that this wasn’t just a simple structural failure—it’s tied to something much bigger and older.
The dynamics between the characters also stand out. You’ve got pressure coming from all sides—an aggressive prosecutor, a plaintiff’s lawyer looking to capitalize, and forces behind the scenes that clearly don’t want the truth coming out. It creates this constant tension that keeps the stakes high, especially when things start hitting close to home for Mason.
And I have to mention the revenge element—because that twist? Yeah… I was here for it. Some people absolutely get what’s coming to them, and that added an extra layer of satisfaction to the story.
As everything unfolds, the case becomes more than just about defending a client. It turns into a race to uncover the truth while protecting the people Mason cares about, even when it risks his career. That balance between legal drama and personal stakes really keeps the story grounded while still feeling intense.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, twisty legal thriller with a main character you can root for and enough surprises to keep you hooked the whole way through. If you like courtroom drama mixed with mystery and a bit of revenge thrown in, this one is definitely worth the read—and I’m right there with you, I can’t wait to see where the next book goes.
I liked Mason Pierce, and the side characters. I prefer the Nate Shepherd novels, as I think the criminal aspect of things is more intriguing. I didn't think the story was all that interesting, at least for the majority of the book. I think if this had been only a criminal novel, it would've been better. However, the Plaintiff's lawyer was an intrinsic antagonist in this, and without the civil case, it wouldn't have worked.
Caveat: I'm a trial lawyer and so I'm overly critical of civil litigation novels. I very much enjoyed Stagg's Nate Shepherd novels, because they deal with criminal law. Most readers probably wouldn't care about my complaints below, which is why I described my professional bias.
I had some significant issues with the civil litigation end of things, primarily centering on whether the patio owner had insurance, whether he was rich, whether he could pay a verdict. These are the things that would need to be addressed very early on by the plaintiff's lawyer. They also would determine who was paying Mason Pierce's firm. None of that was addressed until the end of the novel. I understand that no one cares about insurance companies, and so no one would feel bad if the victims got the insurance money from the patio owner's insurance company. Likewise if the patio owner was a super rich individual capable of paying eight figures to the victims, then the average reader really wouldn't care, or worse yet, would want the patio owner to pay. So, I totally understand that Stagg had to worry about the momentum and needed the reader to want to side with the patio owner, making insurance and wealth a tricky thing with which to deal.
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.
This was my first ALC from Podium Entertainment and I loved it! It was quite a bit different from my usual audiobook choices but I've been wanting to get into more legal thrillers after enjoying my last Steve Cavanagh read.
This is book 1 in the new Mason Pierce legal thriller series. Mason is a construction worker turned lawyer who has started working at a powerful local law firm. When a client of the firm's cidermill patio collapses during an event, the firm believes Mason Pierce is the man for the job given his past experience.
This was a fun and mostly easy listen! I loved the multiple POVs and I didn't see several of the twists coming! I was surprised how much I liked the details woven in about construction and the blue collar man. I am definitely interested in reading the next book!
I really enjoyed the narration by George Newbern. However there were a few chapters that ended on an inflection and a pause which made me keep checking my phone and the app to make sure I hadn't accidentally paused. I am not sure if that was from the bookfunnel app, my listening speed, or the production.
A huge thank you to Podium for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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
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.
Michael Stagg has done it again in a gripping legal thriller that unfolds with twists and turns at just the right speed. Listened on audio book because George Newburn is the narrator and he could read the phone book out loud and I’d be captivated.
Our new character Mason Pierce is a big man in many ways. Physically he towers over everyone else in the room. In the courtroom, his modest upbringing makes he relatable and believable. This is book one in a new series and I can’t wait to see where Stagg takes Pierce next. **Footnote** Michael Stagg is a master at developing secondary characters who are likable and demand a reader’s attention. And I especially like the way he weaves the theme of family throughout his works.
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!
I was not sure how I would feel about this, because I love the Nate Shepherd series, but wanted this to be different. There were some similarities, but it’s definitely a new story. I like the way Mason relates to his family. It’s reminiscent of the Shepherd clan but certainly very different. Mason is definitely a different character from the affable Nate. I really enjoy Michael Stagg’s conversational style. I like that I can listen to him in the car without concern that something inappropriate is going to pop up with grandkids in the car. This is an author that I will always choose to listen to because of the smooth narration of George Newbern.
I haven’t read much in this genre lately, and to be honest, I’ve missed it.
I want to thank @podiumentertainment and the author for the #gifted alc, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the narrator!
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗶 by Michael Stagg is a legal crime thriller with so many twists and turns it kept me guessing the whole way through! I liked how the characters were relatable and their interactions/dialogue were well-written. This was my first alc from Podium and I’m excited for more. I will also be reading more from this author!
The storyline kept me interested the whole way through, and I liked how everything unfolded without feeling overly complicated. It had a good balance of tension and pacing that made it easy to stay invested.
The characters felt believable, which always makes a difference for me in this type of story. Their actions and decisions made sense, and it helped the plot feel more grounded.
I loved it all! After reading bad books I took another chance based on the title and I can't overstate how glad I am! This is the book you wait for! It had great writing, great mysteries, great characters, it had it all! Thank you to this author for a wonderful straight through 12 hours of reading, my favorite hobby and faithful companion of 78 years! I will definitely follow you! mitchellvirginia677@aol.com
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.
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 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.
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!
This is a good book . . . I listened to it on Audible and it is the same reader as is used in Michael Stagg's other book series, also about a lawyer. It might be better to have used a different voice. . . It isn't necessarily great literature but it is a good story and I look forward to reading more about Mason Pierce.
I like murder masteries and the concrete alibi delivered a good tale of twists that kept me interested. Set in “small town USA “ the characters in the book kept me interested in their lives. It took a while to become a page turner but is you stay with the plot you will be rewarded with a good plot.
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 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 🤔
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
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 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.
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.
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!
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!