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Proof
From a writer and executive producer of Suits comes a riveting and gritty legal thriller about murder, cover-ups, redemption, and Los Angeles—perfect for fans of #1 bestselling authors John Grisham and Scott Turow.
As a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem that he doesn’t view as a problem, Jake West is coasting on what’s left of his charm and money. He used to be the kind of lawyer who could convince anyone of anything—until he decided to take on his father’s biggest client and prove his dad was corrupt. Now Jake finds himself almost at rock bottom, and that’s before his ex-best friend is murdered and Jake is accused of the crime.
In a desperate bid to save himself, Jake must sober up and search for the real killer, whom he suspects might be hidden in one of the case files of his father’s illustrious law firm. As he delves into a labyrinth of lies and corruption, Jake teams up with an eclectic group of equally broken people as they all must skirt the law in order to find the proof he needs…no matter the personal or professional cost.
As a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem that he doesn’t view as a problem, Jake West is coasting on what’s left of his charm and money. He used to be the kind of lawyer who could convince anyone of anything—until he decided to take on his father’s biggest client and prove his dad was corrupt. Now Jake finds himself almost at rock bottom, and that’s before his ex-best friend is murdered and Jake is accused of the crime.
In a desperate bid to save himself, Jake must sober up and search for the real killer, whom he suspects might be hidden in one of the case files of his father’s illustrious law firm. As he delves into a labyrinth of lies and corruption, Jake teams up with an eclectic group of equally broken people as they all must skirt the law in order to find the proof he needs…no matter the personal or professional cost.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published June 24, 2025
216 people are currently reading
8912 people want to read
About the author
Jon Cowan
1 book62 followersJon Cowan is a veteran television writer, showrunner, and executive producer with extensive experience in the legal thriller genre. He has written for hit shows like Suits, Suits: LA, Private Practice, and Bones, has written pilots for ABC, NBC, FOX, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros., NBC Universal, and 20th Century Television, and has recently adapted the works of both John Grisham and James Patterson. Jon began his career as a playwright, getting his MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. Proof is his first novel. He lives with his family in Los Angeles, where he’s hard at work on the next Jake West novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 13, 2025
It would appear Jake West’s life is unraveling. A partner in his father’s law firm, but seemingly resigned to living in his shadow, having failed to meet his expectations. He’s now estranged from his wife and children, finding solace at the bottom of a bottle.
And today things are about to go from bad to worse when his friend and colleague is murdered, and Jake becomes the number one suspect!
Not only does Jake need to clear his name, but he owes it to his good friend to find the real killer. He enlists a motley group to assist, including (shockingly) the police detective investigating him!
This is a debut legal thriller that was extremely entertaining! The emphasis is not directly in the courtroom, but on the characters themselves as they work together to solve the crime.
There were a lot of characters, but all the main players were very well developed and I instantly had a connection with them.
I’m hoping this is just the beginning of a new series. I grew fond of Jake and his crew and would definitely want to see them again..
Thank you to Gallery Books via Goodreads Giveaways
And today things are about to go from bad to worse when his friend and colleague is murdered, and Jake becomes the number one suspect!
Not only does Jake need to clear his name, but he owes it to his good friend to find the real killer. He enlists a motley group to assist, including (shockingly) the police detective investigating him!
This is a debut legal thriller that was extremely entertaining! The emphasis is not directly in the courtroom, but on the characters themselves as they work together to solve the crime.
There were a lot of characters, but all the main players were very well developed and I instantly had a connection with them.
I’m hoping this is just the beginning of a new series. I grew fond of Jake and his crew and would definitely want to see them again..
Thank you to Gallery Books via Goodreads Giveaways
July 22, 2025
I’ve just learned from the author that this is the first in a series, so be sure to grab it now as you don’t want to miss out on this out-and-out winner!
Taut, complex, and propulsive in the extreme, Proof felt like The Firm only better. You see, while the latter had Tom Cruise, the former had Jake West in all of his root-for-able glory. Lionhearted yet also genuinely flawed, his character arc over the course of the novel was a huge part of what made this book sing. That’s not to say that the plot wasn’t also simply divine. Fast-paced, twisty, and the epitome of legal thriller perfection, I was utterly spellbound from the quick-off-the-mark start until the flawless conclusion. Now I’m just crossing my fingers and toes that what I just finished reading is only the start of a series. After all, this motley crew of characters are crying out for further adventures, stating with what happened in Ireland.
Speaking of those characters, from the endearing albeit disbarred PI to the smart, head-turning assistant, this white-hatted bunch was fictional perfection as they helped Jake with his newest cause. Told via multiple POVs as well as plenty of flashbacks, they all felt true-to-life as well as fully fleshed out. That’s not all that surprising considering Mr. Cowan was a writer and executive producer on the hit legal show, Suits, but it was the plot that grabbed me and didn’t let go the most. Packed full of murder, cover-ups, and some much needed redemption, it kept me guessing throughout as I raced through the pages of this intense, gritty tale. Bravo, Mr. Cowan, you’ve got yourself a new fan!
My only irritation, if you can call it that, was the lack of any significant courtroom drama. Were there a few scenes that had me utterly rapt? Sure…but I would’ve loved more. After all, they were both attention-grabbing and well-written. Like I said, though, it wasn’t really a flaw all things considered.
All said and done, with no shortage of morally gray characters or out-and-out villains, I was kept guessing as I side-eyed almost everyone with utter suspicion. A debut sure to knock any legal thriller lover’s socks off, I was blown away by every piece of this novel. With witty dialogue, hypnotic storytelling, and enough moral dilemmas to make my head spin, I just couldn’t put this book down despite real life calling for my attention. After all, the cinematic feel and evocative setting brought to life LA as if I was watching it on a screen. But it was the underlying mystery that kept me firmly in suspense from beginning to end. Point blank? I can’t recommend this unputdownable thrill ride more if I tried. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
As a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem that he doesn’t view as a problem, Jake West is coasting on what’s left of his charm and money. He used to be the kind of lawyer who could convince anyone of anything—until he decided to take on his father’s biggest client and prove his dad was corrupt. Now Jake finds himself almost at rock bottom, and that’s before his ex-best friend is murdered and Jake is accused of the crime.
In a desperate bid to save himself, Jake must sober up and search for the real killer, whom he suspects might be hidden in one of the case files of his father’s illustrious law firm. As he delves into a labyrinth of lies and corruption, Jake teams up with an eclectic group of equally broken people as they all must skirt the law in order to find the proof he needs…no matter the personal or professional cost.
Thank you to Jon Cowan and Gallery Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 24, 2025
Content warning: alcoholism, gun violence, kidnapping, arson, mention of: infidelity, fatal house fire
Taut, complex, and propulsive in the extreme, Proof felt like The Firm only better. You see, while the latter had Tom Cruise, the former had Jake West in all of his root-for-able glory. Lionhearted yet also genuinely flawed, his character arc over the course of the novel was a huge part of what made this book sing. That’s not to say that the plot wasn’t also simply divine. Fast-paced, twisty, and the epitome of legal thriller perfection, I was utterly spellbound from the quick-off-the-mark start until the flawless conclusion. Now I’m just crossing my fingers and toes that what I just finished reading is only the start of a series. After all, this motley crew of characters are crying out for further adventures, stating with what happened in Ireland.
Speaking of those characters, from the endearing albeit disbarred PI to the smart, head-turning assistant, this white-hatted bunch was fictional perfection as they helped Jake with his newest cause. Told via multiple POVs as well as plenty of flashbacks, they all felt true-to-life as well as fully fleshed out. That’s not all that surprising considering Mr. Cowan was a writer and executive producer on the hit legal show, Suits, but it was the plot that grabbed me and didn’t let go the most. Packed full of murder, cover-ups, and some much needed redemption, it kept me guessing throughout as I raced through the pages of this intense, gritty tale. Bravo, Mr. Cowan, you’ve got yourself a new fan!
My only irritation, if you can call it that, was the lack of any significant courtroom drama. Were there a few scenes that had me utterly rapt? Sure…but I would’ve loved more. After all, they were both attention-grabbing and well-written. Like I said, though, it wasn’t really a flaw all things considered.
All said and done, with no shortage of morally gray characters or out-and-out villains, I was kept guessing as I side-eyed almost everyone with utter suspicion. A debut sure to knock any legal thriller lover’s socks off, I was blown away by every piece of this novel. With witty dialogue, hypnotic storytelling, and enough moral dilemmas to make my head spin, I just couldn’t put this book down despite real life calling for my attention. After all, the cinematic feel and evocative setting brought to life LA as if I was watching it on a screen. But it was the underlying mystery that kept me firmly in suspense from beginning to end. Point blank? I can’t recommend this unputdownable thrill ride more if I tried. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
As a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem that he doesn’t view as a problem, Jake West is coasting on what’s left of his charm and money. He used to be the kind of lawyer who could convince anyone of anything—until he decided to take on his father’s biggest client and prove his dad was corrupt. Now Jake finds himself almost at rock bottom, and that’s before his ex-best friend is murdered and Jake is accused of the crime.
In a desperate bid to save himself, Jake must sober up and search for the real killer, whom he suspects might be hidden in one of the case files of his father’s illustrious law firm. As he delves into a labyrinth of lies and corruption, Jake teams up with an eclectic group of equally broken people as they all must skirt the law in order to find the proof he needs…no matter the personal or professional cost.
Thank you to Jon Cowan and Gallery Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 24, 2025
Content warning: alcoholism, gun violence, kidnapping, arson, mention of: infidelity, fatal house fire
May 30, 2025
3.5 Stars
Jake is a disgraced lawyer, an alcoholic, and man whose life is falling apart. He is a difficult character who grows on you over time. I started out finding him insufferable but as he became more self-aware and grew a conscious, I began to root for him and saw him as that friend that you have a blast hanging out with but can only handle them in doses. I thought the side characters paired well with Jake and played off his personality in an engaging way. There are many POVs and each had distinct voices.
There are multiple veins to the story, starting with the murder of Jake’s colleague and friend, and then expanding and linking to multiple other crimes. Jake is the main suspect in the murder and to clear his name, he must investigate and find who really killed his friend and how it’s related to other recent events connected to his firm. I enjoyed the ride of figuring out the connections and finding the truth.
I found many similarities with characters, backstories and side stories, and overarching themes to The Lincoln Lawyer series which sometimes made it difficult not to compare the two.
This is Cowan’s debut novel, and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Jake is a disgraced lawyer, an alcoholic, and man whose life is falling apart. He is a difficult character who grows on you over time. I started out finding him insufferable but as he became more self-aware and grew a conscious, I began to root for him and saw him as that friend that you have a blast hanging out with but can only handle them in doses. I thought the side characters paired well with Jake and played off his personality in an engaging way. There are many POVs and each had distinct voices.
There are multiple veins to the story, starting with the murder of Jake’s colleague and friend, and then expanding and linking to multiple other crimes. Jake is the main suspect in the murder and to clear his name, he must investigate and find who really killed his friend and how it’s related to other recent events connected to his firm. I enjoyed the ride of figuring out the connections and finding the truth.
I found many similarities with characters, backstories and side stories, and overarching themes to The Lincoln Lawyer series which sometimes made it difficult not to compare the two.
This is Cowan’s debut novel, and I’m excited to see what he writes next.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
A fun legal thriller with a flawed main character that grows on you over time. Jake West is living in his father’s shadow and a persuasive but morally grey husband and father. He flirts with sobriety and fidelity, but when push comes to shove, he will put justice and the truth ahead of greed or selfishness. His best friend is killed right next to him and he is the main suspect. The next day he goes to a deposition for a plea deal which really seems like a gift— a cushy deal for a young mom, Tiana, who lost her roommate and then her 2 young children in a fire that she is accused of starting.
Something about it just doesn’t sit well with Jake; so he engages his semi-ally Sioban (not Siobhan) to find out if this is related to his friend’s murder.
Multiple POV and different circumstances, I give this book a 4/5 for dialogue, a 3/5 for story, and a 4.5/5 for characterization. It’s slightly too long and convoluted, but I am truly impressed for how I found myself detesting Jake at the beginning to rooting for him at its conclusion.
This is a debut novel from an experienced screenwriter- he is going to publish more in this series. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this is a great new voice in this genre.
Thank you to Gallery Books for the free book. #gifted #partner #gallerypartner
Something about it just doesn’t sit well with Jake; so he engages his semi-ally Sioban (not Siobhan) to find out if this is related to his friend’s murder.
Multiple POV and different circumstances, I give this book a 4/5 for dialogue, a 3/5 for story, and a 4.5/5 for characterization. It’s slightly too long and convoluted, but I am truly impressed for how I found myself detesting Jake at the beginning to rooting for him at its conclusion.
This is a debut novel from an experienced screenwriter- he is going to publish more in this series. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this is a great new voice in this genre.
Thank you to Gallery Books for the free book. #gifted #partner #gallerypartner
June 19, 2025
An intellectual legal thriller that has great mystery without the usual thrills and scares that accompany a thriller. It starts out with a bang and continues to deliver the mystery and twists throughout the entire story.
This has phenomenal character development that quickly pulls you in. My feelings towards different characters drastically changed from the beginning to the end.
This was a bit long and dragged on at parts, but I enjoyed the story enough to still be intrigued enough to continue picking it up. A great debut by Jon Cowan!
Thank you Gallery Books for the gifted copy!
This has phenomenal character development that quickly pulls you in. My feelings towards different characters drastically changed from the beginning to the end.
This was a bit long and dragged on at parts, but I enjoyed the story enough to still be intrigued enough to continue picking it up. A great debut by Jon Cowan!
Thank you Gallery Books for the gifted copy!
May 8, 2025
Jon Cowan’s Proof hurtles forward with the same irresistible momentum that made Suits such a binge-watch phenomenon—yet he resists the urge to cut corners. The early chapters take their time laying down Jake West’s shattered world, and while that measured build-up may feel leisurely at first, it pays off in spades. Once the action ignites, you won’t be able to look away.
February 5, 2025
Loved this book! It was the perfect legal thriller that kept me engaged page after page trying to figure out “who did it” and why.” The main character, Jake, did not always make the best decisions, but I found myself rooting for his success. Definitely hope there will be a sequel!
September 2, 2025
Pretty fun! A few obvious tropes and a few too many things pulled directly from Suits but hey when you write Suits I guess you can use it in your book too.
September 7, 2025
A fast pace thriller that’s also a bit of legal thriller with a flawed MC, Jake West, an attorney battling his drinking problem. As a main character Jake put me in doubt, at first, well you know the type. Well, turns out he’s not that bad. Jake is capable and smart when he’s not drunk but even when drunk he is quite funny and not a total fool or ass. I think he’s more a functional alcoholic than many main characters I’ve read so far that’s why his character gradually grow on me. His ragtag team is also very interesting and entertaining. They are all flawed but they are such a well developed characters and a cheer-on worthy team when sticking together. I would love to see them in a legal thriller…that would be so much fun.
November 26, 2025
2.5 and I’m rounding up. This was simply fine, an easy read. The characters lacked depth and it read like a screen play. I think some would like it, gives a similar vibe to suits. Wouldn’t read again, maybe would recommend for the right person.
May 7, 2025
I really liked the main character, Jake West. He’s smart, witty, and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. I like how the story had different stories going for people who were done wrong. Then it all came together in the end. I’d certainly recommend this book and would read other books by this author.
July 1, 2025
So I wanted to like it and I actually finished it which is a lot for a two star review. The characters were fine though a little cliché, but they kept me reading till the end. But the plot was ridiculous and it’s supposed to be a legal thriller that in theory would have a somewhat plausible plot. No, don’t expect that here.
December 7, 2025
Satisfying, fun read. Hoping he writes a sequel to this, which given the ending seems likely.
June 1, 2025
Thanks to Gallery Books for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
This one is a non-stop cat and mouse game between a lawyer and an unseen force that is trying to frame him for the murder of his best friend. But why? Jake is down on his luck, he's recently divorced, recovering from a judicial scandal, rarely sober and now reeling from the grief of loss. He's spent his life chasing his father's approval only to find out that his father's firm may be behind his precipitous fall. He teams up with his best friend, a recently disbarred lawyer, and a paralegal he cheated on his wife with to try to clear his name and finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy bigger than he could have imagined.
I'm mostly over the 'down on his luck' lawyer types, but I found myself liking Jake more and more as the story went on. The inciting incident in this one is really crazy and you definitely don't want to put it down once you figure out the web Jake is tangled in. It ends up a lot more complex than you'd think and reads a bit like a spy novel.
If you like Grisham or Turow this one is for you.
This one is a non-stop cat and mouse game between a lawyer and an unseen force that is trying to frame him for the murder of his best friend. But why? Jake is down on his luck, he's recently divorced, recovering from a judicial scandal, rarely sober and now reeling from the grief of loss. He's spent his life chasing his father's approval only to find out that his father's firm may be behind his precipitous fall. He teams up with his best friend, a recently disbarred lawyer, and a paralegal he cheated on his wife with to try to clear his name and finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy bigger than he could have imagined.
I'm mostly over the 'down on his luck' lawyer types, but I found myself liking Jake more and more as the story went on. The inciting incident in this one is really crazy and you definitely don't want to put it down once you figure out the web Jake is tangled in. It ends up a lot more complex than you'd think and reads a bit like a spy novel.
If you like Grisham or Turow this one is for you.
July 3, 2025
A Fun Debut
I really love main characters who are flawed but deep down they try to do the right thing. Jake is a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem. He’s an absolute mess and it took me a while to like him. He grew on me though and I started rooting for him! By the end, I loved him and I was hoping this might turn into a series so I can read more books with him and maybe Sioban! There’s a lot of great characters in this though. I loved how they worked together and had each other’s back.
This book was not only interesting to slowly figure out what happened but also interesting to see how corrupt the legal system can be.
Fair warning: If you don’t like books that
switch between multiple POVs then this isn’t for you but it was fun legal thriller.
Congrats to the author on their debut. I look forward to reading future books by them. 😊
I really love main characters who are flawed but deep down they try to do the right thing. Jake is a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem. He’s an absolute mess and it took me a while to like him. He grew on me though and I started rooting for him! By the end, I loved him and I was hoping this might turn into a series so I can read more books with him and maybe Sioban! There’s a lot of great characters in this though. I loved how they worked together and had each other’s back.
This book was not only interesting to slowly figure out what happened but also interesting to see how corrupt the legal system can be.
Fair warning: If you don’t like books that
switch between multiple POVs then this isn’t for you but it was fun legal thriller.
Congrats to the author on their debut. I look forward to reading future books by them. 😊
April 18, 2025
Full of surprises, PROOF, was an entertaining legal thriller. I found myself rooting for Jake, an alcoholic, disgraced lawyer, to clear his name after being accused of murder.
There are many, many names to keep track of, which did detract from the story somewhat, but all in all, this is a fantastic book. There were enough clever plot twists to keep me entertained. This is a solid 4-star read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced reader copy.
There are many, many names to keep track of, which did detract from the story somewhat, but all in all, this is a fantastic book. There were enough clever plot twists to keep me entertained. This is a solid 4-star read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced reader copy.
August 11, 2025
This book is hard to explain for me. I really enjoyed the characters and felt they were all well developed, but the writing was so strange. The perspective shifted so quickly from one character to the next, even amidst a paragraph, and it felt poorly written because of that. It must be a style of writing? It just didn’t seem like a story should be written so jumbled like that. One minute it would be from Jake’s perspective and then it would jump into the mind of who he was talking to and it felt confusing at times.
It took me a while to read and although all the events were good and made you truly question who was behind it, it seemed to sort of drag on and felt confusing at times. I wanted to love this one!
Also very much resembled characters in Suits!
It took me a while to read and although all the events were good and made you truly question who was behind it, it seemed to sort of drag on and felt confusing at times. I wanted to love this one!
Also very much resembled characters in Suits!
August 14, 2025
What a ride with this investigative thriller…Jake, a drunk lawyer from a prestigious law firm is trying to get his wife and children back, witnesses a murder of his best friend and off we gooooooo. The police, Jake’s friends, the District Attorney, lawyers from “the firm”, corruption, murder and a good couple of twists make this book flow! Enjoy
October 9, 2025
I found this to be highly enjoyable… a nice blend of murder mystery (kind of) and (suspend your belief) lawyer drama. I thought the characters were engaging and the story was detailed enough without being too much. The epilogue was unnecessary (in line with my general opinion on epilogues), but overall well written and fun! This was written by an Executive Producer of Suits, and I could definitely see the drama and plot line of this book being in that same arena.
Read
August 20, 2025No rating because I DNF.
This was probably a good legal thriller. I simply was not in the mood for another close-to-disbarred-attorney-throwing-away-his-family-wife-kids-and-drink-too-much-get-charged-with-murder-instead-and-have-affair-with-office-staff-but-yes-by-golly-there-is-one-more-case-of-big-bad-wealthy-guys-stomping-on-little-guys-who-he-is-determined-to-defend ... trumpets blaring, I'm sure🤦♀️
Nuff said.😊
This was probably a good legal thriller. I simply was not in the mood for another close-to-disbarred-attorney-throwing-away-his-family-wife-kids-and-drink-too-much-get-charged-with-murder-instead-and-have-affair-with-office-staff-but-yes-by-golly-there-is-one-more-case-of-big-bad-wealthy-guys-stomping-on-little-guys-who-he-is-determined-to-defend ... trumpets blaring, I'm sure🤦♀️
Nuff said.😊
August 22, 2025
A good mystery.… fans of legal thrillers will enjoy. Looking forward to book 2.
September 6, 2025
It was ok. The anti-lawyer rhetoric grew tiresome.
July 11, 2025
Grisham/Turow knockoff clearly not written by a lawyer.
June 22, 2025
Intriguing legal thriller. Jake West works in a prestigious LA law firm begun by his father and associates. His relationship with his dad has never been warm and fuzzy, which may have been part of what led Jake to turn to drinking. Now he's estranged from his wife and kids, too. One evening, his ex-best friend picks him up when he's too tipsy to drive and, before they can head off, someone shoots and kills his friend in the seat beside him. Jake is accused of murder but out on bail. While trying to clear his name he stumbles upon a hornets' nest of bad behavior at his law firm and discovers just what kind of person his father really is. He must work to save not only his career, but also his life and the lives of those he cares about. Fast read.
July 8, 2025
I had a hard time paying attention to this one…
July 25, 2025
2.5 stars. There were so many characters and I didn't care about any of them. No matter how many times the author said that everyone loved Jake, I wasn't feeling it.
June 29, 2025
Jon Cowan brings readers PROOF, a taut legal thriller, drawing on his cinematic skills he honed as a writer for the hit television series “Suits.” It starts off with a bang and ratchets up the tension from there.
As the partner of a prestigious law firm, one holds a great deal of power in Los Angeles. But beware the power struggles within; they have a way of revealing secrets best left buried. It’s a cutthroat world at Thompson & West.
When the story opens, Jake West is presenting a closing argument. Sure, he’s had a few drinks. He’s not drunk, though; just ask him. He’s only having a little fun, playing lawyer...which he’s well suited for because, well, he’s a lawyer. But he’s arguing in front of a nonexistent jury. At night, in a closed courtroom. All because he wants to impress a lady. This, of course, is a problem. Jake’s dad, Norman West --- of Thompson & West --- sends Rich Kaplan, one of the firm’s associates and Jake’s one-time friend, to rescue him from getting himself in a heap of trouble.
Jake gets into Rich’s car, and they’re about to pull away from the courthouse curb when a bullet blows Rich’s head off. What happens after that is a blur to Jake, although he does remember picking up the gun that just killed Rich and seeing a man in a hoodie running away. He tells the police all of this, but the detective on the case, Sioban McFadden, finds his story totally lacking in credibility and entirely unbelievable. Jake understands. It looks bad. Worse, his position at the law firm is shaky at best. He blew a case last year, which led to a censure. His drinking caught him up in a brief affair, which led to his wife leaving him. And now he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which led to him being accused of murder. Frankly, Jake’s life is a mess.
In what may be a rash move --- when did he not make a rash move? --- Jake insists that he take over Rich’s caseload. His demand is begrudgingly granted, but not without heavy pushback. When he sees the first case, he only has time to rush to court immediately. They’ve told him it’s a slam dunk --- a simple plea deal. Everything has been worked out. Just show up and sign off. Except Jake doesn’t work like that. And he smells something rotten. The deal is too good, the DA is too eager, and even the judge seems to want this case to disappear fast. So Jake drags his feet, which makes everyone unhappy --- so unhappy, in fact, that it begins to smell even more. And when he barely digs under the surface, he uncovers more than a few reasons to be suspicious. That’s when things turn deadly.
By now, Jake’s new client trusts him, at least sort of. And Detective McFadden is beginning to like him, sort of. His dad, though, would rather sever ties --- and does. Why is that? Norman West has never been a warm and fuzzy father, but his recent behavior makes Jake believe he’s really on to something. Something worth killing for.
PROOF will knock your socks off if you’re a fan of John Grisham, Scott Turow, David Baldacci or Michael Connelly. Jon Cowan is a new sensation in the legal thriller genre and even kicks it up a notch. And Jake West is a brilliant screw-up but so totally likable that one can only hope there’s a series in the making here.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
As the partner of a prestigious law firm, one holds a great deal of power in Los Angeles. But beware the power struggles within; they have a way of revealing secrets best left buried. It’s a cutthroat world at Thompson & West.
When the story opens, Jake West is presenting a closing argument. Sure, he’s had a few drinks. He’s not drunk, though; just ask him. He’s only having a little fun, playing lawyer...which he’s well suited for because, well, he’s a lawyer. But he’s arguing in front of a nonexistent jury. At night, in a closed courtroom. All because he wants to impress a lady. This, of course, is a problem. Jake’s dad, Norman West --- of Thompson & West --- sends Rich Kaplan, one of the firm’s associates and Jake’s one-time friend, to rescue him from getting himself in a heap of trouble.
Jake gets into Rich’s car, and they’re about to pull away from the courthouse curb when a bullet blows Rich’s head off. What happens after that is a blur to Jake, although he does remember picking up the gun that just killed Rich and seeing a man in a hoodie running away. He tells the police all of this, but the detective on the case, Sioban McFadden, finds his story totally lacking in credibility and entirely unbelievable. Jake understands. It looks bad. Worse, his position at the law firm is shaky at best. He blew a case last year, which led to a censure. His drinking caught him up in a brief affair, which led to his wife leaving him. And now he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which led to him being accused of murder. Frankly, Jake’s life is a mess.
In what may be a rash move --- when did he not make a rash move? --- Jake insists that he take over Rich’s caseload. His demand is begrudgingly granted, but not without heavy pushback. When he sees the first case, he only has time to rush to court immediately. They’ve told him it’s a slam dunk --- a simple plea deal. Everything has been worked out. Just show up and sign off. Except Jake doesn’t work like that. And he smells something rotten. The deal is too good, the DA is too eager, and even the judge seems to want this case to disappear fast. So Jake drags his feet, which makes everyone unhappy --- so unhappy, in fact, that it begins to smell even more. And when he barely digs under the surface, he uncovers more than a few reasons to be suspicious. That’s when things turn deadly.
By now, Jake’s new client trusts him, at least sort of. And Detective McFadden is beginning to like him, sort of. His dad, though, would rather sever ties --- and does. Why is that? Norman West has never been a warm and fuzzy father, but his recent behavior makes Jake believe he’s really on to something. Something worth killing for.
PROOF will knock your socks off if you’re a fan of John Grisham, Scott Turow, David Baldacci or Michael Connelly. Jon Cowan is a new sensation in the legal thriller genre and even kicks it up a notch. And Jake West is a brilliant screw-up but so totally likable that one can only hope there’s a series in the making here.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
December 3, 2025
Forty-one-year-old Jake West is obnoxious, profane and self-absorbed. He is also an adulterer and an alcoholic whose job as a litigator at his father's Los Angeles law firm is hanging by a thread. West is separated from his wife, and he sees his children infrequently. Jake and his dad have a contentious relationship, and it is about to deteriorate even further. After Jake witnesses the murder of someone he knew well, Detective Sioban McFadden accuses him of committing the crime. He decides to track down the shooter in order to clear his name.
For the most part, this is a paint-by-numbers legal thriller that deals with familiar themes. Wealthy, well-connected, and arrogant people are engaged in acts of corruption. A self-destructive protagonist might be capable of redemption, but only if he is able to face his inner demons and take steps to correct his abominable behavior. Jake is fortunate that his former law-school buddy, Javi, and Grace, a clever paralegal, are willing to help him investigate what appears to be a massive conspiracy and coverup.
In "Proof," Jon Cowan's reprehensible villains are over the top in their cruelty and callousness. Meanwhile, against enormous odds, Jake and his colleagues persist in their efforts to find evidence to prove their suspicions. To Cowan's credit, he demonstrates how difficult it is to prosecute influential people who are experts at evading accountability for their deeds.
Although this novel is standard fare, it has some powerful moments. Occasionally, Jake stops wisecracking long enough to reveal his humanity. Furthermore, the author movingly portrays the plight of innocent victims who are targeted in order to protect the guilty. It is extremely entertaining to watch the opposing attorneys engage in intriguing games of cat and mouse in and out of court. While Jake has long been obnoxious, profane, and self-absorbed, he is determined to show those who doubt his competence that he is capable of redressing a terrible miscarriage of justice.
For the most part, this is a paint-by-numbers legal thriller that deals with familiar themes. Wealthy, well-connected, and arrogant people are engaged in acts of corruption. A self-destructive protagonist might be capable of redemption, but only if he is able to face his inner demons and take steps to correct his abominable behavior. Jake is fortunate that his former law-school buddy, Javi, and Grace, a clever paralegal, are willing to help him investigate what appears to be a massive conspiracy and coverup.
In "Proof," Jon Cowan's reprehensible villains are over the top in their cruelty and callousness. Meanwhile, against enormous odds, Jake and his colleagues persist in their efforts to find evidence to prove their suspicions. To Cowan's credit, he demonstrates how difficult it is to prosecute influential people who are experts at evading accountability for their deeds.
Although this novel is standard fare, it has some powerful moments. Occasionally, Jake stops wisecracking long enough to reveal his humanity. Furthermore, the author movingly portrays the plight of innocent victims who are targeted in order to protect the guilty. It is extremely entertaining to watch the opposing attorneys engage in intriguing games of cat and mouse in and out of court. While Jake has long been obnoxious, profane, and self-absorbed, he is determined to show those who doubt his competence that he is capable of redressing a terrible miscarriage of justice.
Read
June 13, 2025I'm come to recognize a "TV writer style" of fiction writing and I don't think it's for me (at least in the mystery thriller lane). (I just complained about it in this new June title.
For me, Proof had TOO MANY POVs, some even switching mid-chapter (clutches pearls).
Yes, I get that this is sort of how watching TV feels, and maybe some people love this kind of writing.
I strongly prefer just 1-2 POVs (I'm ok with more in a true thriller, which this is not). I am sorry, I don't need three pages of minor character Chad musing that his Breathe-Right strips are ruining his sex life (even though that made me snort-laugh. He's not wrong, right?)
Proof uses many classic legal suspense tropes: the alcoholic/disgraced lawyer (see The Lincoln Lawyer, The Verdict, etc.), a plot involving a murder that said lawyer witnesses and believes he can solve, and an Irish cop with PTSD based on that case that almost broke her. That is all A-OK with me; I love a trope.
Many legal shows and books are name-dropped in Proof, something I really loved, as I am a connoisseur of the legal thriller genre on the page and on the screen. See my post on legal thriller books and movies from the 1990s to the 2020s
I think I will check out what this author has done on the screen, because he's funny, but reading this book almost broke my brain. I started and stopped it twice and finally powered through the third time.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
For me, Proof had TOO MANY POVs, some even switching mid-chapter (clutches pearls).
Yes, I get that this is sort of how watching TV feels, and maybe some people love this kind of writing.
I strongly prefer just 1-2 POVs (I'm ok with more in a true thriller, which this is not). I am sorry, I don't need three pages of minor character Chad musing that his Breathe-Right strips are ruining his sex life (even though that made me snort-laugh. He's not wrong, right?)
Proof uses many classic legal suspense tropes: the alcoholic/disgraced lawyer (see The Lincoln Lawyer, The Verdict, etc.), a plot involving a murder that said lawyer witnesses and believes he can solve, and an Irish cop with PTSD based on that case that almost broke her. That is all A-OK with me; I love a trope.
Many legal shows and books are name-dropped in Proof, something I really loved, as I am a connoisseur of the legal thriller genre on the page and on the screen. See my post on legal thriller books and movies from the 1990s to the 2020s
I think I will check out what this author has done on the screen, because he's funny, but reading this book almost broke my brain. I started and stopped it twice and finally powered through the third time.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
June 24, 2025
From one of my favorite shows, "Suits,"—the mega=talented writer and producer Jon Cowan delivers a dazzling knock-out debut legal thriller, PROOF and a kick-off to a new series, featuring charming attorney, Jake West, who has landed himself in the middle of a murder investigation and more in this twisty game of cat-and-mouse that will have you anxiously awaiting #2.
Top Books of 2025!
About...
Jake West is an LA disgraced lawyer flawed with plenty of demons and a drinking problem. He is witty and charming and he screwed up his marriage with Cara and his relationship as a father with his eight-year-old son, Aaron, and thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe.
Currently in his forties, Jake West, a once-respected attorney, has hit rock bottom. He took on his father's biggest client and proved his dad was corrupt, now censured at work. Then, his ex-best friend, Rich Kaplan, is murdered in the car sitting with him outside the courthouse. Someone knocked on the window with a flashlight, and when Jake rolled down the window, he was shot and left with the gun. Now, Jake is accused of the crime. And it gets even more complex, with layers of mystery and suspense.
After all, he was a witness, not a suspect, but someone was setting him up for murder.
This will certainly shock him back to reality. He must sober up and find the real killer (that may be hidden in one of the case files of his father's law firm. What case was Rich working on?
West digs into the last case Kaplan was handling. Even though he has no experience in criminal law, he is defending Tiana Walker, who says she is innocent, who was accused of setting a fire that killed two of her three children. He takes over the case, and things become more suspicious.
Amid a web of secrets, lies, corruption, and murder, Jake must find the PROOF he needs to find the real killer, save himself, and help his client in this razor-sharp whodunit. The plot is complex and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the mystery.
My thoughts...
Absorbing. Entertaining. Unputdownable!
Legal thrillers are my JAM - my favorite genre (reading, movies, and TV shows). I was over the moon delighted to discover Cowan (the producer of my all-time favorite SUITS and spin-off Suits LA) was coming out with a new legal thriller series, PROOF, and it exceeded all expectations!
This was a read in one sitting for me, and I was up all night. Hooked from page one to the ending and dying for the next in the series. You may not like the flawed Jake at the beginning, but as his character develops, you will find yourself rooting for him before you turn the last page.
Smartly written, with a twisty plot that keeps you guessing, fast paced, intriguing, intense, set in the glamorous bustling city as a backdrop, Jake is a hot new leading character and a cast of fascinating supporting well-developed characters you will devour.
PROOF has it all from crime, mystery, suspense, corruption, betrayal, murder, politics, bribery, murder, courtroom drama, well-developed characters, snappy, witty dialogue, and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A compelling, gritty legal thriller exploring themes of redemption, justice, and greed, while Jake's character navigates complex legal battles and personal demons on the road to redemption.
An impressive debut from a pro! I highly recommend and hope this is an upcoming long-running series. (and TV series)
Recs...
PROOF is for fans of SUITS and Suits LA, and those who enjoy works by John Grisham, Scott Turow, Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer), Bosch, and Prime Video TV series, Goliath. A fan of them all.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing a gifted advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I also purchased the hardcover, a classic for any home library.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
June 2025 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
Top Books of 2025
Best Debut
Top Books of 2025!
About...
Jake West is an LA disgraced lawyer flawed with plenty of demons and a drinking problem. He is witty and charming and he screwed up his marriage with Cara and his relationship as a father with his eight-year-old son, Aaron, and thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe.
Currently in his forties, Jake West, a once-respected attorney, has hit rock bottom. He took on his father's biggest client and proved his dad was corrupt, now censured at work. Then, his ex-best friend, Rich Kaplan, is murdered in the car sitting with him outside the courthouse. Someone knocked on the window with a flashlight, and when Jake rolled down the window, he was shot and left with the gun. Now, Jake is accused of the crime. And it gets even more complex, with layers of mystery and suspense.
After all, he was a witness, not a suspect, but someone was setting him up for murder.
This will certainly shock him back to reality. He must sober up and find the real killer (that may be hidden in one of the case files of his father's law firm. What case was Rich working on?
West digs into the last case Kaplan was handling. Even though he has no experience in criminal law, he is defending Tiana Walker, who says she is innocent, who was accused of setting a fire that killed two of her three children. He takes over the case, and things become more suspicious.
Amid a web of secrets, lies, corruption, and murder, Jake must find the PROOF he needs to find the real killer, save himself, and help his client in this razor-sharp whodunit. The plot is complex and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the mystery.
My thoughts...
Absorbing. Entertaining. Unputdownable!
Legal thrillers are my JAM - my favorite genre (reading, movies, and TV shows). I was over the moon delighted to discover Cowan (the producer of my all-time favorite SUITS and spin-off Suits LA) was coming out with a new legal thriller series, PROOF, and it exceeded all expectations!
This was a read in one sitting for me, and I was up all night. Hooked from page one to the ending and dying for the next in the series. You may not like the flawed Jake at the beginning, but as his character develops, you will find yourself rooting for him before you turn the last page.
Smartly written, with a twisty plot that keeps you guessing, fast paced, intriguing, intense, set in the glamorous bustling city as a backdrop, Jake is a hot new leading character and a cast of fascinating supporting well-developed characters you will devour.
PROOF has it all from crime, mystery, suspense, corruption, betrayal, murder, politics, bribery, murder, courtroom drama, well-developed characters, snappy, witty dialogue, and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A compelling, gritty legal thriller exploring themes of redemption, justice, and greed, while Jake's character navigates complex legal battles and personal demons on the road to redemption.
An impressive debut from a pro! I highly recommend and hope this is an upcoming long-running series. (and TV series)
Recs...
PROOF is for fans of SUITS and Suits LA, and those who enjoy works by John Grisham, Scott Turow, Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer), Bosch, and Prime Video TV series, Goliath. A fan of them all.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing a gifted advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I also purchased the hardcover, a classic for any home library.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
June 2025 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter
Top Books of 2025
Best Debut
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