Prime Suspects

Rain City Legal #5

by Stephen Penner

A high-society dinner. Served with a side of murder.

When successful real estate entrepreneur Alexandra Pruitt is poisoned at her own retirement dinner, there are many suspects to choose from. Too many.

Alexandra’s long-term boyfriend and the five women Alexandra mentored over the years all have reasons to want her dead. The police quickly pick the most obvious, one of Alexandra’s mentees, Meredith Beauchamp.

Attorney Daniel Raine thinks they’ve got it wrong, and sets out to prove it.

Who benefits most from Alexandra’s murder? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. A missing will, forged business documents, and secrets in the past all serve to muddy the waters.

Raine knows he has his work cut out if he is to untangle this web of deceit. But he is willing to do whatever it takes to save an innocent woman from a life behind bars.

Even if that means bending the law a little…

Prime Suspects – the fifth book in the brilliant legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

ebook

Published November 27, 2024

About the author

Stephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.

Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.

Reviews

[Howard Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prime Suspects is a mildly interesting novel about 5 female realtors who are friendly competitors and opens with them at a cocktail reception where one of them is murdered. There are a plethora of suspects and a mysterious announcement to be made at the party and several questions surrounding a legal agreement and a will of the deceased. Basically, the characters are not particularly interesting and it is easy to become bored while muddling through to discover the perpetrator. I thank NetGalley and Inkubator for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

[Beau Wasserman (Depression Arc) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Inkubator Books in exchange for an honest review.

Prime Suspects by Stephen Penner is a taut, suspense-filled thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. With its sharp writing and intricate plotting, this latest installment in the Detective Nick Sheridan series cements Penner's place as a master of crime fiction.

Detective Nick Sheridan is back, and this time, he’s faced with one of his most challenging cases yet: a brutal murder that has no shortage of suspects. As Sheridan digs deeper into the victim’s tangled web of secrets and lies, he uncovers a trail of deception that threatens to upend everything he thought he knew about justice and morality.

Penner's ability to craft complex, morally ambiguous characters is on full display here. Sheridan remains a compelling protagonist—flawed but driven, with a sharp intellect and an unyielding sense of duty. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each character bringing their own motivations and secrets to the table, keeping the reader second-guessing who to trust.

The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Just when you think you’ve pieced it all together, Penner throws in another curveball, making Prime Suspects a truly unpredictable read. The vivid descriptions of crime scenes and police procedures add a layer of authenticity that crime thriller fans will appreciate.

But what sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Penner doesn’t just focus on the case at hand; he delves into the personal struggles of his characters, giving the story an added layer of complexity and resonance. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of justice are explored with nuance, making this more than just a standard whodunit.

For fans of procedural dramas and gripping thrillers, Prime Suspects is an absolute must-read. Stephen Penner has delivered another standout novel that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Nick Sheridan’s journey.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Stephen Penner’s "Prime Suspects" is a high-stakes legal thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The fifth installment in the Rain City Legal series, this book follows attorney Daniel Raine as he takes on a case as complex as it is dangerous.

The story begins with the poisoning of Alexandra Pruitt, a successful real estate entrepreneur, at her own retirement dinner. With a plethora of suspects, including her long-term boyfriend and five women she mentored over the years, the police quickly zero in on one of her mentees, Meredith Beauchamp. However, Raine isn’t convinced of Beauchamp’s guilt and sets out to uncover the truth.

Penner masterfully weaves a web of deceit, secrets, and hidden motives, making it clear that nothing is as straightforward as it seems. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The inclusion of a missing will, forged business documents, and past secrets adds layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Raine’s character is tenacious and morally flexible, willing to bend the rules to save an innocent woman from a life behind bars. His determination and resourcefulness make him a compelling protagonist, and his interactions with the other characters are rich with tension and drama.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter building on the suspense and drawing readers deeper into the mystery. Penner’s writing is taut and atmospheric, effectively capturing the high-pressure environment of the courtroom and the personal stakes involved.

"Prime Suspects" is a gripping addition to the Rain City Legal series, offering a blend of legal drama and psychological suspense. Penner’s ability to create a complex and engaging plot, combined with well-developed characters, makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

Recommended for readers who enjoy legal thrillers with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and a strong sense of suspense. "Prime Suspects" is a compelling and thrilling novel.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

If you’re looking for a great courtroom thriller, look no further!

Daniel Raine is invited to the retirement party of Alexandra Pruitt, one of Seattle’s top real estate entrepreneurs. When she’s suddenly found dead, there’s no shortage of suspects. After hours of interviews, Meredith Beauchamp is taken into custody, and the dinner party guests finally leave in the early morning.

Meredith is one of five mentees whose success and careers are owed to Alexandra. Though the evidence is staggering, Daniel believes the other mentees, along with Alexandra’s longtime partner, have equally strong motives. And therein lies the problem: Daniel cannot pinpoint blame on a single individual. Instead, he must demonstrate how each suspect had the means and opportunity while uncovering what happened to Alexandra’s will and other missing business documents. Secrets decades in the making will have to be unraveled to solve this twisty case…

The story is immediately engaging! As Daniel and the reader meet the prime suspects, the retirement party almost feels like a family gathering where Alexandra, the matriarch, has mentees competing for her attention. Each character is well developed and easy to distinguish. I loved the “friend of a friend” dynamic between Daniel and Meredith; each trusts their mutual friend but struggles to fully extend that trust to each other. The courtroom scenes are insightful and filled with detailed legal procedures without being overwhelmingly technical. Penner’s own experience shines through in the deft handling of witness interviews, knowing when to press and when to step back. Penner hooked me from the start and kept the suspense alive until the very end. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Stephen Penner for an early copy!

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel is a lone practitioner in Seattle’s sea of high-rise mega law firms. His successful friend, part-time investigator, well respected real estate agent (Rebecca Sommers) has invited him to a swanky retirement party. The honoree (Alexandra Pruitt) is her longtime mentor along with four other in group of women who owe their success to her. Daniel and Sommers don’t get to enjoy what was planned as a big celebration and an announcement about her business from their host. Alexandra Pruitt, Seattle’s real estate queen is dead, murdered. The ‘Fab Five’ women she’d mentored all stood to benefit. Daniel is a defense attorney, also a witness and possibly a suspect. One of the women is summarily arrested and charged with murder. Daniel is soon persuaded by Sommers to represent her friend. Who killed Ms. Pruitt, her longtime boyfriend, one of her mentees, the staff or caterers? Daniel is up against a Detective who’s sure she has proof to convict his client and a prosecutor with evidence and motive. There is a sizeable amount of money at stake with plenty of people who both want and need it. The trial is full of surprises with a client’s s future relying on Daniel and Sommers ability to find the truth. I’ve read all of the series and it’s a favorite. The courtroom drama and banter is always entertaining. I was caught off guard by the reveal, lots of twists and turns in the plot.
Inkubator Books (via NetGalley) provided an Advance Reader Copy of “Prime Suspects” (A Rain City Legal Thriller #5) by Stephen Penner, publication expected 11/27/2024. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without expectation of compensation.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Prime Suspects
Author: Stephen Penner
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Series: A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Prime Suspects" by Stephen Penner

My Insights:

"Prime Suspects" is an enthralling legal thriller that will grip your attention and keep you flipping pages as you wrestle with the question of whether Meredith Beauchamp is truly guilty of two murders. In a race against time, the brilliant attorney Daniel Raine, alongside his savvy private investigator Rebecca Sommer, embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind the shocking murder of Alexandra Pruitt. As if one murder weren't enough, the plot takes a thrilling twist with the revelation of another death—Alexandra's attorney, which adds a rich layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

With every turn of the page, the story deepens, weaving a tapestry of intrigue that makes it impossible to look away. Prepare to be astounded as the pieces fall into place, revealing how a seemingly innocuous party involving the Fab Five—Meredith, Rebecca, Fiona, Julia, and Caroline—fueled a web of betrayal and ulterior motives.

To truly appreciate the brilliant craftsmanship of this narrative, you must dive into "Prime Suspects." The journey taken by Attorney Raine to unearth critical evidence and unravel the reasons behind Alexandra's demise is a captivating adventure. This fifth installment in the Rain City Legal Thriller series is not just a good read; it's an electrifying experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

This book, part of the Rain City Legal Thriller series [Book 5], was worth reading.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good and you really have to be on your toes to keep up. We are at a lavish dinner party where there is going to be a big announcement that will affect "The Fab Five." That is what Meredith, Rebecca, Fiona, Julia and Caroline, call themselves. All were successful business women who were mentored by Alexandra Pruitt. The hostess of the party, there are rumors that she is going to announce her retirement tonight. The only problem is our hostess successful real estate entrepreneur, Alexandra Pruitt is poisoned at her own retirement dinner, there are many suspects to choose from. Too many. Alexandra’s long-term boyfriend and the five women Alexandra mentored over the years all have reasons to want her dead.

In attendance at the party we also have Attorney Daniel Raine who was there as a guest of his friend, part time business associate and member of The Five, Rebecca Sommers. And when the police finally arrive and question everyone they end up taking the most obvious, one of Alexandra’s mentees, Meredith Beauchamp to jail. Daniel has agreed to represent Meredith as he thinks they got it wrong and he intends to prove it. Who benefits most from Alexandra’s murder? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. A missing will, forged business documents, and secrets in the past all serve to muddy the waters. Raine knows he has his work cut out if he is to untangle this web of deceit. But he is willing to do whatever it takes to save an innocent woman from a life behind bars.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Jeopardy, is the fifth book in the Daniel Raine series by Stephen Penner. Attorney Daniel Raine is facing more than a case of corporate greed, this is a dive into the dark, claustrophobic reality of the justice system itself.

Alexandra Pruitt, a powerhouse real estate entrepreneur, is poisoned at her own retirement dinner. It should have been a night of victory, but instead, it becomes a crime scene with a surplus of suspects. The suspects include her long-term boyfriend and the five women she mentored over the years.

In a world where these women were groomed for success by the victim herself, the line between gratitude and resentment is razor-thin. When the police arrest Meredith Beauchamp, one of the mentees, it felt like a classic case of the authorities picking the easiest target rather than the right one.

This is more than an whodunnit, with a plot that has financial intrigue, secrets and morality. Missing wills and forged business documents give additional motives, as well as deep rooted secrets.

This is an excellent addition to the series. A victim lies dead with the suspicion surrounding her five mentees.

This is a very good series for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Sommers and Raine attending a retirement at Alexandra's home. In addition, a big announcement is expected. They expect it will relate to the 5 individuals she mentored. Time goes by and Raine and Sommers go into the kitchen and find Alexandra's body. This puts a damper on the evening because they now have to be interciewed by the police. In the early morning, Meridith, one of the 5 is charged with the murder.

Raine is hired by Meridith to defend her. Raine is able to get her out on bail. Another body is discovered later and Meridith is arrested for this as well and bail is revoked. Now Raine has to defend her for two murders. The trial beginsa as Sommers and Raine are trying to find something that will free her.

To discover how Raine does, what evidence and where it is discovered and what the reason for Alexandra's killing was, then you need to read this book.

Another great read by this author.

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A legal crime thriller where Daniel, a criminal lawyer, attends a retirement party by a well-known socialite in Seattle and accidentally stumbles upon the host murdered in the kitchen. Rebecca, an acquaintance of Daniel and well-known to the host asks him to take on as his client Meredith, her close friend who is accused of murdering the host. The plot thickens with another murder of the host's lawyer who drew up the will for the estate of the host. Meredith is accused of double murder and faces trial and is defended by Daniel whose main objective is to prove that there other suspects who could have committed the crime. The story slowly meanders on with courtroom drama and the verbal battles with the prosecution attorney. You start wondering where this is leading when towards the last 25 pages the story just takes off and both the murders are solved. The end is quite unconvincing and stretches your imagination.
Thank you ‎for providing this book for review via BookSprout All opinions are my own.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

They called themselves The Fab Five. Meredith, Rebecca, Fiona, Julia and Caroline. All were successful business women who were mentored by Alexandra Pruitt. They all gathered at a retirement party for Alexandra where she was planning to make an announcement that she claimed would affect the future of The Five. But, she was murdered before her secret was revealed. Meredith was arrested at the scene and Attorney Daniel Raine who was there as a guest of his friend, part time business associate and member of The Five, Rebecca Sommers agrees to defend her. The evidence is incriminating and attorney Raine has his job cut out for him. When Meredith is charged with a second murder, her future is looking bleak. I loved this book. The legal strategizing was so well-written. The characters were very believably described and carried the story along at an exciting pace. I recommend this for anyone who’s looking for a satisfying legal thriller.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Augenette Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Penner delivers yet another very enjoyable legal thriller with “Prime Suspects”!

Real estate mogul Alexandra Pruitt is throwing a lavish party – in part because she is going to announce her retirement from her real estate empire, but also because she has a very big announcement that she is going to make. An announcement that will affect the core group of guests at her party. The group in attendance call themselves the “Fab Five” and have all been hand selected and mentored by Alexandra. The evening hits a sour note, as Alexandra collapses and dies after eating some soup – and it is suspected that she was poisoned.

Luckily Daniel Raine and Rebecca Sommers also attended the party, and when one of the Fab Five is arrested for Alexandra’s murder, Raine is detained to be her criminal defense lawyer. Raine and Sommers are relentless in their search for the truth, and they won’t give up until they uncover who the real murderer is.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's yet another example of a series I've purchased the first several books for, but haven't had the chance to read yet. When this opportunity came up via Booksprout to preview, I decided to give it a go even though this is book #5.

While many in-progress series are hard to jump into multiple books in, I didn't feel like I was missing much getting to know the protagonist in this one. His confidence with lack of arrogance, and willingness to bend the rules to find out the truth were compelling reasons this was a fast read for me.

At times, I felt a bit like I had to suspend by beliefs on how things fell into place, but overall this was a nice intro to the series for me, and I look forward to catching up on the first four novels now that I dove in feet first!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth in the series and it's as enjoyable as ever. Dan accompanies Rebecca to her mentor's party at which the mentor is expected to make an announcement. This never happens as the woman is murdered before she can do so. Of the five realtors present, one is immediately arrested and charged with murder and Dan immediately jumps in to defend her.

As usual, this is a great mix of courtroom drama and some investigative work. While you might have to suspend some disbelief, it makes for a very exciting read and I found it a total page-turner and raced through it. Dan and Rebecca are a great team, the perfect foils for each other. I highly recommend this.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a large suspect pool. This pool is deep and full. When a successful businesswoman is poisoned in her home in the midst of her own retirement party, the finger pointing begins.

Attorney Daniel Raine just happens to be at the party. As an attorney, he agrees to present the woman arrested for the murder. Once the investigation begins, the back stabbing and name calling begins, and the mystery of who the culprit is gets even murkier.

If you are a fan of courtroom drama and enjoy a legal thriller with an ending you will not believe, look no further.

Thank you to Inkubator Books and BookSprout for this ARC . I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character dynamic and story was exceptional. I very much enjoyed reading how everything unfolded. I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn’t for the excessive use of Probably. as a type of qualifying statement. For example numerous times the attorney would say something like “She didn’t do it. Probably? Maybe that is just his manner of speaking but I found it unnecessary. I am going to go back and read the rest of the books as they sound very intriguing.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, once again, creates believable characters and a plot that that gets untangled a little at a time. To prove his client’s innocence, a lawyer only needs to create reasonable doubt, and when so many want the victim dead, that would seem to be an easy task. The author creates an interesting story to keep the reader guessing. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and volunteers provided an honest review.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unsatisfying.

Interesting setup. How could this difficult case be resolved? But it really wasn't. Deus ex machina, and the will is found with an unexplained search warrant of Caitlin's house. I'd suspected her all along, but this was not properly set up at all. Also, why didn't the Caitlin video come out in discovery? Many more failings, including no followup on items found at the cabin. Ending made no sense, puzzle never properly resolved.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth in the burgeoning Daniel Raine series of legal thrillers and this is well up to standard as the defence lawyer uses all his intellect, contacts and cunning to solve what looks to be an unsolvable murder with far too many likely culprits. The writing is taut and teen leavened with humour and the court scenes authentic and thrilling. This series has gone well under the radar but deserves far more attention.

Highly recommended.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like when Rain and Sommers team up to clear a friend of a murder charge they will do what it takes legal or not to get the job done and those two are very sneaky when it comes to getting information and that's my favorite part. Just when you think you know something there's a twist and you're thrown back into a state of suspense once again.

[Susan Feiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this was a good who-dun-it. Fast paced. Shiny characters. Excellent use of atmospherics and the city setting. You know from the opening sentences that an important corpse is about to upset the apple cart. And then it’s a race — along with our protagonist—-to find out “who dun it.”

Waiting for the next volume in this very good series.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Pruitt is poisoned by arsenic but who poisoned her Meredith is quickly arrested for her murder but is she innocent Daniel Raine her defence lawyer sets out to prove her innocence. With plenty of twists full of good characters this is an entertaining read. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book. Thanks to Inkubator books and Netgalley for this review ARC.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and thrilling edge of your seat story that keeps you guessing until the end. Diverse and interesting characters to follow along as they try to unravel the clues to get to the conclusion of what happened. Every page is exciting. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ginger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This plot felt very similar to something I would have seen on Murder She Wrote. I'd guessed the perpetrator of the murder within the first few chapters, the story dragged as the lawyer repeated evaluated who could have committed the crime and what their motive would have been. The trial was boring and the conclusion was no surprise.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prime Suspects

Another fast paced page turner. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and when Can goes through some of his explanations about things work in the court I tend to skip over them as I've read them before. I also like the characters in these stories and I'm glad I was able to pick who the killer was, again.

[Deb Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author, I read this one easily as a standalone. I loved the interaction between Raine and Sommers. The whodunnit aspact could have blown up badly, but it does work in this case. Intricate and well constructed, I had the guilty party but not the whole reason why....

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a successful real estate lady is murdered at her own retirement party the list of suspects is quite long. When someone is arrested for the murder, Attorney Daniel Raine thinks they have the wrong person and decides it's up to him to prove it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Meredith and a group of coworkers are invited to Alexandra’s house for a retirement party they all speculate a huge announcement is coming. Before that can happen two individuals find Alexandra deceased in her kitchen and Meredith is the prime suspect, but did she really do it??

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shock

The book is intriguing in that the twists and turns throughout was surprising.

I guessed earlier than the end that the guilty party was not one, but two people but, I got the two people wrong

[Mary E Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming..

Full of mystery, friendship, deception, lack of trust and overall devotion. Ending was extremely shocking. I did not even come close to figuring this novels outcome.