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Brent Marks Legal Thrillers #2
Predatory Kill
Experience the suspense and mystery of the best-selling Legal Thriller
Can "too big to fail" get away with murder?
In the vein of his wildly popular first novel, "An Involuntary Spy", Eade delivers another solid and intricately plotted tale. At its core, "Predatory Kill" is an examination of the chaos and corruption of the 2008 mortgage crisis, and asks the vital question: “are banks above the law?”
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2014
314 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Eade
52 books180 followersDescribed by critics as "one of our strongest thriller writers on the scene," author Kenneth Eade, best known for his legal and political thrillers, practiced law for 30 years before publishing his first novel, "An Involuntary Spy." Eade, an up and coming author in the legal thriller and courtroom drama genre, has been described by critics as "One of our strongest thriller writers on the scene and the fact that he draws his stories from the contemporary philosophical landscape is very much to his credit." He is often compared to John Grisham, whom many regard as the master of the legal thriller.
Says Eade of the comparisons, "Readers compare me in style to John Grisham and, although there are some similarities, because John also likes to craft a story around real topics and we are both lawyers, all of my novels are rooted in reality, not fantasy. I use fictional characters and situations to express factual and conceptual issues. Some use the term 'faction' to describe this style, and it is present in all my fictional works."
Eade has written twenty novels, which are now in the process of being translated into ten languages. He is known to keep in touch with his readers, offering free books and discounts to all those who sign up at his web site, www.kennetheade.com.
Email: info@kennetheade.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennethGEade...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennethEade1
Says Eade of the comparisons, "Readers compare me in style to John Grisham and, although there are some similarities, because John also likes to craft a story around real topics and we are both lawyers, all of my novels are rooted in reality, not fantasy. I use fictional characters and situations to express factual and conceptual issues. Some use the term 'faction' to describe this style, and it is present in all my fictional works."
Eade has written twenty novels, which are now in the process of being translated into ten languages. He is known to keep in touch with his readers, offering free books and discounts to all those who sign up at his web site, www.kennetheade.com.
Email: info@kennetheade.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennethGEade...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennethEade1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 16, 2014
Another researched and well written book.
If you or somebody you know went through financial crisis of 2008 and lost their jobs or homes should read this book. Followed those crisis and read everything I can. Banks are the biggest mafia, citizens lost but they are still making money. Mr Eade thank you.
If you or somebody you know went through financial crisis of 2008 and lost their jobs or homes should read this book. Followed those crisis and read everything I can. Banks are the biggest mafia, citizens lost but they are still making money. Mr Eade thank you.
September 22, 2017
Another excellent legal thriller by this author! Kenneth Eade researches everything he writes and the result is amazing thrillers which teach while entertaining! This story involves the 2008 financial crisis, in which many people lost their savings while banks received government money to continue.
An engaging story in which a couple are misled by their bank,then there is murder of the wife and a beating that leaves her husband incapacitated. Their daughter goes through all banking records and brings her findings to an attorney. From what is found the bank has definitely done wrong, but are they responsible for the murder?
An interesting book and awesome story for readers that combines the law and financial communities.
An engaging story in which a couple are misled by their bank,then there is murder of the wife and a beating that leaves her husband incapacitated. Their daughter goes through all banking records and brings her findings to an attorney. From what is found the bank has definitely done wrong, but are they responsible for the murder?
An interesting book and awesome story for readers that combines the law and financial communities.
September 12, 2014
I won a copy of Kenneth Eade's, Predatory Kill, through Goodreads. Below is my honest review, as promised. Authors, as an unwritten rule, are supposed to write about what they know. Eade is an attorney, and Predatory Kill is a legal thriller.
The first legal thriller I ever read was not by John Grisham. It was Presumed Innocent, by Scott Turrow. Then I read Grisham, and Steve Martini, etc. I worked, at the time, as a paralegal. Employment Law. So the books were fun, exciting. I had never heard of Kenneth Eade, but the cover of his book boasts that he is a Best Seller. That's awesome.
Predatory Kill has what any mystery / thriller reader will enjoy. Mystery. Thrills. Big banks gave out mortgages to people who could never repay them. This happened. Our country fell into near financial collapse. In the novel, the banks involved went to extreme measure to ensure trails were clean, that no one would get in trouble. However, once a Grand jury was involved, steps were taken to keep silent truths that needed to stay buried.
After the murder of her mother, and the near-death beating of her father, April Marsh hires attorney Brent Marks to take on the bank in a lawsuit. The bank is about to foreclose on her parents' house. It is all she has left. She isn't just interested in stopping the foreclosure. She wants the bank pay, certain they are responsible for the violence inflicted onto her parents.
In a search for answers to make the case stick, Marks finds himself in a dangerous position. Threats, both verbal and physical are made. Tails seem to be at every turn. If they make it through the trial there is a 50 / 50 chance the jury will find in their favor and punish the bank. However, making it alive until the end of the trial is another fear altogether!
Eade's depositions and courtroom drama were the best parts of the book. They were taut scenes, fast and realistic sounding. With the exception of the characters all sounding similar (April, Angela, Brent, Banks, Berstein, Stein), once I had them down, I was good to go. There is not a lot of flowery description (since it is not needed), and the chapters are short. Plenty of dialogue, and tension and suspense. I enjoyed the book very much. I read it fast, in six or seven hours. If you legal thrillers or mystery novels, I'd recommend Predatory Kill.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Blood River and The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
The first legal thriller I ever read was not by John Grisham. It was Presumed Innocent, by Scott Turrow. Then I read Grisham, and Steve Martini, etc. I worked, at the time, as a paralegal. Employment Law. So the books were fun, exciting. I had never heard of Kenneth Eade, but the cover of his book boasts that he is a Best Seller. That's awesome.
Predatory Kill has what any mystery / thriller reader will enjoy. Mystery. Thrills. Big banks gave out mortgages to people who could never repay them. This happened. Our country fell into near financial collapse. In the novel, the banks involved went to extreme measure to ensure trails were clean, that no one would get in trouble. However, once a Grand jury was involved, steps were taken to keep silent truths that needed to stay buried.
After the murder of her mother, and the near-death beating of her father, April Marsh hires attorney Brent Marks to take on the bank in a lawsuit. The bank is about to foreclose on her parents' house. It is all she has left. She isn't just interested in stopping the foreclosure. She wants the bank pay, certain they are responsible for the violence inflicted onto her parents.
In a search for answers to make the case stick, Marks finds himself in a dangerous position. Threats, both verbal and physical are made. Tails seem to be at every turn. If they make it through the trial there is a 50 / 50 chance the jury will find in their favor and punish the bank. However, making it alive until the end of the trial is another fear altogether!
Eade's depositions and courtroom drama were the best parts of the book. They were taut scenes, fast and realistic sounding. With the exception of the characters all sounding similar (April, Angela, Brent, Banks, Berstein, Stein), once I had them down, I was good to go. There is not a lot of flowery description (since it is not needed), and the chapters are short. Plenty of dialogue, and tension and suspense. I enjoyed the book very much. I read it fast, in six or seven hours. If you legal thrillers or mystery novels, I'd recommend Predatory Kill.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of Blood River and The Vaccination Trilogy
http://www.philliptomasso.com/
August 23, 2015
In the words of President John F. Kennedy, “In a crisis, be aware of the danger but recognize the opportunity.” Brent Marks is a Santa Barbara lawyer that specializes in civil law. Although a lucrative speciality, it is hardly considered one of the more exciting branches of law. When the blond haired, blue eyed April Marsh enters his office he is captivated by her beauty and soon fascinated by her legal dilemma. Her parents were victim to a violent attack in their home, leaving her mother dead and her father little more than a vegetable. Under normal circumstances this would be far outside his expertise but she reveals her conviction that the attacked was committed or ordered by Prudent Bank and this plus a possible predatory lending accusation could be enough to charge them under the Racketeer, Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO Act). The case was far from clear cut and would require much investigative, judicial work with a healthy dose of luck to get twelve jurors to convict.
This is my introduction to the works of Kenneth Eade and I must say that I am impressed. I have read most of the works of Erle Stanley Gardner and, more recently, John Grisham. These two authors tend to concentrate the story around the case and especially the latter holds courtroom scenes to a minimum. This reader takes pains to explain various aspects of law as he winds a story that keeps the reader riveted to his every word. This book deserves a prominent place in everyone’s library.
This is my introduction to the works of Kenneth Eade and I must say that I am impressed. I have read most of the works of Erle Stanley Gardner and, more recently, John Grisham. These two authors tend to concentrate the story around the case and especially the latter holds courtroom scenes to a minimum. This reader takes pains to explain various aspects of law as he winds a story that keeps the reader riveted to his every word. This book deserves a prominent place in everyone’s library.
August 12, 2014
4.5/5.0
This legal thriller starts with a bang and doesn’t stop until the very last page!
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
This legal thriller starts with a bang and doesn’t stop until the very last page!
Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
October 20, 2014
3.0 of 5 stars – Interesting, Quick, Simple Legal/Financial Thriller.
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Kenneth!)
This was a combo legal/financial thriller/mystery, playing off in an interesting way the results of the 2008 financial crisis for one plaintiff in particular. The many people adversely affected by the crisis (me included) will be sympathic and rooting for the little guy vs. the big, bad banks (kind of an It’s a Wonderful Life scenario).
Kenneth Eade presented the case in a straightforward style, incorporating his legal expertise to relate the legal (and basic financial) situation in a fairly black and white fashion. Relayed from the plaintiff’s perspective of the lawyer and plaintiffs, Eade threw in some mystery and thrill, with some fairly fast-paced action outside as well as inside the courtroom. Even though the legal explanation was little heavy at times, it had some good court maneuverings and suspense.
Surprisingly, it was a quick read, and maybe because of that it sacrificed more detail, plot and character development. Having read a couple of financial thrillers related to the crisis, I thought this one did not have the detail and oversimplified the complexity of the crisis (but granted, it did focus on just this one case). I also didn’t get a full picture of what was happening from the other side – their motivations, mechanics, or all the players. The MC was drawn as an interesting, relatable and likable character. But his was the only one decently developed. Even with him, his budding romance hardly had any depth or emotion, so it didn’t add much, to the point it seemed to be just thrown in for the sake of having a romance to draw in that reader.
That said, I did enjoy this as a quick read, drawing me in on whether a victim of the financial crisis will get her legal due against one of those who benefited from being too big to fail.
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks, Kenneth!)
This was a combo legal/financial thriller/mystery, playing off in an interesting way the results of the 2008 financial crisis for one plaintiff in particular. The many people adversely affected by the crisis (me included) will be sympathic and rooting for the little guy vs. the big, bad banks (kind of an It’s a Wonderful Life scenario).
Kenneth Eade presented the case in a straightforward style, incorporating his legal expertise to relate the legal (and basic financial) situation in a fairly black and white fashion. Relayed from the plaintiff’s perspective of the lawyer and plaintiffs, Eade threw in some mystery and thrill, with some fairly fast-paced action outside as well as inside the courtroom. Even though the legal explanation was little heavy at times, it had some good court maneuverings and suspense.
Surprisingly, it was a quick read, and maybe because of that it sacrificed more detail, plot and character development. Having read a couple of financial thrillers related to the crisis, I thought this one did not have the detail and oversimplified the complexity of the crisis (but granted, it did focus on just this one case). I also didn’t get a full picture of what was happening from the other side – their motivations, mechanics, or all the players. The MC was drawn as an interesting, relatable and likable character. But his was the only one decently developed. Even with him, his budding romance hardly had any depth or emotion, so it didn’t add much, to the point it seemed to be just thrown in for the sake of having a romance to draw in that reader.
That said, I did enjoy this as a quick read, drawing me in on whether a victim of the financial crisis will get her legal due against one of those who benefited from being too big to fail.
May 7, 2014
I'm not usually a huge fan of courtroom dramas on TV. However, my wife suggested I try reading one instead. Since I think the movies and TV shows don't have enough time to fill in the details needed to make a story great, I agreed. Boy was I right about TV! In his book "Predatory Kill: A Legal Thriller", Kenneth Eade leaves no stone un-turned and no loose threads to try to reason out yourself. I thought it was very well written.
I really liked the writing style that the Author used for the book in general. Since a good legal story always seems to parlay back and forth between characters throughout the story-line, you can tell the book was well thought out in advance. It is apparent right away that the author has full command of the English language and of legal terminology as well as courtroom proceedings. But I also liked that the Author didn't speak down to readers that may not have such a broad knowledge of the legal system and kept things real enough to grasp by the average Joe.
The story flowed very well and the characters seemed to come naturally into the story. The characters didn't seem shoe-horned in just to get from one place to another in the story-line. I thought the Author told the story very well. I could tell the Kenneth Eade was fully invested in his book right from the first chapters. The predatory nature of the story-line drew me in. The story kept me interested and the Author filled in the details in all the right places. What more could you ask? I would give this Author and book a few thumbs up!
I really liked the writing style that the Author used for the book in general. Since a good legal story always seems to parlay back and forth between characters throughout the story-line, you can tell the book was well thought out in advance. It is apparent right away that the author has full command of the English language and of legal terminology as well as courtroom proceedings. But I also liked that the Author didn't speak down to readers that may not have such a broad knowledge of the legal system and kept things real enough to grasp by the average Joe.
The story flowed very well and the characters seemed to come naturally into the story. The characters didn't seem shoe-horned in just to get from one place to another in the story-line. I thought the Author told the story very well. I could tell the Kenneth Eade was fully invested in his book right from the first chapters. The predatory nature of the story-line drew me in. The story kept me interested and the Author filled in the details in all the right places. What more could you ask? I would give this Author and book a few thumbs up!
June 10, 2014
This is a well-written legal thriller the grabs the interest from the start and is (to use a reviewer’s cliché) hard to put down. It is constructed of short chapters, mostly dialogue, that build momentum and suspense. The author, a lawyer, writes authoritatively about legal matters but with enough clarity for the layperson.
The plot: A crooked mortgage brokerage defrauds a couple, they complain and are physically assaulted, the wife dies but husband survives (barely), and the daughter links the fraud and assault and hires the novel’s lawyer-protagonist (Brent Marks) to make things right.
Marks investigates with the help of private detectives, draws in local law authorities and the FBI, fends of thugs, and takes the mortgage company to court. Most of what follows occurs in court or between court sessions. It unfolds mostly as courtroom drama that could easily be transformed into a screenplay. The separate chapters are like the rounds in a prizefight between contending parties, sprinkled with quotations (e.g., Voltaire, Jack London, law school), and involve planning and strategy sessions, parades of courtroom witnesses, interplay between parties, suspenseful ups and downs, negotiations, and the final outcome.
The story is set in Santa Barbara, and includes a romance and a subplot involving a religious lunatic. The novel should appeal especially to fans of courtroom dramas.
The plot: A crooked mortgage brokerage defrauds a couple, they complain and are physically assaulted, the wife dies but husband survives (barely), and the daughter links the fraud and assault and hires the novel’s lawyer-protagonist (Brent Marks) to make things right.
Marks investigates with the help of private detectives, draws in local law authorities and the FBI, fends of thugs, and takes the mortgage company to court. Most of what follows occurs in court or between court sessions. It unfolds mostly as courtroom drama that could easily be transformed into a screenplay. The separate chapters are like the rounds in a prizefight between contending parties, sprinkled with quotations (e.g., Voltaire, Jack London, law school), and involve planning and strategy sessions, parades of courtroom witnesses, interplay between parties, suspenseful ups and downs, negotiations, and the final outcome.
The story is set in Santa Barbara, and includes a romance and a subplot involving a religious lunatic. The novel should appeal especially to fans of courtroom dramas.
April 19, 2014
I was drawn to this book due to the interesting twist the author, Kenneth Eade has put on the legal thriller genre by pitting the main character, Brent marks against an antagonist in the form of a bank. When looking for books to read I am drawn to inventive and original storytelling and this certainly ticked those boxes.
My excitement and interest in the book was proven right as from the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. It’s rare to find yourself thinking about a book after you have finished it but this thought provoking tale had exactly that effect on me.
One of the biggest compliments I can give the author and the book is the masterful way in which the tension rises throughout the book. This ensures that the reader is kept fascinated right to the end. A lot of time and effort has gone into the development of the characters and it shows as they come across as both absorbing and believable.
Overall this book ranks right at the top of my list for 2014. You will struggle to find a better thriller and that is why it deserves my five stars.
My excitement and interest in the book was proven right as from the moment I picked up the book I was hooked. It’s rare to find yourself thinking about a book after you have finished it but this thought provoking tale had exactly that effect on me.
One of the biggest compliments I can give the author and the book is the masterful way in which the tension rises throughout the book. This ensures that the reader is kept fascinated right to the end. A lot of time and effort has gone into the development of the characters and it shows as they come across as both absorbing and believable.
Overall this book ranks right at the top of my list for 2014. You will struggle to find a better thriller and that is why it deserves my five stars.
July 28, 2015
This was the first book I've read by Kenneth Eade, and it was by mistake. I messed up and read Book 2 instead of starting with the first in the series. Guess that's what I get for not paying attention when choosing books.
Other than that, this book was great. Full of suspense, and a little romance. The plot was full of serious surprises and keep you reading to find out more. Kenneth Eade has a great talent, never dull. And please, don't read this book right before bed you will NOT be going to sleep!!
Brent is a wonderful lawyer, not at all boring ;). Honestly though, Predatory Kill shows a different side to lawyers. It shows a part of their personal lives: romance, friendships, and the risk that a lot of lawyers take on a daily basis. Thankfully his personal safety threats didn't come to pass, but there are many that do every single day.
And corrupt bankers? Who woulda thought....
I can't wait to read the rest of this series... I HAVE to know who this murderer is!!!
You can find out more about Kenneth Eade here.
http://ljonesedition.wordpress.com
Other than that, this book was great. Full of suspense, and a little romance. The plot was full of serious surprises and keep you reading to find out more. Kenneth Eade has a great talent, never dull. And please, don't read this book right before bed you will NOT be going to sleep!!
Brent is a wonderful lawyer, not at all boring ;). Honestly though, Predatory Kill shows a different side to lawyers. It shows a part of their personal lives: romance, friendships, and the risk that a lot of lawyers take on a daily basis. Thankfully his personal safety threats didn't come to pass, but there are many that do every single day.
And corrupt bankers? Who woulda thought....
I can't wait to read the rest of this series... I HAVE to know who this murderer is!!!
You can find out more about Kenneth Eade here.
http://ljonesedition.wordpress.com
April 19, 2014
I like this author's writing style. He introduces you to Brent right away and you can relate to him and you're invested in his story from the first chapter. This book is a page turner with really with very interesting characters. Once you start it, be prepared to keep reading.
I'd recommend this book if you like courtroom thrillers. There's a lot of action that takes place outside of the courtroom as well. The author is a master at building suspense. There's no boring middle in this book with pages you want to skip.
I'd recommend this book if you like courtroom thrillers. There's a lot of action that takes place outside of the courtroom as well. The author is a master at building suspense. There's no boring middle in this book with pages you want to skip.
February 7, 2016
Great Read!
Such a good read I almost didn't take time to write this because I want to go find another of the authors books! This book captured my attention to the point I stayed up all night finishing it. Do get it-you'll be glad you did. Great characters you become really involved with and a story line that makes you want to speak up. Yes, I highly recommend this book!
Such a good read I almost didn't take time to write this because I want to go find another of the authors books! This book captured my attention to the point I stayed up all night finishing it. Do get it-you'll be glad you did. Great characters you become really involved with and a story line that makes you want to speak up. Yes, I highly recommend this book!
June 25, 2015
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
I absolutely love legal thrillers and this was one of the best legal thrillers I've read in a very long time. This was a definite heart pounding adventure. Put it on your must read list.
I absolutely love legal thrillers and this was one of the best legal thrillers I've read in a very long time. This was a definite heart pounding adventure. Put it on your must read list.
September 6, 2015
Good read
Good night time reading. A little slow paced. A lot a questions left unanswered regarding acts occurring. Etc, bodies disappearing, murderous acts. Could have been more entertaining but all in all a decent read. Will read more of this author's work.
Good night time reading. A little slow paced. A lot a questions left unanswered regarding acts occurring. Etc, bodies disappearing, murderous acts. Could have been more entertaining but all in all a decent read. Will read more of this author's work.
August 15, 2014
4 1/2 Stars
Read the review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/suspense-t...
May 23, 2015
Courtroom drama at it's best
Evoking the writing skills of John Grisham, Kenneth Eade caters to the reader who loves the drama and intrigue of the courtroom.
Evoking the writing skills of John Grisham, Kenneth Eade caters to the reader who loves the drama and intrigue of the courtroom.
August 1, 2015
Just ended!
The quick ending caught me by surprise. Good book......especially if you like courtroom scenes. I had to skim a bit of that. But still enjoyed. 3.5
The quick ending caught me by surprise. Good book......especially if you like courtroom scenes. I had to skim a bit of that. But still enjoyed. 3.5
August 8, 2017
If anyone can make a story about banking fraud super exciting, then this is the man.
Despite a slow start - and lots of explanation of banking / mortgage terminology and procedure this was another cracking read.
Although, I must admit the ending disappointed me. I understand the reasoning behind it, but I guess I just wanted to go for the jugular.
Looking forward to another fast read with HOA Wire. Very glad I found this author.
Despite a slow start - and lots of explanation of banking / mortgage terminology and procedure this was another cracking read.
Although, I must admit the ending disappointed me. I understand the reasoning behind it, but I guess I just wanted to go for the jugular.
Looking forward to another fast read with HOA Wire. Very glad I found this author.
October 11, 2023
This legal thriller follows a civil trial on the complex issue of banking and mortgages. The author attempts to explain the subject matter in a simplified way, but this is unlikely to be helpful for the average reader who is simply looking for a thrilling story. Although elements of murder and crime are introduced, they feel forced and do not fit well with the main plot of the trial against the bank messengers. Overall, this book is a bit of a disappointment.
August 8, 2017
A totally believable plot with characters you feel you know .Never a dull moment a great balance character interaction and legal technicality
It has a real world result where the real villains are faceless and seem to get away with and also profit from their crimes .To close to the truth to treat as just another novel .Will proceed directly to book 3 in this series 10/10
It has a real world result where the real villains are faceless and seem to get away with and also profit from their crimes .To close to the truth to treat as just another novel .Will proceed directly to book 3 in this series 10/10
July 10, 2024
Poorly written and poorly edited. The only part that was convincing were the courtroom scenes and the legal arguments. The dialogue out of the courtroom was stiff. The book was full of stereotypes- the drop dead gorgeous female client, the (I'm guessing here) expensive car driven by the lawyer,etc. The end was ridiculous. Thankfully, it was a short book.
June 21, 2017
i did not read the first book, so this acted as a stand alone for me. It was a slow start but the court room action was enthralling. There are a few loose ends that don't intrigue me enough to go on in the series.
May 25, 2017
Quick and easy
Nothing in this that will tax your brain. Fast paced but thin on characterisation. Don't expect to read any more of his work.
Nothing in this that will tax your brain. Fast paced but thin on characterisation. Don't expect to read any more of his work.
August 31, 2019
Predatory
Well I can say I enjoyed this book. So well written . Great story so true and to the point.
Well I can say I enjoyed this book. So well written . Great story so true and to the point.
November 29, 2023
Predictable
I liked the book But it could have had more meat to it. I would have enjoyed more fleshing out of the characters. The ending was abrupt And could have used more work.
I liked the book But it could have had more meat to it. I would have enjoyed more fleshing out of the characters. The ending was abrupt And could have used more work.
February 11, 2015
FULL REVIEW FROM MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW:
Just as its title says, Predatory Kill: A Legal Thriller combines the genres of a good detective thriller with an exploration of legal process and, much in the manner of John Grisham, laces all this together with strong, believable protagonists who face the impossible.
All this comes from a lawyer/author, so the legal process is authoritative and specific as it relates a lawyer's move to take on cases that involve wider-ranging, more difficult issues of social importance.
As chance would have it, Brent's first venture into new legal realms involves one April Marsh, who instigates a case revolving around the predatory lending practices of big banks who have foreclosed on her parents' home.
It all seems pretty cut and dried ... until murder enters the picture.
With April's mother dead and her father severely beaten, lawyer Brent Marks finds himself confronting an impossible conclusion: that big business has moved beyond the boundaries of predatory lending and into the realm of predatory killing. But why? What is so important about a single home that would cause a bank to hire a killer?
That's the crux of an investigation that becomes more convoluted and complex as chapters go on, immersing readers in a series of legal and social encounters that involve twisted purposes, perspectives, and emotions gone wild.
Fans of Grisham will find equal talent here in Eade's ability to captivate and hold readers with the unexpected, both in character development in nonstop action which lays the foundation for a story that's anything but predictable.
The realistic dialogue is - well - simply killer; while action points in one direction, then often takes a 360-degree turn. In a world where plot and outcome are often predictable from the start, this will prove more than satisfying to readers already well versed in the legal thriller format.
Another note: there's plenty of legal process and background incorporated into the chain of events. This lends Predatory Kill more than a realistic feel, with courtroom proceedings and arguments fueling the fire for out-of-courtroom drama.
Atmosphere is not neglected for the sake of either legal process or character development (as is too often the case in this genre): take (for example) an opening chapter in the salvo of a battle that crosses into different territory: "To the novice, it may have a appeared that a storm was rolling down Stagecoach Road, accompanied by dark clouds and the roar of thunder. But it was not an act of God; rather, a pack of hogs rolling into the Cold Spring Tavern Saturday night. The clan of bearded men and tattooed women rumbled in on their bikes, peeled their leather coated bodies off their saddles, and packed into the bar area."
What does this rough-and-tumble piece have to do with lawyer Brent's courtroom appearances, which liberally dose the book with realistic arguments and legal encounters? Read Predatory Kill to find out.
One thing's for certain: you won't be bored by this page-turner's wealth of characters, settings, and unpredictable cat-and-mouse games. D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
Just as its title says, Predatory Kill: A Legal Thriller combines the genres of a good detective thriller with an exploration of legal process and, much in the manner of John Grisham, laces all this together with strong, believable protagonists who face the impossible.
All this comes from a lawyer/author, so the legal process is authoritative and specific as it relates a lawyer's move to take on cases that involve wider-ranging, more difficult issues of social importance.
As chance would have it, Brent's first venture into new legal realms involves one April Marsh, who instigates a case revolving around the predatory lending practices of big banks who have foreclosed on her parents' home.
It all seems pretty cut and dried ... until murder enters the picture.
With April's mother dead and her father severely beaten, lawyer Brent Marks finds himself confronting an impossible conclusion: that big business has moved beyond the boundaries of predatory lending and into the realm of predatory killing. But why? What is so important about a single home that would cause a bank to hire a killer?
That's the crux of an investigation that becomes more convoluted and complex as chapters go on, immersing readers in a series of legal and social encounters that involve twisted purposes, perspectives, and emotions gone wild.
Fans of Grisham will find equal talent here in Eade's ability to captivate and hold readers with the unexpected, both in character development in nonstop action which lays the foundation for a story that's anything but predictable.
The realistic dialogue is - well - simply killer; while action points in one direction, then often takes a 360-degree turn. In a world where plot and outcome are often predictable from the start, this will prove more than satisfying to readers already well versed in the legal thriller format.
Another note: there's plenty of legal process and background incorporated into the chain of events. This lends Predatory Kill more than a realistic feel, with courtroom proceedings and arguments fueling the fire for out-of-courtroom drama.
Atmosphere is not neglected for the sake of either legal process or character development (as is too often the case in this genre): take (for example) an opening chapter in the salvo of a battle that crosses into different territory: "To the novice, it may have a appeared that a storm was rolling down Stagecoach Road, accompanied by dark clouds and the roar of thunder. But it was not an act of God; rather, a pack of hogs rolling into the Cold Spring Tavern Saturday night. The clan of bearded men and tattooed women rumbled in on their bikes, peeled their leather coated bodies off their saddles, and packed into the bar area."
What does this rough-and-tumble piece have to do with lawyer Brent's courtroom appearances, which liberally dose the book with realistic arguments and legal encounters? Read Predatory Kill to find out.
One thing's for certain: you won't be bored by this page-turner's wealth of characters, settings, and unpredictable cat-and-mouse games. D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
May 7, 2016
Every now and again I like to immerse myself in a gripping legal thriller with the works: suspense, mystery, an underdog and a great big helping of courtroom drama. Taking these factors into account Predatory Kill did not skimp on the courtroom drama and an underdog I easily came to root for.
When April Marsh is left devastated following the murder of her mother and a brutal attack on her father leaving him critically ill, she us convinced that her parents were the target of the bank, a powerful institution against which her father was due to testify. April takes this long shot case to Brent Marks, a seasoned lawyer who has been remarkably successful representing the underdog. However, neither April nor Brent realise they are putting themselves in the crosshairs of the ruthless and greedy who will stop at nothing.
The premise of this legal thriller is set in the factual backdrop of the financial crush of 2008 and I found the financial matters within the thriller more technical than I expected, which for those who work in finance and/or law might be an attractive hook. Despite the technicality of the legal matters, I found the courtroom drama more than made up for this aspect.
A relatively short but purposeful read and definitely one for those who love legal thrillers.
When April Marsh is left devastated following the murder of her mother and a brutal attack on her father leaving him critically ill, she us convinced that her parents were the target of the bank, a powerful institution against which her father was due to testify. April takes this long shot case to Brent Marks, a seasoned lawyer who has been remarkably successful representing the underdog. However, neither April nor Brent realise they are putting themselves in the crosshairs of the ruthless and greedy who will stop at nothing.
The premise of this legal thriller is set in the factual backdrop of the financial crush of 2008 and I found the financial matters within the thriller more technical than I expected, which for those who work in finance and/or law might be an attractive hook. Despite the technicality of the legal matters, I found the courtroom drama more than made up for this aspect.
A relatively short but purposeful read and definitely one for those who love legal thrillers.
December 12, 2015
This is the first in a series of books featuring Brent Marks - attorney. He has been contacted to try a case for April Marsh. April's Mother was killer and her father left for dead during a home invasion. April has always thought that the banking firm that was in charge of her parent's loan, had something to do with the murder.
Her father is unable to communicate so he cannot tell her anything about who might be behind the murder. April hires Brent to represent her in a case against the banking industry who illegally obtained a loan with her father and subsequently filed for delinquency of payment of the loan and was taking their house away.
Good legal thriller and is a fast read. Dealt with the 2008 financial crisis.
Her father is unable to communicate so he cannot tell her anything about who might be behind the murder. April hires Brent to represent her in a case against the banking industry who illegally obtained a loan with her father and subsequently filed for delinquency of payment of the loan and was taking their house away.
Good legal thriller and is a fast read. Dealt with the 2008 financial crisis.
September 17, 2014
Although the plot of this book was unique I did not enjoy the story much. The chunky, inelegant prose made reading more of a chore than a pleasure. There is little to no 'action', as this is indeed a courtroom drama with very little going on elsewhere.
Characters are lifeless, with no growth or development. Further, I found the end to be confusing - I'm still not sure exactly what happened, or to whom.
Chapters are extremely short, often only 2 pages, and as page margins are enormous on all 4 sides the novel is more like an extended short story; I read the entire thing in about 3 1/2 hours.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads' "First Reads" giveaways.
Characters are lifeless, with no growth or development. Further, I found the end to be confusing - I'm still not sure exactly what happened, or to whom.
Chapters are extremely short, often only 2 pages, and as page margins are enormous on all 4 sides the novel is more like an extended short story; I read the entire thing in about 3 1/2 hours.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads' "First Reads" giveaways.
June 5, 2016
What could be more boring than a courtroom drama about mortgages? Yet I was riveted. Mainly by the mind boggling avarice and self seeking of finance companies that put themselves before everything and the lengths they go to. It brought home to me more than anything how we are in the power of large companies and more often than not victims of the law.
How nice to read a book that has right on politics without being preachie
How nice to read a book that has right on politics without being preachie
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