Jake’s Run: A Novel

by Richard Simon

Only Ray Scapio, Ventura County’s top homicide prosecutor, can stop this stone cold killer.

Jake Burdette is a serial robber but then gets bored with robbery and starts killing his victims. Eventually, Jake is caught, but his accomplice escapes. As Jake and his accomplice conspire to free him, Jake sends a a letter from prison with coded instructions to his accomplice. Homicide Prosecutor Ray Scapio and beautiful investigative reporter Daisy Guzman must race against time to decode the letter to prevent more murders of innocent victims.

A local bully starts a fight with the wrong guy, professional MMA fighter Garrett Wilkerson. The bully is killed in the fight. Scapio first thinks this is a case of murder due to the excessive beating but when he sees something in the videotape he changes his mind. He has a deal worked for a lesser plea but his supervisor, the very ruthless Savannah Gordon, nixes the deal and takes over the case herself. When Wilkerson is convicted and sent to prison he meets Jake Burdette and learns that his nightmares have only just begun.

Scapio is trying what looks like an open and shut murder case involving a vicious killer who intentionally ran over a man with his jeep. This changes when the expert hired by the defense has a completely different interpretation of the evidence and he gets paid a fortune all over the country to raise reasonable doubt. Scapio must figure out how to expose the flaw in the expert’s testimony or a stone cold killer will go free.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

About the author

Senior Deputy District Attorney working homicides, arsons and serious and violent felonies. I was one of a team of Prosecutors assigned to the infamous Golden State Killer case. I have successfully prosecuted many high profile murder cases in Ventura County and received the Prosecutor of the Year twice as well as the MADD award for successfully prosecuting a DUI homicide. I am the author of Bring me to Life, a fiction in the Courtroom drama/ Crime thriller genre

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent crime story and courtroom drama. The author reminds me of Michael Connelly and the early Robert Tanenbaum crime novels. The author’s experience as a prosecutor adds depth to each facet of the novel. Looking forward to his next novel!

[Pam Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book about a prosecutor written by a prosecutor with many years of experience and fascinating cases to share. Enjoyed Jake’s Run as much if not more than Bring Me To Life. The detailed accurate and informative criminal proceedings are a must read for anyone wanting to understand our judicial system and learn the inner workings of criminal court and the thought processes of a highly skilled prosecutor. Ray Scapio is a deeply complex character with a love for gambling and risk taking which he uses to his advantage for successful prosecution and conviction of some of the worst of society. Very enjoyable.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Simon has this unique, incredible way of writing that immerses the reader into the minds of each character. I could literally feel the tension as if I were there - whether it be in the courtroom, the prosecutors office, or witnessing a crime during its commission. For fans of crime fiction and legal thrillers, Jake’s Run is an absolute must-read. Rich masterfully weaves suspense and psychological thrill into a story that lingers long after the final page. If you enjoy gripping narratives with relentless pacing, this book will absolutely not disappoint!

[Hans-Juergen Steinau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very exciting detective story which is not only focused on criminal investigation but also describes the multifacetted work of law-enforcement. The author brought his over decades gathered knowledge as a district attorney and proscecutor into his book and story.
Since English is not my mother language the book content focused on law is good understable. The digression into the different background stories of the stakeholders, their career (criminal, work, sport) or their hobbies (e.g. ping pong, gambling) is very entertaining and keeps the reader constantly attached as well.

[Russell Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well paced legal thriller that gives readers a look at the inner
workings of a mid-sized District Attorney's office. It deals with
some of the behind the scenes issues and politics that go into
the filing, trying and appealing of serious criminal cases. If you
have ever wondered what it would be like to sit as a juror on a
murder case (actually 2 cases), this would be a good book to read.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book written by this author that deals with criminal trials from the view of a prosecutor. As a former prosecutor, I found the author has authentically captured the courtroom and working relationship with the police. The author has weaved an interesting plot line with a surprise ending. For those who enjoy criminal law, you will not be disappointed. I give it high marks.

[Dale Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Richard Simon with the life and times of Ray Scapio a highly skilled DA prosecutor in Ventura County, CA. Jake's Run has a few interesting twists and turns. It is a read you cannot put down. The book has a puzzle note that is coded and see if you can figure out the code before it is explained. I highly recommend Jake's Run for a good read.

[Kathei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from the point of view of the prosecutor and the defense attorney.

[Syndie Likens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great followup to Bring Me to Life with another great twist. Love tge characters and plot development. COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.