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ALIBI
THE Boston Lawyer Dutch Francis has moved to the small city of Manchester, New Hampshire, where the only criminal cases he takes are DWIs. That is until - after more than twenty years - his childhood friend Larry Conway calls, pleading for his help.
THE Out of the goodness of their hearts, the Conways have taken in a troubled young man named Raymond Walker. Now, Walker stands accused of murdering the local college football star, a future All-American.
THE Dutch is up for the challenge. Anything for a friend. But the more Dutch investigates, the more he is convinced of his client's innocence. and the closer he gets to uncovering a shocking conspiracy in which he is nothing but a pawn...
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
THE Out of the goodness of their hearts, the Conways have taken in a troubled young man named Raymond Walker. Now, Walker stands accused of murdering the local college football star, a future All-American.
THE Dutch is up for the challenge. Anything for a friend. But the more Dutch investigates, the more he is convinced of his client's innocence. and the closer he gets to uncovering a shocking conspiracy in which he is nothing but a pawn...
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE, WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2014
35 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Stephen M. Murphy
10 books18 followersAmerican retired civil trial lawyer and author of legal fiction.
Murphy resides in San Francisco.
Murphy resides in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 22, 2015
Surprising!!
There's no way I will ruin this story by blabbing but I will say this: if you like true blue surprise endings, this novel is for you!
Aside from a few rather glaring typos that were distracting, I found the pace flowed very well. I'm a very fast reader and often start and finish three books a day (it helps to be retired) so it takes a really good writer to keep my interest. I don't think I have read any of Mr. Murphy's books before but I know I will try to find more.
I'm not saying it's a perfect book - the rugby game described was too long for me but maybe fans will enjoy that part. The characters were completely believable and ... I don't think I should say much more!
READ IT ... then you will understand, too. Very good read! But the ending is kind of sad.
There's no way I will ruin this story by blabbing but I will say this: if you like true blue surprise endings, this novel is for you!
Aside from a few rather glaring typos that were distracting, I found the pace flowed very well. I'm a very fast reader and often start and finish three books a day (it helps to be retired) so it takes a really good writer to keep my interest. I don't think I have read any of Mr. Murphy's books before but I know I will try to find more.
I'm not saying it's a perfect book - the rugby game described was too long for me but maybe fans will enjoy that part. The characters were completely believable and ... I don't think I should say much more!
READ IT ... then you will understand, too. Very good read! But the ending is kind of sad.
November 19, 2017
Talk about a legal thriller! This novel is right up there with the likes of John Grisham!! I was tempted so many times to go to the last page and read backwards to see how it turned out! (No easy task since I have a Kindle). I didn't do that, but I read so long and so fast I got a headache - had to put the book down for the night.
Needless to say, I'll be looking for more books by this author and I highly recommend this book!
Needless to say, I'll be looking for more books by this author and I highly recommend this book!
June 1, 2020
Recommended by a friend (Rozie)), was very good. Reads like a John Grisham novel.
August 1, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I read it after reading "Abiding Conviction" because I like the court drama and I wanted to learn more about the background of the characters. This one has some good twists and the ending does not disappoint even if it can be foreseen partially. The book is also easy to read and it does provide some good court drama. But there are quite a few things that bothered me and they are similar across the series.
- The accused is described and developed poorly. As he plays a central role in the court drama, I wish that he wasn't such a "blah" character.
- The political views should not find place in fictional novels. It is really not a place to send any political message, Mr. Murphy.
- Why are these women so hot for Dutch (the main character, lawyer)? How obsessive Dutch is with women's curves, their appearances, sexiness, etc.? It doesn't not come across well.
- Dutch is described as such an idealist, a high moral character but his actions and thoughts show the opposite. So hypocritical through and through. The ending tells you all and there is no redemption in the future books because the writer never brings it up again (as not to spoil the first book). But it was such a defining moment of Dutch's character and no reflection or growth on it. I really found Dutch despicable at that point.
I read it after reading "Abiding Conviction" because I like the court drama and I wanted to learn more about the background of the characters. This one has some good twists and the ending does not disappoint even if it can be foreseen partially. The book is also easy to read and it does provide some good court drama. But there are quite a few things that bothered me and they are similar across the series.
- The accused is described and developed poorly. As he plays a central role in the court drama, I wish that he wasn't such a "blah" character.
- The political views should not find place in fictional novels. It is really not a place to send any political message, Mr. Murphy.
- Why are these women so hot for Dutch (the main character, lawyer)? How obsessive Dutch is with women's curves, their appearances, sexiness, etc.? It doesn't not come across well.
- Dutch is described as such an idealist, a high moral character but his actions and thoughts show the opposite. So hypocritical through and through. The ending tells you all and there is no redemption in the future books because the writer never brings it up again (as not to spoil the first book). But it was such a defining moment of Dutch's character and no reflection or growth on it. I really found Dutch despicable at that point.
July 4, 2022
Writing and storyline tied together well, characters interesting with both likable and unlikeable portrayals included. The pacing seemed uneven in sections but overall a worthwhile read.
4 stars
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
4 stars
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
September 22, 2015
ALIBI is a great novel that explores not only the law and a murder trial, but old friendships and the past. While the book starts out with one of the main characters already in jail, there is still that interesting 'whodunit vibe' in this novel. I had several opinions as the story twisted and turned, but was never sure exactly what I thought happened.
There were parts that made me feel bad for some of the characters and other times when I wanted to shake people and ask them what they were thinking, which in my opinion, is a good thing. The characters were well developed, which is something I appreciate.
For an interesting twist, try this novel that left me guessing until the end.
There were parts that made me feel bad for some of the characters and other times when I wanted to shake people and ask them what they were thinking, which in my opinion, is a good thing. The characters were well developed, which is something I appreciate.
For an interesting twist, try this novel that left me guessing until the end.
July 9, 2015
Stephen M. Murphy's "Alibi" is a well written first novel that focuses on a young teenager accused of murder who is defended by a Boston corporate lawyer pursuing his first criminal case. Centered in the town of Manchester, New Hampshire, the book includes all the ingredients of local color, personalities and suspense that makes for a good legal drama. I recommend it as a good casual read.
April 10, 2015
Nice twists and turns
I kept going back and forth about who was guilty. I thought I knew what was going on and then the book took another turn and proved me wrong. Towards the end I had a hard time putting this book down. I look forward to more books by this author.
I kept going back and forth about who was guilty. I thought I knew what was going on and then the book took another turn and proved me wrong. Towards the end I had a hard time putting this book down. I look forward to more books by this author.
January 12, 2016
Great book!!! Impossible to put down. The characters were all amazing. Can't wait to read more of his books.
April 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book.
It was well-written and the court trial was engrossing. You get to know the characters in the book and the ending ties everything together.
It was well-written and the court trial was engrossing. You get to know the characters in the book and the ending ties everything together.
July 21, 2015
Not your typical lawyer book
Unpredictable, excellent story, could feel the New England chill. Will certainly read more of Murphy It was a surprising good ending
Unpredictable, excellent story, could feel the New England chill. Will certainly read more of Murphy It was a surprising good ending
March 24, 2020
okay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews