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Jace Forman #2
The Word
Lovers of legal thrillers will rejoice in this gripping, timely page-turner about religious fanaticism, freedom of speech, courtroom intrigue, and high-stakes mystery. Ezekiel Shaw and his fanatical followers preach a gospel of hate, picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers, and praising God for sending America’s soldiers back in body bags. But when they disrupt the funeral of Second Lieutenant Lauren Hanson, a West Point graduate killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, hard-charging Fort Worth trial attorney Jace Forman becomes determined to put an end to their crazed crusade no matter the cost. As Jace and reporter Leah Rosen battle the odds and the clock in pursuit of justice and truth in the courts, they draw closer to uncovering a shocking conspiracy—and facing sinister forces that will stop at nothing to keep them from revealing the truth. “Religious extremism is a very dangerous and powerful force,” said Crouch. “It threatens our First Amendment rights and has been used to suppress women’s rights throughout the world (including our own country).” Blending fast-paced action with authentic courtroom drama, The Word will keep readers enthralled from its explosive prologue to nail-biting conclusion. Learn more at www.HubertCrouch.com.
414 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2015
55 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Hubert Crouch
5 books36 followersHubert Crouch, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and SMU Law School, is a veteran trial lawyer with years of hands-on experience in the courtroom. His best-selling debut novel, Cried For No One, introduced readers to Jace Foreman who returns in The Word. He and his wife split their time between their home in Nashville and their mountain retreat in Monteagle, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2016
A fast paced Thriller you will not want to put down! I tried to read this as my nightly bedtime read but had to pick it up every chance I had! I was intrigued from the start and the surprises kept coming! Impeccable writing!
I realized this was a second book when I started writing this review; I like to copy/paste the title and author because I have a tendency to misspell names, but I would have never known otherwise. Now I must go back to the first. I love this author’s writing style, and talent!
Without a doubt, this is a 5 Boundless Star book!...Beth
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I realized this was a second book when I started writing this review; I like to copy/paste the title and author because I have a tendency to misspell names, but I would have never known otherwise. Now I must go back to the first. I love this author’s writing style, and talent!
Without a doubt, this is a 5 Boundless Star book!...Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
July 31, 2015
The Word is a second novel in the Jace Forman series. I haven’t read the first one; I didn’t find it necessary to have read it to enjoy this book.
The story opens with Ezekiel Shaw and his band of followers from the Brimstone Bible Church (BBC) are picketing the funeral of Second Lieutenant Lauren Hanson, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The BBC believes in literal interpretation of God’s word. They can be compared to the Westboro Baptist Church. Other than the need to tighten the sentences (too many prepositional phrases), the scenes are vivid and distributing. It’s not surprising that her parents, after hiring Forman’s firm, to sue the BBC, reacted the way they did.
In a secondary plot, cub reporter Leah Rosen is doing her best to dig up the dirty truth about Cal Connors, one of Texas’ most prominent men. It has the same problem the major plot line does. However, Crouch intersperses the chapters well enough so that the high tension of the major plot allows the readers to take a breath.
There is also a third plot line that pits Connors, his daughter, and his most reliable pharmaceutical witness against the system. Again, the same sentence structure problems. This part was rather buried and did little to enhance the major and secondary plot lines…and it’s the one that’s not resolved, which irritated me somewhat.
It was difficult to keep all the characters straight in the beginning once I was passed reading about the BBC and Jace.
Not surprisingly, as Crouch is an attorney, the courtroom drama is excellent. I even learned something about juries for federal cases: they don’t have to have twelve jurors, only eight.
All-in-all, The Word is a great read; I had trouble putting it down.
The story opens with Ezekiel Shaw and his band of followers from the Brimstone Bible Church (BBC) are picketing the funeral of Second Lieutenant Lauren Hanson, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The BBC believes in literal interpretation of God’s word. They can be compared to the Westboro Baptist Church. Other than the need to tighten the sentences (too many prepositional phrases), the scenes are vivid and distributing. It’s not surprising that her parents, after hiring Forman’s firm, to sue the BBC, reacted the way they did.
In a secondary plot, cub reporter Leah Rosen is doing her best to dig up the dirty truth about Cal Connors, one of Texas’ most prominent men. It has the same problem the major plot line does. However, Crouch intersperses the chapters well enough so that the high tension of the major plot allows the readers to take a breath.
There is also a third plot line that pits Connors, his daughter, and his most reliable pharmaceutical witness against the system. Again, the same sentence structure problems. This part was rather buried and did little to enhance the major and secondary plot lines…and it’s the one that’s not resolved, which irritated me somewhat.
It was difficult to keep all the characters straight in the beginning once I was passed reading about the BBC and Jace.
Not surprisingly, as Crouch is an attorney, the courtroom drama is excellent. I even learned something about juries for federal cases: they don’t have to have twelve jurors, only eight.
All-in-all, The Word is a great read; I had trouble putting it down.
June 14, 2015
This was a "win" from a Shelf Aware contest.
Good read - went through it leisurely in 2 days - good legal procedural with interweaving plot lines which are barely tied together with one or two characters - enough to keep the story interesting. Would recommend as a beach or traveling read as it didn't require much concentration to follow the development. Ended too abruptly for me.
Good read - went through it leisurely in 2 days - good legal procedural with interweaving plot lines which are barely tied together with one or two characters - enough to keep the story interesting. Would recommend as a beach or traveling read as it didn't require much concentration to follow the development. Ended too abruptly for me.
February 6, 2015
Be ready for a wild ride! Crouch provides masterfully intertwined, multiple storylines that could have been ripped straight from the headlines. Review to come on Hall Ways for Readers' Favorite http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...
August 12, 2018
Smart writing. Well written.
While the subject matter of this tome wasn't as good as others, Crouch continues to impress. Accurate depictions of the legal process and flawless writing and editing for an independent published book. Found no mistakes. Makes the reading flow and one can focus on the storytelling. A page turner that is totally believable.
While the subject matter of this tome wasn't as good as others, Crouch continues to impress. Accurate depictions of the legal process and flawless writing and editing for an independent published book. Found no mistakes. Makes the reading flow and one can focus on the storytelling. A page turner that is totally believable.
August 14, 2016
3.5 stars
I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a series until I read other reviews. That's great! I really enjoyed this book. The courtroom drama was great.
I wouldn't rate this 5 stars, and this is why...
In the first part of the book, a lot of the conversations felt stilted.
There were a lot of conversations that had nothing to do with the story. They were often very forced conversations and, instead of adding to the story or depth of characters, they actually detracted from the entire story. For instance,
It seemed that there was more that one story going on that weren't really connected, other than having the same P.I. The stories should have either been completely separate books or else tied together better. I prefer tied together better, in a way that you can't know one storyline thoroughly without knowing the other.
The section on jury selection, well, the way the book attempted to educate the reader was poorly done. They were talking to each other as if it were the other person's first time involved in that type of discussion. Very unnatural conversation.
The BBC storyline hit very close to home. Maybe the author could have elaborated on the emotions of not only Eugene and Janice, but also those of others attending the funeral. In a situation like that, it would have affected EVERYBODY who was around. The scene was too cut and dry.
Don't get me wrong, this was a very good book. Definitely worth reading. I just tend to be ultra critical in my reviews in hopes that authors would look at it as constructive criticism so that they may be able to become even greater authors. If you like courtroom drama, then this is a book that is definitely for you.
I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a series until I read other reviews. That's great! I really enjoyed this book. The courtroom drama was great.
I wouldn't rate this 5 stars, and this is why...
In the first part of the book, a lot of the conversations felt stilted.
There were a lot of conversations that had nothing to do with the story. They were often very forced conversations and, instead of adding to the story or depth of characters, they actually detracted from the entire story. For instance,
It seemed that there was more that one story going on that weren't really connected, other than having the same P.I. The stories should have either been completely separate books or else tied together better. I prefer tied together better, in a way that you can't know one storyline thoroughly without knowing the other.
The section on jury selection, well, the way the book attempted to educate the reader was poorly done. They were talking to each other as if it were the other person's first time involved in that type of discussion. Very unnatural conversation.
The BBC storyline hit very close to home. Maybe the author could have elaborated on the emotions of not only Eugene and Janice, but also those of others attending the funeral. In a situation like that, it would have affected EVERYBODY who was around. The scene was too cut and dry.
Don't get me wrong, this was a very good book. Definitely worth reading. I just tend to be ultra critical in my reviews in hopes that authors would look at it as constructive criticism so that they may be able to become even greater authors. If you like courtroom drama, then this is a book that is definitely for you.
October 3, 2015
The Word is a fast-paced, well-packed legal thriller and, although this is the second book in the Jace Forman series, I felt at no disadvantage of not having read the first. Jace Forman is a successful lawyer with his own firm and a complicated private life, he is retained by a couple who lost their Second Lieutenant daughter in Afghanistan after they are cruelly taunted by a group of protesters belonging to a religious sect known as the Brimstone Bible Church on the way to their daughter's funeral. The consequences of this confrontation is both tragic and dire and Jace is square in the middle of it as he is asked to represent the grieving parents. Concurrently to Jace's case we read about the shady motives and dealings of father daughter team Cal and Christine Connors and their attempt to stop the publication of an article written by a young and determined journalist that could see them both incarcerated.
I found myself totally absorbed by the story about the Brimstone Bible Church and the legal challenges Jace and his team face bringing the case to trial. So absorbed was I in this matter that i found the Connors story somewhat annoyingly distracting at times, even though the story about the Connors and Leah is also quite gripping and is set to be the focus in the sequel to this book.
The courtroom arguments really made this book a good read, but as fast paced and thrilling as I found this book, it lacked an emotional and psychological depth, which is fine if you are reading on holiday or whilst travelling, but for me the lack of characterisation of key people in the story slightly diminished this read.
I found myself totally absorbed by the story about the Brimstone Bible Church and the legal challenges Jace and his team face bringing the case to trial. So absorbed was I in this matter that i found the Connors story somewhat annoyingly distracting at times, even though the story about the Connors and Leah is also quite gripping and is set to be the focus in the sequel to this book.
The courtroom arguments really made this book a good read, but as fast paced and thrilling as I found this book, it lacked an emotional and psychological depth, which is fine if you are reading on holiday or whilst travelling, but for me the lack of characterisation of key people in the story slightly diminished this read.
September 12, 2016
Envision… what it would be little to bury your only child just days after her death in Afghanistan, only to have her funeral picketed by insulting zealots. To be denied the right to say your final good-byes in peace. Janice Hanson was so distraught she overdosed on sleeping pills. Eugene felt the only relief from the pain of losing both his daughter and wife was to take the life of the man involve. All this was contributed to Savior Shaw’s right to the First Amendment.
The First Amendment is then put to test when a report for Texas Matters magazine is gathering information on a scam between an attorney team and an insurance claim processor. Leah is threatened, assaulted, humiliated, and still she decides to continue the story until the truth gets told.
These two stories intertwine but the law states you don’t have the right of the First Amendment when it infringes on the rights of others. Hubert Crouch pulls you in with the thrill for justice and the desire for the good guys to win. Your heart will go out to the women that were led astray by a selfish leader.
The novel ends with one person getting what they deserve and another trial starting which could be the starting of the next book.
The First Amendment is then put to test when a report for Texas Matters magazine is gathering information on a scam between an attorney team and an insurance claim processor. Leah is threatened, assaulted, humiliated, and still she decides to continue the story until the truth gets told.
These two stories intertwine but the law states you don’t have the right of the First Amendment when it infringes on the rights of others. Hubert Crouch pulls you in with the thrill for justice and the desire for the good guys to win. Your heart will go out to the women that were led astray by a selfish leader.
The novel ends with one person getting what they deserve and another trial starting which could be the starting of the next book.
September 5, 2016
I love a good legal thriller, whether in book or film form. I enjoy the elements of ritual that accompany the practice of the law and the theatrical aspect of the whole thing. The best lawyers are actors, presenting their clients to the best of their ability. Our adversarial system means that both innocent and guilty alike are entitled to be represented in the court room. Being innocent until proven guilty ensures some epic court battles and barristers are our modern day gladiators.
The hero of this book, Jace Forman, is at the top of his game in this second book in Herbert Crouch’s series. This time Jace is battling religious fanaticism and freedom of speech. Crouch himself explains: ”Religious extremism is a very dangerous and powerful force. It threatens our First Amendment rights and has been used to suppress women’s rights throughout the world (including our own country.”
The hero of this book, Jace Forman, is at the top of his game in this second book in Herbert Crouch’s series. This time Jace is battling religious fanaticism and freedom of speech. Crouch himself explains: ”Religious extremism is a very dangerous and powerful force. It threatens our First Amendment rights and has been used to suppress women’s rights throughout the world (including our own country.”
May 9, 2015
A Great Legal Thriller.
This is a great legal thriller. The author, Hubert Crouch, is a practising lawyer in Dallas Texas. This experience shows in the skill in which he has written this page-turning and intriguing courtroom story, The Word (Jace Forman Book 2 ). You will be amazed at the depth that Crouch goes to in his narration of the courtroom scenes. To me, they are brilliant. There are several side stories as well which will keep the reader enthralled.
The story delves into areas such as freedom of speech, religious corruption, greed, sexual improprieties, etc.
This second book in the series is a stand-alone story; I have not read Book 1 at this stage, but I certainly intend to do so.
Anyone interested in the genre of legal thrillers will find this book an unforgettable story, and I would certainly recommend the reading of it, and as mentioned earlier, I look forward to reading Book 1 in the series.
This is a great legal thriller. The author, Hubert Crouch, is a practising lawyer in Dallas Texas. This experience shows in the skill in which he has written this page-turning and intriguing courtroom story, The Word (Jace Forman Book 2 ). You will be amazed at the depth that Crouch goes to in his narration of the courtroom scenes. To me, they are brilliant. There are several side stories as well which will keep the reader enthralled.
The story delves into areas such as freedom of speech, religious corruption, greed, sexual improprieties, etc.
This second book in the series is a stand-alone story; I have not read Book 1 at this stage, but I certainly intend to do so.
Anyone interested in the genre of legal thrillers will find this book an unforgettable story, and I would certainly recommend the reading of it, and as mentioned earlier, I look forward to reading Book 1 in the series.
September 5, 2016
From the first page of the novel, The Word, Hubert Crouch has written an enticing legal thriller. The prologue itself sets the tone for the book, with an extremist religious group meeting in a seedy hotel room. Their mere presence is eerie and creepy. The first chapter starts with an emotional funeral for a female veteran and the same religious group screaming horrible things toward her grieving parents. The Word is a currently relevant novel, taking its cues from news of the day. This makes it highly relatable, whether or not you disagree with some of the content. I found the lead character, Jace Forman, the prosecuting attorney for the veteran's family to be compelling as he battles religious fanaticism. This is a solid novel, which leads the reader forward with thorough characterizations and tying together of scenes and plot lines. Overall a balanced, well written story for those who enjoy courtroom drama and learning more about the legal system.
September 7, 2016
Authentic legal thriller
In this story, the second in the series featuring lawyer, Jace Forman, we are embroiled in some every ugly scenes. A fanatical Christian sect whose adherents believe in the absolute verity of every word of the bible picket the funeral of a young West Point graduate who has been killed whilst serving her country in Afghanistan. They believe that the bible tells them that women belong at home, subservient to men and not fighting for their country. Jace helps the grieving parents to prosecute the charismatic leader of this sect, uncovering the usual sordid sexual peccadillos as he does so. In a parallel story we see the lengths to which some people will go to muzzle the press, when reporter, Leah Rosen, is targeted by unscrupulous lawyers as she uncovers their corruption. She faces very real physical danger. I very much enjoyed this story.
In this story, the second in the series featuring lawyer, Jace Forman, we are embroiled in some every ugly scenes. A fanatical Christian sect whose adherents believe in the absolute verity of every word of the bible picket the funeral of a young West Point graduate who has been killed whilst serving her country in Afghanistan. They believe that the bible tells them that women belong at home, subservient to men and not fighting for their country. Jace helps the grieving parents to prosecute the charismatic leader of this sect, uncovering the usual sordid sexual peccadillos as he does so. In a parallel story we see the lengths to which some people will go to muzzle the press, when reporter, Leah Rosen, is targeted by unscrupulous lawyers as she uncovers their corruption. She faces very real physical danger. I very much enjoyed this story.
November 5, 2015
First, I would like to say that I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways...and I am so happy I did! Amazing book taking place in and out of the courtroom. If you love courtroom dramas this book is for you. I did see that this author has another book "Cried for No One" I will be buying this book. There were so many different side stories going on in this book...I would love to read more about those stories and characters. Just felt like I need to know more about characters like Jackie McLaughlin, Cal and Christine Connors and even Abe Levine. Just so many wonderful characters! Loved this book and this author.
March 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through Goodread's Giveaways.
This book was fantastic. I finished it in 1 day, I just couldn't put it down. From almost the first page I was hooked.
The book started with the funeral of a female solder killed in action and didn't stop.
I felt the secondary story with Leah and Cal Conners wasn't necessary but did make for a nice diversion from the intensity of the main story on occasions. Although the secondary plot does set up for a sequel nicely, without taking away from the overall ending of the novel.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book and highly recommend it.
This book was fantastic. I finished it in 1 day, I just couldn't put it down. From almost the first page I was hooked.
The book started with the funeral of a female solder killed in action and didn't stop.
I felt the secondary story with Leah and Cal Conners wasn't necessary but did make for a nice diversion from the intensity of the main story on occasions. Although the secondary plot does set up for a sequel nicely, without taking away from the overall ending of the novel.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book and highly recommend it.
March 2, 2016
I won a copy of 'The Word' in a goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
If you are into legal thrillers and court room drama then give this book a read. I did and I was not disappointed in this intriguing thrill ride. Even though it was the second in the series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by starting with book number 2. Definitely want to read the first one though. This book resonated so well with me because of its timeliness to what's going on in the world today. A real page turner, couldn't put this one down.
If you are into legal thrillers and court room drama then give this book a read. I did and I was not disappointed in this intriguing thrill ride. Even though it was the second in the series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by starting with book number 2. Definitely want to read the first one though. This book resonated so well with me because of its timeliness to what's going on in the world today. A real page turner, couldn't put this one down.
June 9, 2015
The Word is an interesting legal thriller by Hubert Crouch. It took me a few chapters in the beginning to be able to keep all the players straight. As the story unfolds the pace picks up and heads to a satisfying ending. The story was really two stories that basically almost forged together at the ending. Assuming Mr Crouch's next book will begin where The Word ended. I am looking forward to reading this next story.
June 15, 2015
Really liked this book the characters and story line. I see mr crouch as a Texas based style John Grisham. He lets his characters have depth and emotion and the story line is straight out of the news.
April 7, 2015
I'm one of the early readers of The Word and am happy to report that it is a thrilling page-turner. Well-crafted with enough good subplots to maintain the fast paced action, The Word does not disappoint. If you like a legal thriller with a very satisfying courtroom ending, this is a must read.
April 27, 2015
I was so excited to get to read an early copy of this book. Hubert Crouch has outdone himself with this second book. From the very beginning it has you hooked, and with the plot twists and amazing characters, you won't want to put it down.
July 23, 2015
I really enjoy a good legal thriller and this was certainly one of those! It's the first time that I have read a book by Hubert Crouch and it will not be the last. So pleased to have won this excellent book on the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Recommended.
May 4, 2015
Couldn't put it down!
5 stars, I loved the legal aspects of the novel as well as the religious and free speech balance described.
5 stars, I loved the legal aspects of the novel as well as the religious and free speech balance described.
August 20, 2016
very good book from page one until the end I am gladthey got shaw very good ending thank you for the book I would love to read more from Hubert crouch good author
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews