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Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #4
Chase, the Bad Baby
Chase, the Bad Baby is the story of a baby that suffered a catastrophic brain injury at birth. His OB doctor was negligent and is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by attorney Thaddeus Murfee and defended by attorney Morgana Bridgman.
The lawsuit is a deserving case with huge jury appeal, but there is one major problem. The hospital and doctor have re-written nurses notes and medical records to make it appear there was no negligence.
The doctor's lawyer, Morgana Bridgman, finds out about the forged records and is put in a quandary: does she tell the truth and lose her job or hide the truth and keep her job? Her lover is a woman who wants to have a baby with her when Morgana is stricken with a deadly disease. Their story is compelling and fascinating reading.
Thaddeus Murfee is on the hunt in this novel. On the hunt for the truth about the birth of Chase Staples and on the hunt for the man who kidnapped his daughter. It becomes a one-on-one game of cat and mouse that finally reaches its explosive climax and someone must die.
Watch the bad baby jury trial from your front row seat in the jury box. You will be amazed at the twists and turns the story takes as you cheer for the baby and pray his needs get met.
"Chase, the Bad Baby is the most emotionally difficult yet compelling novel I've ever written," says author John Ellsworth. "Join with me in supporting Chase in his desperate fight for justice. You'll be glad you were there!"
This is the fourth book in the Thaddeus Murfee legal thriller series of books. While the books are numbered 1-4, they may be read in any order. There is no need to read 1-3 before reading 4, so please enjoy them in any order you choose. The books in the series are:
The Defendants
Beyond a Reasonable Death
Attorney at Large
Chase, the Bad Baby
The lawsuit is a deserving case with huge jury appeal, but there is one major problem. The hospital and doctor have re-written nurses notes and medical records to make it appear there was no negligence.
The doctor's lawyer, Morgana Bridgman, finds out about the forged records and is put in a quandary: does she tell the truth and lose her job or hide the truth and keep her job? Her lover is a woman who wants to have a baby with her when Morgana is stricken with a deadly disease. Their story is compelling and fascinating reading.
Thaddeus Murfee is on the hunt in this novel. On the hunt for the truth about the birth of Chase Staples and on the hunt for the man who kidnapped his daughter. It becomes a one-on-one game of cat and mouse that finally reaches its explosive climax and someone must die.
Watch the bad baby jury trial from your front row seat in the jury box. You will be amazed at the twists and turns the story takes as you cheer for the baby and pray his needs get met.
"Chase, the Bad Baby is the most emotionally difficult yet compelling novel I've ever written," says author John Ellsworth. "Join with me in supporting Chase in his desperate fight for justice. You'll be glad you were there!"
This is the fourth book in the Thaddeus Murfee legal thriller series of books. While the books are numbered 1-4, they may be read in any order. There is no need to read 1-3 before reading 4, so please enjoy them in any order you choose. The books in the series are:
The Defendants
Beyond a Reasonable Death
Attorney at Large
Chase, the Bad Baby
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2014
3148 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
141 books514 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
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February 9, 2025Who is Accountable?
The transitions could have been smoother. The medical cover-up was so despicable! I will no longer blindly trust doctors, nurses, and the hospitals that employ them.
The transitions could have been smoother. The medical cover-up was so despicable! I will no longer blindly trust doctors, nurses, and the hospitals that employ them.
April 6, 2024
This was a story that was hard to put down, sort of heart rending. Although fictitious, I can imagine how I would feel in the same situation. A strong book to arouse one's conscience.
April 17, 2018
His daughter kidnapped? Can she be saved? A young mother having a difficult delivery with her third child, will the baby be ok?
A fabulous read which has everything! Sarai, Thaddeus' daughter is kidnapped by a cell of Muslims who want the money he got from his successful case against the Chicago mob, over $450,000,00! As Thaddeus scrambles to get the ransom together, a mother of two, Latoya Staples, struggles with the birth of her third, which progresses to a critical stage. Where is the doctor? Thaddeus manages to get most of the money the kidnappers want and sends it to an untraceable account overseas. Sarai is returned home but is psychically scarred. Meanwhile, Latoya is distraught because her labor is past the point of no return when the OB arrives fourteen minutes past the "Decision Incision" deadline. The unspeakable damage is done, a "Bad Baby" is born with severe brain damage which was avoidable! She and her husband, John, take the baby, Chance, home with them as the horrible truth continues. Because of his brain damage, he is inconsolable except for fifteen minutes at a time. The parents have two older children who need them. Stretched beyond human limits, they seek medical treatment at only to be told that their insurance only provides long-term, placement in medical facility which is unacceptable to them. They try Medicaid but there is no money for home care in the budget. At this point they procure the services of Thaddeus Murfee. Thaddeus and his family have moved back to Chicago after selling the casino previously awarded to him back to Chicago after selling the casino previously awarded to him. He becomes obsessed with punishing his daughter's kidnappers. However, the FBI, who have been servailling the terrorists, notice that three of the six man cell turn up murdered! The only person with a motive is Thaddeus. The insurance company covering the Staples, the OB and the hospital are resorting to illegal and inconceivable methods to avoid paying at all costs. Can the FBI shop the killings? And how is Thaddeus going to get past the deceit being perpetrated by the defendants? Read on my friend!
A fabulous read which has everything! Sarai, Thaddeus' daughter is kidnapped by a cell of Muslims who want the money he got from his successful case against the Chicago mob, over $450,000,00! As Thaddeus scrambles to get the ransom together, a mother of two, Latoya Staples, struggles with the birth of her third, which progresses to a critical stage. Where is the doctor? Thaddeus manages to get most of the money the kidnappers want and sends it to an untraceable account overseas. Sarai is returned home but is psychically scarred. Meanwhile, Latoya is distraught because her labor is past the point of no return when the OB arrives fourteen minutes past the "Decision Incision" deadline. The unspeakable damage is done, a "Bad Baby" is born with severe brain damage which was avoidable! She and her husband, John, take the baby, Chance, home with them as the horrible truth continues. Because of his brain damage, he is inconsolable except for fifteen minutes at a time. The parents have two older children who need them. Stretched beyond human limits, they seek medical treatment at only to be told that their insurance only provides long-term, placement in medical facility which is unacceptable to them. They try Medicaid but there is no money for home care in the budget. At this point they procure the services of Thaddeus Murfee. Thaddeus and his family have moved back to Chicago after selling the casino previously awarded to him back to Chicago after selling the casino previously awarded to him. He becomes obsessed with punishing his daughter's kidnappers. However, the FBI, who have been servailling the terrorists, notice that three of the six man cell turn up murdered! The only person with a motive is Thaddeus. The insurance company covering the Staples, the OB and the hospital are resorting to illegal and inconceivable methods to avoid paying at all costs. Can the FBI shop the killings? And how is Thaddeus going to get past the deceit being perpetrated by the defendants? Read on my friend!
June 17, 2021
This is a story that all too often parallels the truth in our society. Medical and dental businesses (because that's what they are--businesses) are only looking out for their bottom line. There are a ton of issues that occur from the single practitioner all the way up to the largest hospitals. All the unnecessary testing that results in no gain to the patient borders on malpractice and patients are led from one disastrous treatment to the next, none of them providing the relief that is sought. The only ones coming out ahead in the "health" business in the U.S. are the individuals that own the testing and treatment businesses or own stock in them. They provide just enough help to keep the patients coming, with no end in sight. This book gives you a lot to think about in the healthcare arena. It is extremely well written and so close to the truth, it hurts. I am sitting here right now wearing a heart monitor that I must keep on for 30 days. No new symptoms just a "let's see if there's any changes" which there never is - and for 30 days? I had my aortic valve replaced in 2015 and there is a trail of expensive testing all the way back with "no changes". I guess no news is good news, but I know and recognize when there are changes in the way my heart is working and then I go to the doctor, not just because of a certain date on the calendar. The medications that one depends on is a racket also. There are Rxs that I must take for life and will never change, yet I must see the specialist every 6 months in order for that Rx to be renewed. $$$$ For me, to see the hospital in this story get their dues was a pleasure. Of course in this book the hospital lawyers get their comeuppance as well - double pleasure. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
Chase, the Bad Baby Thad Murfee Bk 5 by John Ellsworth
When does it make it right for Lawyers to forge reports????
Chase, the Bad Baby is a mixed legal thriller and a medical thriller about a baby that suffered a catastrophic brain injury at birth. His OB doctor was negligent and is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by attorney Thaddeus Murfee and defended by attorney Morgana Bridgman. The lawsuit in this courtroom drama is a deserving case with huge jury appeal, but there is one major problem. The hospital and doctor have forged nurse’s notes and medical records to make it appear there was no negligence. Watch the bad baby jury trial from your front row seat in the jury box. You will be amazed at the twists and turns the medical mystery takes as you cheer for the baby and pray his needs get met.
What did I like? Thaddeus still has many problems, but this is an emotional book that shook my heart. Be sure to have a box of tissues available.
What will you like? An unbelievable medical mystery that will grip you with all the twist and turns. I could not lay this down and between the anger, heartbreak, and action I was glued. This author has this down pat and he keeps breaking all the molds on getting us hooked on his books. Plus, there lots more to read!!!!!
When does it make it right for Lawyers to forge reports????
Chase, the Bad Baby is a mixed legal thriller and a medical thriller about a baby that suffered a catastrophic brain injury at birth. His OB doctor was negligent and is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by attorney Thaddeus Murfee and defended by attorney Morgana Bridgman. The lawsuit in this courtroom drama is a deserving case with huge jury appeal, but there is one major problem. The hospital and doctor have forged nurse’s notes and medical records to make it appear there was no negligence. Watch the bad baby jury trial from your front row seat in the jury box. You will be amazed at the twists and turns the medical mystery takes as you cheer for the baby and pray his needs get met.
What did I like? Thaddeus still has many problems, but this is an emotional book that shook my heart. Be sure to have a box of tissues available.
What will you like? An unbelievable medical mystery that will grip you with all the twist and turns. I could not lay this down and between the anger, heartbreak, and action I was glued. This author has this down pat and he keeps breaking all the molds on getting us hooked on his books. Plus, there lots more to read!!!!!
August 8, 2024
I’m wondering, is Thaddeus a hitman 🤔, highly recommended
This author got my full attention. These books are fire 🔥. They’re so different. The storyline and plots are amazing. The story are well written. The characters are so interesting, developed and relatable almost realistic. My feelings for Morgana was conflicting. I understood she was innocent at first but when she found out the truth, she sold her soul to the devil. I truly believe if she wasn’t facing her own life trauma, she wouldn’t have helped Chase. She would’ve won case #32 with no remorse or regrets. She showed no sympathy or empathy for Chase and his family. But Manny was my guy. I loved his energy. From book 1, I never thought Thaddeus would be so awesome. He’s a beast and I just love that bond he share with Christine, Bat, Albert, and FBI agent Pauline.
This author got my full attention. These books are fire 🔥. They’re so different. The storyline and plots are amazing. The story are well written. The characters are so interesting, developed and relatable almost realistic. My feelings for Morgana was conflicting. I understood she was innocent at first but when she found out the truth, she sold her soul to the devil. I truly believe if she wasn’t facing her own life trauma, she wouldn’t have helped Chase. She would’ve won case #32 with no remorse or regrets. She showed no sympathy or empathy for Chase and his family. But Manny was my guy. I loved his energy. From book 1, I never thought Thaddeus would be so awesome. He’s a beast and I just love that bond he share with Christine, Bat, Albert, and FBI agent Pauline.
December 2, 2018
A Must-Read Book
Chase, the Bad Baby is heartbreaking. Having had an uncaring OB/GYN for the birth of my second son, Chase could have been my baby. My baby made it out just in time, blue, with a knotted umbilical cord tight around his tiny, fragile neck. There were moments I cried at the beginning of the book. It was not gruesome, just factual. But then, the anger comes for Chase and the Staples family. But even the team of Thaddeus and Christine are set up to fail to win a judgement.
The Suspense and Thriller part of the book is the after hours hobby of Thad and Christine.
The same characters are back. They are well written and easy to like.
This is a great series, and a long one. I like a long, well written series. Definitely deserves all 5 Stars!
Chase, the Bad Baby is heartbreaking. Having had an uncaring OB/GYN for the birth of my second son, Chase could have been my baby. My baby made it out just in time, blue, with a knotted umbilical cord tight around his tiny, fragile neck. There were moments I cried at the beginning of the book. It was not gruesome, just factual. But then, the anger comes for Chase and the Staples family. But even the team of Thaddeus and Christine are set up to fail to win a judgement.
The Suspense and Thriller part of the book is the after hours hobby of Thad and Christine.
The same characters are back. They are well written and easy to like.
This is a great series, and a long one. I like a long, well written series. Definitely deserves all 5 Stars!
November 7, 2020
Best one so far!
each time I review one of these books, in this series, I want to make sure to let everyone know, although you can read them as a standalone, you definitely should start from the first book in the series. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed! there are things in this book, that happened to Thaddeus, that will make much more sense if you start from the beginning of the series. He has things going on in his life, currently, that definitely puts him in a completely defenseless situation. in this book, you may shed some tears, find your tolerance pushed to the limits, but you will definitely be glad you read it. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series! By the time you finish this book, you will feel the same.
each time I review one of these books, in this series, I want to make sure to let everyone know, although you can read them as a standalone, you definitely should start from the first book in the series. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed! there are things in this book, that happened to Thaddeus, that will make much more sense if you start from the beginning of the series. He has things going on in his life, currently, that definitely puts him in a completely defenseless situation. in this book, you may shed some tears, find your tolerance pushed to the limits, but you will definitely be glad you read it. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series! By the time you finish this book, you will feel the same.
August 3, 2019
A Familiar Taste
These stories have a similarity to them. Most novels written in a series usually do. So I find my responses to these novels to be also similar. I like Thad, the main character. I like some of the other characters. I like the story or plot lines. I think where I hesitate to go 5 star is because these books read like a TV drama. Things have a way of going smoothly enough towards the end so the show can finish within the appointed TV hour. Same with these books. For some of them, the circumstances feel a little too convenient. But, I can’t put them down. So I guess I’m hooked.
These stories have a similarity to them. Most novels written in a series usually do. So I find my responses to these novels to be also similar. I like Thad, the main character. I like some of the other characters. I like the story or plot lines. I think where I hesitate to go 5 star is because these books read like a TV drama. Things have a way of going smoothly enough towards the end so the show can finish within the appointed TV hour. Same with these books. For some of them, the circumstances feel a little too convenient. But, I can’t put them down. So I guess I’m hooked.
April 30, 2018
"Another Winner For Ellsworth"
This is a courtroom drama which will stun you. This novel is mixed also with medically thrilling events. The baby, Chase, at birth had a catastrophic brain injury. The doctor was negligent and is the defendant of the lawsuit filed by Thaddeus, while the defense attorney is Morgana Bridgman. There are many twists and turns in this dramatic story. It's one of the best stories presented by top winning author John Ellsworth. I love reading his well written stories. They are always astounding and entertaining.
This is a courtroom drama which will stun you. This novel is mixed also with medically thrilling events. The baby, Chase, at birth had a catastrophic brain injury. The doctor was negligent and is the defendant of the lawsuit filed by Thaddeus, while the defense attorney is Morgana Bridgman. There are many twists and turns in this dramatic story. It's one of the best stories presented by top winning author John Ellsworth. I love reading his well written stories. They are always astounding and entertaining.
December 22, 2018
The 4 Book in the Thaddeus Murfee series and it was very surprising. Thad moved from California to Chicago to have a Legal Office specializing in representing Negligent Medical Mal practices. This story also picks up from book 3 w oh th Murfee tracking down the Organization that kidnapped his baby daughter and left her with PTSD and unable to talk. The Ending was kinda of abrupt but overall it was a good book
May 17, 2019
Too much story for one book
I thoroughly enjoyed Morgana's ethical dealings and how she first rationalized her decision to do wrong, then reconsidered doing the right thing. What I found distracting was all that international intrigue with terrorists & the FBI. All that would've been better off in another book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Morgana's ethical dealings and how she first rationalized her decision to do wrong, then reconsidered doing the right thing. What I found distracting was all that international intrigue with terrorists & the FBI. All that would've been better off in another book.
January 6, 2020
Quite the involved story where more keeps happening and there is a lot going on. From hospital inadequate staffing and the resulting damage done to seeing what someone going through chemo has to deal with. Really the stuff that happens in this story doesn’t let one put it down. You have to turn to the next page and then the next— it doesn’t let up. Great 5
May 11, 2020
I'm all in for Thaddeus Murfee, but?
This book read differently from the first three. Conversations were short, staccato, and seemingly not thought out. Again, an abrupt ending without resolving issues. I'm wondered briefly why Morgana was even in the story? (This was answered). I'm going to plow ahead with book 5.
This book read differently from the first three. Conversations were short, staccato, and seemingly not thought out. Again, an abrupt ending without resolving issues. I'm wondered briefly why Morgana was even in the story? (This was answered). I'm going to plow ahead with book 5.
November 15, 2020
Both sad and angry
So sad that a baby was brain damaged at birth because of an incompetent doctor. So angry because of unscrupulous attorneys who manipulate the truth. But a well-told story with good trial narrative and a good trial outcome. And once more Thaddeus comes through it all.
So sad that a baby was brain damaged at birth because of an incompetent doctor. So angry because of unscrupulous attorneys who manipulate the truth. But a well-told story with good trial narrative and a good trial outcome. And once more Thaddeus comes through it all.
March 25, 2021
Return of the Ragman!
John Ellsworth has once again written a really thrilling book! Thad is has the Ragman messing around with his life and up to No good. John let's us learn more about Ragman and where he comes from. Thad is in court trying to right a serious wrong. Thad has his hands full the entire book! Loved the book John!
John Ellsworth has once again written a really thrilling book! Thad is has the Ragman messing around with his life and up to No good. John let's us learn more about Ragman and where he comes from. Thad is in court trying to right a serious wrong. Thad has his hands full the entire book! Loved the book John!
May 3, 2018
I love the stories involving the young lawyer Thaddeus. He is very smart and cunning. He has a knack for winning cases
that are deemed unwinnable. I look forward to starting the next John Ellsworth novels about the young lawyer Thaddeus Murfee.
that are deemed unwinnable. I look forward to starting the next John Ellsworth novels about the young lawyer Thaddeus Murfee.
September 8, 2018
Very good novel, except
I thought the ending was very abrupt and seemed almost like an afterthought to the story about the ligation of a “Bad Baby” in the courtroom. Again the greed of lawyers is showcased in the novel. Recommend
I thought the ending was very abrupt and seemed almost like an afterthought to the story about the ligation of a “Bad Baby” in the courtroom. Again the greed of lawyers is showcased in the novel. Recommend
March 6, 2019
Great read.
Love the character development. Morgana was a great charecter, would have loved to see her book up and become a partner....great additude....great skill and confidence. Too soon gone for sure.
Love the character development. Morgana was a great charecter, would have loved to see her book up and become a partner....great additude....great skill and confidence. Too soon gone for sure.
July 27, 2019
The Hunt Continues
Medical malpractice makes for an interesting but disturbing case. Meanwhile Thad continues his hunt for the people who kidnapped his daughter.
Some poignant scenes but not my favorite of the series. A bit too predictable.
Medical malpractice makes for an interesting but disturbing case. Meanwhile Thad continues his hunt for the people who kidnapped his daughter.
Some poignant scenes but not my favorite of the series. A bit too predictable.
April 6, 2021
Off base
The theme iz n mostly based on Morgana and her issues , not my h on his continuing problems with the Rahman , the last 2 chapter are a rush job leading to Tad killing the Ragman at the market
The theme iz n mostly based on Morgana and her issues , not my h on his continuing problems with the Rahman , the last 2 chapter are a rush job leading to Tad killing the Ragman at the market
September 29, 2021
The Best Yet!!
Another excellent story by Mr. Ellsworth,could hardly put it down - Thaddeus is up to something every minute with every interesting character. Again, thanks Mr. Ellsworth!
Another excellent story by Mr. Ellsworth,could hardly put it down - Thaddeus is up to something every minute with every interesting character. Again, thanks Mr. Ellsworth!
February 23, 2023
If you have not read books 1-3, especially 3, you may find this hard to understand why certain things are happening with the main character. This book contained too many themes and lacked smooth transitions between them.
September 26, 2017
Another Excellent book.
Really enjoyed the book and all the story had to offer. To many things going on to describe. Highly recommend this.
Really enjoyed the book and all the story had to offer. To many things going on to describe. Highly recommend this.
March 24, 2018
Love John Ellsworth
Thad Murfree is the best legal thriller writer since John grisham. His character s have real depth and you can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next
Thad Murfree is the best legal thriller writer since John grisham. His character s have real depth and you can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next
April 5, 2018
3 1/2 stars
July 15, 2018
Wrong sample
This was the wrong book. This sample wasn’t of Chase the Bad Baby. Kindle keeps downloading wrong content for this title
This was the wrong book. This sample wasn’t of Chase the Bad Baby. Kindle keeps downloading wrong content for this title
December 31, 2018
Always
Choose this author every time. Best read and full of action. Best interest and makes you want to find the next book.
Choose this author every time. Best read and full of action. Best interest and makes you want to find the next book.
January 12, 2019
Good Book
This is a good series so far. The book holds your interest and everything. There were several things going on in this one which made it interesting.
This is a good series so far. The book holds your interest and everything. There were several things going on in this one which made it interesting.
February 2, 2019
Love love love this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews