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Martyr Maker #4

Laws of Solomon

Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

20 days and 04:03:16

10 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Redemption isn't given. It's fought for.

After years of violence, Solomon leaves the brutal backdrop of New York and its underworld to find peace in California where he settles for the quiet life of a gardener defined by routine, restraint, and a fragile kind of peace that had alluded him. Having been a former child soldier, mercenary, and hit man, he is determined to put his past behind him. But as violence erupts on the grounds he tends, his hard-won tranquility shatters when he encounters a young boy named Gaby whose life is in danger.

Protecting the child pulls Solomon back into a world he swore he'd buried. As they set out on an unexpected journey, hunted by men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, Solomon must confront not only the threat closing in but the darkness he carries within.

Propulsive and deeply human, Laws of Solomon is a story of redemption, found family, and the cost of choosing compassion in a brutal world. In saving Gaby, Solomon may finally discover whether peace is something a man like him can earn—or something he must sacrifice everything to protect.

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 8, 2026

2 people are currently reading
7607 people want to read

About the author

Eriq La Salle

8 books517 followers
Actor, director, producer, and masterful storyteller Eriq La Salle is best known to worldwide television audiences for his award-winning portrayal of Dr. Peter Benton on the medical drama ER. Educated at Juilliard and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, his credits range from Broadway to film roles, starring alongside Eddie Murphy in Coming to America, Robin Williams in One Hour Photo, and Hugh Jackman in Logan. La Salle has maintained a prolific acting career while also taking the helm as director for HBO, Showtime, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ABC NBC, Fox and CBS productions. His craft as a crime writer was honed over his many seasons as a key member of the Dick Wolf Entertainment team, which include four years as executive producer and director on Chicago PD, in addition to directing episodes of Law & Order, Law and Order SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He is also executive producer, director, and one of the lead actors of Dick Wolf's “On Call,” out in 2024 on Amazon Prime Video. As a writer, La Salle is the author of several critically-acclaimed thrillers published by Sourcebooks—Laws of Depravity (2022), Laws of Wrath (2023), and Laws of Annihilation (2023). His episode of The Twilight Zone recently made WGA’s list of 101 Best Written TV Series. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for BookishlySonia.
253 reviews41 followers
April 3, 2026
Laws of Solomon is an emotionally charged, pedal-to-the-metal story that takes readers on a journey from Africa to New York and California, showing us how Solomon became the enigmatic “Black Reaper.”

I wasn’t expecting this story to hit as hard as it did. La Salle’s prose is both captivating and fully visceral, drawing you into the characters’ emotions and the tension of each scene. The action is relentless, the stakes are high, and the moments of quiet reflection provide a real emotional punch. I even shed a few tears.

My only minor critique is that the timelines could have blended more smoothly. Some flashbacks felt a little shoehorned into the narrative, momentarily pulling me out of the main story. That said, these moments are brief, and the overall pacing and storytelling more than make up for it.

While I am eager to return to the main series, this detour is absolutely worth it. It provides a fascinating deep dive into one of the most intriguing side characters from the series.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eliza Hall.
172 reviews32 followers
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

First, I want to say that Eriq La Salle is a great writer. He does a wonderful job combining criminal legal details with a lyrical, almost poetic style that makes the story even more engaging. I really loved Laws of Solomon. One of the best parts for me was seeing Solomon’s life from his point of view, which made the story feel very real and personal.

The dual timeline worked very well and helped me understand the history of his family, country, and culture. It also answered many of the questions I had about Solomon from Laws of Depravity. Furthermore, I loved and became obsessed with how descriptive the author's writing continued to become as this made it more personal; it allowed me to emotionally connect with all of the main characters. The author really brought this story to life with so many emotional moments that I felt as if I was really experiencing it firsthand.

In the same way, I appreciated that the book had less filler and focused more on the plot and character growth, leading up to a strong ending. The characters were well developed, and the dual timeline added even more depth. Writing a thriller with this kind of poetic style is truly creative and one must be gifted to blend so many writing styles. One of my favorite characters had to be Gaby, such innocent and sweet soul that he also instilled within Solomon hope in God when Solomon saw none. Then, there was Michael, but you have to read the story to find out about it! No spoilers here!

The ending was one of my favorite parts because it was not predictable. Even when there were hints about what might happen, the way everything came together still surprised me. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get a physical copy. It has stayed on my mind and will stick with me for a long time. This is a must read book!

I read this series in 10 DAYS| March Reading Wrap-Up| What I read in a month https://youtu.be/NS-bekwJ9FM
Profile Image for Kim’s Kindle Reads..
299 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
Where do I even start, my goodness. This book… safe to say this book made me feel the most. Going into this of course I was expecting the usual with the crew Quincy and Phee, solving a couple murders somehow in correlation to The African. To my surprise, this was NOT that and I mean that in the best way possible. This book was a lesson in humanity, compassion, redemption, and loyalty. This book asks the tough questions; Do you believe in God? Can you believe in a God that didn’t allow you the innocence of a child? Can you love and see the good in people despite the bad things they’ve done? Can you let others love you despite the bad things you’ve done? This book takes us through Solomon’s journey of understanding his own depravity while simultaneously trying to find peace in life and questioning if he even deserves said peace. After leaving his past behind as a hit man, he settles on some land with an old friend. He’s pulled back in when violence erupts and he saves a young boy (Gaby) from men hunting him down. MIND YOU, the little boy is 7 years old. It’s almost as if Solomon can see himself in Gaby. Solomon does what he does (kills mfas with skill and without remorse) to keep himself and Gaby safe. The book switches back and forth between the past and present giving us much needed insight into Solomon’s past.. we get glimpse into his childhood, how he became a hit man, his loves, his losses and everything in between. Solomon is a very complex yet simple individual. My heart broke reading this and I think it just may be my new favorite next to Laws of Wrath. I could talk about this masterpiece all day but it’s hard without giving spoilers. Just read the book and go in without expectations. Take this for what it is and enjoy the emotional ride.

Thank you Eriq La Salle and Poisoned pen press for the ARC copy.
Profile Image for Sandy.
187 reviews175 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 15, 2026
Meet Solomon, who has emigrated from Africa to New York as a teenager. His childhood was full of violence and horrific situations not of his choice. Not long after arriving in America, Solomon realized he could not escape the ghosts of his past nor the evil of man. He chose the underworld and found no joy or peace in what he did.

After years in New York, Solomon moved to Southern California, hoping to find peace. and escape from the brutalities of his past. Sadly, that was not to be. What started out to be faith and love for him was quickly destroyed by another kind of evil, again forcing Solomon back into a life of destroying others.

Finally, in an effort to find Zen, Solomon works in a garden in coastal Malibu where he is forced to protect the life of a small boy, Gaby. The majority of the book surrounds the spiritual, physical and mental conundrum Solomon must go through as he decides whether to save the boy as he confronts all the demons in his past.

An excellent novel of a man constantly searching for redemption in a dark world. The author describes Solomon so passionately both physically and emotionally that I felt I could see him, feel his pain, see him struggle with his nightmares.

I've never read Eric La Salle, but I've admired his acting. I must say his talents as a writer are certainly fabulous and I'd highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a great thriller with a big helping of violence.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Poison Pen Press and the multi-talented author for a thought provoking ARC of a different type of thriller in consideration for an unbiased review.

4 ⭐️
Profile Image for Nikkyg reads 📚.
62 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 12, 2026
The story centers on Solomon, a former child soldier, mercenary, and hit man who has spent years trying to leave violence behind. Seeking peace in California as a humble gardener, he has crafted a quiet life defined by routine and restraint. yet his fragile tranquility shatters when he encounters a young boy named Gaby whose life is under threat. Pulled back into deadly conflict and world he thought he’d left behind, Solomon must protect Gaby and confront both external enemies and his own inner darkness.

Laws of Solomon, a gritty, deeply human thriller that blends high-stakes suspense with a fierce emotional core.

The story centers on Solomon, a former child soldier and hit man who has spent years trying to leave violence behind. Seeking peace in California as a gardener, he has crafted a life defined by routine and restraint, yet his fragile tranquility shatters when he encounters a young boy named Gaby whose life is under threat. Pulled back into deadly conflict, Solomon must protect Gaby and confront both external enemies and his own inner darkness.

It opens with quite striking descriptive beauty, immediately immerses the reader in the natural world that shapes its central character. The introduction to Solomon Nangobi is especially powerful, his quiet ritual of smelling the soil and feeling the earth beneath his bare feet establishes not only setting, but identity which is a theme that runs throughout the book.
His deep love of the land and the sense that he belongs to it create a tender, almost spiritual connection that lingers throughout the novel.
What makes Solomon so compelling is the contrast at the heart of his character. The gentle, tender hands of a land-loving man are the same hands scarred by a violent past. This juxtaposition, the peaceful steward of the earth and the once killer creates a tension that drives the story forward. The author handles this duality beautifully, never allowing Solomon to become one-dimensional. Instead, he feels human, conflicted, and achingly real. A complex character that I felt connected to.
Cesar Quintero’s storyline is also one that affects the reader. The tragedy surrounding his son is handled with sensitivity and depth, highlighting the hollow nature of power when it truly matters. Cesar may possess money, influence, and reputation, but none of it can buy health or protect the people he loves, which is also in contrast to Solomon’s journey to protect Gaby. That sense of helplessness, of having so much control in the world and yet none at all in the face of losing the one you love the most is one of the novel’s most poignant themes.
The layered backstories enrich the narrative considerably. Learning more about characters like Cesar Quintero and Doc Callan, as well as Ida and Aisha, adds emotional weight and complexity. The histories of the characters are woven into the present-day storyline in a way that deepens our understanding without slowing the pace. Solomon is shaped by his past, his choices and his regrets.
This is a story that pulls you in, it’s the kind of book you read in one sitting because you don’t want to step away from its world. It is sad, thought provoking, and at times hauntingly beautiful. The writing captures both the brutality and the grace of human nature.
Overall, Laws of Solomon is a well-written, emotionally resonant novel that balances raw violence with lyrical beauty, a story that lingers like the scent of earth after the rain storm.

Thank you to netgalley and poison pen press for the arc
Profile Image for Orsayor.
753 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 6, 2026
Eriq La Salle didn’t just keep the series going; he took it to another level.

From the beginning, you notice a shift. The story moves beyond action or revenge, focusing instead on what a man does when he’s tired of living by the world’s rules.

In this fourth book, La Salle changes the focus. It’s not just about what a man has done, but about what’s left of him after everything is taken away.

Solomon is at the heart of the story, both as a character and as a symbol.

He is heavy, and I mean that in the best way. He is not loud. He is not flashy. He is not trying to prove anything. He is a man carrying a lifetime of violence, grief, and ghosts that refuse to let him rest. And the way La Salle writes him is controlled and intentional. You can sense every scar even when Solomon is not speaking a word.

The action in this book matters. It isn’t just for show; it’s the result of everything that’s come before. Each moment feels important because it’s about more than just surviving; it’s about who Solomon really is. He has to face what he’s tried to hide, not just his past but his true self. The story asks: Can someone shaped by violence ever really leave it behind, or is he just waiting for it to return?

Then the child appears, and everything changes.

This is where the story elevates beyond the mechanics of a thriller. The boy is not just there to move the plot. He represents innocence that has not yet been claimed by the world’s brutality. In his presence, Solomon is no longer just reacting. He is being measured.

Protection becomes more than instinct. It becomes a purpose.

Through this bond, La Salle looks at redemption in a real way. There’s no simple forgiveness or easy answers. Instead, there’s responsibility and choice, the hard, quiet work of changing your actions when it would be easier to stay the same.

Faith and philosophy are blended naturally here. Thoughts about God, justice, and the power of nature come together to ask something deeper: Where do we really find meaning? It’s not just in what we believe, but in what we do when faced with the impossible.

Even the dialogue carries weight. Nothing feels like filler. Every conversation is layered with history, ideology, and tension.

La Salle’s writing is steady and purposeful. The pacing is confident, letting the story breathe but never losing its tension. He knows when to pause and when to move forward. This balance gives the story depth. The violence hits hard because the quiet moments matter, and those quiet moments feel important because they’re always at risk.

Laws of Solomon stands out because it focuses on inner struggles instead of just solving problems on the outside. This isn’t the end, it’s where everything starts to come together. The past, present, and future all meet here, hinting at something bigger to come.

This book is the SOUL OF THE SERIES!

Laws of Solomon is a thoughtful and complex addition to the series, taking it to new depths. It questions what redemption means, examines survival, and forces its main character to face a life he can never truly leave behind.
Profile Image for Teresia Fredriksson.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 9, 2026
“As he did most nights, he waited for the ghosts to come. They came without fail, announcing their arrival first by song and tribal chants. “

We meet the main character of the book, Solomon, in a beautiful setting of a botanical garden near the northern tip of Malibu. Here Solomon has found a place of peace and solace as he has worked on restoring the gardens over a period of two years. He spends his days working in the garden, his nights reading all the great writers, and his mornings drinking tea and discussing the books with his employer Tanaka. The peace is shattered, and a hint of his troubled past is revealed as he is forced into violent action to save a small boy Gaby from an attack by the Mexican drug cartel known as the Zetas. This is the start of a chase story, where Solomon and Gaby flee from the Zetas, and try to find shelter. Throughout the chase, the reader learns about Solomons violent past, from his start as a small child in a village in Uganda, as a child soldier, and arriving in America as a teenager and moving through the ranks of various criminal constellations.
The book takes the reader on a journey of discovery, of Salomon and his past, of the people he has met, of his adversary and their reasons for pursuing the child. We travel back in time to see how Salomon grew into the person he is, as well as meeting the people he has interacted with and their reasons for helping him out on the present journey.

At first glance, the book seems to be a straightforward thriller. However, already from the first sentences “As he did most nights, he waited for the ghosts to come. They came without fail, announcing their arrival first by song and tribal chants. “the reader realizes that this will be a very different thriller indeed. It is a book about a journey through time and growth, how a person’s ghosts can shape and guide them towards an end of peace and reconciliation.

I enjoyed the book immensely, as it did keep me guessing on what the story would entail. Getting to know Solomon, was both a scary and an illuminating experience. The language of the book was a pleasure to read, and the author builds a wonderful story by switching between present day and past history for both the main character and the other characters of the story. It builds a complete universe of characters, each with their own flavor and view of the world.

I would recommend this book to anyone, be it an avid thriller addict or someone who prefers literature to give some insight into human nature and personal development. It is a captivating read, and a great journey.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,253 reviews130 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 12, 2026
Oh my stars. Solomon who? Callan what? These are questions that I simply cannot reveal. You have to read the book. I did and listen to me when I tell you this. Get ready. One word. Masterpiece! That’s it.
I said it. This story gives you so much and guess what? It gives you even more on top of that. How thrilling is that? From the moment that one person averted their eyes- . Bam!
The book took off and did not stop. How wonderful it was to have the opportunity to read such a heart pounding. Suspenseful story. Solomon’s story will affect you on so many levels. My level petered out on compassion.
I understood Solomon’s mission so I settled in and buckled up to a one heck of a good story. The plot is absolutely fantastic. The storyline is unbelievable and the main characters objective is fantastic. The details within the story were on point. The details tapped into my imagination.
The details had me feeling that I was at the theater watching some epic of a lifetime good movie. The chapters seemed to flow into the next one and the next one. Not losing the momentum of the book. What about the characters? They are amazing.
It was like I couldn’t dislike the villains, because their story was just that good. As a mom I understood where the parent was coming from. I understood his battle of good, bad and desperation. You ask what has Solomon to do with this? “Ahem”.
He has a whole lot to do with it and then some. The telling of Solomon’s earlier years is exceptional. You get to read and understand his character through some of the most tragic and happiest days of his life. And that’s what I take away from this. How Solomon was able to come out on the other side.
Everything about the book just reads so smoothly. As I said the transition from one chapter to the next was exquisite. You don’t lose the momentum of that part with in the book. As the reader often times the story seemed so real to me. Some aspects of that feeling of realism added some much excitement to the action scenes.
And those action scenes were great. I felt that the relationship between Gabby and Solomon was somewhat of a father and son. It was heartwarming and endearing. I can only say that this was a phenomenal read. I enjoyed reading it so much. I give this book two gold snaps and a twit.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Profile Image for Casey R Kelley.
167 reviews39 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
May 1, 2026
A Cinematic Thriller That Reads Like Man on Fire in Book Form

📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf

Book: 80
Dates read: 03.24.2026 – 03.25.2026
Title: Laws of Solomon
Author: Eriq La Salle
Format: digital ARC

#caseysbookshelf

Whew. I read this in one sitting, saying OMG the entire time and finishing at 4am.

This is book 4 in the Martyr Maker series. You don’t have to read the first three, but the way this is written? You’re going to want to go back. Immediately.

At its core, this is a villain origin story with a redemption arc, executed masterfully. What stood out most is how visual the storytelling is. The pacing is tight, the tension never lets up, and the shifts into Solomon’s childhood don’t slow the story… they deepen it, showing how trauma and impossible choices shaped him into someone who has both experienced and inflicted violence. The present-day story is a nonstop, high-stakes race to protect a young boy, Gaby. And what elevates it is that even the violence is rooted in something deeper. Love. Loss. Desperation. Gaby becomes the emotional anchor, softening Solomon in ways you don’t expect.

This is a literary thriller. On the surface, it’s a violent, cinematic chase story. If Man on Fire lived on a bookshelf, it would sit somewhere near this. Yet underneath, there’s a deliberate architecture at work that most readers will feel before they can name it. There is symbolism woven so deliberately into this book that when it lands, and it will land, you will want to go back to page one. Every character. Every name. Every detail you thought was incidental. Pay attention. He is telling you something the whole time. This is a two-frequency read. You can follow the action and be fully satisfied. But if you catch what’s happening underneath? It becomes something deeper. Something closer to a parable. And your mind will be blown at the genius.

And let’s be clear… this isn’t Dr. Benton writing this. This is the director and executive producer behind some of our favorite crime shows. You can feel that precision and discipline on every page.

This wasn’t just good. It was crafted.

Thank you to Edelweiss for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.

Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Profile Image for Laneisha.
220 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 9, 2026
Definitely between 4 and 5 stars for me!

Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for the ARC.

Reading this made me realize how much this series needed Solomon's story. I appreciate that La Salle chose to give him his own book, as Solomon's character is easy to overlook and undermine at the core of the Martyr Maker world. He didn't just do the dirty work; his story showed he was so much more than that. This story made me appreciate Solomon's character so much more.

I think his story served as a good intermission. Outside of providing a different perspective, it also offered a brief break from the main Martyr Maker world. Solomon's story was handled with care, without shying away from its darkness.

The one thing I love about La Salle's writing style is that he doesn't wait to provide context. Moreover, if one chapter ended with a memory from Solomon, the next chapter immediately gave you its context. This minimized confusion and made the story flow very well. Additionally, although this story was a bit more character-driven, delivering context on who Solomon was, it still retained the grit, ruthlessness, and edge of the Martyr Maker world for the present-day storyline.

This was another great installment to the Martyr Maker series, and I can't wait to see what else La Salle has in store for it!
Profile Image for Tiffany Case.
89 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 22, 2026
Laws of Solomon was phenomenal. It was dark, tragic, and oozing with suspense from start to finish.

Solomon is a former child soldier who later became an assassin known as The Black Reaper and The Darkness. He is a good man that has done very bad things and feels there is no redemption for someone like him. I couldn't help but adore him no matter how high his body count was. Solomon's backstory is nothing short of devastating. He is trying to live a quiet life when he crosses paths with a child named Gaby (I'm going to be extremely vague now, because I don't want to give any of the story away). Some John Wick and Man on Fire things start happening, and now Solomon's only focus is keeping Gaby safe while trying to figure out why there is a hit on this child with the most beautiful eyes anyone has ever seen.

When I say Laws of Solomon is action packed, I mean the author got rid of all the "fluff" writing and killed off more characters than George R.R. Martin ever could. It's full of nail-biting suspense, tragedy that will break the coldest of hearts, and a heartwarming "found family" story along the way.
1,256 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 21, 2026
I will say right up front that I am not the target audience for this book. There is a LOT of violence. Solomon is a former hitman for many different organizations. He was more or less destined for this lifestyle when, as a boy in Uganda, he witnessed his village murdered by guerrilla soldiers. It's the violent start to a life filled with violence. One day, a spate of violence erupts at an LA botanical garden leaving Solomon fearing his life has caught up with him. He encounters a beautiful young boy who he determines is the real target. Determined to save the boy's life they take off across LA, Solomon hoping to be able to place the boy with a foster family. While the book is not my style, I appreciate the writing which is both vivid and intellectual. It also raises questions that would be good for a book club. Can even the most heinous of acts be redeemed? Does a repentant person deserve happiness? Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Anne.
14 reviews11 followers
March 9, 2026
I chose Laws of Solomon by Eriq La Salle because I recognized the author as an actor from the TV show ER. I was pleasantly surprised that I couldn't put the book down.

The story reminded me of a Jack Reacher–style thriller. It follows a former hit man who is trying to live a quiet life by the sea, spending his time gardening. His peaceful life is interrupted when a gang shoots up the garden where he works while trying to kidnap a young boy. He ends up going on the run with the boy to figure out why they are being targeted and how to stop the people chasing them.

The story is fast-paced and well written, and the characters are well developed. I especially liked how the author slowly revealed the main character’s backstory throughout the book, helping the reader understand who he is and why he makes the choices he does.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Eriq La Salle for the ARC. I’m grateful for the early read — and, as always, my review reflects my genuine and uninfluenced opinions.
174 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 30, 2026
I don't know what I expected when I started this book. We are first introduced to Solomon in a garden, in the Malibu area. He is a very good gardener, deeply connected to nature, and to an elderly man who is in charge of the garden. I wasn't certain I wanted to read it. But then, there was tragedy when a group of visitors are murdered, except for one small boy, who Solomon protects. We learn that Solomon has a very difficult past, and he becomes determined to protect Gabriel, the small boy. Through the story we discover the horrendous story of Solomon's origin and how he came to be where is is. The violence in his past, and his lost loves drive him to save one small boy, and in doing so providing some redemption for what he had done before. I was definitely on his side the whole way. Not a feel good story, but one worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.
Profile Image for Kookie9200.
548 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

Laws of Solomon captures the essence of what it means to be good or bad, and how both can exist in the same person. Solomon is a man that has retired from his past as a hired executioner. When violence erupts in his new life, he enters the fray once again, hellbent on saving Gaby, a little boy at the center of a firestorm.

Solomon was such a captivating character. One who has done horrible things. One that has been broken then forged by blood and violence. One who has been touched by love and friendship. He is complex and dynamic in a way that draws you into the narrative. This book is absolutely beautifully done.
Profile Image for Sherri B.
377 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 11, 2026
You know when you start and finish a book in one sitting it is a 5 star read! Thank you NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an arc of Laws of Solomon. This was such an amazing read. The way that Eriq made me feel so deeply for the character Solomon and his unwavering devotion to protecting the child who needs him. Laws of Solomon is much more than a thriller it is a story of redemption, family, sacrifice and doing what ever it takes to protect those that in need. I will always recommend Eriq to readers who are looking for a story where you are invested in character whether they do good or not. Just a great read! 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,753 reviews72 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 27, 2026
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing the copy of Laws of Solomon by Eriq La Salle. I had no idea he was an author now, and I was excited to read this book. Is it fair that someone can be a director, a spectacular actor, AND a kicka$$ writer? This is book four in the Martyr Maker series, but a first for me. Solomon is a killer, but he has a meditative, compassionate side. I loved how three-dimensional he is. If you love action-filled stories and characters that are likable despite their flaws, this is the book you’ve been waiting for! 4 stars
Profile Image for Rhonda Smith.
3 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
Smart, gritty, and layered with just enough edge to keep you locked in, Laws of Solomon pulls you into a world where justice isn’t always clean, and the lines between right and wrong stay blurred.
The storytelling feels cinematic, with tension that builds steadily and characters that actually feel lived-in. I was especially pulled in by the moral complexity, decisions carry weight here, and you feel it. Put this on your September list NOW.
332 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 7, 2026
Solomon does what he does to keep himself and Gaby safe. Safe to say we know what he does, unalive folks. With the switching back and forth, it gave great insight to what Solomon was like in the past and now. Getting glimpse into his childhood, how he became a hit man, his loves, his losses and everything in between. Solomon is a very complicated man. I would absolutely recommend that people read this story and will purchase the physical copy as soon as, it's available.
1,395 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 16, 2026
“Laws of Solomon” was an enjoyable book. I have not read the earlier books in the series but after reading this one, I am interested in reading those as well. Solomon is an interesting and complex character. The ending was somewhat surprising but also quite fitting. I liked the use of flashbacks to give the reader a sense of Solomon’s history and how he came to be who he was. I also liked that Gaby saw the good in Solomon.
Profile Image for Carrie.
1,392 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 17, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one...

Quintero is a weak man, like a tantrum-throwing toddler who needs an actual adult to tell them "no"- what a punk-*ss!
Perhaps who Solomon is, who we all are, is observer relative, changing with who is standing in front of us at any given moment...
What a brutal way to learn that we are all connected and cannot know all of the ways these connections will play out in our lives...
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4,641 reviews37 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 10, 2026
Interesting thriller where a good chunk of the action takes place in the past, with Solomon's journey to where he is. However, the present has a lot of intense scenes too. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
17 reviews
April 3, 2026
Five stars isn’t enough! Fantastic book! I don’t want to spoil it but it is a story of pain, love and redemption. Bawled my eyes out!! It’s is a must read!! Thank you @netgalley
429 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 5, 2026
Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this free book. Here is my honest opinion.
        This book was fast moving, well written and edited, and it kept me engaged from the start.  I loved the way the author gave insight into the character using flashbacks.  They were well placed and added rather than distracted from the story.
         I loved the redemption theme and how it was achieved.  The struggles and loss were necessary for the redemption to be completed. 
          I give this an overall 4.5.
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