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More than One Truth
For fans of Scott Turow or William Diehl comes this stunning debut from a remarkably talented new writer. It takes the familiar genre of legal thriller genre and adds subtle notes of psychological suspense and horror. A twisty, powerful tale of an idealistic young lawyer assigned to defend a childhood acquaintance from a murder charge, all while facing personal tragedies of his own.
After the narrator is forced to resign his position as a Navy JAG, he takes a position as a criminal defense attorney with a charismatic county public defender known for reckless behavior. When his boss dies in a car accident, Narrator is left alone to continue taking on clients. Shortly thereafter, he's assigned the case of Scotty Watts, a high-school classmate charged with murder. Scotty was found mopping up a pool of blood on the floor of his cabin and doesn't remember anything about the evening in question. As Narrator earnestly works the case, his mind starts to unravel, and visions begin to distort his reality. With his client refusing to plead guilty, the narrator pulls every loose thread on the case to determine the truth of what happened, and what he finds shocks him to the core.
Filled with conspiracy theories, twists, turns, and 11th-hour evidentiary discoveries, More Than One Truth is a unique story about shattered idealism, the conflicted emotional bond to the place we call home, and the pernicious effect of loneliness.
After the narrator is forced to resign his position as a Navy JAG, he takes a position as a criminal defense attorney with a charismatic county public defender known for reckless behavior. When his boss dies in a car accident, Narrator is left alone to continue taking on clients. Shortly thereafter, he's assigned the case of Scotty Watts, a high-school classmate charged with murder. Scotty was found mopping up a pool of blood on the floor of his cabin and doesn't remember anything about the evening in question. As Narrator earnestly works the case, his mind starts to unravel, and visions begin to distort his reality. With his client refusing to plead guilty, the narrator pulls every loose thread on the case to determine the truth of what happened, and what he finds shocks him to the core.
Filled with conspiracy theories, twists, turns, and 11th-hour evidentiary discoveries, More Than One Truth is a unique story about shattered idealism, the conflicted emotional bond to the place we call home, and the pernicious effect of loneliness.
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Published July 31, 2020
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September 28, 2018I accepted a gift copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review. While I really, really wanted to love it, it pains me to say, I didn't.
There's an abundance of telling and names like Thin moustache, Asian Accountant, Watermelon Belly, etc were distracting and derogative. Don't get me wrong, I can relate to those things when the person is 'unknown' but Thin Mustache is the protagonist's mother's caregiver, a totally undervalued job, so how fuckn rude. The other names are in references to jurors, one being the foreman of an important case. Again bad taste.
That brings me to the guts of this story. Was it thrilling? Rather than incriminate myself, I call the fifth.
This story didn't work for me on so many levels, the kindest thing I can do for this debut author is not bring it down by adding a 2 star rating.
Don't judge this book by my rating (non-rating) check out the other reviews, all rated highly.
There's an abundance of telling and names like Thin moustache, Asian Accountant, Watermelon Belly, etc were distracting and derogative. Don't get me wrong, I can relate to those things when the person is 'unknown' but Thin Mustache is the protagonist's mother's caregiver, a totally undervalued job, so how fuckn rude. The other names are in references to jurors, one being the foreman of an important case. Again bad taste.
That brings me to the guts of this story. Was it thrilling? Rather than incriminate myself, I call the fifth.
This story didn't work for me on so many levels, the kindest thing I can do for this debut author is not bring it down by adding a 2 star rating.
Don't judge this book by my rating (non-rating) check out the other reviews, all rated highly.
May 15, 2019
Great book. I loved it. I got really involved with the characters that Matt created. It did have some dark areas but nothing that bothered me.
A young Naval JAG attorney relocates to his hometown and becomes a defense attorney working with an older and eccentric attorney. When this attorney is tragically killed in an auto accident he is on his own defending a man for murder that he went to high school with. The case against Scotty Watts seems open and shut but don't be fooled.
I won't say anymore for fear of giving too much away. Read this book. You will not be sorry. Lots of twists and turns. I loved John and Arthur. My favorite characters in the book.
And as a personal side note, the book takes place in Chico California where Aaron Rodgers is from. Aaron Rodgers is my second favorite quarterback currently playing. After Drew Brees of course.
A young Naval JAG attorney relocates to his hometown and becomes a defense attorney working with an older and eccentric attorney. When this attorney is tragically killed in an auto accident he is on his own defending a man for murder that he went to high school with. The case against Scotty Watts seems open and shut but don't be fooled.
I won't say anymore for fear of giving too much away. Read this book. You will not be sorry. Lots of twists and turns. I loved John and Arthur. My favorite characters in the book.
And as a personal side note, the book takes place in Chico California where Aaron Rodgers is from. Aaron Rodgers is my second favorite quarterback currently playing. After Drew Brees of course.
August 28, 2018
This was an enjoyable book.
It moved at a quick pace, although there were some times that it slowed down and became tedious. Not that it was horribly written, I'm just one who gets absorbed into the cases in crime novels and not the backstory on all the characters. The backstories were done well though, it added depth to the characters.
I liked the conversations between the main character and his mentor John, it was interesting to see the different viewpoints they had on the case.
That ending though. Wow. I kept trying to figure how the case would turn out, but I couldn't. I thought I got close once, but it threw me. However, that last chapter was something else. It happened so quick I had to read it twice to process what I had just read.
It was so good. I love endings like that, and they don't happen all that often.
I would definitely recommend this book, it's a fast read and quite enjoyable.
It moved at a quick pace, although there were some times that it slowed down and became tedious. Not that it was horribly written, I'm just one who gets absorbed into the cases in crime novels and not the backstory on all the characters. The backstories were done well though, it added depth to the characters.
I liked the conversations between the main character and his mentor John, it was interesting to see the different viewpoints they had on the case.
That ending though. Wow. I kept trying to figure how the case would turn out, but I couldn't. I thought I got close once, but it threw me. However, that last chapter was something else. It happened so quick I had to read it twice to process what I had just read.
It was so good. I love endings like that, and they don't happen all that often.
I would definitely recommend this book, it's a fast read and quite enjoyable.
September 23, 2018
I received the book from the author with a request to review the book via Goodreads as it was similar to a book I had previously reviewed and loved. Now this excited me but the book I had previously read (I won't divulge it as it will give a possible clue to the ending) had an unusual reading but it also gave me a bit much of a clue as to how the book would end...or so I thought.
More Than One Truth is a legal thriller written in the first person by a solicitor sacked by the Navy following a legal complaint. Unsure what to do the narrator sees an article about another lawyer and class mate, Will, from his home town Chico winning a $2m settlement and decides to contact him regarding a job. Will doesn't have anything but gives him the name of another Chico solicitor, John Hodkinson who offers the narrator a job. Following 'developments', - don't want any spoilers at the firm the narrator gets his first big case, the defence of another ex-school friend Scotty for the murder of his marijuana-growing partner John Anderson.
The scenes were set and the characters developed very well I thought, although there were quite a few references to other famous Chico stalwarts, the unbelievable Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers, another ex-school bud, and Chico's famous brewery Sierra Nevada. After a while though I was confused with what I was reading as we moved from a solid legal based thriller / drama to something that appeared to be a cross between the Sixth Sense and Dr. Dolittle.
The Police didn't seem to keen on another possibilities as to the killer, who's body still hasn't been found despite the pool of blood, matching his DNA, that Scotty was clearing up in his own cabin when the Police arrived and claiming that he couldn't remember anything that happened. Therefore the narrator and his investigator, Rick, re left to find out what has happened.
The pace quickened and I would see there is no way that the reader can guess the outcome, other than what you may know in advance (see my first sentence). I was definitely engrossed and wondering if my hints were just a red herring.
As the book progressed I found myself hooked despite all the reservations above and Matt Benson certainly knows how to pace a novel and keeping the reader wanting more.
So the ending, I'm sure many would have been shocked and so was I!! The reason being I don't think there was a definite conclusion. I know who it isn't but I've reread it a couple of times and can't decide between two protagonists. Now some people like that, personally I don't. I like a definite concrete 'that's what happened'.
My summary - Did I enjoy the book - Yes I did. Would I recommend it - yes I would. I think Matt Benson is certainly a good storyteller who knows how to pace a book, draw the reader in and keep them interested. As a writer I think he has a good future ahead of him and will certainly look forward to reading his future works.
Finally - Matt thank you for the opportunity to read the draft of your book, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I may have been more critical than usual but I kind of thought that my 'job' here was to be critical friend.
Buy the book and help support this talented and promising author on his journey.
More Than One Truth is a legal thriller written in the first person by a solicitor sacked by the Navy following a legal complaint. Unsure what to do the narrator sees an article about another lawyer and class mate, Will, from his home town Chico winning a $2m settlement and decides to contact him regarding a job. Will doesn't have anything but gives him the name of another Chico solicitor, John Hodkinson who offers the narrator a job. Following 'developments', - don't want any spoilers at the firm the narrator gets his first big case, the defence of another ex-school friend Scotty for the murder of his marijuana-growing partner John Anderson.
The scenes were set and the characters developed very well I thought, although there were quite a few references to other famous Chico stalwarts, the unbelievable Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers, another ex-school bud, and Chico's famous brewery Sierra Nevada. After a while though I was confused with what I was reading as we moved from a solid legal based thriller / drama to something that appeared to be a cross between the Sixth Sense and Dr. Dolittle.
The Police didn't seem to keen on another possibilities as to the killer, who's body still hasn't been found despite the pool of blood, matching his DNA, that Scotty was clearing up in his own cabin when the Police arrived and claiming that he couldn't remember anything that happened. Therefore the narrator and his investigator, Rick, re left to find out what has happened.
The pace quickened and I would see there is no way that the reader can guess the outcome, other than what you may know in advance (see my first sentence). I was definitely engrossed and wondering if my hints were just a red herring.
As the book progressed I found myself hooked despite all the reservations above and Matt Benson certainly knows how to pace a novel and keeping the reader wanting more.
So the ending, I'm sure many would have been shocked and so was I!! The reason being I don't think there was a definite conclusion. I know who it isn't but I've reread it a couple of times and can't decide between two protagonists. Now some people like that, personally I don't. I like a definite concrete 'that's what happened'.
My summary - Did I enjoy the book - Yes I did. Would I recommend it - yes I would. I think Matt Benson is certainly a good storyteller who knows how to pace a book, draw the reader in and keep them interested. As a writer I think he has a good future ahead of him and will certainly look forward to reading his future works.
Finally - Matt thank you for the opportunity to read the draft of your book, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I may have been more critical than usual but I kind of thought that my 'job' here was to be critical friend.
Buy the book and help support this talented and promising author on his journey.
October 10, 2018
Gripping. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist who has a somewhat cynical, almost Holden Caulfield view of the world ... except when it comes to dogs. Very unique legal thriller that adeptly blends together diverse themes such as mental health/depression and small town politics. Well worth the read.
September 19, 2018
I was asked to read an early draft and I loved it! Can’t wait for more from this author!
October 7, 2018
I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. I am glad I did as I really enjoyed reading this. There were so many times that I had a hard time to stop reading. I loved the plot and the mystery. To me it never got predictable and at times I felt I had it figured out but then another twist would make me think again. The pace in which things unfolded felt just right to me. I never got bored, and I was really surprised by the ending.
Although I loved the plotting, what made the novel work for me was the characters and the setting. Matt Benson wonderfully described the town of Chino, its history, its people, and its politics. The town to me became another character in the book.
All of the characters were great and memorable for me. Even when he described certain minor characters with what seemed to be derogatory terms, it should have bothered me but in the end it made them more memorable than if they had actual names. I found it very unique.
The protagonist and narrator was so well developed that I quickly got invested in what was happening to him. The author takes you into the mind of a truly troubled soul, and you go through a world of emotions with him. You feel sorry for him, like him, hate him, confused by his actions and sometimes all at the same time.
Two other captivating characters are John and Arthur. I loved the relationships developed with the Narrator and how they fit into the unraveling of the mystery.
Overall a wonderful debut novel for this new author that I look forward to reading more from in the future.
Although I loved the plotting, what made the novel work for me was the characters and the setting. Matt Benson wonderfully described the town of Chino, its history, its people, and its politics. The town to me became another character in the book.
All of the characters were great and memorable for me. Even when he described certain minor characters with what seemed to be derogatory terms, it should have bothered me but in the end it made them more memorable than if they had actual names. I found it very unique.
The protagonist and narrator was so well developed that I quickly got invested in what was happening to him. The author takes you into the mind of a truly troubled soul, and you go through a world of emotions with him. You feel sorry for him, like him, hate him, confused by his actions and sometimes all at the same time.
Two other captivating characters are John and Arthur. I loved the relationships developed with the Narrator and how they fit into the unraveling of the mystery.
Overall a wonderful debut novel for this new author that I look forward to reading more from in the future.
December 10, 2018
Holy crap! This book delivers the kind of ending you crave but rarely get. I’m dying to re-read the book to piece together all the cleaver writing. I kept thinking what an amazing movie this would be. Definitely recommend! I couldn’t put it down!
December 12, 2018
Slow
I skipped a huge amount of this book, some of it did not make sense and I found the ending amateurish
I skipped a huge amount of this book, some of it did not make sense and I found the ending amateurish
July 18, 2019
great, quick, intriguing read! good character development and unforeseen plot twists. don't want to say much more and give anything away. i recommend it!
July 13, 2019
Excellent book
Wow, great book, caught your interest immediately and kept me guessing from beginning to end. Good writing, enjoyed it and recommend this book while heartedly.
Wow, great book, caught your interest immediately and kept me guessing from beginning to end. Good writing, enjoyed it and recommend this book while heartedly.
September 18, 2018
I don't typically gravitate towards legal thrillers, but I picked up MTOT and blew through it in three days. It was so entertaining, I couldn't put it down. I was engrossed in the characters - especially the narrator and John - and loved all the plot twists and turns. The dark nature of the main character's personality made for a really interesting first-person narration - an intimate glance into the mind of a troubled soul. There were times I empathized with him and other times I was bewildered by his behavior.
The author was able to draw me in as a reader and make me truly invested in the characters. I had to know how the story resolved and now that I do, I want him to write a sequel!
I highly recommend MTOT if you're looking for an entertaining read for an airplane or a new book to cuddle up by the fire with as the seasons change. You won't be disappointed.
The author was able to draw me in as a reader and make me truly invested in the characters. I had to know how the story resolved and now that I do, I want him to write a sequel!
I highly recommend MTOT if you're looking for an entertaining read for an airplane or a new book to cuddle up by the fire with as the seasons change. You won't be disappointed.
November 26, 2018
.
Wonderful read. Surprise at the end that I, at least, didn't see coming. Characters are believable and I think I know enough about Chico that I could go there. Can't wait for the next one.
Wonderful read. Surprise at the end that I, at least, didn't see coming. Characters are believable and I think I know enough about Chico that I could go there. Can't wait for the next one.
June 17, 2019
Strange story
this was truly a twisted plot and totally unexpected. Author made the reader feel part of the story.
Author makes you feel part of the story. Once you start reading you don't want to stop. A real page turner. Great job😊
this was truly a twisted plot and totally unexpected. Author made the reader feel part of the story.
Author makes you feel part of the story. Once you start reading you don't want to stop. A real page turner. Great job😊
June 8, 2019
Great ending! Believable characters and racy narration.
April 2, 2024
**won this via Goodreads giveways**
I thought it was good. I figured out the ending rather soon. The ending had me racing to see if I was correct.
I thought it was good. I figured out the ending rather soon. The ending had me racing to see if I was correct.
February 14, 2019
Truth IS stranger than fiction
This was an easy read. The ending was NOTHING I could have imagined. The characters are so believable. The author keeps you guessing throughout the story. I would recommend it for teen readers that like legal thrillers. Just not one of my favorites. However, it is well written. Just y personal opinion, thus the 3 star rating.
This was an easy read. The ending was NOTHING I could have imagined. The characters are so believable. The author keeps you guessing throughout the story. I would recommend it for teen readers that like legal thrillers. Just not one of my favorites. However, it is well written. Just y personal opinion, thus the 3 star rating.
September 21, 2019
Twisted story line
I read through the first half of the story quickly, but hesitated when the story entered the trial phase. The twists taken in the last portion of the book were intended to make make it a shocking ending, but I found it to be unfulfilling and contrived.
I read through the first half of the story quickly, but hesitated when the story entered the trial phase. The twists taken in the last portion of the book were intended to make make it a shocking ending, but I found it to be unfulfilling and contrived.
May 19, 2020
Unexpected twists and turns
I very much enjoyed the well developed characters and the unexpected twists and turns. Growing up in a small town, it was easy to relate to the main character. Surprisingly dark in a good way!
I very much enjoyed the well developed characters and the unexpected twists and turns. Growing up in a small town, it was easy to relate to the main character. Surprisingly dark in a good way!
August 31, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. It is the type of book that keeps your attention all the way through, without wondering how far until the last page.
November 9, 2019
Rather inane
Not much substance. Not real intriguing.
Ending quite stupid. Writer needs lessons on story development. Difficult to follow. The end
Not much substance. Not real intriguing.
Ending quite stupid. Writer needs lessons on story development. Difficult to follow. The end
December 26, 2019
The book was good up until the end. I didn't feel like the ending was really explained even though it wasn't a total surprise.
April 15, 2021
DNF. Sporadic writing style, unlikable main character.
August 12, 2019
I received this as part of a Goodreads giveaway. The book was ok. I figured out very early on who the killer was, so that was disappointing. It became obvious as soon as the attorney started talking to his dead mentor how the book would end. It's a plot that has been recycled many times in print and movies. It also ended a little too abruptly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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