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Jack Swyteck #20
The Right to Remain
In this thrilling novel from bestselling author James Grippando—the twentieth in his revered series—legendary criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck takes on a twisty, difficult case that becomes one of the most complex in his illustrious career.
Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck must contend with a unique problem. His client, Elliott Stafford, indicted for murder, has gone silent. Not just silent in asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination—Elliott refuses to speak. He won’t talk to the judge, his girlfriend, or even the attorney fighting for his life. There seems to be no medical or psychological reason for his silence. He has, as Jack puts it, “chosen to become his own worst enemy.”
To some, it’s an act of protest against a broken criminal justice system. Jack doesn’t buy it. Undeterred by the hoopla and calls to walk away, he keeps his client and tries his best to save Elliott from himself. As he digs for facts, Jack discovers a much more disturbing reason for Elliott’s silence. Virtually everything Elliott told Jack before the indictment is proving false, including Elliot’s criminal history, family turmoil, and secret past. As Jack plunges deeper, he comes to believe that Elliott isn’t trying to hide his own guilt. He may be protecting someone else—and the stakes could not be higher.
With plenty of courtroom action, scenes in which “Grippando’s years of experience shine brightest” (New York Times), The Right to Remain is one of the most thrilling entries yet in this hugely popular series that keeps going strong.
Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck must contend with a unique problem. His client, Elliott Stafford, indicted for murder, has gone silent. Not just silent in asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination—Elliott refuses to speak. He won’t talk to the judge, his girlfriend, or even the attorney fighting for his life. There seems to be no medical or psychological reason for his silence. He has, as Jack puts it, “chosen to become his own worst enemy.”
To some, it’s an act of protest against a broken criminal justice system. Jack doesn’t buy it. Undeterred by the hoopla and calls to walk away, he keeps his client and tries his best to save Elliott from himself. As he digs for facts, Jack discovers a much more disturbing reason for Elliott’s silence. Virtually everything Elliott told Jack before the indictment is proving false, including Elliot’s criminal history, family turmoil, and secret past. As Jack plunges deeper, he comes to believe that Elliott isn’t trying to hide his own guilt. He may be protecting someone else—and the stakes could not be higher.
With plenty of courtroom action, scenes in which “Grippando’s years of experience shine brightest” (New York Times), The Right to Remain is one of the most thrilling entries yet in this hugely popular series that keeps going strong.
- GenresMystery
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2026
130 people are currently reading
4604 people want to read
About the author
James Grippando
48 books1,209 followers The first thing you should know about bestselling author James Grippando is that he is no longer clueless—or so they say, after “A James Grippando Novel” was a clue for #38 Across in the New York Times crossword puzzle. James is the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for legal fiction and a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to his credit, including the popular series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck. His latest, "Goodbye Girl" (HarperCollins 2024), is the 18th in the Swyteck series. His novels are enjoyed worldwide in 28 languages. As an adjunct professor he teaches "The Law & Lawyers in Modern Literature" at the University of Miami School of Law. He is also counsel at one of the nation’s leading law firms, where he specializes in entertainment and intellectual property law, representing clients who have won more than 40 Tony Awards. He writes in south Florida with Atlas at his side, a faithful golden retriever who has no idea he’s a dog.
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* Jack Swyteck
Series:
* Jack Swyteck
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 15, 2026
I've read most of the books in this series. This one is #20. The author is consistent with character development, creating multiple threads, gives a chance for everyone to shine, and the reader gets a satisfying ending. He keeps things interesting and it all has a great pace.
Overall, I liked this one....so 4 stars
Overall, I liked this one....so 4 stars
December 20, 2025
The Right to Remain by James Grippando
Published by Harper – Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
You’d think that after twenty books, Jack Swyteck might take a breather. Maybe skip a client or two. Maybe sip a cocktail in the Keys. But no. In The Right to Remain, he signs up for a client who thinks the best legal defense is to play mime. Elliott Stafford—murder suspect and human brick wall—hires Jack, ignores every piece of advice he gives, and then stops speaking altogether. To everyone. Including, you know, the one guy trying to keep him out of prison. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
The setup reads like legal thriller bingo: a silent client, a buried past, a hot-headed prosecutor, and a defense attorney whose patience is tested in increasingly absurd ways. But leave it to Grippando to take these familiar ingredients and whip up something that feels both fresh and delightfully infuriating. Watching Jack try to build a defense around a man who’s allergic to communication is like watching someone try to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions—or opposable thumbs.
And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the story sucker-punches you with a twist you did not see coming, followed by another. And another. It’s not so much a rollercoaster as a legal-themed Tilt-A-Whirl powered by caffeine and existential dread. There’s a point about three-quarters through where I literally shouted at my Kindle, “OH, COME ON!” in a good way.
Grippando’s courtroom scenes still crackle with realism, and Jack’s moral compass remains frustratingly intact, even when the world around him seems to have misplaced theirs. As Jack puts it, “You can’t fight for someone who won’t fight for themselves—but damned if I won’t try.” That line right there sums it all up. Heroic? Yes. Maddening? Also yes.
Despite being the twentieth book in the series, The Right to Remain is totally readable as a standalone. But fair warning: it may hook you enough to send you spiraling backward through the previous nineteen like a caffeinated raccoon in a legal fiction dumpster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
#TheRightToRemain #JamesGrippando #JackSwyteck #LegalThriller #CourtroomDrama #MysteryAndThrillers #NetGalley #BookReview #Bookstagram #NewRelease2026 #CrimeFiction #BookLovers #AmReading
Published by Harper – Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
You’d think that after twenty books, Jack Swyteck might take a breather. Maybe skip a client or two. Maybe sip a cocktail in the Keys. But no. In The Right to Remain, he signs up for a client who thinks the best legal defense is to play mime. Elliott Stafford—murder suspect and human brick wall—hires Jack, ignores every piece of advice he gives, and then stops speaking altogether. To everyone. Including, you know, the one guy trying to keep him out of prison. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
The setup reads like legal thriller bingo: a silent client, a buried past, a hot-headed prosecutor, and a defense attorney whose patience is tested in increasingly absurd ways. But leave it to Grippando to take these familiar ingredients and whip up something that feels both fresh and delightfully infuriating. Watching Jack try to build a defense around a man who’s allergic to communication is like watching someone try to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions—or opposable thumbs.
And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the story sucker-punches you with a twist you did not see coming, followed by another. And another. It’s not so much a rollercoaster as a legal-themed Tilt-A-Whirl powered by caffeine and existential dread. There’s a point about three-quarters through where I literally shouted at my Kindle, “OH, COME ON!” in a good way.
Grippando’s courtroom scenes still crackle with realism, and Jack’s moral compass remains frustratingly intact, even when the world around him seems to have misplaced theirs. As Jack puts it, “You can’t fight for someone who won’t fight for themselves—but damned if I won’t try.” That line right there sums it all up. Heroic? Yes. Maddening? Also yes.
Despite being the twentieth book in the series, The Right to Remain is totally readable as a standalone. But fair warning: it may hook you enough to send you spiraling backward through the previous nineteen like a caffeinated raccoon in a legal fiction dumpster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
#TheRightToRemain #JamesGrippando #JackSwyteck #LegalThriller #CourtroomDrama #MysteryAndThrillers #NetGalley #BookReview #Bookstagram #NewRelease2026 #CrimeFiction #BookLovers #AmReading
January 16, 2026
Grippando is one author that I read without hesitation and did not disappoint me with this one. It is not only a good legal thriller but also an intriguing who dunnit. Some of his more recent books seemed to have a political agenda, but this one did not and I appreciate this.
January 22, 2026
One of my favorite series that always delivers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
James Grippando and his legal thriller series featuring Miami based defense attorney Jack Swytek has long been one of the best in this genre. His latest case, which is detailed in THE RIGHT TO REMAIN, also deals with subject matter that is very timely and relevant in the current era we live in.
In a Prologue that is extremely telling with the legal matters to come we meet a desperate couple, Owen and Helena Pollard, who have been unsuccessful in having their own child and are at the hospital waiting for the child they are contracted to adopt from a pregnant teen-aged girl. Things take a bad turn when the mother of the pregnant teen named Elle claims she is having second thoughts. The mother than suggests that an additional payment of two-hundred fifty-thousand-dollars should be able to change her mind. We are left at that moment as the expectant couple decides what to do next.
Six years later, we are taken within the home of Owen and Helena where a tragedy occurred. The body of Owen has been found, the apparent victim of suicide. Detectives that are working on the case prevent his wife, Helena, from entering the home when she arrives as she claims her young son Austen was inside and must not know what happened. As readers are putting together the pieces of what must have transpired from the Prologue, we then have to wonder why the wealthy co-owner of a billion-dollar business would take his own life while his six-year-old son was in the house with him.
While a grand jury is looking into the suicide of Owen Pollard, Jack Swyteck is approached by his next client, an employee at the company Owen co-owned by the name of Elliott Stafford who the prosecution is seeking to name as the murderer of Mr. Pollard. Swyteck does his own legwork along with his investigator Theo and begins with both Pollard’s wife Helena as well as his business partner CJ. CJ, it turns out is not only extremely wealthy but also a well-known protestor and vocal opponent of the local government.
Jack learns from CJ that Helena is not to be trusted and eventually things will come to the surface regarding the adoption of young Austen six years earlier. Not only did Owen and Helena get a quarter of a million dollars for the adoption from CJ but Owen had to give up one percent of his ownership, making CJ the principle owner and decision maker in the organization.
The revelations and surprises are far from over and do not end at this point. As Jack looks into the background of his client Elliott, he is unable to uncover anything even though the prosecution claims he has a criminal record from his youth. The closed files that Jack ultimately unearths reveals something unbelievable. Not only is Elliott a trans-gender individual still transitioning from female to male, but his previous identity was under the name Elle, the teen mother who had given birth to Austen, later adopted by Owen and Helena. Jack’s head is spinning as he realizes he must tread lightly here with this highly unique situation.
What drives the court case and the rest of the novel is the fact that Elliott, once these revelations are made public and seemingly providing the motive for murder, bypasses the right to claim, ‘the Fifth’ and simply remains silent for the entire case both in and out of the courtroom. This makes is extremely difficult for Jack to defend him properly and also makes for some dangerous situations when the prosecution forces the Judge to place Elliott in a women’s prison for the length of the trial.
It is at this point where Grippando shines as the scenes set in the court during the murder case are stellar. For Jack Swyteck to not only have to defend Elliott from the death penalty but also protect his rights as a trans-gender individual are indeed compelling and make for some very controversial and surprising moments. THE RIGHT TO REMAIN is an eye-opening legal thriller and another example of why James Grippando and Jack Swyteck are an unbeatable team.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
In a Prologue that is extremely telling with the legal matters to come we meet a desperate couple, Owen and Helena Pollard, who have been unsuccessful in having their own child and are at the hospital waiting for the child they are contracted to adopt from a pregnant teen-aged girl. Things take a bad turn when the mother of the pregnant teen named Elle claims she is having second thoughts. The mother than suggests that an additional payment of two-hundred fifty-thousand-dollars should be able to change her mind. We are left at that moment as the expectant couple decides what to do next.
Six years later, we are taken within the home of Owen and Helena where a tragedy occurred. The body of Owen has been found, the apparent victim of suicide. Detectives that are working on the case prevent his wife, Helena, from entering the home when she arrives as she claims her young son Austen was inside and must not know what happened. As readers are putting together the pieces of what must have transpired from the Prologue, we then have to wonder why the wealthy co-owner of a billion-dollar business would take his own life while his six-year-old son was in the house with him.
While a grand jury is looking into the suicide of Owen Pollard, Jack Swyteck is approached by his next client, an employee at the company Owen co-owned by the name of Elliott Stafford who the prosecution is seeking to name as the murderer of Mr. Pollard. Swyteck does his own legwork along with his investigator Theo and begins with both Pollard’s wife Helena as well as his business partner CJ. CJ, it turns out is not only extremely wealthy but also a well-known protestor and vocal opponent of the local government.
Jack learns from CJ that Helena is not to be trusted and eventually things will come to the surface regarding the adoption of young Austen six years earlier. Not only did Owen and Helena get a quarter of a million dollars for the adoption from CJ but Owen had to give up one percent of his ownership, making CJ the principle owner and decision maker in the organization.
The revelations and surprises are far from over and do not end at this point. As Jack looks into the background of his client Elliott, he is unable to uncover anything even though the prosecution claims he has a criminal record from his youth. The closed files that Jack ultimately unearths reveals something unbelievable. Not only is Elliott a trans-gender individual still transitioning from female to male, but his previous identity was under the name Elle, the teen mother who had given birth to Austen, later adopted by Owen and Helena. Jack’s head is spinning as he realizes he must tread lightly here with this highly unique situation.
What drives the court case and the rest of the novel is the fact that Elliott, once these revelations are made public and seemingly providing the motive for murder, bypasses the right to claim, ‘the Fifth’ and simply remains silent for the entire case both in and out of the courtroom. This makes is extremely difficult for Jack to defend him properly and also makes for some dangerous situations when the prosecution forces the Judge to place Elliott in a women’s prison for the length of the trial.
It is at this point where Grippando shines as the scenes set in the court during the murder case are stellar. For Jack Swyteck to not only have to defend Elliott from the death penalty but also protect his rights as a trans-gender individual are indeed compelling and make for some very controversial and surprising moments. THE RIGHT TO REMAIN is an eye-opening legal thriller and another example of why James Grippando and Jack Swyteck are an unbeatable team.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
January 11, 2026
James Grippando and his series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck has long been one of the best in the legal thriller genre. His latest case, which is detailed in THE RIGHT TO REMAIN, also deals with subject matter that is timely and relevant for the current era in which we live.
In a prologue that is quite telling with the legal matters to come, we meet a desperate couple, Owen and Helena Pollard, who have been unsuccessful in having a child of their own and are at the hospital waiting for the baby they are contracted to adopt from pregnant teenager Elle Carpenter. The situation takes a bad turn when her mother, Serena, says that Elle is having second thoughts. She suggests that an additional payment of $250,000 should be able to change her mind. We are left at that moment as Owen and Helena decide what to do next.
Six years later, we are taken inside the home of Owen and Helena where a tragedy has occurred. Owen’s body has been found, the victim of an apparent suicide. Detectives who are working the case prevent Helena from entering the house. She says that her son is inside and must not know what happened. As we put together the pieces of what transpired from the prologue, we have to wonder why the co-owner of a billion-dollar business would take his own life with his six-year-old nearby.
While a grand jury is looking into Owen’s death, Jack Swyteck is approached by Elliott Stafford. Elliott is an employee at the company that Owen co-owned, and the prosecution is seeking to name him as Owen’s killer. Jack does his own legwork along with his investigator, Theo Knight. He begins with Helena, followed by Owen’s business partner, CJ. It turns out that CJ is not only extremely wealthy but is a well-known protestor and vocal opponent of the local government.
As Jack looks into Elliott’s background, he isn’t able to uncover anything, even though the prosecution claims that he has a criminal record from his youth. The closed files that Jack ultimately unearths reveals an astonishing fact that will leave his head spinning and make it difficult for him to defend Elliott properly.
The courtroom scenes are stellar, which make for some very controversial and surprising moments. THE RIGHT TO REMAIN is an eye-opening legal thriller and another example of why James Grippando and Jack Swyteck are an unbeatable team.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
In a prologue that is quite telling with the legal matters to come, we meet a desperate couple, Owen and Helena Pollard, who have been unsuccessful in having a child of their own and are at the hospital waiting for the baby they are contracted to adopt from pregnant teenager Elle Carpenter. The situation takes a bad turn when her mother, Serena, says that Elle is having second thoughts. She suggests that an additional payment of $250,000 should be able to change her mind. We are left at that moment as Owen and Helena decide what to do next.
Six years later, we are taken inside the home of Owen and Helena where a tragedy has occurred. Owen’s body has been found, the victim of an apparent suicide. Detectives who are working the case prevent Helena from entering the house. She says that her son is inside and must not know what happened. As we put together the pieces of what transpired from the prologue, we have to wonder why the co-owner of a billion-dollar business would take his own life with his six-year-old nearby.
While a grand jury is looking into Owen’s death, Jack Swyteck is approached by Elliott Stafford. Elliott is an employee at the company that Owen co-owned, and the prosecution is seeking to name him as Owen’s killer. Jack does his own legwork along with his investigator, Theo Knight. He begins with Helena, followed by Owen’s business partner, CJ. It turns out that CJ is not only extremely wealthy but is a well-known protestor and vocal opponent of the local government.
As Jack looks into Elliott’s background, he isn’t able to uncover anything, even though the prosecution claims that he has a criminal record from his youth. The closed files that Jack ultimately unearths reveals an astonishing fact that will leave his head spinning and make it difficult for him to defend Elliott properly.
The courtroom scenes are stellar, which make for some very controversial and surprising moments. THE RIGHT TO REMAIN is an eye-opening legal thriller and another example of why James Grippando and Jack Swyteck are an unbeatable team.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this, the 20th installment of the Jack Swyteck series (and the first I have read), the Miami defense attorney faces a maddening client. Elliott Stafford, the main suspect in a murder investigation, ignores Jack’s advice, testifies before a grand jury, and gets indicted. Remanded into custody, Elliott decides to stop talking. He refuses to speak to anyone, even his own attorney. As Jack digs deeper into the case, trying to save Elliott despite himself, he uncovers a complicated personal history as well as other deep, personal secrets that hint Elliott might be protecting someone else.
This was great legal suspense and the tension is palpable as the courtroom theatrics play out and the investigation starts to uncover discrepancies and issues that make the situation quite unique. Although not entirely unpredictable, there were a few twists that took me by surprise. I loved the legal technicalities and the procedural points that really emphasized the legal aspects of the situation Elliott was in as well as how Jack handled the setbacks. There was definitely a lot more going on than a murder and all of those side plots made the story even more interesting. I am definitely going to have to go back to the beginning and read more of this series as I liked the writing style and the focus on the law.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Jonathan Davis, did an excellent job of giving every character a distinct personality. His ability to vary his tempo, pace, and accents to match the situation and the various roles felt authentic and real. His performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
This was great legal suspense and the tension is palpable as the courtroom theatrics play out and the investigation starts to uncover discrepancies and issues that make the situation quite unique. Although not entirely unpredictable, there were a few twists that took me by surprise. I loved the legal technicalities and the procedural points that really emphasized the legal aspects of the situation Elliott was in as well as how Jack handled the setbacks. There was definitely a lot more going on than a murder and all of those side plots made the story even more interesting. I am definitely going to have to go back to the beginning and read more of this series as I liked the writing style and the focus on the law.
I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Jonathan Davis, did an excellent job of giving every character a distinct personality. His ability to vary his tempo, pace, and accents to match the situation and the various roles felt authentic and real. His performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Silence is golden…most of the time. Just not when you're an attorney and your client refuses to speak in his own defense. Or when your FBI agent wife goes undercover and learns a troubling secret. Or when your best friend keeps too much of his business to himself. And to make matters worse, they’re not the only ones causing Jack Swyteck trouble by keeping their mouths shut.
In this latest installment of James Grippando's popular series, Jack is finding it almost impossible to defend Elliott Stafford, a transgender man arrested for the murder of his biological child’s adoptive father. Words not spoken and stories not told make for stunning revelations that Jack must sort out to resolve the case and put his personal life back in order.
Legal thrillers are my jam. I’ve sampled only a few in the Swyteck series, but what I’ve read is enough for me to declare it a new favorite. Grippando, a lawyer himself, has mastered the genre by combining courtroom expertise with brisk, suspenseful storytelling. Jonathan Davis does a fine job of breathing life into each character with his excellent narration. Put together, they make The Right to Remain a first-class listen. Devoted fans won’t want to miss it, and new readers will enjoy it as a standalone. All readers will demand silence so as not to miss a second of this excellent book.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing a complimentary copy for review.
In this latest installment of James Grippando's popular series, Jack is finding it almost impossible to defend Elliott Stafford, a transgender man arrested for the murder of his biological child’s adoptive father. Words not spoken and stories not told make for stunning revelations that Jack must sort out to resolve the case and put his personal life back in order.
Legal thrillers are my jam. I’ve sampled only a few in the Swyteck series, but what I’ve read is enough for me to declare it a new favorite. Grippando, a lawyer himself, has mastered the genre by combining courtroom expertise with brisk, suspenseful storytelling. Jonathan Davis does a fine job of breathing life into each character with his excellent narration. Put together, they make The Right to Remain a first-class listen. Devoted fans won’t want to miss it, and new readers will enjoy it as a standalone. All readers will demand silence so as not to miss a second of this excellent book.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing a complimentary copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is the 20th novel in this series, but it can be read very easily without reading the others.
I have never really had an interest in legal thrillers. They tend to be too political. I have firm thoughts about authors who bring their political beliefs into their writing.
This book was perfect! This is my first Jack Swyteck novel, but it won't be my last! Thank goodness I have 19 past books to read.
Jack Swyteck is a Defence lawyer. He has just gotten one of the most frustrating cases of his life. He needs to defend someone accused of murder. His client won't talk...at all. Not to protect himself, explain what happened, talk about his past, nada! This person takes the 5th Amendment, and they take it very literally.
The courtroom scenes were gripping, intense, and sometimes frustrating.
Meanwhile, we also have two different issues that may result in arrest: one involving Jack's friend and co-worker, Theo, and another involving a very rich Political Fanatic named C.J.
I do believe that I will be reading this entire series.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper/Harper Collins, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss.
I have never really had an interest in legal thrillers. They tend to be too political. I have firm thoughts about authors who bring their political beliefs into their writing.
This book was perfect! This is my first Jack Swyteck novel, but it won't be my last! Thank goodness I have 19 past books to read.
Jack Swyteck is a Defence lawyer. He has just gotten one of the most frustrating cases of his life. He needs to defend someone accused of murder. His client won't talk...at all. Not to protect himself, explain what happened, talk about his past, nada! This person takes the 5th Amendment, and they take it very literally.
The courtroom scenes were gripping, intense, and sometimes frustrating.
Meanwhile, we also have two different issues that may result in arrest: one involving Jack's friend and co-worker, Theo, and another involving a very rich Political Fanatic named C.J.
I do believe that I will be reading this entire series.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper/Harper Collins, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss.
January 18, 2026
library ebook 1 15 2026
they had been trying without success to have or adopt a baby. they finally found a teen willing to give them her baby. but then her mom started asking for huge sums of money, for her 'favorite toe ring'
her fbi husband didnt want to do it , it was against the law, but to please her he did
he sold a stock but had to tell the man why he needed it. he never told his wife
when the baby was 6 yrs old she found her husband dead of a gunshot wound on the kitchen floor
but there is going to be a grand jury, and one of the employees from her husbands gun disposal business was subpoenaed, so he hired a lawyer. there was a 911 call from the husband saying he had been shot
turns out his client, the man , is really the woman who had the baby they adopted. he was arrested for murder
the mom took the dog to the vet, who found a bullet in in his fur. he called the police
the lawyer found a note on his windshield, it looked to be the same handwriting as on the note found in the kitchen where the man died. it said 'bb' referring to the son, but they only called the baby that until he was born.
the client stopped talking
they put him in the womens prison, his mom was there and she threatened him and got one of the inmates to beat him
she was the one selling babies. she blackmailed one man telling him he was the dad, but he wasnt.
she let her boyfriends rape her daughter
they had been trying without success to have or adopt a baby. they finally found a teen willing to give them her baby. but then her mom started asking for huge sums of money, for her 'favorite toe ring'
her fbi husband didnt want to do it , it was against the law, but to please her he did
he sold a stock but had to tell the man why he needed it. he never told his wife
when the baby was 6 yrs old she found her husband dead of a gunshot wound on the kitchen floor
but there is going to be a grand jury, and one of the employees from her husbands gun disposal business was subpoenaed, so he hired a lawyer. there was a 911 call from the husband saying he had been shot
turns out his client, the man , is really the woman who had the baby they adopted. he was arrested for murder
the mom took the dog to the vet, who found a bullet in in his fur. he called the police
the lawyer found a note on his windshield, it looked to be the same handwriting as on the note found in the kitchen where the man died. it said 'bb' referring to the son, but they only called the baby that until he was born.
the client stopped talking
they put him in the womens prison, his mom was there and she threatened him and got one of the inmates to beat him
she was the one selling babies. she blackmailed one man telling him he was the dad, but he wasnt.
she let her boyfriends rape her daughter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
A three for the series, a 2 for some of the subject matter.
Jack gets a referral from a lawyer he was just up against in court. The "defendant" Elliott works for someone who has just committed suicide, but he's called into a grand jury and seems to be the target of the investigation and soon to be indicted for murder.
Elliott refuses to defend himself by not speaking and it's up to Jack to find out the who/what/where/why of it all. Two answers became obvious about 2/3 of the way through the book which solves the case.
Meanwhile, Theo is planning to make a new gin based on his grandfather's old stories and gets sucked into some criminal activity that neither Jack nor his FBI wife Andy can help with. This storyline is just an add in, not a lot of details as to how the criminals are on to him and he's pretty much on his own. I would have preferred this storyline be delved into deeper and less of the first.
Some of the subject matter regarding Elliott is not something I would normally read had the details been divulged in the synopsis.
Jack gets a referral from a lawyer he was just up against in court. The "defendant" Elliott works for someone who has just committed suicide, but he's called into a grand jury and seems to be the target of the investigation and soon to be indicted for murder.
Elliott refuses to defend himself by not speaking and it's up to Jack to find out the who/what/where/why of it all. Two answers became obvious about 2/3 of the way through the book which solves the case.
Meanwhile, Theo is planning to make a new gin based on his grandfather's old stories and gets sucked into some criminal activity that neither Jack nor his FBI wife Andy can help with. This storyline is just an add in, not a lot of details as to how the criminals are on to him and he's pretty much on his own. I would have preferred this storyline be delved into deeper and less of the first.
Some of the subject matter regarding Elliott is not something I would normally read had the details been divulged in the synopsis.
January 24, 2026
The Right to Remain (2026) by James Grippando is a tense legal thriller and the twentieth entry in his long-running Jack Swyteck series, following Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck as he takes on one of the most perplexing cases of his career. When his new client, Elliott Stafford—accused of murder—refuses to speak to anyone, including his own attorney, Swyteck must navigate the murky waters of a man who has opted for total silence rather than defend himself, baffling the court and those around him with his refusal to speak. As Jack digs deeper into the case and the secrets of Elliott’s past, he discovers that much of what Elliott previously claimed is false, suggesting a hidden motive that may be protecting someone else and raising the stakes far beyond the initial charges. With rich courtroom drama and twists that challenge both legal strategy and personal loyalty, the novel explores how silence can be weaponized and what it takes to seek justice when the truth is buried in secrets.
November 25, 2025
Grippando has produced another unique legal thriller as Swyteck takes a case that no lawyer wants--a client who will not speak or try to help himself. How does a lawyer deal with that?
This is one of the reasons that Jack Swyteck is such a great character and the type of lawyer that we all wish we could find if we have a problem. Grippando has created a character that the reader can love especially as Jack acquiesces to the needs of his FBI wife's career. Now that's love! The reader can relate to the chaos family can cause when you are trying to do a job. Jack's goal is to keep his wife and daughter close, safe, and the family together.
Even so, Swytek gives his clients his all and Grippando keeps the action going as the twists and turns of the case progress. Can Swytek manage to pull this latest case off with a good resolution for his client and family?
Thank you to Harper Publishing and Netgalley for the privilege of reading the ARC of The Right to Remain.
This is one of the reasons that Jack Swyteck is such a great character and the type of lawyer that we all wish we could find if we have a problem. Grippando has created a character that the reader can love especially as Jack acquiesces to the needs of his FBI wife's career. Now that's love! The reader can relate to the chaos family can cause when you are trying to do a job. Jack's goal is to keep his wife and daughter close, safe, and the family together.
Even so, Swytek gives his clients his all and Grippando keeps the action going as the twists and turns of the case progress. Can Swytek manage to pull this latest case off with a good resolution for his client and family?
Thank you to Harper Publishing and Netgalley for the privilege of reading the ARC of The Right to Remain.
January 25, 2026
James Grippando’s series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swytek is a reliably enjoyable source of reading material for fans of legal thrillers (which I am!). In The Right To Remain, the latest — the TWENTIETH in the series (!), Grippando’s skill comes through and I definitely recommend this one for fans of legal procedurals, murder mysteries, courtroom drama, and just fun reading.
There are plenty of fascinating courtroom scenes, a twisty mystery that kept me guessing (not a surprise as I am notoriously bad at figuring out the mystery in this genre). Although it is part of a full series of titles, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone (wlthough I plan to go back and read some on the ones I have missed over the years(. Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review. Four stars.
https://littorallibrarian.org/therigh...
There are plenty of fascinating courtroom scenes, a twisty mystery that kept me guessing (not a surprise as I am notoriously bad at figuring out the mystery in this genre). Although it is part of a full series of titles, this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone (wlthough I plan to go back and read some on the ones I have missed over the years(. Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review. Four stars.
https://littorallibrarian.org/therigh...
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.5 stars.
The Right to Remain by James Grippando is a compelling socially relevant legal mystery.
Defense attorney Jack Swytek’s latest client, Elliot Stafford, is accused of murder. Initially, Elliot refuses to follow Jack’s advice. After he is indicted for murder, Elliot clams up and refuses to participate in his defense. Will Jack get his recalcitrant client released from prison on bond?
The Right to Remain is a clever, fast-paced legal mystery. The characters are well-drawn and the cast regulars continue to grow and evolve. The topical storyline is well-written with startling twists and turns. The Miami setting is vividly portrayed and easy to visualize. With shocking revelations, James Grippando brings this twentieth installment in the Jack Swytek series to an unexpected yet very satisfying conclusion.
The Right to Remain by James Grippando is a compelling socially relevant legal mystery.
Defense attorney Jack Swytek’s latest client, Elliot Stafford, is accused of murder. Initially, Elliot refuses to follow Jack’s advice. After he is indicted for murder, Elliot clams up and refuses to participate in his defense. Will Jack get his recalcitrant client released from prison on bond?
The Right to Remain is a clever, fast-paced legal mystery. The characters are well-drawn and the cast regulars continue to grow and evolve. The topical storyline is well-written with startling twists and turns. The Miami setting is vividly portrayed and easy to visualize. With shocking revelations, James Grippando brings this twentieth installment in the Jack Swytek series to an unexpected yet very satisfying conclusion.
January 17, 2026
Fabulous next chapter in the Jack Swyteck series.
Another riveting legal thriller that was simply too good and too engrossing to stop reading.
Jack has a client that is about to be indicted for murder and has stopped talking.
Literally.
After a less than stellar grand jury appearance, Elliott,
Jack's new client, decides to take the fifth literally and stops talking to anyone, including his own lawyer, Jack.
Jack is forced to investigate the murder and crime scene as well as interview possible other suspects and witnesses, without any assistance from his client, who also happens to be a trans man with a sealed youthful offense.
The mystery grabs hold of you at the very start and never lets go. Great side stories that all mesh and some characters that are familiar.
Great read.
Another riveting legal thriller that was simply too good and too engrossing to stop reading.
Jack has a client that is about to be indicted for murder and has stopped talking.
Literally.
After a less than stellar grand jury appearance, Elliott,
Jack's new client, decides to take the fifth literally and stops talking to anyone, including his own lawyer, Jack.
Jack is forced to investigate the murder and crime scene as well as interview possible other suspects and witnesses, without any assistance from his client, who also happens to be a trans man with a sealed youthful offense.
The mystery grabs hold of you at the very start and never lets go. Great side stories that all mesh and some characters that are familiar.
Great read.
September 7, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Twisting, turning and anxiety-inducing, The Right to Remain is a tense and complex legal thriller that makes you feel unsettled in the pit of your stomach while taking you on an emotional rollercoaster. James Grippando masterfully delivers a compelling and modern tale that overflows with drama inside and outside the courtroom.
It's a triumphant novel to mark the 20th edition of this popular series. But if you’re just joining the party, don’t fret. The Right to Remain can easily be read as a standalone. And then who knows? Maybe you’ll like it so much it’ll give you 19 additional books to add to your TBR pile.
Twisting, turning and anxiety-inducing, The Right to Remain is a tense and complex legal thriller that makes you feel unsettled in the pit of your stomach while taking you on an emotional rollercoaster. James Grippando masterfully delivers a compelling and modern tale that overflows with drama inside and outside the courtroom.
It's a triumphant novel to mark the 20th edition of this popular series. But if you’re just joining the party, don’t fret. The Right to Remain can easily be read as a standalone. And then who knows? Maybe you’ll like it so much it’ll give you 19 additional books to add to your TBR pile.
January 30, 2026
Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy this latest installment in the Jack Swyteck series. As is his usual MO, Swyteck goes all out on behalf of his client, while trying to balance his family life with FBI agent wife Andi and young daughter Righley. Jack Swyteck must contend with a unique problem in that his client, Elliott Stafford, indicted for murder, refuses to speak. Disturbing facts about Stafford's relationship with the murder victim,s family and their young son form the basis for this interesting plot. A secondary plot involving Swyteck's friend Theo Knight and the FBI gives the reader more to think about.
I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed courtroom drama and legal maneuvering. This page turner is both a legal thriller and a "who done it".
I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed courtroom drama and legal maneuvering. This page turner is both a legal thriller and a "who done it".
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The right to remain silent goes to extremes when Jack Swyteck’s new client refuses to speak to anyone, including him. There are so many different things going on in this one that you will develop whiplash as you are jerked from one new revelation to the next. If you love smart legal thrillers and outstanding characters ( like Jack) you will really enjoy The Right to Remain. And even though this is #20 in the series it is easily read as a stand alone because the case is resolved and you are given what little you might need to know about Jack’s background. But be forewarned, if this is your first Swyteck, you will want to go back and read all the ones you have missed.
February 1, 2026
I read quite a number of 'series' novels, but this one has become my absolute favorite over the years. I so look forward to seeing what's going on with Jack, Theo and Andie. The novels usually have some kind of link to current news or culture, which this one did as well. And I enjoy the locale of the series because I usually am familiar with the buildings and neighborhoods, so it's a homey feeling added to a great story and terrific characters.
I kept trying to drag out reading this so it wouldn't be over too soon, but I just couldn't help myself and kept picking it up. I can't wait for the next one !
I kept trying to drag out reading this so it wouldn't be over too soon, but I just couldn't help myself and kept picking it up. I can't wait for the next one !
January 19, 2026
Jack Swyteck is an excellent main character. The book does a good job of combining courtroom scenes with scenes that take place outside the courtroom that happen because of what took place that day in court. What I did not like was the two cases that were going on at the same time did not come together well and had a very thin tie. The non court case could have been left out all together and the book would have been better.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Enjoyed this mix of mystery/suspense and courtroom drama! The fast paced plot keeps you guessing and is filled with twists and turns, kept me reading until two in the morning because I had to know how it ended. I would recommend to readers of suspense and legal thrillers. My thanks to Harper Books for providing a DRC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2026
Grippando continues to write interesting SWYTECK legal thrillers/mysteries. In the latest, a slow start turns into a complex study of society feelings toward trans people. And we also get an interesting insight into family fights in adoptions, although a very weird one as always I enjoy these books.
January 17, 2026
Has you from the first page. Good procedural courtroom story. Lots of twists and many surprises. But as the story progressed I had an inkling about halfway through as to who was the culprit. And I was right! Lots of surprises right up to the end.
January 22, 2026
Tightly interwoven
A murder, A transgender, and a lawyer. It cannot get much dicier.
Grippando weaves a thrilling story of murder and intrigue. . The plot is well developed with twists and a final surprise at the end.
Great story - highly recommended!
A murder, A transgender, and a lawyer. It cannot get much dicier.
Grippando weaves a thrilling story of murder and intrigue. . The plot is well developed with twists and a final surprise at the end.
Great story - highly recommended!
January 8, 2026
Oh my, you’d think Jack Swytek would get old and tiresome after so many books but this one goes to show that they just get better!
January 8, 2026
Great story, on point. Loved it, couldn’t walk away until I finished
January 12, 2026
Great book!! Excellent narrator!! This book is why I love Jack Swyteck & his cases.
January 12, 2026
Love his books! I recommend reading his earlier Jack Swyteck first, then you can become as attached to the characters as I have, and this is about the best one yet.
January 13, 2026
This was number 20 in the Jack Swyteck series. Thoroughly enjoyable. The more this series goes on, the closer all the characters involve become. It is nice to see that.
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