False Accusations

by Alan Jacobson

False Accusations is a twisting psychological thriller, a tale of deadly revenge where the assurance of “innocent until proven guilty” is not what it seems

Dr. Phillip Madison has everything: wealth, power, and an impeccable reputation. But in the pre-dawn hours of a quiet California suburb, the revered orthopedic surgeon is charged with double homicide—a cold-blooded hit-and-run that has left an innocent young couple dead. Blood evidence has brought the police to his door. An eyewitness has placed him at the crime scene . . . and Madison has no alibi. With his family torn apart, his career forever damaged, no way to prove his innocence, and facing life in prison, Madison hires an investigator to find the person who has engineered the case against him.

As his privileged world is brought crashing down by a psychotic seductress, as family and friends abandon him, Madison’s only hope for vindication rests in revealing a truth at the heart of a lie. It is a disclosure that could cost him more than he ever imagined.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Crime, Book Club

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

ALAN JACOBSON is the USA Today bestselling author of a dozen critically acclaimed, award-winning thrillers. His 20 years of research and training with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, DEA, US Marshals Service, ATF, Scotland Yard, SWAT, and the US military bring unparalleled realism to his stories and characters—prompting the San Francisco Chronicle to write that “Alan Jacobson researches his books like a good newspaper reporter and then pushes the envelope into reality more thoroughly than the typical crime novel could ever allow.”

Jacobson's series protagonist, FBI profiler Karen Vail, has resonated with both female and male readers and inspired Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, and Michael Connelly to call Vail one of the most compelling heroes in suspense fiction. Likewise, his OPSIG Team Black series has been lauded by real-life Navy SEALs.

Jacobson’s thrillers have been published internationally and several have been optioned by Hollywood.

Web: www.AlanJacobson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/AlanJacobsonFans Instagram: alan.jacobson
Twitter: @JacobsonAlan

Reviews

[Jim Kromer · Rating 1 out of 5]

A real stinker of a novel. Ridiculous dialogue, dull characters, ponderous plot that never seemed to move forward and an ending that was too contrived as if the author wanted to show how clever he was by throwing in a twist at the end. Do yourself a favor and stay away.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A "forensic mystery" this book is now a little dated, but if you can imagine the late 1990s, just before CSI: Crime Scene Investigation hit our small screens, you'd get a good feel for the timeframe in which this murder mystery thriller is set.

Our main man, Dr Phil, is a top orthopaedic surgeon and is framed for a hit and run which turns into a murder "with a malicious heart" (gotta love that old-fashioned legal language) charge. He has his two besties at his side - his local lawyer and his New York based forensic/criminal investigator -- helping him to get off. He's being framed, and he needs all the help he can get - his life is circling the drain and he's about to get flushed down the tubes.

There's quite a lot of forensic content in this novel, which was no doubt very avante-garde at the time of writing, but now is very accepted, even quaint -- DNA for instance.... a very new science when this novel was written, now everybody knows about DNA and crime scenes, and only the stoooopiest criminals would leave any behind if they knew how to avoid it.

We know there's a twist coming in the tail... not sure how we know, but I could feel it coming for several chapters. Sadly, there's only one sentence that lets us in on the twist at the very very very end... personally, I would have liked a little recap on the how's, why's and wherefore's of this twist... but that was not to be.

A good airport thriller, a little dated but got some good qualities. Enjoyed it for what it was.

[Tulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story by Alan Jacobson.

Start reminded me 1987 movie "Fatal Attraction." You'll think you know who did what, but last sentence will shock you. Feel like rereading the book again, maybe somewhere I'll found the answer. Keep asking myself "but why, what, how could that happened?" Couple things I didn't like: talking in front of children and giving them soda to drink.

[Ursula S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble with this book. I originally picked it up because it was set in Sacramento. I kept trying to keep reading it but my interest flagged more than a few times. Since I had to turn it in to the library, I jumped to the last section. This book may have been really interesting if I had been able to get past my distaste for the characters. The writing was also difficult to swim through.

[BxerMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. It is full of twists and turns and the ending left me with my mouth hanging open. It totally surprised me. Its the first book I've read of Alan Jacobson's and it won't be my last.

[Michele Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

" False Accusations " begins on December 1st presumably present time or at least present time at the time the book was published. During the story you will be taken back three months to when everything first started. Imagine if you will you are a brilliant surgeon, the top in your field, you have a beautiful wife and two boys; you do as much charity work as you can basically fit on your plate. Namely president of the board of an organization that helps the mentally disable and their families find their place in society, including your younger brother. Then a woman enters your life, she took over a position at the organization so you're forced to work with her getting ready for meetings and such. You slowly, to slowly, come to realize that she is slightly unstable and she has been setting you up for extortion and then revenge. Suddenly your being charged with two counts of murder, your wife thinks you've been having an affair and leaves you taking the kids, the hospital that you helped build revokes your privileges, doctors are referring their patients to other surgeons and if all that isn't bad enough you are facing a possible life sentence in prison. With the help of your lawyer, who is also your best friend, and a man, once a cop now a criminalist in New York, who you not only helped with surgery but also helped find his way will the murder be found and when it's all over will your life every be what it once was? This story helps you see what 'false accusations' can do to someone. How in a heartbeat someone's life can be destroyed possible beyond repair. How as a society we tend to jump to the conclusion of guilty even before all the facts are presented or a trial has be done. If you enjoy a book that is part thriller, part criminal investigation, trial process and everything in between then pick up a copy of Alan Jacobson's " False Accusations". I was first introduced to Alan through his Karen Veil series, which is a great series you should pick up " 7th Victim " the fist in the series while your at it.

[Chris Haughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was up and down. It's not that the story was bland or boring. However, the style of writing was. The characters were very basic, except for Mark Chandler. If Alan Jacobson ever decides to revisit one of his characters, it should be Mark Chandler. The ending made me shake my head and made me feel I wasted the time that I had invested in reading this book. At times, the story felt like it was being dragged out. These kinds of stories feel like the author ran out of ideas and didn't feel like the book had enough material. Over explaining terms and describing procedures. I don't know if I will read another Alan Jacobson book, but if I don't, then I will be ok with that. On to the next one.

[Kayla Mancera · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book you’d probably find at like a dollar general. It’s a bad lifetime movie on paper and it honestly wasn’t worth the read . The author gives us so much unnecessary detail in building descriptions and simple bodily tasks. He really stretched out the book just for the trial itself to be 60 plus pages. Characters are bland and not to interesting. And the ending is just shit. What’s the explanation for that? I finished the book just so I could write this review. 2/5

[Susan Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orthopedic surgeon Phillip Madison's life was totally shattered when the police wok him up one night and pointed out that his car, safely locked in his garage, had just killed 2 people in a hit and run. This was a new author for me and I am definitely going to be looking for more from him. This was excellent.

[Maxine Santilli]

Revenge isn't always sweet

Be careful of people dropping by your house unexpectedly complaining of stomach pains. I saw that from the beginning especially when she asked to use the phone. Fatal attraction without the sex, obsession with money through extortion, set up for murder this book has it all.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not so sure how to describe False Accusation. I understand that the story is a little outdated but the characters are so annoyingly too cliche and too naive, still. I hate the ending most, an obvious attempt at being a smart twist but god….it was so set up and predictable. Overall, this book is an almost enjoyable read.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did He or didn’t He

I enjoyed this book until the last paragraph. ‘Until she made me kill those two innocent people,”. What does that even mean? I didn’t understand the ending. That’s what I disliked.

[Gary Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I anticipated a surprise ending and got it but it wasn't who I thought it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have others by this author. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Colby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty standard stuff, redeemed only on the final page.

[Andrea Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not overly impressed & guessed the ending!

[Viv Allman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found it difficult to get in to, seemed very predictable. Didn't even finish.

[Marni Tagami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. It would be my worst nightmare: to be falsely accused of driving away from a hit and run murder of two people. And then to see that all the details coming out in the investigation definitely pointed to me as the perpetator. Horrors! This is exactly what happened to Dr. Philip Madison. He was set-up, and it took his lawyer and a private investigator to figure out how and why. All three were fast friends and these two were the only ones that Dr. Madison could call upon for help. The lawyer ran interference for Dr. Madison with the legal system while he remained a suspect, and the PI was doing all the background searching out of the real perp.

During the course of the investigation, Dr. Madison's career was virtually destroyed. He was a very successful surgeon and a major influence for his hopital to draw funds from outside resources to further the hospital's success. He was indefinitely suspended pending the final outcome of the homicide investigation. His family was nearly destroyed as his wife saw some of the evidence uncovered that convinced her that Madison had been unfaithful and left him. Through it all, he grew more and more desperate as he worked with his lawyer and PI to get to the bottom of the hit and run murders. Even his car betrayed him as it contained damaging evidence proving it was indeed the vehicle used.

Through it all is interwoven the presence of a vindictive female who had been working for Dr. Madison at a non-profit center for the disabled and disenfranchised of society like his own Down Syndrom brother. She was abrasive and cruel in comments to other people and disregarded polite boundaries completely which made her very detrimental to a place that relied on funding from outside sources to continue running. So he had to fire her.

To see the trail left of all the clever ways Dr. Madison had been set-up so convincingly is quite a trip. As it all unravels I could see how each detail of evidence in its true light, and not merely the obvious pointing the finger at the good doctor, made sense. I was struck by the sheer drive of vengeance put into effect by a very disturbed, dare I say it, psychotic mind. This was an "I can't put it down" book for me, and I really recommend it for readers who like a mystery with a psychological twist to it. I promise the end will get ya!

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book equivalent of one of those 90s thrillers where you don't recognise any of the actors.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A incredible mystery/ thriller, "False Accusations" from the very first page had me hooked. This taunt intense thriller was a solid read all the way to the last line in the book. Detective Bill Jennings is called out to a double hit-n-run late in the night. A witness gives the police an accurate description of the vehicle that committed the crime. Orthopedic surgeon Phil Madison gets a knock on his door from police shorty after. Sure enough, checking Dr. Madison's car in garage it has front end damage, and blood/ fibers on it's bumper. Phil is arrested for the double homicide. Dr. Madison is a highly respected surgeon and the community is shocked. Phil's lawyer goes into full press to get his client off. The evidence is so damning the key to acquittal is to find real driver, and prove Phil wasn't driving his car. Phil's life falls apart. His wife leaves, and hospital takes away his privileges. Phil calls on Ryan Chandler, a forensic scientist in New York City to come help his defense in Sacramento. Years prior, Phil saved Ryan's life. When it seems all is lost a much more probable suspect is accused. Phil must testify against Brittany Harding for the prosecution. Harding had several run ins with Phil that had gotten very nasty, and she vowed to get even. This read was so intense I just wanted to take my time enjoying reading it. The characters jump right off the pages. It reads like interacting with people you've come across everyday. The dialog set up several very tense scenes. All the way through the book I was rooting for Dr. Madison to get off. The story line wound itself into a very neat ball. But, then the book ended ! Why ? Because you must read this book ! What an ending ! I sat there looking at book for several minutes just stunned. I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who is into the mystery/ thriller genre. It packs a real punch. I'd have to say, please do not miss this book ! I really enjoyed travelling through it with Dr. Madison. 5 stars out of 5. Another great read from Alan Jacobson.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book as my free one when I bought my Nook from Barnes and Noble. I had read Spectrum by the same author on netgalley and loved that one as well.
I could not even imagine being accused of murdering two innocent people with my car in a hit and run. No alibi and all the proof stacked up against me. Losing my medical practice and my family and my reputation. Its good that Dr Madison had a great attorney and a good friend who works as an investigator. The good doctor had been accused of rape by Brittany Harding a woman who had worked for him at an association for people with mental retardation. I felt that this book was totally worth my time and loved this story.

[Frederick Bingham · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to this book on tape on a drive to Charleston. This is the story of Dr. Phillip Madison, a respected surgeon in Sacramento CA. He gets blackmailed by a good-looking administrative assistant. She accuses him of rape, and then tries to frame him for murder.The story is basically told twice, once and then again as part of a subsequent trial.A poorly crafted and forgettable story. Pure trash.

[ga dawg tm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually surprise endings are awesome.

The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was because the ending leaves you heart sick and nauseous. For some, that might be a reason to give it five stars. I wondered if the person charged with the crime was, in fact, guilty. After reading some of the author's other books, I expected the culprit to be someone that when the identity was revealed it would make sense in hindsight. This book is eye-opening!

[Nani · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book, a really good book. The characters were developed so well and the story was very good too. But my opinion of the book changed on the very last page. What had been a good book became a GREAT book! That last page sent a chill down my spine that I hadn’t experienced since I read 1984. I still get a spine tingle thinking about it!

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started out reading this one and wasn't sure what to think. I read 50 pages then put the book down for the night. I went to pick it up again this morning and just couldn't get into it. The story was a little boring and blah. This one just wasn't for me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last 3 words made the book for me. Brilliant!!!! Don't peak ahead though- it'll ruin the whole thing. A little slow to start, but definately worth persevering through!!! Really really really enjoyed this one!

[Miky · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love the book but the end is kind of confusing. According to the book at the end you said something about the detective founding a number at the bottom of the bottle that doesn't match the ones's with the store she was yelling at him before

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually give this a 3.5 because there was a little too much legal jargon that became boring after so much. However, the plot is good and there's a pretty good twist at the end. I will recommend to others who enjoy legal thrillers

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read two other books by AJac, the first
two in the Karen Vail series. Thought I
would try this one. This was just OK.
Nothing special at all. Kind of slow
in spots. And the ending was not cool.
Not at all.