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Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #5
Defending Turquoise
Join Thaddeus Murfee in his new career in Flagstaff, where he is called on to defend the wife of the District Attorney. She has shot her husband to death and admitted it—but what about the mysterious bite marks in all the wrong places?
Watch as sixteen-year-old Turquoise Begay comes on the scene, the beautiful, abandoned Navajo girl living reservation style—with all the wrong people.
An adventure into the real world of criminal law, setting a new standard for legal thrillers, DEFENDING TURQUOISE is the riveting story of one lawyer’s attempt to redeem himself, one wife’s attempt to free herself, and one young girl’s hope of a new life after years of unspeakable abuse.
"If you like Reacher, the Lincoln Lawyer, Jake Brigance and Paul Madriani, you will love this Thaddeus Murfee crime thriller!” — Five-Star Review
“Already John Ellsworth’s name is mentioned with Lee Child, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, and Steve Martini when critics talk about legal/crime fiction.” --Five-Star Review
"Every bit as good as Grisham! Superb characterization, suspense, drama.” - Five-Star Review
Watch as sixteen-year-old Turquoise Begay comes on the scene, the beautiful, abandoned Navajo girl living reservation style—with all the wrong people.
An adventure into the real world of criminal law, setting a new standard for legal thrillers, DEFENDING TURQUOISE is the riveting story of one lawyer’s attempt to redeem himself, one wife’s attempt to free herself, and one young girl’s hope of a new life after years of unspeakable abuse.
"If you like Reacher, the Lincoln Lawyer, Jake Brigance and Paul Madriani, you will love this Thaddeus Murfee crime thriller!” — Five-Star Review
“Already John Ellsworth’s name is mentioned with Lee Child, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, and Steve Martini when critics talk about legal/crime fiction.” --Five-Star Review
"Every bit as good as Grisham! Superb characterization, suspense, drama.” - Five-Star Review
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
2754 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
141 books515 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 21, 2014
Book number five in the Thaddeus Murphee series, and another excellent, quick read. This one was, in my opinion, the best one so far. I certainly hope that Ellsworth plans to continue Thad's story, and especially appreciated the subject of this one -- abuse on Native American reservations and the all-too-often hopelessness it creates. This book also had a few typos, but the proof-reading continues to improve and the storyline has really gone deeper and gotten better with each successive book. This particular book allowed us to see more of the characters of his wife and grandfather-in-law, and furthered the relationships from the first four books. I love the settings, the characters, the court room descriptions... And it's wonderful, to me, that Ellsworth writes fast. I'm hoping for another book in the next couple of months!
December 28, 2018
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!
Wow! I'm glad I read this book for free! Probably, the worst of Mr. Ellsworth's efforts. The last 3 haven't been very good. I know he pays to publish, but he should invest in a good Editor. The repeating, and repeating. T. Mcfee is a most dishonorable character. He lectures judges on the law, while, all the time, planning to put on a case of perjury. The man knows nothing of ethics! He is a most angry man, who blames everyone around him, for his shortcomings, but all the while winning. He doesn't care about justice. If you want to read a Law Thriller, a case you can "sink your teeth into", try John Grisham!
Wow! I'm glad I read this book for free! Probably, the worst of Mr. Ellsworth's efforts. The last 3 haven't been very good. I know he pays to publish, but he should invest in a good Editor. The repeating, and repeating. T. Mcfee is a most dishonorable character. He lectures judges on the law, while, all the time, planning to put on a case of perjury. The man knows nothing of ethics! He is a most angry man, who blames everyone around him, for his shortcomings, but all the while winning. He doesn't care about justice. If you want to read a Law Thriller, a case you can "sink your teeth into", try John Grisham!
November 12, 2020
extremely addictive series!
once again, excellent! Each book is better than the previous. Thaddeus is a lawyer who definitely has a very interesting, suspenseful life. as he attempts to defend a 16-year-old, on murder charges, he comes across an astonishing twist!
once again, excellent! Each book is better than the previous. Thaddeus is a lawyer who definitely has a very interesting, suspenseful life. as he attempts to defend a 16-year-old, on murder charges, he comes across an astonishing twist!
June 17, 2022
DNF at 55%.
This one just isn't for me. There are lots of good reviews for it, but after 3 months I just can't read any more.
This one just isn't for me. There are lots of good reviews for it, but after 3 months I just can't read any more.
August 29, 2016
Feet of clay
Much transpired between the last book and this one event wise. Timewise, Thad is still less than thirty. He is now a recovering alcoholic, separated from Katy, living in Flagstaff and on the receiving end of scorn from a pious judge who sat on his DUI charge. When he's caught in a lie to that same judge, his license to practice is suspended for a year and he takes off to N.D. to drive a truck. When he returns to Flagstaff, Katy and Sarai join him while Katy does an internship at IHS.
Thad begins to reestablish himself and his practice when he's called in on two criminal cases. One is second chair to a prominent attorney who is defending the wife of the district attorney, accused of murdering her husband. The second is Katy's distant cousin, Turquoise Begay, a fifteen year old charged as an adult in the murder of her uncle, who she claims began raping her on her tenth birthday.
This is my least favorite book in the series thus far. Not because the skill of the author has lessened but because of the subject matter. In spite of that, I'm moving onward in the series to the next book.
Much transpired between the last book and this one event wise. Timewise, Thad is still less than thirty. He is now a recovering alcoholic, separated from Katy, living in Flagstaff and on the receiving end of scorn from a pious judge who sat on his DUI charge. When he's caught in a lie to that same judge, his license to practice is suspended for a year and he takes off to N.D. to drive a truck. When he returns to Flagstaff, Katy and Sarai join him while Katy does an internship at IHS.
Thad begins to reestablish himself and his practice when he's called in on two criminal cases. One is second chair to a prominent attorney who is defending the wife of the district attorney, accused of murdering her husband. The second is Katy's distant cousin, Turquoise Begay, a fifteen year old charged as an adult in the murder of her uncle, who she claims began raping her on her tenth birthday.
This is my least favorite book in the series thus far. Not because the skill of the author has lessened but because of the subject matter. In spite of that, I'm moving onward in the series to the next book.
July 17, 2016
entertaining but somewhat predictable
April 1, 2018
My initial impression from this book, after reading the foreword, is that it reminded me of the movie Wind River, which explores the absolute disregard for crimes within Indian reservations, and how they are often simply overlooked. That is what I found intriguing about the book as well, before actually diving into it.
Let me be honest, I had a difficult time coming back to this book every day. Mainly because of the unrealistic aspect of how the dialogue is written. It comes off as a bit amateur-ish. For example, people don't really say 'LMAO' out loud when they're talking, considering that it is usually used as an abbreviation for the act of finding something extremely funny and laughing about it. But they don't say it. Granted, there was only one instance of this, but it was in the beginning, ending up putting a damper on the rest of the book for me.
As far as the actual content, it was interesting enough for me to overlook the dialogue issue. I enjoyed how Thaddeus's two separate cases were intertwined, although I found it a little odd that we don't actually find out for certain what happened to the actual shooter in Turquoise's case. But I suppose, in the long run, that's not what was important in her case. The suffering she had to put up with for six years was heart-wrenching to read about, and I found it satisfying that her uncle got what was coming to him. The whole book delves right into the effects of sexual abuse, on the victim and the attacker, and is pretty disturbing to read. But there is definitely a sense of gratification upon finishing the story, knowing that everything worked out as it should.
Let me be honest, I had a difficult time coming back to this book every day. Mainly because of the unrealistic aspect of how the dialogue is written. It comes off as a bit amateur-ish. For example, people don't really say 'LMAO' out loud when they're talking, considering that it is usually used as an abbreviation for the act of finding something extremely funny and laughing about it. But they don't say it. Granted, there was only one instance of this, but it was in the beginning, ending up putting a damper on the rest of the book for me.
As far as the actual content, it was interesting enough for me to overlook the dialogue issue. I enjoyed how Thaddeus's two separate cases were intertwined, although I found it a little odd that we don't actually find out for certain what happened to the actual shooter in Turquoise's case. But I suppose, in the long run, that's not what was important in her case. The suffering she had to put up with for six years was heart-wrenching to read about, and I found it satisfying that her uncle got what was coming to him. The whole book delves right into the effects of sexual abuse, on the victim and the attacker, and is pretty disturbing to read. But there is definitely a sense of gratification upon finishing the story, knowing that everything worked out as it should.
June 27, 2019
I was really glad that this book ended up being a stand alone. I had gotten it for free off of bookbub.com several years ago. After reading several other free books from the site, I was really dragging my feet on picking up this book but was glad I did after all. While the book wasn't a complete sitting on the edge of your seat thriller, it was still a good book. I found that there was enough going on with the plot, that was moving at an appropriate pace that it held my attention pretty well. The only reason that I gave this book three stars instead of four was that I felt there were places where the author could have really worked harder to turn moments into those *gasp... mind blown* type of moments. For example:
(SPOILER ALERT AHEAD), when we found out that the judge was having an affair with the DA's wife, it was stated pretty matter of factly, in a routine conversation not once but TWICE. Once between the judge himself and the defense lawyer of the DA's wife. And then once again between the wife and the defense lawyer. (END OF SPOILER)
In my opinion the author could have really taken this "plot twist" and made it much more suspenseful and mind blowing. There were several other points in the book that I felt more time could have been taken in making them exciting but that was the biggest one. It was a missed opportunity in my opinion. All in all the book was a good casual read. It didn't take over my life because I was unable to put it down, but I also didn't have to force myself to read it. If I ever make it through my TBR pile, I will probably come back and read some of the other books from John Ellsworth.
(SPOILER ALERT AHEAD), when we found out that the judge was having an affair with the DA's wife, it was stated pretty matter of factly, in a routine conversation not once but TWICE. Once between the judge himself and the defense lawyer of the DA's wife. And then once again between the wife and the defense lawyer. (END OF SPOILER)
In my opinion the author could have really taken this "plot twist" and made it much more suspenseful and mind blowing. There were several other points in the book that I felt more time could have been taken in making them exciting but that was the biggest one. It was a missed opportunity in my opinion. All in all the book was a good casual read. It didn't take over my life because I was unable to put it down, but I also didn't have to force myself to read it. If I ever make it through my TBR pile, I will probably come back and read some of the other books from John Ellsworth.
December 8, 2018
Another Great Book in the Series!
Defending Turquoise involved two separate trials, both murder charges. One defendant is a middle aged woman, the other is a young girl tried as an adult. Both cases are gripping. Both defendants have Thaddeus as their defense attorney. The main difference is one can pay handsomely for their own defense while the other received Thaddeus as a court-appointed attorney. Either way, Thad Murfee gives the best defense possible.
Young Turquoise Begay lives on the Navajo reservation, a great-great-granddaughter of Henry. Trying to climb out of her life of poverty, she takes small animal vet classes. Thaddeus meets a girl of just sixteen years old in the adult prison, where she is being held until being tried as an adult for murder.
Usually I like the characters, old and new, in this series. I despise Wrasslin Roslin. She is a nasty, sour character. But I am sure that is the desired affect.
The outcome of these two cases left me feeling like justice is not always served. Sometimes it is for sale. Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you.
Defending Turquoise involved two separate trials, both murder charges. One defendant is a middle aged woman, the other is a young girl tried as an adult. Both cases are gripping. Both defendants have Thaddeus as their defense attorney. The main difference is one can pay handsomely for their own defense while the other received Thaddeus as a court-appointed attorney. Either way, Thad Murfee gives the best defense possible.
Young Turquoise Begay lives on the Navajo reservation, a great-great-granddaughter of Henry. Trying to climb out of her life of poverty, she takes small animal vet classes. Thaddeus meets a girl of just sixteen years old in the adult prison, where she is being held until being tried as an adult for murder.
Usually I like the characters, old and new, in this series. I despise Wrasslin Roslin. She is a nasty, sour character. But I am sure that is the desired affect.
The outcome of these two cases left me feeling like justice is not always served. Sometimes it is for sale. Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you.
June 4, 2017
"An Intense Legal Thriller"
In Flagstaff, Arizona, Thaddeus, a criminal law attorney, has a new task of defending the wife of the District Attorney. She has admitted to shooting him, but was it a case of self defense? At the same time, a 16-year old Navajo girl has been abandoned and, after years of abuse, seeks a new life. She's a prime suspect in the killing of her uncle after years of sexual abuse. There's a lot of intrigue here in this finely honed novel. It's very compelling, has deep tensions, a very engaging story line, and a surprising twist at the end. A riveting story you'll not want to put down. I especially enjoyed the courtroom drama which Thaddeus faces. Highly recommend.
In Flagstaff, Arizona, Thaddeus, a criminal law attorney, has a new task of defending the wife of the District Attorney. She has admitted to shooting him, but was it a case of self defense? At the same time, a 16-year old Navajo girl has been abandoned and, after years of abuse, seeks a new life. She's a prime suspect in the killing of her uncle after years of sexual abuse. There's a lot of intrigue here in this finely honed novel. It's very compelling, has deep tensions, a very engaging story line, and a surprising twist at the end. A riveting story you'll not want to put down. I especially enjoyed the courtroom drama which Thaddeus faces. Highly recommend.
August 11, 2024
this series is incredible, loved every book so far, highly recommend
I knew it, I guess who the perp was from the moment Randy was murder. I just couldn’t figure out their intentions regarding Turquoise. What if Turquoise was found guilty? Why put Turquoise through that? I did enjoy Angelina, she was a character, character. She played her role. I do have to say, it was a lot of incest introduced in this book. So, if this trigger you, please be aware. I just love me some Thaddeus Murfee. He’s a brilliant lawyer and I like his style, his humor and how fearless he is. He always up to the challenge. Author, this is a remarkable series, great writing, little errors, very detailed. I love your chose of storylines. I’m a stickler for accuracy especially ages. It always seems that Thaddeus and Sarai age is not mathing.
I knew it, I guess who the perp was from the moment Randy was murder. I just couldn’t figure out their intentions regarding Turquoise. What if Turquoise was found guilty? Why put Turquoise through that? I did enjoy Angelina, she was a character, character. She played her role. I do have to say, it was a lot of incest introduced in this book. So, if this trigger you, please be aware. I just love me some Thaddeus Murfee. He’s a brilliant lawyer and I like his style, his humor and how fearless he is. He always up to the challenge. Author, this is a remarkable series, great writing, little errors, very detailed. I love your chose of storylines. I’m a stickler for accuracy especially ages. It always seems that Thaddeus and Sarai age is not mathing.
November 1, 2017
I have read most of John Ellsworth 's books and I continue to post 3 or 4 stars. His plots are intriguing in the legal genre. I totally like the fact that he represents guilty clients, some of the time. He produces stories that are original and very different. He is a great story teller. His series books do not follow from the last page of the last book to the first page of the next book. Which is good. Stuff happens in between, and the reader is filled in. I continue to follow this author because I think he is really good.
So, John Ellsworth if you might read this, here are my suggestions to make your books a solid 5 star rating: there are minor editing errors; check for misspelled words; and most importantly.......you kill off major characters, without much drama!!
So, John Ellsworth if you might read this, here are my suggestions to make your books a solid 5 star rating: there are minor editing errors; check for misspelled words; and most importantly.......you kill off major characters, without much drama!!
April 9, 2018
While I do enjoy Ellsworth's books, it's necessary to suspend logic, facts, and common sense so many times. A glaring example in this book - Why didn't Turquoise ever tell Thad she had called both Angelina and Katy on the day of murder?? To be on trail for your life and never mention this tidbit? Really? I could list so many examples in this and his other books! I get frustrated by this but I keep reading them because I love a legal thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2018
This latest book in the Murfee series is one of the best. The story takes place in Arizona ( Flagstaff) and is very detailed about life on Indian Reservations. The story line is very timely ( The Me Too Movement) and shows how in different parts of America the past us still the present . The author really pays attention to details. The author really makes you understand that Judges are Human Beings and have flaws like every one else. The Ending was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2019
The Defense Rests
I really like the give and take of these cases. But I have to admit, I find myself scratching my head, often, when reading these stories. So much of what transpire seems unrealistic. Perhaps that’s the point. In pursuit of justice a lot happens. It’s up to the attorneys to prove whether in fact justice is what they say it is. Is the law bent, stretched, or even broken to prove a point? I don’t know. I’m not an attorney. But Ellsworth makes for a great read.
I really like the give and take of these cases. But I have to admit, I find myself scratching my head, often, when reading these stories. So much of what transpire seems unrealistic. Perhaps that’s the point. In pursuit of justice a lot happens. It’s up to the attorneys to prove whether in fact justice is what they say it is. Is the law bent, stretched, or even broken to prove a point? I don’t know. I’m not an attorney. But Ellsworth makes for a great read.
January 11, 2020
Another great story by John Ellsworth. The thing that bothers me about some of his lawyer stories is he doesn’t have an investigator and He doesn’t get Thaddeus to go over everything that happened from the defendant’s point of view. Turquoise made two phone calls that Thaddeus knows nothing about? Comes out at trial? Regardless this story is quite the head spinner, I can’t get over how Ellsworth puts this together. Loved It! 5
February 23, 2019
A delightful two for one
Plenty of twists that come in surprises from two different trials. One with a judge that wouldn't mind seeing his head literally roll off his shoulders. The other with a judge that's as pleased as punch to have him in his court. Hang on to your teeth as this drama leaves you shaking your head in disbelief
Plenty of twists that come in surprises from two different trials. One with a judge that wouldn't mind seeing his head literally roll off his shoulders. The other with a judge that's as pleased as punch to have him in his court. Hang on to your teeth as this drama leaves you shaking your head in disbelief
July 28, 2019
Compelling Legal Thriller
Two cases of murder- two women stand accused. Was one really self defense? Was one cold blooded murder. Thad has to defend a woman accused of killing her predatory husband. He also has to defend a young Navaho girl accused of killing her sexual abuser.
A legal thriller at its best introducing Turquise into the Murfee family.
Two cases of murder- two women stand accused. Was one really self defense? Was one cold blooded murder. Thad has to defend a woman accused of killing her predatory husband. He also has to defend a young Navaho girl accused of killing her sexual abuser.
A legal thriller at its best introducing Turquise into the Murfee family.
September 1, 2019
This another great book.
Coming into this series of stories late,I'm playing catchup.Wow ,those books I've read so far are really great.This one has you on edge from the beginning and you never know how it will end.Leave you with a lot of who did it at the end.This is the lawyer you want if you need one.Desevers more than 5 stars.
Coming into this series of stories late,I'm playing catchup.Wow ,those books I've read so far are really great.This one has you on edge from the beginning and you never know how it will end.Leave you with a lot of who did it at the end.This is the lawyer you want if you need one.Desevers more than 5 stars.
March 18, 2020
Author is right up there with Grisham
So far every book in this series I can't put down and after finishing I hurriedly start the next one. Interesting characters, good plots with twists and turns you don't see coming. Glad I found this author as I'll stay highly entertained while waiting for the corona virus to wind down.
So far every book in this series I can't put down and after finishing I hurriedly start the next one. Interesting characters, good plots with twists and turns you don't see coming. Glad I found this author as I'll stay highly entertained while waiting for the corona virus to wind down.
July 23, 2021
Ellsworth’s Thaddeus Murfee stories are always a Good Read.
Full of twists and turns. No character, is blemish-less, all are just human beings.
Here we have two stories, one of an adolescent Indian girl, and another A clever
Wealthy White woman. Both accused of murder, and how differently the society And
the legal system Views and handles their cases.
Excellent ‘time pass’ .
Full of twists and turns. No character, is blemish-less, all are just human beings.
Here we have two stories, one of an adolescent Indian girl, and another A clever
Wealthy White woman. Both accused of murder, and how differently the society And
the legal system Views and handles their cases.
Excellent ‘time pass’ .
June 30, 2017
Defending turquoise
Love courtroom drama love the story except for language it's unreal how some people have to live that way I know this was fiction but I know real life is like that for a lot of people
Love courtroom drama love the story except for language it's unreal how some people have to live that way I know this was fiction but I know real life is like that for a lot of people
April 18, 2018
Truly a great story with many unexpected twists along the way.
Since I lost the description I labored over, I'm not going to repeat the effort. Just know that it's not what the reader will expect!
Since I lost the description I labored over, I'm not going to repeat the effort. Just know that it's not what the reader will expect!
December 8, 2018
Thaddeus Murfee is Coming Back
All of Ellsworth's novels in this series have been 5 star plus! The main characterrafters Thaddeus defends are interesting and multidimensional. In this book the irony at the end of Turquoise BeGays"s trial will have you cheering.
All of Ellsworth's novels in this series have been 5 star plus! The main characterrafters Thaddeus defends are interesting and multidimensional. In this book the irony at the end of Turquoise BeGays"s trial will have you cheering.
December 9, 2018
So much better
Defending Turquoise is a sad case. Written so well that it convinced me about life on the reservation. For all I know it is the truth. It also has a surprise spin on another case. Hopefully we will get more information as to the ending of this book.
Defending Turquoise is a sad case. Written so well that it convinced me about life on the reservation. For all I know it is the truth. It also has a surprise spin on another case. Hopefully we will get more information as to the ending of this book.
February 3, 2019
Legal Thriller: Defending Turquoise
I wish I could give 10 stars. This book made me feel as if I were watching a movie. Everything about it was fascinating. I could not put this book down!
I wish I could give 10 stars. This book made me feel as if I were watching a movie. Everything about it was fascinating. I could not put this book down!
April 23, 2019
Lucky or Good?
This is either the luckiest lawyer around, or is very smart. I just can't decide. Some boring parts but overall, not bad. I'll probably read the next one in the series.
This is either the luckiest lawyer around, or is very smart. I just can't decide. Some boring parts but overall, not bad. I'll probably read the next one in the series.
December 9, 2019
Good. Book
This is a very well written book. It actually has three different stories inside it. One about a murder by an adult, another about a young girl charged with a murder and one about Thaddeus finding himself.
This is a very well written book. It actually has three different stories inside it. One about a murder by an adult, another about a young girl charged with a murder and one about Thaddeus finding himself.
February 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this legal thriller, especially the realistic and heated courtroom scenes. The strained relationship between the protagonist and one of the judges was captivating. I found this a riveting read!
November 17, 2020
What a book!
You actually get two stories in one book and they’re both excellent. Just like the other books by John Ellsworth that I’ve read, I highly recommend this book. I read it in one day so be prepared.
You actually get two stories in one book and they’re both excellent. Just like the other books by John Ellsworth that I’ve read, I highly recommend this book. I read it in one day so be prepared.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews