Personal Injury: A Corrupt Conspiracy

by Scott Johni

One bridge. Two crashes. Neither was an accident.

Nick Justin is a personal injury lawyer—but he's about to get a crash course in criminal law. His world shatters when his wife, Andrea, is pulled from a wrecked SUV on Tampa Bay's Gandy Bridge—in broad daylight. Alcohol in her system. Fentanyl in her purse. The police are ready to close the case before she even reaches the hospital.

But the evidence doesn't match the woman Nick knows... and another recent crash on the same bridge raises even more suspicion.

He's built a career fighting for strangers—now he's fighting for his own family.

Tampa Bay's sunlit waterfront hides shadows long enough for secrets. Searching for answers drags Nick into the criminal undercurrent of St. Petersburg—corrupt officers, violent gangs, cartel ties, and people who know far more than they're willing to say. The deeper he digs, the harder it becomes to know who's helping him... and who's setting him up. Every truth he uncovers threatens his family.

To protect Andrea, Nick must step outside the courtroom and into a world where justice is rigged, loyalties are lethal, and the truth isn't just dangerous—it's controlled. The conspiracy doesn't fear the truth—it controls it.

Personal A Corrupt Conspiracy launches the Nick Justin Chronicles, a gritty blend of legal authenticity, crime suspense, and Florida noir intensity.

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Don Winslow, Steve Cavanagh, John Grisham, and readers who crave fast-paced thrillers built on real-world tension and razor-sharp twists.

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

About the author

Scott Johni is a seasoned trial attorney and legal thriller author who turns real courtroom battles into edge-of-your-seat fiction. With over three decades in the trenches of the American justice system, Johni writes from experience—where one bad ruling, one buried piece of evidence, or one corrupt player can change everything.

His debut series, The Nick Justin Chronicles, blends explosive courtroom drama with dark criminal intrigue, set in the sun-drenched shadows of Tampa–St. Petersburg, Florida. At the center is Nick Justin—a tough, principled attorney navigating a justice system rife with power plays, coverups, and betrayal.

Johni’s thrillers combine the authenticity of Grisham, the grit of Connelly, and the moral complexity of Lehane—perfect for readers who crave suspense layered with conspiracy, family tension, and moral gray zones.

When he’s not writing or trying cases, Scott cycles, plays golf, and trains alongside his two basset hounds—who always seem to know when it’s time to write.

📚 Follow Scott here on Goodreads to stay updated on future releases, exclusive insights, and the next chapter in the Nick Justin Chronicles.

Reviews

[Dawn Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads for an honest review-
What a book! A tension packed thriller! Nicks wife is in the hospital after an accident on the bridge. They say she had been drinking and they found drugs…. But this isn’t the woman he is married to.
As he searches for answer he discover gangs, drugs, crooked officers making investigating more difficult- who do you trust?

[Shannon Peelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, really good book. I couldn't stop reading it.

[Yetsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Goodreads giveaway winner*
It took a bit for me to get the flow of POV because it was several. The story was slow at the beginning but about 60% in the story really took off and it all came together quite nicely!!! I enjoyed it!

[Emily M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Justin's wife is in critical condition after a serious accident where the police have discovered fentanyl and a bottle of bourbon in her car, which doesn't match up with the person that he married. Using his skills as an attorney, he digs deeper into this accident to find striking similarities between inconsistencies with other accidents. How far will he go to find the truth while also protecting his family?

Let me start out by saying, I absolutely loved this book. There were multiple points where I thought I knew how a situation would end, but was quickly proven wrong. This book ended with the perfect mix of hope, answered questions, and the perfect setting for a sequel.

I do have 2 main points of constructive criticism for the author. Firstly, I found the dialogue to be very unnatural. There were several scenes in the book where I thought to myself, I would never speak this way in this setting, which took me out of the book a bit. Secondly, I think the scenes involving physical fights were a little too overdescribed to a point where I felt like I could just skip over sections and not missing anything, because it was several paragraphs just describing a physical fight.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the sequel!

Thank you so much Scott Johni for the eARC via BookSirens for my honest review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - there was lots of action and it had a fast pace that kept me turning the pages. I kind of guessed who Enigma was, but the twist was still clever and satisfying. The range of characters was interesting. This is the first book I’ve read by Scott Johni, and I’m looking forward to reading more from him!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a John Grisham read. Both authors writing from pulling experience and some truth mixed in fiction to create a good read. This is part of a series. Can't wait to read more, see where this series goes, how it developed. Interesting Characters. An ARC from Book Siren. Thanks!

[Tela Puente · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the Author Scott Johni and his publisher for my copy of Personal Injury A Corrupt Conspiracy Nick Justin Chronicles Book 1.

Plot:
This novel is a fictional suspense story that follows attorney Nick Justin, who investigates a seemingly accidental car crash involving his wife and uncovers a deep conspiracy involving corrupt police, street gangs, and drug cartels.

This book themes covers:
Corruption in the SPPD and the AGU as well as the flaws, leaks in the Military Air Force, the street gangs, and the drug cartel.
Betrayal by the ones closest to you.
How far one will go for justice when the legal system is compromised.
The undying love Nick Justin has for his wife and daughter to not only protect them but to prove his wifes innocence.

I love this book because it kept me intrigued and trying to help solve the case with Nick the further along I read. Each time Enigma spoke to the police and the gang it was like I knew the person behind the alias but couldn't truly put my finger on who it truly was until the end. I really loved the fact that Nick did whatever it took to secure his family and bring the truth out in the open, but his relentless desire to get to the bottom of his wifes accident and clear her name while trying to be a father and protect their child; shows not only courage and love, protection, and forcing the truth to finally be free and out in the open so true justice and consequences can be taken. I am hoping a second one comes out because I would definitely keep up with this series .

[ahava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads for this free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved reading Personal Injury. It was fast paced, keeping you on your toes, dragging you along as you read. Even though I figured out one of the main characters causing issues, it was still a surprise how everything was laid out. I highly enjoyed the book because I used to live in the Tampa Bay Area so it was cool to read a book that took place there. However, it isn’t cool learning about what took place at the Gandy Bridge. I didn’t know (a lesser of that) was even taking place.

Can’t wait to read something else from this author, especially if it mentions the Tampa area again.

[Kellie Schull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won from Goodreads giveaway. Took me a bit to start reading it but once I did, it kept my attention. No spoilers but did have thoughts that led to the “twist” at the end about midway through the book. I think it was overall well written and had good details. Some areas seemed a little bit drawn out or too much detail but not enough to be off putting. Concept was (sadly) relevant and seemed plausible. Overall a good read! Thanks, Goodreads Giveaways!

[Author Mike Froom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished this book yet. But what I have read rocked me to my soul. The first part of this book was so beautifully written. The descriptions are so detailed and accurate that it felt like I was there with the character. I had to put the book down so I could regain control over my own emotions. Just from what I have read so far I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel a visceral reaction.
From what I've read this author is an artist. And this book is as close to a masterpiece as you will find.

update:

Wow. Just...wow. That was intense! (like camping) You have got to read this. Conspiracies are a new obsession. This book had me *le gasp*ing. The clues, the corruption, the deception! The fear that you trust a character just for them to punch you in the back of the head. It makes you feel. Stacks a little more paranoia on top of what is already there. You know what I mean. A cop pulls up behind you. You are following every law but your asshole puckers anyway. Quick glances in your rearview, sweating, waiting for those lights to flash. Then all of a sudden they turn off the road and you release your breath. That feeling will keep you at the edge of your seat, uncomfortable but you will continue to read because you just need to know.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

This book was a great suspense\thriller story. There were parts of this that reminded me of what we are going through right now in the United States with WOKE and corrupt law officials.
This book has a lawyer, Nick Justin, who has to face this corrupt government when his wife, Andrea, is involved in an “accident” that makes Nick face what is really going on in there city. There are many law enforcement officers, Air Force officers and gang members involved in this story! So much action in this book that I had a hard time putting it down once I was able to start reading it!
I highly recommend reading this book!
I was given this book by Goodreads and the review I gave was entirely my own and was not influenced by the Author, or Goodreads.

[Barbara A Birdsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartstopping!

This is a heart racing thriller. I couldn't put this one down while I raced through it to find the justice at the end. This is my first Scott Johni novel but I will be looking for more!!!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, action-packed thriller. I look forward to the next Nick Justin adventure. This is the first book in the Nick Justin Chronicles.

Thank you to the author and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Talk about conspiracy theories! I don't want to accidentally give anything away because the full story is something Ai never could have guessed! I originally gave "Personal Injury" 4⭐️ but I'm still thinking about it days later. Because of this, I'm raising it to 5⭐️.

I won this book from Goodreads. I thank both Goodreads and the author, Scott Johni, for the opportunity to read this great book!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author

I'm so glad I started reading my books on Kindle. I have discovered so many new and fantastic authors. Scott Johni is one of those authors.

[Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has strong Florida-noir vibes, sharp twists, and nonstop tension. If you like thrillers where nothing is what it seems, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Sherry A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Johni writes an immersive crime story that will completely capture you. I highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of great crime stories. My morning coffee was much more interesting with it. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for gifting me this book.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is one of those books you don't want to put down. It grabbed me from page one and held on until the end.

[Mama Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me and entertained me. I learned ao much

[Vickie Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. I had a tough time getting into it for the first two chapters or so but after that it was a book I was unable to put down. The characters were relatable and likeable and as a whole the book was engaging.

[Deena Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Fast easy read and kept me wanting to read the next chapter and then the next. Recommend giving it a try

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of action and fast paced. I binged listened to this in less than a day.

[Mandy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Justin, a civil attorney, gets dragged into police corruption, drug dealers, and dangerous gangs in this fast-paced crime thriller. Nick's wife is targeted while driving on Gandy Bridge. Her car flips out of control, and she is left in a coma. Nick has to figure out who is involved, how deep the corruption runs, and how to save his family.

I enjoyed Johni's descriptive writing. The sounds and smells made the story come alive for me. The bone crunching fight scenes also draw you in, and you can hear every punch and kick. Nick Justin is a likable character with good morals who loves his family and will do anything to protect them.

Overall, it was a great read! If you are looking for a fast-paced book that reads like a TV show crime drama... THIS IS IT!!! I will definitely read more Nick Justin books!

[Janae’ Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book with Goodreads giveaway. This was my first time ever winning, and I didn’t regret reading this book! It was very good. Although I did figure out who the culprit behind everything was early on, it was still a great read to figure out how everything aligned and began. It was very descriptive and realistic. I would definitely recommend!

[gary kleinman · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like a book with lots of fighting and killing this book is for you However most of the fighting and killing is done by a personal injury lawyer. The plot is not plausible and I had to give it 2.5 stars

[jamie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I was hooked from the beginning! I’d say to all a must read! I loved the story line the suspense and the wanting to read further!

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Mystery

The characters were different and interesting. There was alot of twists and turns. So much good information about evil. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Jolyn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry, in a good way. The corruption in law enforcement and the way evidence was planted against Andrea made me grind my teeth. It’s fiction, but it doesn’t feel far from the truth. We all know stories where people with power bend the rules and ruin lives.

But then you have Nick, flawed but relentless. He’s the kind of lawyer we wish was real, someone who fights back when the system is stacked. That balance of despair and hope is what made me finish the book in one sitting.

[Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters felt so real that I almost forgot I was reading fiction. Addison’s fear for her husband, Nick’s unshakable determination, even the corrupt cops—all of them were vivid and believable. This is storytelling with teeth.