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Joe Dillard #1
An Innocent Client
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
A preacher is found brutally murdered in a Tennessee motel room. A beautiful, mysterious young girl is accused. In this Mystery Readers International finalist for "Best Debut Mystery" criminal defense lawyer Joe Dillard has become jaded over the years as he's tried to balance his career against his conscience.
Savvy but cynical, Dillard wants to quit doing criminal defense, but he can't resist the chance to represent someone who might actually be innocent. His drug-addicted sister has just been released from prison and his mother is succumbing to Alzheimer's, but Dillard's commitment to the case never wavers despite the personal troubles and professional demands that threaten to destroy him. Smart and sophisticated, with a plot twist that will leave you shaking your head in wonder, An Innocent Client - the first in the acclaimed Joe Dillard series - will also leave you wanting more.
A preacher is found brutally murdered in a Tennessee motel room. A beautiful, mysterious young girl is accused. In this Mystery Readers International finalist for "Best Debut Mystery" criminal defense lawyer Joe Dillard has become jaded over the years as he's tried to balance his career against his conscience.
Savvy but cynical, Dillard wants to quit doing criminal defense, but he can't resist the chance to represent someone who might actually be innocent. His drug-addicted sister has just been released from prison and his mother is succumbing to Alzheimer's, but Dillard's commitment to the case never wavers despite the personal troubles and professional demands that threaten to destroy him. Smart and sophisticated, with a plot twist that will leave you shaking your head in wonder, An Innocent Client - the first in the acclaimed Joe Dillard series - will also leave you wanting more.
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First published November 4, 2008
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About the author
Scott Pratt
59 books1,566 followersScott Pratt is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Bestselling Author whose books have sold more than five million copies. He was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee until his tragic, untimely passing in November of 2018.
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,286 reviews
July 8, 2023
“An innocent client” es un “legal thriller” sin demasiadas pretensiones, el primero en la serie dedicada a Joe Dillard, abogado defensor en el estado de Tennessee. No tiene el peso específico de las grandes novelas de Grisham ó Isles, a las que hay que prestar mayor atención en los detalles. Es, por tanto, una lectura más ligera, que se lee con interés, pero que no deja ninguna huella una vez finalizada. Ideal para colocar entre lecturas más consistentes, pues no se hace larga ni pesada.
Supongo que continuaré con alguna de sus novelas posteriores, ya que las críticas parecen cada vez más entusiastas hacia este autor. Además, Amazon las tiene en formato digital a un precio muy asequible. Sólo espero que en las próximas la trama sea un poco más elaborada, ya que en esta creo que lo que falla es la simpleza de la misma.
Pues han pasado unos cuantos años, y no he vuelto a leer nada ni de Dillard ni del autor. 🙄
Supongo que continuaré con alguna de sus novelas posteriores, ya que las críticas parecen cada vez más entusiastas hacia este autor. Además, Amazon las tiene en formato digital a un precio muy asequible. Sólo espero que en las próximas la trama sea un poco más elaborada, ya que en esta creo que lo que falla es la simpleza de la misma.
Pues han pasado unos cuantos años, y no he vuelto a leer nada ni de Dillard ni del autor. 🙄
April 21, 2015
As I've said in other reviews, I'm always looking for a good mystery/thriller series - one in which the stories are good enough that I'm happy to read them any time, but mostly to fill in gaps between other books - when I need something dependably enjoyable and easy to read. As luck would have it, I've found two winners in that department over the last couple of weeks - this one included.
I keep a running list of free and low-cost books I've downloaded as a result of membership in services like BookBub that specialize in that kind of thing; I cross them off as I read them and try not to get too far behind. This one, though, managed to slip through the cracks; I got it free back in 2013 and it's been stuck in the middle of my list ever since. When I noticed it's a legal thriller, it got my attention; when I learned it's the first in a series featuring criminal defense attorney Joe Dillard, I couldn't wait to get started.
I finished it in short order, picking it up every chance I got just because the story and characters reeled me in from the beginning. Set in Tennessee, it begins with the murder of a preacher (a cat brings part of the guy to his mistress as a gift, adding a touch of grisly to the murder). The preacher, it seems, had visited a bar known for its "girls," and one of them - a pretty young thing - is accused of the murder. The bar owner, herself a shady character, is rolling in dough and hires Joe to defend the girl.
Joe, however, is beyond ready to stop doing what he's been doing; his mother has Alzheimer's and is failing fast, and his estranged sister is a drug addict who's just been released from prison. On the plus side, he's got a loving wife, a former dance instructor who now helps out in his office, a couple of kids who seem more "normal" than my own two, and a excitable dog who pees on his master's shoe with regularity.
As Joe reaches a birthday, his only wish is to defend just one client who is innocent. As the story unfolds, it appears this young girl may make his wish come true. But haven't we all been advised to be careful what we wish for?
There are some twists and turns and even more lawyers and judges who try to bend the law when it suits their purposes. The chapters shift from first-person accounts as told by Joe to third-person descriptions of what happened, is happening and may happen down the line. I won't say I was surprised at any point - much of the book is for the most part predictable - but the writing is solid and the story well thought out with insights into the legal process (a tribute, I assume, to the fact that the author holds degrees in both English and law). And yes, if you're asking, I plan to get my hands on the rest of the series, starting with the second, In Good Faith, as soon as I can.
I keep a running list of free and low-cost books I've downloaded as a result of membership in services like BookBub that specialize in that kind of thing; I cross them off as I read them and try not to get too far behind. This one, though, managed to slip through the cracks; I got it free back in 2013 and it's been stuck in the middle of my list ever since. When I noticed it's a legal thriller, it got my attention; when I learned it's the first in a series featuring criminal defense attorney Joe Dillard, I couldn't wait to get started.
I finished it in short order, picking it up every chance I got just because the story and characters reeled me in from the beginning. Set in Tennessee, it begins with the murder of a preacher (a cat brings part of the guy to his mistress as a gift, adding a touch of grisly to the murder). The preacher, it seems, had visited a bar known for its "girls," and one of them - a pretty young thing - is accused of the murder. The bar owner, herself a shady character, is rolling in dough and hires Joe to defend the girl.
Joe, however, is beyond ready to stop doing what he's been doing; his mother has Alzheimer's and is failing fast, and his estranged sister is a drug addict who's just been released from prison. On the plus side, he's got a loving wife, a former dance instructor who now helps out in his office, a couple of kids who seem more "normal" than my own two, and a excitable dog who pees on his master's shoe with regularity.
As Joe reaches a birthday, his only wish is to defend just one client who is innocent. As the story unfolds, it appears this young girl may make his wish come true. But haven't we all been advised to be careful what we wish for?
There are some twists and turns and even more lawyers and judges who try to bend the law when it suits their purposes. The chapters shift from first-person accounts as told by Joe to third-person descriptions of what happened, is happening and may happen down the line. I won't say I was surprised at any point - much of the book is for the most part predictable - but the writing is solid and the story well thought out with insights into the legal process (a tribute, I assume, to the fact that the author holds degrees in both English and law). And yes, if you're asking, I plan to get my hands on the rest of the series, starting with the second, In Good Faith, as soon as I can.
June 8, 2018
DOESN’t WORK AT ALL
This is the first in the Joe Dillard series. An Innocent Client is billed as a legal thriller and comes up woefully short - filled with one-dimensional cardboard characters, stilted dialogue and an extraordinarily simplistic plot. There is nothing original here let alone engaging.
Dillard is a defense attorney in Tennessee, who has become more than jaded with, and definitely tired of his job. There are political and border-line incompetent judges, who all seem to hold a grudge against Joe, continually assigning him the most evil of clients to defend – they’re all on or destined for death row – tasks which Joe reluctantly accepts. There’s a “bad cop” who will bend any and all rules to put scumbags behind bars and an incompetent, and again, political DA. Joe of course is in the middle of all this, Don Quixote-like, fighting the good fight.
On the personal side, Joe has a mother fighting Alzheimer’s, a drug addicted sister and a family of his own, complete with a cute dog – rescued from a shelter of course – and a loving wife, whom Joe treats like a door-mat – which I believe is an unintentional character flaw. Joe is also haunted by his past. He’s an Army Ranger – suffering from a mild case of PTSD – from his service in Grenada.
At the center of all this is Joe’s new client, a waitress at a strip joint accused of murdering a preacher, who was a patron of said establishment – the client’s name – Angel Christian. I kid you not. Joe’s job is to defend her. The reader’s task – to keep a straight face.
The case, the trial, the plot, the twists and turns – nothing works here. Pass on this one.
This is the first in the Joe Dillard series. An Innocent Client is billed as a legal thriller and comes up woefully short - filled with one-dimensional cardboard characters, stilted dialogue and an extraordinarily simplistic plot. There is nothing original here let alone engaging.
Dillard is a defense attorney in Tennessee, who has become more than jaded with, and definitely tired of his job. There are political and border-line incompetent judges, who all seem to hold a grudge against Joe, continually assigning him the most evil of clients to defend – they’re all on or destined for death row – tasks which Joe reluctantly accepts. There’s a “bad cop” who will bend any and all rules to put scumbags behind bars and an incompetent, and again, political DA. Joe of course is in the middle of all this, Don Quixote-like, fighting the good fight.
On the personal side, Joe has a mother fighting Alzheimer’s, a drug addicted sister and a family of his own, complete with a cute dog – rescued from a shelter of course – and a loving wife, whom Joe treats like a door-mat – which I believe is an unintentional character flaw. Joe is also haunted by his past. He’s an Army Ranger – suffering from a mild case of PTSD – from his service in Grenada.
At the center of all this is Joe’s new client, a waitress at a strip joint accused of murdering a preacher, who was a patron of said establishment – the client’s name – Angel Christian. I kid you not. Joe’s job is to defend her. The reader’s task – to keep a straight face.
The case, the trial, the plot, the twists and turns – nothing works here. Pass on this one.
Read
September 16, 2019DNF. Too much testosterone and belittling of women.
September 28, 2024
2 ⚖️🤔⭐️s
That was a mess… 😔
That was a mess… 😔
June 5, 2013
I picked this one up in the kindle lending library. This is the first in the Joe Dillard series.
I had never read anything by this author, but the reviews were solid, so I decided to give this one a try.
Joe is the rarest of rare men. A lawyer with a conscience. He would rather put the guilty behind bars than defend them, but for the time being he is sort of stuck where he is.
When a beautiful exotic dancer is accused of killing a minister, Joe is hired to defend her. He then must deal with the dead man's unbalanced son, a crooked TBI agent, his drug addicted sister, and the justice system.
I loved Joe's character. An honest man in a dishonest system. He is human and does silly things that men do sometimes. He makes mistakes, has trouble dealing with heavy family issues, but overall is descent human being. He is also smart and doesn't back down when things get hard.
The mystery appears to be pretty straight forward, but there are few very clever twist and surprises . So, things aren't always as they appear. I'm looking forward to more in this series. Over all a B+
I had never read anything by this author, but the reviews were solid, so I decided to give this one a try.
Joe is the rarest of rare men. A lawyer with a conscience. He would rather put the guilty behind bars than defend them, but for the time being he is sort of stuck where he is.
When a beautiful exotic dancer is accused of killing a minister, Joe is hired to defend her. He then must deal with the dead man's unbalanced son, a crooked TBI agent, his drug addicted sister, and the justice system.
I loved Joe's character. An honest man in a dishonest system. He is human and does silly things that men do sometimes. He makes mistakes, has trouble dealing with heavy family issues, but overall is descent human being. He is also smart and doesn't back down when things get hard.
The mystery appears to be pretty straight forward, but there are few very clever twist and surprises . So, things aren't always as they appear. I'm looking forward to more in this series. Over all a B+
July 13, 2023
I'm guilty of not reading "The Innocent Client"
in 2008 when it was first released.
It's a brilliant legal thriller that is twisty, snarky, intricately plotted, and unputdownable.
Over 54,000 GR readers gave this book stellar reviews, and it's easy to see why.
It's the first book in author Scott Pratt's "Joe Dillard" 10-book series.
Even though the book was released in 2008, the book is timeless.
Author Scott Pratt is a former attorney and his intimate knowledge of the courtroom and criminal mind is eloquently showcased throughout the entire storyline.
The e-book is available for free on Amazon Prime reading.
I listened to the audiobook read by Tim Campbell, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
The first four books in this series are available as a bundle from Audible for one credit.
5 enthusiastic stars!
July 28, 2025
Прилична кримка, историята върви добре и е интересна за прочит.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
От Бард естествено не са направили и минимално усилие да доиздадат поредицата, част от която е този роман. 🤮
Ще прочета поне следващата на английски.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
От Бард естествено не са направили и минимално усилие да доиздадат поредицата, част от която е този роман. 🤮
Ще прочета поне следващата на английски.
November 16, 2018
A preacher goes to a strip club and is all over the girls. The next morning he is found murdered. Angel, a waitress from the club is arrested and charged with the crime. She insists she is innocent and attorney Joe Dillard believes her. In fact, the case against her is very weak and her arrest is due more to politics than to evidence. Will she be the truly innocent client Joe so desperately wants before he retires?
This book was fun; a quick read and fast-paced legal thriller. The description of the relationship between Joe and the judges is remarkably true to life (in some cases) and I was not at all surprised to learn that the author is a lawyer.
I also enjoyed the fact that almost every woman in the book was a strong character who could more than hold her own. Even Sarah, the weakest character, did the right thing in the end.
This book was fun; a quick read and fast-paced legal thriller. The description of the relationship between Joe and the judges is remarkably true to life (in some cases) and I was not at all surprised to learn that the author is a lawyer.
I also enjoyed the fact that almost every woman in the book was a strong character who could more than hold her own. Even Sarah, the weakest character, did the right thing in the end.
October 13, 2016
This book is book one in the Joe Dillard Series. Joe is a cynical burned out defense attorney who keeps saying he will quit law in a year. All he wants is one innocent client.
The story takes place in rural Tennessee. A preacher is murdered after a visit to a strip club. The club owner hires Dillard to defend the club waitress, Angel Christian, who has been charged with the murder. Dillard’s personal life is in chaos, but he carries on with the defense.
The book is well written. I understand this is Pratt’s first book. For a debut book this is an excellent and well-crafted story. The portrayal of a cynical burned out defense attorney is realistic. The characters are well developed and are believable. Pratt has created a male-dominated southern culture for the story. The plot has some twists and turns and there is enough action as well as suspenseful courtroom drama to keep the reader’s attention. I did note that Pratt has created several strong women that are key to the story.
Tim Campbell does an excellent job narrating the story. Campbell is an opera singer, actor, voice over artist and audiobook narrator.
The story takes place in rural Tennessee. A preacher is murdered after a visit to a strip club. The club owner hires Dillard to defend the club waitress, Angel Christian, who has been charged with the murder. Dillard’s personal life is in chaos, but he carries on with the defense.
The book is well written. I understand this is Pratt’s first book. For a debut book this is an excellent and well-crafted story. The portrayal of a cynical burned out defense attorney is realistic. The characters are well developed and are believable. Pratt has created a male-dominated southern culture for the story. The plot has some twists and turns and there is enough action as well as suspenseful courtroom drama to keep the reader’s attention. I did note that Pratt has created several strong women that are key to the story.
Tim Campbell does an excellent job narrating the story. Campbell is an opera singer, actor, voice over artist and audiobook narrator.
February 18, 2015
Don't waste your time or money.
This book verifies the old saying "If you can't be clever, be crude." Whether he's trying for shock value or he he's over compensating for an inferiority complex in sexual matters, the frequency of the crass sexual descriptions detracts from the story line so much that I gave up on the whole book after the first few chapters. I have no interest whatsoever in knowing how this story turned out and no interest in reading any more books by this author. John Gresham, Sheldon Siegel, or Scott Throw, this guy is not. Don't waste your time!
This book verifies the old saying "If you can't be clever, be crude." Whether he's trying for shock value or he he's over compensating for an inferiority complex in sexual matters, the frequency of the crass sexual descriptions detracts from the story line so much that I gave up on the whole book after the first few chapters. I have no interest whatsoever in knowing how this story turned out and no interest in reading any more books by this author. John Gresham, Sheldon Siegel, or Scott Throw, this guy is not. Don't waste your time!
March 2, 2016
Entertaining book #1 in a series about Tennessee lawyer Joe Dillard and his efforts defending a young woman of murder and mutilation of a preacher. In addition to dealing with a crooked detective and politically motivated prosecutor, Dillard has to protect himself and his family from the deceased preacher's son, a police officer in another town. Not quite up to the legal literary standards of John Grisham or David Ellis, Scott Pratt has written an excellent book #1 with good characters, action, legal strategy and a twist ending. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2019
Great fun read. Joe Dillard wants one thing before he gets out of criminal defense forever, an innocent client. What happens between wanting and getting one is a right fit murder trial yarn. The characters we can't help but like, as well as the ones we don't, are all just a little bit guilty. Or maybe more. The book keeps you wanting come-uppance and catharsis to be properly distributed and satisfies the desire.
November 16, 2014
The audiobook was quite entertaining! My first by Pratt, and looking forward to reading all the books in the Joe Dillard, series. Review to follow!
July 7, 2024
Read only half of this. Sounds like it was written by a 14 year old boy, and that is a charitable comment. Every male character sounds like he’s a victim of PSAS (Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome) and every female character is introduced with lusty descriptions of their bodies.
I was hoping this would be a serious legal thriller, but no, it is not.
I was hoping this would be a serious legal thriller, but no, it is not.
July 25, 2017
I re-wrote this novel and removed almost all of the offensive language. It's a better book now.
March 31, 2014
This is the first book in the Joe Dillard series of legal thrillers by Scott Pratt. It is also the first book by this author that I have ever read.
Joe Dillard is a criminal defence attorney, that is he defends murderers, thieves, drug dealers, prostitutes and rapists among others. Although he has made a lot of success in this career, he is now fed up of defending such scumbags. Having now saved a considerable amount of money, he wants to quit the legal profession permanently but before that he wishes to defend at least one innocent client.
A preacher, Rev. John Paul Tester is found murdered and mutilated in a motel room. Phil Landers, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) special agent is sent to investigate. On checking the whereabouts of the preacher, Landers finds that the victim, although a man of God, had visited a strip club the night before. From there all leads point to a young beautiful waitress, Angel, who had been seen serving the victim in the club that night. She is immediately arrested on first degree murder charges. The club's wealthy owner, Erlene, being a close friend of Angel and knowing Joe Dillard to be one of the best attorneys around, pays him a hefty sum and hires him to defend her employee.
Dillard is convinced that Angel is innocent and is prepared to use all his skills and do everything in his power to defend her. But he finds many obstacles in the way and by the end his sanity and his life are put in jeopardy on more than one occasion. Will he be able to save Angel from death row? Is she really telling all the truth? What really happened in that motel room that night?
Apart from this case, Joe has to deal with his very own demons which continually return to haunt him from the past. There are also his drug-addicted sister Sarah and his bed-ridden sick mother in the picture.
All characters in this legal thriller are richly described and the dialogue believable. Joe Dillard is a very likeable character indeed and the court sessions are always realistic but never annoying.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will surely read the rest in the series to find out how Joe Dillard's life goes on.
Joe Dillard is a criminal defence attorney, that is he defends murderers, thieves, drug dealers, prostitutes and rapists among others. Although he has made a lot of success in this career, he is now fed up of defending such scumbags. Having now saved a considerable amount of money, he wants to quit the legal profession permanently but before that he wishes to defend at least one innocent client.
A preacher, Rev. John Paul Tester is found murdered and mutilated in a motel room. Phil Landers, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) special agent is sent to investigate. On checking the whereabouts of the preacher, Landers finds that the victim, although a man of God, had visited a strip club the night before. From there all leads point to a young beautiful waitress, Angel, who had been seen serving the victim in the club that night. She is immediately arrested on first degree murder charges. The club's wealthy owner, Erlene, being a close friend of Angel and knowing Joe Dillard to be one of the best attorneys around, pays him a hefty sum and hires him to defend her employee.
Dillard is convinced that Angel is innocent and is prepared to use all his skills and do everything in his power to defend her. But he finds many obstacles in the way and by the end his sanity and his life are put in jeopardy on more than one occasion. Will he be able to save Angel from death row? Is she really telling all the truth? What really happened in that motel room that night?
Apart from this case, Joe has to deal with his very own demons which continually return to haunt him from the past. There are also his drug-addicted sister Sarah and his bed-ridden sick mother in the picture.
All characters in this legal thriller are richly described and the dialogue believable. Joe Dillard is a very likeable character indeed and the court sessions are always realistic but never annoying.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will surely read the rest in the series to find out how Joe Dillard's life goes on.
August 13, 2024
This was really good! I’m excited to continue on with the Joe Dillard series: I like this kind of book… legal thriller/mystery with an interesting lead character who’s dealing with his own personal demons while also trying to fight for justice. Reminded me of the Ben Packard series by Joshua Moehling (who I think I enjoy that character a bit more, but still!)
Joe Dillard is a defense attorney who’s grown tired of defending people with disrupted moral compasses… he’s looking to get out of that type of law, but hopes to have one innocent client to defend before moving on… and he’s finally got one. A young girl accused of murdering a traveling preacher. But, will her troubled past make things difficult for Joe?
Like I said… I enjoy these types of books and I’m excited to learn more about Joe!
Joe Dillard is a defense attorney who’s grown tired of defending people with disrupted moral compasses… he’s looking to get out of that type of law, but hopes to have one innocent client to defend before moving on… and he’s finally got one. A young girl accused of murdering a traveling preacher. But, will her troubled past make things difficult for Joe?
Like I said… I enjoy these types of books and I’m excited to learn more about Joe!
July 18, 2016
This turned out to be a well written and fast paced read. I never really felt a strong feel of suspense but the plot was well executed. The characters had a genuine and relateable feel to them as well. I'm glad it was offered as kindleunlimited. I'll deinfately check out more of this writers work in the future.
July 22, 2020
A good first book. A defense lawyer, tired of dealing with bad people, decides to leave the field. But first, he wants to defend one innocent client and he thinks he has that client. Want to bet! I liked Pratt's writing and I will probably read more in this series. Recommended.
June 20, 2013
I stumbled onto Scott Pratt through the Kindle Owners Lending Library. This is a feature provided to kindle readers that allows for one book per month at no charge.
Pratt writes a books that moves at the pace of a John Grisham novel, but tells multiple stories from the life an an attorney at one time. Most Grisham novels, focus on one case while Pratt focuses on many cases.
Pratts books also develops the character in a manner that allows the reader to understand the perspective of the attorney in the story.
I found this book to be a relaxing read. It was good enough for me that I purchased the next book in the series and an well on my to enjoying that as well.
Pratt writes a books that moves at the pace of a John Grisham novel, but tells multiple stories from the life an an attorney at one time. Most Grisham novels, focus on one case while Pratt focuses on many cases.
Pratts books also develops the character in a manner that allows the reader to understand the perspective of the attorney in the story.
I found this book to be a relaxing read. It was good enough for me that I purchased the next book in the series and an well on my to enjoying that as well.
April 24, 2018
Poorly written sexist schlock
I enjoy a good legal thriller, but I couldn't get through more than a quarter of this book. Cardboard characters, a Mary Sue protagonist, and every female character described almost solely by their appearance drove me to abandon this farce.
I tried to soldier on, but, in the end life is too short. Even at $1.99, this was a waste of money.
I enjoy a good legal thriller, but I couldn't get through more than a quarter of this book. Cardboard characters, a Mary Sue protagonist, and every female character described almost solely by their appearance drove me to abandon this farce.
I tried to soldier on, but, in the end life is too short. Even at $1.99, this was a waste of money.
November 5, 2016
I love short chapters. Makes it easier to read. A well-crafted crime novel. Not overly complex in my opinion, but still a good read. Dillard is a good character. This is book one and I'll definitely try more of this series. I like Pratt's style. A good legal thriller.
April 7, 2021
I wasn't sure what novel to read next and realized it had been quite a long time since I'd read a legal thriller. As I was scrolling on my Kindle for possibilities I saw this novel and decided to give it a try as it's a "new" author to me. I'm so glad I did! I wasn't even 1/2 way through the novel when I knew I would want to continue reading the series.
For all who enjoy legal thrillers this gives the view of Joe Dillard, criminal defense attorney in what he hopes to be his last cases especially in defense of clients in death penalty cases. As it's time for Joe to celebrate his 40th,
It's a page-turning, riveting, exploration of the criminal justice system set in the location of Tennessee but in many ways could be in any state across the USA.
For fans of Michael Connelly, John Grisham, John Lescroart, Phillip Margolin, Brad Meltzer, Barbara Parker, Lisa Scottoline, Randy Singer, and Scott Turow, Scott Pratt adds a compelling view of justice with this series. It came as no surprise that Scott Pratt was a defense attorney for close to a decade prior to writing novels as the "voice" of Joe Dillard has an unmistakable authenticity.
In visiting Scott Pratt’s Author Page on Amazon to ensure I was following the author I read, "About Scott Pratt" and my curiosity implored me to continue reading as I saw the subheading, "A Note From his Family." It is a heart wrenching letter from son Dylan Pratt to share that his father died in 2018, and Dylan's dedication to continuing his father's legacy. There is also a blog post which continues as posted on July 26, 2019, on the website of Scott Pratt sharing the loss for Dylan and his sister of both parents within such a short time. I now know the novels available will be limited but I look forward to reading them all.
For all who enjoy legal thrillers this gives the view of Joe Dillard, criminal defense attorney in what he hopes to be his last cases especially in defense of clients in death penalty cases. As it's time for Joe to celebrate his 40th,
"This year, I’d make my birthday wish simple and selfish. This year, before I gave up the practice of law, I’d wish for one—just one—innocent client."You'll only know if Joe's wish comes true if you decide to read this title. After all, the title could simply be the repeat of his birthday wish.
It's a page-turning, riveting, exploration of the criminal justice system set in the location of Tennessee but in many ways could be in any state across the USA.
For fans of Michael Connelly, John Grisham, John Lescroart, Phillip Margolin, Brad Meltzer, Barbara Parker, Lisa Scottoline, Randy Singer, and Scott Turow, Scott Pratt adds a compelling view of justice with this series. It came as no surprise that Scott Pratt was a defense attorney for close to a decade prior to writing novels as the "voice" of Joe Dillard has an unmistakable authenticity.
In visiting Scott Pratt’s Author Page on Amazon to ensure I was following the author I read, "About Scott Pratt" and my curiosity implored me to continue reading as I saw the subheading, "A Note From his Family." It is a heart wrenching letter from son Dylan Pratt to share that his father died in 2018, and Dylan's dedication to continuing his father's legacy. There is also a blog post which continues as posted on July 26, 2019, on the website of Scott Pratt sharing the loss for Dylan and his sister of both parents within such a short time. I now know the novels available will be limited but I look forward to reading them all.
September 15, 2010
Joe Dillard has had it with the justice system. "The whole system is crazy. For over ten years, I've been traveling every day to this bizarre world of lies and deceit. There's no honor in it anywhere. It's all a sick game, and the people who win the most are the ones who lie the best. They call it the criminal justice system. What a crock. Defendants lie and cheat, police officers lie and cheat, prosecutors lie and cheat, defense lawyers lie and cheat, and judges--Jesus, don't get me started. The American legal system would do itself a great service if it could somehow execute half the sitting judges in this country and start all over again--."
Tired of defending sleaze balls, he is hired by the madame, the widow of a corrupt local sheriff who was running a topless bar and dealing cocaine on the side, to defend one of her girls who has been charged with the murder of a preacher who enjoyed coming to the club and getting his rocks off. He's actually pretty sure the girl, Angel Christian (appropriate name, don't you think?) is innocent, although it's not improbable that the widow herself committed the murder. There is little evidence against Angel but the local DA is up for re-election and needs to have a solid win just before the votes are counted.
Pratt, an attorney himself, writes reasonably well and the characters, if a bit exaggerated, made for an interesting group (Landers, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigator is about as morally degraded as one could imagine). The courtroom scenes were well-drawn. If you enjoy Grisham and Teller, you will enjoy Pratt.
Tired of defending sleaze balls, he is hired by the madame, the widow of a corrupt local sheriff who was running a topless bar and dealing cocaine on the side, to defend one of her girls who has been charged with the murder of a preacher who enjoyed coming to the club and getting his rocks off. He's actually pretty sure the girl, Angel Christian (appropriate name, don't you think?) is innocent, although it's not improbable that the widow herself committed the murder. There is little evidence against Angel but the local DA is up for re-election and needs to have a solid win just before the votes are counted.
Pratt, an attorney himself, writes reasonably well and the characters, if a bit exaggerated, made for an interesting group (Landers, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigator is about as morally degraded as one could imagine). The courtroom scenes were well-drawn. If you enjoy Grisham and Teller, you will enjoy Pratt.
April 30, 2016
I did enjoy this book, I liked the storyline but the characters annoyed me a bit. Like let's take the main character Joe for example, he seemed whiny to me. He said he felt like the justice system was flawed and he wanted to help innocent people, totally not what most of his cases were which is why he was miserable. Either accept it or don't. Then constantly feeling bad for his sister and accountable for something he didn't do or have control over, that was annoying until the end when they seemed to reconcile. Also all the characters had something I disliked about them even his wife who babied her husband. Angel, who everyone treated like a princess because of her good looks even though she was involved in a murder. But even with all the dislikable characters and Joe who always justified in some way why criminals committed a horrible crime, I enjoyed the story. I'm going to continue on with the series to see how Joe develops and to see if he actually decides to leave his job as a defense attorney. Hopefully he changes a bit throughout the series.
October 17, 2016
Audiobook. I love this series so far. Joe Dillard is a badass who loves his family and the law. These aren't very deep and the mystery isn't hard to figure out, but you can tell the author practiced law and I just love how he writes the characters. This series is just so entertaining.
June 9, 2018
Justice is in the eye of the beholder. When burned out defense attorney, Joe Dillard was made a monetary offer he could hardly refuse, he may have known better, he may have had an idea of the real events of the night the zealot preacher was killed, but he also knew his job was to defend the accused murderer.
Angel was a beautiful, young waitress at a strip bar run by a business savvy Southern Belle who knew how to twist people around her bejeweled fingers, or if necessary, load their coffers of cooperation with the almighty dollar. Accused of a vicious murder, Angel hardly fits the MO of a sadistic killer and she softly denies the crime, but evidence says otherwise and it is up to Joe to place just one thread of doubt in the jury’s minds, all while standing before a cantankerous judge with a grudge against him.
If that isn’t enough, his drug-addicted sister has darkened his doorstep long enough to steal from him, his long-suffering mother is declining and the son of the preacher man has it out for him. And, as they say, the plot thickens…with Joe caught up in a stew of murder, mystery and mayhem with a side of sweet tea and Southern Charm.
Entertaining, easy to follow and to be honest, easy to pass my personal verdict in the case, Scott Pratt’s AN INNOCENT CLIENT is still one heck of ride from start to finish with all of the right twists, surprises and revelations, as well as a few side shockers, to boot!
Fabulous character development, with Joe’s character being the most conflicted and realistic, I have to say, that, yes, in the end justice was served and I’m pretty sure Joe’s conscience was as clear as a defense attorney’s can get!
Not too dark, not too much, entertaining, with a steady pace, I’m definitely looking into more reading from Scott Pratt, starring attorney Joe Dillard!
Series: Joe Dillard - Book 1
Publisher: Phoenix Flying, Inc. (December 13, 2013)
Publication Date: December 13, 2013
Genre: Suspense | Thriller
Print Length: 372 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Angel was a beautiful, young waitress at a strip bar run by a business savvy Southern Belle who knew how to twist people around her bejeweled fingers, or if necessary, load their coffers of cooperation with the almighty dollar. Accused of a vicious murder, Angel hardly fits the MO of a sadistic killer and she softly denies the crime, but evidence says otherwise and it is up to Joe to place just one thread of doubt in the jury’s minds, all while standing before a cantankerous judge with a grudge against him.
If that isn’t enough, his drug-addicted sister has darkened his doorstep long enough to steal from him, his long-suffering mother is declining and the son of the preacher man has it out for him. And, as they say, the plot thickens…with Joe caught up in a stew of murder, mystery and mayhem with a side of sweet tea and Southern Charm.
Entertaining, easy to follow and to be honest, easy to pass my personal verdict in the case, Scott Pratt’s AN INNOCENT CLIENT is still one heck of ride from start to finish with all of the right twists, surprises and revelations, as well as a few side shockers, to boot!
Fabulous character development, with Joe’s character being the most conflicted and realistic, I have to say, that, yes, in the end justice was served and I’m pretty sure Joe’s conscience was as clear as a defense attorney’s can get!
Not too dark, not too much, entertaining, with a steady pace, I’m definitely looking into more reading from Scott Pratt, starring attorney Joe Dillard!
Series: Joe Dillard - Book 1
Publisher: Phoenix Flying, Inc. (December 13, 2013)
Publication Date: December 13, 2013
Genre: Suspense | Thriller
Print Length: 372 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this disillusioned defense lawyer's quest for an innocent client and his ethical struggles to come to terms with what he did for a living, juggling his family life, along with a drug addict sister and mother who was dying.
When a preacher visits a gentleman's club and then finishes up dead in his hotel room with his penis chopped off, Joe defends the beautiful young lady accused of the crime. Could she be his long-awaited innocent client? I only deducted one star because the reason for the killer being in the guy's room in the first place seemed unlikely to me. the author could easily have figured out a more plausible reason.
That said, it was a great read with a clever twist at the end and I shall definitely read more of Scott Pratt's books.
When a preacher visits a gentleman's club and then finishes up dead in his hotel room with his penis chopped off, Joe defends the beautiful young lady accused of the crime. Could she be his long-awaited innocent client? I only deducted one star because the reason for the killer being in the guy's room in the first place seemed unlikely to me. the author could easily have figured out a more plausible reason.
That said, it was a great read with a clever twist at the end and I shall definitely read more of Scott Pratt's books.
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