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David Sloane #5
The Conviction
In this exhilarating legal thriller from Robert Dugoni, the #1 Kindle bestselling author of MY SISTER'S GRAVE, attorney David Sloane must take the law into his own hands to save his son from a corrupt juvenile detention center.
As David Sloane continues to piece his life back together in the wake of his wife's vicious murder, he also struggles to handle his difficult teenage son, Jake. Reeling from the loss of his mother, Jake's bad behavior escalates and his relationship with Sloane is pushed to the brink. When Sloane's old friend, Detective Tom Molia, recruits Sloane and Jake to join him and his son on a camping trip, Sloane sees the trip as an opportunity to repair their broken father/son bond.
But the trip takes a distressing turn when the boys are arrested for vandalism in the middle of the night and the local judge, Earl Boykin, hastily sentences them to the "Fresh Start" detention program in the middle of the wilderness. Jake soon realizes the facility has little interest in rehabilitating wayward youths, beginning what will prove to be a grueling ordeal.
Sloane's legal expertise is rendered useless in overturning the boys' conviction, as he discovers that Judge Boykin's power reaches far beyond the courtroom. Finding their legal options limited and their sons in mounting danger, Sloane and Molia will stop at nothing to rescue their boys...the law--and their own safety--be damned.
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni is in top form in this riveting tale of risk and redemption.
"Dugoni is a superb storyteller, and his courtroom drama shines."--The Boston Globe
"Dugoni is knocking on the A-list legal-thriller door and can be expected to gain entrance sooner rather than later."--Booklist STARRED Review
"Serves up the perfect mix of action, emotion and courtroom drama, so much so that THE CONVICTION isn't just the best legal thriller of the year, it's one of the best thrillers period."--Author Magazine.
As David Sloane continues to piece his life back together in the wake of his wife's vicious murder, he also struggles to handle his difficult teenage son, Jake. Reeling from the loss of his mother, Jake's bad behavior escalates and his relationship with Sloane is pushed to the brink. When Sloane's old friend, Detective Tom Molia, recruits Sloane and Jake to join him and his son on a camping trip, Sloane sees the trip as an opportunity to repair their broken father/son bond.
But the trip takes a distressing turn when the boys are arrested for vandalism in the middle of the night and the local judge, Earl Boykin, hastily sentences them to the "Fresh Start" detention program in the middle of the wilderness. Jake soon realizes the facility has little interest in rehabilitating wayward youths, beginning what will prove to be a grueling ordeal.
Sloane's legal expertise is rendered useless in overturning the boys' conviction, as he discovers that Judge Boykin's power reaches far beyond the courtroom. Finding their legal options limited and their sons in mounting danger, Sloane and Molia will stop at nothing to rescue their boys...the law--and their own safety--be damned.
New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni is in top form in this riveting tale of risk and redemption.
"Dugoni is a superb storyteller, and his courtroom drama shines."--The Boston Globe
"Dugoni is knocking on the A-list legal-thriller door and can be expected to gain entrance sooner rather than later."--Booklist STARRED Review
"Serves up the perfect mix of action, emotion and courtroom drama, so much so that THE CONVICTION isn't just the best legal thriller of the year, it's one of the best thrillers period."--Author Magazine.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2012
6170 people are currently reading
2511 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
75 books32.9k followersRobert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 677 reviews
February 14, 2020
By the time I got to page 5 I wanted to get dressed up. Including a spritz of perfume. I knew this would be a very special book.
(I read somewhere of a publisher who said he read many unexceptional books. When he realised he was going to read something truly exceptional, he put the book aside for evening reading. Then he put on his tux and read the manuscript. I understand).
Combination of David Sloan legal skills, his friend detective Tom Molia, two teenage boys (one being filled with anger), caught committing criminal acts in a county with a judge who subverted the legal rules to his ego (and bank balance) and other characters making money on his coattails.
Explosive. And so hard to salvage their boys when the rule of law - does not reign.
Unputdownable
(I read somewhere of a publisher who said he read many unexceptional books. When he realised he was going to read something truly exceptional, he put the book aside for evening reading. Then he put on his tux and read the manuscript. I understand).
Combination of David Sloan legal skills, his friend detective Tom Molia, two teenage boys (one being filled with anger), caught committing criminal acts in a county with a judge who subverted the legal rules to his ego (and bank balance) and other characters making money on his coattails.
Explosive. And so hard to salvage their boys when the rule of law - does not reign.
Unputdownable
March 3, 2021
"The Conviction" is one of a string of best-selling legal thrillers by author, Robert Dugoni and one of a series featuring attorney, David Sloane. This time Sloane doesn’t spend a lot of time in a court room; this time it’s personal – his son Jake, together with T.J., the son of Sloane’s friend, Detective Tom Molia, have been arrested for vandalism in the middle of the night, brought before a small town judge, Earl Boykin and, denied access to a parent or an attorney, sentenced to lengthy terms at the so called Fresh Start detention centre in the middle of the wilderness. It is not long before Jake and T.J. realise that the facility has little interest in rehabilitating young offenders but puts the youths through gruelling, barbaric exercises that would not be out of place in one of the world’s worst tyrannical regimes. In addition, they are staved, beaten, deprived of sleep and generally treated as less than human. For once in his legal career, Sloane is helpless to get them out. He attempts an appeal but finds that Boykin’s power and influence reaches far beyond his own court room. When it appears that legal process is not going to free the boys, he and Molia decide to take the law into their own hands. Little do they know what awaits them.
Once the boys see what’s in store for them at First Start, it is easy for the reader to begin thinking “implausible plot”. How could anything remotely like this be possible in the real world? Unfortunately, it is all too possible. The so called “Kids for Cash Scandal” centred on judicial kickbacks to two judges in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleases in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In 2008, two judges were convicted of accepting money in return for imposing harsh adjudications on juveniles to increase occupancy at for-profit detention centres. That is just one example. "The Conviction" is intriguing from the beginning, it’s a page turner, and a slight departure from the big courtroom scenes that usually feature in Robert Dugoni’s David Sloane stories. When a courtroom scene does appear, towards the end, the author’s attention to detail ensures that the non-lawyer reader knows exactly what is going on. The story has it twists and turns, and, especially towards the dénouement, some delightful surprises. "The Conviction" is a riveting read, highly recommended for lovers of legal thrillers.
Once the boys see what’s in store for them at First Start, it is easy for the reader to begin thinking “implausible plot”. How could anything remotely like this be possible in the real world? Unfortunately, it is all too possible. The so called “Kids for Cash Scandal” centred on judicial kickbacks to two judges in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleases in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In 2008, two judges were convicted of accepting money in return for imposing harsh adjudications on juveniles to increase occupancy at for-profit detention centres. That is just one example. "The Conviction" is intriguing from the beginning, it’s a page turner, and a slight departure from the big courtroom scenes that usually feature in Robert Dugoni’s David Sloane stories. When a courtroom scene does appear, towards the end, the author’s attention to detail ensures that the non-lawyer reader knows exactly what is going on. The story has it twists and turns, and, especially towards the dénouement, some delightful surprises. "The Conviction" is a riveting read, highly recommended for lovers of legal thrillers.
July 18, 2023
The Conviction relates the story of two young men making bad decisions. Their fathers get involved in their defense after they are harshly sentenced. The respected attorney and the experienced detective join together to free their sons, while navigating a small town surviving on corruption. I always enjoy Robert Dugoni's storytelling and this work is no exception. High quality!
September 5, 2016
What a ride that was, thank you once again Robert Dugoni for another excellent book. David Sloane's teenage son is struggling after the death of his mother who was murdered. Sloane decides to take Jake on a trip and brings with him his old friend Tom Molia and his son. Sloane is hoping to repair the relationship with his son and bring them closer together. Unfortunately the boys are caught vandalising and the local Judge sentences them tö the "Fresh Start" detention facility. There seems to be little rules for those that run this centre and once they arrive a whole lot of trouble is about to begin. I loved this book, great action and plot, full of tension and suspence, highly recommended.
September 1, 2021
There are some difficult-to-read moments in this book and I almost stopped reading ... glad I didn't ... the pace of the action is non-stop ... and there were some twists I never saw coming ...
February 4, 2014
The premise of this novel is completely absurd. Lawyer David Sloane is on a camping trip with his troubled adopted son, Jake, along with his detective friend Tom Molia and his son. Jake, who has been in and out of trouble with the law breaks into a General Store, steals booze and a gun, and is later caught along with Molia’s son. Without any representation or even notifying their parents, they are convicted for long sentences in a boot-camp-style juvenile detention center.
There is nothing remotely realistic going on here in this novel. I would more readily believe that aliens could land and knock on my front door than what occurs in this novel. There is no way that a court system would exist that completely violates constitutional law in the way they handle juvenile cases like this. This court would last for about two weeks before higher authorities would come down and shut it down entirely, and debar the judge. A correctional facility like this could never exist in this country. In this litigious society, there would be a half-dozen lawsuits a week with the way they treat the children inside of there. Unfortunately, it only gets worse from there when the secrets of the bad guys are revealed. Spoiler alert – don’t read if you don’t want to get spoiled. For some reason the reader is supposed to believe that a micro brewery CEO of a multi-billion dollar operation would be willing to share his grounds with an illegal marijuana growing operation and then would risk using kids in the bootcamp as labor for the marijuana growing operations. The writing is subpar as are the characters. I would advise skipping this novel.
Carl Alves – author of Reconquest: Mother Earth
There is nothing remotely realistic going on here in this novel. I would more readily believe that aliens could land and knock on my front door than what occurs in this novel. There is no way that a court system would exist that completely violates constitutional law in the way they handle juvenile cases like this. This court would last for about two weeks before higher authorities would come down and shut it down entirely, and debar the judge. A correctional facility like this could never exist in this country. In this litigious society, there would be a half-dozen lawsuits a week with the way they treat the children inside of there. Unfortunately, it only gets worse from there when the secrets of the bad guys are revealed. Spoiler alert – don’t read if you don’t want to get spoiled. For some reason the reader is supposed to believe that a micro brewery CEO of a multi-billion dollar operation would be willing to share his grounds with an illegal marijuana growing operation and then would risk using kids in the bootcamp as labor for the marijuana growing operations. The writing is subpar as are the characters. I would advise skipping this novel.
Carl Alves – author of Reconquest: Mother Earth
June 21, 2016
Robert Dugoni has done it again! This story gripped me and didn't let go!
The story involved David Sloane's stepson, Jake, who is now a teenager. Jake has become defiant and disruptive. Dugoni accurately captures all the emotions, not just in Jake, but in the family and adults surrounding Jake. I thought Chapter Two was especially poignant. Tom Molia and his son T.J. are major characters in this story and I really liked them.
There are some bad, corrupt men in this book. I'm a sucker for stories that portray injustices, and this book has many being foisted on the citizens of Truluck. I could hardly wait to see how Dugoni corrected them. I was very satisfied with the conclusion!
Mr. Dugoni, hurry up! I'm ready for more!
The story involved David Sloane's stepson, Jake, who is now a teenager. Jake has become defiant and disruptive. Dugoni accurately captures all the emotions, not just in Jake, but in the family and adults surrounding Jake. I thought Chapter Two was especially poignant. Tom Molia and his son T.J. are major characters in this story and I really liked them.
There are some bad, corrupt men in this book. I'm a sucker for stories that portray injustices, and this book has many being foisted on the citizens of Truluck. I could hardly wait to see how Dugoni corrected them. I was very satisfied with the conclusion!
Mr. Dugoni, hurry up! I'm ready for more!
September 7, 2021
This is the 5th book in the David Sloane series by author Robert Dugoni. Sloane is a Washington Lawyer with an high profile for being the best wrongful death man in the county. I have read all five of this series within a couple of weeks and the series has grown better throughout. Well written, good characters and decent plots have made this series an enjoyable read.
These books are more than just legal thrillers, they are full of action and sub plots. ‘The Conviction’ follows on from the vicious murder of Sloane’s wife as he continues to try and get his life back on track. His teenage son Jake is also struggling following the loss of his mother and subsequently his behaviour is going out of control. Together with Sloane’s friend Detective Tom Molia they take Jake and Tom’ss son on a camping trip in an effort to forge the bond between father and son.,
Good intentions are hindered when the two boys are arrested for vandalism and the local judge, Earl Boykin, hastily sentences them to the “Fresh Start” detention program in the middle of the wilderness. The boys soon realise the facility has little interest in rehabilitation and it is going to prove quite an ordeal.
David Sloane is now faced with trying to get the two boys released by overturning the convictions but it’s not going to be easy with Judge Boykin’s powers reaching far beyond the courtroom.
Very entertaining read, well written as usual by this top author.
These books are more than just legal thrillers, they are full of action and sub plots. ‘The Conviction’ follows on from the vicious murder of Sloane’s wife as he continues to try and get his life back on track. His teenage son Jake is also struggling following the loss of his mother and subsequently his behaviour is going out of control. Together with Sloane’s friend Detective Tom Molia they take Jake and Tom’ss son on a camping trip in an effort to forge the bond between father and son.,
Good intentions are hindered when the two boys are arrested for vandalism and the local judge, Earl Boykin, hastily sentences them to the “Fresh Start” detention program in the middle of the wilderness. The boys soon realise the facility has little interest in rehabilitation and it is going to prove quite an ordeal.
David Sloane is now faced with trying to get the two boys released by overturning the convictions but it’s not going to be easy with Judge Boykin’s powers reaching far beyond the courtroom.
Very entertaining read, well written as usual by this top author.
July 1, 2012
The Conviction by Robert Dugoni
Another top-notch thriller from Robert Dugoni. This is one of my favourite authors. When I saw that his new novel had come out, I had to get it. I was not disappointed.Just when you think nothing worse can happen to David Sloane, Dugoni turns up the heat again.
This time, Sloane and his stepson Jake head into the backwoods of Northern California for some father-son time. Sloane hopes he can find a way to connect with Jake, who's spiraling into more and more trouble, before it's too late. They are joining Sloane's old friend, detective Tom Molia ( The Jury Master), and his son TJ. But Jake quickly finds a way to get himself and TJ into real trouble with the local law and with Judge Earl Boykin.
When Sloane and Molia discover the boys have been sentenced to the detention camp Fresh Start, without benefit of legal or parental representation, they protest. But their pleas fall on deaf ears and they find themselves in legal hot water as well. Sloane rallies the troops and starts digging into the backgrounds of the judge, the camp, and the bigshot in town, Victor Dillon. Their poking around only turns up the heat on both them and the boys.
The action never lets up. The writing is clear and fast paced. This is a book that is hard to put down. Once you pick it up, you have to read it to the end.
An amazing novel!
Another top-notch thriller from Robert Dugoni. This is one of my favourite authors. When I saw that his new novel had come out, I had to get it. I was not disappointed.Just when you think nothing worse can happen to David Sloane, Dugoni turns up the heat again.
This time, Sloane and his stepson Jake head into the backwoods of Northern California for some father-son time. Sloane hopes he can find a way to connect with Jake, who's spiraling into more and more trouble, before it's too late. They are joining Sloane's old friend, detective Tom Molia ( The Jury Master), and his son TJ. But Jake quickly finds a way to get himself and TJ into real trouble with the local law and with Judge Earl Boykin.
When Sloane and Molia discover the boys have been sentenced to the detention camp Fresh Start, without benefit of legal or parental representation, they protest. But their pleas fall on deaf ears and they find themselves in legal hot water as well. Sloane rallies the troops and starts digging into the backgrounds of the judge, the camp, and the bigshot in town, Victor Dillon. Their poking around only turns up the heat on both them and the boys.
The action never lets up. The writing is clear and fast paced. This is a book that is hard to put down. Once you pick it up, you have to read it to the end.
An amazing novel!
September 5, 2012
Dugoni presents another sensational read in his latest book. The Conviction takes us away from the usual courtroom drama and into the backwoods of California. Dugoni's action and character development do not take a vacation in this novel and the reader can expect an interesting look into boot camps, corrupt legal experts, and illegal activities. I could not put it down after beginning.
While I am used to courtroom antics presented by Dugoni, this was a great break, but full of the same intrigue. A new take on an old issue, youth boot camps for those with the need for added discipline. Dugoni takes us inside and also presents the corruption that keeps this one flowing and the money spilling out in all directions. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is a Dugoni fan, though those new the author ought to begin the series at its beginning, so the small spoilers found herein do not ruin the series for you.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni! A classic!
While I am used to courtroom antics presented by Dugoni, this was a great break, but full of the same intrigue. A new take on an old issue, youth boot camps for those with the need for added discipline. Dugoni takes us inside and also presents the corruption that keeps this one flowing and the money spilling out in all directions. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is a Dugoni fan, though those new the author ought to begin the series at its beginning, so the small spoilers found herein do not ruin the series for you.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni! A classic!
August 18, 2021
This is the fifth, and I guess the last of Dugoni's David Sloane novels, and he sure goes out with a bang. Extremely exciting, lots of action, plot twists and terrific characters. It's hard to describe the plot without giving anything away so I won't say anything else except to highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2016
This was a pretty good but frustrating book. A corrupt judge and town take the law into their own hands when it comes to the youth in the area, however, they make a big mistake when they choose to follow their corrupt path in the case against the sons of a powerful attorney and a Sherrif. The story was fast paced but there were some unbelievable parts that took one star off. Other than that still a good action pact ride. Right now it on sale on Audible for $1.99.
April 20, 2017
Robert Dugoni has written another winner here. Washington state lawyer David Sloane decides to have his 17 year old stepson Jake move in with him after a judge finds he did not complete the grief counseling and alcohol/drug rehab he had been sentenced to (he watched his mom be murdered by a home invader) and got in trouble again. He signs him up for programs in Seattle but decides that first he and Jake will have some father/son time on a camping/hiking/fishing trip to a rural area in California along with David's good friend West Virginia police detective Tom Molia and his sweet and innocent 14 year old TJ.
Unfortunately, against David's best wisdom, he permits Jake and TJ to share a room alone at the little motel in the tiny town they spend the night at before driving to the wilderness. TJ is shocked and horrified when he goes with Jake to the general store to buy candy and Jake gets caught trying to buy cigarettes and alcohol with a fake ID. They both get thrown out and the owner keeps the fake ID to turn in to police. Late in the night, TJ sees Jake sneak out of the room and follows him to the store where Jake breaks a window, retrieves the fake ID, and steals alcohol, cigarettes and a gun and bullets. Jake mocks TJ as if he is a baby and gets him drunk and they both shoot the gun. They are caught by police and taken to Judge Earl Boykin's court where he does not allow them to call their dads or have a lawyer. Ir is a kangaroo court and he sentences them to a year at Fresh Start, a creepy private boys' detention center in the middle of nowhere where boys are abused and sends them there immediately.
When the two dads wake up and find the boys gone, they check around and find out they were arrested. They get in trouble when challenging the judge. This is when the hell begins. The two men work feverishly to find where the camp is and to work to get help through the legal system but it is going to take a long time and Jake is badly abused and almost killed at the camp. The judge is crooked and a friend of the camp's owner who is up to his neck in crime- including at and around the camp. Ir was exciting to see what David and Tom do to rescue their boys and what Jake and TJ do to save themselves. I got this from Amazon's Kindle Unlimited.
Unfortunately, against David's best wisdom, he permits Jake and TJ to share a room alone at the little motel in the tiny town they spend the night at before driving to the wilderness. TJ is shocked and horrified when he goes with Jake to the general store to buy candy and Jake gets caught trying to buy cigarettes and alcohol with a fake ID. They both get thrown out and the owner keeps the fake ID to turn in to police. Late in the night, TJ sees Jake sneak out of the room and follows him to the store where Jake breaks a window, retrieves the fake ID, and steals alcohol, cigarettes and a gun and bullets. Jake mocks TJ as if he is a baby and gets him drunk and they both shoot the gun. They are caught by police and taken to Judge Earl Boykin's court where he does not allow them to call their dads or have a lawyer. Ir is a kangaroo court and he sentences them to a year at Fresh Start, a creepy private boys' detention center in the middle of nowhere where boys are abused and sends them there immediately.
When the two dads wake up and find the boys gone, they check around and find out they were arrested. They get in trouble when challenging the judge. This is when the hell begins. The two men work feverishly to find where the camp is and to work to get help through the legal system but it is going to take a long time and Jake is badly abused and almost killed at the camp. The judge is crooked and a friend of the camp's owner who is up to his neck in crime- including at and around the camp. Ir was exciting to see what David and Tom do to rescue their boys and what Jake and TJ do to save themselves. I got this from Amazon's Kindle Unlimited.
June 22, 2012
David Sloane is having some issues with his step son, Jake. Sloane's friend, Tom Molina suggests that Sloane, Jake, Molina and his son, T.J. all get away for a guys weekend. Things go well until Jake and T.J. are arrested, tried and sentenced all by Judge Earl Boykin. Judge Boykin is a man not to be messed with.
Jake and T.J. have been sent to Fresh Start, a jevenile facility. Only the facility is more like a boot camp and the guards like to break down the children because they can. Sloane and Molina will have to pull out the big guns if they want to save their sons.
I have not read a book by Mr. Dugoni. After reading Conviction, I will be checking out Mr. Dugoni's prior novels. I was hooked. Sloane and Molina make a great team. They bothn have brains and fight for justice. Sloane had guts, which is why I liked him a lot. Neither he or Molina were afraid to get their hands dirty. Some of the characters surprised me. I admit that I did not see the signs of which sides they were really playing for until the big reveal. What I also really liked about this book was that I could see this actually happening in smaller towns. In this case, I would want someone like Sloane to be my attorney and fight for me.
There was kind of like dual stories happening in this book. The one involving Sloane and Molina and Sloane's son, Jake and Molina's son, T.J. Jake is just as strong. He did not go down without a fight. T.J. was more on the quiet side and I felt sorry for him. He was an innocent bystander. Or couse, I would have liked to have seen him have more courage. I culd not stop reading this book. There was plenty of action and drama. I would recommend this book to anyone, who likes a good legal thriller. Mr. Dugoni sold me with Conviction with this book!
Jake and T.J. have been sent to Fresh Start, a jevenile facility. Only the facility is more like a boot camp and the guards like to break down the children because they can. Sloane and Molina will have to pull out the big guns if they want to save their sons.
I have not read a book by Mr. Dugoni. After reading Conviction, I will be checking out Mr. Dugoni's prior novels. I was hooked. Sloane and Molina make a great team. They bothn have brains and fight for justice. Sloane had guts, which is why I liked him a lot. Neither he or Molina were afraid to get their hands dirty. Some of the characters surprised me. I admit that I did not see the signs of which sides they were really playing for until the big reveal. What I also really liked about this book was that I could see this actually happening in smaller towns. In this case, I would want someone like Sloane to be my attorney and fight for me.
There was kind of like dual stories happening in this book. The one involving Sloane and Molina and Sloane's son, Jake and Molina's son, T.J. Jake is just as strong. He did not go down without a fight. T.J. was more on the quiet side and I felt sorry for him. He was an innocent bystander. Or couse, I would have liked to have seen him have more courage. I culd not stop reading this book. There was plenty of action and drama. I would recommend this book to anyone, who likes a good legal thriller. Mr. Dugoni sold me with Conviction with this book!
April 24, 2019
This book was a terrible disappointment to me, and I waited to review it because I wanted to be sure the rating was correct. The other David Sloan outings did not make me feel the way this one did. I read a newspaper article about a very similar situation a few years ago. I'm a former RN, and also an attorney working with families in trouble with the child-protection folks. I've been part of many juvenile hearings too. The whole plot was not unbelievable, but it was absolutely something I did NOT want to read about. And it was so redundant (the same awful things happening and described in horrible detail, over and over again). I forced myself to finish it. I was so disgusted I hardly knew what to do. Thus, my rating. This doesn't mean I won't try the next David Sloan novel. But I hope it is a lot better than this.
June 16, 2015
While not a bad book, it wasn't as good as prior books in the series, largely because it pulled out so many tropes it was completely predictable. The juvenile boot camp in this book reminded me of The Sunshine Home in The Talisman, except at least King/Straub's book had a werewolf. And only took up a tiny portion of the book.
It was obvious where the book was going. The "twists" were either predictable or laughable. However, I did read it all the way through, so I guess if Goodreads had half stars, I'd give this one 2 1/5.
It was obvious where the book was going. The "twists" were either predictable or laughable. However, I did read it all the way through, so I guess if Goodreads had half stars, I'd give this one 2 1/5.
March 18, 2013
The beginning of this had me very twitchy, as I thought the premise was outlandish and some of the descriptions, especially of Big Baby's nighttime incursions, didn't sit well with me (even though I don't consider myself squeamish). As the pace picked up, I got more involved with the story and the characters grew on me. BUT. That deus ex machina ending with all the undercover agents!To much.
February 6, 2021
As a retired attorney, this book was just too absurd to enjoy. A juvenile cannot be tried or convicted of a crime without the involvement of a parent or guardian.
I found the whole thing ludicrous
I found the whole thing ludicrous
September 23, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Stepson in trouble
Sentenced to bootcamp prison
Bad, and getting worse
Author builds tension
Didn't want to put it down
Satisfying end
Stepson in trouble
Sentenced to bootcamp prison
Bad, and getting worse
Author builds tension
Didn't want to put it down
Satisfying end
November 13, 2016
The Convictionby Robert Dugoni
David Sloan series Book #5
5★'s
From The Book:
father takes the law into his own hands to save his son, trapped in a juvenile detention center from hell. Lawyer David Sloane is desperate to get through to his troubled teenage son Jake. Still reeling from the devastating loss of his mother in a brutal murder, Jake has spiraled out of control and Sloane has barely been able to keep him out of jail. So when his old friend, detective Tom Molia, suggests that they take their sons on a guys-only camping trip, Sloane gratefully accepts.
What Sloane imagines will be the perfect excursion turns into a horrifying nightmare when the boys are arrested for vandalizing a general store late at night while their fathers are asleep. The next morning, before Sloane and Molia even realize they’re gone, their sons are tried, convicted, and sentenced by the presiding judge to six months in the county wilderness detention camp, Fresh Start. For the teenagers, a grueling physical and psychological ordeal begins.
My Thoughts:
This is a story that we have seen in reality in recent years although perhaps not to this extent. From the very beginning of Jake and T.J.'s ordeal the reader knows that this is just going to take one wrong turn after another and hoping that justice will finally win out.
The entire story line is one surprise after another. No one is who you think they are and after a while you have no idea who or what to trust. I will have to admit that I skipped some of the financial stuff...way more than this brain could digest... but had to give the complexity of the plot 5 stars. Good job Mr. Dugoni.
David Sloan series Book #5
5★'s
From The Book:
father takes the law into his own hands to save his son, trapped in a juvenile detention center from hell. Lawyer David Sloane is desperate to get through to his troubled teenage son Jake. Still reeling from the devastating loss of his mother in a brutal murder, Jake has spiraled out of control and Sloane has barely been able to keep him out of jail. So when his old friend, detective Tom Molia, suggests that they take their sons on a guys-only camping trip, Sloane gratefully accepts.
What Sloane imagines will be the perfect excursion turns into a horrifying nightmare when the boys are arrested for vandalizing a general store late at night while their fathers are asleep. The next morning, before Sloane and Molia even realize they’re gone, their sons are tried, convicted, and sentenced by the presiding judge to six months in the county wilderness detention camp, Fresh Start. For the teenagers, a grueling physical and psychological ordeal begins.
My Thoughts:
This is a story that we have seen in reality in recent years although perhaps not to this extent. From the very beginning of Jake and T.J.'s ordeal the reader knows that this is just going to take one wrong turn after another and hoping that justice will finally win out.
The entire story line is one surprise after another. No one is who you think they are and after a while you have no idea who or what to trust. I will have to admit that I skipped some of the financial stuff...way more than this brain could digest... but had to give the complexity of the plot 5 stars. Good job Mr. Dugoni.
June 19, 2017
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; JUNE 18, 2017
Narrator: Dan John Miller
It was excrutiating to listen to for 3/4 of the book only because I felt so horrible for the boys at the Fresh Start Youth Correctional Center. It's good, I guess, when an author can pull you in even against your will (I was tempted to stop and switch to another book quite a few times!) but I can't say I enjoyed it. It's still a book I'd recommend because it's taut and suspenseful (at the last third) and adds another milestone in Sloane's life, if you want to follow the series.
I always enjoy Dan John Miller's narration and he's part of the reason why I will listen to the next book - after I listen to something fluffy.
Narrator: Dan John Miller
It was excrutiating to listen to for 3/4 of the book only because I felt so horrible for the boys at the Fresh Start Youth Correctional Center. It's good, I guess, when an author can pull you in even against your will (I was tempted to stop and switch to another book quite a few times!) but I can't say I enjoyed it. It's still a book I'd recommend because it's taut and suspenseful (at the last third) and adds another milestone in Sloane's life, if you want to follow the series.
I always enjoy Dan John Miller's narration and he's part of the reason why I will listen to the next book - after I listen to something fluffy.
November 29, 2021
I’m having trouble rating this one - the premise is excellent, but i had to stretch my imagination too far. It did make me wish that the concept of Fresh Start was a reality - a try at giving juvenile offenders a chance to learn and have hope.
This is my first David Sloane book and it will probably be my last - the action was just too far fetched. Mr Dugoni sounds like a wonderful man, a good father and husband, so I hate to demean his book, but I have to be honest.
PS - but……I loved Sam Hell 👍
This is my first David Sloane book and it will probably be my last - the action was just too far fetched. Mr Dugoni sounds like a wonderful man, a good father and husband, so I hate to demean his book, but I have to be honest.
PS - but……I loved Sam Hell 👍
July 3, 2012
A town and a judge that considers themselves above the law, or in the case of the judge, considers his word to be unassailable, is at the heart of this suspenseful book. The tension in the book starts at the beginning and continues all the way through. Loved the legal maneuvering and loved the fact that two of the main characters who would do anything for their sons. Many twists and turns, one is never sure who the good guys are and who are the bad. Very good read.
February 22, 2020
I love Dugoni. I have read most of his Tracy Crosswhite and David Sloane mystery thrillers.
His books always involves interesting characters that you like and care about. And of course then he puts them in danger. Sometimes due to a stupid decision......should I go down into that dark cellar, even though I have left my gun at home and Im way out in no where land and the murderer may be down there? That always gets me yelling at the book...NO, NO, NO. Yes, he really gets you involved.
This story is about Sloane's step son, Jake, who is dealing with the loss of seeing his mother killed by acting up. During a camping trip, in an attempt to bond and settle him down, he breaks into drug store, steals vodka and a rifle. He and an younger friend, TJ, get drunk, fire the rifle and get arrested. In 4 hours, and before Sloane even knows he's gone, they are taken to court, found guilty and sentenced to a year at a boys camp.
Up to this point I dont really care what happens to Jake cause he's a real pain but that changes quickly when you become aware of the treatment in the boys camp.
The remainder of the story is how Sloane, a very clever attorney, attempts to get Jake out. Along the way you discover much about the town, the judge, the police force and why the rush to convict the boys.
Its aggravating, scary, mysterious and enlightening. Sloane and his detective friend are both dumb.....you know...dont go down in the cellar ......and very smart in an attempt to get the boys out.
Lots of twists and mystery solving. The ending was sensible but not as satisfying as I would have liked. I really wanted the bad guys to hurt more.
His books always involves interesting characters that you like and care about. And of course then he puts them in danger. Sometimes due to a stupid decision......should I go down into that dark cellar, even though I have left my gun at home and Im way out in no where land and the murderer may be down there? That always gets me yelling at the book...NO, NO, NO. Yes, he really gets you involved.
This story is about Sloane's step son, Jake, who is dealing with the loss of seeing his mother killed by acting up. During a camping trip, in an attempt to bond and settle him down, he breaks into drug store, steals vodka and a rifle. He and an younger friend, TJ, get drunk, fire the rifle and get arrested. In 4 hours, and before Sloane even knows he's gone, they are taken to court, found guilty and sentenced to a year at a boys camp.
Up to this point I dont really care what happens to Jake cause he's a real pain but that changes quickly when you become aware of the treatment in the boys camp.
The remainder of the story is how Sloane, a very clever attorney, attempts to get Jake out. Along the way you discover much about the town, the judge, the police force and why the rush to convict the boys.
Its aggravating, scary, mysterious and enlightening. Sloane and his detective friend are both dumb.....you know...dont go down in the cellar ......and very smart in an attempt to get the boys out.
Lots of twists and mystery solving. The ending was sensible but not as satisfying as I would have liked. I really wanted the bad guys to hurt more.
August 20, 2020
It's Robert Dugoni and he has not failed me, yet. 5 stars!
March 24, 2015
Another top-notch thriller from Robert Dugoni. Just when you think nothing worse can happen to David Sloane, Dugoni turns up the heat again.
This time, Sloane and his stepson Jake head into the backwoods of Northern California for some father-son time. Sloane hopes he can find a way to connect with Jake, who's spiraling into more and more trouble, before it's too late. They are joining Sloane's old friend, detective Tom Molia (The Jury Master), and his son TJ. But Jake quickly finds a way to get himself and TJ into real trouble with the local law and with Judge Earl Boykin, a modern version of Judge Roy Bean.
When Sloane and Molia discover the boys have been sentenced to the detention camp Fresh Start, without benefit of legal or parental representation, they protest. But their pleas fall on deaf ears and they find themselves in legal hot water as well. Sloane rallies the troops and starts digging into the backgrounds of the judge, the camp, and the bigshot in town, Victor Dillon. Of course, their poking around only turns up the heat on both them and the boys. Pretty soon a legal pickle turns into a fight for their lives.
The action never lets up. The writing is relentlessly clear and precisely paced, with tangible settings. The situations are unbelievably believable and populated with an unpalatable cast of great characters, from the egotistical judge to the sadistic head guard to the quietly helpful locals. This is a book that is hard to put down. Once you pick it up, you have to read it to the end.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review.
This time, Sloane and his stepson Jake head into the backwoods of Northern California for some father-son time. Sloane hopes he can find a way to connect with Jake, who's spiraling into more and more trouble, before it's too late. They are joining Sloane's old friend, detective Tom Molia (The Jury Master), and his son TJ. But Jake quickly finds a way to get himself and TJ into real trouble with the local law and with Judge Earl Boykin, a modern version of Judge Roy Bean.
When Sloane and Molia discover the boys have been sentenced to the detention camp Fresh Start, without benefit of legal or parental representation, they protest. But their pleas fall on deaf ears and they find themselves in legal hot water as well. Sloane rallies the troops and starts digging into the backgrounds of the judge, the camp, and the bigshot in town, Victor Dillon. Of course, their poking around only turns up the heat on both them and the boys. Pretty soon a legal pickle turns into a fight for their lives.
The action never lets up. The writing is relentlessly clear and precisely paced, with tangible settings. The situations are unbelievably believable and populated with an unpalatable cast of great characters, from the egotistical judge to the sadistic head guard to the quietly helpful locals. This is a book that is hard to put down. Once you pick it up, you have to read it to the end.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review.
September 27, 2021
I am a fan of Robert Dugoni and........
I am a fan of Robert Dugoni and his David Sloan novels, but this one did not give me the satisfaction of David Sloan's dedication to courtroom expertise that he. normally exploits. Possibly not using Charlie Jenkins is part of it. This novel was also "a little too easy in most of its events", such as Cash pre-planning the alleged execution of the fathers by leaving a pack buried 9 ft below a stone clff in the shale below and the heros finding a pack strap, after falling that far over the edge with their hands tied behind their backs. Also, there were some missing explanations as to the final disposition for Sheriff Barnes and Prosecutor Pike, who were culprits throughout. Also, I am not much for reading about sadistic characters of those used in this novel. I truly hope this type of thing does not go on in juvenile facilities today. Yes, there are crooked judges and they need to be exposed. However, the over riding theme of the author in "The Conviction" came through and is that transition of our children into being adults and which is not always easy or successful.
I am a fan of Robert Dugoni and his David Sloan novels, but this one did not give me the satisfaction of David Sloan's dedication to courtroom expertise that he. normally exploits. Possibly not using Charlie Jenkins is part of it. This novel was also "a little too easy in most of its events", such as Cash pre-planning the alleged execution of the fathers by leaving a pack buried 9 ft below a stone clff in the shale below and the heros finding a pack strap, after falling that far over the edge with their hands tied behind their backs. Also, there were some missing explanations as to the final disposition for Sheriff Barnes and Prosecutor Pike, who were culprits throughout. Also, I am not much for reading about sadistic characters of those used in this novel. I truly hope this type of thing does not go on in juvenile facilities today. Yes, there are crooked judges and they need to be exposed. However, the over riding theme of the author in "The Conviction" came through and is that transition of our children into being adults and which is not always easy or successful.
October 5, 2019
I really have a hard time looking at other people's number of stars and reviews on this book and wondering if they read the book. THIS IS AT BEST 2.5 STARS MR. DUGONI. The beginning started off ok step father David Slone rescues his stepson from court by agreeing to take him to Seattle for the summer where he will receive counseling and help with his addition to alcohol. He meets his friend Detective Molina and his son TJ who invites them on camping trip.Slone thinks it is a great idea to bond with Jake. This is where this book falls apart Jake and TJ break into a store steal beer,vodka,a gun get drunk get arrested and get sent to a juvenile Fresh Start camp. There we have Sadastic officer and camp officer. undercover federal agents pot growing fields that are worked by the boys in the camp. oh and also is a psychopath young man who likes to molest young boys. but not to worry the Calvary show up at the end to save the day in a real Hollywood ending. I was almost in tears.
January 22, 2014
This was my first book by this author and I plan to read more. This was several into the David Sloane series, and my one complaint is minor; he introduces characters without really establishing the background and/or relationship to the main characters. There is a fine line between rehashing everything in prior books and giving enough info so a novice reader to the series can easily figure out who is who.
But despite that, it was a good mystery/thriller. There were a few twists I didn't see, and some that I did. It was fast moving and I liked the characters. I also liked that he didn't feel the need to automatically give Sloane a love interest. The relationships between Sloane and his son and Molia and his son were the primary focus and it was well done.
But despite that, it was a good mystery/thriller. There were a few twists I didn't see, and some that I did. It was fast moving and I liked the characters. I also liked that he didn't feel the need to automatically give Sloane a love interest. The relationships between Sloane and his son and Molia and his son were the primary focus and it was well done.
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June 30, 2017This was my first Robert Dugoni book and I plan on reading more. The Conviction is the story of two fathers who risk their lives and fight to get their sons released from a young offenders boot camp from hell. Luckily one father is a detective and the second father is an attorney that has the reputation of never losing. The fathers use all their skills to fight the corrupt system that processes young teens through the system like cattle for profit. Corruption is rampant in this small town but they are determined to unravel the truth and free their sons in the process. Meanwhile they want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone again and the the guilty pay.
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