The Final Appeal

Smith and Bauer #3

by James Chandler, Laura Snider

A jury convicted him. The evidence tells a different story.

Small-town lawyer Marko Bauer and sharp-tongued associate Allee Smith aren't eager to risk another courtroom disaster—especially not for Byron, a convicted kidnapper swearing innocence from his jail cell.

But when a waitress at the Justice Bites restaurant brings them Byron's plea, something doesn't taste right. A sketchy voice ID, a basement crime scene that doesn’t exist, and a detective nursing grudges deeper than the county's riverbeds. Marko and Allee soon realize Byron might actually be telling the truth—this time.

Crafting a bold legal strategy, the duo push forward with a post-conviction relief hearing, hoping to secure Byron’s release. But freedom might unleash a darker side of Byron. His angry, entitled, and volatile demeanor is leaving those around him to wonder if they're freeing an innocent man—or releasing a ticking time bomb.

Marko and Allee soon confront a troubling some clients should never see daylight again.

The Final Appeal, from Wall Street Journal bestselling author James Chandler and seasoned attorney Laura Snider, is a razor-sharp legal thriller brimming with justice, betrayal, and biting consequences. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and John Grisham.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2026

Reviews

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books - so gritty. Not a clean, confident, guaranteed happy ending kind of story. It's definitely worth a read by these must-buy authors!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Smith and Bauer series and even though there are some references to past events, I do think it can be read as a standalone. If as a reader you want more in-depth knowledge about the characters, their history and their relationships, start the series with Justice Bites. Marko and Allee receive a request from an inmate to represent him before the time runs out for his final appeal. He claims he’s innocent of the kidnapping he’s in prison for. The book focuses more on the investigation to get him released rather than courtroom drama. The unlikely pairing of a recovering alcoholic attorney and his investigator/business partner who is a convicted felon and recovering addict makes this series unique and entertaining. This is a solid, well paced, enjoyable addition to the series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Byron Weber, an inmate in prison, writing a letter to Marko and Allee asking for their assistance in a Post-conviction relief matter. After reading the letter Allee was all for helping, while Marko was hesitant. Marko had a new client coming in shortly so Allee began looking into it. As she was slowly learning, there were items that didn't seem correct and finally convinced Marko to file for appearance.

Read along and learn what items Allee discovered, who the victim and the people involved with the initial case and how some employees of their restaurant played a role. Discover what Marko was able to provide as a result of the depositions that were held. Learn the surprise ending in which it is all finally revealed.

This is a great story and worth the read, don't miss out!

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE FINAL APPEAL - While this was an interesting story, the last couple of chapters were disappointing. Just quit caring? Rushed ending compared to the rest of the story. Some of the characters are likeable, the rest are not. Source: Severn River Publishing. 3*

REASONABLE SUSPICION, Audiobook - I found this an interesting story with good characters and a grand but wasted sacrifice in my opinion. An immersing read and better the second time around as an audiobook. The narrator Bradford Hastings is perfect for this book with his performance. Good emotions and characters. Source: Severn River Publishing. 4*

REASONABLE SUSPICION - I found this an interesting story with good characters and a grand but wasted sacrifice in my opinion. An immersing read. Source: Severn River Publishing. 4*

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Russell has become a recluse after her horrific kidnapping. Byron Weber is jailed as she was found in his house but Byron wants to prove his innocence and he has just one final appeal. He wants Marko Bauer to represent him but Marko is reluctant. His assistant, Allee with the support of Dina, who has just joined Allee's food business, persuades him to take the case. Who is Dina and why is she so insistent on promoting Allee's business through social media? Why is she so determined to prove Byeon's innocence? A well crafted plot with interesting twists. The psyche of Byron and Dina and well as Melanie's trauma has been well depicted. I like Allee because she is empathetic and is always open to helping less privileged people. The ending is unexpectedly shocking.

[Diane Darby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free which is the only reason I read beyond the first chapter and am leaving a review. The attorney and investigator of Justice Bites law firm and diner receive a last minute request for a Hail Mary appeal from an inmate facing life imprisonment for kidnapping and assault. The book falls apart from there. Most of the characters are tediously annoying and remarkably dumb. Most of the legal parts are inaccurate. The writing is clunky, chaotic and full of badly written filler. The ending is a shambles and the epilogue defies definition as such. I don't know why I'm giving it 2 stars; I must be feeling generous as there don't seem to be any obvious errors in grammar or punctuation. I will not, however, read anything further from this writing duo. Sorry.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book

I won this book on Goodreads. I loved it. I never read book one or two, but I can tell you I will be waiting for book 4. Byron gets sent to jail on a bad rep. He was set up big time. One week from his last request for appeal he contacts Mr. Bauer about helping him. As this is the book about what it takes to free him, and what it takes to set him up, I won’t go into too much more details because you can’t possibly see what’s coming. I really don’t want to spoil this book for anyone else. But I highly recommend it!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marko and Allee will be dragged into a plot of misleading information, half truths, secrets that seem to envelop them fully, leading to a dangerous road they were never able to see. The Final Appeal is fast-paced, full of intrigue, and with an unexpected ending. Great entertainment!
I thank the authors and their publisher for this ARC.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this intriguing of a woman who expected the worst, therapists said to change her
thought patterns, how could she. She'd been there, the voice, the smell.
I enjoyed this book, it captured me from the first pages to the last, the pages flowed.
I also recommend this book as well as the many others these authors have written.

[Steven A. Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ride. Allee Smith is a great character. Marko Bauer is conflicted, and not very likeable, but he is a good lawyer when he puts his mind to it. The story is a roller coaster with peaks and valleys that kept me interested. I love the pun in the name of the restaurant "Justice Bites." I've ordered the next book which is coming out next year. Check it out.

[John Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed the book. I thought it tended to drag a bit at times. The ending was certainly different. Smith and Bauer make an interesting combo. Unlike other Chandler books I was glad when I finished this one. I am a fan and will continue to read his books. I am probably not the best person to write a book review.

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised by conclusion

The final confessions and analyses made me think I had not paid attention to clues and characters through the chapters. Pathology, addiction, and criminality had compounded beyond my comprehension. I wasn’t ready for such complexity.

[Shelia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This serious is great! I'm so glad to keep reading each one. They are entertaining and at point you laugh out loud. My husband thinks I'm losing it. That's ok it's worth it. All three of these are worth your time! I recommend you read the series.

[Anne Goguen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

Keeps you guessing and then some, The twists and turns through out Keep you wanting to know what's on the next page. If you like John Grisham then you will enjoy all of James Chandler series.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this one in the giveaway. It was a fast paced legal thriller. I enjoyed it.

[Dick Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't already you need to start your day with breakfast at Justice Bites, you won't regret it. This is another book well worth reading, or even better, read the whole series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Allee Smith and Marko Bauer story from Mr. Chandler and Ms. Snider! I look forward to reading the next story in this series.

[Lonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am glad that I did not pay for this book.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next chapter in the Justice Bites series. This book leans a little heavier towards Allee and her investigative instincts and not alot of action in the courtroom. It is a quick read and fast paced, especially at the end of the book. The story does wrap up in a way at the end, but the story is definitely not over and leaves some questions to lead you to the next book.