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Judge and Jury
A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge.
Seattle attorney Dan Raine is hired by an old friend, Judge Michael Hawkins, to help with a delicate family matter. Hawkins’s son has been romancing Lydia Szabo, the daughter of a local crime lord, and now owes her brother a large sum of money.
The Szabo family is using this debt to blackmail the judge into a favorable verdict on an upcoming case. Raine’s job is to scare them off by digging up some serious dirt on their criminal empire. But before he can do it, Lydia is murdered and Judge Hawkins is found standing over her body, a smoking gun in his hand.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Raine believes Hawkins’s claim that he is innocent and throws himself into finding the real killer. His investigation leads him deep into the Szabos' organization, where human trafficking, corrupt cops, and deadly secrets lurk around every corner.
But the closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. And when the real killer is finally revealed, Raine discovers that the deadliest betrayals are the ones you don’t see coming.
Judge and Jury – the seventh book in the bestselling legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.
Seattle attorney Dan Raine is hired by an old friend, Judge Michael Hawkins, to help with a delicate family matter. Hawkins’s son has been romancing Lydia Szabo, the daughter of a local crime lord, and now owes her brother a large sum of money.
The Szabo family is using this debt to blackmail the judge into a favorable verdict on an upcoming case. Raine’s job is to scare them off by digging up some serious dirt on their criminal empire. But before he can do it, Lydia is murdered and Judge Hawkins is found standing over her body, a smoking gun in his hand.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Raine believes Hawkins’s claim that he is innocent and throws himself into finding the real killer. His investigation leads him deep into the Szabos' organization, where human trafficking, corrupt cops, and deadly secrets lurk around every corner.
But the closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. And when the real killer is finally revealed, Raine discovers that the deadliest betrayals are the ones you don’t see coming.
Judge and Jury – the seventh book in the bestselling legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.
246 pages, ebook
Published November 23, 2025
246 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books156 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2025
3,7* ARC
In this seventh installment, Seattle attorney Dan Raine is approached by his old friend now Judge Michael Hawkins to help with a sensitive family situation. The judge’s son has gotten caught up with the daughter of a local crime boss, and what begins as a private issue quickly escalates into something far more dangerous. Before long, a shocking death puts Judge Hawkins under intense suspicion, and Dan finds himself racing to uncover the truth before the whole situation spirals out of control.
First and foremost, what I loved about this book is that even though it’s the seventh in the series, you can jump in and read it as a standalone. This is a solid courtroom drama only about 246 pages, and from the moment you start reading, you want to know who pulled the trigger. I flew through it in one sitting. My favorite parts were definitely the courtroom scenes they were just so well done. I really liked Dan Raine, the main character; he’s super likable and easy to root for.
My only critique is that I would have loved to get to know the side characters more. I enjoyed his lawyer girlfriend Sawyer and her vibe, and the private eye Rebecca,I just wanted more. Hopefully, they get more spotlight in the next book. But other than that, I highly recommend giving this courtroom drama a try.
In this seventh installment, Seattle attorney Dan Raine is approached by his old friend now Judge Michael Hawkins to help with a sensitive family situation. The judge’s son has gotten caught up with the daughter of a local crime boss, and what begins as a private issue quickly escalates into something far more dangerous. Before long, a shocking death puts Judge Hawkins under intense suspicion, and Dan finds himself racing to uncover the truth before the whole situation spirals out of control.
First and foremost, what I loved about this book is that even though it’s the seventh in the series, you can jump in and read it as a standalone. This is a solid courtroom drama only about 246 pages, and from the moment you start reading, you want to know who pulled the trigger. I flew through it in one sitting. My favorite parts were definitely the courtroom scenes they were just so well done. I really liked Dan Raine, the main character; he’s super likable and easy to root for.
My only critique is that I would have loved to get to know the side characters more. I enjoyed his lawyer girlfriend Sawyer and her vibe, and the private eye Rebecca,I just wanted more. Hopefully, they get more spotlight in the next book. But other than that, I highly recommend giving this courtroom drama a try.
November 7, 2025
I have only recently come across author Stephen Penner, when I started reading his other successful series featuring David Brunelle. Judge and Jury, is the seventh instalment in his Daniel Raine series, which is a fast paced legal thriller, that is well plotted and expertly narrated. Stephen Penner is an experienced Legal attorney and that is evident in his writing. I really enjoy legal thrillers and the courtroom scenes in this book are very well written.
Seattle attorney Dan Raine is approached by an old friend Judge Michael Hawkins, to help him with a private family matter. The judge’s son has is seeing Lydia Szabo, daughter of a powerful local crime boss, and now owes her brother a substantial amount of money. The Szabos are using this debt to extort a favourable ruling from the judge, but things spiral out of control when Lydia turns up dead and Judge Hawkins is found at the scene, gun in hand.
Despite the mountain of evidence, Raine believes his friend’s claim of innocence and is determined to get him released. Dan Raine is forced to delve into the dark underworld of Seattle’s organised crime in order to find crucial evidence, putting himself in danger. Raine encounters a network of human trafficking, dirty cops, and buried secrets, while seeking the truth.
This is the first novel I have read in this series and it worked as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much I have already purchased the previous six books in the series. The courtroom drama is realistic and well written and together with the well thought out plot make this a very good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Seattle attorney Dan Raine is approached by an old friend Judge Michael Hawkins, to help him with a private family matter. The judge’s son has is seeing Lydia Szabo, daughter of a powerful local crime boss, and now owes her brother a substantial amount of money. The Szabos are using this debt to extort a favourable ruling from the judge, but things spiral out of control when Lydia turns up dead and Judge Hawkins is found at the scene, gun in hand.
Despite the mountain of evidence, Raine believes his friend’s claim of innocence and is determined to get him released. Dan Raine is forced to delve into the dark underworld of Seattle’s organised crime in order to find crucial evidence, putting himself in danger. Raine encounters a network of human trafficking, dirty cops, and buried secrets, while seeking the truth.
This is the first novel I have read in this series and it worked as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much I have already purchased the previous six books in the series. The courtroom drama is realistic and well written and together with the well thought out plot make this a very good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
In this installment, attorney Dan Raine has been retained by an old friend, a judge, who appears to have a sticky wicket with the apparent death of his son’s girlfriend in his upstairs study.
An experienced attorney himself, the author knows his way around the legal system and courtroom procedure, and his main character reflects that expertise. In his years of practice, the MC has also accumulated a number of valuable contacts, a few of whom are happy to return a favor when requested.
The courtroom drama puts you square in the jury box, the legalese explained, and the maneuvering suspenseful. Raine comes off as an intelligent and competent attorney as well as investigator.
I thought we had a solid verdict and conclusion when the author threw in a gotcha at the end I didn’t see coming.
If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, you’ll love this one. Even if you aren’t, the plot and pace will keep your interest in moving pages. It can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
In this installment, attorney Dan Raine has been retained by an old friend, a judge, who appears to have a sticky wicket with the apparent death of his son’s girlfriend in his upstairs study.
An experienced attorney himself, the author knows his way around the legal system and courtroom procedure, and his main character reflects that expertise. In his years of practice, the MC has also accumulated a number of valuable contacts, a few of whom are happy to return a favor when requested.
The courtroom drama puts you square in the jury box, the legalese explained, and the maneuvering suspenseful. Raine comes off as an intelligent and competent attorney as well as investigator.
I thought we had a solid verdict and conclusion when the author threw in a gotcha at the end I didn’t see coming.
If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, you’ll love this one. Even if you aren’t, the plot and pace will keep your interest in moving pages. It can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
November 15, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Raine in Judge Hawkin's, his former partner, courtroom for a meeting after court is adjourned for the day. It seems that the Judge needs Raine to help him and he stated that he would give him the details right after dinner. Raine learns that Trevor, the judge's son, has gotten in deep with loan sharks and the judge is being blackmailed to provide a ruler clearing the mob's company. Later when the judge has a fundraiser, am murder happens and the judge is arrested. The evidence is quite damaging.
Follow Raine and his team as they try to find out who the real killer was. Learn how Raine operated at the trial and what rationale he was using for the judge's defense. Discover what activity happened just prior to the trial going to the jury.
The conclusion is quite revealing. This is definitely a book worth reading!
The story begins with Raine in Judge Hawkin's, his former partner, courtroom for a meeting after court is adjourned for the day. It seems that the Judge needs Raine to help him and he stated that he would give him the details right after dinner. Raine learns that Trevor, the judge's son, has gotten in deep with loan sharks and the judge is being blackmailed to provide a ruler clearing the mob's company. Later when the judge has a fundraiser, am murder happens and the judge is arrested. The evidence is quite damaging.
Follow Raine and his team as they try to find out who the real killer was. Learn how Raine operated at the trial and what rationale he was using for the judge's defense. Discover what activity happened just prior to the trial going to the jury.
The conclusion is quite revealing. This is definitely a book worth reading!
November 12, 2025
Judge and Jury by Stephen Penner is an engrossing legal thriller that delivers everything fans of courtroom drama and crime fiction crave—high stakes, tight plotting, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Penner masterfully balances courtroom strategy with gritty street-level suspense. The pacing is electric, the dialogue crisp, and the moral tension palpable as Raine risks everything to uncover the truth.
What makes Judge and Jury stand out is Penner’s understanding of human motivation and the fragile lines between right and wrong. Readers who enjoy series like Lincoln Lawyer will find themselves hooked from the first page.
Fast-paced, clever, and full of heart, Judge and Jury cements Stephen Penner’s place among the best in legal suspense. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves smart, character-driven thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end.
Penner masterfully balances courtroom strategy with gritty street-level suspense. The pacing is electric, the dialogue crisp, and the moral tension palpable as Raine risks everything to uncover the truth.
What makes Judge and Jury stand out is Penner’s understanding of human motivation and the fragile lines between right and wrong. Readers who enjoy series like Lincoln Lawyer will find themselves hooked from the first page.
Fast-paced, clever, and full of heart, Judge and Jury cements Stephen Penner’s place among the best in legal suspense. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves smart, character-driven thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end.
November 2, 2025
When Daniel Raine's ex-partner and now judge gets into a legal pickle, who else is he going to turn to? With his son owing mobsters money while involved with the big fish's daughter, and the judge with a gun in his hand standing over her dead body, it can't look any bleaker. Have no fear - Raine will tirelessly work to find out what really happened even when the police and prosecutor already have their minds made up about the judge's guilt.
As usual, Raine will take a few lumps in the process, along with threats against his well being, but he won't give up when the odds are against him.
An entertaining read throughout, and other solid entry in the Rain City Legal Thriller series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As usual, Raine will take a few lumps in the process, along with threats against his well being, but he won't give up when the odds are against him.
An entertaining read throughout, and other solid entry in the Rain City Legal Thriller series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
I hope this isn't the last time we get to hear from Attorney Raine!
Oftentimes serial books,movies etc. run together or feel like a repeat of one before it,not with this series in my opinion. I rarely give 5 star reviews but book 7 in Stephen Penner's, Daniel Raine series deserves every single one.
Overall the series is 4+🌟 and although I don't write spoiler reviews trust me, this author knows how to keep the settings,characters and storyline in each book both fresh and relevant. He is darn good at keeping you guessing as well.
If you love legal fiction,Penner will have you hooked and in the net before you get to Chapter 2. Mr. Penner please continue to share more of Daniel Raines escapades with us !
Oftentimes serial books,movies etc. run together or feel like a repeat of one before it,not with this series in my opinion. I rarely give 5 star reviews but book 7 in Stephen Penner's, Daniel Raine series deserves every single one.
Overall the series is 4+🌟 and although I don't write spoiler reviews trust me, this author knows how to keep the settings,characters and storyline in each book both fresh and relevant. He is darn good at keeping you guessing as well.
If you love legal fiction,Penner will have you hooked and in the net before you get to Chapter 2. Mr. Penner please continue to share more of Daniel Raines escapades with us !
November 17, 2025
This was a great read for me because I got stuck into the story. The storyline was interesting. A judge, his family and a crime family. I loved the characters. I think that the judge and his wife were interesting. I could easily relate to them and as a reader, I think that helped me care about their problems. I also loved the main character Dan because he was a normal person who in my opinion, was a good investigator.
All in all, I was entertained by Stephen's story, and I think that other people will love it too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All in all, I was entertained by Stephen's story, and I think that other people will love it too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2025
Mr. Penner did it again! Judge and Jury is one of those stories that will keep you reading because you must learn the end! Dan is defending his friend and ex-partner Judge Hawkins, from the accusation of killing his son's girlfriend who was also the daughter of a mobster with lots of shady business under his belt. Dan is convinced his friend did not kill her but is not sure about his son. He will investigate, get beaten, but will get results and the story has a most unexpected ending. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2025
Daniel Raine is the lawyer you want as he goes above and beyond. Prosecutors are not fond of him and he reminds you of the old Perry Mason where the theatrics come out at the end and it is always a surprise ending for the good guys.
Very entertaining book, well written, engaging characters and great dialogue. If you have not read any of the Stephen Penner, Daniel Raine books, recommend you check them out. I have read all of them and look forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very entertaining book, well written, engaging characters and great dialogue. If you have not read any of the Stephen Penner, Daniel Raine books, recommend you check them out. I have read all of them and look forward to the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
Love this series. If you haven't read this author then you are missing out and need to get busy. Dane Raine is an attorney in Seattle. he is hired by an old friend of his, Judge Michael Hawkins to help with a private family matter. The judge's son has been dating the local crime lord's daughter and owes her brother a ton of money and he wants payment. Now the crime family is using the debt to try to blackmail the judge and he wants Dan to find out what's going on and stop it. Edge of your seat thriller.
November 3, 2025
It's hard to believe this is the seventh book already but here we are. Dan finds himself defending his old friend who is a judge after his son's girlfriend is shot dead in his home with the judge holding the gun.
As usual, Dan gets himself into situations which gets him attacked but I love how he manages to come out on the right side. The reveal at the end was very clever and a nice twist. Bring on book eight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As usual, Dan gets himself into situations which gets him attacked but I love how he manages to come out on the right side. The reveal at the end was very clever and a nice twist. Bring on book eight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
This time around Dan is tasked with defending his old partner, now sitting judge in the murder of the girlfriend of his partner’s son. With the help of Sawyer, his trusty sidekick, realtor and a few new friends can he save his friend from prison? Oh mercy this was fantastic. And the epilogue was epic. I truly did not see that coming. Outstanding thriller. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
November 14, 2025
Raine was doing a favor for his friend Judge Hawkins representing his son Trevor, but when a murder points the finger at Judge Hawkins things change course. My curiosity was piqued as to who pulled the trigger and at that point I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and was totally shocked when I found out who the killer was kudos to this author for not revealing the answer to the very end.
November 16, 2025
when Dan Raine’s former partner who is now a judge calls him to help with a family issue he never imagined it would end up with murder charges. Can Raine figure it all out and clear his friend’s mane before it’s too late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
😒What-You did it!
You can always depend on Stephen Penney for hours of great entertainment! I knew who did it…oh, he didn’t? Well then it had to be….you’re kidding. So that just leaves who? Ok just keep reading as it gets better and even more surprising. Like I said, you can depend on Stephen for a good read!
You can always depend on Stephen Penney for hours of great entertainment! I knew who did it…oh, he didn’t? Well then it had to be….you’re kidding. So that just leaves who? Ok just keep reading as it gets better and even more surprising. Like I said, you can depend on Stephen for a good read!
November 18, 2025
Love a good mystery. A convoluted mystery that starts out one way and morphs in a different direction. There are good guys and bad guys but for the majority of the story you won’t be able to figure it out. It feels like there are even multiple endings but the final result is a surprise.
November 18, 2025
This is a very well written book with great characters and a good plot. It's interesting, easy to read and entertaining, but there are a few strange and wrong details, and the main character isn't as savvy as he used to be. But the last part is good.
December 3, 2025
great read
Always entertaining. Fast paced. Twists and turns. Just pure entertainment for me with enough spice and grit to keep me reading. Enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next Dan Raine case
Always entertaining. Fast paced. Twists and turns. Just pure entertainment for me with enough spice and grit to keep me reading. Enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next Dan Raine case
December 9, 2025
Each book by this author gets better and better. This was a convoluted story, mostly taking place in a courtroom and I didn't guess that there would be a twist at the end. Very well written, the book kept me guessing, interested and engaged.
December 18, 2025
another great Rain City read
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Rain City series! You don’t have to read them in order, but each one is well written and why not start at the beginning and read them all? Can’t wait for book #8!
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Rain City series! You don’t have to read them in order, but each one is well written and why not start at the beginning and read them all? Can’t wait for book #8!
November 19, 2025
Mistake Manslaughter
Circuitous tale of the death by accident. Good descriptions of the characters and environment. Interesting to finally learn who killed the lady
Circuitous tale of the death by accident. Good descriptions of the characters and environment. Interesting to finally learn who killed the lady
November 22, 2025
legal thriller
A well written legal thriller, plenty of who done it moments. I thought I had figured it out - wrong! The courtroom scenes were really well done and down to earth.
A well written legal thriller, plenty of who done it moments. I thought I had figured it out - wrong! The courtroom scenes were really well done and down to earth.
November 26, 2025
a great who-did-it.
WOW. I did not see the ending coming. Well written with plot twists galore - a pleasure to read. Thank you Stephen Penner. Well done!
WOW. I did not see the ending coming. Well written with plot twists galore - a pleasure to read. Thank you Stephen Penner. Well done!
November 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a few twist and turns. I must say I did not solve this case. Its well worth giving it a read.
December 2, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down and never guessed the ending. It kept your interest for every page. I recommend this highly.
December 2, 2025
Lawyer, Judge, Mobster
December 2, 2025
Great read
This is the type of book that keeps you riveted to each page. A Little unrealistic ending but still a mesmerizing book to read.
This is the type of book that keeps you riveted to each page. A Little unrealistic ending but still a mesmerizing book to read.
December 8, 2025
Delightful
Just exactly why I love to read, humor, a little suspense, and a touch of real life. I really enjoy this author, have read them all!
Just exactly why I love to read, humor, a little suspense, and a touch of real life. I really enjoy this author, have read them all!
December 22, 2025
Attorney Dan Raine is hired to defend his good friend and judge against a murder charge. It gets complicated very quickly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews