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Nora Carleton #4
Red Verdict: A Crime Novel
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26US Attorney Nora Carleton must confront a murderous espionage plot aimed at stealing cutting-edge American technology. The unmissable new legal thriller from the former director of the FBI.
When an influential defense company executive sprinkles hot pepper flakes on his penne vodka at an exclusive restaurant in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, little does he know that the first bite will be the last thing he ever tastes.
The fatal meal has been spiked with Novichok, a potent poison guaranteed to do maximum damage to its victims. The FBI investigates the murder and soon discovers a Russian-originated plot aimed at stealing cutting-edge drone technology from US defense contractors.
US Attorney Nora Carleton and her team must put together the case of their lives to get a jury to convict the perpetrators - but in a modern world wrought with division, can they secure the verdict they hope for?
A gripping, expertly realised thriller perfect for fans of John Grisham, Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly.
When an influential defense company executive sprinkles hot pepper flakes on his penne vodka at an exclusive restaurant in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, little does he know that the first bite will be the last thing he ever tastes.
The fatal meal has been spiked with Novichok, a potent poison guaranteed to do maximum damage to its victims. The FBI investigates the murder and soon discovers a Russian-originated plot aimed at stealing cutting-edge drone technology from US defense contractors.
US Attorney Nora Carleton and her team must put together the case of their lives to get a jury to convict the perpetrators - but in a modern world wrought with division, can they secure the verdict they hope for?
A gripping, expertly realised thriller perfect for fans of John Grisham, Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
8 people are currently reading
4924 people want to read
About the author
James B. Comey
13 books727 followersJames Brien Comey Jr. (born December 14, 1960) is an American lawyer who served as the seventh Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from September 4, 2013 until his dismissal on May 9, 2017. Comey was a registered Republican for most of his life, but has recently described himself as unaffiliated.
Comey was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from January 2002 to December 2003, and subsequently the United States Deputy Attorney General from December 2003 to August 2005 in the administration of President George W. Bush. Comey appointed Patrick Fitzgerald to be the Special Counsel to head the grand jury investigation into the Plame affair after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself.
In August 2005, Comey left the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and became general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2010, he became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport, Connecticut. In early 2013, he left Bridgewater to become a Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School. He served on the board of directors of HSBC Holdings until July 2013.
In September 2013, Comey was appointed Director of the FBI by President Barack Obama. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. His role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly with regard to his public communications, was highly controversial. His decisions are viewed by some analysts as having possibly cost Clinton the election. Comey also received heavy criticism from Republicans, in part after it was revealed that he had begun drafting an exoneration letter for Clinton before the investigation was complete.
Comey was dismissed by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Statements from Trump and the White House suggested that he had been dismissed to ease the "pressure" Trump was under due to the Russia investigation. On May 16 Comey released his internal FBI memo he had written after a February 14 private meeting with the president. It said Trump had asked him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor. The dismissal, the memo, and Comey's subsequent Congressional testimony were interpreted by some commentators as evidence of obstruction of justice and became part of a widening investigation by Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel appointed to probe Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Comey was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from January 2002 to December 2003, and subsequently the United States Deputy Attorney General from December 2003 to August 2005 in the administration of President George W. Bush. Comey appointed Patrick Fitzgerald to be the Special Counsel to head the grand jury investigation into the Plame affair after Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself.
In August 2005, Comey left the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and became general counsel and senior vice president of Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2010, he became general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, based in Westport, Connecticut. In early 2013, he left Bridgewater to become a Senior Research Scholar and Hertog Fellow on National Security Law at Columbia Law School. He served on the board of directors of HSBC Holdings until July 2013.
In September 2013, Comey was appointed Director of the FBI by President Barack Obama. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the FBI's investigation of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. His role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, particularly with regard to his public communications, was highly controversial. His decisions are viewed by some analysts as having possibly cost Clinton the election. Comey also received heavy criticism from Republicans, in part after it was revealed that he had begun drafting an exoneration letter for Clinton before the investigation was complete.
Comey was dismissed by President Donald Trump on May 9, 2017. Statements from Trump and the White House suggested that he had been dismissed to ease the "pressure" Trump was under due to the Russia investigation. On May 16 Comey released his internal FBI memo he had written after a February 14 private meeting with the president. It said Trump had asked him to end the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor. The dismissal, the memo, and Comey's subsequent Congressional testimony were interpreted by some commentators as evidence of obstruction of justice and became part of a widening investigation by Robert Mueller, the Special Counsel appointed to probe Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
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April 19, 2026
Have I mentioned how much I love this series? I mean, any book based around law and order is pretty well designed to grab my attention, but given the depth of authenticity that James Comey is able to bring to the story, as well as the fact that in Nora Carleton and her family and colleagues, he has created a superb cast of characters, these books really do just hit the sweet spot for me. I race through them, utterly gripped by the investigations and the action, as well as the brilliant courtroom action that underpins the whole novel. This book in particular cuts quite close to the bone, actions and consequences which are all too believable, with ties to real life cases and a few characters, the senior defence Attorney for one, where I simply cannot imagine where Mr Comey got his inspiration from ...
Red Verdict is based around a very fascinating, and perhaps all too plausible situation. A major player in a US Technology company who is suspected to be a secret Russian asset. Until said person no longer wants to play ball, then they are just a liability. A copious serving of novichok laced chilli flakes and pasta later, and its not long before the respective Government agencies, Nora Carleton and the US Attorney Criminal Division, are all on board determined to stop the passage of some very sensitive drone technology into very much the wrong hands. Now I know it may be very difficult to imagine anyone in a senior post, with strong links to the seats of power in Washington, having any kind of connection to Russia ... but here we are. James Comey makes a very compelling case, and with some very compromising information held by Russia about said asset, it seems that they may just get everything they want.
This is a very serious book. Murder with a nerve agent is no laughing matter and very much grounded in reality, as the references to real world cases in the UK attest. But, thankfully, James Comey is able to inject a good amount of humour into the story, although it's fair to say that this may depend on which side of the current US political divide you sit on. Nora is a fabulous lead character. A single mum whose daughter is living away with her father during the week and only returning home at weekends, she lives for her job, but it doesn't wholly define her. She is strong, independent, and utterly focused with a razor sharp precision in the courtroom as her opponents often find to their cost. And she has a strong team around her, from her boss, US Attorney Carmen Garcia, and colleague, Sean Fitzpatrick, to her family, mother, Teresa, and her colleague, turned Step-father, Benny Dugan. The friendship and banter between Bennt and Nora never fails to bring a smile to my face, and benny, although he may act the tough guy, is surprisingly sensitive and very bit as astute and switched on as Nora. Collectively they make for a formidable team.
I love the glimpse inside the operations of the Federal agencies, and the sense of authenticity that is brought to bare in the courtroom. I am sure some of it if exaggerated for artistic and literary effect, and no doubt much of what really happens behind closed doors is kept off the page for reasons of national security, if not plausible deniability, but it feels real. It is dramatic, frustrating, and eye opening in equal measure. As readers, James Comey puts in very much in a position of knowledge. We are present as the clandestine meetings occur that the federal agents struggle to find the proof of. We know of the existence of a method of coercion, even if it takes the team uncovering the dark truth to expose the actual nature of the threat. And we are taken deep into the heart of the case that the team are trying to build before being led, quite willingly, into the courtroom where we get to watch the intense theatre of prosecution v defence.
I enjoyed the courtroom scenes immensely. These are pitched perfectly, delivering the evidence, and the counter arguments in a way which keeps everything fresh, even where we think we already know what is going on. No chance of this becoming stale, as much because of the entertainment value of the Father-Son defence team, and the very matter of fact, and utterly direct, attitude of the judge presiding over the case. I like Judge Conway. A lot. He has a rather unexpected handicap, not that anyone not in the know could tell. His personality is sharp, and refreshingly honest, a no-nonsense kind of guy who keeps that larger than life characters in the case in check. Speaking of which, I've already mentioned one of the defence team, Mortimer Schacter, and his performance in court is almost comical. His speech patterns, his objections, and, quite honestly, utterly nonsensical ranting, really set me in mind of someone, but I will let you read the book and figure that out for yourself.
This book kept me glued to the page/screen from start to finish. It's got perfect pacing, balancing the need to establish a case and follow through with prosecution without being too repetitive. Given the nature of the threat against the country, the agents involved in the espionage and the murders, there is an undercurrent of threat throughout as well, as well as the constant fear that the senior connections between the defendant and Washington's elite may prevent justice being done. In that sense, I could feel my own frustrations building much as they would have for Nora and the team, the author making me that invested in the idea of justice that the notion of the case going any other way was unthinkable. Whether just desserts are served, well you have to read to find out, but this is one of my favourite books in the series to date and most definitely recommended.
Red Verdict is based around a very fascinating, and perhaps all too plausible situation. A major player in a US Technology company who is suspected to be a secret Russian asset. Until said person no longer wants to play ball, then they are just a liability. A copious serving of novichok laced chilli flakes and pasta later, and its not long before the respective Government agencies, Nora Carleton and the US Attorney Criminal Division, are all on board determined to stop the passage of some very sensitive drone technology into very much the wrong hands. Now I know it may be very difficult to imagine anyone in a senior post, with strong links to the seats of power in Washington, having any kind of connection to Russia ... but here we are. James Comey makes a very compelling case, and with some very compromising information held by Russia about said asset, it seems that they may just get everything they want.
This is a very serious book. Murder with a nerve agent is no laughing matter and very much grounded in reality, as the references to real world cases in the UK attest. But, thankfully, James Comey is able to inject a good amount of humour into the story, although it's fair to say that this may depend on which side of the current US political divide you sit on. Nora is a fabulous lead character. A single mum whose daughter is living away with her father during the week and only returning home at weekends, she lives for her job, but it doesn't wholly define her. She is strong, independent, and utterly focused with a razor sharp precision in the courtroom as her opponents often find to their cost. And she has a strong team around her, from her boss, US Attorney Carmen Garcia, and colleague, Sean Fitzpatrick, to her family, mother, Teresa, and her colleague, turned Step-father, Benny Dugan. The friendship and banter between Bennt and Nora never fails to bring a smile to my face, and benny, although he may act the tough guy, is surprisingly sensitive and very bit as astute and switched on as Nora. Collectively they make for a formidable team.
I love the glimpse inside the operations of the Federal agencies, and the sense of authenticity that is brought to bare in the courtroom. I am sure some of it if exaggerated for artistic and literary effect, and no doubt much of what really happens behind closed doors is kept off the page for reasons of national security, if not plausible deniability, but it feels real. It is dramatic, frustrating, and eye opening in equal measure. As readers, James Comey puts in very much in a position of knowledge. We are present as the clandestine meetings occur that the federal agents struggle to find the proof of. We know of the existence of a method of coercion, even if it takes the team uncovering the dark truth to expose the actual nature of the threat. And we are taken deep into the heart of the case that the team are trying to build before being led, quite willingly, into the courtroom where we get to watch the intense theatre of prosecution v defence.
I enjoyed the courtroom scenes immensely. These are pitched perfectly, delivering the evidence, and the counter arguments in a way which keeps everything fresh, even where we think we already know what is going on. No chance of this becoming stale, as much because of the entertainment value of the Father-Son defence team, and the very matter of fact, and utterly direct, attitude of the judge presiding over the case. I like Judge Conway. A lot. He has a rather unexpected handicap, not that anyone not in the know could tell. His personality is sharp, and refreshingly honest, a no-nonsense kind of guy who keeps that larger than life characters in the case in check. Speaking of which, I've already mentioned one of the defence team, Mortimer Schacter, and his performance in court is almost comical. His speech patterns, his objections, and, quite honestly, utterly nonsensical ranting, really set me in mind of someone, but I will let you read the book and figure that out for yourself.
This book kept me glued to the page/screen from start to finish. It's got perfect pacing, balancing the need to establish a case and follow through with prosecution without being too repetitive. Given the nature of the threat against the country, the agents involved in the espionage and the murders, there is an undercurrent of threat throughout as well, as well as the constant fear that the senior connections between the defendant and Washington's elite may prevent justice being done. In that sense, I could feel my own frustrations building much as they would have for Nora and the team, the author making me that invested in the idea of justice that the notion of the case going any other way was unthinkable. Whether just desserts are served, well you have to read to find out, but this is one of my favourite books in the series to date and most definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A man cannot even enjoy a nice dinner in New York without being assassinated via nerve agent. That is the energy Red Verdict by James Comey opens with, and I would like to formally request that geopolitics leave Italian cuisine alone. A high-level executive at an American drone manufacturer gets poisoned in a restaurant in what can only be described as a “we are sending a message” murder. Not subtle. Not quiet. Full international chest-thumping.
And then Nora Carleton walks in, back in her Deputy U.S. Attorney era at the Southern District of New York, and she is in her element. Competent. Focused. Morally allergic to nonsense. The kind of woman who could read you your Miranda rights and make it sound like a TED Talk about accountability. I have not read the first three books. Did that stop me? Absolutely not. Am I now feral for Central Park West, Westport, and FDR Drive? Yes. I want the full Nora cinematic universe immediately.
This case does not spiral. It detonates. Russian nerve agent. Possibly North Korean involvement. A weapons contractor with government ties. And the question hanging over everything like a thundercloud in a tailored suit, was this guy a traitor, or was he collateral damage in a much uglier game? The deeper Nora and Special Agent Benny Dugan dig, the clearer it becomes that this is not about one dead executive. It is about leverage. About intimidation. About someone powerful being told, cooperate or else.
And here is where the book really flexes its muscles. Because it would be easy to make this all cloak and dagger, car chases and shadowy phone calls. Instead, the tension lives in the grind. In motions. In evidence rules. In the soul-crushing reality that knowing someone is guilty is not the same as being able to prove it without torching classified intelligence. It is like watching someone try to win a chess match where half the pieces are redacted.
The interagency drama? Delicious. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the CIA, all circling each other like extremely educated sharks who technically work on the same team but absolutely do not trust each other. It is the most high-stakes group project in America. Everyone has clearance. No one wants to share their notes. Somewhere, a deputy assistant something is forwarding an email that says “per my last message” and ruining Nora’s afternoon.
Benny Dugan remains the ride-or-die presence you want in your corner when the world is on fire. Their dynamic has that lived-in shorthand, that we-have-survived-some-things energy. It grounds the story emotionally, especially when the stakes start to feel enormous. Because Nora is not just chasing a conviction. She is carrying the weight of national security, her own moral compass, and the reality that a single misstep could either tank the case or compromise intelligence. Casual.
And what I loved, truly, is that the mystery is not some cheap whiplash twist machine. We are not flipping through suspects like we are on a dating app for villains. The tension comes from watching whether justice can even function in a world this messy. Can you hold someone accountable when the evidence is tangled in espionage and politics? Can truth survive bureaucracy? That is the real gut punch.
By the time we get to the courtroom, I was fully invested in procedural details I did not know I cared about. Objections. Strategy. The quiet psychological chess between prosecution and defense. It is less about fireworks and more about pressure. Slow, relentless pressure. The kind that makes you sit up straighter while reading because suddenly everything feels fragile.
This is a 4.5 star read for me without hesitation. Smart. Tense. Uncomfortably plausible. Anchored by a protagonist who feels both formidable and human. I did not just want a verdict. I wanted Nora to win.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Both Vodka Sauce and Anyone Who Says “It’s Just Business”
Huge, dramatic, slightly breathless thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of Red Verdict. You handed me international espionage, courtroom tension, and pasta-based paranoia, and I am deeply grateful.
And then Nora Carleton walks in, back in her Deputy U.S. Attorney era at the Southern District of New York, and she is in her element. Competent. Focused. Morally allergic to nonsense. The kind of woman who could read you your Miranda rights and make it sound like a TED Talk about accountability. I have not read the first three books. Did that stop me? Absolutely not. Am I now feral for Central Park West, Westport, and FDR Drive? Yes. I want the full Nora cinematic universe immediately.
This case does not spiral. It detonates. Russian nerve agent. Possibly North Korean involvement. A weapons contractor with government ties. And the question hanging over everything like a thundercloud in a tailored suit, was this guy a traitor, or was he collateral damage in a much uglier game? The deeper Nora and Special Agent Benny Dugan dig, the clearer it becomes that this is not about one dead executive. It is about leverage. About intimidation. About someone powerful being told, cooperate or else.
And here is where the book really flexes its muscles. Because it would be easy to make this all cloak and dagger, car chases and shadowy phone calls. Instead, the tension lives in the grind. In motions. In evidence rules. In the soul-crushing reality that knowing someone is guilty is not the same as being able to prove it without torching classified intelligence. It is like watching someone try to win a chess match where half the pieces are redacted.
The interagency drama? Delicious. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the CIA, all circling each other like extremely educated sharks who technically work on the same team but absolutely do not trust each other. It is the most high-stakes group project in America. Everyone has clearance. No one wants to share their notes. Somewhere, a deputy assistant something is forwarding an email that says “per my last message” and ruining Nora’s afternoon.
Benny Dugan remains the ride-or-die presence you want in your corner when the world is on fire. Their dynamic has that lived-in shorthand, that we-have-survived-some-things energy. It grounds the story emotionally, especially when the stakes start to feel enormous. Because Nora is not just chasing a conviction. She is carrying the weight of national security, her own moral compass, and the reality that a single misstep could either tank the case or compromise intelligence. Casual.
And what I loved, truly, is that the mystery is not some cheap whiplash twist machine. We are not flipping through suspects like we are on a dating app for villains. The tension comes from watching whether justice can even function in a world this messy. Can you hold someone accountable when the evidence is tangled in espionage and politics? Can truth survive bureaucracy? That is the real gut punch.
By the time we get to the courtroom, I was fully invested in procedural details I did not know I cared about. Objections. Strategy. The quiet psychological chess between prosecution and defense. It is less about fireworks and more about pressure. Slow, relentless pressure. The kind that makes you sit up straighter while reading because suddenly everything feels fragile.
This is a 4.5 star read for me without hesitation. Smart. Tense. Uncomfortably plausible. Anchored by a protagonist who feels both formidable and human. I did not just want a verdict. I wanted Nora to win.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Both Vodka Sauce and Anyone Who Says “It’s Just Business”
Huge, dramatic, slightly breathless thank you to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of Red Verdict. You handed me international espionage, courtroom tension, and pasta-based paranoia, and I am deeply grateful.
January 22, 2026
You might not think of James Comey as one of those authors who produces a new installment in a series and the moment it’s available, you drop everything to read his latest legal thriller. But that’s how he became one of my favorite writers. The fourth book in the Nora Carleton series lived up to my expectations — here is a very intelligent narrative featuring an extremely well-written female protagonist (and very tall, like her author) in a fascinating spy story/ court drama.
I’ve come to absolutely love Comey’s Nora Carleton books. “Central Park West” was about the mob; “Westport” (during Nora’s brief stint as a corporate lawyer) was a business whodunit; and “FDR Drive” was about terrorists. In “Red Verdict,” the topic is about espionage, specifically Russian baddies trying to subvert American defense contractor CEOs. The primary story is the discovery of an elite businessman who’s been compromised by the Russians, but it’s only after one of the Russian spy services accidentally kills the wrong man does the Justice Department catch on.
This book can be read as a standalone and the recurring characters are re-introduced without nagging questions about their pasts, but you’ll be missing some of the great backstories. Nora is again a Deputy US Attorney, working in Manhattan. There are some family connections: her daughter is living with her ex in Connecticut and her mom has married Nora’s chief investigator, Benny, so she’s a single woman living alone. There are multiple other characters, attorneys, FBI, CIA, judges and defense lawyers, but Comey never takes the spotlight off the importance of good teamwork. There still is complicated cooperation between federal and state law enforcement. We witness the diverging motivations (but ultimately with the same conviction goal) of the US Attorney’s office vs CIA vs FBI — and it is humorously mirrored by the Russian spy vs spy bureaucracies (FSB vs GRU vs SVR).
Comey’s special contribution to his novels has been cool insider knowledge — we get a tutorial about international wire types, observations about the cause of woodwork damage in the Attorney General’s office,and a doozy like how name tents get placed in the White House Situation Room. Comey is not political in his novels, but it must have been a catharsis to write about work insanities like this section:
“the deputy attorney general said—repeating what the principal associate deputy attorney general told him, which was what the assistant attorney general told him, which was what the principal deputy assistant attorney general told her, which was what the deputy assistant attorney general told him, which was what the section chief told her, which was what the deputy section chief told him, which was what Nora and Sean had explained.”
Again, Comey is an author whose past life definitely helps him develop realistic plot lines with satisfying conclusions. The story is action-packed, and the verdict is never quite certain (although the guilt is). The entire character team deserves another future thriller! I’m glad the author found the time for this fourth book and I look forward to a fifth. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Sean has hooded green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But a unique fact about ginkgo botany in Central Park becomes significant.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
I’ve come to absolutely love Comey’s Nora Carleton books. “Central Park West” was about the mob; “Westport” (during Nora’s brief stint as a corporate lawyer) was a business whodunit; and “FDR Drive” was about terrorists. In “Red Verdict,” the topic is about espionage, specifically Russian baddies trying to subvert American defense contractor CEOs. The primary story is the discovery of an elite businessman who’s been compromised by the Russians, but it’s only after one of the Russian spy services accidentally kills the wrong man does the Justice Department catch on.
This book can be read as a standalone and the recurring characters are re-introduced without nagging questions about their pasts, but you’ll be missing some of the great backstories. Nora is again a Deputy US Attorney, working in Manhattan. There are some family connections: her daughter is living with her ex in Connecticut and her mom has married Nora’s chief investigator, Benny, so she’s a single woman living alone. There are multiple other characters, attorneys, FBI, CIA, judges and defense lawyers, but Comey never takes the spotlight off the importance of good teamwork. There still is complicated cooperation between federal and state law enforcement. We witness the diverging motivations (but ultimately with the same conviction goal) of the US Attorney’s office vs CIA vs FBI — and it is humorously mirrored by the Russian spy vs spy bureaucracies (FSB vs GRU vs SVR).
Comey’s special contribution to his novels has been cool insider knowledge — we get a tutorial about international wire types, observations about the cause of woodwork damage in the Attorney General’s office,and a doozy like how name tents get placed in the White House Situation Room. Comey is not political in his novels, but it must have been a catharsis to write about work insanities like this section:
“the deputy attorney general said—repeating what the principal associate deputy attorney general told him, which was what the assistant attorney general told him, which was what the principal deputy assistant attorney general told her, which was what the deputy assistant attorney general told him, which was what the section chief told her, which was what the deputy section chief told him, which was what Nora and Sean had explained.”
Again, Comey is an author whose past life definitely helps him develop realistic plot lines with satisfying conclusions. The story is action-packed, and the verdict is never quite certain (although the guilt is). The entire character team deserves another future thriller! I’m glad the author found the time for this fourth book and I look forward to a fifth. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Sean has hooded green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But a unique fact about ginkgo botany in Central Park becomes significant.
Thank you to Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ever since I started my working life 60-plus years ago as a legal secretary (for a whopping $250 a month), I’ve had a keen interest in the law. Never wanted to be a lawyer, mind you – it was the research side that called out to me. That career never happened, but even after many years as a print journalist, legal matters (and of course, books that included courtroom strategies), have remained a priority. What I’m saying is that it’s really hard for me to get bogged down in trial goings-on, but I felt that way a couple of times in this story (apparently the judge in the depicted trial did as well, admonishing attorneys for both sides to get a move on more than once). Mind you, that didn’t much dampen my personal enthusiasm for the book – I’m simply pointing out that this series entry is a bit more technical than its predecessors.
This is the fourth book featuring Nora Carleton, assistant district attorney for the Southern District of New York; I’ve now read – and recommended – all three. Every one has been an interesting, intriguing story (and, of course, scratched my legal itch).
As it opens, a frequent diner at a New York restaurant is fatally stricken during his meal. An astute hospital doctor suspects he was done in by a hard-to-detect nerve agent popular with Russian assassins. Not long after, other diners succumb to the same thing; quick action saves their lives and confirms the suspicion that the original victim had, in fact, been targeted. Nora and her long-time FBI Special Agent Benny Dugan (the latter married to Nora’s mother) begin an investigation, only to learn somebody messed up big-time; the dead guy isn’t the one they were supposed to eliminate.
Still more investigation points to someone close to the victim as being the intended target, and meetings with other agencies that have enough acronyms to make your head swim determine that the real target – and perhaps the victim himself – are Russian spies and that something went wrong. That, in turn, prompts visits to a private residence in Las Vegas reminiscent of a Jeffrey Epstein getaway (complete with young victims and links to at least one highly placed Washington, D.C., government official – who, understandably, will do what he can to make sure the public doesn’t start demanding to see files).
Finally, there’s that detailed trial – interesting in and of itself. But that’s not all Nora has on her plate; In the midst of everything job-related, she must deal with her beloved daughter, Sophie, who lives with her father during the week and is going through some issues of her own. None of the details are mine to share, of course, but I can say there’s never a dull moment (well, except when the trial attorneys get a little carried away). Everything gets resolved at the end, though, making for an entertaining and fast-paced adventure. My thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get my latest legal “fix” by way of a pre-release copy. Well done once again!
This is the fourth book featuring Nora Carleton, assistant district attorney for the Southern District of New York; I’ve now read – and recommended – all three. Every one has been an interesting, intriguing story (and, of course, scratched my legal itch).
As it opens, a frequent diner at a New York restaurant is fatally stricken during his meal. An astute hospital doctor suspects he was done in by a hard-to-detect nerve agent popular with Russian assassins. Not long after, other diners succumb to the same thing; quick action saves their lives and confirms the suspicion that the original victim had, in fact, been targeted. Nora and her long-time FBI Special Agent Benny Dugan (the latter married to Nora’s mother) begin an investigation, only to learn somebody messed up big-time; the dead guy isn’t the one they were supposed to eliminate.
Still more investigation points to someone close to the victim as being the intended target, and meetings with other agencies that have enough acronyms to make your head swim determine that the real target – and perhaps the victim himself – are Russian spies and that something went wrong. That, in turn, prompts visits to a private residence in Las Vegas reminiscent of a Jeffrey Epstein getaway (complete with young victims and links to at least one highly placed Washington, D.C., government official – who, understandably, will do what he can to make sure the public doesn’t start demanding to see files).
Finally, there’s that detailed trial – interesting in and of itself. But that’s not all Nora has on her plate; In the midst of everything job-related, she must deal with her beloved daughter, Sophie, who lives with her father during the week and is going through some issues of her own. None of the details are mine to share, of course, but I can say there’s never a dull moment (well, except when the trial attorneys get a little carried away). Everything gets resolved at the end, though, making for an entertaining and fast-paced adventure. My thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get my latest legal “fix” by way of a pre-release copy. Well done once again!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll admit it... I didn’t go into Red Verdict with especially high expectations. But I came away genuinely impressed.
Thank you to NetGalley and James Comey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As this was my first book by James Comey, it took me a little while to find my footing. The early chapters lean into world-building, particularly around the maze of U.S. and Russian intelligence agencies. There are plenty of acronyms, but Comey does a great job explaining them clearly and giving background on the various intelligence communities. That foundation ultimately strengthens the tension as the story progresses.
Once I settled in, the story really took off. What begins as a measured political and intelligence-driven thriller gradually transforms into gripping courtroom drama, and that shift worked brilliantly for me. The investigative threads tighten, the stakes escalate, and suddenly the pages start flying. I read this over two days, which says everything about how invested I became. It’s the kind of book you’re happy to dive straight back into.
Even though this is the fourth installment in the series, it stands alone remarkably well. I never felt lost or behind, which can often be a concern when jumping into a series midstream. That said, I’m now planning to go back and pick up the earlier books.
The character development was a highlight. The relationship between Nora and her teenage daughter Sophie adds emotional depth that grounds the geopolitical tension in something personal and relatable. Benny—her stepdad—was another standout, especially in how he supports both the investigation and the trial. Those family dynamics gave the story warmth and balance alongside the espionage plot.
I also appreciated the subtle (and occasionally pointed) pokes at government bureaucracy. They felt authentic without being heavy-handed... likely a reflection of the author’s firsthand experience.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained and pleasantly surprised. Red Verdict builds deliberately, then delivers intrigue, momentum, and a satisfying courtroom crescendo. If you enjoy political thrillers layered with intelligence detail and fun character interplay, this one is well worth your time.
#RedVerdict #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and James Comey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As this was my first book by James Comey, it took me a little while to find my footing. The early chapters lean into world-building, particularly around the maze of U.S. and Russian intelligence agencies. There are plenty of acronyms, but Comey does a great job explaining them clearly and giving background on the various intelligence communities. That foundation ultimately strengthens the tension as the story progresses.
Once I settled in, the story really took off. What begins as a measured political and intelligence-driven thriller gradually transforms into gripping courtroom drama, and that shift worked brilliantly for me. The investigative threads tighten, the stakes escalate, and suddenly the pages start flying. I read this over two days, which says everything about how invested I became. It’s the kind of book you’re happy to dive straight back into.
Even though this is the fourth installment in the series, it stands alone remarkably well. I never felt lost or behind, which can often be a concern when jumping into a series midstream. That said, I’m now planning to go back and pick up the earlier books.
The character development was a highlight. The relationship between Nora and her teenage daughter Sophie adds emotional depth that grounds the geopolitical tension in something personal and relatable. Benny—her stepdad—was another standout, especially in how he supports both the investigation and the trial. Those family dynamics gave the story warmth and balance alongside the espionage plot.
I also appreciated the subtle (and occasionally pointed) pokes at government bureaucracy. They felt authentic without being heavy-handed... likely a reflection of the author’s firsthand experience.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained and pleasantly surprised. Red Verdict builds deliberately, then delivers intrigue, momentum, and a satisfying courtroom crescendo. If you enjoy political thrillers layered with intelligence detail and fun character interplay, this one is well worth your time.
#RedVerdict #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Red Verdict
James Comey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Red Verdict is book 4 in James Comey's legal thriller series, Nora Carleton. A high level weapons manufacturer, whose company works closely with the US government, has been assassinated. The victim was poisoned. With restaurant videos and interviews it is determined that the killer was likely a North Korean but the poison used was clearly Russian. It is rare for these countries to collaborate on a hit and now the FBI must determines why. What was so important? Ultimately they determine that the hit was meant to send a message to the real person they're after, to ensure his cooperation.
This series has it all. A fabulous story line, fascinating details, terrific characters. I heard an interview with James Comey (former Director of the FBI) in which he said that in his books he comes as close as possible to the edge of what is permitted to share without stepping over the line. And he does exactly that, wow!
Part of the fun of this series is trying to determine what actually happened from fiction.
Red Verdict is full of details regarding departmental workings, the handling of Russia (and other foreign spies), courtroom drama and more. Plus, his descriptions of the red tape of government departments sharing information is hilarious! In book one “Central Park West, we heard about the mob, book two “Westport" was corporate greed and corruption and book three, "FDR Drive” was homegrown terrorism and freedom of speech.
Protagonist Nora Carleton is perfect as the Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Each of these books could be read as a standalone, however, I always enjoy the background of the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was delighted to receive an Advanced Copy of Red Verdict and am already excited for book 5. May there be many, many more. Publication date: May 12, 2026. Thank you to James Comey, NetGalley, the Mystery Press and Penzler Publishers for this ARC.
James Comey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Red Verdict is book 4 in James Comey's legal thriller series, Nora Carleton. A high level weapons manufacturer, whose company works closely with the US government, has been assassinated. The victim was poisoned. With restaurant videos and interviews it is determined that the killer was likely a North Korean but the poison used was clearly Russian. It is rare for these countries to collaborate on a hit and now the FBI must determines why. What was so important? Ultimately they determine that the hit was meant to send a message to the real person they're after, to ensure his cooperation.
This series has it all. A fabulous story line, fascinating details, terrific characters. I heard an interview with James Comey (former Director of the FBI) in which he said that in his books he comes as close as possible to the edge of what is permitted to share without stepping over the line. And he does exactly that, wow!
Part of the fun of this series is trying to determine what actually happened from fiction.
Red Verdict is full of details regarding departmental workings, the handling of Russia (and other foreign spies), courtroom drama and more. Plus, his descriptions of the red tape of government departments sharing information is hilarious! In book one “Central Park West, we heard about the mob, book two “Westport" was corporate greed and corruption and book three, "FDR Drive” was homegrown terrorism and freedom of speech.
Protagonist Nora Carleton is perfect as the Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Each of these books could be read as a standalone, however, I always enjoy the background of the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was delighted to receive an Advanced Copy of Red Verdict and am already excited for book 5. May there be many, many more. Publication date: May 12, 2026. Thank you to James Comey, NetGalley, the Mystery Press and Penzler Publishers for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read and enjoyed Central Park West, the first of the Nora Carleton series and when I saw this new book, I requested and was happy to receive an advanced copy of the latest in the series. To my surprise, I found this to be the fourth in the series - I somehow missed the second and third, and after reading this one, I now have those 2 on my TBR list (one already on my nightstand waiting to be read). This book can be read as a stand alone - characters and relationships are reintroduced with enough background. However, if you’re like me and prefer to read about the characters' life progressions, I recommend starting with the first.
The story opens with the murder of a finance guy at a defense company that sells superior drones to the US government. It quickly becomes apparent that it is an assassination, possibly meant for his boss, who has been compromised by the Russians due to his (and his wife’s) personal exploits. Hence the involvement of Nora and her team - was he killed as a warning - or mistaken identity - because his boss is a traitor who angered one or another Russian spy agency?
While they have looked for plenty of evidence that suggests spycraft and treason, the defense lawyers also have plenty of “tricks” up their sleeves. Will the Russian spies and/or alleged traitor (is he or isn’t he?) “get away with murder” (treason)?
I really enjoy this series as Comey uses his life experiences - in depth knowledge of the law, politics, policies - and we get a sense of behind the scenes action - how government secrets are kept safe, inner workings of law and the government.
Thank you to James Comey, Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this e-book.
The story opens with the murder of a finance guy at a defense company that sells superior drones to the US government. It quickly becomes apparent that it is an assassination, possibly meant for his boss, who has been compromised by the Russians due to his (and his wife’s) personal exploits. Hence the involvement of Nora and her team - was he killed as a warning - or mistaken identity - because his boss is a traitor who angered one or another Russian spy agency?
While they have looked for plenty of evidence that suggests spycraft and treason, the defense lawyers also have plenty of “tricks” up their sleeves. Will the Russian spies and/or alleged traitor (is he or isn’t he?) “get away with murder” (treason)?
I really enjoy this series as Comey uses his life experiences - in depth knowledge of the law, politics, policies - and we get a sense of behind the scenes action - how government secrets are kept safe, inner workings of law and the government.
Thank you to James Comey, Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this e-book.
March 28, 2026
Thanks to James and Netgalley for allowing me to read Red Verdict prior to the publication date.
This is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a standalone novel, the content of which is very topical and thought provoking. I was hooked from the start of this highly enjoyable tale.
At the heart of the story is Grand Central Avionics, a cutting-edge business with defence contracts to supply high spec military drones with in-built A.I.
When their C.F.O. is poisoned with Novichok, suspicion is directed at the Russians.
As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Russia has been playing the long game, praying on the vulnerabilities of the politicians and industrialists. They will stop at nothing to obtain the drone code.
Nora Carleton is back in the fold as a Deputy US Attorney. This case will see Nora and her team navigate the different organisations which make up the American Justice System and the machinations of government departments.
As industrial leaders and politicians rub shoulders, secrets and lies abound.
Who will survive the fallout?
The author has explained the complex structure and remit of the government departments.
He also describes the infighting in the Russian spy organisations, whilst hypocritically calling each other cousins.
This is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a standalone novel, the content of which is very topical and thought provoking. I was hooked from the start of this highly enjoyable tale.
At the heart of the story is Grand Central Avionics, a cutting-edge business with defence contracts to supply high spec military drones with in-built A.I.
When their C.F.O. is poisoned with Novichok, suspicion is directed at the Russians.
As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Russia has been playing the long game, praying on the vulnerabilities of the politicians and industrialists. They will stop at nothing to obtain the drone code.
Nora Carleton is back in the fold as a Deputy US Attorney. This case will see Nora and her team navigate the different organisations which make up the American Justice System and the machinations of government departments.
As industrial leaders and politicians rub shoulders, secrets and lies abound.
Who will survive the fallout?
The author has explained the complex structure and remit of the government departments.
He also describes the infighting in the Russian spy organisations, whilst hypocritically calling each other cousins.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first Nora Carleton book I’ve read but definitely won’t be my last. My understanding is that this is the 4th book and I will definitely go back to read the other three. In Red Verdict, Nora is hitting her stride as Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York when a high-stakes counterintelligence case pulls her into a deadly game with global implications. Someone (Russians? North Koreans?) has poisoned a weapons manufacturer, spiking his vodka sauce as he enjoyed a meal in a NYC restaurant. As someone who makes and enjoys vodka sauce on a reg, this hit home! Anyway, this audacious assassination sets off the rest of the plot, which I won’t spoil, but it blends counterintelligence, legal machinations, and global politics.
The author, James Comey, is the former director of the FBI and he writes with authority and conviction and a crazy level of authenticity that I really appreciated. I found the legal process so engrossing and got a new respect for the difficulty of bringing a major case to trial. This was a very compelling spy-meets-legal thriller. The plot is smart, fast-moving, and full of compelling twists that kept me turning pages. Thank you to James Comey, NetGalley, the Mystery Press and Penzler Publishers for this ARC.
The author, James Comey, is the former director of the FBI and he writes with authority and conviction and a crazy level of authenticity that I really appreciated. I found the legal process so engrossing and got a new respect for the difficulty of bringing a major case to trial. This was a very compelling spy-meets-legal thriller. The plot is smart, fast-moving, and full of compelling twists that kept me turning pages. Thank you to James Comey, NetGalley, the Mystery Press and Penzler Publishers for this ARC.
February 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Red Verdict by James Comey
I’ve followed this series religiously, so this went straight to the top of my TBR. The author delivered another assured and timely legal thriller, and Red Verdict is one of the strongest instalments yet.
Nora is on top form, supported by a formidable and well honed team who rise to even the most daunting challenges. When a high profile killing with clear Russian hallmarks pulls them into a complex investigation, the case quickly widens into a high stakes clash involving espionage, corporate power and global influence. The author’sinsider knowledge gives the procedural detail real authority, while the pacing keeps the tension tight throughout.
What really stood out was the way the novel reflects on how external forces can infiltrate governments and world powers, blurring the lines between justice, politics and control. It feels timely, unsettling and entirely plausible. The character work remains a real strength, grounding the bigger geopolitical themes in strong relationships and moral conviction.
A sharp, intelligent and compelling addition to a series I continue to love. An easy five stars.
I’ve followed this series religiously, so this went straight to the top of my TBR. The author delivered another assured and timely legal thriller, and Red Verdict is one of the strongest instalments yet.
Nora is on top form, supported by a formidable and well honed team who rise to even the most daunting challenges. When a high profile killing with clear Russian hallmarks pulls them into a complex investigation, the case quickly widens into a high stakes clash involving espionage, corporate power and global influence. The author’sinsider knowledge gives the procedural detail real authority, while the pacing keeps the tension tight throughout.
What really stood out was the way the novel reflects on how external forces can infiltrate governments and world powers, blurring the lines between justice, politics and control. It feels timely, unsettling and entirely plausible. The character work remains a real strength, grounding the bigger geopolitical themes in strong relationships and moral conviction.
A sharp, intelligent and compelling addition to a series I continue to love. An easy five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first experience reading James Comey, and Red Verdict proved to be a strong and engaging introduction.
This is an enjoyable, well-crafted legal thriller that feels grounded in authenticity. The story blends legal procedure, crime, and espionage in a way that feels both timely and credible, offering insight into the real world challenges of counterintelligence, prosecution, and the complex interplay between justice, politics, and global influence.
The procedural detail is clearly informed, lending weight to the investigation and courtroom scenes without overwhelming the narrative. The pacing is steady and purposeful, and the focus on teamwork, jurisdictional tension, and methodical case building mirrors what other readers have praised as one of the author’s strengths.
While established fans of the series will likely appreciate returning characters more deeply, the novel works well as a standalone and remains accessible to new readers. Overall, Red Verdict is a smart, compelling legal thriller that prioritises realism and substance over spectacle, and I would happily continue with future installments in this series.
This is an enjoyable, well-crafted legal thriller that feels grounded in authenticity. The story blends legal procedure, crime, and espionage in a way that feels both timely and credible, offering insight into the real world challenges of counterintelligence, prosecution, and the complex interplay between justice, politics, and global influence.
The procedural detail is clearly informed, lending weight to the investigation and courtroom scenes without overwhelming the narrative. The pacing is steady and purposeful, and the focus on teamwork, jurisdictional tension, and methodical case building mirrors what other readers have praised as one of the author’s strengths.
While established fans of the series will likely appreciate returning characters more deeply, the novel works well as a standalone and remains accessible to new readers. Overall, Red Verdict is a smart, compelling legal thriller that prioritises realism and substance over spectacle, and I would happily continue with future installments in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another fantastic legal thriller from James Comey. We know that he is knowledgeable in this area and his expertise shows. I love how the law and the processes are explained to the reader so that you don’t get lost in the acronyms and jargon.
The courtroom scenes are so smart and really had me on the edge of my seat. I just wanted Anita to win, and her opposing counsel were such awful people, they needed to be taken down. Judge Conway was a brilliant character, a blind judge who is strict but fair, as well as being hilarious in his role.
Nora and Benny are such a great team, I love their banter and their attitude to their work and family. This is book 4 and I hope that there will be many more
Red Verdict is a story of Russian spies, mistaken identity, blackmail, corruption scandal and so much more. It is a case of national security and safety. There is the FBI, CIA, The White House and all the important people that run the world. It is a story that could well be ripped from the headlines.
Thanks so much to Pendleton Publishing for my early copy of this book to read. Out on May 12th.
The courtroom scenes are so smart and really had me on the edge of my seat. I just wanted Anita to win, and her opposing counsel were such awful people, they needed to be taken down. Judge Conway was a brilliant character, a blind judge who is strict but fair, as well as being hilarious in his role.
Nora and Benny are such a great team, I love their banter and their attitude to their work and family. This is book 4 and I hope that there will be many more
Red Verdict is a story of Russian spies, mistaken identity, blackmail, corruption scandal and so much more. It is a case of national security and safety. There is the FBI, CIA, The White House and all the important people that run the world. It is a story that could well be ripped from the headlines.
Thanks so much to Pendleton Publishing for my early copy of this book to read. Out on May 12th.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge for the advanced audiobook.
While some things have changed in Nora Carleton's life (she and her girlfriend broke up, her mom and Benny moved closer to his family, and her daughter lives with her dad) she continues to defend the U.S. from her place as Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. his time around the story centers on a criminal case, taking the team from New York to Las Vegas, and battling it out in the courtroom to prove that a CEO is actually a Russian spy.
RED VERDICT gives another installment of exactly what I was looking for in a Comey book. The audiobook narrator does a great job of differentiating the main characters enough that I was never confused. There's just enough detail in the plot to make it feel plausible and just enough character development that I enjoy spending time with Nora and Benny. This is a fun ride that has some interesting reveals (what happens in Vegas definitely doesn't stay in Vegas this time).
Red Verdict is out May 12, 2026.
While some things have changed in Nora Carleton's life (she and her girlfriend broke up, her mom and Benny moved closer to his family, and her daughter lives with her dad) she continues to defend the U.S. from her place as Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. his time around the story centers on a criminal case, taking the team from New York to Las Vegas, and battling it out in the courtroom to prove that a CEO is actually a Russian spy.
RED VERDICT gives another installment of exactly what I was looking for in a Comey book. The audiobook narrator does a great job of differentiating the main characters enough that I was never confused. There's just enough detail in the plot to make it feel plausible and just enough character development that I enjoy spending time with Nora and Benny. This is a fun ride that has some interesting reveals (what happens in Vegas definitely doesn't stay in Vegas this time).
Red Verdict is out May 12, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another superb Comey criminal thriller.
SDNY prosecutor Nora Carleton returns in this novel as she is called to action in the case involving international criminals and arms dealing.
When a non descript drone developer, from a US government contracted arms developer is poisoned while having dinner at his favorite neighborhood restaurant, Nora and her investigator, Benny Dugan, get to work investigating and trying to pull the pieces together that are needed for criminal charges to be brought..
Coney manages to, once again, tell a fascinating tale of government contracting, criminal espionage and treason with US placed foreign assets.
The inner workings of the SDNY, the FBI and CIA are all on display and how they do, or do not, play together in the sand box known as justice, is richly explained and on display throughout this riveting story.
Returning characters that are becoming old friends and a non stop action filled plot make this a 5 golden star read, from start to finish.
SDNY prosecutor Nora Carleton returns in this novel as she is called to action in the case involving international criminals and arms dealing.
When a non descript drone developer, from a US government contracted arms developer is poisoned while having dinner at his favorite neighborhood restaurant, Nora and her investigator, Benny Dugan, get to work investigating and trying to pull the pieces together that are needed for criminal charges to be brought..
Coney manages to, once again, tell a fascinating tale of government contracting, criminal espionage and treason with US placed foreign assets.
The inner workings of the SDNY, the FBI and CIA are all on display and how they do, or do not, play together in the sand box known as justice, is richly explained and on display throughout this riveting story.
Returning characters that are becoming old friends and a non stop action filled plot make this a 5 golden star read, from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Edgar Perez, CFO of Grand Central Avionics, or GCA to those in the defense world, didn’t make, or necessarily understand much about the drones his company produced. primarily for the US Military He loved numbers. And he hated his boss, the CEO, George Costas. His murder brings the investigation to Nora Carleton, Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and her team, including the office’s chief investigator, Special Agent Benny Dugan. Was he the intended victim? Was he passing secrets to Russian agents? This is a detailed look at the work that goes into an investigation and the teamwork required of various agencies.
Mr. Comey’s knowledge is quite evident as the story illustrates things like the use of SCIF’s, surveillance maneuvers, and trial tactics. It’s very real. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance review copy. This is my third book by Mr. Comey and is another really good read.
Mr. Comey’s knowledge is quite evident as the story illustrates things like the use of SCIF’s, surveillance maneuvers, and trial tactics. It’s very real. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance review copy. This is my third book by Mr. Comey and is another really good read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A trip through the intricacies of the U.S.judicial system.
I've read one of the earlier books in James Comey's Nora Carleton series and enjoyed and so was looking forward to this latest one. What I found, as with previous one that I got booked down with with the frequent acronyms for the multitude of organisations in the American law enforcement and court systems that involved in this story.
However this is far more than an investigative and court procedural. Nora has a strong team colleagues and a solid, multi generational family life. It is the way that James Comey blends that that support network into the investigative work and trial details realy lifts this book to another level.
There are some sexual descriptions that are very graphic, they react by no means gratuitous, and completely necessary for the storyline to work.
I've read one of the earlier books in James Comey's Nora Carleton series and enjoyed and so was looking forward to this latest one. What I found, as with previous one that I got booked down with with the frequent acronyms for the multitude of organisations in the American law enforcement and court systems that involved in this story.
However this is far more than an investigative and court procedural. Nora has a strong team colleagues and a solid, multi generational family life. It is the way that James Comey blends that that support network into the investigative work and trial details realy lifts this book to another level.
There are some sexual descriptions that are very graphic, they react by no means gratuitous, and completely necessary for the storyline to work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
James Comey has hit the ball out of the park in this his fourth book in the Nora Carleton series of legal thrillers.
The plot is horribly plausible and topical featuring murder by Novichock, and a highly placed traitor revealing classified secrets to the Russians relating to drone technology.
As normal given the author’s back there is much toing and froing and jockeying for post between the various departments responsible for national security but where the book scores highest for me is in the forensic but fascinating description of the trial of the alleged traitor.
As normal there’s much witty repartee between Nora and the immortal Benny and the book was a delight to read.
Highly recommended.
The plot is horribly plausible and topical featuring murder by Novichock, and a highly placed traitor revealing classified secrets to the Russians relating to drone technology.
As normal given the author’s back there is much toing and froing and jockeying for post between the various departments responsible for national security but where the book scores highest for me is in the forensic but fascinating description of the trial of the alleged traitor.
As normal there’s much witty repartee between Nora and the immortal Benny and the book was a delight to read.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is a lot going on in this exciting and engaging novel — murder, drones, espionage, etc. The book is easy reading and the characters are well defined. I particularly enjoyed the description of Peter Luger’s restaurant and several other passages are unique such as a Russian saying “My country is run by an idiot, an experience your country is familiar with.” Other quotes I enjoyed were “Wow, imagine if our president had to do something or say something” and “at 80, he was starting to notice that floors tilted from time to time.” The pace is excellent and keeps the reader involved throughout the book to a satisfactory conclusion. I thank NetGalley and The Mysterious Press for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Description- Federal prosecutor Nora Carleton is drawn into international intrigue as she investigates the assassination of a weapons manufacturer in this latest thriller from the former director of the FBI.
The story moves at a steady, confident pace, balancing legal intrigue with character-driven moments that give the narrative weight. The characters are well-drawn and believable, particularly the protagonist, whose internal conflicts add depth to the story.
Cassandra Campbell consistently delivers polished, captivating performances. If she’s narrating, it’s a safe bet the audiobook will be an enjoyable and memorable listen.
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. You can get your copy on the expected release date May 12 2026.
The story moves at a steady, confident pace, balancing legal intrigue with character-driven moments that give the narrative weight. The characters are well-drawn and believable, particularly the protagonist, whose internal conflicts add depth to the story.
Cassandra Campbell consistently delivers polished, captivating performances. If she’s narrating, it’s a safe bet the audiobook will be an enjoyable and memorable listen.
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. You can get your copy on the expected release date May 12 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Red Verdict begins in sensational style with a murder by Russian nerve agent in a restaurant. It quickly segues into a legal drama where Nora and the team know their bad guy but must use all their smarts to successfully prosecute. As a former Director of the FBI, James Comey gives insight into the administrative backrooms of power. The issue of Russian collusion in US business and government is timely as is the subplot about sexual abuse of teenage boys. There is no interest in pursuing the latter as a crime in the book. Reading this at the time of the Epstein emails release this seems particularly troubling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nora Carleton returns in a powerful legal thriller involving espionage and betrayal. The Assistant US Attorney works with the FBI following the murder of an industrialist though to be passing secrets. But the story isn't as it first seems.
Nora and her team have their hands tied by national security laws, making the case difficult to prosecute. Working in secret they skirt the edges of the intelligence community to make their case. It's all difficult, full of tension and horribly real.
Red Verdict is a gripping tale from an author who knows the territory well, and the result is an excellent read.
Nora and her team have their hands tied by national security laws, making the case difficult to prosecute. Working in secret they skirt the edges of the intelligence community to make their case. It's all difficult, full of tension and horribly real.
Red Verdict is a gripping tale from an author who knows the territory well, and the result is an excellent read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jumping straight into Red Verdict without reading the earlier books worked surprisingly well. It’s an engaging listen with a strong sense of realism throughout. The narration is excellent, with clear, varied voices that make it easy to follow each character and stay immersed.
James Comey’s background really shows—his insight into government operations, SCIF environments, and political maneuvering adds a layer of authenticity that makes the story feel grounded and believable. There’s enough detail to support the plot without slowing it down.
Overall, a solid listen. 3.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for the ARC.
James Comey’s background really shows—his insight into government operations, SCIF environments, and political maneuvering adds a layer of authenticity that makes the story feel grounded and believable. There’s enough detail to support the plot without slowing it down.
Overall, a solid listen. 3.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
This is the third book in the Nora Carlton series. I’ve listened and enjoyed Cassandra Campbell’s narration in all three. The series is improving with each book. In this one, we have Russian spies, corporate assassination, and potential American traitors. Lots of action for Nora and the team to figure out. Comey is definitely familiar with legal and agency issues. This is where his writing shines. I have to admit that dialogue passages were kind of rough in the first book but have continued to get better, so that’s a plus. I’m looking forward to the next one!
*Thanks to Highbridge & Netflix for the free advance audiobook copy
This is the third book in the Nora Carlton series. I’ve listened and enjoyed Cassandra Campbell’s narration in all three. The series is improving with each book. In this one, we have Russian spies, corporate assassination, and potential American traitors. Lots of action for Nora and the team to figure out. Comey is definitely familiar with legal and agency issues. This is where his writing shines. I have to admit that dialogue passages were kind of rough in the first book but have continued to get better, so that’s a plus. I’m looking forward to the next one!
*Thanks to Highbridge & Netflix for the free advance audiobook copy
May 2, 2026
Love this series and this book lives up to expectations. Fully explores the workings of a functional US Attorney’s office (as opposed to what we see currently on the news). The case preparations along with a functioning FBI are also described. Great characters wearing the white hats. Sicko traitor is also fully developed. I get the feeling this book is so good because James Comey knows what US government offices and personnel used to be like when they were comprised of competent good guys.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A superb spy thriller! Red Verdict is intense and insane with the legal pursuit of a despicable criminal. Great to see James Comey return with such a tight, captivating story in the Nora Carleton / Benny Dugan series. Heavy on alphabet soup acronyms but most are nimbly explained.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read this DRC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read this DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The series that keeps on giving. This time it's good old Russian spy craft, a little bit of poison, and a whole lot of legal wranglings. I'm really enjoying this series and the characters that have been created who make sense of what could be a lot of legal mumbo jumbo to us mere mortals. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Awesome, great thriller. Strong female lead and lots of spy capers in New York. Plus a courtroom drama. Really enjoyed it. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, this book was an absolutely thrilling read, with fantastic stylization. I'd definitely recommend it to any readers interested. It's also a great read if you want to show support for the author (James Comey). 5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The wrong person is assinated, leading to an investigation to find the person leaking defense secrets to Russia.
Following the investigation and court case. The twist and turns will keep you hooked.
Following the investigation and court case. The twist and turns will keep you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoy the Nora Carleton series, and Red Verdict might be one of my favorites yet. I especially loved having Nora back where she belongs — in the prosecutor’s office as Deputy U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The story kicks off with the murder of a high-level defense industry executive and quickly unfolds into a gripping spy-meets-legal thriller, blending counterintelligence, courtroom strategy, and international intrigue. The plot is smart, fast-moving, and full of fascinating twists that kept me turning pages.
James Comey continues to deepen Nora as a character, along with her family and coworkers, making the stakes feel personal as well as professional. His insider knowledge of the justice system — clearly enhanced by his daughters’ work in the legal field — really shines throughout the story and the series as a whole. That authenticity adds weight to both the investigative and courtroom moments, and the action doesn’t let up all the way to the verdict.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press, and Mr. Comey for the ARC of this book. I truly hope we continue to get more action-packed Nora Carleton stories — or even a spin-off focused on another standout character from the series.
Update 5/6/26- I did a Re read where I listened to the Audio ARC of this. For the audio version i really enjoyed the narrator. They really brought the story to life and allowed you to visualize. This re read which was really a Listen also helped me to pick up more cues to different plot lines and also enjoy some of the lighter parts like Bennies Jokes he sometimes makes more.
A great story to read or listen to .
James Comey continues to deepen Nora as a character, along with her family and coworkers, making the stakes feel personal as well as professional. His insider knowledge of the justice system — clearly enhanced by his daughters’ work in the legal field — really shines throughout the story and the series as a whole. That authenticity adds weight to both the investigative and courtroom moments, and the action doesn’t let up all the way to the verdict.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press, and Mr. Comey for the ARC of this book. I truly hope we continue to get more action-packed Nora Carleton stories — or even a spin-off focused on another standout character from the series.
Update 5/6/26- I did a Re read where I listened to the Audio ARC of this. For the audio version i really enjoyed the narrator. They really brought the story to life and allowed you to visualize. This re read which was really a Listen also helped me to pick up more cues to different plot lines and also enjoy some of the lighter parts like Bennies Jokes he sometimes makes more.
A great story to read or listen to .
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