Red Verdict: A Crime Novel

Nora Carleton #4

by James B. Comey

US 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.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

James 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Comey made many headlines during the lead-up to the 2016 US presidential election, and the fallout with President Trump. Now, Comey has moved into writing fiction and hoped to make a splash, ending up on the New York Times bestseller list and away from a place above the fold. A great legal thriller with flavours of espionage emerges, using great investigative work and strong courtroom antics as foundations, allow Comey to keep the reader hooked with each page turn. Wonderful writing continues as Comey keeps proving his abilities. He is sure to garner some great publicity, as Trump remains above the fold and potentially in shackles before long.

Nora Carleton has been busy and loving life back with the US Attorney’s Office, serving as the deputy in New York’s Southern District. She’s handed a high-stakes case of murder and counterintelligence, which could have international implications if Nora’s presumptions prove correct. A poisoning of an executive at a military drone manufacturer turns deadly and the Russians appear to be in the middle of it. Was this elimination of a mole or an attack on a US citizen who stood in the way to their plans? Working with FBI Special Agent Benny Dugan—now a member of her family—Nora opens her criminal investigation into events. What starts in New York soon takes Nora to Las Vegas, where scandalous intel could put the key suspect in hot water. Was this Russian kompromat or simply a fetish never meant to see the light of day? Nora soon lands into a web that puts Russia at the centre, but also some high-ranking US officials that could leave her in a precarious position the more accusations she tosses around. James Comey delivers a great addition to the series that had me hooked until the final reveal.

There are many who have had their time in the limelight that try their hand at writing. Some are successful, while others fall flat. James Comey had a wonderful history working within the FBI on both criminal and legal matters, though his firing left him with a fair bit of time on his hands (not even getting into the flimsy indictments Trump is using to toss sand from his sandbox). This venture into writing has shown that he is capable of spinning a story and keeping the reader enthralled. A well-structured narrative moves quickly, balancing a stunning piece of criminal law with layers of espionage and ego-politics. Chapters push things in many directions and provides the reader something intense to keep them entertained. Comey handles it all well and keeps the reader wondering what direction things are headed.

Strong characters emerge throughout the book, leaving the reader begging to know more. Nora Carleton proves herself to be a strong protagonist once more, permitting readers to see how work and personal issues help shape her. There is also some dabbling into her personal life—both relationship queries and parental responsibilities—adding depth to her character. Secondary characters, some returning and others first-timers, allow attentive readers to see progress in their personalities and how they mesh with the larger story. I like how Comey brings characters back to serve their roles and strengthens the series' foundation. He has also created unique personalities of typical characters, peppering in something that stands out in an already strong novel.

There are various plot twists that build and entrench the reader in all that takes place within the larger story, especially the counterespionage themes that emerge. Surprises surface throughout the piece to push certain ideas and views that are prevalent in the world today, though not always at the forefront of the reader’s mind. James Comey uses all the elements needed for a great novel and has shown a great ability to shape the discussion. Nora Carleton is a character whose legal and personal ideas are sure to keep readers eager to delve deeper into the series. While Comey is being railroaded by a president scared of those who confront him, I hope this will not distract him from writing more and adding to this series.

Kudos, Mr. Comey, for never letting up in this well-paced series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Verdict
Book 4 of 4 Nora Carleton
James Comey
Cassandra Campbell - narrator
05/12/2026
The Mysterious Press


A huge thank you to Jeff Circle for putting Red Verdict on my radar because this was exactly the kind of intelligent, high stakes thriller I enjoy sinking into. James Comey blends espionage, legal maneuvering, and a fast moving investigation into a story that feels both timely and authentic, with enough twists and pressure to keep the pages turning. Nora Carleton is a sharp and compelling lead whose determination drives the narrative, while the courtroom battles and national security elements add depth beyond a standard crime novel. The biggest surprise for me was reaching the end and discovering this was part of a series. I had no idea going in, but the moment I finished, I immediately wanted more. Readers who enjoy smart procedural thrillers with a strong sense of realism and a memorable cast of characters should definitely give this one a look.

[Chuck Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written legal and spy novel This is the fourth book in the Nora Carlton series. Lots of inside information which rings true

[Sharon Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of James Comey's books, all 3 of which I enjoyed more than this one. There was way too much meaningless detail to the point where it actually almost obscured the exciting parts of the story, which were few but still there.
And there were too many acronyms that became too hard to follow and which I didn't care about after a while. It was a good story, but the endless explanations of the various government departments were much too didactic and bogged the story down, while I suppose filling out the required number of pages.
I ended up skipping over a lot of the courtroom stuff this time because it became redundant and somewhat boring. And the ending was no surprise to me.
It was ultimately pretty dry reading, almost like he was writing up a report for the FBI but trying to make it a bit more interesting.
At this point his writing is very formulaic and I would hope that he gets more guidance from his editors in the future.

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, this is a tricky one to rate. Throughout “Red Verdict” by James Comey I kept thinking,” this should be gripping me more than it is” and yet I was invested the whole way through.

The story follows federal prosecutor Nora Carleton as she investigates the suspicious killing of a senior executive at a US defence company, a death that quickly spirals into a high stakes tangle of espionage, counter intelligence and international politics. As Nora and an FBI colleague dig deeper, the case stretches from courtrooms to intelligence agencies, forcing legal decisions that carry consequences well beyond a single verdict.

It’s my first Comey novel and even though this is the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone—I never felt lost or as though I was missing essential backstory. The plot twists are great and inventive, the characters are engaging and the setting is genuinely fascinating. The detail about the American legal system and security agencies is clearly coming from someone who really knows what they’re talking about, and I loved learning how these systems interact when national security is on the line.

At the same time, I found myself getting a bit frustrated with Comey’s writing style for not leaning into the thriller side of things more. Everything is interesting, but it’s interesting in a very measured, procedural way. There were moments where it felt less like a high stakes thriller and more like a very engaging 101 to how prosecutions and intelligence cooperation work. Brilliant if you enjoy legal and security detail (which I do), but I kept waiting for that extra jolt of tension that never quite arrived.

Still, despite that, I enjoyed the book and I’m fully planning to listen to the next one. There’s something compelling about the world Comey is building - and I’m pretty sure there’s plenty more spycraft and legal manoeuvring to explore.

The audiobook narration by Cassandra Campbell is excellent and probably the reason this stayed as engaging as it did. She keeps the pacing tight, makes the characters distinct and carries you smoothly through some fairly dense material. In many ways, her narration adds the momentum the story itself sometimes holds back, making this a very solid and enjoyable listen overall.

Thank you to HighBridge Audio, NetGalley and James Comey for an advance listening copy of this book.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Karen Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first Comey book - I loved it!

Up front, I a love spy anything, having played at being a spy when I was just a girl. I lived reading novels about spies as a young adult, and then novels and non- fiction books by actual retired spies. So there’s that bias.

I also lived in NYC for 45 years, and worked on federal money laundering cases first as a secretary then as a certified paralegal. I love the law; I love American federal law and courts. I have such a deep respect for how close to truly fair & just our legal system and our laws are, even compared to other economically advantaged countries. No system of law adjudicated by humans could ever be perfect, mostly because there are enough not-good humans with selfish or even evil motives to eff it up. But we really have more justice than most nations manage to achieve.

I loved that the characters were witty, that the dark subject of traitorous American businessmen was repeatedly lightened up by the verbal badinage of very smart, articulate and warm-hearted people. Priceless. It’s one of the great joys in life to participate in this kind of battle of wits!

The plot is great, reflecting the actual Russian operations in our country which was outlined in an article in the NYT just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which deflected attention from that hugely damning investigation into the blackmailing of hundreds of corporate honchos in America.

The legal jousting is high level and twisty turny. I enjoyed reading about the strategies and the challenges of working with the strict requirements for evidence that determines what can and can’t be presented as actual evidence in our federal courts.

And of course the spy craft, always a pleasure for me to read about the sleight of hand and misdirection for which spies are highly trained.

I bought all 4 of Comey’s novels after I read the sample from this book. Looking forward to reading the other three now. I always love to discover another truly good writer and storyteller!!

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn’t know that James Comey had turned into an author, and it turns out that Red Verdict is the fourth book in the Nora Carleton series featuring a federal attorney. However, not reading the previous novels, I can say that Red Verdict can be read as a standalone story,

I appreciated the world building to set the scene involving the United States intelligence agencies. At least how they used to run. But the book isn’t a spy thriller; ultimately, it’s a courtroom drama that intersects politics and the power that yields. I used to read a lot more legal drama, and it was nice to slide back into that seat with this book.

Even though this is the fourth book in the series, there’s quite a bit of character development between Nora and her daughter. This balanced out the wanting for rigorous political analysis in a way that made the courtroom drama as intense as you could get. This book meets the middle ground of a perfectly paced mystery that lets you get to know the characters while also being a plot-driven mystery.

Surprisingly good mystery, and I really enjoyed the narrator, Cassandra Campbell.

[Bertha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora, DUSA, and her team find themselves involved in murder and espionage in this fourth series entry. The story which chases around New York City is well written. There is a large amount of detail about Russian spies and the world of United States intelligence - all authentic sounding and interesting but sometimes bordering on overwhelming to the point of almost interrupting the flow of the plot. The courtroom scenes are unique, featuring a blind Judge with a sharp sense of both humor and justice. Watching familiar characters grapple with their daily lives is enjoyable. Characters introduced for this book match their personas. The descriptions of greater New York City make one want to visit for a meal and a meander around. The few comments alluding to the current political environment are spot on. This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually sit with my thoughts and let them percolate for a few days after finishing a book before attempting to write a review. However, I had so much trouble with my thoughts on this book that I had to try to get them down before I lost them altogether. Knowing that James Comey is a lawyer, has acted as a U.S. Attorney, U.S. Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel to Lockheed Martin, Research Scholar and Fellow on National Security Law, and Director of their FBI, there is absolutely no doubt that he is writing this story from very deep authority and experience. It is not out of the realm of possibility that much of this might have happened in some format. Who are we kidding, of course it did.

The crime, the intrigue, the political machinations are but a brilliant but delicate dance around what is ultimately nothing but corporate espionage and spycraft. The depiction of the constraints of the legal system to effectively and ultimately contain significant danger to national security while maintaining and protecting individual rights walks a dangerously frustrating tightrope. Step, step, overruled, step, step, sustained. I loved that Judge, humor, extraordinary acumen, and acute logic on the bench of justice - a well-placed foil for the intensity of the courtroom drama.

Being a newbie to Comey’s writing, I became quickly invested in the story, including what was said as well as what was implied. Great characters imbued with just the right amount of smarts, levity, and humility, intriguing situations, and believable dialog made for a surprisingly compelling narrative that I completely enjoyed. I felt the same tension as when I read courtroom stories by Steve Cavanagh and Robert Dugoni - which I give as high praise as they are two of my favorite authors.

Thanks to The Mysterious Press / Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Red Verdict” is James Comey’s fourth novel in his Nora Carleton series and having thoroughly enjoyed his first three books and looked forward to this one with high level of optimism.

As I mentioned in my previous reviews of his books, one of James Comey biggest strengths as a fictional writer is that he brings a strong background of experience to his crime novels. He has been a prosecutor, defense lawyer, general counsel, and served as Director of the FBI. If that doesn’t help give you an inside edge of knowledge and understanding of the criminal, judicial, and political world, I don’t know what does. His insider perspective really pays off when it comes to national security issues, federal government legal investigations, and dramatically delivered courtroom strategies.

But the important question is can he use that strong background to write a good novel? The good news is yes. Not only can he write a very good one, but he has now proven that he can do it again and again four times over.

“Central Park West” was an excellent debut read that I gave a 4-star rating. “Westport” was a worthy, and in some ways stronger follow-up, that I gave a 5-star rating. And “FDR Drive” was another 4-star read. Each of them focused on different political, economic, social, and judicial issues that delivered compelling and engrossing thrill rides.

And now for his fourth novel, comes “Red Verdict” that takes on Russian spies, the battle for drone technology, and potential corporate officers turned traitors. It is another well delivered legal and espionage thriller that I devoured over two enjoyable evenings.

“Red Verdict” begins with the murder of the CEO of a powerful American company that owns the best drone technology in the world. The kind that Russia desperately wants, and with the help of their North Korean partners, are making their best effort to get it. This includes using their nerve agent Novichok which leaves no doubt as to the who committed the crime.

Even though the Korean hit team killed the wrong person, they don’t care. The public assassination serves to scare the real traitor into either giving away key drone technology or face death too.

Enter Nora Carlton, Deputy U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and her partner FBI Special Agent Benny Dugan. Benny is now married to Nora’s mother, Teresa, and Nora’s teenage daughter lives in Westport with her father and stepmother, but spends weekends with her mother, Nora, in the big city. Nora and Benny, along with co-workers and family members are the core characters in all of Comey’s four novels, and connecting with them has turned into an exciting and emotionally connecting reading experience. To say that they have grown on me would be putting it lightly.

Over the first two-thirds of the novel, Nora, Benny, and their team lead an intensive counterintelligence investigation to build a case to prosecute the person who they think is the real traitor, George Costas, the drone company CEO and friends with lots of powerful people, including the Director of the CIA. The last third moves into a courtroom battle that involves complex federal bureaucracy and classified intelligence that must be protected at all costs.

There’s more I could share with the synopsis, but I really don’t want to give too much away regarding the plot so that you can have the pleasure of finding out for yourself. Self-discovery makes this book even better.

The good news is that Comey’s federal law enforcement experience and legal background is on display through his masterful use of characters, plotting, and setting, to create a savory and breathless reading experience. Like the previous three books, all of those elements combine like the perfect recipe to deliver another winner.

I admire, respect, and love his main characters – Nora, her family, her work team, and FBI partners (especially Benny). I was especially drawn to the blind judge Conway in this one. His knowledge and understanding of the law and how best to apply it some complex situation was worth following. I loved his demeanor, his communications, his wit, and how his whole intent was to make sure that the trial was fair and the jury got the necessary information to make an informed decision on guilt or innocence. He was firm, taught lessons when he explained the law and his responsibilities as a judge. I appreciated everything about him, especially when he got frustrated with the bad behavior of others. I would love to see him again in a future book (just not as a murder victim).

I enjoyed the spy and traitor storylines and found the prosecution vs. defense strategies and battles in the courtroom to be at the same high-quality level that I get with a Michael Connelly or John Grisham legal thriller. The legal arguments that Nora’s team used from a prosecution angle and the rebuttal attacks by the defense team was interesting and compelling, like a chess game between two master level players.

I also found Comey’s pacing and delivery to be gripping throughout, and there were several surprising twists and turns along the way. As I mentioned previously, he uses his background and experience to create a real sense of authenticity and addictive crime storytelling.

As I mentioned in my review of his first book, Comey knows his stuff and he spins a marvelous crime novel that combines elements of Michael Connelly (investigation), David Baldacci (suspense), and John Grisham (storytelling). I kid you not. Those three are my personal favorite mystery/suspense writers and I have no problems standing behind that. However, what I really enjoy most about Comey’s novels is not that he’s able to bring in aspects of three of the best gold standard writers in this genre, but that he that he’s able to tell his stories it in his own authentic way. His own voice. His own plotting. His own pacing. And his own unique and colorful characters. He took what the greats have done and added his own twist. His own unique voice. He brings a real sense of legitimacy to law enforcement investigations, legal courtroom activities, as well as mixing in federal government and big-city politics.

Overall, this novel had immersive and gripping storylines, a group of interesting characters, and compelling espionage and legal twists along the way. The kind of addictive novel in which you are introduced to a shocking crime, see the creation and execution of the legal investigation, followed by the trying of the case in court, and concluding with a surprise ending that brought the novel full circle. Everything from the very first page to the end was an interesting and thought-provoking roller coaster ride, with several surprises and outcomes along the way.

I give this a 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars rating and I'm sure it's no surprise that I cannot wait for Comey’s next Nora and Benny crime novel.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Picken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Verdict is not just another legal thriller built around courtroom theatrics and jury room suspense. Written by former FBI Director James Comey, who has spent years inside the machinery of American law enforcement, counterintelligence, and national security, it is a thriller that is both gripping and unsettlingly plausible.

The novel opens with an audacious murder: a defence industry executive is poisoned with Novichok during a dinner in Manhattan, a killing that instantly evokes memories of the real-world Salisbury killings. The victim’s death launches Deputy US Attorney Nora Carleton into what may be the most dangerous case of her career, one involving espionage, defence technology, Russian intelligence, and betrayal at the highest levels of American power. Her investigation expands from New York into a wider counterintelligence operation involving stolen drone technology and potential traitors operating within the American establishment.

Nora Carleton is an effective protagonist. Her combination of intelligence, determination, and vulnerability ensures she is no action hero. Instead, she approaches problems like a prosecutor, building cases piece by piece while navigating political pressures and personal risks. As the conspiracy widens, the threats become increasingly personal, placing both Nora and her family directly in danger. That personal dimension gives the novel emotional weight and prevents the geopolitical elements from becoming abstract.

Comey understands how investigations actually unfold, and yet he rarely allows procedure to slow the pace of his plot. Each revelation uncovers another layer of deception, creating a steady escalation of tension. The novel moves with the rhythm of a federal investigation: interviews, intelligence assessments, legal strategy, and courtroom preparation all contribute to the suspense. Rather than relying on constant action sequences, Comey generates tension through uncertainty, competing loyalties, and the fear that powerful people may be beyond the reach of justice.

Comey’s professional background lends this book its authenticity. Having served as FBI Director and previously as a federal prosecutor, he writes about interagency rivalries, investigative procedures, and national security decision-making with a level of specificity that feels innate. The details never read like research; they feel like observations from someone who has occupied these rooms and witnessed these conflicts firsthand.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the suggestion that corruption may reach beyond obvious villains. He brings in the suggestion that a high ranking Government official could be complicit in this conspiracy. My suspicion is that Comey is less interested in portraying individual evil than institutional compromise. By making a senior intelligence figure potentially complicit, he explores how secrecy, patriotism, and ambition can become distorted until officials convince themselves that unlawful actions serve a greater national interest.

Comey’s own public life has been marked by controversies involving investigations, political pressure, and accusations from both sides of the American political divide. Recent media coverage surrounding him has only reinforced how deeply questions of institutional trust remain embedded in American public life. In this context, Red Verdict feels like more than a thriller. It reads as a fictional examination of the very systems Comey spent decades navigating.

Verdict:An intelligent legal thriller with a strong procedural foundation, Red Verdict delivers a compelling blend of espionage, courtroom drama, and political intrigue. combines the investigative depth of legal fiction with the geopolitical anxieties of a modern spy novel. Nora Carleton is a formidable protagonist well worth following into increasingly dangerous territory.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book featuring Federal Prosecutor Nora Carleton, who we first met in Central Park West , so to get the very best from her and the rest of the series cast, their backstories and development, I do suggest you start with that book and then read the other two before you start this one. Nora is bedding down nicely as Deputy US Attorney for Southern District of New York when we catch up with her. But she is drawn into a very murky world when there's a death in a restaurant. I say death - on investigation it appears to be a Russian-style hit, the victim being an executive in a company who manufactures drones. I say drones, these are high spec - secret squirrel - drones, government spec! She swiftly teams up with FBI Special Agent Benny Dugan, her long-time friend and potential step-father-to-be, being as he is dating her mother!
Long story short and the tale gets even more intriguing when the life-style of another high-up in the drone company is unearthed, along with his wife - what happens in Vegas! And fingers start to point to him being the connection... It's all a bit interconnected and convoluted, and on the sordid side, so I'll say no more...
I do love this series. I especially love Nora as a character, and it's not surprising being as the author is the former Director of the FBI, he obviously knows his stuff and, even more impressive, can craft this knowledge, and experience into a cracking, highly readable series. He also does his very best to explain things as he goes - acronyms, procedure, that kind of stuff, which is helpful, especially if you are British and haven't got a clue about the US judiciary system.
As well as an interesting and intriguing investigation, we also have some fascinating courtroom action With Nora playing cat and mouse with the defence, trying to second guess them and get ahead of the game. Outwith all that, we also have Nora's relationships with her daughter and mother. This gives us a glimpse into her home life and also a bit of respite from the fast pace of the rest of the book.
What I really love about this series - apart from the characters who are all top notch - is that I can actually believe the storylines. They come across as completely credible - if at the same time a little concerning. And he always delivers a wholly satisfying ending.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is already an impressive series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Michelle Adamo #EmptyNestReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one was incredible!
High stakes! High stress! Big time political figures! And… all the alphabet agencies involved!

Nora is back! She is working as the Deputy US Attorney for the Southern District of NY. And she’s got her hands full!

We open up with a guy going to eat at an Italian restaurant in NYC. He orders the pasta he always gets… and asks for pepper flakes. While he’s enjoying his dinner… well, he drops dead!

So now Nora, and her step-father, Benny, are following the case. Especially since it seems like the dead guy is not a likely target…. And then something is remembered… a similar case… and all bets are off!

As all the agencies converge to try to get to the bottom of this, Nora and Benny are trying to figure out why HE was targeted.

But the deeper they dig, it seems the further away from the truth they are getting!
And, when they find out that the dead guys boss is into some shady stuff? Well, that just adds fuel to the fire!

And this fire 🔥 is burning bright!

The courthouse scenes… the lawyer’s antics (on BOTH sides!)… As well as the judge! 😮😳😮 Well… Top Notch!

Well written! Well played! And… kept me glued to each chapter!

#TheRedVerdict by @JamesComey and narrated nicely by @CassandraCampbell!

5 bold, scary, beautiful, right-outta-the-courts, American vs Russian spy games stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/12/26! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HighBridge and @HighBridgeAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific legal thriller. This starts with the murder of the CFO of a drone company with, of all things, a Russian nerve agent administered through the red pepper flakes he shakes on his weekly plate of pasta at an Upper West side Italian restaurant, and turns into a twisty effort to bring George Costas, CEO of the company, to justice. Turns out Costas has been committing espionage for Russia but why and how to prove it? This takes the reader through the process of investigating, building, and proving an espionage case. Nora Carleton, the Deputy USAttorney for the Southern District of New York and Benny, her investigator (and new stepfather) work with the FBI (love the details of the various elements of FBI) to track Costas as he does surveillance detection routes through Manhattan and to search his home and office. This leans in on internal USG cooperation (and not) and meetings (the principals meeting!). And then it really takes off in the courtroom with a great judge, a very amusing pair of defense attorneys and a few great twists. No spoilers from me. And Nora does have a personal life with much loved and wise beyond her years daughter she shares with her ex. I've been a fan of this series from the beginning for the insight, the details, the intensity, and, to be honest, the periodic chuckles. This latest builds on the earlier ones and it's just great. I'm betting new readers will enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. It's a great read and the ending is just terrific.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Verdict by former FBI Director James Comey has everything an exciting, unpredictable thriller should have. When you start it, it feels like you are behind the wheel of an F1 automobile. As the story opens, a well-to-do and powerful businessman drops dead while eating in an Italian restaurant in New York City. Older readers may be reminded of the infamous scene in Mario Puzo's The Godfather. Nora Carlton returns as the no-nonsense deputy US attorney. Comey has sculpted a compelling character in this hard-charging attorney, and readers will read this book just to be in the same environment as Ms.Carlton. Special agent Benny Duggan assists her. Soon, both investigators realize there is more to the poisoning at the Italian restaurant. It looks like politics, power manipulation, and of course, the almighty dollar.
What readers will also enjoy is the internecine battles between the various law enforcement agencies. Of course, the FBI wants the case, as does the C.I.A., even though that agency is allegedly not sanctioned to work domestically. The dialogue between attorney Carlton and her investigator is attention-grabbing and, some might say, realistic. Who would know better than a former FBI director? The book is like taking your blood pressure every second, as the tension mounts until you feel you can no longer bear to continue. Comey has shown remarkable progress since his first novel, Central Park West, and readers will cross their fingers that he continues to make strides toward becoming one of the more agile and adept thriller writers in the business.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhere between the acronyms, the spycraft, and the “I swear I’m not telling you anything classified” energy, James Comey seems to be flashing his past life like a badge he can’t quite tuck back into his pocket. The whole time I was reading, I kept getting the sense he wanted to ‘hint’ at something, just enough to make you wonder, without getting a reminder phone call from the feds. Maybe that’s just me, but this installment certainly felt different from the earlier books in the series.

Now, I adore Nora and her family. They’re the grounding force of the series. But Benny? Benny is why I keep returning. His dry humor, his loyalty, his no-nonsense approach to the world; he’s the one who carried this book for me. Every time he stepped onto the page, I perked up a little, hoping he’d inject some spark into the otherwise flat pacing.

And speaking of pacing with drones, Russians, espionage, poisonings, Comey really threw the whole espionage pantry at this one. On paper, it should have been a wild ride. In practice, though, the “thriller” part of this thriller never quite materialized. The story felt oddly linear, almost procedural, and the repetition kept dragging the momentum down. I kept waiting for a twist, a surprise, a sharp left turn. Instead, the plot just continued the same steady, predictable path. A few more offshoots or complications would’ve gone a long way toward keeping the duller stretches from feeling quite so dull.

In the end, it wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t the gripping, layered, tension-filled story I wanted from this series.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This crazy story kicks off when the chief money guy at a drone tech startup gets bumped off. Someone slipped a nasty Russian nerve poison into his pasta's red pepper flakes at this cute Italian restaurant. The whole thing turns into a wild chase to figure out what really went down, with everyone wondering if the company's big boss George Costas might have been the intended target.

Nora, a sharp deputy attorney, and her stepdad Benny, a pro investigator, are hot on the trail of Costas, the CEO for the drone company, turned Russian spy. They team up with the FBI trying to figure out Costas's sneaky spy moves. They dig into his place and office, slowly putting together the puzzle of what he might be plotting and why he would be playing both sides.

The courtroom's got some serious drama going on, with a cool judge, annoying defense lawyers, and twists that'll keep you guessing. Nora's story gets extra awesome because of her super smart kid, which makes her feel more real. I've been following this series from the beginning, and the author totally nails it every time - mixing in cool details from the legal system, killer storytelling, and some funny moments. This new book? It's not just good, it's next-level amazing. Even if you're new to the series, you'll be sucked in right away. You can possibly read this as a standalone, even though it's better to start with the first book.

The vulnerability of complex systems becomes apparent when a single individual, armed with specialized expertise and strategic access, can potentially trigger catastrophic consequences.

[Gerry Durisin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars. In this fourth installment in his Nora Carleton series, Comey places the prosecutor at the head of a complicated investigation and trial. A man dies suddenly while eating at his favorite Italian restaurant, his regular Wednesday evening routine after teaching a class at Columbia. When tests rule out heart attack and other natural causes, a savvy physician suspects poison, and lab testing soon confirms her suspicion, identifying the drug as one used by Russian operatives. Was the man a Russian spy who somehow ran afoul of his handlers? And since he was employed by a drone manufacturer with huge government contracts, was his death somehow related to his work?

Though not great literature, Comey's books in this series include interesting characters, crisp and clear writing, and a fast-paced plot that keeps this reader engaged as it moves the story toward its climax. I appreciate too that he lets women take some of the leading roles in his stories. It was interesting to watch the complex "dance" -- wanting to be involved, and to take credit for success, but never to be blamed if the case went badly -- between the various government agencies and highly-placed officials who need to participate in shared decision-making about how to investigate and present the case in court, especially when highly classified information might need to be shared. It's clear Comey knows whereof he speaks when it comes to government wheeling and dealing.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of A Nora Carleton Legal Thriller Series and in my opinion the best to date, although they are all really good, and once again this works well as a standalone. With the author’s background you know this is going to be authentic but it’s also exciting and interesting with a well written and ingeniously plotted story.

Briefly, Edgar Perez was Chief Financial Officer of the Defence Giant CGA. Every day he enjoyed eating at his favourite Italian cafe on Broadway only today was his last meal as he was murdered sitting at his table. Forensics discovered he was killed by the nerve agent Novichok. Suspecting there was a spy in CGA aiming to steal the design for new military drone technology. Deputy US Attorney Nora and her team have to build a strong case to succeed at the subsequent trial but there are obstacles coming from all directions.

Nora is a great character. Strong and determined she lives for her job, and for her daughter who she only gets to see at weekends and her team are a fabulous mix of characters. The investigation was great but what I love most about this series are the brilliant descriptions of the courtroom actions from both the prosecution and the unscrupulous defence attorneys. The legal tennis match had me on the edge of my seat. This is Comey at his best. Fantastic read.

[Tessa Pacelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing and, as I write this review, quite a complicated story. While I was reading through, it made sense as the author brought the story, the case and the trial out into the forefront.

The case is against a man spying for the Russians, a drone expert murdered with a nerve agent and a case that gets deeper and deeper the more the investigation continues. The use of a nerve agent is something that is a real-world scenario, as we in the UK are aware of. Having something like this included in a novel about spying, corruption, and political shenanigans makes it really compelling reading.

The team that makes up the prosecution are Nora Carelton, and if you have read any of this author's previous books, you will be aware of the relationship between her and the rest of her team. If you haven't, then don't worry, as things are explained as the story moves along.

This is a story that gets right into the nitty-gritty of the FBI, CIA, and Russian spies, tactics, as well as courtroom drama, the legal system in the US and how things can easily change. This is one for those who like conspiracy, spies, government agencies and of course, crime, mystery and thriller books. It is one I would be very happy to recommend.