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Nora Carleton #4
Red Verdict: A Crime Novel
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 12:14:16
15 copies available
U.S. only
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.
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
2 people are currently reading
1795 people want to read
About the author
James B. Comey
13 books719 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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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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 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.
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.
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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