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Inadmissible: A Legal Thriller
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 13, 2026
"Victory didn’t always feel like fireworks. Sometimes it was quieter, and more like a steady breath, a brief smile, and the simple satisfaction of knowing you’d done your job right."
Ryan Jackson is an attorney in the New York City Law Department, where he represents the city in lawsuits filed by aggrieved parties. Often, these parties seek a quick settlement from the city, hoping that a payout will outweigh the cost of a trial, and sometimes that works.
Across Ryan's desk comes a seemingly open-and-shut case: Two police officers shoot and kill a motorist during a routine traffic stop. The victim's family is suing the city for $20,000. It's suggested, by the powers that be, that Ryan settle. However, as he reviews the case, things appear to be off: Why are the two officers avoiding an interview with him? How does the victim's family history of frivolous lawsuits enter into the equation, and why are they suing for only $20,000? Other issues emerge as Ryan pursues the case against the orders of his boss's boss, like why does the mob ambush him on the Long Island Expressway on his way to depose the two cops?
Dave Darren presents an intriguing mystery where what appears on the surface doesn't reflect the reality of the situation. He does so in a noir-like style, where New York City becomes a key character in the story -- not the glamorous part of the city, but the working part. The part where people live and work in buildings where elevators groan, and footsteps echo on uncarpeted floors.
"Inadmissible" is, evidently, the first in a series with Ryan as the protagonist. I look forward to reading the next one.
Ryan Jackson is an attorney in the New York City Law Department, where he represents the city in lawsuits filed by aggrieved parties. Often, these parties seek a quick settlement from the city, hoping that a payout will outweigh the cost of a trial, and sometimes that works.
Across Ryan's desk comes a seemingly open-and-shut case: Two police officers shoot and kill a motorist during a routine traffic stop. The victim's family is suing the city for $20,000. It's suggested, by the powers that be, that Ryan settle. However, as he reviews the case, things appear to be off: Why are the two officers avoiding an interview with him? How does the victim's family history of frivolous lawsuits enter into the equation, and why are they suing for only $20,000? Other issues emerge as Ryan pursues the case against the orders of his boss's boss, like why does the mob ambush him on the Long Island Expressway on his way to depose the two cops?
Dave Darren presents an intriguing mystery where what appears on the surface doesn't reflect the reality of the situation. He does so in a noir-like style, where New York City becomes a key character in the story -- not the glamorous part of the city, but the working part. The part where people live and work in buildings where elevators groan, and footsteps echo on uncarpeted floors.
"Inadmissible" is, evidently, the first in a series with Ryan as the protagonist. I look forward to reading the next one.
May 1, 2026
Interesting
This is a book about justice and guts. The main character is a lawyer trying to do the right thing. People try to get in his way. Most of the story is about his process to hold accountable some people who are supposed to be upholding the law and what happens when this lawyer sees some things that others want to sweep under the rug. The story is ongoing tension.
This is a book about justice and guts. The main character is a lawyer trying to do the right thing. People try to get in his way. Most of the story is about his process to hold accountable some people who are supposed to be upholding the law and what happens when this lawyer sees some things that others want to sweep under the rug. The story is ongoing tension.
May 7, 2026
I’m not sure what was more important…the legal story line or the deep and descriptive weather reports every time Ryan stepped outside. The author seemed to be working on alliteration more so than character development or the story line.
May 11, 2026
Another series
I am a fan of Dave Darens work. I see this is book one of a series. I'm anxious to read book two. I like seeing an attorney do what is right, even though giving up would be safer.
I am a fan of Dave Darens work. I see this is book one of a series. I'm anxious to read book two. I like seeing an attorney do what is right, even though giving up would be safer.
June 28, 2026
Excellent book!!!! Love a good book that catches the corrupt guys and ends well! First book I have
by this author but definitely not the last!!! Great humor and fine storytelling!!!! Excited to move on to the next book!
by this author but definitely not the last!!! Great humor and fine storytelling!!!! Excited to move on to the next book!
July 1, 2026
The book is quite good, but much longer than it needs to be. Too drawn out when nothing important is happening. And, I felt explaining how everything smells took it too far…i.e. the smell of paper and asphalt pavement?
July 17, 2026
Dull, boring
Extremely verbose and unnecessary descriptions. The plot dragged on forever! Most pages can be skimmed and nothing would be lost. Don't waste your time reading this.
Extremely verbose and unnecessary descriptions. The plot dragged on forever! Most pages can be skimmed and nothing would be lost. Don't waste your time reading this.
July 21, 2026
God can this man write
Another amazing book by Dave Daren. Absolutely brilliant. The story line in this book makes it so exciting and impossible to put down. I need a nap so I can read the next one.
Another amazing book by Dave Daren. Absolutely brilliant. The story line in this book makes it so exciting and impossible to put down. I need a nap so I can read the next one.
August 8, 2026
Blockbuster!
One heck of a thrill ride! Ryan is handed a “done deal” to settle a shooting by two patrolmen that just seemed off. The mayor wants the case settled but Ryan keeps digging and finds “pay dirt”, plenty of it.
One heck of a thrill ride! Ryan is handed a “done deal” to settle a shooting by two patrolmen that just seemed off. The mayor wants the case settled but Ryan keeps digging and finds “pay dirt”, plenty of it.
August 8, 2026
Interesting plot poorly delivered
Interesting plot diminished by lack of character development beyond the protagonist, endless cliche descriptions of odors and sounds and unnecessary repetitive situational descriptions.
Interesting plot diminished by lack of character development beyond the protagonist, endless cliche descriptions of odors and sounds and unnecessary repetitive situational descriptions.
May 23, 2026
One of the best legal thrillers I've read.
The story line was well thought out with bad cops, the mafia. . . and a lawyer who had to stand up and fight for his life. literally!
The story line was well thought out with bad cops, the mafia. . . and a lawyer who had to stand up and fight for his life. literally!
May 28, 2026
Great book
The stories kept you wanting to hurry along stories content was good also so I guess I am saying that Dave Darin did it agin
The stories kept you wanting to hurry along stories content was good also so I guess I am saying that Dave Darin did it agin
June 14, 2026
excellent read!
Characters were very believable and the storyline was well paced. Each event was exciting to read. Highly recommend this novel!
Characters were very believable and the storyline was well paced. Each event was exciting to read. Highly recommend this novel!
June 21, 2026
Score!
Dave Daren consistently writes legal thrillers. This new series hit it out of the park. Looking forward to the next installment.
Dave Daren consistently writes legal thrillers. This new series hit it out of the park. Looking forward to the next installment.
June 28, 2026
Fantastic legal thriller
Great read from the first page to the end. Extremely talented writer and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Great read from the first page to the end. Extremely talented writer and I’m looking forward to the next one.
August 1, 2026
great story
Love the connection between legal and monsters. Determination of the main lawyer was honorable but makes me think how corrupt is it all
Love the connection between legal and monsters. Determination of the main lawyer was honorable but makes me think how corrupt is it all
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews