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Rain City Legal #8
False Witness
He took the case for easy money. Now he's fighting for his life.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by a long-lost friend, Sean Eriksen, to sue a former football star who broke his nose in a bar fight.
Raine thinks it will be an easy payday. The case is a slam-dunk, so he can just wait for the county prosecutor to deliver a guilty verdict and then cash in.
But things go sideways when Eriksen is accused of taking revenge by murdering one of the football star’s colleagues.
Now Raine must defend his friend against a murder charge—not easy, because Eriksen was seen fleeing the scene. And as Raine digs deeper, he realizes his real adversary is a powerful figure who is hiding in the shadows.
With a star witness determined to bury his client, a body count that keeps rising, and threats arriving after dark, Raine must turn the courtroom into a battlefield—exposing a lethal criminal conspiracy one question at a time.
False Witness – the eighth book in the bestselling legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by a long-lost friend, Sean Eriksen, to sue a former football star who broke his nose in a bar fight.
Raine thinks it will be an easy payday. The case is a slam-dunk, so he can just wait for the county prosecutor to deliver a guilty verdict and then cash in.
But things go sideways when Eriksen is accused of taking revenge by murdering one of the football star’s colleagues.
Now Raine must defend his friend against a murder charge—not easy, because Eriksen was seen fleeing the scene. And as Raine digs deeper, he realizes his real adversary is a powerful figure who is hiding in the shadows.
With a star witness determined to bury his client, a body count that keeps rising, and threats arriving after dark, Raine must turn the courtroom into a battlefield—exposing a lethal criminal conspiracy one question at a time.
False Witness – the eighth book in the bestselling legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.
- GenresMystery
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
About the author
Stephen Penner
77 books179 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 35 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 23, 2026
I absolutely flew through this one!
From the very first chapter, False Witness had me hooked. The pacing is incredibly fast, the chapters are short, and every time I thought I’d stop reading, something else would happen that kept me turning pages. Before I knew it, I’d burned through a huge chunk of the book in a single sitting.
As someone who has recently fallen down the legal thriller rabbit hole, this was exactly what I was hoping for. Between the courtroom drama, the investigation, and Daniel Raine trying to untangle what really happened, there was always another angle to consider. Raine is a fantastic protagonist - clever, likeable, and the sort of character you can’t help but root for as the case becomes increasingly complicated.
What impressed me most was how well Stephen Penner kept me guessing. I had plenty of theories throughout, but the final reveal wasn’t one of them. I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
This was my first visit to the Rain City Legal series despite False Witness being book eight, and I never felt lost or like I’d missed important context. It worked perfectly as a standalone. That said, I’ve now added the rest of the series to my TBR because I’m keen to spend more time in this world and with these characters.
If you’re a fan of Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, I’d absolutely recommend giving this one a go. Fast-paced, addictive, packed with courtroom drama and impossible to put down.
From the very first chapter, False Witness had me hooked. The pacing is incredibly fast, the chapters are short, and every time I thought I’d stop reading, something else would happen that kept me turning pages. Before I knew it, I’d burned through a huge chunk of the book in a single sitting.
As someone who has recently fallen down the legal thriller rabbit hole, this was exactly what I was hoping for. Between the courtroom drama, the investigation, and Daniel Raine trying to untangle what really happened, there was always another angle to consider. Raine is a fantastic protagonist - clever, likeable, and the sort of character you can’t help but root for as the case becomes increasingly complicated.
What impressed me most was how well Stephen Penner kept me guessing. I had plenty of theories throughout, but the final reveal wasn’t one of them. I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
This was my first visit to the Rain City Legal series despite False Witness being book eight, and I never felt lost or like I’d missed important context. It worked perfectly as a standalone. That said, I’ve now added the rest of the series to my TBR because I’m keen to spend more time in this world and with these characters.
If you’re a fan of Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, I’d absolutely recommend giving this one a go. Fast-paced, addictive, packed with courtroom drama and impossible to put down.
May 27, 2026
Whether you're a die-hard legal thriller lover, new to the genre, or simply liked the Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix, Stephen Penner is the man for you! His Rain City series is set in Seattle and this 8th book picks right up with Daniel Raine in the midst of what he does best: defending his client, Michael Cheung, in what he proclaims are erroneous charges. That night, while unwinding at the local dive bar, Dan runs into his long lost 5th grade best friend, Sean Eriksen, who quickly gets his face caved in by small town celebrity, and hulk of a collegiate ex-footballer, Bobby Breitmann. What a day! The next week is even worse: normal pretrial proceedings and run of the mill lawyer legwork have Dan walking into top criminal defense attorney, Victor Prescott's, law office to hand over Michael Cheung's case file after a representation change. What does he find? His ex-best friend fleeing, a dead man, and bully Bobby Breitmann proclaiming he saw who did it. What a mess! Prescott seems none too fazed by a dead man in his lobby and Breitmann has everything to gain by blaming Eriksen- what will Raine do and who can he believe? When you're the defense attorney, the truth doesn't really matter, only what the jury believes to be true. Can Raine acquit his friend without crossing the line? Is there any evidence he's missing that would support his case? Does Eriksen deserve to get off scott free? Can Raine live with himself if Eriksen is guilty after all? Who's lying and why?
Non-Spoiler Personal Opinions:
- Why didn't Dan withdrawal himself as Eriksen's attorney so he could be a witness for the case?
- Mr. Napier should have covered the burial costs if he was willing to cover the new, more expensive attorney fees, but having Dan do so builds his character and our sympathy for the attorney.
- The fight about 35% in seems extremely unlikely considering the people involved and the fact that the attacked should, of course, press charges.
- "Congratulations and all for finding work you were passionate about" 10/10 line 🤣👏🏻
- WOAH! I did NOT see that ending coming!!
- A little less than an hour to travel, go through TSA, and get to your gate at SeaTac? 😬 That passenger is going to miss their flight 😄
- That ending! Loved it! "No." 😂
Troupes: legal thriller, murder, drugs, legal jargon/legalese, wrongfully accused, surprising twist!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ allusion, closed door
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Non-Spoiler Personal Opinions:
- Why didn't Dan withdrawal himself as Eriksen's attorney so he could be a witness for the case?
- Mr. Napier should have covered the burial costs if he was willing to cover the new, more expensive attorney fees, but having Dan do so builds his character and our sympathy for the attorney.
- The fight about 35% in seems extremely unlikely considering the people involved and the fact that the attacked should, of course, press charges.
- "Congratulations and all for finding work you were passionate about" 10/10 line 🤣👏🏻
- WOAH! I did NOT see that ending coming!!
- A little less than an hour to travel, go through TSA, and get to your gate at SeaTac? 😬 That passenger is going to miss their flight 😄
- That ending! Loved it! "No." 😂
Troupes: legal thriller, murder, drugs, legal jargon/legalese, wrongfully accused, surprising twist!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ allusion, closed door
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Read
May 22, 2026Fast paced murder mystery thriller with plenty of unexpected twist in the plot that has the readers turning the pages as fast as their eyes can read them to find out what explosive things going to happen next. Attorney Daniel Rain's cases have plenty of twists and turns to keep you in engrossed as to how he'll defend his next client accused of murder he's very good at his job even sneaky at times the way he gathers the info he needs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
False Witness, is the eighth book in the Rain City Legal Thrillers by Stephen Penner. This is a fast-paced legal thriller that moves from a routine civil dispute into a deadly criminal conspiracy and a desperate fight for survival, both inside and outside the courtroom.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by his long-lost friend, Sean Eriksen, after his nose was broken in a bar fight by a former football star, and he wants to sue. This appears to be a straight forward case and Raines strategy is simple: let the county prosecutor secure a guilty verdict in the criminal assault case, and then cash in on the civil damages. An easy payday, or so it seems.
The easy payday disappears when things go spectacularly sideways. Instead of waiting for a settlement, Eriksen is suddenly accused of taking the ultimate revenge: murdering one of the football star’s close colleagues. The evidence against Raine’s friend is staggering, Eriksen was explicitly spotted fleeing the scene of the crime. Swapping his civil suit paperwork for a criminal defence strategy, Raine has to step up to protect his friend from a life behind bars. In the courtroom Raine is up against a star witness who seems utterly determined to bury his client under oath.
Raine delves into the prosecution’s timeline and realises his true opponent isn’t the person on the witness stand, nor is it the county prosecutor. A powerful shadow figure is pulling the strings from behind the scenes, and they aren’t afraid of a body count. As the body count rises and ominous threats begin arriving at Raine’s door after dark, the trial stops being about a broken nose and becomes a high-wire act to expose a lethal criminal organisation.
This is an excellent addition to a series I have enjoyed from the very start. it can be read as a standalone but why stop there. If you enjoy fast paced legal thrillers with good plots then Stephen Penner ticks your boxes.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by his long-lost friend, Sean Eriksen, after his nose was broken in a bar fight by a former football star, and he wants to sue. This appears to be a straight forward case and Raines strategy is simple: let the county prosecutor secure a guilty verdict in the criminal assault case, and then cash in on the civil damages. An easy payday, or so it seems.
The easy payday disappears when things go spectacularly sideways. Instead of waiting for a settlement, Eriksen is suddenly accused of taking the ultimate revenge: murdering one of the football star’s close colleagues. The evidence against Raine’s friend is staggering, Eriksen was explicitly spotted fleeing the scene of the crime. Swapping his civil suit paperwork for a criminal defence strategy, Raine has to step up to protect his friend from a life behind bars. In the courtroom Raine is up against a star witness who seems utterly determined to bury his client under oath.
Raine delves into the prosecution’s timeline and realises his true opponent isn’t the person on the witness stand, nor is it the county prosecutor. A powerful shadow figure is pulling the strings from behind the scenes, and they aren’t afraid of a body count. As the body count rises and ominous threats begin arriving at Raine’s door after dark, the trial stops being about a broken nose and becomes a high-wire act to expose a lethal criminal organisation.
This is an excellent addition to a series I have enjoyed from the very start. it can be read as a standalone but why stop there. If you enjoy fast paced legal thrillers with good plots then Stephen Penner ticks your boxes.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2026
Review: False Witness: A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 8 by Stephen Penner
For readers who love their legal thrillers the way a good tailor loves a well-cut suit — clean lines, no unnecessary flourishes, everything exactly where it should be — Stephen Penner delivers precisely that in False Witness, the eighth installment in his Rain City Legal Thriller series.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by a long-lost friend after a bar fight with a former football star leaves him with a broken nose and a desire for justice. The plan is simple: let the criminal case run its course, then collect on the civil damages. Simple plans, of course, rarely stay that way. When the friend is suddenly accused of murder, what started as an easy payday becomes a fight for survival both inside and outside the courtroom.
Penner is a practicing criminal trial attorney, and that expertise shows. The courtroom scenes feel lived-in rather than dramatized, the legal maneuvering is credible without being inaccessible, and the plot moves with the confident efficiency of a writer who knows exactly where he is going and how to get there without wasting the reader's time. The characters are engaging, the story ties up satisfyingly, and the writing has a relaxed, assured quality reminiscent of the great old-school detective series — the kind where the pleasure is in watching a skilled professional navigate a complicated world with intelligence and a certain unflappable cool.
There is nothing here that will surprise or challenge the seasoned thriller reader. That is entirely the point, and entirely to the book's credit. False Witness is a well-crafted, thoroughly enjoyable legal thriller that knows its audience and delivers for them without apology. For readers new to the series it works perfectly as a standalone. For those who haven't yet discovered Penner, it is a very good reason to go back to book one.
For readers who love their legal thrillers the way a good tailor loves a well-cut suit — clean lines, no unnecessary flourishes, everything exactly where it should be — Stephen Penner delivers precisely that in False Witness, the eighth installment in his Rain City Legal Thriller series.
Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by a long-lost friend after a bar fight with a former football star leaves him with a broken nose and a desire for justice. The plan is simple: let the criminal case run its course, then collect on the civil damages. Simple plans, of course, rarely stay that way. When the friend is suddenly accused of murder, what started as an easy payday becomes a fight for survival both inside and outside the courtroom.
Penner is a practicing criminal trial attorney, and that expertise shows. The courtroom scenes feel lived-in rather than dramatized, the legal maneuvering is credible without being inaccessible, and the plot moves with the confident efficiency of a writer who knows exactly where he is going and how to get there without wasting the reader's time. The characters are engaging, the story ties up satisfyingly, and the writing has a relaxed, assured quality reminiscent of the great old-school detective series — the kind where the pleasure is in watching a skilled professional navigate a complicated world with intelligence and a certain unflappable cool.
There is nothing here that will surprise or challenge the seasoned thriller reader. That is entirely the point, and entirely to the book's credit. False Witness is a well-crafted, thoroughly enjoyable legal thriller that knows its audience and delivers for them without apology. For readers new to the series it works perfectly as a standalone. For those who haven't yet discovered Penner, it is a very good reason to go back to book one.
May 25, 2026
False Witness is a perfect example of childhood friends aren’t always going to morph into new friends as adults. This legal thriller has series protagonist Seattle lawyer, Daniel Raine, running into an old friend—a fifth grade friend who moved—at a popular bar. What begins with a chance meeting and a let’s catch up moment ends quickly with his old friend, Sean Eriksen, knocked out cold on the bar floor from an assault by a local college football hero and current spokesman for a regional car dealer. Hello, lawsuit. But a shocking murder occurs that points at Raine’s friend as the killer. So a simple assault with an expected big payout turns into a major murder case with Raine as defense attorney.
The storyline juxtaposes courtroom drama and Raine’s legal skill and investigative work during the trial as Raine and his investigator girlfriend look for evidence that will exonerate Eriksen. Based on the case the prosecutor is putting on it is clear to Raine the only way ro exonerate his client is to find the true killer. The race to find the killer is tension filled, the action kept me on my toes as I expected Raine to become a victim himself, and the conspiracy to convict Eriksen was quite convincing. False Witness is another example of prolific author Stephen Penner’s firm understanding of plot, character development, and audience. I highly recommend the book and the previous books in the series.
The storyline juxtaposes courtroom drama and Raine’s legal skill and investigative work during the trial as Raine and his investigator girlfriend look for evidence that will exonerate Eriksen. Based on the case the prosecutor is putting on it is clear to Raine the only way ro exonerate his client is to find the true killer. The race to find the killer is tension filled, the action kept me on my toes as I expected Raine to become a victim himself, and the conspiracy to convict Eriksen was quite convincing. False Witness is another example of prolific author Stephen Penner’s firm understanding of plot, character development, and audience. I highly recommend the book and the previous books in the series.
Review of advance copy
I've thoroughly enjoyed most of the volumes in the Rain City legal thriller series, as Penner writes an attorney who may not be the fanciest, but seems to always find the right angles to prevail when the toughest cases fall in his lap. False Witness is no exception, where he finds himself representing a childhood friend against murder charges, someone who has turned down a bad road in the ensuing years and doesn't have much tact or hope to get out of a lifetime in prison.
With Dan Raine reluctantly in his corner, and his sidekick real estate agent/investigator friend and fellow attorney girlfriend lending an assist, Raine finds a way to get the results he wants. Not afraid to get his hands dirty, either in or outside the courthouse, it wouldn't be a Rain Legal volume if he didn't discover at least one dead body or shady people trying to pull the proverbial wool over the legal system's eyes. A few bumps and bruises along the way are par for the course, too. Finally, Penner is a master in building up courtroom drama that generally leads to a satisfying ending for the Raine Man.
It's another enjoyable read without needing the previous volumes for background. It leaves me looking forward to the next Dan Raine volume and case to come!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With Dan Raine reluctantly in his corner, and his sidekick real estate agent/investigator friend and fellow attorney girlfriend lending an assist, Raine finds a way to get the results he wants. Not afraid to get his hands dirty, either in or outside the courthouse, it wouldn't be a Rain Legal volume if he didn't discover at least one dead body or shady people trying to pull the proverbial wool over the legal system's eyes. A few bumps and bruises along the way are par for the course, too. Finally, Penner is a master in building up courtroom drama that generally leads to a satisfying ending for the Raine Man.
It's another enjoyable read without needing the previous volumes for background. It leaves me looking forward to the next Dan Raine volume and case to come!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
False Witness, the eighth instalment in the Rain City Legal Thriller series, is a sharp, smart, and twisty courtroom drama that functions perfectly as a standalone mystery.
The narrative centres on Attorney Daniel Raine, a bold and instantly likeable protagonist whose expertise is tested when a seemingly straightforward case spirals into a web of deceit. The pacing is relentless, and the courtroom scenes are nothing short of fascinating, pulling the reader into the high-stakes world of legal manoeuvring. One of the strongest elements of the story is the chemistry and dynamic between Daniel and Detective Adams, which adds a layer of depth and grounded tension to the investigation.
The dynamic between Raine and Adams provided that perfect "buddy-cop-meets-attorney" tension that makes you want to go back and read the first seven books. Sometimes, jumping into the middle of a series is the best way to see if an author has kept the quality high—and Penner clearly has!
This is a masterclass in plot evolution—starting with a simple premise and digging deep into the messy, dark truth hidden beneath the surface. For anyone who loves a procedural that is as intellectually stimulating as it is fast-paced, this is an absolute must-read.
A well-deserved 5 "legal" stars for a thriller that keeps you guessing until the gavel drops.
The narrative centres on Attorney Daniel Raine, a bold and instantly likeable protagonist whose expertise is tested when a seemingly straightforward case spirals into a web of deceit. The pacing is relentless, and the courtroom scenes are nothing short of fascinating, pulling the reader into the high-stakes world of legal manoeuvring. One of the strongest elements of the story is the chemistry and dynamic between Daniel and Detective Adams, which adds a layer of depth and grounded tension to the investigation.
The dynamic between Raine and Adams provided that perfect "buddy-cop-meets-attorney" tension that makes you want to go back and read the first seven books. Sometimes, jumping into the middle of a series is the best way to see if an author has kept the quality high—and Penner clearly has!
This is a masterclass in plot evolution—starting with a simple premise and digging deep into the messy, dark truth hidden beneath the surface. For anyone who loves a procedural that is as intellectually stimulating as it is fast-paced, this is an absolute must-read.
A well-deserved 5 "legal" stars for a thriller that keeps you guessing until the gavel drops.
May 28, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Raine in court for a drug delivery trial. That night he is in the Drake Tavern when a friend Eriksen, a friend from Raine's youth shows up. who then gets in a fracas with Breitmann, a former football hero, and winds up being attacked and as a result Raine becomes Eriksen's lawyer with intention to sue Breitmann. Breitmann is also charged with criminal assault. A few days later, Raine learns that his client for drug delivery is going to another lawyer. This is followed up by Eriksen telling Raine he was going to another lawyer also. Raine winds up going to Prescott's office when on arriving Eriksen is also at the office and flees because Raine's first client is killed and reportedly it is Eriksen.
Follow and discover who is behind the killing and what the reason for the murder was. Follow the progress of the trial and discover what reason Raine presented once he began the defense of the trial.
The ending is well done and kept me guessing who was ultimately responsible. This a great continuation of the series, don't miss out!
This story begins with Raine in court for a drug delivery trial. That night he is in the Drake Tavern when a friend Eriksen, a friend from Raine's youth shows up. who then gets in a fracas with Breitmann, a former football hero, and winds up being attacked and as a result Raine becomes Eriksen's lawyer with intention to sue Breitmann. Breitmann is also charged with criminal assault. A few days later, Raine learns that his client for drug delivery is going to another lawyer. This is followed up by Eriksen telling Raine he was going to another lawyer also. Raine winds up going to Prescott's office when on arriving Eriksen is also at the office and flees because Raine's first client is killed and reportedly it is Eriksen.
Follow and discover who is behind the killing and what the reason for the murder was. Follow the progress of the trial and discover what reason Raine presented once he began the defense of the trial.
The ending is well done and kept me guessing who was ultimately responsible. This a great continuation of the series, don't miss out!
May 26, 2026
A old friend from the fifth grade shows up add in the hometown football hero, a high profile lawyer and some shady dealings…..all the ingredients for a great book.
Daniel Raine, Lawyer with a private practice, a hot girlfriend and an investigator who is actually a realtor. Great cast I’d characters and so the story begins.
Sean, the old buddy, shows up after moving away years prior and there is just something about his story that may not be completely true. It doesn’t help that he gets arrested and then when Daniel and company start checking, everything Sean said about his mother is not true. So what else has he lied about?
The threats start coming, the football hero keeps showing up, and under everything the common denominator is the high powered lawyer. Oh, I almost forgot Bill Napier. You will have to read the book to see where he fits in. Great book, well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daniel Raine, Lawyer with a private practice, a hot girlfriend and an investigator who is actually a realtor. Great cast I’d characters and so the story begins.
Sean, the old buddy, shows up after moving away years prior and there is just something about his story that may not be completely true. It doesn’t help that he gets arrested and then when Daniel and company start checking, everything Sean said about his mother is not true. So what else has he lied about?
The threats start coming, the football hero keeps showing up, and under everything the common denominator is the high powered lawyer. Oh, I almost forgot Bill Napier. You will have to read the book to see where he fits in. Great book, well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Y’all, False Witness is a legal thriller on pure adrenaline. ⚖️🔥 What starts as Daniel Raine chasing an easy payday after a bar fight explodes into murder charges, rising body counts, and a conspiracy darker than stale coffee in a courtroom at midnight. 😳
Raine is the kind of flawed, sharp-tongued attorney you can’t help rooting for, and Sean Eriksen radiates walking-disaster energy from page one. The tension? Absolutely feral. Every chapter ends like Penner personally slapped the book out of your hands and yelled, “Bet you can’t stop now.” 😂
Penner’s writing is slick, fast, and razor-sharp, balancing gritty courtroom drama with heart-pounding suspense. This one moves like a runaway train with zero brakes and I was fully strapped in for the chaos.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raine is the kind of flawed, sharp-tongued attorney you can’t help rooting for, and Sean Eriksen radiates walking-disaster energy from page one. The tension? Absolutely feral. Every chapter ends like Penner personally slapped the book out of your hands and yelled, “Bet you can’t stop now.” 😂
Penner’s writing is slick, fast, and razor-sharp, balancing gritty courtroom drama with heart-pounding suspense. This one moves like a runaway train with zero brakes and I was fully strapped in for the chaos.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As usual, this was a page-turner for me. Dan starts off helping an old school friend who was attacked in a bar but ends up defending him instead when the friend is charged with murder.
I liked Dan's method of defence where he tries to prove the prosecution have the wrong person by finding the real perpetrator. This usually involves him getting into some scrapes and this time is no different except he finds himself at the scene of another murder. What made this more enjoyable this time is that his client is not a particularly nice or trustworthy person so Dan has his work cut out for him. I'm not sure which I enjoy more, his investigating side or his courtroom performance but I'd love to have Dan as my lawyer if I needed one.
I liked Dan's method of defence where he tries to prove the prosecution have the wrong person by finding the real perpetrator. This usually involves him getting into some scrapes and this time is no different except he finds himself at the scene of another murder. What made this more enjoyable this time is that his client is not a particularly nice or trustworthy person so Dan has his work cut out for him. I'm not sure which I enjoy more, his investigating side or his courtroom performance but I'd love to have Dan as my lawyer if I needed one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stephen Penner does not write great literature; but, he does write fun, interesting and exciting books. False Witness is enjoyable reading about our favorite Seattle lawyer — J. Daniel Raine. Once again, he becomes involved in a case involving murders, drugs, a rather obtuse client and an unscrupulous lawyer. As already stated, the novel is fun reading and has humor interwoven with the plot. I particularly liked “Never get into the mud with a pig. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it.” The courtroom scenes are dynamic.
I thank NetGalley and Inkubator for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to its publication.
I thank NetGalley and Inkubator for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to its publication.
June 8, 2026
Running into an old friend will get Raine involved into a fight for clearing his friend's name of murder, investigating and bringing into light a drug dealing ring involving prominet public figures in the Seattle life. He'll also find out that his old friend lies (a lot) and does not lead a life on the right path, and that those who seem to be the righteous ones might not be that at all... Another great addition to the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this amazing ARC! I am a huge fan of any court room/legal thriller! This is book #8 in the rainy city legal series, but can be read as a stand alone book. I have not read the first 7, and I was not at all lost or confused. This book focuses on Daniel Raine who is a lawyer, and how he navigates a trial he is the lawyer for. His old friend from 5th grade is back home and now in legal trouble. Can he help find the truth in time, or will he also get wrapped up in all the lies and secrets. I was so intrigued and I can’t wait to read the others in this series. 4.5⭐️
June 18, 2026
Dan Raines is such a great character, well developed and so interesting,
I love legal thrillers and this author is a new author to me and this is the first one of the series I've read, the read was suspenseful, with a bit of humor and I love the twists and turns in this book. I can’t wait to read another Dan Raines book and I will be going back to the beginning to catch up before the next one comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love legal thrillers and this author is a new author to me and this is the first one of the series I've read, the read was suspenseful, with a bit of humor and I love the twists and turns in this book. I can’t wait to read another Dan Raines book and I will be going back to the beginning to catch up before the next one comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
Don’t lie to me. A complicated tale that involves a whole cast of characters. There are lawyers, defendants, victims along with a couple of others whose roles are no less important. What initially seems rather simple becomes more and more involved with every page. There are twists you may never see coming. An ending that strives for justice with almost everyone claiming victory. If you love courtroom drama this is one to enjoy.
May 29, 2026
This was an interesting story. Daniel Raine and his long-lost friend turned client Sean Eriksen were entertaining. I thought the author created people that you could see out there in the real world. The storyline was intriguing. I liked the pace and the conspiracy. I enjoyed the courtroom thrill, and it kept me on the seat of my chair.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
This is the 8th book in the Rain City Legal series and it doesn't disappoint. Attorney Daniel Raine is back and has been hired by his friend Sean to sue a former football player who broke his nose in a bar fight. Seems like easy money so why not? Of course nothing is as easy as it seems and when Sean is accused of murdering one of the football players teammates it has went from a simple bar fight to murder.
May 26, 2026
When Dan Raine runs into his childhood friend in a bar he thinks it’ll be great to reconnect. He couldn’t be more wrong. Sean Eriksen is nothing but trouble and ends up facing murder charges. Can Raine prove his innocence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2026
I wanted to give it 5 stars but……
I LOVE Penney’s legal thrillers but the ending seemed rushed in this one, there was hardly any mention of his boys who I feel have been a larger part of the previous installments of this series and although this one wasn’t as good in my opinion it’s still worth the read and I’m hoping the next installment will be out soon.
I LOVE Penney’s legal thrillers but the ending seemed rushed in this one, there was hardly any mention of his boys who I feel have been a larger part of the previous installments of this series and although this one wasn’t as good in my opinion it’s still worth the read and I’m hoping the next installment will be out soon.
July 18, 2026
Finished the 8 book series! This last read however didn’t end with a bang! 👎 I found the story line a bit confusing. I was also disappointed that the author didn’t wrap up the status of all the characters throughout the 8 book series. However, many of books in this series were a 5⭐️rating & very entertaining & enjoyable! Looking forward to his next series!
August 6, 2026
Childhood friends do change!
Daniel Raine thinks he’s accepting an easy money criminal case from a childhood friend Sean Eriksen .
The twist and turns take off from the beginning. This book has a great pace with lots of excitement.
You can start with this book. It has several before it in the series.
#FalseWitness #NetGalley.
Thanks NetGalley and Inkubar Books for the ARC!
August 7, 2026
False Witness ( A Rain city legal thriller) book 8
Well I have come to the end of the Daniel J Raine series. Book 8, surprised me once again with the conclusion of the story. This one I did not have a clue to who the perpetrator and villan was.
What a fantasic read i'm gutted! What am i to read now?
Thank you Stephen Penmer you brought me back to my love of readonh.
Well I have come to the end of the Daniel J Raine series. Book 8, surprised me once again with the conclusion of the story. This one I did not have a clue to who the perpetrator and villan was.
What a fantasic read i'm gutted! What am i to read now?
Thank you Stephen Penmer you brought me back to my love of readonh.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a very well written book with great characters and a good plot, and it's even faster than usual, but still interesting and entertaining. The main character is a smart lawyer, but the basis for the investigation is very weak.
May 24, 2026
Well written and engaging read. Highly recommended. Story is enjoyable and the legal procedures are accurate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2026
I found this book and the plot was great. AttorneyRaine did his friend a favor .Not a favor that would see him with
charges of a murder. Brilliantly done and I enjoyed and recommend this book
Thanks to Incubator and Net Galley for my review copy.
charges of a murder. Brilliantly done and I enjoyed and recommend this book
Thanks to Incubator and Net Galley for my review copy.
May 28, 2026
Daniel finds himself in quite the conundrum when his childhood best friend shows up requiring his services. Another fantastic addition to the legal thriller series. Loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 31, 2026
Good till the end...
I quite enjoyed the storyline although it was somewhat convoluted. However the climax was definitely underwhelming. I will purchase the next book in the series just the same.
I quite enjoyed the storyline although it was somewhat convoluted. However the climax was definitely underwhelming. I will purchase the next book in the series just the same.
June 12, 2026
Meh...
I was expecting a logical, well thought-out finish, because the author did a good job with the plotline up until the abrupt, illogical ending; to think the very smart lawyer Prescott, would break down & confess to that after such a stellar run, I don't think so!
I was expecting a logical, well thought-out finish, because the author did a good job with the plotline up until the abrupt, illogical ending; to think the very smart lawyer Prescott, would break down & confess to that after such a stellar run, I don't think so!
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