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Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #8
The Trial Lawyer
A longtime friend has been arrested for driving drunk and causing a death. The friend also happens to be the District Attorney. Thaddeus arrives downstate in Orbit for the defense of this courtroom drama. The DA faces a special prosecutor who is intent on putting him in prison. A legal thriller begins unfolding unlike any other Thaddeus has faced.
Thaddeus listens to his old friend and hears about his drinking. He learns that the DA's wife is on the prowl with strange men, and the DA is dangerously close to murder. This lawyer novel follows the wife and her special lover as they edge up to a dangerous cliff.
The wife's sleeping around comes to a sudden stop. Watch up-close as the police and a special prosecutor wage all-out war against one of their own.
Then Thaddeus needs help. His health is savagely jeopardized, so his office puts in a call to Christine Susmann. His old paralegal drops what she is doing and hurries to his side.
Together again, Thaddeus and Christine try to restore Thaddeus back to health. The DA's defense suddenly demands 100% from them.
A tense courtroom drama emerges and takes over the book, leading to its startling conclusion.
“This is the best of the best of courtroom thrillers!” — Amazon Reviewer
“This series of books is absolutely fantastic!” — Amazon Reviewer
“Major courtroom thriller in the first degree!” — American Institute of Justice
Get this book today and put your feet up. You won’t want to sleep until it says THE END!
Thaddeus listens to his old friend and hears about his drinking. He learns that the DA's wife is on the prowl with strange men, and the DA is dangerously close to murder. This lawyer novel follows the wife and her special lover as they edge up to a dangerous cliff.
The wife's sleeping around comes to a sudden stop. Watch up-close as the police and a special prosecutor wage all-out war against one of their own.
Then Thaddeus needs help. His health is savagely jeopardized, so his office puts in a call to Christine Susmann. His old paralegal drops what she is doing and hurries to his side.
Together again, Thaddeus and Christine try to restore Thaddeus back to health. The DA's defense suddenly demands 100% from them.
A tense courtroom drama emerges and takes over the book, leading to its startling conclusion.
“This is the best of the best of courtroom thrillers!” — Amazon Reviewer
“This series of books is absolutely fantastic!” — Amazon Reviewer
“Major courtroom thriller in the first degree!” — American Institute of Justice
Get this book today and put your feet up. You won’t want to sleep until it says THE END!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2015
2356 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
150 books516 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 31, 2020
Another great book in the Thaddeus Murfee legal thriller series! This ninth book in the series includes family health issues with cancer for his wife and brain injuries for Thaddeus from a beating from someone he didn’t see. During all of this Thaddeus is defending a friend accused of murdering his wife. A surprise ending to this roller coaster story ended this page turner! A great read! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
September 14, 2017
A decent enough legal thriller - the ninth in the Murfee saga . However, there is fairly poor characterisation and the timelines of events within the story as it unfolds are confused and sometimes simply wrong. The continuity across the series is also quite odd.
February 25, 2016
"An Amazing Story Full of Intrigue"
This is an enthralling legal thriller which is read. It's the first novel I've read by this author, and I was glad to get around to reading it. It's the story of Thaddeus Murfee, a young criminal defense attorney. His friend, Killen Erwin, who happens to be the district attorney, is arrested for drunk driving where a passenger is killed when the truck plows into a bridge girder. But he wasn't driving. There are many twists and turns in this story right to the very shocking ending. The characters are very well defined, writing is easy to read, and the story is action packed with mysteries. Highly recommend.
This is an enthralling legal thriller which is read. It's the first novel I've read by this author, and I was glad to get around to reading it. It's the story of Thaddeus Murfee, a young criminal defense attorney. His friend, Killen Erwin, who happens to be the district attorney, is arrested for drunk driving where a passenger is killed when the truck plows into a bridge girder. But he wasn't driving. There are many twists and turns in this story right to the very shocking ending. The characters are very well defined, writing is easy to read, and the story is action packed with mysteries. Highly recommend.
October 24, 2015
Another good book by Ellsworth.
Thaddeus is very smart and diligent lawyer. This courtroom drama moves fast, without many objections filled pages. On his thirtieth birthday he gets the call from a friend for help. To understand this Thaddeus character start reading the series from the beginning, can be read individually but you'll miss so many incidents what makes him thick. And his relationship with his wife. Couple things aren't answered about the health issues. Hope it will be in the next book, can't wait.
Thaddeus is very smart and diligent lawyer. This courtroom drama moves fast, without many objections filled pages. On his thirtieth birthday he gets the call from a friend for help. To understand this Thaddeus character start reading the series from the beginning, can be read individually but you'll miss so many incidents what makes him thick. And his relationship with his wife. Couple things aren't answered about the health issues. Hope it will be in the next book, can't wait.
October 26, 2015
A page flipper
This book kept me busy with its nasty and nice characters and many unexpected elements. A five-star for sure, I thought. Then I got to 98% and read what I thought was the end. Then another chapter and another end, then another and another and I was wishing the author would just let it go. Then the really last chapter and I thought the author must have had a head injury for wrapping up a good story with such trite drivel. Ultimately disappointing.
This book kept me busy with its nasty and nice characters and many unexpected elements. A five-star for sure, I thought. Then I got to 98% and read what I thought was the end. Then another chapter and another end, then another and another and I was wishing the author would just let it go. Then the really last chapter and I thought the author must have had a head injury for wrapping up a good story with such trite drivel. Ultimately disappointing.
November 28, 2015
I was not expecting this book to be so good. Ellsworth really knows how to build suspense in the courtroom. It was hard to put this one down and go to sleep. If you love a good legal thriller. Don't miss this one.
November 19, 2015
Great read
Enjoyed this book. It took some twists that I did not expect. The characters were developed nicely. Looking forward to reading more of this series
Enjoyed this book. It took some twists that I did not expect. The characters were developed nicely. Looking forward to reading more of this series
August 12, 2020
Although this is a series it is my first by this author. This was not a problem as the backstory is sufficiently filled in. Right up front, there are F bombs so if you delete at the first use, just go in knowing it is there. I believe that the character would say it at that point in the story so the language is not gratuitous.
To say this moves quickly is to put it mildly. Some chapters could probably have a little more development and be a stand alone book. The characters are all one note, maybe two, but not fully developed. The twists turn so much the story almost gets tied in a knot. Sadly, this becomes so standard that by the time the "big shock" came in the courtroom, I could see where it was going.
All loose ends are tied up neatly. On. And. On. Anyone developed enough to "know" becomes someone I don't like and those left are not sufficient to really care.
I do not believe I will read more by this author. However, this might make a good mystery movie and some people love this author and read all his books so I recommend trying him at least once.
To say this moves quickly is to put it mildly. Some chapters could probably have a little more development and be a stand alone book. The characters are all one note, maybe two, but not fully developed. The twists turn so much the story almost gets tied in a knot. Sadly, this becomes so standard that by the time the "big shock" came in the courtroom, I could see where it was going.
All loose ends are tied up neatly. On. And. On. Anyone developed enough to "know" becomes someone I don't like and those left are not sufficient to really care.
I do not believe I will read more by this author. However, this might make a good mystery movie and some people love this author and read all his books so I recommend trying him at least once.
August 16, 2024
this book got me in my emotions, highly recommend
Killian storyline is so sad. I really thought he deserved a break. He really wasn’t a bad person. He just got too caught up with the wrong person. That divorce court verdict was totally ridiculous. That woman didn’t deserve a grain of dirt from Killian. She was the culprit of the accident that Killian was blamed for by those crazy brothers. I know how strong love can be sometimes. This storyline touched me because my family experienced a loss like this when one of my 1st cousin lost her son and his girlfriend whereas their very young kids had to be raised by my cousin, their grandmother. It’s just sad when children lose both parents at a very young age. I couldn’t understand why Thaddeus was so concerned about Killian demons when he’s an assassin himself. He was so gung ho to take out the person who assaulted him. I will use the quote, “the pot calling the kettle black.” How could they forget those crazy twins.
Killian storyline is so sad. I really thought he deserved a break. He really wasn’t a bad person. He just got too caught up with the wrong person. That divorce court verdict was totally ridiculous. That woman didn’t deserve a grain of dirt from Killian. She was the culprit of the accident that Killian was blamed for by those crazy brothers. I know how strong love can be sometimes. This storyline touched me because my family experienced a loss like this when one of my 1st cousin lost her son and his girlfriend whereas their very young kids had to be raised by my cousin, their grandmother. It’s just sad when children lose both parents at a very young age. I couldn’t understand why Thaddeus was so concerned about Killian demons when he’s an assassin himself. He was so gung ho to take out the person who assaulted him. I will use the quote, “the pot calling the kettle black.” How could they forget those crazy twins.
January 26, 2019
The author must be an attorney himself to gave written such a page turning legal thriller. No mystery here, the writer here admits that this is so. He states that he has now retired from the legal profession in order to write fulltime (good choice, by the way), and to raise "rescued guinea pigs " . . . now, what's with that sir? No matter, the plot of this thriller is well finessed and the characters developed so as to become your best friends or worst enemies. I'm enjoying reading each of John Ellsworth 's thrillers. I'm now looking forward to the release of his WWII intrigue about the French Resistance and a young girl's journey. Keep writing, Sir. I'm enjoying each journey.
You Be the Judge and Jury. A Well Finessed Journey Through the Eyes of Legal Genius and Super Hero. Thenk You
You Be the Judge and Jury. A Well Finessed Journey Through the Eyes of Legal Genius and Super Hero. Thenk You
February 10, 2019
This is my first book about Thaddeus Murder and my first by Ellsworth. I would like to read the other Murfee books to get a better reason the main characters. Overall I really liked the storyline but do wish someone would have shown to be a better person. I won't go into specifics because to do so would contain spoilers which I don't want to do to other readers. All I will say is that one particular part of the ending was extremely disappointing to me.
I felt empathetic towards most of the main characters and extreme sympathy for all of the children involved with these adults. Ellsworth gave enough clues to make it an interesting read that included some questions as to what had happened and why. His writing was such that you really felt you were dealing with both lawyers when needed and at the same time small town citizens.
I felt empathetic towards most of the main characters and extreme sympathy for all of the children involved with these adults. Ellsworth gave enough clues to make it an interesting read that included some questions as to what had happened and why. His writing was such that you really felt you were dealing with both lawyers when needed and at the same time small town citizens.
January 23, 2019
Only in a John Ellsworth Book!!
This book was offered free as a gift to John Ellsworth readers.
I would have purchased it regardless because all of John's books are well worth reading.
Just can't get over the crazy people in this book! Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I was sad and most of the time I just shook my head!
Killeen had a wife who cheated on him with anyone who walked by her. She didn't hide it, in fact she flaunted it. Dave Daniels is her current flavor of the day and his wife is also fully aware of his infidelity. All this takes place in a small town called Orbit!
Like I said this is an excellent read and I recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a touch of dark comedy added.
Try it out! You will not be disappointed!!
This book was offered free as a gift to John Ellsworth readers.
I would have purchased it regardless because all of John's books are well worth reading.
Just can't get over the crazy people in this book! Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I was sad and most of the time I just shook my head!
Killeen had a wife who cheated on him with anyone who walked by her. She didn't hide it, in fact she flaunted it. Dave Daniels is her current flavor of the day and his wife is also fully aware of his infidelity. All this takes place in a small town called Orbit!
Like I said this is an excellent read and I recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a touch of dark comedy added.
Try it out! You will not be disappointed!!
July 29, 2018
By the time this book ended I realised that no one had clean hands, from those on trial to those defending them. Add to this, that the story kept having additional twists added per chapter at the end, made me seriously contemplate not completing the story.
In brief, it is the story about a man accused of killing his adulterous and frankly highly unlikeable wife. I would not have described this book as many did as a gripping courtroom drama. I found the first half to be fragmented and lacking in plot and character development. It was difficult to get into and the second half was only marginally better but then played the tired, used and re-used double jeopardy card.
In brief, it is the story about a man accused of killing his adulterous and frankly highly unlikeable wife. I would not have described this book as many did as a gripping courtroom drama. I found the first half to be fragmented and lacking in plot and character development. It was difficult to get into and the second half was only marginally better but then played the tired, used and re-used double jeopardy card.
May 10, 2020
A Legal Thriller Definitely Worth Your Time!
I like legal thrillers ( before discovering this author John Grisham's The Street Lawyer was my favorite) and I plan on reading many more of John Ellsworth's books.
The characters were memorable the pace was quick and I never saw the ending coming.
Unlike other legal thrillers there was no sanctification of lawyers or the legal system - just a nice tight storyline and some really well thought-out surprises.
Definitely recommend this one!
I like legal thrillers ( before discovering this author John Grisham's The Street Lawyer was my favorite) and I plan on reading many more of John Ellsworth's books.
The characters were memorable the pace was quick and I never saw the ending coming.
Unlike other legal thrillers there was no sanctification of lawyers or the legal system - just a nice tight storyline and some really well thought-out surprises.
Definitely recommend this one!
August 5, 2024
the book deteriorated progressively to the end
I made notes all through the book. There were simply too many to recount in this review. It was clear that the author simply didn’t care any more. Incorrect time sequences. Inconsistent story line from the previous book/books. I will note one, the last book ended with Katy being pregnant. This book had them trying to get pregnant. So many issues of this nature. I don’t have any interest in pursuing this series. And for this author to be compared to Grisham is ludicrous and insulting to Grisham.
I made notes all through the book. There were simply too many to recount in this review. It was clear that the author simply didn’t care any more. Incorrect time sequences. Inconsistent story line from the previous book/books. I will note one, the last book ended with Katy being pregnant. This book had them trying to get pregnant. So many issues of this nature. I don’t have any interest in pursuing this series. And for this author to be compared to Grisham is ludicrous and insulting to Grisham.
November 27, 2020
wonderful!
thaddeus is a lawyer you will truly enjoy being a part of his life! From the first book in the series, he doesn’t just spend time in the quart room, but we really get to see his life on a daily basis. In this book, he has one of his toughest challenges yet. something happens to Thaddeus that alters the way he practices law, he also is confronted with a deeply complicated life situation.
thaddeus is a lawyer you will truly enjoy being a part of his life! From the first book in the series, he doesn’t just spend time in the quart room, but we really get to see his life on a daily basis. In this book, he has one of his toughest challenges yet. something happens to Thaddeus that alters the way he practices law, he also is confronted with a deeply complicated life situation.
June 19, 2017
Good who dunnit
Enjoyed this book. Gave a three because as stated by other reviewers there was way too much detail sometimes. Another review I read commented on the names. I agree they were ridiculous and I got to the point where I was calling the prosecutor Ramshackle!!!. It was distracting and added nothing positive to the story.
Enjoyed this book. Gave a three because as stated by other reviewers there was way too much detail sometimes. Another review I read commented on the names. I agree they were ridiculous and I got to the point where I was calling the prosecutor Ramshackle!!!. It was distracting and added nothing positive to the story.
February 17, 2018
What is my criteria for...
A book I give 5 stars. A clear, concise , interesting, engaging page Turner. So far ALL of John Ellsworth's books ha e met that criteria. John, Thank you for keeping my mind engaged. Nothing worse than being disappointed by a favorite author. I will keep reading what you write.
A book I give 5 stars. A clear, concise , interesting, engaging page Turner. So far ALL of John Ellsworth's books ha e met that criteria. John, Thank you for keeping my mind engaged. Nothing worse than being disappointed by a favorite author. I will keep reading what you write.
December 16, 2018
A Jaw Dropper
Thaddeus Murfee has used another life-kind of like the cat. In this novel he is on the road again returning to where he began in a small town in Illinois. I'm almost to the end of the series..it will be a sad day as I have enjoyed Thaddeus's exploits every step of the way.
Thaddeus Murfee has used another life-kind of like the cat. In this novel he is on the road again returning to where he began in a small town in Illinois. I'm almost to the end of the series..it will be a sad day as I have enjoyed Thaddeus's exploits every step of the way.
January 8, 2019
This was the 9th book in the Thaddeus Murfee series and it was the best. The story kept me on my toes and it was not until the very end that I figured out the ending. The author has the ability to make the reader feel like he is actually there and going through what the main characters are going through. The author also always ties up loose ends from the previous book, which is awesome.
October 13, 2019
Suspension of Disbelief
If you overlook all of the illogical events in these stories by this author, something is very enjoyable that makes me come back for more. Perhaps it is the personality of Thaddeus and his dialogue, or his magnetic personality even though he is a serial killer. Regardless, he is a charming man with a magical existence.
If you overlook all of the illogical events in these stories by this author, something is very enjoyable that makes me come back for more. Perhaps it is the personality of Thaddeus and his dialogue, or his magnetic personality even though he is a serial killer. Regardless, he is a charming man with a magical existence.
December 24, 2019
This was my first Thad Murfee book. Was kind of brutal. It didn’t disappoint. The collusion between characters at the end slightly unbelievable but I’m glad it happened. I love legal/crime stories. Onto the next legal drama or will it be Michael Connelly’s The Night Fire? The Dutch House? Happy holidays!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2020
There's a lot to keep up with in this one.
Pages upon pages of court proceedings, and other law legalities. (Learned a lot, but don't know I'll retain it). At times the story got slow. Lots of new characters ( mostly witnesses with too much backstory). It was good to see Christine back. Oh, you will probably figure out who did it early on. Just sayin'.
Pages upon pages of court proceedings, and other law legalities. (Learned a lot, but don't know I'll retain it). At times the story got slow. Lots of new characters ( mostly witnesses with too much backstory). It was good to see Christine back. Oh, you will probably figure out who did it early on. Just sayin'.
February 7, 2022
I'm not even sure if this my first book by this author, but other than the high ludicrous factor, there isn't much other that's entertaining about this read.
Like I said, I'm surprised by the behavior of the many characters in this book, especially that District Attorney, who's accused of killing his wife, inclusive said wife, who really behaved abominably.
Overall, not a book I would recommend.
Like I said, I'm surprised by the behavior of the many characters in this book, especially that District Attorney, who's accused of killing his wife, inclusive said wife, who really behaved abominably.
Overall, not a book I would recommend.
November 7, 2017
A page turner. Characters that you like, some you don't. a twisted tale of two lawyer friends. Their loyalty to each other, and the consequences of one lawyers actions and how it effects the lives of all concerned. tear ending. at least for me.
August 20, 2018
Much better than the previous book
Finally the author is back in full swing. Excellent story kept me on my toes thought I figured out the killer then doubted myself only to find out I was correct.
Finally the author is back in full swing. Excellent story kept me on my toes thought I figured out the killer then doubted myself only to find out I was correct.
October 10, 2018
Love Elsworth
I just love Elsworth's work. Interesting characters and well developed. Problems unusual, but sufficiently credible -- yes, even this one -- that they kept this reader turning pages. Fine read.
I just love Elsworth's work. Interesting characters and well developed. Problems unusual, but sufficiently credible -- yes, even this one -- that they kept this reader turning pages. Fine read.
February 1, 2019
Small town politics, love, my murder
Interesting but frustrating plot. Solid character development with some real “characters.” Certainly goes to show that one can manipulate the system if you know the system!
Interesting but frustrating plot. Solid character development with some real “characters.” Certainly goes to show that one can manipulate the system if you know the system!
August 17, 2019
A truly Unpredictable Story
The author Ellsworth gets better and better the more books he writes. Most times I can predict the outcome but this time I was nowhere near the outcome. A thriller of a story
The author Ellsworth gets better and better the more books he writes. Most times I can predict the outcome but this time I was nowhere near the outcome. A thriller of a story
October 16, 2019
Sometimes your good ole friend just is not your good ole friend anymore!
Thaddeus is going to have to learn he is not a cat and one of these days he will run out of nine-lives! As an attorney he can be really gullible sometimes he needs to toughen up some in the friend department.
Thaddeus is going to have to learn he is not a cat and one of these days he will run out of nine-lives! As an attorney he can be really gullible sometimes he needs to toughen up some in the friend department.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews