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Foreclosure: A Novel
It’s just business—but it’s about to get personal for hard-nosed lawyer David Friedman when the housing crash of 2008 derails his shot at partnership with Southwest Florida’s most prestigious law firm. Given a year to prove he can make rain during Florida’s economic drought, David rolls up his sleeves and lands the client of his dreams—Frank O'Reilly, a real estate developer embroiled in dozens of lawsuits and hell-bent on turning a profit during the recession. Little does David know that Frank's company is involved in a murderous plot to cover up years of mortgage fraud in the Sunshine State.
As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank’s company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can’t figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy’s victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.
As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank’s company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can’t figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy’s victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2015
REVIEW: FORECLOSURE: A NOVEL by S. D. Thames
Commercial litigator David Friedman has worked punishing hours for seven years in order to make junior partner; but on cusp of 2008, his dream fails. He's already lost his future wife; his dream of blues guitar like his dad, long ago shunted aside. Now his partnership hope has dissolved. So will he resign? Or will David jump through another year of hoops designed by the philandering, often intoxicated, managing partner?
David perceives that he has been betrayed, cheated, by the partners, particularly the managing partner. His choices now are three: bill even more hours for the calendar year of 2008, providing yet more immense profits for the partners; resign; or get revenge. He chooses extortion, of the managing partner and the other senior partner, and corporate espionage on a potential client bank, of an account handled by the man who is David's ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend. He seems determined to take down everyone who's crossed him!
I enjoyed the novel, but I was never sure how to feel or think about the protagonist, David Friedman. I tried to empathize, but he often seems so emotionless and robotic [witness his "speech" about how everything is business, all choices are actually business decisions (I.e., survival, money, greed, "getting ahead.") And all this delivered to his former girlfriend] . Then, as revenge against his firm, he takes on a client he should have left well enough alone. It's almost like he's living out a death wish.
I chose FORECLOSURE as the October Mod Read at Goodreads group Anything Legal.
Commercial litigator David Friedman has worked punishing hours for seven years in order to make junior partner; but on cusp of 2008, his dream fails. He's already lost his future wife; his dream of blues guitar like his dad, long ago shunted aside. Now his partnership hope has dissolved. So will he resign? Or will David jump through another year of hoops designed by the philandering, often intoxicated, managing partner?
David perceives that he has been betrayed, cheated, by the partners, particularly the managing partner. His choices now are three: bill even more hours for the calendar year of 2008, providing yet more immense profits for the partners; resign; or get revenge. He chooses extortion, of the managing partner and the other senior partner, and corporate espionage on a potential client bank, of an account handled by the man who is David's ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend. He seems determined to take down everyone who's crossed him!
I enjoyed the novel, but I was never sure how to feel or think about the protagonist, David Friedman. I tried to empathize, but he often seems so emotionless and robotic [witness his "speech" about how everything is business, all choices are actually business decisions (I.e., survival, money, greed, "getting ahead.") And all this delivered to his former girlfriend] . Then, as revenge against his firm, he takes on a client he should have left well enough alone. It's almost like he's living out a death wish.
I chose FORECLOSURE as the October Mod Read at Goodreads group Anything Legal.
October 24, 2015
A marvelous legal thriller set during the real estate collapse of 2008 in Southwest Florida. The author perfectly captures the time and the Southwest Florida setting in a page-turning thriller that I finished in less than 24 hours. Foreclosure is a well-crafted thriller with interesting characters and a plot that will keep readers turning pages deep into the night.
October 23, 2015
`And that's a cold shot, baby ...'
Florida author S.D. Thames is originally form Ohio but moved to Tampa Bay, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in English in 2000 and a J.D. in 2004. With this combination of training and skills - as an author and an attorney - he has elected to explore the underbelly of his home state. His `day job' is a litigation partner at a national law firm, but his off hours are devoted to expanding his understanding of the legal field by creating thrillers.
In an unusual twist for an author to greet the reader of a crime thriller, Thames quotes a passage from scripture, the meaning of which becomes patently obvious as the reader dives into the story: `From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. Jonah 2: 2-3'.
Thames' topic is a painful reminder of a specific time in our recent past when practically everyone was touched by the market crash. His synopsis holds the storyline together very well: `It's just business--but it's about to get personal for hard-nosed lawyer David Friedman when the housing crash of 2008 derails his shot at partnership with Southwest Florida's most prestigious law firm. Given a year to prove he can make rain during Florida's economic drought, David rolls up his sleeves and lands the client of his dreams--Frank O'Reilly, a real estate developer embroiled in dozens of lawsuits and hell-bent on turning a profit during the recession. Little does David know that Frank's company is involved in a murderous plot to cover up years of mortgage fraud in the Sunshine State. As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank's company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can't figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy's victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.'
Some authors are able to write legalese with ease, but few can match Thames' authority and veracity of presenting his story with the manner of pungency evident on nearly every page of the book The characters are well painted, the topical situation becomes unbearably real, and yet the book is a very satisfying legal investigative crime novel on every level. Watch this author rise.
Florida author S.D. Thames is originally form Ohio but moved to Tampa Bay, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in English in 2000 and a J.D. in 2004. With this combination of training and skills - as an author and an attorney - he has elected to explore the underbelly of his home state. His `day job' is a litigation partner at a national law firm, but his off hours are devoted to expanding his understanding of the legal field by creating thrillers.
In an unusual twist for an author to greet the reader of a crime thriller, Thames quotes a passage from scripture, the meaning of which becomes patently obvious as the reader dives into the story: `From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. Jonah 2: 2-3'.
Thames' topic is a painful reminder of a specific time in our recent past when practically everyone was touched by the market crash. His synopsis holds the storyline together very well: `It's just business--but it's about to get personal for hard-nosed lawyer David Friedman when the housing crash of 2008 derails his shot at partnership with Southwest Florida's most prestigious law firm. Given a year to prove he can make rain during Florida's economic drought, David rolls up his sleeves and lands the client of his dreams--Frank O'Reilly, a real estate developer embroiled in dozens of lawsuits and hell-bent on turning a profit during the recession. Little does David know that Frank's company is involved in a murderous plot to cover up years of mortgage fraud in the Sunshine State. As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank's company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can't figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy's victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.'
Some authors are able to write legalese with ease, but few can match Thames' authority and veracity of presenting his story with the manner of pungency evident on nearly every page of the book The characters are well painted, the topical situation becomes unbearably real, and yet the book is a very satisfying legal investigative crime novel on every level. Watch this author rise.
October 24, 2015
S.D. Thames in his new book, “Foreclosure” published by S. D. Thames introduces us to David Friedman.
From the back cover: It’s just business—but it’s about to get personal for hard-nosed lawyer David Friedman when the housing crash of 2008 derails his shot at partnership with Southwest Florida’s most prestigious law firm. Given a year to prove he can make rain during Florida’s economic drought, David rolls up his sleeves and lands the client of his dreams—Frank O’Reilly, a real estate developer embroiled in dozens of lawsuits and hell-bent on turning a profit during the recession. Little does David know that Frank’s company is involved in a murderous plot to cover up years of mortgage fraud in the Sunshine State.
As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank’s company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can’t figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy’s victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.
Attorney David Friedman is not Perry Mason. David was looking to make partner in the firm he works for but he was passed over. Now, if he works miracles, he will be looked at in another year. So David turns to other work and finds real estate developer Frank O’Reilly. This is the time of the housing crash so things are not well with O’Reilly. As things progress David goes to court but O’Reilly may be involved in murder or there is someone else working for him that is. Mr. Thames has provided us with a highly complicated plot. David is a highly interesting character and you have to make a decision if he himself is a good or bad guy or both. “Foreclosure” is loaded with twists and turns that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Thames has provided us with a fairly exciting book and well worth the read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: It’s just business—but it’s about to get personal for hard-nosed lawyer David Friedman when the housing crash of 2008 derails his shot at partnership with Southwest Florida’s most prestigious law firm. Given a year to prove he can make rain during Florida’s economic drought, David rolls up his sleeves and lands the client of his dreams—Frank O’Reilly, a real estate developer embroiled in dozens of lawsuits and hell-bent on turning a profit during the recession. Little does David know that Frank’s company is involved in a murderous plot to cover up years of mortgage fraud in the Sunshine State.
As David prepares for a trial that will make or break his career, he discovers that a secret investor in Frank’s company is responsible for murder and will continue killing to hide the truth. The only thing David can’t figure out is whether Frank is the conspiracy’s victim or its mastermind. To answer that question, David must risk far more than partnership as he unravels one dark secret after another about his client, his law firm, and, ultimately, himself.
Attorney David Friedman is not Perry Mason. David was looking to make partner in the firm he works for but he was passed over. Now, if he works miracles, he will be looked at in another year. So David turns to other work and finds real estate developer Frank O’Reilly. This is the time of the housing crash so things are not well with O’Reilly. As things progress David goes to court but O’Reilly may be involved in murder or there is someone else working for him that is. Mr. Thames has provided us with a highly complicated plot. David is a highly interesting character and you have to make a decision if he himself is a good or bad guy or both. “Foreclosure” is loaded with twists and turns that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Thames has provided us with a fairly exciting book and well worth the read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 23, 2015
Foreclosure by S.D. Thames strikes at the heart of what many Americans experienced in the last 10 years: the crash. Attorney David Friedman is having a very bad day. His relationship has fallen apart and now he has just been passed up for a partnership in his law firm. New work is coming in though, and he has been told that if he makes miracles happen in the next year, he could be up again for partner. As David dives in, he happens to stumble into a new love affair which could open doors for him to new clients and sees another one that could be used as blackmail. Things seem to be turning around, until David takes on the client of his dreams: Frank O’Reilly. Frank built huge condominiums along the beach and now, after the crash, they sit empty. Frank is determined to turn a profit. So determined in fact that he is willing to do anything to make his money. Absolutely anything.
Foreclosure is a drama focused around law and murder. The story moves quickly as the reader is wrapped up in David’s emotions from the opening pages. The writing is done remarkably well and the dialogue flows smoothly and transitions well from character to character. David is fascinating, both in the situations he is placed and in actions he takes when no one is watching. While I am not a fan of law fiction, I found this read to be of high interest. I have to tip my hat to Thames on this one. I feel that he has opened a new genre to me. Excellent job.
Foreclosure is a drama focused around law and murder. The story moves quickly as the reader is wrapped up in David’s emotions from the opening pages. The writing is done remarkably well and the dialogue flows smoothly and transitions well from character to character. David is fascinating, both in the situations he is placed and in actions he takes when no one is watching. While I am not a fan of law fiction, I found this read to be of high interest. I have to tip my hat to Thames on this one. I feel that he has opened a new genre to me. Excellent job.
October 26, 2015
Foreclosure: A Novel by S.D. Thames
This book offers an exciting fictional thriller, based upon a historical event that for many people was quite devastating, the financial crash in 2008. However, author S.D. Thames has done a remarkable thing with Foreclosure: A Novel, he allows us to look back, and to see things differently. At least, he offers a chance to see things from the mind of an intensely cynical main character that might just seem very familiar to many of us. Each of us is flawed, we make mistakes, we do bad things, but we do good things as well. The story is extremely well written, with fascinating characters, sharp dialogue, meticulous settings, and it moves at a very fast pace, but the reader is swept along, never getting lost, never wanting to put the book down.
This book offers an exciting fictional thriller, based upon a historical event that for many people was quite devastating, the financial crash in 2008. However, author S.D. Thames has done a remarkable thing with Foreclosure: A Novel, he allows us to look back, and to see things differently. At least, he offers a chance to see things from the mind of an intensely cynical main character that might just seem very familiar to many of us. Each of us is flawed, we make mistakes, we do bad things, but we do good things as well. The story is extremely well written, with fascinating characters, sharp dialogue, meticulous settings, and it moves at a very fast pace, but the reader is swept along, never getting lost, never wanting to put the book down.
October 1, 2015
To my knowledge Foreclosure is the first full-length novel from Thames, and it packs a punch. Its protagonist, David, is a young, ambitious, and emotionally detached lawyer who does a lot of work on real estate foreclosures in Florida following the collapse of the housing market. In an attempt to increase his likelihood to make partner at his firm, David takes on foreclosure work from a very shady underworld character. I won't give any spoilers except to say that this decision sets off a chain of events that are the core of the story. It's an very well written page turner.
March 11, 2017
A Lawyer and conscience
He had no idea what was truly important in life and was doing anything to advance his career. He awoke to find he was as bad or worse than those he worked. In too deep he was blessed to have escaped the bonds of skullduggery.
He had no idea what was truly important in life and was doing anything to advance his career. He awoke to find he was as bad or worse than those he worked. In too deep he was blessed to have escaped the bonds of skullduggery.
August 31, 2019
Because of the title I did not expect this to be a really good book. I was very surprised! It was a great story, lots of suspense, not at all what I expected. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2015
Foreclosure by S.D. Thames had me puzzled, I didn’t like the main character, David Freidman, an ambitious man out to make partnership. Usually I hate books in which the main character does not have any redeeming qualities. But this was a page turner, full of suspense and an education on the unethical real estate dealings.
David Freidman seemed to have given up on everything except business. After his father died, he had been made a ward of the state. His girlfriend had broken up with him. The real estate market had collapsed in 1982 and the firm used that as an excuse for not making him a partner. But he wasn’t giving up, he was going to get that partnership. He manages to meet and gain Frank O’Reilly, a real estate developer swamped with lawsuits. This also was an introduction in to the dark, smarmy world of real estate dealings. The deals even involved arson and murder.
I love legal thrillers and yet never thought of potentials for evil in real estate law! Some of the scenes would made great movie material. I remember holding my breath through one of them. David learns about the ethics involved in real estate dealings and also begins to appreciate the oath that attorneys swear to when they become attorneys.
There were some short explicit sex and violence but not so much that it slowed down my reading. I highly recommend this book to fans of legal thriller
I received the Advanced Reading Copy by S.D. Thames from Partners in Crime but that in no way influenced the thoughts or feelings in my review.
David Freidman seemed to have given up on everything except business. After his father died, he had been made a ward of the state. His girlfriend had broken up with him. The real estate market had collapsed in 1982 and the firm used that as an excuse for not making him a partner. But he wasn’t giving up, he was going to get that partnership. He manages to meet and gain Frank O’Reilly, a real estate developer swamped with lawsuits. This also was an introduction in to the dark, smarmy world of real estate dealings. The deals even involved arson and murder.
I love legal thrillers and yet never thought of potentials for evil in real estate law! Some of the scenes would made great movie material. I remember holding my breath through one of them. David learns about the ethics involved in real estate dealings and also begins to appreciate the oath that attorneys swear to when they become attorneys.
There were some short explicit sex and violence but not so much that it slowed down my reading. I highly recommend this book to fans of legal thriller
I received the Advanced Reading Copy by S.D. Thames from Partners in Crime but that in no way influenced the thoughts or feelings in my review.
Read
January 9, 2016David Friedman didn’t start out wanting to become a hero. He simply wanted to make partnership in the prestigious law firm, Hollis & Alderman. But, he didn’t make it. Disappointment doesn’t begin to express his feelings. It’s the new year of 2008, and the firm is suffering due to the downturn in the real estate market, or at least, that’s what they want David to believe about the firm. He remembered when they first picked him up, they’d promised partnership within seven years. Now … the game has changed.
David picks up a new client, Frank O’Reilly, who is a real estate developer. Frank has more lawsuits than he can shake a stick at. Seems everyone who bought, and is now under water on their loan, is seeking a way out of their situation. To many people, losing a lot of money is not acceptable and things take a very dark turn including blackmail, arson and murder.
The story takes place in Gaspar County in Florida. It gives a fictional view of law firms with some very unethical agendas. David Friedman is different but has trouble convincing people of that. The novel has a satisfying dialogue and the pace is fairly fast. David’s character is relatable; he’s flawed, but he tries to do the right thing – most of the time. His new client, Frank O’Reilly, seemed more like a mobster than a real estate mogul. But, there are some nice twists which are hard to see coming. Rating: 3 out of 5.
David picks up a new client, Frank O’Reilly, who is a real estate developer. Frank has more lawsuits than he can shake a stick at. Seems everyone who bought, and is now under water on their loan, is seeking a way out of their situation. To many people, losing a lot of money is not acceptable and things take a very dark turn including blackmail, arson and murder.
The story takes place in Gaspar County in Florida. It gives a fictional view of law firms with some very unethical agendas. David Friedman is different but has trouble convincing people of that. The novel has a satisfying dialogue and the pace is fairly fast. David’s character is relatable; he’s flawed, but he tries to do the right thing – most of the time. His new client, Frank O’Reilly, seemed more like a mobster than a real estate mogul. But, there are some nice twists which are hard to see coming. Rating: 3 out of 5.
July 8, 2016
David Friedman is a lawyer. Frank O'Reilly is a developer. The setting? Southeast Florida during the height of the 2008 real estate crisis. S.D. Thames, himself an attorney, has depicted the dark side of the real estate and banking practices which led to the collapse of the real estate market and the flood of foreclosures and displaced families. With villains around every corner, it is hard to know who is scamming whom. Friedman who was just passed over for partner in his firm becomes entangled in the fray. The story shows the struggle of good versus evil, of morality versus immorality. It is an ugly picture comprised of hairpin turns which Thames deftly weaves. I was pulled in before finishing the first page.
The author is adept at drawing the reader into the scenes. He creates complex characters who can be loved one moment, despised the next. With surprises around every turn, I compelled to forego my daily routine in favor of learning the outcome of this excellent novel. I look forward to reading more of Thames' work.
October 26, 2015
At first, I didn’t think this novel was going to be something that I would enjoy, but the political issues that the killer has and is trying to cover up makes the murder very interesting and mystifying. I think that David’s experiences in trying to be clean cut and following the path are what make him such a relatable character. In contrast, the worker who has been causing disruptions and fraud is at the top of David’s list to try and stop, but he doesn’t know if said individual is the grunt, or in charge, causing him to question Frank’s reliability in the partnership. As you keep reading, more and more clues pop up that help uncover the truth of the murders and fraud, making the book a very quick read and very enjoyable. S. D. Thames does a great job of trying to get every possible aspect to be addressed, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to fixing all of the wrongs that had been done to David.
November 11, 2015
This is a very interesting book and can keep your attention until the end. David is a greedy lawyer that will do anything to become a partner of a law firm. He is ready to sell his soul to achieve his goal. The most impressive part of the book was to learn all the possible schemes that lawyers do or can do for money. It is a good distraction. Worth reading and learn about lawyers.
December 12, 2015
A legal thriller.
Big legal firm, and fight for partnership. Lawyers supposed to uphold law doing everything else but that. 2008 housing collapse in Florida, legal issues associated with that collapse. Author being a lawyer has the in depth knowledge, but for the average reader it's little too much. But this is his first book, good story to read.
Big legal firm, and fight for partnership. Lawyers supposed to uphold law doing everything else but that. 2008 housing collapse in Florida, legal issues associated with that collapse. Author being a lawyer has the in depth knowledge, but for the average reader it's little too much. But this is his first book, good story to read.
March 5, 2016
Wonderful Book
This is my first time reading this,author. The book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
A lawyer on the verge of losing his job takes on a big case with shady client. The book describes the Legal world in great detail
Great characters. A great plot. A couple of plot twists. This book has it all.
This is my first time reading this,author. The book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
A lawyer on the verge of losing his job takes on a big case with shady client. The book describes the Legal world in great detail
Great characters. A great plot. A couple of plot twists. This book has it all.
December 29, 2015
An interesting reading experience
A combination of suspense and psychological intrigue, I highly recommend this book. Some of the characters fall by the wayside too soon - Katherine and the ex-fiancé, for example - but the story still resounds.
A combination of suspense and psychological intrigue, I highly recommend this book. Some of the characters fall by the wayside too soon - Katherine and the ex-fiancé, for example - but the story still resounds.
November 11, 2015
This novel was really good. Quite enough twists and turns to keep me well engaged and turning the pages.
January 9, 2016
Great legal thriller!
I loved all the twists and turns in this book. It was difficult for me to keep all the characters in mind but I don't blame the author for that.
I loved all the twists and turns in this book. It was difficult for me to keep all the characters in mind but I don't blame the author for that.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews