Gone Again Lib/E: A Jack Swyteck Novel

Jack Swyteck #12

by James Grippando, Jonathan Davis (Reading)

In this electrifying and fast-paced tale of suspense from the bestselling author of the acclaimed Cash Landing, Cane & Abe, and Black Horizon, Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck takes on his first death-row client since The Pardon in a case as twisty as it is shocking.Sashi Burgette vanished three years ago on her way to school. The night after the teenager's disappearance, ex-con Dylan Kyle was stopped for drunk driving. An article of Sashi's clothing was found in his truck, and a police videotape of his drunken explanation under interrogation sealed his fate at trial. Now, just days from Kyle's execution, Sashi's mother visits Jack Swyteck, doing pro bono work at the Freedom Institute, and delivers shocking news: "Sashi called me."The police dismiss the call as a cruel hoax. The State Attorney refuses to consider the new evidence, insisting the case is closed. The governor has already signed the death warrant. An innocent man may be executed and time is running out--unless his lawyers can locate Sashi.A man of principle who believes in justice, Jack jumps into the investigation. But the deeper he digs the more he discovers that nothing is what it appears to be. Not the victim. Not her alleged killer. And definitely not Sashi's parents, whose grief ruptured their marriage, each openly blaming the other for what happened to their daughter. As their gut-wrenching and hopelessly conflicting version of events unfolds in a Miami courtroom, it becomes clear there is something even more difficult to find than a long-missing girl ...The truth.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Legal Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Audio CD

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

The first thing you should know about bestselling author James Grippando is that he is no longer clueless—or so they say, after “A James Grippando Novel” was a clue for #38 Across in the New York Times crossword puzzle. James is the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for legal fiction and a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to his credit, including the popular series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck. His latest, "Goodbye Girl" (HarperCollins 2024), is the 18th in the Swyteck series. His novels are enjoyed worldwide in 28 languages. As an adjunct professor he teaches "The Law & Lawyers in Modern Literature" at the University of Miami School of Law. He is also counsel at one of the nation’s leading law firms, where he specializes in entertainment and intellectual property law, representing clients who have won more than 40 Tony Awards. He writes in south Florida with Atlas at his side, a faithful golden retriever who has no idea he’s a dog.
Series:
* Jack Swyteck

Reviews

[Always Pouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really expect much from this because usually when I read mystery or thriller books they tend to be of average quality but this one was actually pretty good. It's about a lawyer who goes back to work at the Freedom Institute for a while to help them out financially and gets involved in a case where the inmate is on death row for raping and killing a girl yet the girl's mother thinks that the inmate is actually interesting. The writing was pretty good, above average, and the plot was engaging enough that it didn't feel like I had to force myself to finish the book, I genuinely wanted to know what would happen.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Jack Swyteck is a good guy, he is a good lawyer and a good man. For many years he worked for the Freedom Institute, getting inmates off death row, before branching off on his own. Now successful in his own practice, he returns to the Institute, not to work for them again, but to rent a space to provide the Institute with some much needed money. At least that's the plan, but he is barely in the door when he becomes part of a case involving a missing seventeen year old adopted girl.

A solid series, the author was a trial lawyer for many years and this case has so many twists one turns. Learned things I had never heard of such as a psychological condition called RAD and rehomimg. Who knew? Neither one sounds like something one would want to deal with. Scary stuff there. Anyway this can be read alone, their is some personal stuff going on but it is mostly about this twisted, crazy case where it seems no one is telling all they know.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I absolutely loved this book! I first stumbled upon this author about 10 years ago and have yet to be let down by one of his books. I am pretty sure that there may be a book or two of his that I have missed along the way but I have read the bulk of his work. The Jack Swyteck series is smartly written. I love how much this character has developed over the course of the series. I really like that each new book in the series can still be easily read as a stand alone so new readers can feel comfortable jumping in at any point.

Jack Swyteck is back at the Freedom Institute and working on a death row case. He doesn't really plan to get involved in the cases there but he doesn't need a lot of convincing to jump into this particular case after a visit from the victim's mother. Dylan Reeves is due to face execution very soon for the rape and murder of Sashi Burgette. Sashi's body was never recovered and her mother is convinced that she is still alive.

Jack is soon leading the fight to win Dylan a little bit of time so that they can figure out what really happened. The quest to find out what actually happened to Sashi takes more than a few twists and turns as the story moves forward. I was never quite sure who was being honest and who should be trusted. I liked all of the courtroom scenes and the legal maneuvering that was part of the story. Jack and the rest of the crew spend more than a few late nights trying to get everything done in time.

I enjoyed the writing style immensely. The legal process was nicely balanced with the fact-finding detective work. The inclusion of some less than trust worthy characters really kept me wondering what was going on. I really had no idea where the book would end up or how it would get there. I simply couldn't not put this one down and read the book from cover to cover in less than 24 hours. The story really does pull you in right away and doesn't let go until the very end.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. James Grippando is an author that never disappoints and has created an incredibly intelligent and smart character in Jack Swyteck. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book by this very talented author.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins Publishers - Harper via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
I loved this book! I honestly don't think that I have ever been disappointed by anything written by James Grippando. Jack Swyteck is an awesome character and the case that he was working on in this novel kept me guessing until the end.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gone Again had all the ingredients to be a good read, but for me, it missed the mark. It was okay, nothing more, nothing less.

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Superb

James Grippando is a master when it comes to writing thrillers. I've read and enjoyed every book he's written. This story has plenty of twists and turns, and certainly kept me guessing right to the very end. It's definitely one of those books where you find yourself reading faster and faster to find out what happens. Hands down a very worthwhile book to read.

[Pamela Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Grippando has done it again, knocking it out of the ballpark with the 12th Jack Swyteck legal novel. I love this series! The author is a masterful storyteller, and his well developed and dynamic Swyteck character is one sharp and smart lawyer! Fast paced, tense and taut, this thriller offers a thrilling, complex ride with many twists...and keeps you guessing until the very end! Although this could be a stand alone novel, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with THE PARDON, published over 20 years ago!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was engaged enough in the plot of the book to want to listen to more from the series (as audiobooks). The book worked as a legal thriller and I learned about death row, international adoptions, and online predators.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers can pick up with this series with this book, which I appreciate. Strong characters, witty and smart dialogue. For many years now, I have been over the legal thrillers. They tend to bog me down, with the exception of David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter. However, I did enjoy this book. With adoptions from war torn countries on the rise, this book provided an interesting look at RAD and the impact on a family. (while I have always liked Grippando, any author who mentions his Golden retriever in his bio is top notch with me). (library)

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a page turner

The characters were uninteresting and unidimensional. The story plodded on and I could not wait to finish the book. I gave the book 2 stars only because the ending came together nicely.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jame Grippando. I absolutely enjoyed it. The legal part was great, the mystery and characters were all wonderful. I wasn't sure if I would like it knowing it's the 12th book in the series, but it sure was a great read. Looking forward to read the next book.

[Lorraine Petkus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this book was a long journey going down multiple roads and ending up at the wrong destination.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another legal system thriller with suspense minus gore or unnecessarily abusive or offensive language.** Certainly NOT the bottom of the barrel when it comes to 'filler' reading.
The Jack Swyteck series is cleanly written with plenty of along-the-way researched information on the US legal and penal system.
Pleasant to read. Interesting personal dilemmas for all characters. Nicely toned.
The key figure is a well-educated, quick-thinking lawyer with an FBI wife and a father once a leading Judge. Depending where you join the series the Judge is either still living or not. Either way he is a major presence in the social, cultural and educational thinking of the community.
Swyteck the younger has a knack for Death Code legal defence, despite his uncertainty that some of the criminals will deserve the chance offered them for 'appeal' through the legal system. It would be simpler to just earn a good living with regular, middle of the road law.
But no, he is constantly drawn to ensure the legal system stands by its intentions to serve the cause of justice. Smart, informative, friendly reading.
Nothing too startling really. However, whilst being read the books do offer crisp insights into personal dilemmas of law-breakers and upholders and their families.

[Fred Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Browsing in "Books and Books" in Coral Gables, near the setting of this story when I came across an autographed copy of his book "A Death in Live Oak". Author is a South Florida attorney and instructor at U of Miami so I grabbed a copy for me and one for the friend I was joining for dinner who is also a South Florida attorney. Now Live Oak is a long way from Miami so I also grabbed this book in trade paperback so I could get a sense of how he handles South Florida and to become acquainted with his writing. (Always a sucker for local writers!)

At any rate, crisply written, interesting story and characters and solid linear flow of trying to save a murderer on death row whose date is rapidly approaching but the lawyer in this series decides to take up the cause when the victim's mother proclaims the man could not have done because she is getting calls from her daughter on her daughter's birthday each year! Naturally, the ex-husband who bailed when his wife became unhinged with grief thinks she is off her nut again and doesn't buy it.

Interesting tale as the facts unwind. Great lunchtime book!

[ChapterOne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to struggle to finish this one for some reason.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story fill of lies, bravado and determination to save a man from Florida’s death row.

[Linda Lpp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Lawyer/Judge battles both in and outside of courtroom. This edition of Jack Swyteck featured books added to the previous cases he has been involved in. Topics dealt with were adoption of Russian children, marital he said/she said drama, death row clock ticking down-much too fast (is he or isn't he guilty?) who's story do you believe? Did she run away or was she abducted, sexually assaulted, die or is she in fact alive? The convoluted plot may leave you guessing until the end or perhaps you can figure out part of the mystery-when an unsuspected piece of the puzzle is found-but will it be too late? Hmmm

Has anyone ever used the audible application "Libby", which is offered by my Public Library system? I have no idea why it frequently jumps ahead in sections, especially when it changes to the next chapters. Very frustrating, and you have to scroll back and try to find your place again.
Can anyone recommend a good application they use and like the features for audible?

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swyteck, on the verge of becoming a father as his FBI wife's troubled pregnancy becomes embroiled in another "death row" case...in this one the mother of the victim convinces him that the convicted murderer is innocent & Jack, Theo & his cadre from the Freedom Institute rise to the occasion

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this author and this series. Each installment manages to keep me engaged and I'm always anticipating the ending.

Jack, the MC, is an all around good guy who easily gets sucked into drama. That creates opportunity for the insertion of some well-placed twists that keeps the story rolling right along. Well done. So 4 stars.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Swyteck is back working out of the Freedom Institute to help them out financially by paying rent. He just happens to be the only one there when Debra Burgette shows up. Dylan Reeves is about to be put to death for raping and killing her daughter. The unusual thing about this is that she believes her daughter is still alive and they will be executing an innocent man. As Jack and the staff of the Freedom Institute investigate the case, they believe that he is innocent of the murder and take on the case. Meanwhile, Jack's wife Andie is in her 28th week of a pregnancy and is experiencing problems similar to what Jack's mother died of in child birth. As Jack and the Freedom Institute staff get more involved in the case of Reeves, everything becomes more and more complicated. Is Sashi alive? Who is calling Debra every year on Sashi's birthday? What is Gavin Burgette's involvement in all this? What is re-homing and were the Burgette's investigating and considering this? There are a lot of questions, but will the answers be found in time to save Dylan Reeves? Another great Swyteck story by James Grippando.

[Aristotle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautiful 17yr Old Adopted Girl disappears on her way to school. No surprise as to who did it but not for the reasons you think.
The more i read the less sympathy i had for Sashi. I understand Sashi had a difficult childhood but so did the children of war torn Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
As for the parents, Debra was in a very difficult position, loved her 3 children very much and wanted nothing but the best for them and Gavin well buddy life isn't all raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

A good read my second Grippando novel but my one complaint, just like the first book, is that the chapters are too short. The dialogue gets into a nice rhythm then it ends and jumps to the next scene,

"Do you have any idea what's it like to have a kid like Sashi? A daughter who destroys your wife, your marriage, your other children?" -Gavin Burgette

[JoAnne Pulcino · Rating 4 out of 5]

GONE AGAIN

James Grippando

Mr. Grippando has a talent for legal and personal fiction that is quite impressive. I can’t call it a thriller as it’s be touted as it is more a human story of compassion, justice, love of the law and one man’s inability to turn away.

Jack Swyteck is a man of principle and a firm believer in justice and so when Dylan Reeves is on death row for the murder of a young girl, and the girl’s mother astonishes everyone when she says her daughter called her it turns the case upside down.

Jack thinks they may have the wrong man and he takes on a new investigation even though nothing is as it appears to be.

The conflicting versions of the testimony in the Miami court prove that the events are even more difficult than a missing girl.

A good read.

[ash | songsforafuturepoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I read this in the span of 6 hours at work because today was a slow day. A page turner, definitely, with a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I enjoyed the court scenes, the family dynamics, and how the story explored adopting children from less-privileged backgrounds, specifically children that has been through trauma.

Would have liked a more in-depth explanation of the murderer's intention and psychological reasoning when they murdered Sashi; I felt like the reveal was a bit rushed, making it feel shallow.

This makes a good airplane read, definitely!

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Jack Swyteck novel, and for a character that has been around for over 20 books, I was impressed that this was fresh, interesting, and kept my interest. Also, I didn't figure out who'd "done it" too early in the tale! I will want to read more if this author when I want a mystery that involves a lawyer as the main protagonist!

[Ann Tonks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having rediscovered James Grippando's work recently, I've read a couple and this one wasn't my favourite. Which isn't to say it isn't a good read. i just didn't quite believe all the decisions that the family at the heart of this story made. However, it was still interesting enough that I kept going to the unexpected end.

[Darlene Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read a Grippando novel. Forgot how much I liked his great characters and plot movement. Have already download another.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book that is well written, it flowed well. The story has lots of twists and turns in it that keeps you reading. Not bad.

[Jamie Weyermuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Jack Swyteck book. I enjoyed it but was ready for it to be over. A little too long for me.

[Kjsbreda · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Grippando recently won the 2017 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction for this book. The other two finalists for the award were Graham Moore's The Last Days of Night and Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things, both of which are very fine novels inspired by actual legal cases, so this year's competition for the award was impressive. In my opinion, Grippando's book was indeed the most deserving of the award. Gone Again realistically and sensitively depicts the complicated interactions between an attorney and his client, the witnesses and the opposing counsel and also shows how legal battles can impact family members. The courtroom and deposition dialogues in this book were very believable. But, what truly distinguishes Grippando's book from the other finalists' in the competition, is Grippando's deep understanding of an attorney's professional responsibilities and ethical obligations and restrictions. Grippando's fictional lawyer, Jack Swyteck, is scrupulously ethical while wholeheartedly and zealously representing a client who isn't at all sympathetic (and who isn't telling a straight story). He applies the same scrupulous ethics and self-control while dealing with witnesses who constantly lie to him, manipulate him, threaten him and otherwise wear him out. This attention to the code of ethics is what was missing in the other two finalist's books, albeit both were very well-written and told wonderful stories.

Briefly, the novel concerns Swyteck's fight to stay the execution of Reeves, who was convicted of raping and murdering a troubled 17 year-old girl. The girl's body was never found, but Reeves, an ex-con, was picked up for a traffic violation shortly after the girl's disappearance and was found with the girl's underwear in his car. On the same day that the governor signs the death warrant for Reeves, the girl's mother meets with Swyteck to let him know that she knows Reeves is actually innocent. The woman had been receiving untraceable silent telephone calls from a disposable cell phone on the girl's birthday every year since her disappearance and she is convinced that the calls are from her daughter. Swyteck files a habeus corpus action which sets in motion several weeks of hearings which quickly uncover that the prosecutor was aware that the girl had been having online communications with unsavory men, that one of the men was convicted of human trafficking, and that the parents of the girl had had several interactions with the human trafficker. Was the girl a victim of human trafficking and is she still alive? How did Reeves end up with the girl's underwear?
Who is making the birthday phone calls? Each time a witness takes the stand, there is a new twist, a new theory and the need to call more witnesses. To make matters worse, the parents' marriage broke down as a direct result of the girl's disappearance, and their marital war plays out in the courtroom and outside the courtroom. I mentioned that the girl was troubled -- that's an understatement -- the girl had reactive attachment disorder. Her behavioral disorder was destroying the family and continues to overshadow the two other children in the family, both of whom are good kids who have silently and not-so-silently suffered while the parents were absorbed in first, their troubled child, then the aftermath of her disappearance, and finally their divorce.

This is an emotionally-engaging, in-depth look at what can happen following a murder conviction. It is an excellent portrayal of an attorney's role in society.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

this one is a return to the courtroom for Jack. He is once again defending a killer on deathrow. the question is what really happened? and could the victim possibly still be alive?

it's 85% legal/courtroom stuff & 15% investigation (mostly done by Andie).

i kinda had a feeling about who was guilty but didn't figure out what specifically happened or why.
that was a surprise.

i've enjoyed listening to this series on audio. for a change, i read this one.
it does make somewhat of a difference.
i would suggest that if you enjoy audiobooks, you do as many of this one that way as you can. the narrators have done a good job & i feel the suspense aspects are more highlighted that way. but i would recommend this series regardless.

[Susan Paxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced mystery. A quick read with an unexpected Endymion.