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Perilous Judgment: A Real Justice Thriller
Federal judge Edward Lamport is no stranger to controversy and danger. Nine months into his tenure, he’s received two death threats and is under the protection of US Marshals. But when he receives a plea for help from a woman with whom he had a brief romance twenty-five years earlier, he must face a peril of a different sort, one that involves his long-lost son, Carlos.
While working for a bank in his native Mexico, Carlos discovers an international money-laundering scheme. Now he’s on the run from those who want him dead. To get the young man asylum in the United States, Lamport appeals to his highest connections in Washington, only to find puzzling dead ends at every turn. Caught between law and love, he’s forced to take the matter into his own hands. With only his faith in God to guide him, how far is he willing to venture into the dark recesses of political corruption to save his son?
While working for a bank in his native Mexico, Carlos discovers an international money-laundering scheme. Now he’s on the run from those who want him dead. To get the young man asylum in the United States, Lamport appeals to his highest connections in Washington, only to find puzzling dead ends at every turn. Caught between law and love, he’s forced to take the matter into his own hands. With only his faith in God to guide him, how far is he willing to venture into the dark recesses of political corruption to save his son?
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
190 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Ricci
5 books27 followersBefore penning fiction, Dennis Ricci worked as a freelance marketing strategist, copywriter, and instructional designer. He also mentors aspiring writers, conducts writing workshops, and advises marketing professionals on strategy and content.
Ricci lives in Thousand Oaks, California, with his wife, where they serve their community through a Healing Rooms ministry dedicated to praying for the sick. He has three grown children.
Ricci lives in Thousand Oaks, California, with his wife, where they serve their community through a Healing Rooms ministry dedicated to praying for the sick. He has three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 22, 2016
I received an advanced reviewer copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What separates Christian fiction from secular fiction is often hard to ignore. In many cases, there’s an overload of wholesomeness and goodie-two-shoes “here’s my favorite Scripture” writing. Dennis Ricci avoids that like the plague, but hews to the guidelines of not using excessive violence, sexual imagery, or foul language.
Because of that, Perilous Judgment is a safe read for anyone with an aversion to rough language and sex. Not that there isn’t plenty of action, violence, and drama in the book, but it’s done for a purpose and doesn’t break the rules. In other words, it’s a good yarn without the offensive items that a lot of secular authors would have gratuitously thrown in. No salacious bits!
The writing jumps back and forth between a few major characters, and if you lose track of who’s up to bat, it can set you back for just a moment. I read the book during a very distracting period of my life, so I have to figure normal people (not squirrels with shiny objects like me) will have no problem.
Lots of good sub-plot devices, clever ruses, and some image painting that leave you feeling the dust of Mexico on your brow as you look for a cool drink and some frijoles. I think about frijoles often, and that makes this a good thing. Lunch Tuesday was frijoles. So if you can put me in mind of a thing that strongly you are doing it right.
One of the main focuses in the book is the immigration issue. Dennis rightly points out the inequities in the current situation in his story, and that was the only thing that gave me a single moment’s pause. I’m not sure if that’s because of my personal convictions on the issue, or the conundrums the characters faced. I’ll leave that for the reader to decide.
Summer’s upon us (except in Minnesota where it’s still freeze-warning season) and this would be an excellent book to take to the beach with you.
I give it 4 stars!
What separates Christian fiction from secular fiction is often hard to ignore. In many cases, there’s an overload of wholesomeness and goodie-two-shoes “here’s my favorite Scripture” writing. Dennis Ricci avoids that like the plague, but hews to the guidelines of not using excessive violence, sexual imagery, or foul language.
Because of that, Perilous Judgment is a safe read for anyone with an aversion to rough language and sex. Not that there isn’t plenty of action, violence, and drama in the book, but it’s done for a purpose and doesn’t break the rules. In other words, it’s a good yarn without the offensive items that a lot of secular authors would have gratuitously thrown in. No salacious bits!
The writing jumps back and forth between a few major characters, and if you lose track of who’s up to bat, it can set you back for just a moment. I read the book during a very distracting period of my life, so I have to figure normal people (not squirrels with shiny objects like me) will have no problem.
Lots of good sub-plot devices, clever ruses, and some image painting that leave you feeling the dust of Mexico on your brow as you look for a cool drink and some frijoles. I think about frijoles often, and that makes this a good thing. Lunch Tuesday was frijoles. So if you can put me in mind of a thing that strongly you are doing it right.
One of the main focuses in the book is the immigration issue. Dennis rightly points out the inequities in the current situation in his story, and that was the only thing that gave me a single moment’s pause. I’m not sure if that’s because of my personal convictions on the issue, or the conundrums the characters faced. I’ll leave that for the reader to decide.
Summer’s upon us (except in Minnesota where it’s still freeze-warning season) and this would be an excellent book to take to the beach with you.
I give it 4 stars!
August 28, 2017
Perilous Judgment is a legal thriller that takes us to the forefront of the ongoing issue of immigration.
Edward Lamport is a man of great conviction and as a federal judge he exercises those convictions in his rulings. His most current case is of one of great controversy. Voters in his home state of California have voted to pass Proposition 68 concerning illegal immigration and now Edward has to rule on whether the proposition is constitutional. With his fellow judges and political contacts pressuring him, he is carefully weighing his decision.
This is a book where we are reminded that the big issues that the talking heads on TV argue about incessantly are not as black and white as they are made out to be. No matter which way the decision goes there are real people behind the scenes who will be affected. We would like to think that the judges ruling on these issues are personally detached but what if one of them weren’t. What if something like this happened to them? Now that could be a far reach, but hey, in today’s world maybe not. It is a most unfortunate fact that political corruption, blackmail, drug running and money laundering are all alive and well.
But in this book we also see a man torn by his convictions and struggling to make the right decisions, none of which are easy. With all of his options growing slim, Edward will turn to his strong Christian faith and values for guidance. With all of the obstacles we face in this world, this is a strong reminder that in the end, it’s up to us how we handle our beliefs and act on them.
I want to thank the publisher (Waterfall Press) for providing me with the ARC through the Goodreads Giveaways program for an honest review.
Edward Lamport is a man of great conviction and as a federal judge he exercises those convictions in his rulings. His most current case is of one of great controversy. Voters in his home state of California have voted to pass Proposition 68 concerning illegal immigration and now Edward has to rule on whether the proposition is constitutional. With his fellow judges and political contacts pressuring him, he is carefully weighing his decision.
This is a book where we are reminded that the big issues that the talking heads on TV argue about incessantly are not as black and white as they are made out to be. No matter which way the decision goes there are real people behind the scenes who will be affected. We would like to think that the judges ruling on these issues are personally detached but what if one of them weren’t. What if something like this happened to them? Now that could be a far reach, but hey, in today’s world maybe not. It is a most unfortunate fact that political corruption, blackmail, drug running and money laundering are all alive and well.
But in this book we also see a man torn by his convictions and struggling to make the right decisions, none of which are easy. With all of his options growing slim, Edward will turn to his strong Christian faith and values for guidance. With all of the obstacles we face in this world, this is a strong reminder that in the end, it’s up to us how we handle our beliefs and act on them.
I want to thank the publisher (Waterfall Press) for providing me with the ARC through the Goodreads Giveaways program for an honest review.
May 27, 2016
The reason this book is going to be a New York Times bestseller is not because it is an award-winning novel, which it is, but because the talent of Dennis Ricci places you in the middle of the action without allowing the (unwanted) luxury of determining the conclusion prior to the final scene. If you want to know the ending from the start, this is not the book for you.
This novel is not for those who already know what will happen in the next scene, or those who desire to know will happen in the next scene. Instead, Dennis will keep you guessing until you can guess no more.
Perilous Judgment is a book for beginners to teach them what to expect from a high-end thriller. It is also a book for those who want a genre mixture that requires guesswork, expectation, and offers surprise. In addition, Perilous Judgment is for those who are true, bone fide thrill-seekers requiring the very most from a storyline that can be offered.
Dennis Ricci has been personally tutored by New York Times bestsellers, Steven James and Robert Dugoni, and it shows throughout his work.
The above notwithstanding, this is not a book for amateurs or for the faint of heart, but it is safe for those who desire an extremely good story without the unnecessary and explicit violence and sexual imagery that has needlessly overtaken so many novels of our time.
I highly recommend this book, and have actively done so since reading it. I purchased and advanced copy on my own because I believe in this author and admire his work.
I highly value my reputation in the recommendation of literature, and therefore give this book, Perilous Judgment four stars. On my scale, that means this is a must read for those requiring their very best in literary style, action, mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance, and it mean I will read it again and again. I’ve already given copies to many friends.
My statements are unbiased. I received nothing in exchange for my review.
This novel is not for those who already know what will happen in the next scene, or those who desire to know will happen in the next scene. Instead, Dennis will keep you guessing until you can guess no more.
Perilous Judgment is a book for beginners to teach them what to expect from a high-end thriller. It is also a book for those who want a genre mixture that requires guesswork, expectation, and offers surprise. In addition, Perilous Judgment is for those who are true, bone fide thrill-seekers requiring the very most from a storyline that can be offered.
Dennis Ricci has been personally tutored by New York Times bestsellers, Steven James and Robert Dugoni, and it shows throughout his work.
The above notwithstanding, this is not a book for amateurs or for the faint of heart, but it is safe for those who desire an extremely good story without the unnecessary and explicit violence and sexual imagery that has needlessly overtaken so many novels of our time.
I highly recommend this book, and have actively done so since reading it. I purchased and advanced copy on my own because I believe in this author and admire his work.
I highly value my reputation in the recommendation of literature, and therefore give this book, Perilous Judgment four stars. On my scale, that means this is a must read for those requiring their very best in literary style, action, mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance, and it mean I will read it again and again. I’ve already given copies to many friends.
My statements are unbiased. I received nothing in exchange for my review.
May 14, 2016
Perilous Judgment, by Dennis Ricci, is picture of a man relentless in his drive to do the right thing. A US District Judge with high ideals, swallowed up in a corrupt system and facing impossible circumstances, Edward Lamport fights for true justice through a dark cloud of opposition. In the face of hopelessness, his love for his family drives him far beyond his own strength.
In this timely political thriller, Mr. Ricci puts a face, and a heart, to the immigration debate. One can no longer look past the human element and see only facts and figures. We are forced to look into the eyes of desperate people.
The love story in this novel is not made of mush and dreams. It’s real life: pain, loss, hurts, fears, trust, hope, questions, transparency, longings, desires, and faith. I found the characters to be very relatable in their emotions and interactions.
I was impressed by the vast amount of knowledge Mr. Ricci had gleaned in order to create this realistic and complex story line. From the judicial process, to money laundering, to immigration, to politics, to Special Ops., no detail is brushed over. The action is fast paced, especially as the story progresses. And because of the skillful word-crafting, I often found myself re-reading a line simply for enjoyment.
With so many characters and events, you might want to keep a note pad handy to track who’s who. After all, you never know who might end up being a bad guy.
In this timely political thriller, Mr. Ricci puts a face, and a heart, to the immigration debate. One can no longer look past the human element and see only facts and figures. We are forced to look into the eyes of desperate people.
The love story in this novel is not made of mush and dreams. It’s real life: pain, loss, hurts, fears, trust, hope, questions, transparency, longings, desires, and faith. I found the characters to be very relatable in their emotions and interactions.
I was impressed by the vast amount of knowledge Mr. Ricci had gleaned in order to create this realistic and complex story line. From the judicial process, to money laundering, to immigration, to politics, to Special Ops., no detail is brushed over. The action is fast paced, especially as the story progresses. And because of the skillful word-crafting, I often found myself re-reading a line simply for enjoyment.
With so many characters and events, you might want to keep a note pad handy to track who’s who. After all, you never know who might end up being a bad guy.
June 15, 2016
Engaging read with well developed, complex characters. Through those characters, Mr. Ricci also highlights the tangled conflict between compassion, morality, legality, and practicality that infiltrate the immigration debate. Seeing the characters struggle with this made me think more about my own opinions on the subject. Certainly thought provoking.
If you like legal thrillers that bring current events to life, check this one out. It's fast paced and entertaining - really enjoyed it.
If you like legal thrillers that bring current events to life, check this one out. It's fast paced and entertaining - really enjoyed it.
June 5, 2019
I bought this book because I once shared a hotel room with Dennis at a writer's conference, and I wanted to see how well he can write. The plot grabbed me by the neck and drew me deep into the difficult, painful and perilous choices faced by the protagonist and many of the other characters. To make me care about a dozen good, neutral and bad guys is something I haven't experienced in many novels. This deserves the genre "Thriller." Its settings are evocative. The pace starts fast and accelerates. The stakes are enormous. I highly recommend this. Well done, Dennis!
May 23, 2016
Perilous Judgment is the first book in Dennis Ricci’s Real Justice Thriller Series. I don’t know what Mr. Ricci’s plans for future books in this series are. I can envision his successfully either creating more tales revolving around his main character, Judge Edward Lamport, or departing from the characters in his first book to write more thrillers continuing to focus on the theme of real justice. Is justice achieved only through the law or can individuals define it as something found in a higher good, a morality above and beyond human created systems of rules?
Perilous Judgment is a story of federal laws, political struggles for power and money, and international narcotics cartels. The main characters have made mistakes in their pasts for which there are consequences. They have decisions to make which affect others and through prayer they try to decipher the will of God in their unique situations. Following the “real justice” theme, many tough but ethical people have to decide at what point there is a higher law to follow.
As a current resident of Mexico, I find reading about the violence of drug cartels difficult because their actions are at such odds with the individuals I have met in the general population. They are kind, friendly and eager to help others. They too dislike corruption in the government and fear the kidnapping and cruelty of gangs. Then as I look back to my home country, I wonder if we are so very different. The political corruption north of the border is more sophisticated and subtle, but is widespread. Large cities are racked with high violent crime rates. I look forward to Mr. Ricci’s next thriller and wonder if his search for real justice will have its focal point solely in the U.S. or if he will once again cross international borders.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to the publisher Waterfall Press for allowing me to read Perilous Judgment in exchange for an unbiased review.
Perilous Judgment is a story of federal laws, political struggles for power and money, and international narcotics cartels. The main characters have made mistakes in their pasts for which there are consequences. They have decisions to make which affect others and through prayer they try to decipher the will of God in their unique situations. Following the “real justice” theme, many tough but ethical people have to decide at what point there is a higher law to follow.
As a current resident of Mexico, I find reading about the violence of drug cartels difficult because their actions are at such odds with the individuals I have met in the general population. They are kind, friendly and eager to help others. They too dislike corruption in the government and fear the kidnapping and cruelty of gangs. Then as I look back to my home country, I wonder if we are so very different. The political corruption north of the border is more sophisticated and subtle, but is widespread. Large cities are racked with high violent crime rates. I look forward to Mr. Ricci’s next thriller and wonder if his search for real justice will have its focal point solely in the U.S. or if he will once again cross international borders.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to the publisher Waterfall Press for allowing me to read Perilous Judgment in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 19, 2016
Perilous Judgment is a story ripped from today's headlines, rife with action and real world politics. Proposition Sixty-Eight is an immigration law, passed by a majority vote of the people of the State of California, and poses a dilemma for Federal Judge Edward Lamport who must rule on its constitutionality. Both his career and his personal life are at risk and in conflict with the law. Will Judge Lamport be ruled by the Constitution or by his conflicted conscience? A lot of characters, in real world settings, with fast pacing make PERILOUS JUDGMENT an enjoyable read for the Thriller/Suspense junkie. Unusual to this type of novel is the lack of sexual situations and inaccrochable language as Gertrude Stein once instructed Ernest Hemingway. Ricci communicates an enjoyable thrill ride of a story tied to values that do not offend. This book may be enjoyed by both secular and Christian readers interested in political thrillers with immigration topic and interpersonal relationships theme that holds it all together. My favorite was Chapter 42, which contains the moment of no return for Judge Lamport. His life will never be the same after this. Read it and see.
November 23, 2018
Great first novel
I look forward to more stories from Dennis Ricci. This story was well crafted and one didn't need to read more than a few chapters before becoming immersed in the plot. Ricci does a wonderful job of tying a lot of angles and characters into a neat package as the book concludes. I am also very pleased to read a thriller that includes faith issues and doesn't use foul language. Listen up writers: YOU DON'T NEED TO PUT STREET LANGUAGE INTO YOUR STORIES TO WRITE A WINNER!
I look forward to more stories from Dennis Ricci. This story was well crafted and one didn't need to read more than a few chapters before becoming immersed in the plot. Ricci does a wonderful job of tying a lot of angles and characters into a neat package as the book concludes. I am also very pleased to read a thriller that includes faith issues and doesn't use foul language. Listen up writers: YOU DON'T NEED TO PUT STREET LANGUAGE INTO YOUR STORIES TO WRITE A WINNER!
May 24, 2016
At the end I could not put this book down! Dennis Ricci did a fabulous job (and this coming from a YA urban fantasy enthusiast). I highly recommend Perilous Judgement to thriller lovers, especially those who crave a faith element. The father's love will grab your heart. And the lengths you might go for family will haunt your conscience. Well done!
May 31, 2016
This is an action packed thriller with authentic characters who make real life choices. Loved it because it does not deliver fantastical results but gets down into what really happens when you make what you think is a good decision but it goes wrong. I highly recommend this well written book. Expect to be up late finishing it!
May 17, 2016
This is a well-woven plot about illegal immigration, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Ricci blends in self and family forgiveness. Twists, twists, twists.
Treat yourself to this intense read.
I was given a free copy of this book for an unbiased review.
Treat yourself to this intense read.
I was given a free copy of this book for an unbiased review.
January 23, 2017
Every reader having an interest in Justice should read this book.
Reading this book points out that today's world needs very special people. Always look for these people and follow them with your aid.
Reading this book points out that today's world needs very special people. Always look for these people and follow them with your aid.
February 2, 2018
A fast paced legal thriller that will keep you reading until you finish the book! I found this book on kindle unlimited and decided to give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did! This book is very well researched and very well written. Dennis Ricci is a very talented author!
February 10, 2019
Riveting
Wow, this storyline is so timely. Kept me spellbound. When it is described as a thriller, that is certainly correct. The characters are compelling and well developed. Will have to find more by this author.
Wow, this storyline is so timely. Kept me spellbound. When it is described as a thriller, that is certainly correct. The characters are compelling and well developed. Will have to find more by this author.
June 26, 2017
A great thriller with good plot and exciting end.
October 9, 2017
Perilous judgement
What a great story of courage and second chances enjoyed very much greed can cause so much heartache forgiveness is also a heavy load to carry
What a great story of courage and second chances enjoyed very much greed can cause so much heartache forgiveness is also a heavy load to carry
March 21, 2019
Good read
This is the first book I have read by this author. While it is a Christian book, but the plot keeps moving and it doesn’t get “preachy”. I look forward to the next one.
This is the first book I have read by this author. While it is a Christian book, but the plot keeps moving and it doesn’t get “preachy”. I look forward to the next one.
May 18, 2017
Rating somewhere between 2.5 and 3.
Sometimes, when I struggle to really connect with an audio book (which this was for me), I wonder whether I would have enjoyed the story more and kept the characters and details straighter in my mind if I had read the book instead of listening to the book. That was the case here.
I liked the judge, Carlos, and Carlos' mother adequately enough to persist in reading and I felt the most connection with them. I very much disliked Jacqui--she came across to me as a self-centered whiner, pouting and having tantrums. I didn't believe anything about the love in their (Jacqui and the judge's) relationship.
I was engaged enough with the plot to persist in reading to the end but I have not come away with enough desire to read any other books the author may have written, although perhaps I should give him another try and I READ any other one? Idk.
Sometimes, when I struggle to really connect with an audio book (which this was for me), I wonder whether I would have enjoyed the story more and kept the characters and details straighter in my mind if I had read the book instead of listening to the book. That was the case here.
I liked the judge, Carlos, and Carlos' mother adequately enough to persist in reading and I felt the most connection with them. I very much disliked Jacqui--she came across to me as a self-centered whiner, pouting and having tantrums. I didn't believe anything about the love in their (Jacqui and the judge's) relationship.
I was engaged enough with the plot to persist in reading to the end but I have not come away with enough desire to read any other books the author may have written, although perhaps I should give him another try and I READ any other one? Idk.
April 7, 2019
Federal judge Edward Lamport is no stranger to controversy and danger. Nine months into his tenure, he’s received two death threats and is under the protection of US Marshals. I read half of this book, I guess not my genre.
November 28, 2019
4.5 stars. It was well-written but the content was a bit over my head. By that I mean, it included a lot of US politics and as a non-US person it didn't mean much to me. Even so, it was a good story and overall I would give it 4.5 stars. I will listen to/read more of this author's work.
November 28, 2019
Thought provoking plot line on many levels....
Multi-level story of a federal judge caught in a personal crisis, a professional crisis, a potential national/international crisis and a moral crisis all woven into one plot. Well written, thought provoking.
Multi-level story of a federal judge caught in a personal crisis, a professional crisis, a potential national/international crisis and a moral crisis all woven into one plot. Well written, thought provoking.
June 26, 2023
Wow.......
Ok. At first I thought it was going to be one of these big words goods. And as I kept reading I had to figure out which government person belonged to which government department. However, I enjoyed.
Ok. At first I thought it was going to be one of these big words goods. And as I kept reading I had to figure out which government person belonged to which government department. However, I enjoyed.
May 18, 2017
Excellent
The book grabs hold on you swiftly and never lets go. You can't help but identify with the main characters and cone to love their integrity.
The book grabs hold on you swiftly and never lets go. You can't help but identify with the main characters and cone to love their integrity.
May 19, 2017
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. For the first time in a very long time I bailed on a book and didn't finish.
June 4, 2017
Excellent plot, although I think the conspiracies were a bit over the top. I would definitely read more by Ricci.
June 21, 2017
Good book
Enjoyed this book..well written. Would have considered a different ending if I wrote this book....I guess it might be a females point of view.
Enjoyed this book..well written. Would have considered a different ending if I wrote this book....I guess it might be a females point of view.
September 7, 2017
Received this as a gift. First time for this author. A complicated story dealing with the drug cartels, the judicial department and the corruption among government officials.
April 18, 2019
An interesting thriller involving a judge in LA, a son he didn't know about, his old girlfriend, and much corruption and drug cartels.
August 19, 2019
Excellent book of writing advice. I love Writer’s style. Highly recommend for other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews