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Caroline Auden #1
Doubt
When Caroline Auden lands a job at a top Los Angeles law firm, she’s excited for the challenge—and grateful for the chance to put her dark past as a computer hacker behind her. Right away, her new boss asks her to find out whether a popular GMO causes healthy people to fall ill. Caroline is only supposed to dig in the trenches and report up the ladder, but her tech background and intuition take her further than planned. When she suspects a link between the death of a prominent scientist and the shadowy biotech giant, she cries foul and soon finds herself in the crosshairs. The clock is ticking and thousands of lives are on the line…including her own.
Now this rookie lawyer with a troubled past and a penchant for hacking must prove a billion-dollar company is responsible for thousands of deaths…before they come after her.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
1660 people are currently reading
4643 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Tobisman
2 books74 followersCynthia E. Tobisman is an appellate attorney and comic book writer. She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and three children.
Librarian's note: Also writes comics under the name Cindy Tobisman.
Librarian's note: Also writes comics under the name Cindy Tobisman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 622 reviews
May 1, 2018
Bona libro. La rakonto tenis mian intereson.
July 5, 2016
Started out ok. Became rather silly - leaping into bed with co-worker she'd just met, leaving briefcase with confidential documents in a taxi and just shrugging her shoulders over it, getting into a car chase and just squeezing through a tunnel the chaser couldn't get through. Give me a break! Stopped reading it at 50%, which I don't do very often. Too many other good books to read.
September 12, 2016
Finally decided to give up on this novel. I'm more than 20% in and nothing great has happened. Not even a little bit of excitement to try and push me to read more. 20% is my standard "I draw the line here" rule, so there's that.
June 21, 2017
This summer, readers are going to be inundated by thrillers hoping to catch your attention and wallet. But which book to buy? Which thriller do you want keeping you up reading late into the night?
BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge suggests C.E. Tobisman. A Los Angeles, appellate attorney, turned sleuth-writer has created your new favorite heroine, Caroline Auden. The closer she gets to justice, the further she gets from the law.
In DOUBT (Thomas& Mercer), when Caroline Auden lands a job at a top LA law firm, she’s excited for the challenge, and grateful for the chance to put her shady past as a computer hacker behind. Right away, her new boss asks her to find out whether a popular GMO causes healthy people to get sick. Caroline is only supposed to dig up the data and report the numbers up the ladder. But her tech background and intuition take her on an unexpected path. When she discovers a link between the death of a prominent scientist and the shadowy biotech giant, she suspects something illegal is going on and she’s determined to expose the truth before more lives are lost. But in the process she finds herself in the crosshairs. The clock is ticking and thousands of lives are on the line – including her own.
For fifteen years, C.E. Tobisman has been an appellate attorney, handling cases in the California courts of appeal and Supreme Court. After graduating from UC Berkeley and attending law school there, she moved to Los Angeles, where she now lives with her wife and their three children. In addition to DOUBT and PROOF, Tobisman is also the author of INSIDE THE LOOP, published by Emet Comics.
Her sequal PROOF will be published June 20, 2017
BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge suggests C.E. Tobisman. A Los Angeles, appellate attorney, turned sleuth-writer has created your new favorite heroine, Caroline Auden. The closer she gets to justice, the further she gets from the law.
In DOUBT (Thomas& Mercer), when Caroline Auden lands a job at a top LA law firm, she’s excited for the challenge, and grateful for the chance to put her shady past as a computer hacker behind. Right away, her new boss asks her to find out whether a popular GMO causes healthy people to get sick. Caroline is only supposed to dig up the data and report the numbers up the ladder. But her tech background and intuition take her on an unexpected path. When she discovers a link between the death of a prominent scientist and the shadowy biotech giant, she suspects something illegal is going on and she’s determined to expose the truth before more lives are lost. But in the process she finds herself in the crosshairs. The clock is ticking and thousands of lives are on the line – including her own.
For fifteen years, C.E. Tobisman has been an appellate attorney, handling cases in the California courts of appeal and Supreme Court. After graduating from UC Berkeley and attending law school there, she moved to Los Angeles, where she now lives with her wife and their three children. In addition to DOUBT and PROOF, Tobisman is also the author of INSIDE THE LOOP, published by Emet Comics.
Her sequal PROOF will be published June 20, 2017
July 5, 2016
I rolled the dice with this book. It sounded promising but it surpassed all my expectations. The character development was superior. Caroline describes herself as an “Information stalker”. For those of us who can’t walk away from an embedded link, you’ll see a little of yourself in her. The plot was just believable enough to keep the pages turning well into the night. The novel goes on sell on August 1st, go ahead and pre-order it now!
November 30, 2016
Terribly predictable and farfetched. Caroline Auden is an ex-hacker who has decided to switch careers and become a lawyer. Second in her class at UCLA, she is recruited by a top firm and assigned to a high-profile class action suit. Caroline is brilliant, tech savvy, and driven by an obsessive need to impress her boss. She’s also some kind of super-scientist, able to review and absorb the salient information from mounds of technical literature in an area way out of her expertise. The stakes are high. Evil biotech will continue to flourish if Caroline can’t make a direct connection between a genetically engineered soy product and kidney failure. (Because there are apparently no other means to publicize the risks and agencies such as the FDA are somehow blind to public safety when it comes to genetically modified products.) Yeah, right.
This was a Kindle First selection in July. I'm afraid I can't recommend it.
This was a Kindle First selection in July. I'm afraid I can't recommend it.
July 15, 2016
I don't normally write reviews, but this book aggravated me. The premise sounded interesting but it was poorly executed. I refuse to believe that the main character graduated second in her class from UCLA Law. She knows very little about basic legal concepts. She also was unrealistically given quite a bit of independence immediately upon starting her job (the explanation for that wasn't sufficient). Her first time ever in a courtroom was her second day on the job. I guess UCLA doesn't provide practical legal experience. I also found the book to be poorly edited. If I never see another ellipsis again it will be too soon.
July 11, 2016
Overall 4.5*
It has been a really long time since I was able to finish a book in a single sitting. I stumbled upon this book as an editor's recommendation on Amazon and since I liked the blurb, I decided to try it out.
Caroline is fresh out of law school and has been recruited to work with Louis Stern who also happened to be her professor at UCLA. While being a very smart student in her law class, she has the rare distinction of also being a software engineer. She has also shown the unique ability to hack into institutional data in the past which had landed her dad into trouble.
I wasn't disappointed in the least with my decision to try out this book. The story grips you from page 1 and there is a constant underlying tension throughout the book. At times I was also reminded of a Hollywood movie (Michael Clayton) which is based on a similar premise. The parts of the story dealing with her past are also well edited to include only the most important elements.
My only reservation with this book was the "Hollywood" feel to it. ****spoiler alert**** Being a rookie lawyer, Caroline hardly showed any characteristics of one. Given that she had moments of self doubt and panic attacks, she was still virtually untouchable. Also, I felt that the ending climax was a bit forced considering that the reason cited by Caroline for hiring her was that Louis deliberately hired her and set her up on this case for certain failure. I wonder why Louis didn't hire any other mediocre student if he actually wanted that? ****spoiler alert ends****
Overall, I would still recommend this book as a good legal thriller with a touch of unpredictability.
It has been a really long time since I was able to finish a book in a single sitting. I stumbled upon this book as an editor's recommendation on Amazon and since I liked the blurb, I decided to try it out.
Caroline is fresh out of law school and has been recruited to work with Louis Stern who also happened to be her professor at UCLA. While being a very smart student in her law class, she has the rare distinction of also being a software engineer. She has also shown the unique ability to hack into institutional data in the past which had landed her dad into trouble.
I wasn't disappointed in the least with my decision to try out this book. The story grips you from page 1 and there is a constant underlying tension throughout the book. At times I was also reminded of a Hollywood movie (Michael Clayton) which is based on a similar premise. The parts of the story dealing with her past are also well edited to include only the most important elements.
My only reservation with this book was the "Hollywood" feel to it. ****spoiler alert**** Being a rookie lawyer, Caroline hardly showed any characteristics of one. Given that she had moments of self doubt and panic attacks, she was still virtually untouchable. Also, I felt that the ending climax was a bit forced considering that the reason cited by Caroline for hiring her was that Louis deliberately hired her and set her up on this case for certain failure. I wonder why Louis didn't hire any other mediocre student if he actually wanted that? ****spoiler alert ends****
Overall, I would still recommend this book as a good legal thriller with a touch of unpredictability.
July 16, 2016
What an amazing story and cast of characters! Caroline has the smarts and spine to take on the bad guys and protect and help the good guys. I wasn't sure how I was going to do with this, as it wasn't a sci-fi, nerdy book, but man! It started off great and continued the thread all the way thru, which I had not idea about the plot twists at the end. I really enjoyed this book and all the characters had good back stories and played their roles in the story.
July 31, 2016
A computer hacker turned lawyer. Of course I had to read this.
The story is good, my only issue with this book is that I wish there would have been be more hacking involved.
Not too much technical stuff for a book about an ex-hacker and not much legal stuff for a legal thriller, but I'll definitely read the next one in the series. I really hope there's more hacking involved #FingersCrossed!
The story is good, my only issue with this book is that I wish there would have been be more hacking involved.
Not too much technical stuff for a book about an ex-hacker and not much legal stuff for a legal thriller, but I'll definitely read the next one in the series. I really hope there's more hacking involved #FingersCrossed!
October 23, 2016
Talented author uses skillful writing to hook readers
I was more than pleasantly surprised with my Kindle First choice this month. C.E. Tobisman has crafted a thriller deserving a five-star rating.
while I don't want to drop any spoilers, here is an overview of "Doubt":
PLOT -- Excellently contrived, the plot weaves in and out of unexpected places, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The few times I thought I had encountered a FATAL FLAW in the story, Ms. Tobisman would plug the hole and keep my belief at a high level. Even with the twists and turns, as a reader I always felt the action was credible.
CHARACTERS -- The book has a believable main character (Caroline) with plenty of flaws and personal angst. Her battles with self-doubt and the past never descends into whininess; rather, her struggles continue to keep her human as she moves from one challenge to the next. The secondary characters play their parts, fleshed out enough to enable plausible conversations and an even flow to the action.
THE WRITING -- No embarrassing spelling errors, horrible grammar mistakes, or anything to mar this book. Ms. Tobisman presents interesting descriptions and does not allow the writing to get in the way of the story. I was a bit leery at first when there were a few legal terms not explained, but this was not an issue throughout the book. While the initial feeling might be to compare Ms. Tobisman to John Grisham, I may agree that the professionalism of her writing is high, but her breezy tone sets her apart with a voice all her own.
IN CASE YOU WANTED TO KNOW -- Sex scenes are alluded to, but not described. The one incident is a minor part of the story and I commend the author for treating it as such and not embellishing all the details. While there is an occasional f-bomb or crude language, the usage is sparse and not gratuitous. Excessive violence is not an issue, and the author's focus is definitely on using suspense to drive the reader to the next page.
OVERALL -- A fast, enjoyable read. The author does not employ "surprise" twists that come out of nowhere in order to keep the reader in the dark; rather, she plants subtle clues that most of us are going to miss and then allows them to sprout when we least expect them. I think this is one of her strengths, and also one of the reasons I feel comfortable awarding the book all the stars.
I was more than pleasantly surprised with my Kindle First choice this month. C.E. Tobisman has crafted a thriller deserving a five-star rating.
while I don't want to drop any spoilers, here is an overview of "Doubt":
PLOT -- Excellently contrived, the plot weaves in and out of unexpected places, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The few times I thought I had encountered a FATAL FLAW in the story, Ms. Tobisman would plug the hole and keep my belief at a high level. Even with the twists and turns, as a reader I always felt the action was credible.
CHARACTERS -- The book has a believable main character (Caroline) with plenty of flaws and personal angst. Her battles with self-doubt and the past never descends into whininess; rather, her struggles continue to keep her human as she moves from one challenge to the next. The secondary characters play their parts, fleshed out enough to enable plausible conversations and an even flow to the action.
THE WRITING -- No embarrassing spelling errors, horrible grammar mistakes, or anything to mar this book. Ms. Tobisman presents interesting descriptions and does not allow the writing to get in the way of the story. I was a bit leery at first when there were a few legal terms not explained, but this was not an issue throughout the book. While the initial feeling might be to compare Ms. Tobisman to John Grisham, I may agree that the professionalism of her writing is high, but her breezy tone sets her apart with a voice all her own.
IN CASE YOU WANTED TO KNOW -- Sex scenes are alluded to, but not described. The one incident is a minor part of the story and I commend the author for treating it as such and not embellishing all the details. While there is an occasional f-bomb or crude language, the usage is sparse and not gratuitous. Excessive violence is not an issue, and the author's focus is definitely on using suspense to drive the reader to the next page.
OVERALL -- A fast, enjoyable read. The author does not employ "surprise" twists that come out of nowhere in order to keep the reader in the dark; rather, she plants subtle clues that most of us are going to miss and then allows them to sprout when we least expect them. I think this is one of her strengths, and also one of the reasons I feel comfortable awarding the book all the stars.
July 3, 2016
I liked the protagonist in this classic underdog story. Caroline is bright, sensitive, brave, and handicapped by her understandable although irrational fears. The author did a good job of feeding the reader tidbits that kept me reading. The details of the legal battle were new to me and intriguing. Several clever minor twists made me grin and click the next page.
The prose lacked the smooth polish necessary to erase the screen and pull me completely into the story. Her past crimes as a hacker didn't quite live up to the blurb, in fact her hacking happened as a bonding experience with her father, which seemed a little creepy. There were a few instances where my willing suspension of disbelief was shaken. The good guys were a bit too shiny. The bad guys unredeemably evil--a common failing in the thriller genre, but one of the factors that kept this book from being an outstanding read.
Three and half stars
The prose lacked the smooth polish necessary to erase the screen and pull me completely into the story. Her past crimes as a hacker didn't quite live up to the blurb, in fact her hacking happened as a bonding experience with her father, which seemed a little creepy. There were a few instances where my willing suspension of disbelief was shaken. The good guys were a bit too shiny. The bad guys unredeemably evil--a common failing in the thriller genre, but one of the factors that kept this book from being an outstanding read.
Three and half stars
July 15, 2018
Perhaps a "guilty" pleasure, but I found C. E. Tobisman's legal thriller to be a good read. Doubt, published in 2016, is the first of a series named after the narrator and lead character, Caroline Auden. Tobisman tells a tantalizing tale. The mystery and legal maneuvering involved in the big business court case kept me reading, but also the bond with Carolyn that the story establishes. Carolyn, a techie who makes a career change to become a lawyer, has many doubts--about the case and the people she works with, even about her family. But the doubts she has about herself, both personal and professional, make her someone with whom this reader can identify. Tobisman's character rings true. Not sure that I will follow the series, but enjoyed this first adventure and wish Carolyn (and Tobisman) well with the experiences to follow. Posted to Goodreads 02/25/17.
August 5, 2016
I have to say upfront that I got the Kindle edition of this book for free as an Amazon Prime member. We get a free book each month out of 6 to choose from in Amazon Picks before it is available to the public and this was my choice. It was a good choice too!!
Caroline Auden is a former hacker whose father went to prison to protect her when she hacked into an important database. She is now a lawyer and on her first day as a lawyer in a prestigious firm, she is shocked to be given a huge important case and thrown out there to fail. Watching her struggles and seeing the mystery unfold kept me reading- I read all 346 pages in less than a day on my Kindle Fire. Highly recommended to mystery/suspense/thriller fans.
Caroline Auden is a former hacker whose father went to prison to protect her when she hacked into an important database. She is now a lawyer and on her first day as a lawyer in a prestigious firm, she is shocked to be given a huge important case and thrown out there to fail. Watching her struggles and seeing the mystery unfold kept me reading- I read all 346 pages in less than a day on my Kindle Fire. Highly recommended to mystery/suspense/thriller fans.
August 26, 2016
So, I'm supposed to believe that a super successful LA law firm handling a huge case dealing with genetically modified food potentially causing illnesses and deaths isn't using the internet for research? We needed this spunky, young hacker with a shady past to come in and crack the case because she's the only one to think to use Google?
This was published in 2016. It's just too implausible to even consider. There were other problems as well. The conversations didn't feel genuine and the situations seemed forced. The writing felt very juvenile. I stopped reading at page 36.
This was published in 2016. It's just too implausible to even consider. There were other problems as well. The conversations didn't feel genuine and the situations seemed forced. The writing felt very juvenile. I stopped reading at page 36.
July 5, 2016
Caroline Auben is fresh out of law school, working for her mentor from college. The first day on the job she gets put on a case against a bio tech firm whose bio engineered soy has caused kidney failure in thousands. The plot might have been a good idea, but having a first day on the job lawyer do what she was doing was preposterous. There was an attempt at explaining it away in the end, but still. The writing was not great - maybe just not my style. Some language.
July 11, 2016
Great Book!
This was one of the best books I have read in among time. I could not put this book down. I got it today and finished it today. The characters are believable and there is almost non-stop action. Just when I thought there would be a nice quite ending -WHAM and the author is off again. I read a lot but rarely write reviews. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time.
This was one of the best books I have read in among time. I could not put this book down. I got it today and finished it today. The characters are believable and there is almost non-stop action. Just when I thought there would be a nice quite ending -WHAM and the author is off again. I read a lot but rarely write reviews. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time.
August 4, 2016
This book has the wrong name it should've been called Super Woman. It was not good. It was not interesting. It was like reading a high school students vision of a legal thriller. Don't waste your time.
August 17, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
This book needs a shot of adrenaline. Boring and far-fetched situations made this a disappointing read. The twist at the end can't even save this book. This will, without a 'doubt', be the last book I'll be reading by this author.
This book needs a shot of adrenaline. Boring and far-fetched situations made this a disappointing read. The twist at the end can't even save this book. This will, without a 'doubt', be the last book I'll be reading by this author.
August 30, 2016
Good Courtroom Drama
I like good legal novels, wish this one had more courtroom, but I understand that in introducing a new character there's lots of background needed. Still a good read and thanks to Amazon, free.
I like good legal novels, wish this one had more courtroom, but I understand that in introducing a new character there's lots of background needed. Still a good read and thanks to Amazon, free.
December 15, 2017
I had wanted to read it for ages and was slightly disappointed by it. The writing is a bit sloppy and often repetitive- if it had been tweaked a little more and a couple of the sub plots had been finalised, it would've been a more satisfying read.
July 9, 2017
A legal thriller with some added IT. Think a John Grisham lawyer against the odds and conspiracies with enough twists to add some spice.
July 31, 2018
Fun read
The characters were a little thin but the pace was perfect for a quick read. Some of the action scenes were really great.
The characters were a little thin but the pace was perfect for a quick read. Some of the action scenes were really great.
August 20, 2016
To sum up my opinion of this book in one phrase: "What a pity".
"Doubt" by Tobisman has a lot of potential to be an excellent read, including:
1) A strong and determined female lead
2) Great pacing
3) An absorbing storyline
4) A touch on problems like alcoholism, dysfunctional family, and friendship.
Unfortunately, this book is also plagued with so many problems I just gave an extra star for entertainment really. So what's wrong with the book:
1) THE WHOLE PLOT
While the plot is absorbing and attract readers' interest, it is also in my opinion, too far fetched, almost to the point of being ridiculous and unbelievable. I could not for once fathom Caroline Auden is a fellow human like myself. She must be able to use 100% of her brain power, unlike the majority of us humble humans who use only around 10%.
2) THE FINAL TWIST
Even though this is supposed to be a surprise twist at the end, the plot has seemed so preposterous that I don't really find the twist exciting. In fact, it's so obvious I kept shouting why no one inside the book noticed earlier.
3) ROMANCE
I wouldn't even classify the interaction between the two characters as "romance" since it's more like heat of the moment to me and I certainly hope they wouldn't progress any further because the male character's action is unacceptable (though I think Tobisman has tried to tone it down a little and try to score sympathy points from readers). If that character had done more in the book, Tobisman's tactic might have worked and I would sympathize with him, but given his role in this book, hell no.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially the pacing and the story telling aspects, unfortunately, the weaknesses are enough to make me wonder if I should get a next book in case this turns into a series (which I think is highly likely). I just hope Tobisman will come up with a more reasonable plot the next time round and either stop making Caroline a superwoman or somewhere in the book, just proclaim her to be one.
"Doubt" by Tobisman has a lot of potential to be an excellent read, including:
1) A strong and determined female lead
2) Great pacing
3) An absorbing storyline
4) A touch on problems like alcoholism, dysfunctional family, and friendship.
Unfortunately, this book is also plagued with so many problems I just gave an extra star for entertainment really. So what's wrong with the book:
1) THE WHOLE PLOT
While the plot is absorbing and attract readers' interest, it is also in my opinion, too far fetched, almost to the point of being ridiculous and unbelievable. I could not for once fathom Caroline Auden is a fellow human like myself. She must be able to use 100% of her brain power, unlike the majority of us humble humans who use only around 10%.
2) THE FINAL TWIST
Even though this is supposed to be a surprise twist at the end, the plot has seemed so preposterous that I don't really find the twist exciting. In fact, it's so obvious I kept shouting why no one inside the book noticed earlier.
3) ROMANCE
I wouldn't even classify the interaction between the two characters as "romance" since it's more like heat of the moment to me and I certainly hope they wouldn't progress any further because the male character's action is unacceptable (though I think Tobisman has tried to tone it down a little and try to score sympathy points from readers). If that character had done more in the book, Tobisman's tactic might have worked and I would sympathize with him, but given his role in this book, hell no.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially the pacing and the story telling aspects, unfortunately, the weaknesses are enough to make me wonder if I should get a next book in case this turns into a series (which I think is highly likely). I just hope Tobisman will come up with a more reasonable plot the next time round and either stop making Caroline a superwoman or somewhere in the book, just proclaim her to be one.
October 25, 2016
This was my "Kindle First Read" for July. I listened to part of it on audible and read part of it on Kindle.
This murder mystery/law thriller drew me in and kept me captivated.
I was aware at times that this was a "free" book and that the author was new--this was her first novel (in a new series she's creating). There were portions of the text that sounded funny to me--comparisons that felt stretched or metaphors that were so unusual as to command excess attention and take me from the book. There also seemed to be holes throughout the novel--suddenly Caroline would be interviewing a person connected to the case, but we'd have no idea how she got there or what happened before that moment. Or at other times, she never mentioned that she had called her boss to let him know that there were people chasing her and trying to kill her, but then her boss calls to see if she's OK because she's obviously had a conversation with him that we weren't privy to. I wasn't sure if those sections had been edited out, or if she just felt like she didn't need to narrate consistently throughout the story. I'm still bugged that she never retrieved her luggage from the cab. I get bugged by loose ends like that.
I liked the contrast between Caroline's daring, go-get-em approach to solving problems, contrasted by her storied family past which kept coming up to haunt her--an abandonment by her father, family alcoholism, and her own difficulties with anxiety.
The section at the beginning where the reader is reminded on every page how important Caroline's first job is, how high the stakes are, and high impossible it is was overwrought--too much inner dialogue on that topic.
That said, there were plenty of gripping moments, and twists and turns. I thought it was one of the better Kindle Firsts that I'd read.
I'll definitely read the future "Caroline Auden" books.
This murder mystery/law thriller drew me in and kept me captivated.
I was aware at times that this was a "free" book and that the author was new--this was her first novel (in a new series she's creating). There were portions of the text that sounded funny to me--comparisons that felt stretched or metaphors that were so unusual as to command excess attention and take me from the book. There also seemed to be holes throughout the novel--suddenly Caroline would be interviewing a person connected to the case, but we'd have no idea how she got there or what happened before that moment. Or at other times, she never mentioned that she had called her boss to let him know that there were people chasing her and trying to kill her, but then her boss calls to see if she's OK because she's obviously had a conversation with him that we weren't privy to. I wasn't sure if those sections had been edited out, or if she just felt like she didn't need to narrate consistently throughout the story. I'm still bugged that she never retrieved her luggage from the cab. I get bugged by loose ends like that.
I liked the contrast between Caroline's daring, go-get-em approach to solving problems, contrasted by her storied family past which kept coming up to haunt her--an abandonment by her father, family alcoholism, and her own difficulties with anxiety.
The section at the beginning where the reader is reminded on every page how important Caroline's first job is, how high the stakes are, and high impossible it is was overwrought--too much inner dialogue on that topic.
That said, there were plenty of gripping moments, and twists and turns. I thought it was one of the better Kindle Firsts that I'd read.
I'll definitely read the future "Caroline Auden" books.
September 17, 2016
GREAT READ
Wow, best book I've read in a while. I was in shock! Love books like this. You have a new fan!
Wow, best book I've read in a while. I was in shock! Love books like this. You have a new fan!
December 6, 2018
Caroline is a black hat hacker turned lawyer. She's hired as a new associate at a big corporate firm involved in a multi-state mass tort case against a big pharma company, similar to Grisham's King of Torts or The Summons. The book is billed as a legal thriller, and it is that. It is also a murder mystery and sort of YA romance. As a retired lawyer, I can tell you she has captured the tension and thrill of appearing in a court for the first time, especially where it's a federal court and millions of dollars ride on it. She shows the complexity and difficulties a lawyer faces in complying with all the court requirements and obtaining the necessary evidence to prove a case. I enjoyed that part. I'm not sure the average non-attorney reader would.
Where the book falls short is primarily in the characterizations of Caroline's relationships with her family and her black hat past. Personal descriptions are also one-dimensional and hackneyed. The handsome male associate is constantly referred to as having broad shoulders and a cute dimple, or skin like satin. The opposing counsel representing the drug company defendant has a hook nose and scarecrow features with jagged furrows up his forehead. Really? Why not put a scythe in his hand and have him cackle "Bwah-hah-ha"? I have enough background in computers to know she does not write about the tech side very accurately, either. The ending is predictable and the big surprises at the end aren't very surprising. For these reasons I can only give this two stars.
Where the book falls short is primarily in the characterizations of Caroline's relationships with her family and her black hat past. Personal descriptions are also one-dimensional and hackneyed. The handsome male associate is constantly referred to as having broad shoulders and a cute dimple, or skin like satin. The opposing counsel representing the drug company defendant has a hook nose and scarecrow features with jagged furrows up his forehead. Really? Why not put a scythe in his hand and have him cackle "Bwah-hah-ha"? I have enough background in computers to know she does not write about the tech side very accurately, either. The ending is predictable and the big surprises at the end aren't very surprising. For these reasons I can only give this two stars.
February 6, 2017
I was really torn with this book. It starts with a man being murdered on a beach and I was thinking oh goody this looks like a James Pattersonesque thriller I can get my teeth into.
Then we move to meet Caroline who is just starting in her first day at a prestigious law firm. For the next 200 pages the law is a little over done for me and would suit a John Grisham fan (I am not one). However the last hundred pages really up the pace again and had me turning pages fast to find out what happens.
Caroline is quiet annoy as a character and her anxiety attacks seem a little fake. She has the strength of character to decide to switch careers and go to law school but then her first day at work is so traumatic she almost doesn't turn up. I know we all have nerves but her's seem a little too much.
The book is written by a lawyer and that is why the court scenes and the legal comments are so detailed. If the writer could dial that back a little and focus more on the intrigue and the thriller aspects of this book it would have deserved at least one more star.
I will look at other books in this series to see if the writer does that as her confidence in her writing grows, so I will wait and see. For now this wasn't a bad effort for the first book in the series but the second book will need to blow it out of the water if this author wants to make my 'Author's to look out for' list.
Then we move to meet Caroline who is just starting in her first day at a prestigious law firm. For the next 200 pages the law is a little over done for me and would suit a John Grisham fan (I am not one). However the last hundred pages really up the pace again and had me turning pages fast to find out what happens.
Caroline is quiet annoy as a character and her anxiety attacks seem a little fake. She has the strength of character to decide to switch careers and go to law school but then her first day at work is so traumatic she almost doesn't turn up. I know we all have nerves but her's seem a little too much.
The book is written by a lawyer and that is why the court scenes and the legal comments are so detailed. If the writer could dial that back a little and focus more on the intrigue and the thriller aspects of this book it would have deserved at least one more star.
I will look at other books in this series to see if the writer does that as her confidence in her writing grows, so I will wait and see. For now this wasn't a bad effort for the first book in the series but the second book will need to blow it out of the water if this author wants to make my 'Author's to look out for' list.
July 12, 2016
Not Great, but not bad.
I honestly do not know how to properly rate this book. I think that 3.5 stars would be best. I thought that the plot was great, fighting for the greater good. It was very believable. Large company makes a product that causes sickness and death to many due to their lack of care or concern. We all know that many companies have dealt this before. However, I found some of the events to be rather far fetched. Not even a quarter of the things that happened would ever happen in real life. With that being said, the ending saved the entire book, as I was definitely surprised and never saw that coming. Being that I did enjoy the ending, I might read another book that features this character...maybe.
I honestly do not know how to properly rate this book. I think that 3.5 stars would be best. I thought that the plot was great, fighting for the greater good. It was very believable. Large company makes a product that causes sickness and death to many due to their lack of care or concern. We all know that many companies have dealt this before. However, I found some of the events to be rather far fetched. Not even a quarter of the things that happened would ever happen in real life. With that being said, the ending saved the entire book, as I was definitely surprised and never saw that coming. Being that I did enjoy the ending, I might read another book that features this character...maybe.
August 1, 2016
I found myself not breathing many times. I became Caroline and felt all of the emotions she was feeling. C. E. Tobisman has a way of writing that brings you up close and personal with the character, Caroline Auden. Lots of twists and turns through the book bring you to an ending that you could not see coming. I look forward to following her in more books. What could be more exciting than a former computer hacker turned lawyer who just wants to help people and not afraid to face opponents that try to stop her. Recommend.
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