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Stan Turner #5
Deadly Distractions
After two tough years practicing law, Stan and his family take a well deserved vacation to Colorado. Unfortunately the vacation is cut short when a client is found standing over the body of a dead IRS agent. It appears to be an open and shut case since Dusty Thomas has had a long feud with the dead agent Bobby Tuttle, and more than enough motive to kill him, yet he claims to be innocent. Stan's new partner Paula Waters convinces Stan to finish his vacation promising to handle Dusty Thomas' arraignment and get an investigation underway. While Stan is away, she makes good on her promise and even manages to arrange financing for Dusty's defense. But Stan is mortified when he reads in the Colorado papers that a radical paramilitary group, the Citizens Defense Alliance or CDA, is doing the funding. Since the CDA denies the legitimacy of the federal income tax and has been a target of federal prosecutors for many years, Stan and Paula immediately come under the close scrutiny of the FBI and the press. To further complicate matters, Stan's best client and close friend, Tex Weller, is reported missing by his wife. When Stan investigates his disappearance he finds a letter that leads him to believe Tex is in Ecuador. While Stan is searching for Tex in Ecuador, Paula continues her investigation of Bobby Tuttle's murder and quickly discovers a long list of enemies with motive to kill him. But her investigation is sidetracked when she learns Stan is missing and may have been kidnaped. As weeks go by and Stan isn't found, she is forced to turn her attention back to the Dusty Thomas case and leave the search for Stan up to the FBI and the local Ecuadorian authorities. Barely able to concentrate, she plods on and day by day and soon becomes convinced that Dusty Thomas is innocent.
326 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
10 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
William Manchee
41 books191 followersWilliam Manchee is an attorney by trade and practices consumer law in Texas with his son Jim. Originally from southern California, he now lives in Plano, Texas. He is the author of 25 novels including the Stan Turner Mysteries, Rich Coleman Novels, and the Tarizon Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 24, 2014
I won this book through a GoodReads Giveaway and would like to say thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
"Listen, Dusty. You're in a long tunnel and either way you go it's going to be pitch dark for quite a while. If you go out there with me right now, I'll do everything in my power to bring you to the light. If you go the other way there's nothing but darkness."
-Stan Turner
Deadly Distractions is the fifth book in the Stan Turner series. Stan, a family man, was pleasantly enjoying his vacation in Colorado when he received a call telling him that he needed to contact his partner, Paula, because of an unforeseen emergency. He finds out that a friend of his, Dusty Thomas, is holding himself in a barn, surrounded by the authorities because of the death of an IRS agent. Found hovering over the victim's body with his shotgun in hand, Dusty runs from the scene of the crime with the FBI on his very heels. Being the guy that he is, Turner leaves his leisurely activities to help Dusty. The thing about Dusty is that he has always had bad luck. The just is something to add to that pile. Turner is able to talk Dusty out of the barn and into custody, telling him that he will help him no matter what. Surprisingly, Dusty claims to be innocent and is unsure of who the real killer is. Evidence may be hard to find. Returning to his vacation, Dusty receives yet another call not long after. This time it is from Tex Weller who wanted to tell Stan that he wired some money into his account while he was doing business in Ecuador. Little does he know, it was 1.8 million dollars. What is going on?
This book takes you into two different characters' point of views. The first is Stan while the other is Paula. Paula has compared many guys to her partner but they all have come up short. No one can be the man she wants but Turner himself. This makes for an interesting take in the story. I really like books that allow you to look into the minds and thoughts of various characters that you are introduced to. I find this to be very enriching when it comes to the overall story.
While Stan goes to Ecuador to find and talk to Tex, he disappears and is kidnapped. This book is lead by a great plot, full of twists and turns leading you in every direction. Begging for answers, you will keep reading until you find them. Are the incidents in the book related to Dusty and his trial or are they part of something else? While I'll admit that this is the first book that I have read in this series, it was still rather enjoyable. The writing style was fun and intriguing with an interesting mystery. Deadly Distractions started off with a fast paced opening that never let up until the last page was read. If you like legal mysteries, I highly recommend this book to you.
"Listen, Dusty. You're in a long tunnel and either way you go it's going to be pitch dark for quite a while. If you go out there with me right now, I'll do everything in my power to bring you to the light. If you go the other way there's nothing but darkness."
-Stan Turner
Deadly Distractions is the fifth book in the Stan Turner series. Stan, a family man, was pleasantly enjoying his vacation in Colorado when he received a call telling him that he needed to contact his partner, Paula, because of an unforeseen emergency. He finds out that a friend of his, Dusty Thomas, is holding himself in a barn, surrounded by the authorities because of the death of an IRS agent. Found hovering over the victim's body with his shotgun in hand, Dusty runs from the scene of the crime with the FBI on his very heels. Being the guy that he is, Turner leaves his leisurely activities to help Dusty. The thing about Dusty is that he has always had bad luck. The just is something to add to that pile. Turner is able to talk Dusty out of the barn and into custody, telling him that he will help him no matter what. Surprisingly, Dusty claims to be innocent and is unsure of who the real killer is. Evidence may be hard to find. Returning to his vacation, Dusty receives yet another call not long after. This time it is from Tex Weller who wanted to tell Stan that he wired some money into his account while he was doing business in Ecuador. Little does he know, it was 1.8 million dollars. What is going on?
This book takes you into two different characters' point of views. The first is Stan while the other is Paula. Paula has compared many guys to her partner but they all have come up short. No one can be the man she wants but Turner himself. This makes for an interesting take in the story. I really like books that allow you to look into the minds and thoughts of various characters that you are introduced to. I find this to be very enriching when it comes to the overall story.
While Stan goes to Ecuador to find and talk to Tex, he disappears and is kidnapped. This book is lead by a great plot, full of twists and turns leading you in every direction. Begging for answers, you will keep reading until you find them. Are the incidents in the book related to Dusty and his trial or are they part of something else? While I'll admit that this is the first book that I have read in this series, it was still rather enjoyable. The writing style was fun and intriguing with an interesting mystery. Deadly Distractions started off with a fast paced opening that never let up until the last page was read. If you like legal mysteries, I highly recommend this book to you.
October 18, 2013
If you want a fictional novel that will teach you every mistake that you should avoid, whether you are a layman or an attorney, when dealing in a dispute with the Federal Government, this book is that novel! I have no idea if that was a deliberate intention of the author, but nonetheless, that’s what this book does.
In reality, I believe the intent of the author is expressed in the title: Deadly Distractions. Page after page, Manchee’s tale asks the following question: How many distractions – legal or lethal – will government agencies and other potential suspects put in the way of a legal team in order to get a defendant convicted? The answer is: as many as necessary, all plausible in the storyline. Some are legal, some not so legal, some just threats, some intended to drive our protagonists into the ground, literally.
And for over 300 pages we watch our protagonists, who are financial attorneys rather than criminalists, make mistake after stupid mistake trying to defend a client against a charge of murdering an IRS agent. If the author’s intention, in using this approach, was to make the reader feel empathy for Stan and Paula, it didn’t work with this reader. I felt increasingly frustrated with the author’s illustrations of their impetuousness and lack of logical thinking, particularly in the way they handled evidence, clues and potential suspects. They did not even ask for assistance from a criminal defense specialist.
But when, SPOILER ALERT, the author had Paula, a former assistant DA, leave the scene of an car accident without reporting it, claiming not to know what to do even though there was blood on the ground, I lost all sympathy for the storyline. This sub-plot was clearly intended to be one of the Deadly Distractions, since it, being a well-orchestrated set-up, got Paula arrested, convicted, sentenced to 5 years in prison and off the murder team. But it was a cheap, unrealistic device for the author to use and its aftermath occupied over one-fourth of the novel. However, it did fit right along with the cheap, unrealistic device of having Stan ask his God for miracles instead of guidance.
So, in the end, the question for the reader isn’t one of who is the real murderer or how the team is going to win their case. The question is how are they going to survive their recklessness and their stupidity.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. That fact did not, in any way, influence my opinion of the book. However, while neither the book cover itself nor the Giveaway criteria indicated that this copy was a galley proof, it contained hundreds of editing errors – misspellings, missing words, missing punctuation, poor grammar, and incorrect names. That did influence my opinion of the book.
In reality, I believe the intent of the author is expressed in the title: Deadly Distractions. Page after page, Manchee’s tale asks the following question: How many distractions – legal or lethal – will government agencies and other potential suspects put in the way of a legal team in order to get a defendant convicted? The answer is: as many as necessary, all plausible in the storyline. Some are legal, some not so legal, some just threats, some intended to drive our protagonists into the ground, literally.
And for over 300 pages we watch our protagonists, who are financial attorneys rather than criminalists, make mistake after stupid mistake trying to defend a client against a charge of murdering an IRS agent. If the author’s intention, in using this approach, was to make the reader feel empathy for Stan and Paula, it didn’t work with this reader. I felt increasingly frustrated with the author’s illustrations of their impetuousness and lack of logical thinking, particularly in the way they handled evidence, clues and potential suspects. They did not even ask for assistance from a criminal defense specialist.
But when, SPOILER ALERT, the author had Paula, a former assistant DA, leave the scene of an car accident without reporting it, claiming not to know what to do even though there was blood on the ground, I lost all sympathy for the storyline. This sub-plot was clearly intended to be one of the Deadly Distractions, since it, being a well-orchestrated set-up, got Paula arrested, convicted, sentenced to 5 years in prison and off the murder team. But it was a cheap, unrealistic device for the author to use and its aftermath occupied over one-fourth of the novel. However, it did fit right along with the cheap, unrealistic device of having Stan ask his God for miracles instead of guidance.
So, in the end, the question for the reader isn’t one of who is the real murderer or how the team is going to win their case. The question is how are they going to survive their recklessness and their stupidity.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. That fact did not, in any way, influence my opinion of the book. However, while neither the book cover itself nor the Giveaway criteria indicated that this copy was a galley proof, it contained hundreds of editing errors – misspellings, missing words, missing punctuation, poor grammar, and incorrect names. That did influence my opinion of the book.
April 19, 2014
DEADLY DISTRACTIONS came as something of a disappointment to me. It is the story the unluckiest man in the world, made more so by being hardly mentioned in the majority of the story. Dusty Thomas has been found holding a shotgun over the body of a dead IRS agent. But, being this is a mystery/thriller, he has to be innocent. Enter his lawyer Stan Turner and his partner Paula Waters, come to save the day.
There are many side stories here, the distractions of the title, but there is one distraction that I do not believe the author intended. I have been told that the key to good writing is rewriting, and that is something Mr. Manchee knows. His story is smooth and well planned, the events flowing into one another in a fashion that is believable even when the events themselves should not be, i.e., the side trip to Guantanamo Bay and the “accident” Paula is involved in that gives her so much trouble (she is a lawyer and should have known far better).
But what makes a book a good book is editing. DEADLY DISTRACTIONS appears to be a book with which the author has had a love affair. I have the same problem when I try to write long form. I fall in love with my work to such a degree that I cannot strike out a single word of my brilliant story. After all, these words are my children and each and every one is brilliant in their own right.
Mr. Manchee’s book needs a quality editor, someone who will rip and slash the dead wood and leave what otherwise could be a very engaging story. I found the dialog slow and demanding, not sharp at all and certainly not of a pace with modern novels. It appears that every turn of phrase, every conversation, every meeting between characters had to contain every possible utterance uttered, every situation explored to a degree that slackened the pace and if there is anything I wish to find in a thriller it would be quick thrills, not long expositions about what the thrill is to be. That would be the difference between reading about a roller coaster and riding the thing.
I’m not saying I didn’t like the actual story, I did. But there is a much better book hidden here that I was hoping to read.
I did win this book through Goodreads.
There are many side stories here, the distractions of the title, but there is one distraction that I do not believe the author intended. I have been told that the key to good writing is rewriting, and that is something Mr. Manchee knows. His story is smooth and well planned, the events flowing into one another in a fashion that is believable even when the events themselves should not be, i.e., the side trip to Guantanamo Bay and the “accident” Paula is involved in that gives her so much trouble (she is a lawyer and should have known far better).
But what makes a book a good book is editing. DEADLY DISTRACTIONS appears to be a book with which the author has had a love affair. I have the same problem when I try to write long form. I fall in love with my work to such a degree that I cannot strike out a single word of my brilliant story. After all, these words are my children and each and every one is brilliant in their own right.
Mr. Manchee’s book needs a quality editor, someone who will rip and slash the dead wood and leave what otherwise could be a very engaging story. I found the dialog slow and demanding, not sharp at all and certainly not of a pace with modern novels. It appears that every turn of phrase, every conversation, every meeting between characters had to contain every possible utterance uttered, every situation explored to a degree that slackened the pace and if there is anything I wish to find in a thriller it would be quick thrills, not long expositions about what the thrill is to be. That would be the difference between reading about a roller coaster and riding the thing.
I’m not saying I didn’t like the actual story, I did. But there is a much better book hidden here that I was hoping to read.
I did win this book through Goodreads.
September 26, 2015
Although the idea behind this book is good – and should lead to a thrilling story, this one falls flat. In this book, Stan (the main character) and his partner, Paula, are defending a man who is accused of murdering an IRS agent. It is hard to overlook the errors to enjoy the story. It would be one thing if the errors were just grammatical (and there are a lot of those) – but there seems to be some major problems with Mr. Manchee’s timeline. Some things seem to take forever – and then things that should take a few days, get done in an afternoon. (Some examples: At the very beginning of the book, there is a discrepancy in the time between the crime and the time Stan actually takes over the case. The timing is completely different when told from Stan or Paula’s points of view (Paula’s is 1-2 days , yet Stan says 5 days). Another thing that did not ring true with me (a Colorado native) is that Stan took a helicopter from the mountains west of Denver to the Dallas area in just a few hours. That is a long way to go in a helicopter! Then, Paula is on trial – the judge dismisses for lunch – after lunch, the entire case is concluded in a couple of hours ---- very unrealistic!) There were so many unrealistic things going on in this book that I got to where I was just reading it to look for them. Not a good reason to read a mystery! The story is told in chapters alternately between Stan and Paula’s point of view – and toward the end of the book the author confuses the point of view – sometimes it is first person – sometimes third person. I think Mr. Manchee could benefit from the services of a good proof reader/editor. I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of reading William Manchee's gripping legal thriller, "Deadly Distractions," and I must say it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This novel seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, legal drama, and suspense, creating a compelling narrative that captivates the reader's attention.
The story follows Stan and his family as they embark on a well-deserved vacation to Colorado, only to have it cut short by a shocking murder involving one of Stan's clients. The accused, Dusty Thomas, seems to have a clear motive, but as the investigation unfolds, layers of complexity and intrigue are revealed.
Manchee masterfully develops the characters, making them relatable and engaging. Stan's new partner, Paula Waters, adds a refreshing dynamic to the legal duo, and their interactions provide both humor and depth to the narrative. The tension rises when Dusty's defense takes an unexpected turn with the involvement of a radical paramilitary group, the Citizens Defense Alliance.
What sets "Deadly Distractions" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend legal drama with a gripping mystery. The author keeps the reader guessing with unexpected twists and turns, making it difficult to predict the outcome. The exploration of the feud between Dusty Thomas and the deceased IRS agent Bobby Tuttle adds layers of intrigue, creating a puzzle that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
As the plot unfolds, the novel takes an unexpected detour when Stan's best client and friend, Tex Weller, goes missing. This subplot adds an additional layer of suspense and complexity, intertwining seamlessly with the main narrative. Manchee skillfully navigates multiple storylines, keeping each one engaging and well-paced.
The portrayal of the FBI's scrutiny, the press, and the involvement of a radical group adds a political and social dimension to the story. This backdrop elevates the stakes for Stan and Paula, adding urgency to their quest for justice. The author's attention to detail and thorough research are evident throughout, contributing to the overall authenticity of the legal proceedings and investigative processes.
While the novel does have moments of intensity and suspense, it also allows for moments of introspection and character development, creating a well-rounded reading experience. The depiction of Paula's determination to uncover the truth amid personal and professional challenges adds depth to her character and enhances the overall narrative.
In conclusion, "Deadly Distractions" is a well-crafted legal thriller that will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the genre. William Manchee's skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists make this book a must-read for those seeking a riveting and immersive reading experience. I wholeheartedly give it four stars and eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.
The story follows Stan and his family as they embark on a well-deserved vacation to Colorado, only to have it cut short by a shocking murder involving one of Stan's clients. The accused, Dusty Thomas, seems to have a clear motive, but as the investigation unfolds, layers of complexity and intrigue are revealed.
Manchee masterfully develops the characters, making them relatable and engaging. Stan's new partner, Paula Waters, adds a refreshing dynamic to the legal duo, and their interactions provide both humor and depth to the narrative. The tension rises when Dusty's defense takes an unexpected turn with the involvement of a radical paramilitary group, the Citizens Defense Alliance.
What sets "Deadly Distractions" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend legal drama with a gripping mystery. The author keeps the reader guessing with unexpected twists and turns, making it difficult to predict the outcome. The exploration of the feud between Dusty Thomas and the deceased IRS agent Bobby Tuttle adds layers of intrigue, creating a puzzle that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
As the plot unfolds, the novel takes an unexpected detour when Stan's best client and friend, Tex Weller, goes missing. This subplot adds an additional layer of suspense and complexity, intertwining seamlessly with the main narrative. Manchee skillfully navigates multiple storylines, keeping each one engaging and well-paced.
The portrayal of the FBI's scrutiny, the press, and the involvement of a radical group adds a political and social dimension to the story. This backdrop elevates the stakes for Stan and Paula, adding urgency to their quest for justice. The author's attention to detail and thorough research are evident throughout, contributing to the overall authenticity of the legal proceedings and investigative processes.
While the novel does have moments of intensity and suspense, it also allows for moments of introspection and character development, creating a well-rounded reading experience. The depiction of Paula's determination to uncover the truth amid personal and professional challenges adds depth to her character and enhances the overall narrative.
In conclusion, "Deadly Distractions" is a well-crafted legal thriller that will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the genre. William Manchee's skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists make this book a must-read for those seeking a riveting and immersive reading experience. I wholeheartedly give it four stars and eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.
July 11, 2017
Dallas Attorney Stan Turner and his family are taking a long overdue vacation in Colorado when he receives a call from his office with urgent and devastating news. His friend and hard-luck client, Dusty Thomas, has been arrested for the murder of aggressive tax agent, Bobby Tuttle. The police found Dusty over the body, holding a recently fired shotgun. Dusty has threatened Tuttle because he has levied him with heavy fines for back income taxes, taken away a great deal of his property and is coming to confiscate his tractor. Dusty swears he is innocent and is being framed Stan tells Paula Tuttle, his partner, and associate, to start preparing for trial. The only problem is Buddy has no money for his defense. Paula accepts an offer from Citizens Defense Alliance (CDA), a very radical and anti-government group that does not believe in Federal Income Tax, and will use this trial for publicity to further their interests. Stan is furious but it is too late. Paula has already cashed their check for $50,000 and is proceeding with the investigation. She tells Sam she has a long list of enemies and motives. Time to return home and help.
Preparing to leave for home, another call is received for Stan. This one is on the answering service It is from Tex Weller, one of his best and oldest clients, telling him he is working on a project in Equador. He needed to deposit 1.8 Million Dollars into Stan's trust account. He will return in a week and explain what is happening. Stan immediately tries to locate him and is unable to find a trace of him. He leaves for Equador and what an adventure he has.
. .William Manchee is a sterling storyteller. He describes a tale filled with action, deception, lies, and betrayals DEADLY DISTRACTIONS is fast paced and has you turning the pages to the smashing finale. I enjoyed the legal trivia and especially the trial to clear Dusty and keep Stan Turner's record of never losing a case. If you like a book filled with plenty of action, characters that are shady and dangerous, and a hero that is smart, you should put this one on top of your "to be read now" list. It is a good one. Great job, Mr. Manchee. This is the 5th in the Stan Turner Series...a 6th soon?
Preparing to leave for home, another call is received for Stan. This one is on the answering service It is from Tex Weller, one of his best and oldest clients, telling him he is working on a project in Equador. He needed to deposit 1.8 Million Dollars into Stan's trust account. He will return in a week and explain what is happening. Stan immediately tries to locate him and is unable to find a trace of him. He leaves for Equador and what an adventure he has.
. .William Manchee is a sterling storyteller. He describes a tale filled with action, deception, lies, and betrayals DEADLY DISTRACTIONS is fast paced and has you turning the pages to the smashing finale. I enjoyed the legal trivia and especially the trial to clear Dusty and keep Stan Turner's record of never losing a case. If you like a book filled with plenty of action, characters that are shady and dangerous, and a hero that is smart, you should put this one on top of your "to be read now" list. It is a good one. Great job, Mr. Manchee. This is the 5th in the Stan Turner Series...a 6th soon?
March 1, 2023
I received this book from voracious readers only, in exchange for an honest review. I have read this author before and was looking forward to further exploits of Stan Turner.
Distractions were definitely the raison d’être behind this story. This book took an interesting approach alternating between two points of view. One was Stan the main protagonist. The other, Paula, his new law partner. Unfortunately, this literary device did not work for me in this story, as the stylistic approach was the same for both narrators. Same sentence structure, same use of language. The only way I knew it was the other character was because the chapter heading told me so (also obvious from the content). I found this distracting.
Paula also has a fixation on Stan which seemed odd to me, especially, reading it in what I considered Stan’s voice. Not sure of the point of this fixation, couldn’t figure out how it enhanced the story, other than being a distraction. . .
Both the protagonists at multiple times “fell into depression” and used, or thought to use alcohol to help them cope. I cut the author some slack on this as the book was written twenty years ago so maybe this kind of thinking was more common then? Now it seems we take a more nuanced approach to depression and wouldn’t just throw the words around to describe a passing feeling. At least not in my world. Needless to say, I found this a distraction.
Some editing issues as Stan’s brilliant assistant Jodie had her name spelled at least two different ways. Distracting. That being said, I did enjoy the story and read it to the end.
However, the final two sentences contained tropes from the past which also are not a good fit with today’s sensibilities. They left a bad taste in my mouth for the finish.
Distractions were definitely the raison d’être behind this story. This book took an interesting approach alternating between two points of view. One was Stan the main protagonist. The other, Paula, his new law partner. Unfortunately, this literary device did not work for me in this story, as the stylistic approach was the same for both narrators. Same sentence structure, same use of language. The only way I knew it was the other character was because the chapter heading told me so (also obvious from the content). I found this distracting.
Paula also has a fixation on Stan which seemed odd to me, especially, reading it in what I considered Stan’s voice. Not sure of the point of this fixation, couldn’t figure out how it enhanced the story, other than being a distraction. . .
Both the protagonists at multiple times “fell into depression” and used, or thought to use alcohol to help them cope. I cut the author some slack on this as the book was written twenty years ago so maybe this kind of thinking was more common then? Now it seems we take a more nuanced approach to depression and wouldn’t just throw the words around to describe a passing feeling. At least not in my world. Needless to say, I found this a distraction.
Some editing issues as Stan’s brilliant assistant Jodie had her name spelled at least two different ways. Distracting. That being said, I did enjoy the story and read it to the end.
However, the final two sentences contained tropes from the past which also are not a good fit with today’s sensibilities. They left a bad taste in my mouth for the finish.
July 29, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for a fair review.
The fifth book in the Stan Turner Mysteries and the second book I have read in the series is one of those books one can’t put down, yet doesn’t want it to end since it is so entertaining and suspenseful. The story that flows well and the somewhat quirky characters are complex and multi-faceted. Unlike many legal thrillers, this book doesn’t have one but three legal thrillers developing at the same time, and they are interwoven beautifully. It doesn’t have any graphic violence, vulgar language, or explicit sex, but it focuses on the characters’ inner worlds and interpersonal relationships in a relatable and believable way. The book is as entertaining, suspenseful, and complex as the books of John Grisham and David Rosenfelt, two of my favorite legal thriller authors. Five stars.
The fifth book in the Stan Turner Mysteries and the second book I have read in the series is one of those books one can’t put down, yet doesn’t want it to end since it is so entertaining and suspenseful. The story that flows well and the somewhat quirky characters are complex and multi-faceted. Unlike many legal thrillers, this book doesn’t have one but three legal thrillers developing at the same time, and they are interwoven beautifully. It doesn’t have any graphic violence, vulgar language, or explicit sex, but it focuses on the characters’ inner worlds and interpersonal relationships in a relatable and believable way. The book is as entertaining, suspenseful, and complex as the books of John Grisham and David Rosenfelt, two of my favorite legal thriller authors. Five stars.
September 15, 2022
Fun little story. There’s a lot going on with all of the distractions and I couldn’t wait to see how it all came together.
The writing is a bit stilted, choppy, and dry. And I think these things kept me from getting completely immersed in the story. For example, despite being told from a first person pov, when a character says they are terrified, it’s more of a statement and you don’t really feel like you’re on the ride ducking bullets or careening out of control with them.
The book also needs a good editing. Lots of typos, missing words, wrong words, and weird punctuation.
Still the storyline was interesting enough to keep me going and I was invested enough to want to see how it all subplots/distractions came together.
The writing is a bit stilted, choppy, and dry. And I think these things kept me from getting completely immersed in the story. For example, despite being told from a first person pov, when a character says they are terrified, it’s more of a statement and you don’t really feel like you’re on the ride ducking bullets or careening out of control with them.
The book also needs a good editing. Lots of typos, missing words, wrong words, and weird punctuation.
Still the storyline was interesting enough to keep me going and I was invested enough to want to see how it all subplots/distractions came together.
December 13, 2022
Great, another mystery novel offered by Voracious Readers.
Stan, an attorney, seems to have a real life: wife, children, law practice and somehow a work colleague that has a crush on him and a secretary worth her weight in gold. There's a client that looks guilty, cut and dried; another client that disappears in South America, federal agents and the IRS as well. While I cannot comment on the legal aspects of the story, I did want to find out what happens.
Having said that, the writing was, as someone else has said, a bit choppy. And then there's also a pet peeve of mine...it's "would HAVE" not "would of."
The book provided a reasonable distraction, but it may well be some considerable time before I investigate the next installment.
Stan, an attorney, seems to have a real life: wife, children, law practice and somehow a work colleague that has a crush on him and a secretary worth her weight in gold. There's a client that looks guilty, cut and dried; another client that disappears in South America, federal agents and the IRS as well. While I cannot comment on the legal aspects of the story, I did want to find out what happens.
Having said that, the writing was, as someone else has said, a bit choppy. And then there's also a pet peeve of mine...it's "would HAVE" not "would of."
The book provided a reasonable distraction, but it may well be some considerable time before I investigate the next installment.
February 20, 2023
This book delivers like the others in the series. The author has come up with a really successful way of drawing the reader into the fascinating world of legal thrillers without bogging them down with too much of it. Just like the various legal drama TV shows which are so popular and accessible for a wide audience. And the fact that many of the ideas for the books in this series come from the author's own experiences in the legal profession helps with the realism of the cases. This book, and the series, will be enjoyed both by people wanting to get into this genre, as well as readers who are fans of the other famous legal thriller authors.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review, but I have also bought other books in this series myself.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review, but I have also bought other books in this series myself.
January 13, 2020
Deadly Distractions by William Manchee
What I like about this book and series is that each of the lawyers has their own alternating chapters of the cases they are working on.
At one point Stan and Monty are detained and Paula and Jody run the office for a bit but then Paula gets in trouble....
They all try to help Dusty out of his IRS problems along with the murder of the agent...
Love how they discover new clues when they weren't even thinking of them being where they found them.
Great ending for all and you wonder if the threat to go after them will show up in another book...
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
What I like about this book and series is that each of the lawyers has their own alternating chapters of the cases they are working on.
At one point Stan and Monty are detained and Paula and Jody run the office for a bit but then Paula gets in trouble....
They all try to help Dusty out of his IRS problems along with the murder of the agent...
Love how they discover new clues when they weren't even thinking of them being where they found them.
Great ending for all and you wonder if the threat to go after them will show up in another book...
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
September 20, 2022
This book sent to me by voracious readers only was an excellent read. This mystery is well written, the plot very well thought out and presented, and the characters draw you into the book immediately. His writing style is also a fresh and unique change, not the same old same old I was expecting. I don’t want to spoil any details about the book because the story/stories (hint 😉) intertwine nicely and I never wanted to put it down. I look forward to reading more selections by the author. Definitely a 5 star choice!
February 14, 2023
This was an exciting legal mystery of not just one case but three. The story with fast, plenty of action, suspense and dramatic twists. There were quite a few errors with the timeline, typos but if you could dismiss these it was an enjoyable read.
The author takes us through some almost unbelievable accounts, kidnapping, guerrilla involvement, with a few almost naive reactions by the lawyers. Still the suspense is gripping and story is fast paced.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers and leave this review voluntarily.
The author takes us through some almost unbelievable accounts, kidnapping, guerrilla involvement, with a few almost naive reactions by the lawyers. Still the suspense is gripping and story is fast paced.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers and leave this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2024
This is the second Stan Turner book by William Manchee that I have read and I am now a definite fan. Just like the first book this one grabbed me in the first few paragraphs and I couldn't put it down until it was finished.
If you like John Grisham mysteries, then you will love the Stan Turner series by William Manchee. These books are a definte must read.
A big thank you to Vorcious Readers Only for giving me this book, and I am very happy to write this review of an excellent book.
Five-stars to Deadly Distractions and William Manchee.
If you like John Grisham mysteries, then you will love the Stan Turner series by William Manchee. These books are a definte must read.
A big thank you to Vorcious Readers Only for giving me this book, and I am very happy to write this review of an excellent book.
Five-stars to Deadly Distractions and William Manchee.
October 9, 2021
This was a light, and easy read. I mostly enjoyed the flow of the story, so while some aspects of the investigation were a bit unrealistic, it didn’t really bother me.
Initially I didn’t realize that this is the 5th book in a series, which might explain my inability to deeply connect with the two narrators, or the rest of the characters; but it didn’t really hinder my enjoyment of the story.
Received through the Goodreads giveaway
Initially I didn’t realize that this is the 5th book in a series, which might explain my inability to deeply connect with the two narrators, or the rest of the characters; but it didn’t really hinder my enjoyment of the story.
Received through the Goodreads giveaway
July 28, 2017
This is the first book I've read by William Manchee but it won't be the last! This book was not the first in the Stan Turner series and I was able to follow it without reading the previous ones. This was a good murder mystery/legal thriller. There were unexpected twists and lots of suspense. Looking forward to reading more of Mr. Manchee's books.
February 24, 2025
This is a crime mystery book. It starts with a man holding a shotgun over a tax official’s body. There are many twists and turns in the plot. I found the book very thrilling, but there were a lot of characters involved. I thought the ending was rather weak, but I enjoyed the book. I recommend this book for all crime mystery readers.
November 11, 2022
An interesting read but I should have read the first four of the series before starting this. I felt that I was missing a bit of context.
This was a free copy of this book, and in return, this is my honest review.
This was a free copy of this book, and in return, this is my honest review.
November 27, 2022
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
A terrific legal thriller that has you biting your nails.
A well constructed twisted plot that sees two unrelated clients tied together by the machinations of those involved in criminal activities in South America and the United States.
A terrific legal thriller that has you biting your nails.
A well constructed twisted plot that sees two unrelated clients tied together by the machinations of those involved in criminal activities in South America and the United States.
January 18, 2023
This was a hard book to put down. The many twists and turns keeps you turning the pages. Just when you thought you had the murder figured out another twist told you otherwise. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes murder mysteries.
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story very much. I like Patterson so this was comparable. Different but the same. Legal dramas are fun and this was at a nice pace. The two mains each had drama to tend to but they both were affected by a main issue. Take a chance and enjoy.
July 5, 2017
Great start to the story, but book left me wanting more. It left me feeling kinda blah. However, the book was well written, but the story itself needs a bit of work.
February 19, 2023
A great mystery read that kept you engaged from start to finish. It was a story within a story and that kept unravelling through to the end.
April 4, 2023
This book held my interest all the way through and I want to read more Stan Turner stories. It had some great twists . It was easy to read and very enjoyable.
November 4, 2023
This was a very very good book! It was non stop action! Very enjoyable, I will definitely be looking for more books by William Manchee. Well worth the read.
June 12, 2023
"Deadly Distractions" by William Manchee
Stan Turner’s life takes numerous twists and turns as mystery around a murder enquiry gets excavated.
The search made Stan to travel across and get stuck up in unwarranted situation. It’s like you a reading a perfect plot of a James Bond Movie.
Author William has put his best efforts to justify each character of the Novel in comprehensive, but this has made contents too extensive.
One need to plan extra time to complete it.
Stan Turner’s life takes numerous twists and turns as mystery around a murder enquiry gets excavated.
The search made Stan to travel across and get stuck up in unwarranted situation. It’s like you a reading a perfect plot of a James Bond Movie.
Author William has put his best efforts to justify each character of the Novel in comprehensive, but this has made contents too extensive.
One need to plan extra time to complete it.
July 8, 2024
I enjoyed it
August 27, 2016
A fast-paced read; plot has lots of curveballs.
Deadly Distractions is about Texas lawyer Stan Turner, and his new partner, Paula Waters (who has the hots for Stan (a married family man). The principal theme is about Stan and Paula's defense of Dusty Thomas, a long-time client who is arrested for murder of an unscrupulous IRS agent. There are also a number of sub-plots that co-exist and at times interrelate.
Just when you think you have the plot figured out--wham! A twist you were not expecting. Top marks for a great plot. The writing was a little stilted in places, but the plot and action kept the book moving fast enough that the mediocre writing style didn't bother me. I have read nothing previously by this author -- this book did fine as a stand-alone.
I would recommend to any mystery reader. The courtroom scenes were interesting, but did comprise much of the book. [Note: not sure why, at p 274, the author had Stan hold a press conference just prior to the trial, and during his remarks to the press saddled the defense with the burden of proving that Dusty did NOT kill, or with the burden to show that SOMEONE ELSE killed the agent. This is inconsistent with the presumption of innocence.]
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
Deadly Distractions is about Texas lawyer Stan Turner, and his new partner, Paula Waters (who has the hots for Stan (a married family man). The principal theme is about Stan and Paula's defense of Dusty Thomas, a long-time client who is arrested for murder of an unscrupulous IRS agent. There are also a number of sub-plots that co-exist and at times interrelate.
Just when you think you have the plot figured out--wham! A twist you were not expecting. Top marks for a great plot. The writing was a little stilted in places, but the plot and action kept the book moving fast enough that the mediocre writing style didn't bother me. I have read nothing previously by this author -- this book did fine as a stand-alone.
I would recommend to any mystery reader. The courtroom scenes were interesting, but did comprise much of the book. [Note: not sure why, at p 274, the author had Stan hold a press conference just prior to the trial, and during his remarks to the press saddled the defense with the burden of proving that Dusty did NOT kill, or with the burden to show that SOMEONE ELSE killed the agent. This is inconsistent with the presumption of innocence.]
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
March 30, 2014
I won this book on Good Reads. Thanks so much . I could not put this book down until I finished it.
This is a fantastic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From page one it gets your attention. You keep wondering what's going to happen next.
This is a fast and edgy thriller. Stan comes home early while cutting his vacation short, after receiving a phone call from Paula. A client he cares about, Dusty, is surrounded by the FBI after allegedly killing an IRS agent that was there to take more of his property.
Stan's other client and friend disappears making him go to Ecuador after leaving a large sum of money in Stans bank account. No one has heard from him since. To top it off, Stan's partner Paula is involved in a hit and run. Will Stan and Paula be able to work together to find a way to get Dusty off or will it be to much for them to handle ?
This book was a fast paced thriller. I enjoyed this book very much. This was the first book that I have read in the series. I can't wait to read another book in the series. Just when you think they have it figured out it quickly takes a bad turn.
This is a fantastic author that delivers suspense from the beginning until the end.
This is a fantastic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From page one it gets your attention. You keep wondering what's going to happen next.
This is a fast and edgy thriller. Stan comes home early while cutting his vacation short, after receiving a phone call from Paula. A client he cares about, Dusty, is surrounded by the FBI after allegedly killing an IRS agent that was there to take more of his property.
Stan's other client and friend disappears making him go to Ecuador after leaving a large sum of money in Stans bank account. No one has heard from him since. To top it off, Stan's partner Paula is involved in a hit and run. Will Stan and Paula be able to work together to find a way to get Dusty off or will it be to much for them to handle ?
This book was a fast paced thriller. I enjoyed this book very much. This was the first book that I have read in the series. I can't wait to read another book in the series. Just when you think they have it figured out it quickly takes a bad turn.
This is a fantastic author that delivers suspense from the beginning until the end.
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