What do you think?
Michael Gresham #3
The Law Partners
A legal thriller that puts the defense attorney himself in the defendant's chair, with a lawyer on her last chance as his only hope. A courtroom drama where every expert in the city says the client is guilty.
Who defends the defense lawyer?
Michael Gresham’s career is hanging by a thread. The lawyer who stops at nothing to defend others, is in the defendant’s chair, alone.
Enter Harley Sturgis, a lawyer whose own career is on the brink of collapse. But Gresham’s case could be her salvation.
Save Gresham, save his legacy and save her own job.
There’s only one problem.
According to the greatest legal minds in the city, Gresham is guilty.
A gripping thriller from million-seller John Ellsworth.
The Law Partners is book 13 in the Michael Gresham Legal Thrillers, a thriller for fans of Steve Cavanagh and Scott Turow.
5.0 out of 5 stars - I didn’t want this book to end.
5.0 out of 5 stars - Wow! This book just doesn't slow down! Once you start reading, be sure you have time because you're going for a roller coaster ride.
5.0 out of 5 stars - Kept me reading long into the night
I could not put this book down. It has so many twists, turns and curves that even if you thought you knew what was going on, you would be wrong. stars - Captivating from page one.
5.0 out of 5 stars - This book has so many twists and turns I got car sick reading it.
5.0 out of 5 stars - I could not put this book down. It has so many twists, turns and curves that even if you thought you knew what was going on, you would be wrong.
5.0 out of 5 stars stars - Captivating from page one.
Who defends the defense lawyer?
Michael Gresham’s career is hanging by a thread. The lawyer who stops at nothing to defend others, is in the defendant’s chair, alone.
Enter Harley Sturgis, a lawyer whose own career is on the brink of collapse. But Gresham’s case could be her salvation.
Save Gresham, save his legacy and save her own job.
There’s only one problem.
According to the greatest legal minds in the city, Gresham is guilty.
A gripping thriller from million-seller John Ellsworth.
The Law Partners is book 13 in the Michael Gresham Legal Thrillers, a thriller for fans of Steve Cavanagh and Scott Turow.
5.0 out of 5 stars - I didn’t want this book to end.
5.0 out of 5 stars - Wow! This book just doesn't slow down! Once you start reading, be sure you have time because you're going for a roller coaster ride.
5.0 out of 5 stars - Kept me reading long into the night
I could not put this book down. It has so many twists, turns and curves that even if you thought you knew what was going on, you would be wrong. stars - Captivating from page one.
5.0 out of 5 stars - This book has so many twists and turns I got car sick reading it.
5.0 out of 5 stars - I could not put this book down. It has so many twists, turns and curves that even if you thought you knew what was going on, you would be wrong.
5.0 out of 5 stars stars - Captivating from page one.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2016
About the author
John Ellsworth
118 books533 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
September 26, 2016
Disturbing book
I was enjoying the book until I encountered the very disturbing ending, which shocked me and of which I strongly disapprove
I was enjoying the book until I encountered the very disturbing ending, which shocked me and of which I strongly disapprove
August 18, 2016
Great story! I read this book in a few hours, and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
I have read nearly every book John Ellsworth has written and I hunger for more. His plots are interesting and the characters well developed. I turn off the television and devour every word, from beginning to end.
Please keep them coming John!
I have read nearly every book John Ellsworth has written and I hunger for more. His plots are interesting and the characters well developed. I turn off the television and devour every word, from beginning to end.
Please keep them coming John!
August 15, 2016
Love this series, but the plot was way too unrealistic. Given that, if you like legal thrillers with a political overtone, it was still a good read.
November 18, 2016
another good book #3 in the series.
October 25, 2017
More of the same. This was a little more upsetting as some of the good guys got killed. In the end the bad guys got put away and the good guys went on about their lives - minus those who were killed in the process. It’s time to shift genres again!
August 16, 2024
Good Gresham
I feel like I’m a part of Michael Gresham’s team . They operate smoothly and so intelligently.
Each book give a very different look into the world of law.
I feel like I’m a part of Michael Gresham’s team . They operate smoothly and so intelligently.
Each book give a very different look into the world of law.
May 7, 2016
This book is sooo bad.
Let me count the ways. The defendant's attorney and wife hold hands and skip down the court aisle? The plot is so unbelievable and really intensely stupid. The million conspiracies topped by even more conspiracies are just sad. Mr. Ellsworth, if this was the best you could do-please, please stop.
Let me count the ways. The defendant's attorney and wife hold hands and skip down the court aisle? The plot is so unbelievable and really intensely stupid. The million conspiracies topped by even more conspiracies are just sad. Mr. Ellsworth, if this was the best you could do-please, please stop.
May 11, 2016
Another great book.
Read every book that was written by Ellsworth, starting with Thaddeus Murfee and Sisters in Law series. Interesting courtroom thriller, but most of the action takes place outside the courtroom. Politics behind the election of Chief county prosecutor.
Read every book that was written by Ellsworth, starting with Thaddeus Murfee and Sisters in Law series. Interesting courtroom thriller, but most of the action takes place outside the courtroom. Politics behind the election of Chief county prosecutor.
September 10, 2016
So so story
I have read better novels by Michael Gresham, this on was pretty good the first half. It then had some beyond normal believe areas and redundant and contradicting parts that should have been picked by editing.
I have read better novels by Michael Gresham, this on was pretty good the first half. It then had some beyond normal believe areas and redundant and contradicting parts that should have been picked by editing.
October 29, 2017
A sneaky gotchya
1st half was a great turn pager --got me hooked, so I stuck with it through the half as good 2nd half in which some plot turns & twists were just too much of a stretch and the warm & positive sudden ending just did not fit.
1st half was a great turn pager --got me hooked, so I stuck with it through the half as good 2nd half in which some plot turns & twists were just too much of a stretch and the warm & positive sudden ending just did not fit.
March 23, 2018
A little better than the last one. I enjoy the characters. Was hoping Harley would remain a main character. Liked her more than Michael. Kept waiting for the video she made to come in. Disappointed it didn't. Liked that Michael switched sides in the in. Hope it carries over to next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2018
The Michael Gresham stories have a formula - a seemingly un-winnable case is won with perseverance and cleverness. This book sticks to that same formula which is fine. Except for the touches of sheer misogyny. I was reminded of fiction in the 1980s where the only way the female attorney can win or can be powerful is by extracting a confession with her vagina. Ellsworth uses that exact plot - she wore a dark wig though so the guy who would actually recognize her couldn't (dumb bad guy!). She got her comeuppance though as she is shot and dies. Yeah, and her name is Harley Sturgis. Nickname or not, insert eyeroll and roll 'em hard.
The hero, Michael Gresham, though guilty of a shit-load of bad deeds (none of which consist of seduction), swoops in from jail(!) to save the other helpless attorney accused of killing her lover.
Lazy plot work "celebrates" the "strong" women by overcoming their "flaws" with Truth, Justice and literary slut shaming.
And Helpless Attorney then hires Michael to help her put away other bad guys. So a truly happy ending for the hero and the opportunity to show just how helpless those pesky females are.
The hero, Michael Gresham, though guilty of a shit-load of bad deeds (none of which consist of seduction), swoops in from jail(!) to save the other helpless attorney accused of killing her lover.
Lazy plot work "celebrates" the "strong" women by overcoming their "flaws" with Truth, Justice and literary slut shaming.
And Helpless Attorney then hires Michael to help her put away other bad guys. So a truly happy ending for the hero and the opportunity to show just how helpless those pesky females are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
LAW PARTNERS is my first JOHN ELLSWORTH book and sadly it may be my last. To preface, the copy I read was unpaginated, large print and double spaced. It may have been a galley copy. If that is correct, I can forgive all the errors I found. But if not, he needs a good editor (like me).
For a thriller/court room drama I found the book to be a tad too smarmy. It's OK for a husband and wife, both lawyers, to work on the same team. But who would saunter into a courtroom holding hands. It just seemed so out of place. I also do not like reading books in a first person POV. I prefer past tense, why?, because it makes the reader feel as though he or she is part of the action.
On a positive note, the action moved along and this book's print size did make it easy to read; some books become a chore for me...not good. But I have to say the ending was a fail! Michael walks into a post office and does something horrendous, something I cannot imagine anyone getting away with unscathed. That ruined the book for me. But perhaps you will love it.
For a thriller/court room drama I found the book to be a tad too smarmy. It's OK for a husband and wife, both lawyers, to work on the same team. But who would saunter into a courtroom holding hands. It just seemed so out of place. I also do not like reading books in a first person POV. I prefer past tense, why?, because it makes the reader feel as though he or she is part of the action.
On a positive note, the action moved along and this book's print size did make it easy to read; some books become a chore for me...not good. But I have to say the ending was a fail! Michael walks into a post office and does something horrendous, something I cannot imagine anyone getting away with unscathed. That ruined the book for me. But perhaps you will love it.
September 19, 2024
getting interesting and intense, recommend
As soon as I thought, Michael no Thaddeus Murfee, author pulled an okie dokie and created some Murfee moves. I like that because even though Michael my man, he’s kind of a stickler. He’s boring, not aggressive, too fearful. I did like Harley Sturgis character and I really hated she joined Michael firm. She was a great and fierce lawyer. She fought hard for her clients. She was a little too headstrong but she was fearless. I hate Harley won’t be in the next book. Marcel is and always a favorite. He knows his worth and he’s very versatile. He’s loyal and a great friend to Michael. Michael and Marcel have an outstanding relationship. Now, Danny role should be obsolete. I really don’t see her purpose in this relationship. She’s not a good supportive wife. When I think of a relationship, I think ride or die. She’s not that. She’s not on the same page as Michael. I vote to ditch her.
As soon as I thought, Michael no Thaddeus Murfee, author pulled an okie dokie and created some Murfee moves. I like that because even though Michael my man, he’s kind of a stickler. He’s boring, not aggressive, too fearful. I did like Harley Sturgis character and I really hated she joined Michael firm. She was a great and fierce lawyer. She fought hard for her clients. She was a little too headstrong but she was fearless. I hate Harley won’t be in the next book. Marcel is and always a favorite. He knows his worth and he’s very versatile. He’s loyal and a great friend to Michael. Michael and Marcel have an outstanding relationship. Now, Danny role should be obsolete. I really don’t see her purpose in this relationship. She’s not a good supportive wife. When I think of a relationship, I think ride or die. She’s not that. She’s not on the same page as Michael. I vote to ditch her.
September 13, 2019
Whoa
I enjoy reading the Michael Gresham series, but this book by far had the most shocking twists and turns.
Michael is hired by an old flame and fellow attorney Mira Morales when she is convicted of murdering her married lover. Mira is a Democrat running for the District Attorney position. Knowing that both of them are being framed by Chicago's finest cops, Michael hires an old friend/attorney Harley Sturgis to represent him.
The whole murder is a political move to get the Republican elected because he's in with the police union, and he refuses to charge any cops with crimes. Mira is the complete opposite, she prosecutes everyone, including the police. Michael just happened to be her attorney and pays for it with a brutal beating that leaves him with brain injuries and never wanting to practice law or leave his house again.
A must read!
I enjoy reading the Michael Gresham series, but this book by far had the most shocking twists and turns.
Michael is hired by an old flame and fellow attorney Mira Morales when she is convicted of murdering her married lover. Mira is a Democrat running for the District Attorney position. Knowing that both of them are being framed by Chicago's finest cops, Michael hires an old friend/attorney Harley Sturgis to represent him.
The whole murder is a political move to get the Republican elected because he's in with the police union, and he refuses to charge any cops with crimes. Mira is the complete opposite, she prosecutes everyone, including the police. Michael just happened to be her attorney and pays for it with a brutal beating that leaves him with brain injuries and never wanting to practice law or leave his house again.
A must read!
April 7, 2025
Page turner
I've become a fan of this series. Excellent characters, well written. If you are an avid crime, who-dun-it, courtroom reader you will love the series, also. Forgive me, but I am a nit-picker. A few things I must mention. In the hospital, it was said that a heart monitor was attached to the patient's finger. No, that is a pulse oximeter that measures oxygen saturation, and yes,it does give a heart rate. But it isn't a heart monitor. And the respiratory "technicians" are actually respiratory "therapists" who have a plethora of duties and responsibilities. Somewhere "breathe" was misspelled "breath." Forgive me, but these things bug me. There were a couple of things about a resuscitation but I can't recall what it was. Anway, love the books and will continue to read them . Highly recommend !
I've become a fan of this series. Excellent characters, well written. If you are an avid crime, who-dun-it, courtroom reader you will love the series, also. Forgive me, but I am a nit-picker. A few things I must mention. In the hospital, it was said that a heart monitor was attached to the patient's finger. No, that is a pulse oximeter that measures oxygen saturation, and yes,it does give a heart rate. But it isn't a heart monitor. And the respiratory "technicians" are actually respiratory "therapists" who have a plethora of duties and responsibilities. Somewhere "breathe" was misspelled "breath." Forgive me, but these things bug me. There were a couple of things about a resuscitation but I can't recall what it was. Anway, love the books and will continue to read them . Highly recommend !
December 14, 2018
BINGO!!
I started John Ellsworth books by reading the first three Thaddeus Murfree books. While I enjoyed them, I thought I’d try one of his Michael Gresham, lawyer books. The first one in the series is “Lies She Never Told Me”. I just finished “The Law Partners”, Book #4 in the series. WHAT A RIDE THIS BOOK TAKES YOU ON! There are more sudden twists and turns in this book than on the West Virginia highways I grew up with. ALL of the Michael Gresham books are like that. I just downloaded Book#5, “Carlos the Ant”, on my Kindel. If you like to read exciting books with well developed characters, with twisting / turning plots, start reading Michael Gresham. Time for me to go see what Carlos the Ant is up to. - ‘ole joe 🤓🙏🇺🇸
I started John Ellsworth books by reading the first three Thaddeus Murfree books. While I enjoyed them, I thought I’d try one of his Michael Gresham, lawyer books. The first one in the series is “Lies She Never Told Me”. I just finished “The Law Partners”, Book #4 in the series. WHAT A RIDE THIS BOOK TAKES YOU ON! There are more sudden twists and turns in this book than on the West Virginia highways I grew up with. ALL of the Michael Gresham books are like that. I just downloaded Book#5, “Carlos the Ant”, on my Kindel. If you like to read exciting books with well developed characters, with twisting / turning plots, start reading Michael Gresham. Time for me to go see what Carlos the Ant is up to. - ‘ole joe 🤓🙏🇺🇸
December 25, 2024
This one had plenty of complications. Michael Gresham is defending accused murderer Mira Morales, a prosecutor who is running for District Attorney. A guilty verdict would wreak havoc on her political future. We know from the beginning who really dunnit and it is just a matter of time before Michael does too. This one introduces an interesting new character and possible law partner for Michael. Early on Michael hires Harley Sturgis to defend him on conspiracy and obstruction charges. Seems like everyone spends time in the pokey in this one. The police are certainly not to be trusted. The question is can Michael get Mira absolved before election day? This one kept my interest though I did not like the ending. Still 4 stars.
March 7, 2019
This was the 3rd book in the Michael Gresham s series and the very best in my opinion. This story was very timely in todays world. There was racism, police coverup, political misconduct corporate greed. Michael is that rare defense lawyer who really has a conscious but also likes to win. His conscious and sense of right and wrong almost lost him the case and almost cost him his life. The best part of this book was that it should all the flaws of the good guys and made you see that there is a thin line between Good and evil. The author was able to tie all the loose ends together to end the story in a realistic and believable fashion.
June 21, 2020
I am pleased with the Michael Gresham series...
......although I skipped second book, based on trusted reviews. Thanks to those who were forthright.
My governor has extended our stay at home quarantine for another month! I've subsisted on John Ellsworth for three plus months, so I think I can hang. Back to the book? Good plot, mostly. Michael might be a little too sensitive for his line of work. I met Marcel a few weeks back in another series, so he was already in my good buddy pocket. If course, I'm getting the next book: what am I going to do? Play golf without a cart? Go boating with no passengers?
......although I skipped second book, based on trusted reviews. Thanks to those who were forthright.
My governor has extended our stay at home quarantine for another month! I've subsisted on John Ellsworth for three plus months, so I think I can hang. Back to the book? Good plot, mostly. Michael might be a little too sensitive for his line of work. I met Marcel a few weeks back in another series, so he was already in my good buddy pocket. If course, I'm getting the next book: what am I going to do? Play golf without a cart? Go boating with no passengers?
July 22, 2026
inconsistent facts
As much as I enjoy reading crime dramas this one has several typos as well as inconsistencies in the plot. When Michael is arrested for removing evidence from a crime scene he gets badly beaten by the police who arrested him. But in court he claims he had planned to turn that evidence over but forgot because of the head injury from the beating. Well folks who like consistent plot lines, the head injury came after the arrest therefore after the evidence was discovered by police. Giving Michael plenty of time to return the evidence prior to his arrest. I just hate when plot lines blur.
As much as I enjoy reading crime dramas this one has several typos as well as inconsistencies in the plot. When Michael is arrested for removing evidence from a crime scene he gets badly beaten by the police who arrested him. But in court he claims he had planned to turn that evidence over but forgot because of the head injury from the beating. Well folks who like consistent plot lines, the head injury came after the arrest therefore after the evidence was discovered by police. Giving Michael plenty of time to return the evidence prior to his arrest. I just hate when plot lines blur.
September 9, 2018
My first spoiler alert
I had major problems when Mr. Ellsworth used a fictional name for Richard Speck. I was only in elementary school when he killed those nurses but his real name was on my lips. As I read along I kept saying, that didn't happen until it finally dawned on me that Richard Dotty had to be created to embellish the story and thus Speck could not be used. I was happy to see that he did get his digs in with this book. Don't stop writing John Ellsworth. I totally enjoy your stories.
I had major problems when Mr. Ellsworth used a fictional name for Richard Speck. I was only in elementary school when he killed those nurses but his real name was on my lips. As I read along I kept saying, that didn't happen until it finally dawned on me that Richard Dotty had to be created to embellish the story and thus Speck could not be used. I was happy to see that he did get his digs in with this book. Don't stop writing John Ellsworth. I totally enjoy your stories.
November 11, 2017
Good book and recommended
I love legal thrillers..’The Law Partners’ Book 3 is great! Sometimes these series can jump around in the beginning, but after you realize what the lawyer ‘Michael Gresham’ has done or who he is defending, they are excellent plots...a little out there, but who cares, I don’t read legal thrillers that are fiction to read a bio. I read Book 1 & loved it! Now onto the next one.
Highly recommended, especially for legal eagles!
I love legal thrillers..’The Law Partners’ Book 3 is great! Sometimes these series can jump around in the beginning, but after you realize what the lawyer ‘Michael Gresham’ has done or who he is defending, they are excellent plots...a little out there, but who cares, I don’t read legal thrillers that are fiction to read a bio. I read Book 1 & loved it! Now onto the next one.
Highly recommended, especially for legal eagles!
August 8, 2019
Continuity issues
A wonderful read, and great story line. BUT..needs better proofing for continuity. Example: scene: jail hospital after Michael's assault. Harley arrives, needs to contact Danny. Doesn't have her number, so calls the office and reaches her there, both Harley and Michael speak to her. Danny arrives at hospital, says she came straight from courthouse after receiving the text from the office. I have seen several examples of this in other books as well.
A wonderful read, and great story line. BUT..needs better proofing for continuity. Example: scene: jail hospital after Michael's assault. Harley arrives, needs to contact Danny. Doesn't have her number, so calls the office and reaches her there, both Harley and Michael speak to her. Danny arrives at hospital, says she came straight from courthouse after receiving the text from the office. I have seen several examples of this in other books as well.
September 8, 2019
While entertaining to a point, this book is not believable in so many parts and in so many ways. Husband and wife lawyer-team skipping up the courtroom aisle hand in hand? Ummm cheesy much? What mother of a newly delivered ONE week-old baby, leaves said baby on a weekend jaunt to Mexico? Unrealistic and doesn’t happen in ‘normal’ life/world. I won’t go on - just feels like these people live in a parallel universe - more fantasy than fiction with unnecessary murder by the ‘good guys’.
March 29, 2021
More like a 3.5.....a lot of things just didn't add up or the author didn't clarify like how a cop who shot a kid and was on the verge of being indicted wasn't on leave and was able to still work and attend crime scenes...that made no sense to me and the story was just too cutesy with the wife being a lawyer too and it just perfectly wrapped up in the end....for the most part, it was an okay read, but it could've been better with the legal drama aspect.
May 16, 2017
I was introduced to John Ellsworth as a writer with another of his series, the Thadeus Murfee ones. Interestingly, I did not begin with the first of the series. I was new to Kindle unlimited and found it "borrow for free". The end result though, was that I got hooked anyway, and then I found this other protagonist, in Michael Gresham, and here I am picking these off, as well.
August 6, 2017
Another great book by John Ellsworth!
This is the third book in Ellsworth's Michael Gresham series. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! Can't wait to start the fourth book in this series. John Ellsworth has become one of my favorite authors. So glad I found him on Kindle Unlimited.
This is the third book in Ellsworth's Michael Gresham series. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! Can't wait to start the fourth book in this series. John Ellsworth has become one of my favorite authors. So glad I found him on Kindle Unlimited.
September 16, 2017
Outstanding
I am more into reading stories of Detectives. But, when I read the reviews of John Ellsworth book on Michael Gresham, I thought I would give it a chance. Well, I am into his books and am glad that I did take that chance.
If you like to read as much as I do, you will not get disappointed. I mostly like the thrill and the suspense. Thank you Mr. Ellsworth.
I am more into reading stories of Detectives. But, when I read the reviews of John Ellsworth book on Michael Gresham, I thought I would give it a chance. Well, I am into his books and am glad that I did take that chance.
If you like to read as much as I do, you will not get disappointed. I mostly like the thrill and the suspense. Thank you Mr. Ellsworth.
August 12, 2018
Not as good as Grisham, but more provocative, and decidedly, a bit anti-law enforcement (deservedly so). Michael is a smart, not-by-the-book attorney who thinks well on his feet and has an able assistant. In this tale a police officer gets his due after ordering a couple of people in cold blood and securing protection from his police buddies and the DA. I wonder how often this REALLY happens...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews