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Charley Sloan #1
Shadow of A Doubt
Charley Sloan thought it was all behind him — his career, his wives, his drink problem.
The colourful life he had once lived seemed a vague memory; he was now a regular at local AA meetings and was scraping by with work, using an office in a quiet and uneventful probate firm.
There were no glamorous women, no exotic holidays and no flash cars.
There was just Charley, sobriety, a rented studio and an old Ford Escort.
Life was lonely without booze, but it was stable. That is, until the arrival of an expensive looking client in his shabby lawyer’s office…
Robin Harwell — a sweetheart from High School with a favour to ask, and $20,000 to pay for it.
Defend her step-daughter? No easy task when the charge is murder, the victim her husband and the defendant has already confessed …
Angel — the rich little girl with celestial looks and a dead father’s blood on her hands. Innocent child, cool headed killer or completely psychotic? She probably needs a magician more than a lawyer …
Apart from the scandalous case they are facing, Robin and Angel seem to be coping remarkably well without Harrison Harwell. Their primary focus is on selling the shipping empire he left behind and making sure Angel doesn’t wind up in jail.
Why have they chosen Charley and what are they hiding?
Family feuds, secret sexualities and missing records add to the pressure Charley is under — this is the one chance he has to restore his name but he knows he has to take a risk and fight dirty if he wants to win.
With the publicity machine revving, the District Attorney prosecuting and the temptation to reach for the bottle growing, Charley must prove there’s a Shadow of A Doubt or else he’s sunk forever.
Praise for Shadow of A Doubt:
‘A great read. Shadow of a Doubt has much of the atmosphere and intrigue of Anatomy of a Murder and a humdinger of an ending’ - Scott Turrow
William J. Coughlin has combined a career as a United States administrative judge in Detroit with that of a best-selling novelist. His four previous highly acclaimed and successful novels are The Twelve Apostles, His Father’s Daughter, Her Honor and In the Presence of Enemies.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
The colourful life he had once lived seemed a vague memory; he was now a regular at local AA meetings and was scraping by with work, using an office in a quiet and uneventful probate firm.
There were no glamorous women, no exotic holidays and no flash cars.
There was just Charley, sobriety, a rented studio and an old Ford Escort.
Life was lonely without booze, but it was stable. That is, until the arrival of an expensive looking client in his shabby lawyer’s office…
Robin Harwell — a sweetheart from High School with a favour to ask, and $20,000 to pay for it.
Defend her step-daughter? No easy task when the charge is murder, the victim her husband and the defendant has already confessed …
Angel — the rich little girl with celestial looks and a dead father’s blood on her hands. Innocent child, cool headed killer or completely psychotic? She probably needs a magician more than a lawyer …
Apart from the scandalous case they are facing, Robin and Angel seem to be coping remarkably well without Harrison Harwell. Their primary focus is on selling the shipping empire he left behind and making sure Angel doesn’t wind up in jail.
Why have they chosen Charley and what are they hiding?
Family feuds, secret sexualities and missing records add to the pressure Charley is under — this is the one chance he has to restore his name but he knows he has to take a risk and fight dirty if he wants to win.
With the publicity machine revving, the District Attorney prosecuting and the temptation to reach for the bottle growing, Charley must prove there’s a Shadow of A Doubt or else he’s sunk forever.
Praise for Shadow of A Doubt:
‘A great read. Shadow of a Doubt has much of the atmosphere and intrigue of Anatomy of a Murder and a humdinger of an ending’ - Scott Turrow
William J. Coughlin has combined a career as a United States administrative judge in Detroit with that of a best-selling novelist. His four previous highly acclaimed and successful novels are The Twelve Apostles, His Father’s Daughter, Her Honor and In the Presence of Enemies.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
418 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1991
428 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
William J. Coughlin
37 books43 followersWilliam Jeremiah Coughlin (1929-1992), former defense attorney and judge in Detroit for twenty years, was the author of sixteen novels. He lived in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan with his wife, Ruth, an author and book critic.
Also wrote under the pseudonym of Sean A. Key.
Also wrote under the pseudonym of Sean A. Key.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
October 21, 2017
This novel took me a month to read and that is not necessarily a bad thing. I have plowed through my books this year and so quickly that I am already forgetting about some of them. Shadow of a Doubt will not be forgotten. A highly motivated courtroom trial with strong characters and an even stronger twist in the plot. Some of the behavior of the defendant was appalling, but also intriguing. Highly psychological, this one. The ending could have been just a tad different because I was wanting more, revenge to be exact.
The setting and era was a bit difficult in the beginning. The year being 1991 was without cell phones and computer technology. Took me back in time and made me feel old. *chuckling*
Great novel. I really like this author.
The setting and era was a bit difficult in the beginning. The year being 1991 was without cell phones and computer technology. Took me back in time and made me feel old. *chuckling*
Great novel. I really like this author.
October 3, 2016
A really good character driven legal drama featuring a recovering alcoholic who had been a big time lawyer in Detroit but has now been reduced to trying to eke out a living as a small town attorney. The first person narration was very engaging and the plotting was quite well done.
April 20, 2016
There is something that is so appealing about a floored character, that as a reader I really like. For me it gives the character depth, and makes them more appealing, and you just can’t help but like them. Charley Sloan fits into this category perfectly. A recovering alcoholic, survived three marriages, and has previously ridden the wave of success as a defence attorney. Now all of that is behind him, and he now need to now prove himself again. Robin and Angel Harwell turn up and need his help, after Angel is accused of stabbing her father to death. If Charley didn’t know Robin from his past he probably wouldn’t have taken the case. However you can see even though he isn’t confident, he really does know what’s he’s doing in the court room. This is a great story, and very entertaining.
June 22, 2016
Courtroom drama.
This is not typical courtroom drama, lawyer Charlie Sloan is recovering alcoholic. His conversations with himself are very honest, he doesn't blame his problems to anybody but himself. Angel and step-mother characters won't be liked anybody, clues about their relationship are given from the beginning. It was very easy for me to guess the ending. But surprise at the ending really made me very happy. Will be reading the next book.
This is not typical courtroom drama, lawyer Charlie Sloan is recovering alcoholic. His conversations with himself are very honest, he doesn't blame his problems to anybody but himself. Angel and step-mother characters won't be liked anybody, clues about their relationship are given from the beginning. It was very easy for me to guess the ending. But surprise at the ending really made me very happy. Will be reading the next book.
February 24, 2011
If you enjoy courtroom dramas, (which I do), this is a good one.
Two negatives: (1) It was written in 1991, so is very out of date in terms of technology. Not the author's fault, of course. But it dates the book tremendously. (2) I anticipated the "surprise ending" by the time I was a third way into the story. I kept reading anyway, in the hopes that I might be wrong and there would be a sudden unexpected twist. There wasn't.
Still, I enjoyed the book.
Two negatives: (1) It was written in 1991, so is very out of date in terms of technology. Not the author's fault, of course. But it dates the book tremendously. (2) I anticipated the "surprise ending" by the time I was a third way into the story. I kept reading anyway, in the hopes that I might be wrong and there would be a sudden unexpected twist. There wasn't.
Still, I enjoyed the book.
April 12, 2020
I don't read a lot of legal thrillers, but every once in a while it's fun to get caught up in the drama of a criminal trial. The Perry Mason formula makes for a compelling read, and the genre has produced some good writers. I like John Lescroart's Dismas Hardy books, and when a lawyer friend recommended William Coughlin to me, I discovered another good practitioner of the genre.
Coughlin, who died in 1992, was a Detroit attorney and later judge who wrote a number of stand-alones and four novels featuring Charley Sloan, a recovering alcoholic and former high-flying defense attorney who is struggling to put his life back together with a small practice after crashing and burning because of the booze. Sloan's ongoing struggle with alcohol provides an undercurrent of suspense in each book.
In this one, an old girlfriend contacts Sloan after the murder of her husband, a wealthy businessman found stabbed to death in his study. The police have charged his daughter with the murder; she was found distraught in her room shortly after the killing, blood on her hands and her prints on the murder weapon. Sloan's old flame doesn't believe her stepdaughter did it, and she wants Sloan to defend her despite his reputation as a washed-up has-been. The daughter is a knockout but something of a head case, with a history of hospitalization for psychological issues. She takes a shine to Charley and resists all efforts by well-meaning people to have him replaced by a more reputable attorney. Unsure at first, Sloan becomes convinced his client is innocent. The pressure builds as the trial approaches. Will he be able to mount a successful defense? Will he be thrown off the case? Why are both stepmother and daughter throwing themselves at him? Will he cave in and start drinking again? And who really killed Harrison Harwell?
There's lots of legal procedure, dirty secrets of the rich, sexual and other kinds of intrigue, and a good climactic trial. Also a nice twist at the end which I didn't see coming. All in all, a pretty good read.
Coughlin, who died in 1992, was a Detroit attorney and later judge who wrote a number of stand-alones and four novels featuring Charley Sloan, a recovering alcoholic and former high-flying defense attorney who is struggling to put his life back together with a small practice after crashing and burning because of the booze. Sloan's ongoing struggle with alcohol provides an undercurrent of suspense in each book.
In this one, an old girlfriend contacts Sloan after the murder of her husband, a wealthy businessman found stabbed to death in his study. The police have charged his daughter with the murder; she was found distraught in her room shortly after the killing, blood on her hands and her prints on the murder weapon. Sloan's old flame doesn't believe her stepdaughter did it, and she wants Sloan to defend her despite his reputation as a washed-up has-been. The daughter is a knockout but something of a head case, with a history of hospitalization for psychological issues. She takes a shine to Charley and resists all efforts by well-meaning people to have him replaced by a more reputable attorney. Unsure at first, Sloan becomes convinced his client is innocent. The pressure builds as the trial approaches. Will he be able to mount a successful defense? Will he be thrown off the case? Why are both stepmother and daughter throwing themselves at him? Will he cave in and start drinking again? And who really killed Harrison Harwell?
There's lots of legal procedure, dirty secrets of the rich, sexual and other kinds of intrigue, and a good climactic trial. Also a nice twist at the end which I didn't see coming. All in all, a pretty good read.
April 21, 2016
A three times divorced recovering alcoholic whose law career is in the tanks now needs to pull himself up by his boot straps and start over. An old flame hires him to defend her step-daughter who has been accused of murdering her father. This is his chance to start over. Written in the era of no technology it dates the book but is still an interesting read especially if you are old enough to remember those times. A lot of plot twist and turns a great page turner. Will read more by this author. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
December 27, 2017
William J. Coughlin was a veteran defense attorney who also wrote over a dozen novels, during his lifetime. His skill in both regards served him well in Shadow of a Doubt, one of the best courtroom thrillers I've read in a long time, and easily a match for those written by better known auhors like Grisham or Turow. The book provides both an excellent overview of the preparation and trial of a major case and a fascinating noirish character-based mystery story.
The hero of Shadow of a Doubt is Charlie Sloan, a 40-something attorney whose career has pretty much disappeared down the bottom of a bottle. His drinking problems led to a suspension by the bar and the loss of most of his clients, and he’s literally down to his last chance as the book begins. Fortunately, that last chance is a potential gold mine, as an old high school flame of his, now the widow of a wealthy manufacturing CEO, hires Charlie to defend her stepdaughter, who’s been accused of murdering her father.
The case seems airtight; she was found covered in blood, sitting in her bed holding the murder weapon and she also gave a statement to the police admitting she did it. The DA wants to run for Congress, using this case as a calling card. Plus, other high-powered defense attorneys try to bull their way into the case, threatening to have Charlie disbarred if he screws up.
The author may have stacked the deck against Charlie, but he proves quite a resourceful lawyer. Coughlin spends much of the book showing how Charlie puts his defense together, interviewing witnesses, and schmoozing and cajoling them to feel them out. The author also gets into some finer points of legal procedure, but explains them in a way that’s both easy for laymen to understand and highly interesting as well. As a result of the care with which Coughlin and Charlie put their case together and the time spent on it, the actual trial only takes up the last 20% of the book, but the prose is fast paced and there are a couple of totally out of left field developments to keep readers on their toes.
Shadow of a Doubt would be a very good book merely for its explanation and examination of courtroom procedure and its description of the trial. But the book is also a mystery and a character study, both of Charlie, who has his former drinking demons to contend with, and of his client, who’s got a very troubled past of her own that Charlie has to gradually unravel, one bit of information at a time, in order to get to the truth of what she actually did so he can plan her defense. The storyline isn’t at all straightforward, and just when readers think they realize where the author is going, Coughlin adds another twist, including a genuine shock of an ending. And, as the book progresses, Charlie’s struggle against his personal alcohol-related demons makes for an intriguing subplot.
Shadow of a Doubt will appeal both to fans of courtroom fare for its detailed description of legal prep work and trial strategy, as well as to mystery lovers for its fully fleshed-out characters and plot twists. There’s no doubt about it, this is one heck of a thriller.
The hero of Shadow of a Doubt is Charlie Sloan, a 40-something attorney whose career has pretty much disappeared down the bottom of a bottle. His drinking problems led to a suspension by the bar and the loss of most of his clients, and he’s literally down to his last chance as the book begins. Fortunately, that last chance is a potential gold mine, as an old high school flame of his, now the widow of a wealthy manufacturing CEO, hires Charlie to defend her stepdaughter, who’s been accused of murdering her father.
The case seems airtight; she was found covered in blood, sitting in her bed holding the murder weapon and she also gave a statement to the police admitting she did it. The DA wants to run for Congress, using this case as a calling card. Plus, other high-powered defense attorneys try to bull their way into the case, threatening to have Charlie disbarred if he screws up.
The author may have stacked the deck against Charlie, but he proves quite a resourceful lawyer. Coughlin spends much of the book showing how Charlie puts his defense together, interviewing witnesses, and schmoozing and cajoling them to feel them out. The author also gets into some finer points of legal procedure, but explains them in a way that’s both easy for laymen to understand and highly interesting as well. As a result of the care with which Coughlin and Charlie put their case together and the time spent on it, the actual trial only takes up the last 20% of the book, but the prose is fast paced and there are a couple of totally out of left field developments to keep readers on their toes.
Shadow of a Doubt would be a very good book merely for its explanation and examination of courtroom procedure and its description of the trial. But the book is also a mystery and a character study, both of Charlie, who has his former drinking demons to contend with, and of his client, who’s got a very troubled past of her own that Charlie has to gradually unravel, one bit of information at a time, in order to get to the truth of what she actually did so he can plan her defense. The storyline isn’t at all straightforward, and just when readers think they realize where the author is going, Coughlin adds another twist, including a genuine shock of an ending. And, as the book progresses, Charlie’s struggle against his personal alcohol-related demons makes for an intriguing subplot.
Shadow of a Doubt will appeal both to fans of courtroom fare for its detailed description of legal prep work and trial strategy, as well as to mystery lovers for its fully fleshed-out characters and plot twists. There’s no doubt about it, this is one heck of a thriller.
December 27, 2017
William J. Coughlin was a veteran defense attorney who also wrote over a dozen novels, during his lifetime. His skill in both regards served him well in Shadow of a Doubt, one of the best courtroom thrillers I've read in a long time, and easily a match for those written by better known auhors like Grisham or Turow. The book provides both an excellent overview of the preparation and trial of a major case and a fascinating noirish character-based mystery story.
The hero of Shadow of a Doubt is Charlie Sloan, a 40-something attorney whose career has pretty much disappeared down the bottom of a bottle. His drinking problems led to a suspension by the bar and the loss of most of his clients, and he’s literally down to his last chance as the book begins. Fortunately, that last chance is a potential gold mine, as an old high school flame of his, now the widow of a wealthy manufacturing CEO, hires Charlie to defend her stepdaughter, who’s been accused of murdering her father.
The case seems airtight; she was found covered in blood, sitting in her bed holding the murder weapon and she also gave a statement to the police admitting she did it. The DA wants to run for Congress, using this case as a calling card. Plus, other high-powered defense attorneys try to bull their way into the case, threatening to have Charlie disbarred if he screws up.
The author may have stacked the deck against Charlie, but he proves quite a resourceful lawyer. Coughlin spends much of the book showing how Charlie puts his defense together, interviewing witnesses, and schmoozing and cajoling them to feel them out. The author also gets into some finer points of legal procedure, but explains them in a way that’s both easy for laymen to understand and highly interesting as well. As a result of the care with which Coughlin and Charlie put their case together and the time spent on it, the actual trial only takes up the last 20% of the book, but the prose is fast paced and there are a couple of totally out of left field developments to keep readers on their toes.
Shadow of a Doubt would be a very good book merely for its explanation and examination of courtroom procedure and its description of the trial. But the book is also a mystery and a character study, both of Charlie, who has his former drinking demons to contend with, and of his client, who’s got a very troubled past of her own that Charlie has to gradually unravel, one bit of information at a time, in order to get to the truth of what she actually did so he can plan her defense. The storyline isn’t at all straightforward, and just when readers think they realize where the author is going, Coughlin adds another twist, including a genuine shock of an ending. And, as the book progresses, Charlie’s struggle against his personal alcohol-related demons makes for an intriguing subplot.
Shadow of a Doubt will appeal both to fans of courtroom fare for its detailed description of legal prep work and trial strategy, as well as to mystery lovers for its fully fleshed-out characters and plot twists. There’s no doubt about it, this is one heck of a thriller.
The hero of Shadow of a Doubt is Charlie Sloan, a 40-something attorney whose career has pretty much disappeared down the bottom of a bottle. His drinking problems led to a suspension by the bar and the loss of most of his clients, and he’s literally down to his last chance as the book begins. Fortunately, that last chance is a potential gold mine, as an old high school flame of his, now the widow of a wealthy manufacturing CEO, hires Charlie to defend her stepdaughter, who’s been accused of murdering her father.
The case seems airtight; she was found covered in blood, sitting in her bed holding the murder weapon and she also gave a statement to the police admitting she did it. The DA wants to run for Congress, using this case as a calling card. Plus, other high-powered defense attorneys try to bull their way into the case, threatening to have Charlie disbarred if he screws up.
The author may have stacked the deck against Charlie, but he proves quite a resourceful lawyer. Coughlin spends much of the book showing how Charlie puts his defense together, interviewing witnesses, and schmoozing and cajoling them to feel them out. The author also gets into some finer points of legal procedure, but explains them in a way that’s both easy for laymen to understand and highly interesting as well. As a result of the care with which Coughlin and Charlie put their case together and the time spent on it, the actual trial only takes up the last 20% of the book, but the prose is fast paced and there are a couple of totally out of left field developments to keep readers on their toes.
Shadow of a Doubt would be a very good book merely for its explanation and examination of courtroom procedure and its description of the trial. But the book is also a mystery and a character study, both of Charlie, who has his former drinking demons to contend with, and of his client, who’s got a very troubled past of her own that Charlie has to gradually unravel, one bit of information at a time, in order to get to the truth of what she actually did so he can plan her defense. The storyline isn’t at all straightforward, and just when readers think they realize where the author is going, Coughlin adds another twist, including a genuine shock of an ending. And, as the book progresses, Charlie’s struggle against his personal alcohol-related demons makes for an intriguing subplot.
Shadow of a Doubt will appeal both to fans of courtroom fare for its detailed description of legal prep work and trial strategy, as well as to mystery lovers for its fully fleshed-out characters and plot twists. There’s no doubt about it, this is one heck of a thriller.
November 8, 2019
Redemption for a broken down lawyer
Charley Sloan is an active AA member and a broken down lawyer barely hanging on . In the middle of the night he gets a call from Robin a childhood girlfriend saying her step daughter is in jail for killing her father. Charley steps up to help Angel get out of jail. Angel has a history of emotional problems, which may or may not cancel out her confession. Will this be Charley's redemption or his dean song? It keeps you routing for Charley even when Angel is hard to sympathize with.
Charley Sloan is an active AA member and a broken down lawyer barely hanging on . In the middle of the night he gets a call from Robin a childhood girlfriend saying her step daughter is in jail for killing her father. Charley steps up to help Angel get out of jail. Angel has a history of emotional problems, which may or may not cancel out her confession. Will this be Charley's redemption or his dean song? It keeps you routing for Charley even when Angel is hard to sympathize with.
May 18, 2018
Review of a excellent read called SHADOW OF A DOUBT
It had a great cast of characters that are always surprising. The ending was a surprise that will kept you guessing all night long!!!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone that has a liking for suspense or anything!!!!! Its that good!!!!!!
It had a great cast of characters that are always surprising. The ending was a surprise that will kept you guessing all night long!!!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone that has a liking for suspense or anything!!!!! Its that good!!!!!!
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April 5, 2020This review comes a long time after the others. I picked this book up at a lending library thinking it was brand new because it was shiny and unread. Found the style and much of the cultural tone to be weirdly outdated, especially his treatment of women; then I looked at the copyright date and saw 1991, which explained, but did not excuse, a lot. However, the thing which made me want to write this review was his discussion of AA. I've been a member for AA for 10 years and I don't think the author understands AA or alcoholism. His character is a textbook (there is no textbook) example of a dry drunk and does not appear to have any idea of what being sober means. You can't have gone to as many meetings as he claims to have and still not get it. For example, I have never met a sober alcoholic (there is no such thing as an ex-alcoholic) who would talk about alcohol the way this guy does. We get urges to drink, especially in the early days, but no sober alcoholic would ever say that they "need" a drink, which is what this protagonist says repeatedly. I've already gone on longer than I meant to, so I will just add that the scene where somebody gets him drunk without his knowing it is ludicrous. Any alcoholic would know instantly if a proferred glass of orange juice had alcohol in it. This scene completely blew it for me and I finished the book only because I had nothing else to read.
June 27, 2021
I read this several months ago so do not remember very much of it. I remember liking it. I like courtroom dramas that feel real, that make legal sense. Of course, in fiction, there is added drama and so it is here.
Told by disgraced defense lawyer Charley Sloan, the case is the defense of the stepdaughter, Angel, of a former lover, Robin Harwell. Sloan has his license back after losing it to drinking and his confidence is only starting to creep back. Angel has been accused of murder, so he needs to pull out all the stops. He tells Robin he needs another lawyer on the case, but she insists that he take it on alone.
Sloan doesn't forget courtroom styling. He remembers to position himself advantageously for the cameras and to use his face to display expressions nobody can misread. He also remembers how to make use of expert witnesses and to seek out weakness in the prosecution's witnesses.
He is, nonetheless, subject to ridicule in the press and elsewhere because of his past. Robin is told to dump him and get a proper lawyer. Sloan stands firm, shoving his self-doubts well away. He needs to win this case, or at least to provide a more than decent defense. The defendant's behavior doesn't help.
As the case progresses in the courtroom, it isn't looking good. Charley is tempted to have a few drinks. He knows that if the case goes bad his career is ruined. What he needs here is the shadow of a doubt, one that makes its way into the jury's minds.
Told by disgraced defense lawyer Charley Sloan, the case is the defense of the stepdaughter, Angel, of a former lover, Robin Harwell. Sloan has his license back after losing it to drinking and his confidence is only starting to creep back. Angel has been accused of murder, so he needs to pull out all the stops. He tells Robin he needs another lawyer on the case, but she insists that he take it on alone.
Sloan doesn't forget courtroom styling. He remembers to position himself advantageously for the cameras and to use his face to display expressions nobody can misread. He also remembers how to make use of expert witnesses and to seek out weakness in the prosecution's witnesses.
He is, nonetheless, subject to ridicule in the press and elsewhere because of his past. Robin is told to dump him and get a proper lawyer. Sloan stands firm, shoving his self-doubts well away. He needs to win this case, or at least to provide a more than decent defense. The defendant's behavior doesn't help.
As the case progresses in the courtroom, it isn't looking good. Charley is tempted to have a few drinks. He knows that if the case goes bad his career is ruined. What he needs here is the shadow of a doubt, one that makes its way into the jury's minds.
December 30, 2020
I became interested in Coughlin's works as he was praised for his writing of the legal field, possibly being superior to John Grisham, most of whose books I thoroughly enjoyed. So I gave it a shot with Shadow of a Doubt.
Unfortunately, I was not impressed by the writer's ability to express legal discussions. I still think Grisham is superior in this regard. Coughlin's writing style is dry and resembles more of a summary on Wikipedia. As soon as the story would get to court setting and I start to get excited, Coughlin would literally summarize the proceedings in one paragraph and move on. I wanted to have a whole meal, but instead was offered one bite here and there which felt unsatisfactory by the end.
I also think that this is more of a detective than legal story. Coughlin was dangling the storyline in between the two, avoiding committing fully to either, which further weakened the book in my opinion.
Most of the book is spent on the protagonist's issues with alcoholism and women. Oh yes, women. Every female character we encounter is almost always described in terms of sexual attraction, as if this is their defining dimension (even his own daughter was not spared!). Most of the women are hot, act seductively in general, and, in particular, they all want to sleep with our lawyer. He is very humble about it though, has to gently remind these impulsive creatures to keep their panties in check. This was a really cringe part of the book, but I guess this mindset is a product of its time.
Unfortunately, I was not impressed by the writer's ability to express legal discussions. I still think Grisham is superior in this regard. Coughlin's writing style is dry and resembles more of a summary on Wikipedia. As soon as the story would get to court setting and I start to get excited, Coughlin would literally summarize the proceedings in one paragraph and move on. I wanted to have a whole meal, but instead was offered one bite here and there which felt unsatisfactory by the end.
I also think that this is more of a detective than legal story. Coughlin was dangling the storyline in between the two, avoiding committing fully to either, which further weakened the book in my opinion.
Most of the book is spent on the protagonist's issues with alcoholism and women. Oh yes, women. Every female character we encounter is almost always described in terms of sexual attraction, as if this is their defining dimension (even his own daughter was not spared!). Most of the women are hot, act seductively in general, and, in particular, they all want to sleep with our lawyer. He is very humble about it though, has to gently remind these impulsive creatures to keep their panties in check. This was a really cringe part of the book, but I guess this mindset is a product of its time.
December 17, 2020
Designing Women
An alcoholic attorney is focusing on his recovery after a personal and professional fall from grace. Just getting by he is flummoxed when a beautiful, wealthy woman from his past insists on hiring him to defend her stepdaughter. The young woman is accused of murdering her father and has apparently confessed. Charley reluctantly takes the case and is sucked into a diabolically clever game.
This book was a good read. Charley is flawed, likable and believable. The case however was predictable but still played out well. I didn't like the sub-plot about Charley's addict daughter though. It was unnecessary, unbelievable and preachy. Otherwise good courtroom thriller.
An alcoholic attorney is focusing on his recovery after a personal and professional fall from grace. Just getting by he is flummoxed when a beautiful, wealthy woman from his past insists on hiring him to defend her stepdaughter. The young woman is accused of murdering her father and has apparently confessed. Charley reluctantly takes the case and is sucked into a diabolically clever game.
This book was a good read. Charley is flawed, likable and believable. The case however was predictable but still played out well. I didn't like the sub-plot about Charley's addict daughter though. It was unnecessary, unbelievable and preachy. Otherwise good courtroom thriller.
December 21, 2021
I've had three Couglin used paperbacks on my shelf for a long time now. I can't remember where/when/why I got them nor why I'd never read any of them... So looking for my next read, I snagged the first one. They are legal mysteries and this one started off slowly but at about the point where I usually make the decision to keep reading or toss, I realized he had me hooked. Charley Sloan is a washed up attorney who's career was tanked by alcoholism... He's hired for a huge case and starts to muddle his way through... There are lots of nice twists and turns here and I really grew from boredom with Charley to really liking him and being grateful that I've got two more stories about him right on my own shelf!
December 15, 2022
I read this ages ago and totally forgot the name but remembered only the plot, it took me so much time to find it, I searched everywhere just based on the plot and finally here we are! This book was originally published in 1991 and I found it in my school library 8 years ago when I was just 15 at first I thought it was long and boring but once I started to actually get to it, I found it was a masterpiece. It had a plot twist nobody could see and a story that blows your mind and makes you think of so many things when it comes to the mental state of Angel and how emotionless she seems. I also love how through the book I kept thinking how smart the attorney is until….
Just read and see.
I enjoyed this book so much and I’m so happy i found the name. I’ll definitely re-read.
Just read and see.
I enjoyed this book so much and I’m so happy i found the name. I’ll definitely re-read.
January 9, 2020
Excellent, a real surprise
I didn't know the author but tried the book as an Amazon Unlimited offer. It's really really good. Great characters, a great, if straight forward plot, but extremely well written and with great pacing. I think this would make a good film too. I'll certainly try more of Mr Coughlin's work. Recommended.
I didn't know the author but tried the book as an Amazon Unlimited offer. It's really really good. Great characters, a great, if straight forward plot, but extremely well written and with great pacing. I think this would make a good film too. I'll certainly try more of Mr Coughlin's work. Recommended.
October 16, 2020
William Coughlin does a marvelous job developing the characters in this fascinating novel and making you feel their pain. He also adds enough humor to ease your tension as the story builds with no chance for the protagonist to win. Unless you're comatose, you will not be bored with this beautifully woven tale.
January 30, 2025
A Good Start
I don’t usually review a series until the 3rd book, but I have already enjoyed another Coughlin series, and this first effort was pretty good. The ending became a little obvious about halfway through the book, but the story was good, so for a first rating, I gave it the top slot. I will continue with the series, hoping that it justifies this initial rating.
I don’t usually review a series until the 3rd book, but I have already enjoyed another Coughlin series, and this first effort was pretty good. The ending became a little obvious about halfway through the book, but the story was good, so for a first rating, I gave it the top slot. I will continue with the series, hoping that it justifies this initial rating.
November 30, 2016
4 1/2 stars. Great story with a terrific main character that readers will like because he's an ordinary guy, just doing his best. The story is tightly plotted and well told, with a number of intriguing plot twists and turns.
April 7, 2018
This is really dated by its lack of technology, references to long-dead film stars and mostly by its antediluvian attitudes to women. It's also extremely dull & the 'twist' at the end is telegraphed and lost any shock value eons ago.
August 21, 2019
Legal thriller
Really enjoyed this first outing with Charley Sloan👍
Very informative rd legal proceedings.
Thought maybe a little slow at first. But soon had me riveted.
Thoroughly recommend if you like a good courtroom novel
Really enjoyed this first outing with Charley Sloan👍
Very informative rd legal proceedings.
Thought maybe a little slow at first. But soon had me riveted.
Thoroughly recommend if you like a good courtroom novel
June 17, 2020
Great plot with many twists. His ability to combine humor with realistic court/legal drama is perfectly done.
Charley is a very likeable character who despite his flaws, and reputation, has an amazing legal mind.
Just an all around great read.
Charley is a very likeable character who despite his flaws, and reputation, has an amazing legal mind.
Just an all around great read.
July 29, 2021
An excellent novel with a yeisy
Charlie Sloan works hard to prove a young woman is innocent of the murder of her father . I thoroughly enjoyed the court room scenes. Great ending that should definitely lead into another murder.
Charlie Sloan works hard to prove a young woman is innocent of the murder of her father . I thoroughly enjoyed the court room scenes. Great ending that should definitely lead into another murder.
September 27, 2024
The book definitely kept my attention.
I was glad to see Charley meet his daughter again.
I can only hope that the 2 main female characters in the book will not live long happy lives. They are evil!
I was glad to see Charley meet his daughter again.
I can only hope that the 2 main female characters in the book will not live long happy lives. They are evil!
September 20, 2025
READ IT
No hints for you, no clues, nothing about how much I loved the book or which part I liked the most! Just get it quickly and READ IT! I guarantee you will be glad you did…it’s that good.
No hints for you, no clues, nothing about how much I loved the book or which part I liked the most! Just get it quickly and READ IT! I guarantee you will be glad you did…it’s that good.
January 19, 2017
A Good Read
Although this was a little slow moving at times, I enjoyed the story and the character development was very good. I can't wait to start book 2 in the series.
Although this was a little slow moving at times, I enjoyed the story and the character development was very good. I can't wait to start book 2 in the series.
July 4, 2017
Not as fast paced as, say, a Grisham thriller, but a decent legal novel.
I'll give Charlie Sloan another go. I think there are two more with him as main character.
I'll give Charlie Sloan another go. I think there are two more with him as main character.
October 7, 2017
I used to read only mysteries. The last few years I haven’t read any since I was sick of them. I certainly did enjoy reading this one and read it because it was recommended.
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