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Jack Swyteck #13
Most Dangerous Place
Defending a woman accused of murdering the man who sexually assaulted her, Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck must uncover where the truth lies between innocence, vengeance, and justice in this spellbinding tale of suspense—based on shocking true-life events—from the New York Times bestselling author of Gone Again.
According to the FBI, the most dangerous place for a woman between the ages of twenty and thirty is in a relationship with a man. Those statistics become all too personal when Jack Swyteck takes on a new client tied to his past.
It begins at the airport, where Jack is waiting to meet his old high school buddy, Keith Ingraham, a high-powered banker based in Hong Kong, coming to Miami for his young daughter’s surgery. But their long-awaited reunion is abruptly derailed when the police arrest Keith’s wife, Isabelle, in the terminal, accusing her of conspiring to kill the man who raped her in college. Jack quickly agrees to represent Isa, but soon discovers that to see justice done, he must separate truth from lies—an undertaking that proves more complicated than the seasoned attorney expects.
Inspired by an actual case involving a victim of sexual assault sent to prison for the death of her attacker, James Grippando’s twisty thriller brilliantly explores the fine line between victim and perpetrator, innocence and guilt, and cold-blooded revenge and rightful retribution.
According to the FBI, the most dangerous place for a woman between the ages of twenty and thirty is in a relationship with a man. Those statistics become all too personal when Jack Swyteck takes on a new client tied to his past.
It begins at the airport, where Jack is waiting to meet his old high school buddy, Keith Ingraham, a high-powered banker based in Hong Kong, coming to Miami for his young daughter’s surgery. But their long-awaited reunion is abruptly derailed when the police arrest Keith’s wife, Isabelle, in the terminal, accusing her of conspiring to kill the man who raped her in college. Jack quickly agrees to represent Isa, but soon discovers that to see justice done, he must separate truth from lies—an undertaking that proves more complicated than the seasoned attorney expects.
Inspired by an actual case involving a victim of sexual assault sent to prison for the death of her attacker, James Grippando’s twisty thriller brilliantly explores the fine line between victim and perpetrator, innocence and guilt, and cold-blooded revenge and rightful retribution.
Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2017
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About the author
James Grippando
50 books1,193 followers The first thing you should know about bestselling author James Grippando is that he is no longer clueless—or so they say, after “A James Grippando Novel” was a clue for #38 Across in the New York Times crossword puzzle. James is the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for legal fiction and a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to his credit, including the popular series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck. His latest, "Goodbye Girl" (HarperCollins 2024), is the 18th in the Swyteck series. His novels are enjoyed worldwide in 28 languages. As an adjunct professor he teaches "The Law & Lawyers in Modern Literature" at the University of Miami School of Law. He is also counsel at one of the nation’s leading law firms, where he specializes in entertainment and intellectual property law, representing clients who have won more than 40 Tony Awards. He writes in south Florida with Atlas at his side, a faithful golden retriever who has no idea he’s a dog.
Series:
* Jack Swyteck
Series:
* Jack Swyteck
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
February 20, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was another great Jack Swyteck book. This series has been consistently good and this book was no exception. This book is the 13th installment in the Jack Swyteck series but it can be easily read as a stand alone novel. Like all of the other books in this series, the book tells its own story with the help of some familiar characters. I started this book about a half hour before I had planned to go to bed for the night which turned out to be a huge mistake because I didn't want to stop reading. Since I am past my days of being able to function on no sleep, I did put the book down although later than I had planned but I couldn't wait to get back to it. I just had to know what secrets were being kept.
Jack, along with his wife and young daughter, go to the airport to pick up his old friend, Keith, and his family. As soon as the group meets up, Keith's wife, Isa, is arrested and taken away in handcuffs. Jack jumps in to help right away and is quickly hired as as Isa's lawyer. She is being charged with conspiracy to murder the man that raped her in college. It becomes evident right away that Isa is keeping quite a few secrets.
This story took a lot of twists and turns and I was never quite sure which character should be trusted. Jack finds himself in a situation where he has to dig deep into the past of his good friend's wife even when it becomes unpleasant. His responsibility is to his client who doesn't always make things easy. Throw an additional lawyer who drove both myself and Jack a little crazy and you have one heck of a frustrating case.
As I have come to expect from James Grippando, the story was told in a wonderful manner. The pacing was very well done with some pretty intense moments worked into the story. I love the little bit of humor that always seems to work its way into the story and puts a smile on my face. I did enjoy how the mystery behind what happened was unraveled just a little bit at a time. Everything fit together nicely by the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. I found this story to be quite the page turner that really kept me guessing. I have been reading James Grippando since I first discovered his writing over 10 years ago and since then I have read most of his work. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins Publishers - Harper via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
There was lot going on in this case. I enjoyed watching Jack work out another mystery with enough twists to keep things really interesting.
This was another great Jack Swyteck book. This series has been consistently good and this book was no exception. This book is the 13th installment in the Jack Swyteck series but it can be easily read as a stand alone novel. Like all of the other books in this series, the book tells its own story with the help of some familiar characters. I started this book about a half hour before I had planned to go to bed for the night which turned out to be a huge mistake because I didn't want to stop reading. Since I am past my days of being able to function on no sleep, I did put the book down although later than I had planned but I couldn't wait to get back to it. I just had to know what secrets were being kept.
Jack, along with his wife and young daughter, go to the airport to pick up his old friend, Keith, and his family. As soon as the group meets up, Keith's wife, Isa, is arrested and taken away in handcuffs. Jack jumps in to help right away and is quickly hired as as Isa's lawyer. She is being charged with conspiracy to murder the man that raped her in college. It becomes evident right away that Isa is keeping quite a few secrets.
This story took a lot of twists and turns and I was never quite sure which character should be trusted. Jack finds himself in a situation where he has to dig deep into the past of his good friend's wife even when it becomes unpleasant. His responsibility is to his client who doesn't always make things easy. Throw an additional lawyer who drove both myself and Jack a little crazy and you have one heck of a frustrating case.
As I have come to expect from James Grippando, the story was told in a wonderful manner. The pacing was very well done with some pretty intense moments worked into the story. I love the little bit of humor that always seems to work its way into the story and puts a smile on my face. I did enjoy how the mystery behind what happened was unraveled just a little bit at a time. Everything fit together nicely by the end of the book.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. I found this story to be quite the page turner that really kept me guessing. I have been reading James Grippando since I first discovered his writing over 10 years ago and since then I have read most of his work. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from HarperCollins Publishers - Harper via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
There was lot going on in this case. I enjoyed watching Jack work out another mystery with enough twists to keep things really interesting.
April 20, 2017
3.75 stars
Legal drama, relaxed pace bordering on slow at times, serious tone with strips of humor, shifting POVs, intriguing characters, rushed/ anticlimactic ending.
Legal drama, relaxed pace bordering on slow at times, serious tone with strips of humor, shifting POVs, intriguing characters, rushed/ anticlimactic ending.
August 18, 2023
This is my first Jack Swyteck series novel, and it read like a stand-alone.
However, I am interested in checking out more, and will see if I can find the first in the series.
Premise: Jack is asked to defend a woman accused of murdering the man who sexually assaulted her. He needs to uncover where the truth lies between innocence, vengeance, and justice.
Apparently, this story is based on true-life events.
I feel a bit out of breath. The story really kept me going. I didn’t want to put it down.
This was suspenseful, intriguing, entertaining and complex!
The writing was crisp, the characters intelligent, resolute and willful. The plot was action-packed.
It was a legal-thriller about family dynamics, dark secrets, abuse and revenge.
It checked all my boxes as a lover of courtroom drama!
An easy read for those who also like this type of story.
March 12, 2017
Jack Swyteck says, "should never have friends for clients." Alas, I should never read another Swyteck character novel. 0 of 10 stars
July 7, 2020
The first chapter of this story had me invested in the characters. I wanted to know Isabelle’s truth. I wanted to know if she was indeed guilty of the crime she stood accused of. I wanted to know Keith and if he really knew the woman he married.
Any opportunity I had to read I was reading this story. For me it was the rich character development, character interaction and the details. I could literally see them at the airport. I could picture Isabelle in jail standing in line waiting to make a phone call. I felt like I was sitting on one of the benches in the courtroom during the trial. I felt the emotion of every character. When an author can tell a story making me feel like I’m IN the story and not just reading it, it’s a win.
As soon as I thought I had things figured out the author plunged me down an entire different path. Jack is a great lawyer that will fight for his clients to the very end!
I enjoyed the ride. Every chapter of it.
Any opportunity I had to read I was reading this story. For me it was the rich character development, character interaction and the details. I could literally see them at the airport. I could picture Isabelle in jail standing in line waiting to make a phone call. I felt like I was sitting on one of the benches in the courtroom during the trial. I felt the emotion of every character. When an author can tell a story making me feel like I’m IN the story and not just reading it, it’s a win.
As soon as I thought I had things figured out the author plunged me down an entire different path. Jack is a great lawyer that will fight for his clients to the very end!
I enjoyed the ride. Every chapter of it.
July 24, 2017
Most Dangerous Place by James Grippando
Jack Swyteck series Book #13
4.5 ★'s
What's It About?
Defending a woman accused of murdering the man who sexually assaulted her, Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck must uncover where the truth lies between innocence, vengeance, and justice in this spellbinding tale of suspense—based on shocking true-life events.
According to the FBI, the most dangerous place for a woman between the ages of twenty and thirty is in a relationship with a man. Those statistics become all too personal when Jack Swyteck takes on a new client tied to his past. It begins at the airport, where Jack is waiting to meet his old high school buddy, Keith Ingraham, a high-powered banker based in Hong Kong, coming to Miami for his young daughter’s surgery. But their long-awaited reunion is abruptly derailed when the police arrest Keith’s wife, Isabelle, in the terminal, accusing her of conspiring to kill the man who raped her in college. Jack quickly agrees to represent Isa, but soon discovers that to see justice done, he must separate truth from lies—an undertaking that proves more complicated than the seasoned attorney expects.
Inspired by an actual case involving a victim of sexual assault sent to prison for the death of her attacker, James Grippando’s twisty thriller brilliantly explores the fine line between victim and perpetrator, innocence and guilt, and cold-blooded revenge and rightful retribution.
What Did I Think?
I have been a long time fan of this series. It seems that it just gets better and better with each additional episode. You are eager to find out more from the very first page. Rape has more than one victim...entire families, marriages and relationships suffer often irreparable damage that can lead to revenge that often sets off a disastrous chain of events. Thus is the case of this young woman....but is she truly only a victim or is she as much a predator as her attacker? A complex plot with so many twists and turns that Grippando pulls off beautifully.
Jack Swyteck series Book #13
4.5 ★'s
What's It About?
Defending a woman accused of murdering the man who sexually assaulted her, Miami lawyer Jack Swyteck must uncover where the truth lies between innocence, vengeance, and justice in this spellbinding tale of suspense—based on shocking true-life events.
According to the FBI, the most dangerous place for a woman between the ages of twenty and thirty is in a relationship with a man. Those statistics become all too personal when Jack Swyteck takes on a new client tied to his past. It begins at the airport, where Jack is waiting to meet his old high school buddy, Keith Ingraham, a high-powered banker based in Hong Kong, coming to Miami for his young daughter’s surgery. But their long-awaited reunion is abruptly derailed when the police arrest Keith’s wife, Isabelle, in the terminal, accusing her of conspiring to kill the man who raped her in college. Jack quickly agrees to represent Isa, but soon discovers that to see justice done, he must separate truth from lies—an undertaking that proves more complicated than the seasoned attorney expects.
Inspired by an actual case involving a victim of sexual assault sent to prison for the death of her attacker, James Grippando’s twisty thriller brilliantly explores the fine line between victim and perpetrator, innocence and guilt, and cold-blooded revenge and rightful retribution.
What Did I Think?
I have been a long time fan of this series. It seems that it just gets better and better with each additional episode. You are eager to find out more from the very first page. Rape has more than one victim...entire families, marriages and relationships suffer often irreparable damage that can lead to revenge that often sets off a disastrous chain of events. Thus is the case of this young woman....but is she truly only a victim or is she as much a predator as her attacker? A complex plot with so many twists and turns that Grippando pulls off beautifully.
July 5, 2017
" According to the FBI, the most dangerous place for a woman between the ages of 20 and 30 is in a relationship with a man."
One more quote that seems appropriate for this book and one of my personal favorites is:
"Revenge is an act of passion,
Vengeance is an act of retribution."
Our intrepid hero, Jack, is waiting at the airport to greet his old high school buddy, Keith, a high powered banker, coming in to Miami for his young daughter's surgery. However their long awaited reunion is interrupted by the stunning and abrupt arrest of Keith's beautiful wife, Isabelle. She is accused of conspiracy, in the murder of a man who she says raped her over 10 years ago.
Truth and lies. Fact or fiction. Victim or perpetrator, innocence and guilt. Revenge or retribution. Jack volunteers to represent Isabelle as her lawyer and has to sort out all of the players, living and dead, and all of the stories to find out what happened to whom, when, where and lastly, why.
So many lies from so many sources make this an ever changing maze one finds one self stumbling through, in the rain seemingly blindfolded.
Crack on readers...to very last page....
One more quote that seems appropriate for this book and one of my personal favorites is:
"Revenge is an act of passion,
Vengeance is an act of retribution."
Our intrepid hero, Jack, is waiting at the airport to greet his old high school buddy, Keith, a high powered banker, coming in to Miami for his young daughter's surgery. However their long awaited reunion is interrupted by the stunning and abrupt arrest of Keith's beautiful wife, Isabelle. She is accused of conspiracy, in the murder of a man who she says raped her over 10 years ago.
Truth and lies. Fact or fiction. Victim or perpetrator, innocence and guilt. Revenge or retribution. Jack volunteers to represent Isabelle as her lawyer and has to sort out all of the players, living and dead, and all of the stories to find out what happened to whom, when, where and lastly, why.
So many lies from so many sources make this an ever changing maze one finds one self stumbling through, in the rain seemingly blindfolded.
Crack on readers...to very last page....
March 24, 2022
4.5 A new author for me to love. He writes legal fiction. Love the Jack Swytech character. Unputdownable
March 28, 2017
Not my favorite Jack Swytek crime novel by Grippando--too many characters with too much to hide and too many lies told to their lawyers--but this is a solid series and extremely well narrated by Jonathan Davis. It's filled with series characters--though not nearly enough from Jack's wife and his best friend (a man he saved from execution)--and legal and investigative details. Jack and his wife go to the airport to meet one of his closest friends, a banker arriving from Hong Kong with his wife and daughter, who is there for surgery. At the airport, the friend's wife is arrested for murder--or perhaps it will be accessory to murder--of the man who raped her in college. Extremely labyrinthine plot, made even more obscure because everyone is lying to lawyer Swytek--frankly, a few too many lies and unreliable witnesses for my taste. Yet the novel is based on a true story of a woman, a victim of sexual assault, sent to prison after her attacker was murdered. Interesting series characters, Miami setting, Jack and Theo (ex-con best friend) go on dangerous investigations--and Jack realizes he shouldn't with a 2-year old at home (does this put him in the group of aging detectives who really can't physically take so many risks and blows?), smart dialog, with black humor lightening the dark tone. Compelling, if sometimes irritating story, but I couldn't stop listening. Get the Look, 5th in the series and when Jack meets Andi, the FBI agent who becomes is wife, is a good introduction to the series, as is Last Call, which tells Theo's story.
March 29, 2017
James Grippando has added another solid legal thriller to his Jack Swyteck series. It's not his best work: the book has a fairly narrow scope compared to past novels. And the plot, while clever and twisty, lacks imagination. That said, Grippando is an author worth reading. Put him on your summer reading list and start with "The Pardon", the debut book in this excellent series.
September 11, 2017
This newest thriller by James Grippando started off with a bang and never let up in intensity nor in surprises.
Quite frankly, I got a little weary of so many twists and turns and surprises. About half way through the book I was about to put it aside and then saw that it was based on a true story. REALLY? Well, that explained all the bizarre twists! Truth is frequently stranger than fiction. Thinking about some cases I’m personally aware of, I realized that only in real life would you encounter the type twists and turns that I found in this book.
Soooooooooooooo … I googled the news story the book was based on. Yep! The names, locales, etc. had been “changed to protect the innocent,” but the story was the same. Oh WOW! That definitely got me back into the book and increased my enjoyment of it.
It’s definitely a winner!
Quite frankly, I got a little weary of so many twists and turns and surprises. About half way through the book I was about to put it aside and then saw that it was based on a true story. REALLY? Well, that explained all the bizarre twists! Truth is frequently stranger than fiction. Thinking about some cases I’m personally aware of, I realized that only in real life would you encounter the type twists and turns that I found in this book.
Soooooooooooooo … I googled the news story the book was based on. Yep! The names, locales, etc. had been “changed to protect the innocent,” but the story was the same. Oh WOW! That definitely got me back into the book and increased my enjoyment of it.
It’s definitely a winner!
March 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
What a page turner, highly recommend if you like legal thriller books. I'm a new fan of the series, only read three so far and they are all really good.
What a page turner, highly recommend if you like legal thriller books. I'm a new fan of the series, only read three so far and they are all really good.
February 5, 2025
This was a welcomed read for my 12 hour work day. It kept me engaged but didn't require a lot of thought. This equals a win in my book.
I like the MC. He has is weak spots but always manages to come through out of a sense of friendship, responsibility or it's just the right thing. The perfect character to root for.
His story line here pulled me right in. I was ultra curious to find out how they were going to get to the end result. I wasn't disappointed. So, for this one, 4 stars.
I like the MC. He has is weak spots but always manages to come through out of a sense of friendship, responsibility or it's just the right thing. The perfect character to root for.
His story line here pulled me right in. I was ultra curious to find out how they were going to get to the end result. I wasn't disappointed. So, for this one, 4 stars.
April 11, 2017
Tore through this legal thriller in two days. Excellent - just excellent.
February 27, 2017
4.5 stars.
Most Dangerous Place by James Grippando is a gripping legal mystery about a woman arrested for murdering the man who sexually assaulted her. This latest release is the thirteenth installment in the Jack Swyteck series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Jack Swyteck is waiting at the Miami airport to pick up his old high school friend Keith Ingraham, his wife Isabelle "Isa" Bornelli and their 5 year old daughter, Melany, when their reunion ends before it even begins. No one is more stunned than Isa when the Miami Dade police immediately arrest her for the twelve year old murder of Gabriel Sosa, the man who raped her when she was a college student. Her ex-boyfriend, David Kaval, has scored himself a sweetheart deal that essentially lets him off the hook for the murder since he is willing to testify that Isa convinced him and his friend to kill Gabriel for her. Isa's long estranged father, former Venezuelan counsel officer Felipe Bornelli, immediately tries to intimidate Jack into giving up his daughter's case. When Jack refuses to co-operate with Felipe, slippery lawyer Manuel Espinosa somehow ends up working on Isa's case as Jack's co-counsel. He and Manuel have very different ideas about Isa's defense but Jack's greatest concern is whether or not Isa's being entirely truthful with him about what happened twelve years ago.
Despite Jack's reservations, he is fully committed to preparing Isa the best defense possible. David is obviously not the most trustworthy source of information since he has a vested interest in testifying against Isa, so Jack enlists his good friend, Theo Knight, to help him with his investigation. At the same time, Jack and Manuel are still arguing over defense strategy and Jack is quite unhappy when he discovers Isa is still not telling him everything. When the prosecutor makes a shocking arrest, Keith and Isa's marriage becomes strained. It is not until Isa's case goes to trial that Jack uncovers the information he needs to prove her innocence, but will he convince a new witness to testify on Isa's behalf?
Most Dangerous Place by James Grippando is an absolutely spellbinding mystery that readers of legal thrillers do not want to miss. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that make it impossible to predict whether or not Jack will find the evidence he needs to exonerate his client. The novel comes to an pulse-pounding conclusion and the final revelations are quite shocking. A fast-paced and compelling addition to the Jack Swyteck series that old and new fans are going to love.
Most Dangerous Place by James Grippando is a gripping legal mystery about a woman arrested for murdering the man who sexually assaulted her. This latest release is the thirteenth installment in the Jack Swyteck series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Jack Swyteck is waiting at the Miami airport to pick up his old high school friend Keith Ingraham, his wife Isabelle "Isa" Bornelli and their 5 year old daughter, Melany, when their reunion ends before it even begins. No one is more stunned than Isa when the Miami Dade police immediately arrest her for the twelve year old murder of Gabriel Sosa, the man who raped her when she was a college student. Her ex-boyfriend, David Kaval, has scored himself a sweetheart deal that essentially lets him off the hook for the murder since he is willing to testify that Isa convinced him and his friend to kill Gabriel for her. Isa's long estranged father, former Venezuelan counsel officer Felipe Bornelli, immediately tries to intimidate Jack into giving up his daughter's case. When Jack refuses to co-operate with Felipe, slippery lawyer Manuel Espinosa somehow ends up working on Isa's case as Jack's co-counsel. He and Manuel have very different ideas about Isa's defense but Jack's greatest concern is whether or not Isa's being entirely truthful with him about what happened twelve years ago.
Despite Jack's reservations, he is fully committed to preparing Isa the best defense possible. David is obviously not the most trustworthy source of information since he has a vested interest in testifying against Isa, so Jack enlists his good friend, Theo Knight, to help him with his investigation. At the same time, Jack and Manuel are still arguing over defense strategy and Jack is quite unhappy when he discovers Isa is still not telling him everything. When the prosecutor makes a shocking arrest, Keith and Isa's marriage becomes strained. It is not until Isa's case goes to trial that Jack uncovers the information he needs to prove her innocence, but will he convince a new witness to testify on Isa's behalf?
Most Dangerous Place by James Grippando is an absolutely spellbinding mystery that readers of legal thrillers do not want to miss. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that make it impossible to predict whether or not Jack will find the evidence he needs to exonerate his client. The novel comes to an pulse-pounding conclusion and the final revelations are quite shocking. A fast-paced and compelling addition to the Jack Swyteck series that old and new fans are going to love.
March 15, 2017
Whether the murder or facilitation of a murder of a person's rapist deems her guilty of a capital crime is something for which people may have differing opinions. Whether a rape happened is thrown into the mix as well as who was told after the fact and who was angry enough to do something about it. Slow in some parts, the trial sections were handled well with few exceptions. This is a novel with as many questions as answers, but slowly the truth will usually show itself by the end. It did in this case.
February 19, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Suspenseful, entertaining and complex!
In this latest novel by Grippando, Jack is back and this time he finds himself in a case rife with lies and deception where lives hang in the balance and relationships are tested to the max.
The writing is crisp. The characters are intelligent, resolute and willful. And the plot is an action-packed legal thriller about family dynamics, dark secrets, abuse and revenge.
Overall, I would have to say that this is definitely an intriguing, easy read that lovers of courtroom drama will certainly enjoy.
Thank you to Edelweiss, especially HarperCollins, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Suspenseful, entertaining and complex!
In this latest novel by Grippando, Jack is back and this time he finds himself in a case rife with lies and deception where lives hang in the balance and relationships are tested to the max.
The writing is crisp. The characters are intelligent, resolute and willful. And the plot is an action-packed legal thriller about family dynamics, dark secrets, abuse and revenge.
Overall, I would have to say that this is definitely an intriguing, easy read that lovers of courtroom drama will certainly enjoy.
Thank you to Edelweiss, especially HarperCollins, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 8, 2018
I need to change my rules for giving 5-star ratings to books! Initially reserved for 'your life depends upon reading this book' perspective, Grippando's 25th novel, 13th in the Jack Swyteck series, caused me to rethink my rating system.
This gripping murder mystery novel weaves a less than perfect life story, as the trial lawyer, Jack Swyteck works to prove his client's innocence. Each turn of the page gets the reader one step closer to learning the truth, only to be further complicated by a new twist provided by new information.
The reader gets a sense that the author has 'been there-done that' as the writing flows seamlessly between courtroom/investigative inquiry/prision/hotel rooms in a manner that one would expect to experience during a trial. You are right there with the prosecutor, trial lawyer, judge, jury and spectators.
At times, it is difficult to understand human behavior and related decisions, and why we do what we do in any given situation. But, the author expertly navigates this very complicated issue in his crafting of the story behind the story of Isa's decisions to not report the violent crime against her, in an effort to move forward with her life and to leave the past behind.
This gripping murder mystery novel weaves a less than perfect life story, as the trial lawyer, Jack Swyteck works to prove his client's innocence. Each turn of the page gets the reader one step closer to learning the truth, only to be further complicated by a new twist provided by new information.
The reader gets a sense that the author has 'been there-done that' as the writing flows seamlessly between courtroom/investigative inquiry/prision/hotel rooms in a manner that one would expect to experience during a trial. You are right there with the prosecutor, trial lawyer, judge, jury and spectators.
At times, it is difficult to understand human behavior and related decisions, and why we do what we do in any given situation. But, the author expertly navigates this very complicated issue in his crafting of the story behind the story of Isa's decisions to not report the violent crime against her, in an effort to move forward with her life and to leave the past behind.
March 25, 2019
This book is definitely a thriller, it is based on true-life events!
The FBI reports that the most dangerous place for women between the ages of 20 and 30, is in a relationship with a man. For Jack Swyteck, this particular set of statistics becomes extremely personal as he takes a new client with ties to his own past.
While Jack awaits his high school buddy at Miami Airport, he has no idea how the tides will turn so quickly. The planned reunion between Jack and his buddy Kevin comes to a shocking standstill when Kevin’s wife, Isa is arrested at the terminal for conspiring to murder a man who raped her in college.
This book is a study in the fine line between victim and perpetrator. Jack must find discover where the lines cross to determine what happened. But, separating truth from lies is sometimes more difficult than anticipated.
The FBI reports that the most dangerous place for women between the ages of 20 and 30, is in a relationship with a man. For Jack Swyteck, this particular set of statistics becomes extremely personal as he takes a new client with ties to his own past.
While Jack awaits his high school buddy at Miami Airport, he has no idea how the tides will turn so quickly. The planned reunion between Jack and his buddy Kevin comes to a shocking standstill when Kevin’s wife, Isa is arrested at the terminal for conspiring to murder a man who raped her in college.
This book is a study in the fine line between victim and perpetrator. Jack must find discover where the lines cross to determine what happened. But, separating truth from lies is sometimes more difficult than anticipated.
March 3, 2017
Acquired Taste
In the course of the series, Swyteck has become an all-round character; a guy whose morals and actions the reader has grown comfortable with. That's quite an achievement!
In the course of the series, Swyteck has become an all-round character; a guy whose morals and actions the reader has grown comfortable with. That's quite an achievement!
May 10, 2017
This is a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of suspense, surprise, and intrigue that Grippando achieved. Apparently, his Jack Swytech series is quite extensive in its following of the courtroom antics of this attorney. The story of Isabelle Bornelli's airport arrest for a ten-year old murder evolves into a tug of war between victim and perpretator, with a little cold-blooded revenge thrown in for good measure. The fact that this story is based on an actual case makes it all the more captivating. I plan to pick up another book in this series to see if the author's storytelling skills continue.
February 5, 2018
So, this is a great book!!! First I’ve read from this author but not the last!!!! So best line I have to quote- where is the most dangerous place for a women? People say subway, parking lots etc....answer is in a relationship. Wow, scary true!!! I was however never really sure if I could trust or if I believed the main character-a women. As a women I’m still not sure!!!! That’s why it’s great read!
July 30, 2017
Jack Swyteck, an attorney, reconnects with his old classmate, Keith Ingraham and mets Keith's wife (Isabelle Bornelli) and their young daughter for the first time. Keith and his family come to the States for a scheduled surgery on their young daughter.
Within a few minutes of connecting at the airport Isabelle is arrested for murder. Jack offers his assistance in representing Isabelle, but just what are the facts. Isabelle is a complicated lady and isn't readily forthcoming with information. As the facts begin to surface, Jack realizes he has a tough situation on his hands. If he is to save both Keith and Isabelle Jack finds himself teamed with another attorney that has a different approach. Can he pull this off? What really is the truth?
Within a few minutes of connecting at the airport Isabelle is arrested for murder. Jack offers his assistance in representing Isabelle, but just what are the facts. Isabelle is a complicated lady and isn't readily forthcoming with information. As the facts begin to surface, Jack realizes he has a tough situation on his hands. If he is to save both Keith and Isabelle Jack finds himself teamed with another attorney that has a different approach. Can he pull this off? What really is the truth?
March 8, 2025
Another Jack Swyteck page turner! I just came into this series a few months ago and I’m hooked. I love how we see the main characters in these novels grow and change from one book to the next. In the early books, brilliant defense lawyer Jack was a divorced man with his personal life in a mess. He’s now a married man with a child. Jack’s best friend and right hand man, Theo, who he saved from being executed for a crime he didn’t commit, has gone from owning a small dive bar in the beginning of the series to opening a popular jazz club as well. The suspense and courtroom drama in these books are among the best in the literary world. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in the life of Jack Swyteck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2017
Jack Swyteck goes to the Airport with his wife to meet his high school
Buddy and family when his friend's wife is arrested by the police for
murder. They have come to the United States so that their daughter can
have surgery on her ear. Jack takes the case along with another lawyer
And things go on and on with many twisted happenings. It is a legal
Thriller with lies being told on both sides and with many characters
Involved. The book is well written and has surprises that keep the
Reader engaged. I enjoyed the story and plot.
Buddy and family when his friend's wife is arrested by the police for
murder. They have come to the United States so that their daughter can
have surgery on her ear. Jack takes the case along with another lawyer
And things go on and on with many twisted happenings. It is a legal
Thriller with lies being told on both sides and with many characters
Involved. The book is well written and has surprises that keep the
Reader engaged. I enjoyed the story and plot.
April 14, 2019
3.5 stars
Another taut page turner with lots of surprises along the way.
This book takes place 2 yrs after the previous one.
This time Jack is defending his high school best friends wife in a murder case.
W/out specific spoilers, I’m glad jack’s personal life is going well.
And as usual, the writer tackles relevant subject matter in lieu of victims of rape & how they’re treated.
Well done as usual.
Another taut page turner with lots of surprises along the way.
This book takes place 2 yrs after the previous one.
This time Jack is defending his high school best friends wife in a murder case.
W/out specific spoilers, I’m glad jack’s personal life is going well.
And as usual, the writer tackles relevant subject matter in lieu of victims of rape & how they’re treated.
Well done as usual.
April 1, 2017
I didn't rate this higher because I didn't enjoy it as much as others in the series. The defendant is not likeable & withholds the truth too much. Just not my style of whodunits.
April 2, 2017
Always happy to discover a new character and new author. This is more of a court and police procedural than traditional mystery, although there are more hairpin turns than on ant mountain road.
April 10, 2017
As usual he doesn't disappoint, well done, always enjoy him
January 4, 2020
is the murder of a rapist by his victim ever okay? How far can vengeance be taken and for how long?
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