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Navy Justice #1
Treason
The stakes are high . . . and the entire world is waiting for the verdict.
The Navy has uncovered a group of radical Islamic clerics who have infiltrated the Navy Chaplain Corps, inciting sailors and marines to acts of terrorism. And Lieutenant Zack Brewer has been chosen to prosecute them for treason and murder.
Only three years out of law school, Zack has already made a name for himself, winning the coveted Navy Commendation medal. Just coming off a high-profile win, this case will challenge the very core of Zack’s skills and his Christian beliefs—beliefs that could cost him the case and his career.
With Diane Colcernian, his staunchest rival, as assistant prosecutor, Zack takes on internationally acclaimed criminal defense lawyer Wells Levinson. And when Zack and Diane finally agree to put aside their animosity, it causes more problems than they realize.
The Navy has uncovered a group of radical Islamic clerics who have infiltrated the Navy Chaplain Corps, inciting sailors and marines to acts of terrorism. And Lieutenant Zack Brewer has been chosen to prosecute them for treason and murder.
Only three years out of law school, Zack has already made a name for himself, winning the coveted Navy Commendation medal. Just coming off a high-profile win, this case will challenge the very core of Zack’s skills and his Christian beliefs—beliefs that could cost him the case and his career.
With Diane Colcernian, his staunchest rival, as assistant prosecutor, Zack takes on internationally acclaimed criminal defense lawyer Wells Levinson. And when Zack and Diane finally agree to put aside their animosity, it causes more problems than they realize.
325 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
283 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Don Brown
23 books114 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 17, 2017
The (rape) sexual assault trial of a female Navy Officer, headed by rivals and JAG Lieutenants Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian, spark some interesting questions not just with the victim and the accused, but with Zack and Diane. (A side note: whenever I read a new sentence with Zack and Diane, that stupid song would start going through my mind - Jack and Diane by Mellencamp. Good grief!) You might find yourself a little confused in the first few chapters because it seems as though one courtroom trial doesn’t have anything to do with the other, and well, it really doesn’t but it wraps up nicely and leaves room for the possibility of an ‘appeals’ story later in the series.
The Navy has uncovered a group of radical Islamic clerics who have infiltrated the Navy Chaplain Corps, inciting sailors and marines to acts of terrorism. Lieutenant Zack Brewer has been chosen to prosecute them for treason and murder. Zack is going up against the best lawyer in the world, literally and he needs a right hand man, or woman. Lt. Diane Colcernian.
Highly conceivable in my opinion and a good military crime to start with. However, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of details inside the courtroom itself. There was no dialogue or in depth interviews with witnesses in the story. How was the evidence produced in front of the jury and what was their reaction? These are my favorite parts of any legal thriller. 3.5 star rating.
This series is written by a Christian author so it was a nice reminder that we all have freedom of religion. Some of the inspiring bible quotes were a warm touch in some of the relationship scenes but I’m too old to go for that sappy stuff. Unfortunately, I’ve been exposed to the more radical aspect of the Islam religion and it is scary to even think that a bunch of extremists or terrorists would create ‘cells’ within our military bases, even after 9/11.
I really enjoyed this story. More so the legal and courtroom drama. I just wish there had been more of it.
The Navy has uncovered a group of radical Islamic clerics who have infiltrated the Navy Chaplain Corps, inciting sailors and marines to acts of terrorism. Lieutenant Zack Brewer has been chosen to prosecute them for treason and murder. Zack is going up against the best lawyer in the world, literally and he needs a right hand man, or woman. Lt. Diane Colcernian.
Highly conceivable in my opinion and a good military crime to start with. However, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of details inside the courtroom itself. There was no dialogue or in depth interviews with witnesses in the story. How was the evidence produced in front of the jury and what was their reaction? These are my favorite parts of any legal thriller. 3.5 star rating.
This series is written by a Christian author so it was a nice reminder that we all have freedom of religion. Some of the inspiring bible quotes were a warm touch in some of the relationship scenes but I’m too old to go for that sappy stuff. Unfortunately, I’ve been exposed to the more radical aspect of the Islam religion and it is scary to even think that a bunch of extremists or terrorists would create ‘cells’ within our military bases, even after 9/11.
I really enjoyed this story. More so the legal and courtroom drama. I just wish there had been more of it.
August 6, 2011
I wish I could say the plot of this fast-paced thriller was far-fetched. Unfortunately, it is all-too-realistic. At the beginning of the book, there seem to be two unrelated plot lines, but they come together in a dramatic way. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2012
As far as jingoistic, cliched stereotyping literature goes, this is some of the best. If you like reading about Muslims as nothing more than crazy-eyed, spittle-spewing jerks, lacking human compassion and ready to martyr themselves for a misguided religion, you'll enjoy this novel. Even though I'm a Christian, I didn't really relate much to the Christian characters, especially the one who himself was matyred for his faith. They were kind people, for the most part, centered, balanced, calm and gentle in the face of adversity. They didn't go around calling people infidels and unfaithful dogs, disrespecting women and blowing stuff up. So in that way I did relate to them.
I kept reading the story, however, because I wanted to find out what happened. The plot and character development was perfectly adequate for a political thriller, and I would say it was at least as good as a Mary Higgins Clark novel, although I can't say for sure since I haven't read one in years. I once stopped reading a John Grisham novel 23 pages from the end, so I would say this book was better than that one. Don't plan on reading anymore, however.
ETA: now that all this stuff keeps happening with grown men who want to burn to death a 14 year old girl with Down syndrome, and a 14 year old girl in Pakistan was shot because she wants to go to school, maybe we can just pretend that the Muslims in this book are such extremists.
I kept reading the story, however, because I wanted to find out what happened. The plot and character development was perfectly adequate for a political thriller, and I would say it was at least as good as a Mary Higgins Clark novel, although I can't say for sure since I haven't read one in years. I once stopped reading a John Grisham novel 23 pages from the end, so I would say this book was better than that one. Don't plan on reading anymore, however.
ETA: now that all this stuff keeps happening with grown men who want to burn to death a 14 year old girl with Down syndrome, and a 14 year old girl in Pakistan was shot because she wants to go to school, maybe we can just pretend that the Muslims in this book are such extremists.
November 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and the characters were relatable. I’ll look for more of Don Brown’s novels to read.
August 31, 2011
haven't read any books of don brown that were not at least 4 stars or more!
July 16, 2017
Second read through and I still enjoyed the story. For me, it is a good read... Recommended
August 21, 2016
Great novel with lots of action and suspense. This is the third book I have read by Don Brown and I have not been disappointed yet. Looking forward to reading more of his novels.
March 1, 2017
A friend recommended Dan Brown as a good read, so I eagerly checked out this book when I found it in the library. Indeed, the first chapters were interesting even though I was unfamiliar with many of the military terms, and the story moved at a nice pace. I also appreciated the reminder of God's redemption and love.
However, the romance in the second half of the book turned me off. I ended up skimming to the end because I didn't want to read about how JAG lawyer Diane Colcernian wanted her fellow JAG lawyer and trial partner Zack Brewster to touch her hand longer, felt jealous when he hugged a colleague and obsessed about every glance. It felt very adolescent and out of place with the story, and it distracted in a bad way.
I had hopes that this series would feed my need for action, adventure and mystery, but I was disappointed and won't be reading more of this series or author.
However, the romance in the second half of the book turned me off. I ended up skimming to the end because I didn't want to read about how JAG lawyer Diane Colcernian wanted her fellow JAG lawyer and trial partner Zack Brewster to touch her hand longer, felt jealous when he hugged a colleague and obsessed about every glance. It felt very adolescent and out of place with the story, and it distracted in a bad way.
I had hopes that this series would feed my need for action, adventure and mystery, but I was disappointed and won't be reading more of this series or author.
April 28, 2022
This is the first time I have read a book by Don Brown and I really loved it. It’s the first book in The Navy Justice Series so thankfully I have the other two books and can’t wait to dig into them. Mr Brown writes with complete knowledge because of serving in the US Navy JAG Corp. No romance at all until the end then very tastefully done. The two main characters, Lieutenant Zack Brewer and Lieutenant Diane Colcernian, face off in a court Marshal trial with him being the Prosecutor and her the Defense Attorney. There is already history between these two and they are worthy opponents so needless to say the sparks are flying. This is one of the best Military and trial stories I have read and I am so glad I have discovered Don Brown’s books.
February 2, 2024
Treason is the first book in the Navy Justice Collection. This is the story of Zack and Diane and their interactions in the court room as JAG lawyers for the US Armed Forces. The larger plot focuses on fighting the acts of terrorism brought about by a radical Islamic group that has infiltrated the U.S. Armed Forces. The storyline and characters are well developed with a lot of suspense and courtroom drama along with some romantic tension. I had a hard time with the lack of evidence put forward in the trials but this book is too good to be a 4 star book so I’m giving it 5 stars.
September 13, 2022
Wanted to hate this book
The authors political leanings and the “Tom Cruise” expectations made me grimace when I bought it, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Very good story, good likable characters, nice tension building, very enjoyable read. The Christian angle was distracting and seemed contrived, but was easily avoided when reading. The authors experience in the JAG Corps and details about the military justice system was very interesting to me, a lawyer.
The authors political leanings and the “Tom Cruise” expectations made me grimace when I bought it, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Very good story, good likable characters, nice tension building, very enjoyable read. The Christian angle was distracting and seemed contrived, but was easily avoided when reading. The authors experience in the JAG Corps and details about the military justice system was very interesting to me, a lawyer.
March 13, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is my second read and it likely will not be my last. Don Brown is an excellent legal thriller/suspense author. Zack and Diane tow young JAG officers go up against a defense lawyer who never looses. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and up past bedtime! Great Christian message as well.
January 25, 2018
So!So!
I wish it was less religious. Story in the beginning was so mundane and I skimmed through the pages. I loved the trial and it got better in the end.
I wish it was less religious. Story in the beginning was so mundane and I skimmed through the pages. I loved the trial and it got better in the end.
May 17, 2018
Good read
Fun reading and keeps your attention
Weak ending would have liked some commitment . Good charachters could actually see what they looked like
Fun reading and keeps your attention
Weak ending would have liked some commitment . Good charachters could actually see what they looked like
December 12, 2018
this book could have been 200 pages shorter
January 24, 2019
good legal thriller -
June 22, 2019
Very good start to a Navy JAG series. Highly recommend it for those who enjoy military and/or legal suspense with a little bit of romance.
September 7, 2019
AMAZING! It made me think of David Elliot an Cathrine Bell!
Read
April 1, 2020Boring. I skipped to the last chapter a third of the way into the book.
October 17, 2022
This is a great book
November 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ It was not a terrible Book but it didnt blew me away either. It was a quick read .
December 23, 2023
Nice try.
First time reading this author. I will read more from him, but hope he has better storylines in the future.
First time reading this author. I will read more from him, but hope he has better storylines in the future.
February 11, 2024
Couldn't finish this as an audible. The narrator just didn't fit the story and it seemed to jump around. I may try to read the book and see if it's any better.
September 9, 2024
Fun read
October 1, 2024
Easy to read, decent story, though not a page turner. No language or s*x.
October 7, 2024
Not bad, but predictable.
October 23, 2024
Navy story about Zack Brewer’s 2 big cases. One for rape and one for murder
February 11, 2018
Trite, unfailingly predictable. A cloying parade of stereotypes. I usually feel a certain sense of satisfaction when I finish a good read. This book just brought a sense of relief that it was finally over.
October 18, 2017
This was a great book, definitely one of my favorites. I liked the emotion it showed. It had a good moral to the story. You might be a bit confused in the beginning but you'll understand it eventually.
Some parts are little gory but not too much extent. Definitely recommend to military/law loving people.
Some parts are little gory but not too much extent. Definitely recommend to military/law loving people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews