What do you think?
Rate this book
Michael Gresham #4
Carlos the Ant
Carlos has a sick daughter and needs money. He's also an upstanding citizen who pays his taxes, puts in his forty hours, doesn't drink and carouse, and loves his wife. Still...he has nowhere else to turn. So Carlos gets money the old-fashioned way--he robs banks. The money comes pouring in but then a new man joins the crew and everything tumbles downhill. Criminal charges for armed robbery are brought against Carlos in several states and he needs a heavy hitter to defend him.
Carlos calls Michael Gresham for help and the lawyer comes to his aid. But it is going to be the meanest case of Michael's career, as the prosecutor is a woman who means to jab the death needle in Carlos' arm and watch him die. And she has the legal chops to do just that. But she has problems of her own--legal problems, big ones.
Full of bank robberies and courtroom action, this novel is sure to satisfy even the most ardent Michael Gresham fan as the trial lawyer walks into a courtroom where the toughest district attorney and the guiltiest client on the West Coast await him.
Carlos calls Michael Gresham for help and the lawyer comes to his aid. But it is going to be the meanest case of Michael's career, as the prosecutor is a woman who means to jab the death needle in Carlos' arm and watch him die. And she has the legal chops to do just that. But she has problems of her own--legal problems, big ones.
Full of bank robberies and courtroom action, this novel is sure to satisfy even the most ardent Michael Gresham fan as the trial lawyer walks into a courtroom where the toughest district attorney and the guiltiest client on the West Coast await him.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2016
4140 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
141 books515 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 22, 2018
I really enjoy Ellsworth's books but I have to admit to being a little confused as to why, if these books are a series, things get totally forgotten or never explained i.e.: his brother in the first book, the fact that book 3 ended with him joining the DA's office and that was never mentioned in book 4, his wife's serious car accident that was never explained, etc. These things are confusing and kind of jarring when reading the books.
April 7, 2018
Confused
I still love this author and Michael Gresham. However, I’m confused. The last book ended with Gresham agreeing to become a prosecutor and Danny good, mentally. This one began with him back in defense and Danny a nutcase. Have I missed something?
I still love this author and Michael Gresham. However, I’m confused. The last book ended with Gresham agreeing to become a prosecutor and Danny good, mentally. This one began with him back in defense and Danny a nutcase. Have I missed something?
December 15, 2022
Done it again
You had me at Thaddeus however michael and marcel masterpiece. Can’t wait for the next book. I’ve read all your books up to this one and looking forward to more.
You had me at Thaddeus however michael and marcel masterpiece. Can’t wait for the next book. I’ve read all your books up to this one and looking forward to more.
November 2, 2016
Another excellent story.
This author always pulls on your heart strings. This story about father, who is trying hard to get the medicine to treat his daughter. Company that supplied the medicine she needed was taken over by another pharmaceutical company, and the price of medicine hiked thousands of dollars. Meantime insurance company denied the coverage. Michael Gresham comes to California to defend him, he was arrested for armed robbery. Michael also dealing with his wife's mental illness. Fantastic legal thriller with surprising ending. Interesting characters, but my favorite character still is Thaddeus Murfee, highly recommend that series too.
This author always pulls on your heart strings. This story about father, who is trying hard to get the medicine to treat his daughter. Company that supplied the medicine she needed was taken over by another pharmaceutical company, and the price of medicine hiked thousands of dollars. Meantime insurance company denied the coverage. Michael Gresham comes to California to defend him, he was arrested for armed robbery. Michael also dealing with his wife's mental illness. Fantastic legal thriller with surprising ending. Interesting characters, but my favorite character still is Thaddeus Murfee, highly recommend that series too.
January 3, 2018
I have read all series books prior to this one and was drawn into the characters and plot. However, I probably will not read any past this one. I feel like I don't know these people any more! The story jumps around between three different "voices," and instead of a plausible plot line, there is just mayhem. Gresham seems totally out of character this go-round.
I may try #5 just to see if author gets back to a deliberate plot and legal deliberations. I am curious what happens to the Gresham family after a totally unexpected, and grossly simplified, development.
Just my opinion!
I may try #5 just to see if author gets back to a deliberate plot and legal deliberations. I am curious what happens to the Gresham family after a totally unexpected, and grossly simplified, development.
Just my opinion!
September 27, 2018
A very glaring omission
I really enjoy this series but I am totally confused with what happened with his wife,DAnny. At the end of book 4, she is perfectly fine and the 5th book opens with her suffering some kind of severe mental breakdown. .It is NEVER explained! This as very confusing and it has kind of turned me off for this arthur. It was just to strange not to have it explained!
I really enjoy this series but I am totally confused with what happened with his wife,DAnny. At the end of book 4, she is perfectly fine and the 5th book opens with her suffering some kind of severe mental breakdown. .It is NEVER explained! This as very confusing and it has kind of turned me off for this arthur. It was just to strange not to have it explained!
June 24, 2020
Good followup book
The 4th book in the Michael Gresham series doesn't disappoint. Although i thought the death of Dannie, even though was shocking, was greatly down played. Not sure why she couldn't have just been badly injured.
The 4th book in the Michael Gresham series doesn't disappoint. Although i thought the death of Dannie, even though was shocking, was greatly down played. Not sure why she couldn't have just been badly injured.
December 3, 2020
continuity is clearly a problem - even reading in order - events change - events happen between books that arent explained. Its like you are missing the book between
July 15, 2022
I love the Michael Gresham series. I do have to agree with some of the other reviews in that it is a little confusing in the time frame of other books in the series. However, it didn't deter me from reading this as it is every bit as good as all the others that I have read. I liked the twist at the end. Another good read from John Ellsworth!
November 10, 2016
Another Hit for Ellsworth!
I love all of John Ellsworth's books and this one is no exception. Couldn't put it down and he was still able to surprise me with a sad and shocking twist. I'm a big fan!
I love all of John Ellsworth's books and this one is no exception. Couldn't put it down and he was still able to surprise me with a sad and shocking twist. I'm a big fan!
July 14, 2021
Justice?
While Phaeton died and made the world a bit better, no one else ever questioned his whereabouts? All that and Letitias later loophole escape from incarceration? Gresham getting away with murder? Good entertainment but not my cup of tea.
While Phaeton died and made the world a bit better, no one else ever questioned his whereabouts? All that and Letitias later loophole escape from incarceration? Gresham getting away with murder? Good entertainment but not my cup of tea.
October 30, 2016
A fun book
You will enjoy this book from start to finish...a story you can't stop once started. Happy reading and enjoy it
You will enjoy this book from start to finish...a story you can't stop once started. Happy reading and enjoy it
June 15, 2019
Confusing
I did not see where Carlos backed out of a bank robbery. Perhaps that was the authors intent? However it was a good read.
I did not see where Carlos backed out of a bank robbery. Perhaps that was the authors intent? However it was a good read.
September 22, 2024
thriller plus a little laughter equal a good book, recommend
This book as quite entertaining because that Carlos was a trip but I just loved his character. My feelings toward Leticia is 50/50. I didn’t like her technique of winning cases. I didn’t approve of her trying to use the death penalty while having a helping hand in trying to railroad the case against the defendant. I thought she deserved whatever was coming to her because she was evil and ruthless, heartless. But I believe in 2nd chances to redeem herself. Marcel is the best investigator in bookland, just love him. He’s good on that witness stand, too. Michael is a master of cross examination. I don’t think no witness can withstand Michael cross examination. Michael is so compassionate and I just love him for that. I don’t have much to say about Danny. I always thought she was irrelevant to the storyline.
This book as quite entertaining because that Carlos was a trip but I just loved his character. My feelings toward Leticia is 50/50. I didn’t like her technique of winning cases. I didn’t approve of her trying to use the death penalty while having a helping hand in trying to railroad the case against the defendant. I thought she deserved whatever was coming to her because she was evil and ruthless, heartless. But I believe in 2nd chances to redeem herself. Marcel is the best investigator in bookland, just love him. He’s good on that witness stand, too. Michael is a master of cross examination. I don’t think no witness can withstand Michael cross examination. Michael is so compassionate and I just love him for that. I don’t have much to say about Danny. I always thought she was irrelevant to the storyline.
July 12, 2017
"A Terrific and Engrossing Legal Novel"
Carlos is an upstanding citizen, very responsible, devoted to his wife and daughter. However, his daughter is very sick and he has no money to meet her desperately needed medicine. Thus, he becomes a notorious bank robber. He brings in a partner and soon is caught and charged with armed robbery and the killing of a bank customer. He needs a dedicated defense attorney; Michael Gresham is the man. There's lots of bank robberies here with the excellent courtroom drama which heightens the readers' thrill button. Well written and hard to put down. Another winner for Ellsworth!
Carlos is an upstanding citizen, very responsible, devoted to his wife and daughter. However, his daughter is very sick and he has no money to meet her desperately needed medicine. Thus, he becomes a notorious bank robber. He brings in a partner and soon is caught and charged with armed robbery and the killing of a bank customer. He needs a dedicated defense attorney; Michael Gresham is the man. There's lots of bank robberies here with the excellent courtroom drama which heightens the readers' thrill button. Well written and hard to put down. Another winner for Ellsworth!
December 20, 2018
Carlos the Ant...loving father, slippery crook...Guilty of everything....Not guilty of anything.!
This story about Carlos leaves nothing out. It hits high speed from the start. Along the way you will meet some very interesting, devious,cunning and sometimes brutal characters... both good and bad. There are many twists and turns and of course, Marcel is involved in many. What makes the end of this story bearable is that Book#6 in the Michael Gresham series is just a Kindel click away. If you liked #4, you will find some surprises in Carlos the Ant that are unexpected. - ‘ole joe. 🤓🙏🇺🇸
This story about Carlos leaves nothing out. It hits high speed from the start. Along the way you will meet some very interesting, devious,cunning and sometimes brutal characters... both good and bad. There are many twists and turns and of course, Marcel is involved in many. What makes the end of this story bearable is that Book#6 in the Michael Gresham series is just a Kindel click away. If you liked #4, you will find some surprises in Carlos the Ant that are unexpected. - ‘ole joe. 🤓🙏🇺🇸
December 10, 2020
Did not finish
I thought I had found a series that I could work through and enjoy, but I was wrong. I did enjoy the prequel and history of Michael Gresham. Unfortunately, the last time he was an admirable character was as a teenager. As I got into this it became an introduction to one unsavory character after another. Almost a competition of who could be the most deceptive, dishonorable and who could work the system and evade consequences. And repetitive! Oh, my gosh! Reading a repeat of a scenario or thought process. I suddenly thought "I don't care about any of the characters or any of their circumstances." The positive is I can now move on to another author.
I thought I had found a series that I could work through and enjoy, but I was wrong. I did enjoy the prequel and history of Michael Gresham. Unfortunately, the last time he was an admirable character was as a teenager. As I got into this it became an introduction to one unsavory character after another. Almost a competition of who could be the most deceptive, dishonorable and who could work the system and evade consequences. And repetitive! Oh, my gosh! Reading a repeat of a scenario or thought process. I suddenly thought "I don't care about any of the characters or any of their circumstances." The positive is I can now move on to another author.
August 29, 2017
John Ellsworth is at the Top of the Legal Thriller genre
I love these books; I've read a stand-alone , the first of the Thaddeus series, and 4 of the Gresham series. They never get boring or stale. Ellsworth keeps it fresh, fun and interesting!
On another note I'd like to commend his editing unlike many self published books I have only seen one error (making a singular into a plural obviously a typo) as a reader that is extremely important to me. I cannot read a book where I am constantly distracted by poor editing.
I love these books; I've read a stand-alone , the first of the Thaddeus series, and 4 of the Gresham series. They never get boring or stale. Ellsworth keeps it fresh, fun and interesting!
On another note I'd like to commend his editing unlike many self published books I have only seen one error (making a singular into a plural obviously a typo) as a reader that is extremely important to me. I cannot read a book where I am constantly distracted by poor editing.
March 9, 2019
This was the best in the Michael Gresham series, it was very timely , dealing with the Havoc that Big Pharmacy wrecks on the lives of Americans just for pure profit. It shows the difference of how people deal with grief and tragedy. Some people are able to focus their grief to do good and others have to use revenge trying to get even. In this book it shows the inner workings of a big city police department and The District Attorney s office. As is his style the Author Ellsworth was able to bring the story to a fitting and awesome conclusion.
May 29, 2024
I’m giving this book four stars bc I really did enjoy it. But boy was it a mess! Continuity errors, timeline errors, disappearing characters, complete suspension of disbelief... And all this on top of Danny. It seems this book takes place four years after the last book since Mikey is now four years old (but it took until the last few pages to even get that info). Somehow during this time period she was in a car crash, got PTSD, crippling anxiety, and separated from Michael? Then she just dies and life goes on. Very odd.
April 1, 2025
Insurance companies should pay
In this gripping tale of paternal love and desperation, Carlos, a devoted father, faces an unimaginable challenge when his daughter Amelia is denied access to critical medical treatment. Driven by an unwavering determination to save her life, he embarks on a perilous journey of bank robberies, risking everything for his child's survival. The narrative unfolds with heart-pounding suspense, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion that will leave readers breathless.
In this gripping tale of paternal love and desperation, Carlos, a devoted father, faces an unimaginable challenge when his daughter Amelia is denied access to critical medical treatment. Driven by an unwavering determination to save her life, he embarks on a perilous journey of bank robberies, risking everything for his child's survival. The narrative unfolds with heart-pounding suspense, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion that will leave readers breathless.
April 5, 2025
Definitely Not your typical story. There were twists and turns I wasn't expecting and hadn't been used in any other story I have read anyway.
I found myself feeling for the "bad guy" in this story and rooting for him to not go to prison. He had a Very sick little girl that needed terribly expensive medication that was out of reach for so many of us. This led him to do things he wouldn't have normally done otherwise.
Now the lawyer.....He was very good and used some "methods" that were (as far as I know) NOT the normal thing for any lawyer to do.
That and a questionable prosecutor made this a unique story unlike any I have read myself.
I really liked it overall.
I found myself feeling for the "bad guy" in this story and rooting for him to not go to prison. He had a Very sick little girl that needed terribly expensive medication that was out of reach for so many of us. This led him to do things he wouldn't have normally done otherwise.
Now the lawyer.....He was very good and used some "methods" that were (as far as I know) NOT the normal thing for any lawyer to do.
That and a questionable prosecutor made this a unique story unlike any I have read myself.
I really liked it overall.
February 24, 2018
Enjoyed the read... if you're OK with lawyers (and investigators) on both sides of the case blurring the lines between what's legal and what's just... you'll enjoy it too. One thing I like about Ellsworth's writing in general is that it's not overly gory / graphic in the violence that's implied when you are talking about capital offense trials.
Surprises, twists, and turns... as always, raised my eyebrows.
Surprises, twists, and turns... as always, raised my eyebrows.
June 14, 2020
Always a good read. Enjoy the depth of his legal experiences. Yes, like most, hate criminal lawyers,for who they defend and how they get them off,. Most return to life of crime.
As this is fiction, enjoy the criminality and legal defense. John is a great writer and his many stories reflects this. If you want a good read, enjoy the life and times of Michael Grisham. Hope he and story lines are fiction.
As this is fiction, enjoy the criminality and legal defense. John is a great writer and his many stories reflects this. If you want a good read, enjoy the life and times of Michael Grisham. Hope he and story lines are fiction.
March 29, 2021
So Good!
I don't know where this author gets his ideas for a storyline but they are incredible! Maybe they have been real cases. Michael Gresham in an amazing criminal defense attorney. I don't know if it works like this in the real world but if I was ever on trial for murder.I would definitely want him as my attorney.
I love his books. They are exciting with many twists and turns. There are no dull moments. Very fast paced. I highly recommend this series!
I don't know where this author gets his ideas for a storyline but they are incredible! Maybe they have been real cases. Michael Gresham in an amazing criminal defense attorney. I don't know if it works like this in the real world but if I was ever on trial for murder.I would definitely want him as my attorney.
I love his books. They are exciting with many twists and turns. There are no dull moments. Very fast paced. I highly recommend this series!
October 30, 2024
Slippery Slope
Carlos was a lucky so and so. He had good lawyers and connections. One did wonder how he would fare in his situations which was a little suspenceful. And the anxiety of what was going to happen to his daughter had you in tears. It was an emotional ride up and down with Michael's family dynamic as well. A slippery slope for Carlos with all that was going on around his cases and everyone who was involved. Good story to hold your attention!
Carlos was a lucky so and so. He had good lawyers and connections. One did wonder how he would fare in his situations which was a little suspenceful. And the anxiety of what was going to happen to his daughter had you in tears. It was an emotional ride up and down with Michael's family dynamic as well. A slippery slope for Carlos with all that was going on around his cases and everyone who was involved. Good story to hold your attention!
October 27, 2016
If you like legal thrillers with a surprising ending, this is your book! John Ellsworth does not disappoint the reader in this book. The characters while are like-able, have some flaws....some of them major! The writing is great, the story line is smooth and I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and voluntaily reviewed it. Great book! Get it......
December 22, 2017
Ambivalent
As usual the writing is good, but the story was not as tightly controlled or as successful as some of Ellsworth's previous books. I am still not sure if Gresham allowed his client to commit perjury, or to fake documents, and some of the lawyers actions seemed to stretch the law in uncomfortable ways.
As usual the writing is good, but the story was not as tightly controlled or as successful as some of Ellsworth's previous books. I am still not sure if Gresham allowed his client to commit perjury, or to fake documents, and some of the lawyers actions seemed to stretch the law in uncomfortable ways.
February 3, 2018
Another good John Ellsworth read
Enjoyed reading this book, yet another page Turner by John Ellsworth. The only reason for 4 stars is each chapter is written from someone else's point of view. It makes it confusing if you have to put the book down in the middle of the chapter for a day or so. Jumping back in, you have to page back to see who you are.
Enjoyed reading this book, yet another page Turner by John Ellsworth. The only reason for 4 stars is each chapter is written from someone else's point of view. It makes it confusing if you have to put the book down in the middle of the chapter for a day or so. Jumping back in, you have to page back to see who you are.
February 6, 2018
Book 4
At the beginning of this book I was confused. Book 3 ended with Michael going to work for the district attorneys office and his home life going along swimmingly. Start of book 4 and Michael was still a defense attorney and experiencing marital problems. Carlos the ant turned out to be a very good read. Off to book 5.
At the beginning of this book I was confused. Book 3 ended with Michael going to work for the district attorneys office and his home life going along swimmingly. Start of book 4 and Michael was still a defense attorney and experiencing marital problems. Carlos the ant turned out to be a very good read. Off to book 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews