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Beach Lawyer #1
Beach Lawyer
After five grueling years, Robert Worth is just days away from making partner at a powerful Santa Monica law firm. When a client confides in him that senior partner Jack Pierce sexually assaulted her, Robert breaks two of his mentor’s cardinal rules: Never let yourself get emotional about clients. And never make an enemy of Jack Pierce.
Robert crosses Pierce and is fired on the spot, losing not only his job but also his reputation. Advised to go quietly, Robert vows revenge against the ruthless man who betrayed him. But his investigation uncovers a twisted shadow world of sex, infidelity, and deception, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Only one thing is clear: Pierce will go the limit to keep his secrets.
This straight shooter will need to use every angle if he hopes to win. But could victory come at too high a price?
Robert crosses Pierce and is fired on the spot, losing not only his job but also his reputation. Advised to go quietly, Robert vows revenge against the ruthless man who betrayed him. But his investigation uncovers a twisted shadow world of sex, infidelity, and deception, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Only one thing is clear: Pierce will go the limit to keep his secrets.
This straight shooter will need to use every angle if he hopes to win. But could victory come at too high a price?
380 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
5990 people are currently reading
4361 people want to read
About the author
Avery Duff
3 books96 followersAvery Duff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned his juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. Returning home, he become a partner within five years with a Chattanooga law firm. He later moved to Los Angeles to become a screenwriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
April 10, 2017
Hard to follow all the twists and turns.
Got this not yet published book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Avery Duff is screenwriter, and this story in parts like written for a movie. Couldn't find one character that I liked, everybody is out to get their retribution and revenge. Deceiving and killing each other for the money. I was annoyed with all the Spanish, at the beginning I was looking up for the English translations, but very quickly got tired.
Got this not yet published book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Avery Duff is screenwriter, and this story in parts like written for a movie. Couldn't find one character that I liked, everybody is out to get their retribution and revenge. Deceiving and killing each other for the money. I was annoyed with all the Spanish, at the beginning I was looking up for the English translations, but very quickly got tired.
April 5, 2017
I feel a little queasy when I have to write a negative review. I never want to bash an author's hard work. But here we go...
I didn't like this book. At all.
To begin with, the pace is slow. This was listed as a legal thriller. Like too many books these days, the thriller label doesn't remotely fit. This book is more of a legal quagmire. We spend an endless amount of time learning the proper legal procedures for filing whatever claim. We see the day-to-day workings of a lawyer within a high-profile law firm. I felt like I was there in the office doing paperwork with Robert all day. These details overpowered the story, particularly throughout the first half.
Then there's the plot, which feels choppy, with long lulls of tedium centered around a convoluted story. The supposedly intelligent characters make some of the most foolish choices imaginable, giving the story an implausible feel. And I have to say I was offended by the treatment of the sexual assault. Several times it was stressed by Robert and other characters that it wasn't a full "rape", and therefore wasn't as big of a deal. Even worse, the victim has this attitude. I don't know many women who could so easily argue that being sexually assaulted is more forgivable if there is no penetration.
The story is told mostly from Robert's point of view, but we also have random POV switches that don't transition well.
The male characters are developed and I mostly believed them, though they are also shallow and unlikable. Even Robert, the would-be hero, is difficult to like as the story goes on. The female characters are simply odd. For one thing, the author seems preoccupied with female-on-female sex, as if this is a common occurrence in every woman's life. I understood it with the two female characters involved in a bisexual relationship, though the details were still over-the-top, but it got to be too much when a random waitress made a pass at Robert's girlfriend. None of this added any value to the story. The women often felt more like a man's fantasy perception than real-life females.
By midway through the story, I was skimming ahead out of irritation and boredom. Unfortunately, the plot continued to spiral into a complex, tangled mess.
Of course, this is only my opinion. Lots of reviewers have loved this story. If you enjoy detailed legal mysteries, this one might be for you.
*I received this book free as my Kindle First choice for April.*
I didn't like this book. At all.
To begin with, the pace is slow. This was listed as a legal thriller. Like too many books these days, the thriller label doesn't remotely fit. This book is more of a legal quagmire. We spend an endless amount of time learning the proper legal procedures for filing whatever claim. We see the day-to-day workings of a lawyer within a high-profile law firm. I felt like I was there in the office doing paperwork with Robert all day. These details overpowered the story, particularly throughout the first half.
Then there's the plot, which feels choppy, with long lulls of tedium centered around a convoluted story. The supposedly intelligent characters make some of the most foolish choices imaginable, giving the story an implausible feel. And I have to say I was offended by the treatment of the sexual assault. Several times it was stressed by Robert and other characters that it wasn't a full "rape", and therefore wasn't as big of a deal. Even worse, the victim has this attitude. I don't know many women who could so easily argue that being sexually assaulted is more forgivable if there is no penetration.
The story is told mostly from Robert's point of view, but we also have random POV switches that don't transition well.
The male characters are developed and I mostly believed them, though they are also shallow and unlikable. Even Robert, the would-be hero, is difficult to like as the story goes on. The female characters are simply odd. For one thing, the author seems preoccupied with female-on-female sex, as if this is a common occurrence in every woman's life. I understood it with the two female characters involved in a bisexual relationship, though the details were still over-the-top, but it got to be too much when a random waitress made a pass at Robert's girlfriend. None of this added any value to the story. The women often felt more like a man's fantasy perception than real-life females.
By midway through the story, I was skimming ahead out of irritation and boredom. Unfortunately, the plot continued to spiral into a complex, tangled mess.
Of course, this is only my opinion. Lots of reviewers have loved this story. If you enjoy detailed legal mysteries, this one might be for you.
*I received this book free as my Kindle First choice for April.*
April 1, 2017
It’s been a while since I read a Kindle First and felt I had finished an exceptional book. “Beach Lawyer,” billed as a thriller, more than fit the bill. Here’s a rundown of this excellent novel, without spoilers:
PLOT – There are no holes in this plot, and not once did I believe I had found a “Fatal Flaw,” something that wasn’t believable or forced into the story. This tale is well-planned, each part fitting together neatly. The main character, Robert Worth, is a successful lawyer on his way to becoming a partner. When he clashes personalities with one of his bosses, Robert loses his temper along with his job. His solution – pursue the case his former boss wanted to drop – opens up a can of worms he never expected. The plot continues to twist and turn, although it makes sense all the way through…and even when we eventually are exposed to all the truths, it may catch you unaware of what really happened, even though author Avery Duff left clues indicating the right path.
CHARACTERS – Mr. Duff’s characters are not interchangeable, and readers can easily understand the motivations that drive each of them. The supporting cast are interesting without being unbelievable. One likes Robert Worth, even though you may not agree with his choices all the time.
WRITING – Rarely will I go as far to say the writing is impeccable, but I had almost completed the book before I realize that not once had the author jarred me out of the story with a scene that didn’t make sense or by someone saying something that was completely out of character. This book is polished and professionally edited. One couldn’t ask for more.
JUST IN CASE – you wanted to know, there are vulgarities throughout the book. I didn’t feel they were excessive, perhaps because they seemed to be used at appropriate times. Others may feel differently, but letting you know the words are there. There are a few sex scenes, tastefully described or just hinted at.
OVERALL – If you haven’t guessed by now, I am delighted at having chosen this book. Lawyer stories generally get tangled up in their own jargon, but I found “Beach Lawyer” to be easily understood and never dry. The pace is fast, and races the closer you get to the end. If I was asked if there was anything I didn’t like about the book, I would only chuckle and say “The title.” And that certainly is not enough to stop me from highly recommending this five-star offering.
PLOT – There are no holes in this plot, and not once did I believe I had found a “Fatal Flaw,” something that wasn’t believable or forced into the story. This tale is well-planned, each part fitting together neatly. The main character, Robert Worth, is a successful lawyer on his way to becoming a partner. When he clashes personalities with one of his bosses, Robert loses his temper along with his job. His solution – pursue the case his former boss wanted to drop – opens up a can of worms he never expected. The plot continues to twist and turn, although it makes sense all the way through…and even when we eventually are exposed to all the truths, it may catch you unaware of what really happened, even though author Avery Duff left clues indicating the right path.
CHARACTERS – Mr. Duff’s characters are not interchangeable, and readers can easily understand the motivations that drive each of them. The supporting cast are interesting without being unbelievable. One likes Robert Worth, even though you may not agree with his choices all the time.
WRITING – Rarely will I go as far to say the writing is impeccable, but I had almost completed the book before I realize that not once had the author jarred me out of the story with a scene that didn’t make sense or by someone saying something that was completely out of character. This book is polished and professionally edited. One couldn’t ask for more.
JUST IN CASE – you wanted to know, there are vulgarities throughout the book. I didn’t feel they were excessive, perhaps because they seemed to be used at appropriate times. Others may feel differently, but letting you know the words are there. There are a few sex scenes, tastefully described or just hinted at.
OVERALL – If you haven’t guessed by now, I am delighted at having chosen this book. Lawyer stories generally get tangled up in their own jargon, but I found “Beach Lawyer” to be easily understood and never dry. The pace is fast, and races the closer you get to the end. If I was asked if there was anything I didn’t like about the book, I would only chuckle and say “The title.” And that certainly is not enough to stop me from highly recommending this five-star offering.
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September 16, 2017"...practicing law isn't about right and wrong. Never let yourself get emotional about clients."
Robert Worth, an associate at Fanelli & Pierce, has been working 5 long years trying to make partner. He's working on the corporate side of the firm in an office without a view of the Santa Monica pier, but he's hopeful that things will change soon even though he's never tried a lawsuit. And then they do in a most dramatic fashion when he is called to the conference room to draw up a settlement agreement for a woman who had previously engaged Jack Pierce, one of the partners, to sue Consolidated Construction Co. on her dead brother's behalf. She is told that the firm won't try the case. Later that evening, the woman -- Alison Maxwell -- calls Robert to her place insisting that she was assaulted by Jack Pierce. The story spirals off from that point becoming a complicated and twisty tale of greed, manipulation, lies, and betrayal.
Despite that the reader is probably meant to like the main character, Robert Worth is not easy to admire. I imagine, however, he's supposed to be the good guy. He's as ruthless and calculating as the other male and female characters in this legal thriller and not until the end do we fully understand what made him the way he is. The women are stereotypical to a degree, fairly flat, and not quite believable. One wonders, all these nasty people live in the same city? In the end, is it really just about money? There's a lot of legal detail in here, probably a lot of it fairly uninteresting to anyone not interested in the tediousness of drafting documents and considering at length small matters of law. I actually enjoyed that part. After all, there's a lot about practicing law that's not real exciting. The pace was fairly uneven and there was a lot of action and some point of view changes in the narration. I found the romantic elements in the book to be mostly unbelievable as written.
I liked it well enough that I would probably consider the second in the series, but I'm not sure that I like Robert Worth enough to care about what is next for him.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Robert Worth, an associate at Fanelli & Pierce, has been working 5 long years trying to make partner. He's working on the corporate side of the firm in an office without a view of the Santa Monica pier, but he's hopeful that things will change soon even though he's never tried a lawsuit. And then they do in a most dramatic fashion when he is called to the conference room to draw up a settlement agreement for a woman who had previously engaged Jack Pierce, one of the partners, to sue Consolidated Construction Co. on her dead brother's behalf. She is told that the firm won't try the case. Later that evening, the woman -- Alison Maxwell -- calls Robert to her place insisting that she was assaulted by Jack Pierce. The story spirals off from that point becoming a complicated and twisty tale of greed, manipulation, lies, and betrayal.
Despite that the reader is probably meant to like the main character, Robert Worth is not easy to admire. I imagine, however, he's supposed to be the good guy. He's as ruthless and calculating as the other male and female characters in this legal thriller and not until the end do we fully understand what made him the way he is. The women are stereotypical to a degree, fairly flat, and not quite believable. One wonders, all these nasty people live in the same city? In the end, is it really just about money? There's a lot of legal detail in here, probably a lot of it fairly uninteresting to anyone not interested in the tediousness of drafting documents and considering at length small matters of law. I actually enjoyed that part. After all, there's a lot about practicing law that's not real exciting. The pace was fairly uneven and there was a lot of action and some point of view changes in the narration. I found the romantic elements in the book to be mostly unbelievable as written.
I liked it well enough that I would probably consider the second in the series, but I'm not sure that I like Robert Worth enough to care about what is next for him.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
April 29, 2017
This legal thriller's appeal hinges on our ability to like the main character, Robert Worth, on the verge of seeing his five years of grueling billable hours translate into a partnership at the L.A. Law firm where he works. Duff opens with a sympathetic picture of Worth languishing in jail with his entreaties to the cops falling on deaf ears. It is obvious he is innocent. The puzzle that's presented is how did he end up here?
Duff balances callous self-interest with an easy-going sense of decency in his character. Worth helps the wife of a local Latino out of a legal jam, but waves off any talk of payment. On the other hand, at work he closes ranks with an unethical bullying senior partner, Jack Pierce. Pierce and his sycophant associate are pressuring their client, Alison Maxwell, into accepting a low-ball settlement in the death of her brother. Despite Worth's naked ambition, it is easy to prefer him to the overbearing Pierce.
Duff then proceeds to make Worth a victim. Pierce gets Worth fired. This, and Worth's clever legal maneuvering in retaliation, finally wins the reader over.
This is a fast-paced legal thriller. It fulfills the kind of expectations we have of the genre: What goes around comes around. However, also works with themes of self-absorption and manipulative avarice voiced by the line: “In this town, you never know anybody.” (Location 1348) It's a question that comes up repeatedly in the book. Do we really know any of these characters?
Duff is skillful at integrating legal nitty-gritty with illuminating scenes communicated by convincing dialog. He walks us through Worth's thinking while drafting a release for wrongful death document, not the most riveting of topics one might think. Yet, he does this in a way that holds our interest, making it clear that a new development is waiting in the wings.
There is no attempt to develop rounded characters here. This is a plot-driven book, but nevertheless entertaining. On the other hand, I never developed the kind of attachment to the character that the author obviously was aiming at, the kind of attachment that would have earned 4 stars from me. I was surprised to see that the author envisions this as a series. There simply didn't seem to be enough of a character there, despite the attempts to create an emotionally complicated backstory.
Duff balances callous self-interest with an easy-going sense of decency in his character. Worth helps the wife of a local Latino out of a legal jam, but waves off any talk of payment. On the other hand, at work he closes ranks with an unethical bullying senior partner, Jack Pierce. Pierce and his sycophant associate are pressuring their client, Alison Maxwell, into accepting a low-ball settlement in the death of her brother. Despite Worth's naked ambition, it is easy to prefer him to the overbearing Pierce.
Duff then proceeds to make Worth a victim. Pierce gets Worth fired. This, and Worth's clever legal maneuvering in retaliation, finally wins the reader over.
This is a fast-paced legal thriller. It fulfills the kind of expectations we have of the genre: What goes around comes around. However, also works with themes of self-absorption and manipulative avarice voiced by the line: “In this town, you never know anybody.” (Location 1348) It's a question that comes up repeatedly in the book. Do we really know any of these characters?
Duff is skillful at integrating legal nitty-gritty with illuminating scenes communicated by convincing dialog. He walks us through Worth's thinking while drafting a release for wrongful death document, not the most riveting of topics one might think. Yet, he does this in a way that holds our interest, making it clear that a new development is waiting in the wings.
There is no attempt to develop rounded characters here. This is a plot-driven book, but nevertheless entertaining. On the other hand, I never developed the kind of attachment to the character that the author obviously was aiming at, the kind of attachment that would have earned 4 stars from me. I was surprised to see that the author envisions this as a series. There simply didn't seem to be enough of a character there, despite the attempts to create an emotionally complicated backstory.
February 11, 2019
DNF @20%
Book source ~ Kindle First
Robert Worth is a lawyer. He does lots of lawyerly stuff. In great detail. Mind-numbingly boring detail. At 20% in, I had to give up or lose my sanity. The most exciting part is where he pushes the dillweed senior partner scumbag who then fires Worth on the spot, but even then he’s completely Worth-less. See what I did there? Characters are cardboard, women are there to be berated and sexually abused, Worth is ball-less. The writing is ho-hum. I sentence this book to the outgoing tide.
Book source ~ Kindle First
Robert Worth is a lawyer. He does lots of lawyerly stuff. In great detail. Mind-numbingly boring detail. At 20% in, I had to give up or lose my sanity. The most exciting part is where he pushes the dillweed senior partner scumbag who then fires Worth on the spot, but even then he’s completely Worth-less. See what I did there? Characters are cardboard, women are there to be berated and sexually abused, Worth is ball-less. The writing is ho-hum. I sentence this book to the outgoing tide.
June 4, 2017
An engrossing legal thriller full of twists and turns that will keep you up after your bedtime!
SUMMARY
BEACH LAWYER intriguingly begins with Robert Worth in jail, and then flashes back eight weeks earlier. Robert has worked in a powerful Santa Monica law firm for the past five years. He is days away from being made a partner, and he screws up. A client confides in him that senior partner Jack Pierce has sexually assaulted her. Robert confronts Pierce and is fired on the spot, losing his job and making a enemy of a ruthless and powerful attorney. Unable to find another job, Robert vows revenge against Pierce. He decides to legally go after Jack Pierce in the client's sexual assault case. Robert's investigation uncovers a twisted world of sex, drugs, infidelity and deception. Nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted.
REVIEW
The story is full of twists and turns that will have you guessing till the end. The writing flows, well and the tone is suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning. You can't help but like Robert Worth, he's good looking, comes from a wealthy family, has a promising career, he's humble, and then top it off with good manners. He's just a nice guy. Until he has to face off with Jack Pierce. The story is complicated, but that's what makes it good!
Avery Duff earned his juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He practice five years with a Chattanooga law firm. He later moved to Los Angeles to become a screen writer. This is his first book, and is promised to be the first of a series. The second book, The Boardwalk Trust (Beach Lawyer #2) is set for publication April 2018.
SUMMARY
BEACH LAWYER intriguingly begins with Robert Worth in jail, and then flashes back eight weeks earlier. Robert has worked in a powerful Santa Monica law firm for the past five years. He is days away from being made a partner, and he screws up. A client confides in him that senior partner Jack Pierce has sexually assaulted her. Robert confronts Pierce and is fired on the spot, losing his job and making a enemy of a ruthless and powerful attorney. Unable to find another job, Robert vows revenge against Pierce. He decides to legally go after Jack Pierce in the client's sexual assault case. Robert's investigation uncovers a twisted world of sex, drugs, infidelity and deception. Nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted.
REVIEW
The story is full of twists and turns that will have you guessing till the end. The writing flows, well and the tone is suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning. You can't help but like Robert Worth, he's good looking, comes from a wealthy family, has a promising career, he's humble, and then top it off with good manners. He's just a nice guy. Until he has to face off with Jack Pierce. The story is complicated, but that's what makes it good!
Avery Duff earned his juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He practice five years with a Chattanooga law firm. He later moved to Los Angeles to become a screen writer. This is his first book, and is promised to be the first of a series. The second book, The Boardwalk Trust (Beach Lawyer #2) is set for publication April 2018.
April 4, 2017
This book kept me up reading way too late last night. The plot is complicated, intriguing and the story is filled with amazing characters. They are amazing in that they are fully developed with backstories and are without a doubt the most interesting group of folks I've met in a long time. That doesn't mean they are good people or that they are particularly likable except maybe for Robert, the main character. It's a rollercoaster ride so buckle your seat belt and enjoy the read!
December 23, 2017
My fellow goodreaders can you do me a favor? Don't tell anyone i read this putrid garbage.
I hate a DNF so i carried on my wayward goodreader's for i knew there would be peace when i was done with this trash.
A poorly written book with an incomprehensible plot.
Oh the shame.
I hate a DNF so i carried on my wayward goodreader's for i knew there would be peace when i was done with this trash.
A poorly written book with an incomprehensible plot.
Oh the shame.
June 29, 2017
I can see where someone who knew law would love this book but someone who didn’t would just like it. And I really liked it. There was so many twists to this book it wasn’t funny. The players: Robert, Alison, Gia, Leslie, Jack, Philip, Stanley and Chase, were just great because you were always wondering who was good and who was bad, except for Jack, who you knew was bad from the moment you met him, and you did feel sorry for Stanley through the whole book because of the way Jack treated him. It was a good who-done-it OR who-was-going-to do-it.
One thing I didn’t like was another book filled with unnecessary BS. It wrote about going to have breakfast or something and it was; they could go to the Farmers Market, Mercedes Grill, Abbot Kinney, Gjusta, Tacos Por Favor, Gjelina and Joes, Chaya Venice or Komodo on Main. Really? I would care about this WHY? And every time someone went somewhere you were told of every single turn onto the name of every street in Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Los Angeles. That’s just filler. This book didn’t have to be 370 pages, that’s for sure.
I did like Robert and all he went through and how he came out on top. What happened to Jack was no more than he deserved but I can’t say much more without giving stuff away. No one was all they were cracked up to be.
There was no sex in this book but there was talk of it or the beginnings of it then fade-to-black.
The F-bomb was used 96 times.
As to the narration: James Patrick Cronin wasn’t very good in my opinion. When the book didn’t tell you who was talking I was a little lost because everyone sounded pretty much alike, male and female alike. Every once in a while he would read with a little emotion but not very often. I don’t think I would want to listen to him again. Sorry.
June 5, 2018
Notwithstanding the poor judgement displayed, here and there, by the main character, corporate lawyer, Robert Logan Worth, I enjoyed the pace and thrill factor of this read.
To recap, hard-working lawyer, Robert Worth is on the track to become partner when he comes across one of managing director, Jack Pierce's clients, who informs Worth she's been assaulted by Pierce. When Robert himself is being humiliated and harassed by Pierce, Robert decides to defend himself which antagonizes the managing partner, getting himself fired on the spot, losing not only his job but also his reputation.
Robert can't let things be and on behalf of his abused client he sues Jack Pierce, but that's only the beginning of his problems. In the course of his dealings with Pierce and the law firm, Robert uncovers a world of deception, sex, and infidelity, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Only one thing is clear: Pierce will go the limit to keep his secrets.
Overall, I had a lot of sympathy for Robert Worth despite his lack of detachment or perception sometimes. (e.g. the bank account manager). This was a fun read and I look forward to book 2.
3,5 stars.
To recap, hard-working lawyer, Robert Worth is on the track to become partner when he comes across one of managing director, Jack Pierce's clients, who informs Worth she's been assaulted by Pierce. When Robert himself is being humiliated and harassed by Pierce, Robert decides to defend himself which antagonizes the managing partner, getting himself fired on the spot, losing not only his job but also his reputation.
Robert can't let things be and on behalf of his abused client he sues Jack Pierce, but that's only the beginning of his problems. In the course of his dealings with Pierce and the law firm, Robert uncovers a world of deception, sex, and infidelity, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Only one thing is clear: Pierce will go the limit to keep his secrets.
Overall, I had a lot of sympathy for Robert Worth despite his lack of detachment or perception sometimes. (e.g. the bank account manager). This was a fun read and I look forward to book 2.
3,5 stars.
May 15, 2018
starts out great!
lags a big in the middle.
ends with a bang!
love the twists!
lags a big in the middle.
ends with a bang!
love the twists!
April 3, 2019
Just couldn't finish this Kindle book. Story not engaging enough to keep from falling asleep
June 29, 2017
From reading the blurb, I was eager to get stuck into this book as I was hoping that I could find a new author to rival to John Grisham. I love a good legal thriller and this book sounded extremely promising. Sadly, it fell very far short of my expectations.
There are multiple issues with this book, beginning with the pacing. This books starts off extremely slowly. I understand that the author is trying to establish the characters and their place in the hierarchy of the law firm as the footing for the story to come. Unfortunately, he chooses to do this by going into tedious detail of the everyday technical running of a law firm, right down to the minutiae of how lawyers record their time for billing purposes. None of this has any bearing on the plot whatsoever and just serves to drag the story to a crawl, right at the point where it should be grabbing our attention. The opening chapters also include a lot of legal jargon which I imagine would be largely incomprehensible to a non-lawyer – even I struggled – and it really didn’t seem necessary to advance the understanding of the story. There also appeared to be some things happening which, as a lawyer, just didn’t ring true to me at all, unless the US legal profession is totally different to the UK one in fundamental ways. This would probably be unnoticeable to people without a legal background but I have never felt like this when reading an American legal thriller before.
I was also excessively annoyed in the opening chapters by some lazy errors; in grammar, in tense and in a very simple calculation on one page which made me wonder if this book had been edited by anyone other than the author at all, and I continued to feel like that throughout the book.
Further problems in the opening chapters came in the guise of over-writing, stilted descriptions and an uncomfortable use of language. To be honest, it made me cringe quite a lot, and again I wondered if this book had been professionally edited. I tried to make allowances for the fact that this is his first novel and, to be fair, it did seem to settle into a better rhythm further on but I guess I set off on the journey with a less than favourable impression from the opening chapters, which was unfortunate.
We then move on to the plot, which is both so twisted and labyrinthine as to be almost incomprehensible by the end and, at the same time, totally lacking in any real action until the very last pages, where a brief flurry is shoe-horned in, in order to fulfil the ‘thriller’ tag. It really was one of the most unevenly paced books I have ever read. There were so many twists in who were the baddies, who were the heroes and what everyone’s motives were for doing what they did that it was almost nonsensical. When it came down to it, I just didn’t really believe that so many unpleasant, selfish, immoral people with devious intent happened to co-exist in one tiny orbit.
The most damning issue of all was the complete lack of empathy I had all the way through with any of the characters. They were all unpleasant, they were all uncharismatic, they were all shallow and self-centred. I could not bring myself to care what became of any of them. That was the biggest problem – by the end of the book I really just did not care what happened, I just wanted it to be over. Basically, it was too much hard work for too little return, not at all what I personally am looking for in a book of this nature.
I really wanted to like this book and I hate giving a negative review but this book was very disappointing and I couldn’t hand on heart recommend it. However, this is just my opinion and it appears from other reviews that many people loved it. May be I went into it with too high an expectation.
There are multiple issues with this book, beginning with the pacing. This books starts off extremely slowly. I understand that the author is trying to establish the characters and their place in the hierarchy of the law firm as the footing for the story to come. Unfortunately, he chooses to do this by going into tedious detail of the everyday technical running of a law firm, right down to the minutiae of how lawyers record their time for billing purposes. None of this has any bearing on the plot whatsoever and just serves to drag the story to a crawl, right at the point where it should be grabbing our attention. The opening chapters also include a lot of legal jargon which I imagine would be largely incomprehensible to a non-lawyer – even I struggled – and it really didn’t seem necessary to advance the understanding of the story. There also appeared to be some things happening which, as a lawyer, just didn’t ring true to me at all, unless the US legal profession is totally different to the UK one in fundamental ways. This would probably be unnoticeable to people without a legal background but I have never felt like this when reading an American legal thriller before.
I was also excessively annoyed in the opening chapters by some lazy errors; in grammar, in tense and in a very simple calculation on one page which made me wonder if this book had been edited by anyone other than the author at all, and I continued to feel like that throughout the book.
Further problems in the opening chapters came in the guise of over-writing, stilted descriptions and an uncomfortable use of language. To be honest, it made me cringe quite a lot, and again I wondered if this book had been professionally edited. I tried to make allowances for the fact that this is his first novel and, to be fair, it did seem to settle into a better rhythm further on but I guess I set off on the journey with a less than favourable impression from the opening chapters, which was unfortunate.
We then move on to the plot, which is both so twisted and labyrinthine as to be almost incomprehensible by the end and, at the same time, totally lacking in any real action until the very last pages, where a brief flurry is shoe-horned in, in order to fulfil the ‘thriller’ tag. It really was one of the most unevenly paced books I have ever read. There were so many twists in who were the baddies, who were the heroes and what everyone’s motives were for doing what they did that it was almost nonsensical. When it came down to it, I just didn’t really believe that so many unpleasant, selfish, immoral people with devious intent happened to co-exist in one tiny orbit.
The most damning issue of all was the complete lack of empathy I had all the way through with any of the characters. They were all unpleasant, they were all uncharismatic, they were all shallow and self-centred. I could not bring myself to care what became of any of them. That was the biggest problem – by the end of the book I really just did not care what happened, I just wanted it to be over. Basically, it was too much hard work for too little return, not at all what I personally am looking for in a book of this nature.
I really wanted to like this book and I hate giving a negative review but this book was very disappointing and I couldn’t hand on heart recommend it. However, this is just my opinion and it appears from other reviews that many people loved it. May be I went into it with too high an expectation.
July 16, 2017
I must agree with some readers that found this a confusing read—at times I found myself skimming backwards to reacquaint myself with exactly how the story evolved to my moment in its progression. As a positive, however, the frequent turns and subtle foreshadowing in the novel did not reveal the denouement of antagonist and uber attorney Jack Pierce (at least to me).
Admittedly I'm not excited about the upcoming second book in this series; however, I will read it. Although I never felt compelled to cheer for Attorney Robert Worth, I did identify with his character and will give him another chance. Some readers disliked the author's use of Spanish and legalese in the novel, but I found neither distracting. I actually enjoyed the asbestos lawsuit theme; Tennessee (the author's law experience) is not a hot bed of asbestos litigation but California is and perhaps this influenced the theme. Mr. Worth, however, seemed more like a transactional attorney than a litigator; although I would have enjoyed a little more depth regarding the wrongful death and toxic tort matter, it would not have changed my opinion . . . I didn't buy Mr. Worth's foray into sexual assault prosecution from his transactional experience of pre-nups and settlement agreements . . . nonetheless, the Beach Lawyer was an entertaining read and worth a few evening hours of reading leisure . . . .
Admittedly I'm not excited about the upcoming second book in this series; however, I will read it. Although I never felt compelled to cheer for Attorney Robert Worth, I did identify with his character and will give him another chance. Some readers disliked the author's use of Spanish and legalese in the novel, but I found neither distracting. I actually enjoyed the asbestos lawsuit theme; Tennessee (the author's law experience) is not a hot bed of asbestos litigation but California is and perhaps this influenced the theme. Mr. Worth, however, seemed more like a transactional attorney than a litigator; although I would have enjoyed a little more depth regarding the wrongful death and toxic tort matter, it would not have changed my opinion . . . I didn't buy Mr. Worth's foray into sexual assault prosecution from his transactional experience of pre-nups and settlement agreements . . . nonetheless, the Beach Lawyer was an entertaining read and worth a few evening hours of reading leisure . . . .
December 23, 2017
This is a perfect example of 'getting what you paid for,' which in this case was nothing, since it was a free Kindle First book so I didn't pay anything for it. And that is a good thing, because it was a terrible book. It also was yet another book where I found myself wondering how on earth the book I was reading was the same book that was reviewed on Goodreads.
Very choppy; dialogue was terse and abrupt, full of innuendos and inferences that went over my head; reminded me of bad bar pickup lines. I frequently felt confused about what the characters were saying and what they meant. It read like a script for a bad tv drama. Could not care about the characters. Definitely NOT a series I will continue.
Very choppy; dialogue was terse and abrupt, full of innuendos and inferences that went over my head; reminded me of bad bar pickup lines. I frequently felt confused about what the characters were saying and what they meant. It read like a script for a bad tv drama. Could not care about the characters. Definitely NOT a series I will continue.
May 30, 2017
A west coast/left coast read for fans who enjoy the likes of John Grisham. Although I wasn't happy with the portrayal of my nursing profession at the end (we would NEVER treat another human that way - much less laugh about it! Goes against everything we're taught and believe in as healthcare professionals), I just kept reminding myself that it's fiction :)
I could definitely continue following this author, hopefully he'll keep churning out books!
I could definitely continue following this author, hopefully he'll keep churning out books!
August 8, 2017
I think the title is somewhat misleading. To my way of thinking it gives the impression of a laid-back, easygoing, surfer dude kind of lawyer who is either just barely getting by or does the bare minimum required to get through life (maybe that's just me?). Nothing could be further from the truth as the main character of Beach Lawyer, Robert Logan Worth, is actually VERY career focused and sort of an overachiever... at least in the beginning of things.
For the last few years thirty-one-year-old Robert L. Worth has been keeping his head down, working long hours to get ahead in the prominent law firm of Fanelli & Pierce, PC, Attorneys At Law.
Worth is something of a protege of Lawyer Fanelli and his future is looking very bright until a personal clash with the powerful Jack Pierce (the other prominent partner who lends his name to the company letterhead) results in his being "let go" almost immediately.
Blackballed in the legal community and unsure what to do Worth eventually takes on a disgruntled former client of Pierce's and begins proceedings to sue his former firm on her behalf. That's where everything starts getting out of hand in a big, big way and Worth begins to find out just how ruthless and powerful his former boss can be.
The story takes its time getting set up. Once it gets going it can be a tad difficult to follow at first because there are several different characters popping in and out whose purpose or place in the story is not immediately clear. If you can stick with it though it ends up being a pretty good legal thriller with more twists and turns than a cart full of pretzels.
Seriously, there are so many surprise revelations, ulterior motives and secret double dealings that by the end of the book you begin to wonder if you are even who you claim to be. It's not the best you'll ever read but it's well written and, for the most part, an entertaining read.
In some ways Beach Lawyer reminded me of some of John Grisham's work, especially The Firm. It's kind of a Grisham-lite thing, not as polished or well plotted out but still a pretty good effort in its own right.
I think anyone who enjoys a good legal mystery will find this to be a fairly enjoyable read.
***Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title.
For the last few years thirty-one-year-old Robert L. Worth has been keeping his head down, working long hours to get ahead in the prominent law firm of Fanelli & Pierce, PC, Attorneys At Law.
Worth is something of a protege of Lawyer Fanelli and his future is looking very bright until a personal clash with the powerful Jack Pierce (the other prominent partner who lends his name to the company letterhead) results in his being "let go" almost immediately.
Blackballed in the legal community and unsure what to do Worth eventually takes on a disgruntled former client of Pierce's and begins proceedings to sue his former firm on her behalf. That's where everything starts getting out of hand in a big, big way and Worth begins to find out just how ruthless and powerful his former boss can be.
The story takes its time getting set up. Once it gets going it can be a tad difficult to follow at first because there are several different characters popping in and out whose purpose or place in the story is not immediately clear. If you can stick with it though it ends up being a pretty good legal thriller with more twists and turns than a cart full of pretzels.
Seriously, there are so many surprise revelations, ulterior motives and secret double dealings that by the end of the book you begin to wonder if you are even who you claim to be. It's not the best you'll ever read but it's well written and, for the most part, an entertaining read.
In some ways Beach Lawyer reminded me of some of John Grisham's work, especially The Firm. It's kind of a Grisham-lite thing, not as polished or well plotted out but still a pretty good effort in its own right.
I think anyone who enjoys a good legal mystery will find this to be a fairly enjoyable read.
***Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title.
June 26, 2017
Great Story and narration by James Patrick Cronin (audible review)
So this book was just a random find for me and I am glad I found it. It was interesting and exciting all the way through to the end.
There are a lot of twists and turns you don't see coming. I like it when that happens. There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the entire book. It's not full of filler nonsense and the characters are great. There was a romance going on too. Usually legal books bug me because, well I work for lawyers and they just say or do stupid things like the legal shows on TV LOL. But this was a great book. It flowed and was easy to follow along.
As for the narration, James Patrick Cronin did a great job. I really enjoyed his reading voice. He did a good job on the female voices and everyone got their own distinct voice.
I totally recommend this book. I would like to see more of this author on audible.
This was a free read and 1.99 audible with my KU subscription. Great Deal!
So this book was just a random find for me and I am glad I found it. It was interesting and exciting all the way through to the end.
There are a lot of twists and turns you don't see coming. I like it when that happens. There is a lot of great dialogue throughout the entire book. It's not full of filler nonsense and the characters are great. There was a romance going on too. Usually legal books bug me because, well I work for lawyers and they just say or do stupid things like the legal shows on TV LOL. But this was a great book. It flowed and was easy to follow along.
As for the narration, James Patrick Cronin did a great job. I really enjoyed his reading voice. He did a good job on the female voices and everyone got their own distinct voice.
I totally recommend this book. I would like to see more of this author on audible.
This was a free read and 1.99 audible with my KU subscription. Great Deal!
June 7, 2017
It's very rare that I download a free kindle book and it's exceptional. This book was just that. From the first couple of pages I was hooked. Yes there were twists and turns. Yes I had to reread certain passages. That is Evidence of book causing you to read faster, breathe faster, eyes racing word to word. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 4, 2017
This book had potential but tried to do too much. Some things were dragged out, others rushed. Hard to follow and very unbelievable. Couldn't connect with any of the characters. Not my favorite kindle first find. But it was a quick read!
April 28, 2023
I listen to audiobooks when we are on a car trip, so I listened to the audiobook. Great story, interesting characters, with many twists and turns, right to the end. I am looking forward to his second of three in this series.
April 16, 2017
It's a fun little thrill ride with a couple of quick dips and and hidden turns.
April 23, 2017
Ok
It was ok, not really my cup of tea. The writing was good. The story just didn't grab me at all.
It was ok, not really my cup of tea. The writing was good. The story just didn't grab me at all.
June 6, 2017
I am afraid this book was not for me. I am sure it will appeal to some people but I found it too slow going.
September 6, 2017
Fast read!
This novel kept me interested the whole way through. Lots of twists and turns that had me concentrating to solve the mysteries right along with the main character. Very well written!
This novel kept me interested the whole way through. Lots of twists and turns that had me concentrating to solve the mysteries right along with the main character. Very well written!
November 7, 2017
A fairly good book , sort of thriller , full of twist and turns , set in a lawyer firm , I like it but I felt the book was written with an American readership in mind as some of the language felt alien to me , also the ending left me a bit disappointed .
June 28, 2017
You will not find any courtroom drama within The Beach Lawyer. Robert Worth, the main character, is a young corporate lawyer working at a prestigious firm in LA as the story opens. He has never tried a case in a court. But he is very good at what he does and very ambitious.
Circumstances mostly beyond his control cost him his chance at partnership and his job. It is what happens afterwards that drives the story. And it's a quite well conceived story about trust.
While there is much to like here, I have to say I finished the book with a mildly bad taste in my mouth. There is no really admirable character here. There are only people who are less dishonorable than others.
The author is a lawyer turned author and, based on this story, I have to believe he has a low opinion of those who practice the profession and likely some bad experiences with women. It would be interesting to know how much of this story is based on people Mr. Duff encountered during his time practicing law.
I give this a mild recommendation to people who enjoy revenge stories if, and only if, they can stomach a story where women are given very harsh portrayals. Anyone who wants strong women to be portrayed in a positive light will be very disappointed.
Circumstances mostly beyond his control cost him his chance at partnership and his job. It is what happens afterwards that drives the story. And it's a quite well conceived story about trust.
While there is much to like here, I have to say I finished the book with a mildly bad taste in my mouth. There is no really admirable character here. There are only people who are less dishonorable than others.
The author is a lawyer turned author and, based on this story, I have to believe he has a low opinion of those who practice the profession and likely some bad experiences with women. It would be interesting to know how much of this story is based on people Mr. Duff encountered during his time practicing law.
I give this a mild recommendation to people who enjoy revenge stories if, and only if, they can stomach a story where women are given very harsh portrayals. Anyone who wants strong women to be portrayed in a positive light will be very disappointed.
April 29, 2017
Mystery with a twist
Loved this book. I read a lot of mysteries but they start to run together. This was a mystery about lawyers and revenge. The charters were drawn good, even the bad guys, and dialogue was great. Could not stop reading. Recommend this to anyone who likes to read.
Loved this book. I read a lot of mysteries but they start to run together. This was a mystery about lawyers and revenge. The charters were drawn good, even the bad guys, and dialogue was great. Could not stop reading. Recommend this to anyone who likes to read.
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December 16, 2018Can’t say I’m a fan of this one. I thought it was confusing and overly long. I didn’t care for any of the characters.
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