Without Fear or Favor

Butch Karp #29

by Robert K. Tanenbaum

In the twenty-ninth novel in the New York Times bestselling Karp-Ciampi series featuring “the best fictional prosecuting attorney in literature” (Mark Lane, #1 New York Times bestselling author), Butch Karp and his wife Marlene Ciampi must stop a radical organization of armed militants bent on the cold-blooded murder of uniformed on-duty police officers.

When a cop shoots down the son of a respected inner-city Baptist preacher, the community rises up in anger and demands to have the officer prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But there’s something more than a call for justice at work here: a plot to bring down the city’s police force through a conspiracy so vast and malicious only Butch Karp and his band of truth-seekers can untangle it.

Full of Tanenbaum’s signature page turning intense action and heart pounding suspense from “one hell of a writer” (New York Post), Without Fear or Favor will keep you guessing until the final scene.

Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Legal Thriller, Legal

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2017

About the author

Robert K. Tanenbaum is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five legal thrillers and has an accomplished legal career of his own. Before his first book was published, Tanenbaum had already been the Bureau Chief of the Criminal Courts, had run the Homicide Bureau, and had been in charge of the training program for the legal staff for the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He also served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Congressional Committee investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. In his professional career, Tanenbaum has never lost a felony case. His courtroom experiences bring his books to life, especially in his bestselling series featuring prosecutor Roger “Butch” Karp and his wife, Marlene Ciampi.

Tanenbaum was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the University of California at Berkeley on a basketball scholarship, and remained at Cal, where he earned his law degree from the prestigious Boalt Hall School of Law. After graduating from Berkeley Law, Tanenbaum moved back to New York to work as an assistant district attorney under the legendary New York County DA Frank Hogan. Tanenbaum then served as Deputy Chief Counsel in charge of the Congressional investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The blockbuster novel Corruption of Blood (1994), is a fictionalized account of his experience in Washington, D.C.

Tanenbaum returned to the West Coast and began to serve in public office. He was elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in 1986 and twice served as the mayor of Beverly Hills. It was during this time that Tanenbaum began his career as a novelist, drawing from the many fascinating stories of his time as a New York ADA. His successful debut novel, No Lesser Plea (1987), introduces Butch Karp, an assistant district attorney who is battling for justice, and Marlene Ciampi, his associate and love interest. Tanenbaum’s subsequent twenty-two novels portrayed Karp and his crime fighting family and eclectic colleagues facing off against drug lords, corrupt politicians, international assassins, the mafia, and hard-core violent felons.

He has had published eight recent novels as part of the series, as well as two nonfiction titles: The Piano Teacher (1987), exploring his investigation and prosecution of a recidivist psychosexual killer, and Badge of the Assassin (1979), about his prosecution of cop killers, which was made into a movie starring James Woods as Tanenbaum.

Tanenbaum and his wife of forty-three years have three children. He currently resides in California where he has taught Advanced Criminal Procedure at the Boalt Hall School of Law and maintains a private law practice.

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

N.Y. District Attorney Roger Karp’s novels bring you “right” into the courtroom with the defense lawyer, defendant & him (prosecutor).

Butch Karp NYC District Attorney (DA) & Marlene Ciampi, Assistant District Attorney (ADA + wife).

Unlike being innocent until proven guilty. Karp proves guilty before innocent ! Can the Defense’s argument of a “non-white” client is innocent & “discriminating” white officers be proven guilty is false?
Can unreasonable bias “defense” arguments be defeated?

In the beginning, Karp addresses a crowd that a white cop killing a non-white unarmed man may be justified? This causes a public shooting towards him & others while on-stage in front of a crowd?

He must approach organization - “Nat X” - Nat Turner Revolutionary Brigade - for political change that white law is against the black and other minorities. Should Antony Jackson (defendant) be a suspect of murdering 2 police officers (Cippio & Johnson)?

Nice audiobook. The courtroom drama’s tone is great.

Robert Tanenbaum

Robert Tanenbaum’s website book review
Robert Tanenbaum’s legal experience (great)

The Real Spy Book’s review
Criminal Element’s book review

The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group
Currently Reading? Just Finished? 2019

[Gloria Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several authors who regularly write novels with interesting courtroom scenes, but none better than Robert K. Tanenbaum, because his protagonist is the district Attorney of New York County, perhaps the most prestigious post in the country, if you don’t count the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which basically covers the same territory. But each Butch Karp novel spends the first half setting up the plot so that the last half can feature the trial, drawing on the author’s experience as an assistant DA in the office of the legendary Frank Hogan.

The plot of “Without Fear or Favor” is based on a combination of an occurrence that took place in Brooklyn, when a rookie Asian police officer shot and killed an unarmed teenager in a dark tenement stairway, and racial bigotry and polemics of black agitators against white cops, along the way, one such person preaching Black Liberation to kids that they should wage war on their enemy, the police.

As such, the novel is a murder mystery that isn’t. There is no doubt who the killer is, and that’s what the trial is all about, as Butch goes about tying one piece of evidence to the next until the mosaic is indisputable to the jury. Perhaps the courtroom maneuvering is not quite as exciting as others in the series, but is an example of fine craftsmanship. The reader can only feel sorry for the defense attorney, who is not a particularly likable character and pretty much of a stereotype, who has nothing to work with and fights a losing battle.

Recommended.

[Joyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the 80s and 90s I read every title in Tanenbaum's Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi series. Then there weren't that many legal series that had such an interesting family connection. (I see more and more that this is what attracts me to some series.) Then Marlene's activities went way over the top--she became a vigilante while Butch was still an Ass't DA in NYC--and I guess I found other things to read. When I came across this, I thought I'd give it another chance. While I would like to know what happened to the 3 children and Marlene, who seems to have settled down to a low roar but who only plays a very small role in this title, I don't care enough to go back and read the intervening volumes. This entry deals with police killings of young black men, certainly topical. But Tanenbaum is pretty much black and white (no pun intended) in his approach--there are no shades of gray only right and wrong. Rather hard line for me. Still a compelling story with very bad villains and very good cops/DAs for the most part (there are a few bad cops thrown in), lots of courtroom action and heartfelt speeches. I think John Lescroart replaced Tanenbaum for me, and I still like his much, much more with the SF setting, family dynamics, legal and police action, interesting group of series characters, and a strong sense of place.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books in this series now. I have really grown to like Butch. He is at the top of his game. I would not want to be the opposing attorney in the courtroom. Many have tried and failed to bring Butch down. He is like an inflatable punching bag. You can hit him and knock him down as many times as you want but he comes right back up and if you don't watch yourself you might get hit back. It was a nice surprise to see Butch's love interest, Marlene make a brief appearance. I am a fan of this couple.

This book reads like an episode of Law & Order but the true story that inspires the episode. It features a war raged between white cops and blacks. However, Mr. Tanenbaum was smart in the way he portrayed this story. He did not make it one sided. In fact, some of the cops were mixed race. Although, what I have enjoyed more and more with these books is seeing Butch in action in the court room. This book is a definite one seat read! I look forward to checking out the next book in this series.

[Miriam Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot....

When you read Robert Tanenbaum's resume, you know that before you even start the novel, Without Fear or Favor, you are in the hands of a pro. However, not all legal professionals can write good fiction. This is the 29th book in the Butch Karp-Marlene Ciampi, District Attorney series, and the second one that I have read, the first being Infamy. Tanenbaum is a master of the political and legal thriller.

Without Fear or Favor starts off with a bang—a political assassination attempt on the life of District Attorney Karp. Black Supremacist, Nat X, is up to some evil work in New York City, inciting riots and recruiting young boys to do his dirty work. A policeman and a young teenager have been killed, and a policeman indicted—not to mention the work of a religious vigilante who lives in the sewers and appears to administer his own form of justice. The city is totally on edge, especially after Karp is shot. Tanenbaum sucks the reader right in with the assassination scene, and the action never lets up until Nat X is captured and the case against him goes to trial.

At this point, the reader can take a breath and stop to savor the case building against Nat X and Karp's brilliance as a prosecutor. The trial, itself, evolves over about a third of the book. The ending scenes are extremely dramatic—as dramatic as the opening, breathtaking scene. In his closing statement, DA Karp's words are brilliant and heart-wrenching, offering an indictment of the current political climate in the United States, most likely the sentiments of the author.

Tanenbaum does not shirk from expressing his politics in his writings. It hits awfully close to home. Much of the plot in Without Fear or Favor hinges on incidents of supposed police brutality—at least in the minds of the African-American protagonists. Tanenbaum creates believable police officers, both effective and ineffective. He also creates Black characters with integrity and compassion to serve as counterpoint to the thugs. I was particularly struck by the two young boys sucked into Nat X's supremacist rhetoric. We certainly saw those same young men (white this time) as we watched with horror the march last Saturday in Charlottesville VA—young men sucked into rhetoric that they don't fully comprehend.

The reviewer on the Criminal Element website complained that some of the characters are clichés, but having read another book by Tanenbaum, I understand that character development is not his long suit, but you can't beat his no-holds-barred plot development.

Some thriller series must be read in order, but that is not the case with the Butch Karp-Marlene Ciampi, District Attorney series. Plow right in, unless you are offended by liberal political thrillers or if you are watching too much political drama on the news.

[Bob]

NY City DA Roger Karp has his hands full when a Black Nationalist terrorist calling himself Nat-X comes to town fomenting hate and war against the police. When a young officer is brazenly in a Harlem park in broad daylight and later a police involved shooting of a young black high school student who was claimed to be unarmed things turn ugly. The book follows Karp's building of the case against Nat-X and the subsequent trial once he has been captured. This was a hard to put down book taking direction from current days unrest between the law enforcement community and the black community.

[Debi Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same story different title.

Mr Tanenbaum needs to do a book on Marlene. Butch is getting boring, and so are his stories. It never felt like a thriller, forced myself to read finish it.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Among many other legal posts, Tanenbaum has been a prosecutor, an Assistant District Attorney, has taught law, and served two terms as mayor of Beverly Hills, California. He’s termed a “New York Times” bestselling author of some thirty-two books,. This is the 29th book in the long-running series of legal thrillers featuring New York City District Attorney Roger “Butch” Karp and his wife, investigator Marlene Ciampi. How could one man do all that? Easy. He didn’t.
In a rather notorious (in writing circles) revelation in 2003, Tanenbaum’s cousin, Michael Gruber revealed he had ghostwritten the “bestselling author’s” novels, the two had parted ways, and he was pursuing his own writing career. Followed by a rather inexpert successor, the quality of Tanenbaum’s books reportedly suffered, then for a while it appeared more expert hands were at the tiller. I knew none of this when I read Without Fear or Favor, but Tanenbaum’s hunt for a good ghostwriter should continue.
The new novel tells the story of a white cop murdered by a black militant who uses the nom de guerre, Nat X. Nat X says there’s a war on black people, and cops are the enemy. He does murder a policeman early in the story, then entices a teenager to shoot another one, and the remainder of the book is about bringing him to justice.
In some respects, this book is the antithesis of Don Winslow’s The Force, also about black-white relations in New York City as they collide within the criminal justice system. In Winslow’s book, corruption is rampant; in Tanenbaum’s, aside from three vigilante cops, duly punished, the police, the investigators, and the prosecutors are models of probity. Their solid ideals are revealed in unrealistic lengthy statements, more like essays than realistic conversations.
If these editorial opinions were confined to one or two characters, you can accept that they reflect a particular character’s point of view, but they also appear in the narration, which becomes indistinguishable from the characters’ “good citizenship” and “flaws in the system” lectures.
Targets of the narrator’s ire are the news media (“The New York Times, having admitted in the previous news cycle to giving up any attempt at objectivity in its news columns . . .”), black activists, of course, and white liberals. Even the educational system comes in for abuse, with public schools described as dangerous places where successful learning was impossible—“such was the nature and cruelty of low expectations.”
In addition to constant editorializing, the writer has a bad habit of introducing a bolus of backstory every time a new character is introduced, but it is backstory of the most superficial kind. It doesn’t explore the individual at all, and you’re left to apply whatever assumptions you may have about someone described as a product of “only the finest prep schools.”
Unsurprisingly, the story is loaded with clichés and stereotyped and cardboard characters. Still, there are some truly odd features, one of which is District Attorney Karp’s receptionist’s name, Darla Milquetoast. Since a fictional character has name of the author’s choosing, why choose such a strange one? According to the 2010 Census, there is not one person in the United States with that last name. But, ok, if that’s the name, why continue to give it in full every time the character appears? It’s obvious the name is intended as some kind of clever joke. Likewise, both the murdered policeman, Tony Cippio, and Nat X (real name: Anthony Johnson, Jr.) have the same first name—that surely isn’t accidental, but what does it mean?
Perhaps most puzzling are the courtroom scenes of Nat X’s trial. I wonder whether Tanenbaum even read them. The defense attorney is not a worthy adversary for Karp, which greatly undercuts the tension of the trial. Moreover, her deceptive behavior is at odds with ethical legal practice.

[Christian Wolcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I run a cop blog & received a copy of this book. The catch: a review! Words for words? Seems like an equivalent exchange. Thus this: JackCatchem.com’s first book review: “Without Fear or Favor” by Robert K. Tanenbaum. (I received no cash for this review, just a free book. Which is like a free drink for an alkie.)

JackCatchem is about cops…So is “Without Fear Or Favor!” It is written by a former District Attorney (the prosecutors who charge the bad guys) and it shows. You can imagine this book as a Law and Order style story/; 1/2 police case 1/2 trial. It’s all good, but Tanenbaum truly shines when he lets his inner lawyer out in the second half. If you’ve ever been interviewed on a stand, you’ll be able to tell Tanenbaum is fighting out this legal case in his mind as assuredly as Christian Cameron (a fanatical medieval re-enactor and modern author) has spent a few hundred hours fighting men in armor. The detail is visceral, real, and believable as this subject matter expert is writing what he knows.

But why should a cop and those that are interested in them read this book? Because although a delightful pulp piece of fiction, the current issue of the War on Cops is part and parcel of the plot. Tragically prescient of the Mitosis case, a cop is murdered as part of the War on Cops and New York City threatens to fall apart as *gasp* the media makes things worse by chasing the ratings and stimulate further outrages by both cops and suspects. Don’t let the broad strokes tempt you away from it, it is honestly a good read worth accruing the details. Tanenbaum is a New York Times Bestselling author for a reason.

I appreciated the cops in the novel were also presented as a real mix of people. You have a golden boy victim, a nervous young cop, plenty of lazy ones, some good ones…essentially any roll call ever. It accurately depicts the author’s contacts with the Policing world and I think other officers would be happy to read it.

I heartily recommend this book to other cops for three reasons. Entertainment is one, for those that cannot get enough of their craft. There is also an element of Edu-tainment. If you are thinking of switching over to the lawyer side of the law, detective side of the force, or forensics, this will give you an accurate portrayal of what each side is after in that silly game we call “court.” The DA wants to convict, the defense release, the judge be fair (for further promotions), and the barking seal experts want another gig. Finally, its nice to see someone articulate, with a tale, the strain of policing a victimized minority of a society when that part of society is being egged on to strike back at the blue line for the sake of ratings.

You can also find a good underlying theme of vigilantism vs. rule of law, but not in any heavy handed Batman fashion. Its more subtle and may be part of a larger story arc. I understand Tanenbaum has written many more in this series than “Without Fear Or Favor” (this was my first introduction) and it may be tied to that.

This book is different from my normal past time reading, but its 370 pages was still an enjoyable read for an afternoon (I have a problem, I know). The vernacular is swift and accurate for each character, and Tanenbaum usually avoids the lawyer’s proclivity for verbosity admirably.

I read it and you should too if you want to enjoy a fictional yet prescient story of cops, criminals, and a prosecutor dancing through the politics with considerably more grace and even handed passion than has been on display in Baltimore and Chicago of late. As I said, its a good story set in the wildest of times: right now. Do you want to understand the War on Cops without checking Wikipedia? Check out “Without Fear Or Favor.”

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

As befits the author's expertise (as a prosecuting attorney), this book focuses on the trial of a cop killer. The first half or so describes the defendant's crimes and the attitudes and actions of his associates and victims. It's pretty interesting. The last half, which is about the trial, could be interesting, but I was turned off by the long patches of political ideology. The author believes that police are more the victims of violent black Americans than they are racists pursuing vengeance against an oppressed minority. In the case described here, I agree with the author. However, the author pushes his point too hard, to the detriment of the story. In the end, he did not convince me that all the blame lies on one side or the other.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9 Very good book , I couldn't give it a 4 because the cop killers and haters pissed me off too much! Contrary to what some people believe, Racist cops are not on the rampage. And good cops are being murdered . This book focuses on the atrocities that a small group of radical activist are doing to our brave men and women of law enforcement. The fear of many is that the majority will have a backlash and retaliation against these hateful mob minded groups like the Nat Turner Revolutionary Brigade.. and what a mess that will be... this is the story of NYDA Butch Karl and his battle with finding the truth and punishing the criminals of wrong doings . It's sad, I feel like I'm living through the Wild West or through the mafia dominating times in NYC area or Chicago area during the 1920's- 1940's. So much hatred, control, and prejudices from so many areas..the sad part, as usual..it's small groups that are trying to effect the goodness and strength and righteousness of the majority of people. It seems that many folks have become afraid and dishearten with others and fail to think for themselves and have developed a mob mentality. Is there racism in the police force, probable some..but a lot less than other areas of society according to Evans. This book has some great characters with a few surprises thrown in the mix. But the heart brings us back to seeing good in others..and if you can't find that good quality right away..search for it.. ..it's probably there! I really liked Nevis Butler. She's was trying to raise her 2 boys...trying to do what's right. Tyrone the "good" son. He's trying to stay on the straight and narrow, be a friend to police officers and help in the investigation. Then there Maurice, her "troubled" son, who is sneaking out to join the Nat Turner Revolution. But Ms Butler loves them both and trying to pull them in close with love and compassion. Officer Tony Cippio and Officer Eddie Evan were another example of a stand up guys. Under Enan's circumstances he took a personal chance and did what was right for the police and others and went against the grain of harassment by haters. Then we have the over eager journalist who was probably not respected in his industry ....Vansand..what a creep. "Ooger the bear said". The epilogue said in summery.. paraphrased ...black activist against the Nazi district attorney ( journalist prospective ) ...when its really a cop killer getting what he deserves. That's the way a lot of the news wants it reported.... sensationalized...so sad!

[Phillip III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert K. Tanenbaum is one of those authors I have always wanted to read, but never got around to reading. My loss. Or it was my loss. I received a copy of his latest novel, Without Fear or  Favor. Turns out it is the 29th in the Butch Karp-Marlene Ciampi series. Normally, when I read a series I start on the first book. I would have to go back three decades worth of books to make that happen. Instead, I sucked it up and just read the book I was sent. And I loved it! I wasn't lost because I hadn't read the previous titles. That is important to me as a reader!

Without Fear or Favor is timely, and relevant. It is, as they say, a thrilling novel pulled from today's headlines. A radical Baptist reverend has taken his sermons to the streets. He is preaching hate, and violence. The charge is against the police. The preacher believes the NYPD is filled with racists, cops who get off on killing innocent black people. His goal is twofold: to create anarchy in the community, and to remain in the limelight. Both quite self-serving!

When it looks as if a rookie cop shot an unarmed black teenager, the reverend is set to pounce. Screaming for justice, and the conviction of the officer clogs the newsfeeds. Protests and rallies are poised on the verge of chaos, and violence. Tension only mounts when an innocent officer is gunned down in a city park. The boys in blue want revenge for the slaying. Lines are drawn. Sides are black and white. The officers in charge of the investigation have their work cut out for them. One side will win. One side will not be happy with the outcome.

Without Fear or Favor means doing something in an equal, and fair way. Cover-ups are in place. People know the truth. Witnesses are scared to come forward. The answers will fight for a voice in the courtroom. The decision rests with a jury. A cataclysmic event is on the cusp of eruption . . .

This book reminds me of an amazing episode of Law & Order. The first half of the novel is the police procedural. The cops and their routine is well drawn, and authentic. The courtroom drama is tight, and compelling. The twists and turns are not excessive, but dangerous. As a person who worked for ten years as a paralegal, and another ten as a dispatcher at 9-1-1, I was sucked right into the tale. (And for the record, your Honor, I have gone and ordered the first six books in the series. I have some serious catching up to do. Tanenbaum has a new fan).

Phillip Tomasso
Author of Assassin's Promise
and Sounds of Silence

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this novel. I got about halfway through, reading every word, when I just couldn't do it any more. I skimmed my way through the second half just so I could see how it ended.

I understand that when a writer writes about racial events, slurs and derogatory remarks will be used. I expect that. Otherwise, the subject matter wouldn't feel real. There are slurs, derogatory remarks, and hatred for other races depicted in this novel. Okay, fine. I can deal with that. The way it was written, though, reminded me of a poorly written and directed 80s film.

** SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT AHEAD **

Another issue I had was the attempted shooting of Officer Kim. The crime scene was investigated the night it happened. No trace of a bullet was found and the window Kim was standing beside when being shot at wasn't broken by a bullet. They concluded the window wasn't open because the residents were ordered to leave the windows shut to prevent dirt and dust coming into the complex. Okay, cool. My issue? I don't think the crime scene analysts did a thorough job. Maybe it's because I watch too much Criminal Minds or NCIS but not once (unless it was said in the second half of the book I skimmed through) did they use a computer simulation program to play devil's advocate on where the bullet could have gone. I just think there was a missed opportunity there.

And, dear God, the acronyms. I kept thinking about the readers who aren't as familiar with them as I am. If a person isn't familiar with law enforcement lingo, they'd have NO CLUE what DA, DAO, BOLO and ADA meant. I know this is a long shot because it seems that everyone is familiar with these terms ... but what if they're not?

For me, the story progressed too slowly and it seemed the writer stayed in his head too much. He wrote it in a way that was familiar to him because he lives with these characters. He knows them. I think he needs to take a step back and re-read his work with the view of knowing nothing about any of his characters. I bet he would rewrite some chapters to make it more accessible to his readers' imaginations.

[Jill Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Without Fear or Favor" tackles difficult and controversial issues, including racial profiling by police officers, police shootings of young black men, murder of police officers by extremists, and the role the media plays in fanning the flames. New York District Attorney Butch Karp and his team investigate the brutal murder of a white police officer who had been playing basketball with young black teens before being gunned down by black activists. Following closely on the heels of that killing, a young black teen is shot and killed in a housing project by a police officer who claims the teen fired a gun at him in an ambush. The black community is up in arms over both killings and the media, particularly a reporter trying to gain national recognition, portrays both killings in questionable ways. All is not what it seems, with a sociopathic young black thug plotting to start a race war by attacking the police and young, impressionable kids being goaded into despicable acts. Karp and his team keep digging until they uncover the truth, which includes identifying "dirty" cops. Tanenbaum has created a suspenseful, thought-provoking story that presents both sides of controversial racial issues. It's very well-written and quite the page-turner. My only gripe is the somewhat tedious court proceedings, which could have been edited down a bit while still having the same impact. All in all, "Without Fear or Favor" is a terrific read.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police officer Tony Cippio takes community policing seriously. He plays basketball with the teens on his beat to show them that he is not the bad guy. He does care and wants to help. But he is gunned down. At the same time an unarmed black teenager is killed by a white police officer. These incidents look separate but attorney Butch Karp has discovered a link and now has to try and convince the jury that there is much more to these two cases than you first see.

In a story that could have been ripped out of today’s headlines, we follow along with several people. Those that want to start chaos by fanning the flames of racial tensions, those that stir the pot to increase their ratings, those that want to look like the hero, and then there is Butch Karp that wants justice.

This is my first Butch Karp story and I loved it. If you like police procedures and well written legal stories, look no further. I was quickly drawn into this story and held tight by the writing. I loved how you see all areas of this world. It is not just racist police officers or those that target police just because that is their job.

This is a great story and a great introduction to the Butch Karp series. I can’t wait to go back and read the story from the start.

I received Without Fear or Favor from FSB Associates for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#29 in the NYC DA "Butch" Karp & Marlene Ciampi series. A page-turner of a novel that combines investigative police work with an engrossing trial sequence. A black criminal moves from S.F. to NYC when things get too hot for him in CA, and than in a throwback works to radicalize young blacks and have them kill cops. Another throwback, has two radical preachers fomenting anti-cop sentiment. Offsetting these activities is a theme torn from today's news, as a young Asian cop is accused of shooting an unarmed black teenager. These storylines come together and culminate in a climactic trial scene. Uneven but on balance a thrilling entry in the long running series.

In the prologue, Karp holds a press conference. The crowd is expecting him to announce whether Bryce Kim, an Asian policeman accused of fatally shooting black teenager Ricky Watts, is going to be indicted. When Karp announces that no decision will be made until the investigation is concluded, a gunman shoots him. Flash back to a month earlier: the murder of Tony Cippio, a white police officer, by a black shooter in Harlem is followed by the shooting death of Watts. These actions elevate racial tensions throughout the city. Back in the present, only the investigative skills of Karp, who's recovered from his gunshot wounds, and his wife, Marlene Ciampi, can bring the truth to light when Kim is brought to trial.

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a ripped-from-the-headlines story line, cops vs. minorities is the theme of this book. Various African-American agitators are rousing the citizens of Harlem. Taking advantage of the unrest, a man calling himself Nat X kills a cop playing basketball with a group of children in Harlem. A police officer also shoots a young man who was sent into the tenement building by Nat X. The streets are in an uproar. When Butch Karp, the District Attorney of Manhattan, calls a press conference to announce the grand jury's findings on the death of the two men, Karp is shot and almost dies. Then, as the trial of Nat X begins, the reader follows the meticulous case-building that is a hallmark of Tanenbaum's writing. Another enjoyable visit with the Butch and Marlene, but little mention of the three kids. A fast read.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest in the Karp-Ciampi series, Without Fear or Favor, by Robert Tanenbaum, is a seat of your pants thriller ripped from today’s most sensational headlines.The City is rife with stoked anger, and racial violence. The new cast of characters include race-baiting ministers, self-interested journalists, do-gooder white limousine-liberal defense attorneys, frightened witnesses, and racist cops out to take justice into their own hands. They join with the familiar courthouse characters, New York City’s homeless (the Mole people), the stressed out district attorney’s office, hero police officers, and Marlene Ciampi, well being the Marlene we all love...

Read the entire review at https://journalingonpaper.com/2017/07...

[Clwseattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Fear or Favor is vintage Robert K. Tanenbaum and vintage Butch Karp.

I found it refreshing for Karp to be back in his element as District Attorney fighting a case relevant to today's frightening headlines and not fighting domestic and foreign terrorists with his family. Please don't get me wrong, I enjoy every member of his family and their various and sundry adventures, but many of the recent Karp/Ciampi books have strayed a bit too far from Butch Karp and his job.

I welcome back Karp's colorful 'street' pals and I am particularly grateful he tackled such an important subject, giving an often forgotten or conveniently overlooked point of view.

I look forward, as always, to the NEXT Karp/Ciampi book by Robert K. Tanenbaum.

[Nancy Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining Butch Karp adventure! This has a straightforward plot, no wandering subplots or excess characters to distract. It's clear who the "bad" guys are and who the "good" guys are, and as always, Tanenbaum does a great job creating evil guys. I did notice the lack of tongue in cheek poking fun at NYC stereotypes which I enjoyed in his earlier books, but the events of this story happen in more recent times, and there's really not quite as much to make fun of any more in the city, or maybe it's just that people don't have much of a sense of humor any more. As I said, it's a straightforward story, moving from the crime to the trial resolution, and an enjoyable, satisfying read!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved all of the books by this author featuring the Butch Karp family. This story could have been taken from the front pages of the news. I thought it did a great job of handling the subject matter of police against minorities, how two wrongs don't make a right. Karp has to deal with ongoing murders of police officers and militants. It totally got how when things are spun on the news, you never get the real story and how taking things out of context can lead to bad things happening to good people.
Great book!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff...Tanenbaum weaves in the current unease/distrust between the Black Community and law enforcement...the author has a POV that the media, the Left & professional "race-baiters" have successfully manufactured the image of LEOs as racists pursuing vengeance against an oppressed minority that has made "The Job" more dangerous & difficult thru a trial of a cop-killing black nationalist...I whole-heartedly agree with the perception and sincerely hope truth & justice will win out like it did here!

[viemag · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave Without Fear or Favor by Robert K. Tanenbaum three stars. I did not find the story to be compelling and all of the time spent in the court room was just an opportunity for the author to give his opinions on People of Color vs. Police. The story had a few interesting scenes with Dirty Warren, Booger, and even David Grale but that was not enough to make me say wow! I also enjoyed the plot twists that occurred ever once in a while but all in all I was a little bored with this installment in the author's Butch Karp series. Too much sermonizing and not enough action.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just agree with the previous reviewer. I, too, used to look forward to Tannenbaum's books until the succession of failed attempts to be timely. In fact, Tannenbaum seems to be trying to rip cases from the headlines, then fictionalize them a la the Law & Order tv show. This book in particular is very contrived from the get go. What's more, his black American characters are oh-so-stereotypical. Thumbs down.

[Nancy Cook Lauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting that on this day in 2016 I reviewed the last Tanenbaum book I read.

In this latest one, DA Butch Karp takes on a racially charged killing and manages to pillory black supremacy groups, defense attorneys and journalists, while prosecuting, without a single misstep, a stone-cold killer.

I admit I've always enjoyed Karp's wife, Marlene Ciampi, more than Karp. But I do appreciate that Tanenbaum, unlike many of his popular courtroom drama contemporaries, hasn't left the courtroom behind.

[Corky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of Tanenbaum's books in the past - they've all been enjoyable, touching on current relevant themes as only a legal thriller could. In this book, the topic deals with the interpersonal violence that has been in the headlines lately - black on black crime, white police shooting unarmed black boys ... so therefore it has to carefully walk down the line without being preachy, predictable, or overly sensative - and this book accomplished that. I think it was great for a quick read.

[Paul Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read for any of Robert K. Tanenbaum's stories, but it was a barn burner. The best part of the story to me, and there were many, was the long court case where Roger "Butch" Karp attempts to prove to the jury the defendant is a cop killer. One of the unique characters and a prosecution witness in the story is an ex-cop who has been a homeless drug-addicted woman for many years, Judy Pardo. This is a terrific read and it will not be my last of stories by this author.

[judymellinnetzero.net · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Tanenbaum book in a long time

I have always liked this author and his characters but frequently got bogged down as he summarized everything and every character that had appeared in earlier books. This book read much more smoothly for me but I was glad I had the knowledge from earlier books because old characters popped up at crucial times. But this book was published in 2017 and I see nothing on the horizon. Has Tanenbaum stopped this series after 29 books?

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books by Tannenbaum, and I’ve enjoyed every one. This one does not disappoint. Early on, I was a bit disappointed. The topic has been covered in so many other books, I thought, “not again”. But then, I realized I could not put this book down.

The plot, action and tension just continues to build, build and build at a frenetic pace. The concluding chapters are the ending.

This is truly an E-Ticket!

[Cindy Robins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was saved from a ⭐️⭐️ by Tanenbaum’s skill as a writer. However, this installment of the Karp-Ciampi series was filled with stereotypes and one dimensional caricatures that I don’t recall from his earlier books. By the end, I was flipping through and scanning, and because everyone was so predictable, I don’t feel I missed anything. It’s a shame, as Tanenbaum used to be one of my favorite courtroom/police procedurals.