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Brigham Theodore #2
Mercy
Brigham Theodore is a courtroom brawler, a criminal defense attorney who spends his time slugging it out with the government in court. A year after winning his biggest case, he finds himself at a new firm defending clients of every kind. Drug dealers, gangsters, con men and thugs are the people he defends every day. For him, the fight is what matters.
As the new hotshot lawyer in town, Brigham is referred an engineer accused of euthanizing his wife who was dying of pancreatic cancer. Brigham believes the case to be an easy one, a plea deal down the line for a sympathetic husband. But Vince Dale, once the prosecutor on Brigham's biggest case and now the County Attorney, remembers the sting of defeat and refuses to make a plea bargain on the case. With nothing left to lose, Brigham must use every ounce of fight he has in him to defend a man who has the full weight of the government pressing down on him, and who might not survive it.
As the new hotshot lawyer in town, Brigham is referred an engineer accused of euthanizing his wife who was dying of pancreatic cancer. Brigham believes the case to be an easy one, a plea deal down the line for a sympathetic husband. But Vince Dale, once the prosecutor on Brigham's biggest case and now the County Attorney, remembers the sting of defeat and refuses to make a plea bargain on the case. With nothing left to lose, Brigham must use every ounce of fight he has in him to defend a man who has the full weight of the government pressing down on him, and who might not survive it.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2016
1757 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,089 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
August 22, 2019
I am still riding the high of discovering Victor Methos and am happy I returned to read his two legal thrillers set in Salt Lake City. This second book packs as much punch as the debut, while pulling on the heart strings of those readers who wish to be pulled in. Brigham Theodore has set himself up for success, still fairly new to the legal profession. After the untimely death of his previous boss, Theodore has set-up with two colleagues to run their own firm. His reputation for being a passionate criminal defence attorney has earned him some decent work, including the case of Ted Montgomery, who is accused of murdering his terminally ill wife. Theodore must use all his powers of reasoning to understand how to approach this case, as Ted does not deny filling his wife with morphine, but states that it was at her wish, when the doctors could not help her end the excruciating pain. Up against a District Attorney still out for blood, Theodore will have to act fast and use all he knows to help shape the case in his favour. While trying to juggle that, a major event at the firm almost knocks him off his track and forces some real introspection about the law and how conniving it can be. When some evidence comes to light, Ted does not want it used, but it might be the only way to keep the jury from convicting him. Brigham Theodore may be new to the profession, but he has a lifetime of experience as it relates to saving one’s skin. Another great piece by Victor Methos, which pulls the reader into story from the opening pages. Recommended for those who love a good legal thriller, as well as the reader who enjoys something they could complete in a single sitting.
Methos continues to work well with various legal topics, bringing his experience as a lawyer into his characters and plot lines. Brigham Theodore is again at the helm and entertains the reader as he educates them on what he has learned. He may be somewhat ‘wet behind the ears’, but is also determined to fight for what is right, earning him quite the reputation in the Utah legal community. In this novel, his morals and judgement is tested at every turn, though he refuses to be swayed by the pressure of his legal superiors. Theodore struggles with his personal life, though he is trying to piece all the moving parts together effectively. There are a number of of other characters who make am impact and help move the story along efficiently. Gritty prosecutors seek to box Theodore into a corner while the numerous clients who come to the office have their own interesting legal issues that require immediate answers. A strong narrative is matched with a case no green lawyer has any chance of winning, which comes to deliver a wonderful story that does not let-up at all. Methos knows how to craft a great novel and uses the courtroom effectively to tell the story and its pitfalls. I am happy that I came back to try some more Victor Methos and hope others find the time to read his work.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, another great piece. I’ll have to come back again soon to see what else you have up your sleeve.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Methos continues to work well with various legal topics, bringing his experience as a lawyer into his characters and plot lines. Brigham Theodore is again at the helm and entertains the reader as he educates them on what he has learned. He may be somewhat ‘wet behind the ears’, but is also determined to fight for what is right, earning him quite the reputation in the Utah legal community. In this novel, his morals and judgement is tested at every turn, though he refuses to be swayed by the pressure of his legal superiors. Theodore struggles with his personal life, though he is trying to piece all the moving parts together effectively. There are a number of of other characters who make am impact and help move the story along efficiently. Gritty prosecutors seek to box Theodore into a corner while the numerous clients who come to the office have their own interesting legal issues that require immediate answers. A strong narrative is matched with a case no green lawyer has any chance of winning, which comes to deliver a wonderful story that does not let-up at all. Methos knows how to craft a great novel and uses the courtroom effectively to tell the story and its pitfalls. I am happy that I came back to try some more Victor Methos and hope others find the time to read his work.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, another great piece. I’ll have to come back again soon to see what else you have up your sleeve.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 22, 2025
"Mercy" is Book 2 in author, Victor Methos’ so called Neon Lawyer series. Brigham Theodore is a criminal defence attorney, now in a new firm defending the dregs of society -- gangsters, drug dealers and thugs. His reputation goes before him and soon he is referred a case in which he is to defend a grieving husband who ended his wife’s life in hospital to spare her the pain and suffering she was enduring as a terminal cancer sufferer. The doctors had done all they could but she was constantly screaming in pain. Brigham is certain he will be able to secure a plea deal, given the accused’s only motivation for killing his wife was his desire to put her out of her misery. And he swears she begged him to do it. Meanwhile an aggressive prosecutor is out for blood. The accused is to be charged with murder, a charge she proposes to pursue vigorously. Despite the parties having knowledge of the witnesses each side proposes to call and having a good idea of what they’ll say, there is still room for surprises in any trial. Brigham is about to find out that this one is no exception.
Fans of Victor Methos will know of his extraordinary attention to detail in describing criminal trials, something that can be put down to his own, very interesting legal career. Throw in a unique story line, a great plot and "Mercy" enters the impossible-to-put-down category. The twists and turns in this story don’t let up until the end and most readers won’t see what’s coming. Characterisation is excellent, dialogue script-like and believable. This is court-room drama with a difference. Read it, then read it again. Only then will you fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot.
Fans of Victor Methos will know of his extraordinary attention to detail in describing criminal trials, something that can be put down to his own, very interesting legal career. Throw in a unique story line, a great plot and "Mercy" enters the impossible-to-put-down category. The twists and turns in this story don’t let up until the end and most readers won’t see what’s coming. Characterisation is excellent, dialogue script-like and believable. This is court-room drama with a difference. Read it, then read it again. Only then will you fully appreciate the intricacies of the plot.
March 23, 2017
Another great story.
Brigham Theodore is a criminal defense attorney, he takes on every kind of cases. Likes to fight for his clients, even if he knows the truth. This book is about mercy killing, husband couldn't stand his dying wife to suffer any more. It's legal in many states, and many pet owners makes this decision every day. Fast moving court trial, while reading I had many questions and suspicions. Suspense will keep you in your seat, ending answered my questions.
Brigham Theodore is a criminal defense attorney, he takes on every kind of cases. Likes to fight for his clients, even if he knows the truth. This book is about mercy killing, husband couldn't stand his dying wife to suffer any more. It's legal in many states, and many pet owners makes this decision every day. Fast moving court trial, while reading I had many questions and suspicions. Suspense will keep you in your seat, ending answered my questions.
July 1, 2018
Not explained why Ted couldn't wait 6 more months if he has waited 7 years
Not explained by the author why Ted couldn't wait 6 more months if he has waited 7 years to get insurance money
Not explained by the author why Ted couldn't wait 6 more months if he has waited 7 years to get insurance money
August 13, 2023
TW: Court Cases involving Euthanasia and Sexual Abuse
In the second installment of the series, Brigham Theodore is given a challenging murder case. A father of three is accused of killing his beloved wife, Ruby.
Unlike most courtroom centric novels, this one doesn't drag out the details. The storyline runs at fast forward speed and it's important for the reader to keep up. I recommend reading book one as some side characters and references will be lost on a first time visitor of the series.
I hope Rebecca and Gerald-the new lawyers at the firm get a little more page time than just offering a sympathetic ear or spouting personal philosophies. A bit disappointed in Molly's storyline arc and her first case was so hard to read. Which of course gives it a very realistic and legitimate feel.
Loved the twist at the end.
Goodreads review published 13/08/23
In the second installment of the series, Brigham Theodore is given a challenging murder case. A father of three is accused of killing his beloved wife, Ruby.
Unlike most courtroom centric novels, this one doesn't drag out the details. The storyline runs at fast forward speed and it's important for the reader to keep up. I recommend reading book one as some side characters and references will be lost on a first time visitor of the series.
I hope Rebecca and Gerald-the new lawyers at the firm get a little more page time than just offering a sympathetic ear or spouting personal philosophies. A bit disappointed in Molly's storyline arc and her first case was so hard to read. Which of course gives it a very realistic and legitimate feel.
Loved the twist at the end.
Goodreads review published 13/08/23
March 14, 2018
This book was pretty straight forward at the start. Things were going good for Brigham, the firm doing great business, his relationship with Molly going great, so you knew something would happen.
I hated the choice that Molly made, I felt it put her relationship with Brigham at risk, especially when she was manipulated to hurt and throw off Brigham at a key point.
But it was the case that Brigham was working on that gutted me. I've been at the side of a person slowly dying and sometimes death is the kindest thing. I can see how this case was polarizing, but I very much wanted Brigham to win his case. Then at the end, when nothing could be done Brigham and his client had a talk and my mind was blown. I couldn't hate someone more, not sure how Brigham could stay so calm. This will be a tough one for him to recover from.
I hated the choice that Molly made, I felt it put her relationship with Brigham at risk, especially when she was manipulated to hurt and throw off Brigham at a key point.
But it was the case that Brigham was working on that gutted me. I've been at the side of a person slowly dying and sometimes death is the kindest thing. I can see how this case was polarizing, but I very much wanted Brigham to win his case. Then at the end, when nothing could be done Brigham and his client had a talk and my mind was blown. I couldn't hate someone more, not sure how Brigham could stay so calm. This will be a tough one for him to recover from.
October 9, 2020
Kind of disappointing.The courtroom scenes were really good,and I got a good perspective of what goes on in the'justice'system.Very unsatisfying ending.Also and this is a minor quibble,there are more 'grins'in this book than necessary.Perhaps an editor or at least a thesaurus.
December 20, 2023
I liked the first book vastly more than I did this one.
The first case is when a 10-year-old boy is raped.
The second case was where a man was being accused of a "mercy killing" of his wife who was in agony and dying of pancreatic cancer.
Then there were two references to a red smear on a parking garage column that seemed to be linked to something mysterious.
I have to say Mercy was a big disappointment.
The first case is when a 10-year-old boy is raped.
The second case was where a man was being accused of a "mercy killing" of his wife who was in agony and dying of pancreatic cancer.
Then there were two references to a red smear on a parking garage column that seemed to be linked to something mysterious.
I have to say Mercy was a big disappointment.
August 20, 2023
Captivating
Just recently discovered this author and I do love his style. It took awhile for me to get through this book because I was in the midst of a stressful move. This book was a fun stress reliever and it definitely did not end anything at all as I thought it might. An interesting twist and the evolution of a young lawyer. Enjoyable escape reading. I'm totally looking forward to more Victor Methos books. The stories are great and I always learn new things about how creative lawyers can get, not to mention their clients with their own creativity.
Just recently discovered this author and I do love his style. It took awhile for me to get through this book because I was in the midst of a stressful move. This book was a fun stress reliever and it definitely did not end anything at all as I thought it might. An interesting twist and the evolution of a young lawyer. Enjoyable escape reading. I'm totally looking forward to more Victor Methos books. The stories are great and I always learn new things about how creative lawyers can get, not to mention their clients with their own creativity.
October 24, 2019
A major emotional roller coaster ride as you flip through the pages which involves a case of mercy killing. Let's just say the ending left me speechless.
There are only two books in this series. I really wish Victor Methos continues to add more to the Neon Lawyer.
There are only two books in this series. I really wish Victor Methos continues to add more to the Neon Lawyer.
May 11, 2020
Apart from the paperback having no page numbers at all and being as big as a comic book, I enjoyed this read thoroughly. Another rip roaring story from a writer who is now up there with my all-time faves such as Koontz and King.
April 11, 2020
An okay read
Working my way through Methos backlist. Did not see the twist at true end! This was a pretty good read.
Working my way through Methos backlist. Did not see the twist at true end! This was a pretty good read.
January 24, 2021
Another great read. He writes stories like John Grisham use to.
March 21, 2021
Very disappointing ending-didn’t make any sense. Felt like it was a gratuitous “twist”
A very different read to The Neon Lawyer
A very different read to The Neon Lawyer
April 18, 2025
I really need to stop reading from midnight until morning!
This was an okay read. It wasn’t amazing like the author’s Desert Plain series. That one felt positively honed, keeping me hooked with almost every chapter. And his experience just shone through. This book however definitely felt like early work, very shaking and lacking the expert knowledge of human psyche that the author displayed in the other series.
The characters didn’t have a lot of depth, except Brigham, and his own depth only began to show much later in the book. There was also a lot of meandering. Maybe because it’s a series so it had to do with day to day activities too. But it was not the focused setup of ‘shocking case introduced at the opening, and then argued throughout the rest of the book with the verdict at the end’—which is actually my preference. We had a few different cases popping in and out, and the main case dragged/ignored until the second half of the book.
I liked Molly, kinda. Mostly because of her relationship with Brigham and the softness it brought out. The romantic in me wishes there had been more exploring of their relationship. I did like the conflict they had and how they got through it, but nothing was ever deeply explored and most of the book felt like surface level. The court case was the saving item for shallow characters and relationships.
Spoiler warning ⚠️
I was annoyed that the twist was the exact same from An Unreliable Truth: the MC going to bat the defend the client, making readers think the client is innocent too, and then revealing the client is actually guilty. With Arlo in AUT, I was shocked by the twist. But here, I began to recognize the pattern from pretty early on and was just annoyed to see the exact same twist play out. It would’ve had more impact if the testimony was true: if Ted was really innocent, and won the case in a close breath.
It also wasn’t realistically written that Ted just didn’t care about his wife throughout all those years of marriage. It’s not impossible; but it was glossed over in writing and therefore wasn’t realistically portrayed.
I also am unhappy to learn that lawyers, with open eyes, defend criminals and keep them from jail. The author constantly argues this in the book and sorry, but it doesn’t make sense to me. Molly defended a rapist and the child who was molested committed suicide because Molly got his molester free. Brigham suspected Ted lied and still went on to defend him. They argue that they aren’t defending people but the constitution, and can only do what they’re paid to without bearing the blame for repercussions. I won’t go into it here but that’s all nonsense lawyers must tell themselves to feel better about no morality.
All that said, when the case really got started, it was thrilling enough that I stayed up from 2am to 5am to finish reading it. The ‘twist’ at the end just lessened the enjoyment of it all!
This was an okay read. It wasn’t amazing like the author’s Desert Plain series. That one felt positively honed, keeping me hooked with almost every chapter. And his experience just shone through. This book however definitely felt like early work, very shaking and lacking the expert knowledge of human psyche that the author displayed in the other series.
The characters didn’t have a lot of depth, except Brigham, and his own depth only began to show much later in the book. There was also a lot of meandering. Maybe because it’s a series so it had to do with day to day activities too. But it was not the focused setup of ‘shocking case introduced at the opening, and then argued throughout the rest of the book with the verdict at the end’—which is actually my preference. We had a few different cases popping in and out, and the main case dragged/ignored until the second half of the book.
I liked Molly, kinda. Mostly because of her relationship with Brigham and the softness it brought out. The romantic in me wishes there had been more exploring of their relationship. I did like the conflict they had and how they got through it, but nothing was ever deeply explored and most of the book felt like surface level. The court case was the saving item for shallow characters and relationships.
Spoiler warning ⚠️
I was annoyed that the twist was the exact same from An Unreliable Truth: the MC going to bat the defend the client, making readers think the client is innocent too, and then revealing the client is actually guilty. With Arlo in AUT, I was shocked by the twist. But here, I began to recognize the pattern from pretty early on and was just annoyed to see the exact same twist play out. It would’ve had more impact if the testimony was true: if Ted was really innocent, and won the case in a close breath.
It also wasn’t realistically written that Ted just didn’t care about his wife throughout all those years of marriage. It’s not impossible; but it was glossed over in writing and therefore wasn’t realistically portrayed.
I also am unhappy to learn that lawyers, with open eyes, defend criminals and keep them from jail. The author constantly argues this in the book and sorry, but it doesn’t make sense to me. Molly defended a rapist and the child who was molested committed suicide because Molly got his molester free. Brigham suspected Ted lied and still went on to defend him. They argue that they aren’t defending people but the constitution, and can only do what they’re paid to without bearing the blame for repercussions. I won’t go into it here but that’s all nonsense lawyers must tell themselves to feel better about no morality.
All that said, when the case really got started, it was thrilling enough that I stayed up from 2am to 5am to finish reading it. The ‘twist’ at the end just lessened the enjoyment of it all!
August 22, 2019
3.5 🌟
This is the second story in Neon Lawyer series with Brigham Theodore as defence attorney.
After huge success in Amanda Pierce case, Brigham Theodore has started his own firm with Scotty and Molly. As the workload is increasing, they're hiring more attorneys.
And then Brigham got this case of Ted Montgomery who killed his hospitalized wife, in front of his three kids, supposedly to free her from pain she is suffering due to pancreatic cancer.
Then things go to trial, courtroom scenes which have been narrated quite well, much like in previous Amanda Pierce story.
Overall, Plotting of the story was pretty good. Some, New Characters were introduced like Rebecca, Debra, Jennifer Vest. Still Somewhere, I feel that many characters could have been developed further. Especially, Rebecca Brigham relationship and Scotty's life.
Also, the ending in which Ted confess that he had been planning it for a decade for an 3 Million dollar insurance policy. This thing was too left a bit under developed.
So, it felt like Methos was in a hurry to wrap this novel around 200 pages.
Still, it's a good read, especially for a legal fiction lover.
This is the second story in Neon Lawyer series with Brigham Theodore as defence attorney.
After huge success in Amanda Pierce case, Brigham Theodore has started his own firm with Scotty and Molly. As the workload is increasing, they're hiring more attorneys.
And then Brigham got this case of Ted Montgomery who killed his hospitalized wife, in front of his three kids, supposedly to free her from pain she is suffering due to pancreatic cancer.
Then things go to trial, courtroom scenes which have been narrated quite well, much like in previous Amanda Pierce story.
Overall, Plotting of the story was pretty good. Some, New Characters were introduced like Rebecca, Debra, Jennifer Vest. Still Somewhere, I feel that many characters could have been developed further. Especially, Rebecca Brigham relationship and Scotty's life.
Also, the ending in which Ted confess that he had been planning it for a decade for an 3 Million dollar insurance policy. This thing was too left a bit under developed.
So, it felt like Methos was in a hurry to wrap this novel around 200 pages.
Still, it's a good read, especially for a legal fiction lover.
November 2, 2024
My legal education was received two notable television series: Perry Mason and Law and Order. I also like the novels written by Scott Turow, John Grisham and other popular writers if legal thrillers. I’m new to the works of Victor Methos.
Mercy is the story of a man accused of the murder of his wife who was dying of incurable pancreatic cancer. As someone who had had to face the inevitable demise of a loved one with an incurable disease, i felt so sorry for the husband and father of three children, who ended his wife’s suffering with a lethal injection of morphine. The premise called into question what my end of life decisions would be.
As a non-attorney Methos gives the reader an inside view of the legal system and it isn’t pretty.
The ending left me satisfied but sad.
Mercy is the story of a man accused of the murder of his wife who was dying of incurable pancreatic cancer. As someone who had had to face the inevitable demise of a loved one with an incurable disease, i felt so sorry for the husband and father of three children, who ended his wife’s suffering with a lethal injection of morphine. The premise called into question what my end of life decisions would be.
As a non-attorney Methos gives the reader an inside view of the legal system and it isn’t pretty.
The ending left me satisfied but sad.
August 3, 2020
Victor Methos never disappoints ! Yet another wonderfully crafted story that is precise and crisp. Every sentence fits in perfectly and in congruous with the storyline. The court room scenes are depicted with such exactitude that you feel as if it’s happening right before your eyes. The pathos , which is subtly built , moves you emotionally. Loved it ! The ending is a bit of a surprise !!
February 7, 2025
Solid 3 stars until the last bit day of the trial, then I got hooked until the end. The writing is so simple and chronological that it's very hard to not enjoy because it feels like you don't want to miss a detail. I also love a plot twist that shakes me like this one did. (Not shock me, it wasn't surprising, but I was quite shook)
February 17, 2025
This is the second book of this author’s that I’ve read that deals with death & dying in relation to the medical field & he does it terribly. He has negative zero knowledge about the medical field & medications and it annoys the crap out of me. As someone who works in hospice and palliative care, I just can’t get past all the knowledge errors. This might be a better book for others
June 27, 2022
Such a good read! I really love Victor Methos, his writing, and how much he pulls you in. This was no different, and this through me for such a loop at the end. Worth the read.
August 26, 2019
Another solid book by this writer. He has a knack for concise writing with an active voice, which propels the story along. Good characters with an interesting twist.
October 21, 2024
This is why I love Victor Methos’ novel, he knows how to do a twist and I did not see this one coming.
I hope there are more books in the series.
I hope there are more books in the series.
April 14, 2021
Even better.
This one will keep you riveted until the end. Lots of ups and downs and it keeps you wondering. The ending really stunned me. I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. Great read.
This one will keep you riveted until the end. Lots of ups and downs and it keeps you wondering. The ending really stunned me. I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. Great read.
November 18, 2018
Another Very Good Legal Thriller By Victor Methos!
It's very rare that I read back-to-back books by the same author, but I made an exception with Mercy, the second book in Victor Methos's Neon Lawyer series. The decision to read Mercy was a very good one and I'm now considering reading the third book in this series called The Shotgun Lawyer.
Mercy picks up about a year after main character, Brigham Thomas and his girlfriend, Molly, are in practice for themselves, and pertains to Thomas taking a case to defend a husband who, as an act of mercy, euthanizes his wife of twenty years who was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Without getting into the details of the plot, my enjoyment of Mercy is attributable to many of the same basic factors I found to be true about first book, The Neon Lawyer -- it grabs your attention from the first page and maintains it throughout; it continues to flesh out the main character, Brigham Thomas, and his girlfriend/partner, Molly; its secondary characters are credible enough to move the plot along at a brisk pace; at only 186 pages in the ePub version I read, Methos doesn't pack the book with "filler" just to build up the book's length; and the courtroom trial creates enough suspense and surprises to keep your "eyes glues to the pages."
Methos, in just two books, is becoming one of my favorite legal thriller writers. This is not just because of his well developed plots and characters, but because of his writing style in which he makes the reader feel every emotion his characters are feeling in a succinct way.
Do yourself a favor if you like legal thrillers and give The Neon Lawyer and then Mercy a read. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!
It's very rare that I read back-to-back books by the same author, but I made an exception with Mercy, the second book in Victor Methos's Neon Lawyer series. The decision to read Mercy was a very good one and I'm now considering reading the third book in this series called The Shotgun Lawyer.
Mercy picks up about a year after main character, Brigham Thomas and his girlfriend, Molly, are in practice for themselves, and pertains to Thomas taking a case to defend a husband who, as an act of mercy, euthanizes his wife of twenty years who was suffering from pancreatic cancer. Without getting into the details of the plot, my enjoyment of Mercy is attributable to many of the same basic factors I found to be true about first book, The Neon Lawyer -- it grabs your attention from the first page and maintains it throughout; it continues to flesh out the main character, Brigham Thomas, and his girlfriend/partner, Molly; its secondary characters are credible enough to move the plot along at a brisk pace; at only 186 pages in the ePub version I read, Methos doesn't pack the book with "filler" just to build up the book's length; and the courtroom trial creates enough suspense and surprises to keep your "eyes glues to the pages."
Methos, in just two books, is becoming one of my favorite legal thriller writers. This is not just because of his well developed plots and characters, but because of his writing style in which he makes the reader feel every emotion his characters are feeling in a succinct way.
Do yourself a favor if you like legal thrillers and give The Neon Lawyer and then Mercy a read. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!
January 3, 2022
Well this was a surprise in a few ways. Story was great. I really like Brigham Theodore as a character, I mean what a name to start with!!? He reminds me of Eddie Flynn (Steve Cavanagh). Smart, scrappy courtroom lawyer from a dodge background with a heart.
Brigham takes on a mercy killing case where a husband allegedly puts his wife out of her enormous pain caused by pancreatic cancer. On the face of it, it’s a merciful thing to do but to do it in front of the kids? Somethings not right here.
This rocked along. It also brought in several other stories; Theodore’s relationship with Molly, the success of his new firm. Then the twist. And it really was a twist. I liked it and I hated it in a good way. I felt deceived but that’s how I was meant to feel.
Sadly after this it felt like the end was missing. Like Methos just said ‘fine I’m done, pen drop’. The twist itself? Fine. People are horrendous but everything else felt a little rushed and convenient. Why not wait 6 more months? Jessica Padilla was a minor but relevant story earlier in the book but that was tidied up in 2 sentences (although does set the scene for Brigham moving on and his character).
Great book will read more Victor Methos. Just a little unsatisfactory at the end.
Brigham takes on a mercy killing case where a husband allegedly puts his wife out of her enormous pain caused by pancreatic cancer. On the face of it, it’s a merciful thing to do but to do it in front of the kids? Somethings not right here.
This rocked along. It also brought in several other stories; Theodore’s relationship with Molly, the success of his new firm. Then the twist. And it really was a twist. I liked it and I hated it in a good way. I felt deceived but that’s how I was meant to feel.
Sadly after this it felt like the end was missing. Like Methos just said ‘fine I’m done, pen drop’. The twist itself? Fine. People are horrendous but everything else felt a little rushed and convenient. Why not wait 6 more months? Jessica Padilla was a minor but relevant story earlier in the book but that was tidied up in 2 sentences (although does set the scene for Brigham moving on and his character).
Great book will read more Victor Methos. Just a little unsatisfactory at the end.
January 7, 2022
Not a perfect novel, but there were some good courtroom scenes and some nice characterizations. Unfortunately the ending was ridiculous.
Brigham, an attorney, defends Ted, a man accused of the mercy killing of his wife who is in agonizing pain because she has terminal pancreatic cancer. The doctors are certain she only has a few months more to live at most. The husband claims she begged him to kill her.
Brigham, an attorney, defends Ted, a man accused of the mercy killing of his wife who is in agonizing pain because she has terminal pancreatic cancer. The doctors are certain she only has a few months more to live at most. The husband claims she begged him to kill her.
August 2, 2018
Not my favorite Victor Methos novel.
His other books all felt very streamlined and focused. Mercy felt choppy and scattered. It's a short book, significantly less than 300 pages...but despite that, it almost seemed as if there wasn't enough story for the main plot, so several secondary stories were added. Unfortunately, the secondary plots were uninteresting and added nothing to the story. There is also way too many sections discussing Brigham's bike, or Brigham talking/looking/thinking about the moon. It's generic filler.
As for the main plot, the so-called twist isn't overly surprising. I liked the concept, just felt it wasn't executed well. Overall, a disappointing read.
His other books all felt very streamlined and focused. Mercy felt choppy and scattered. It's a short book, significantly less than 300 pages...but despite that, it almost seemed as if there wasn't enough story for the main plot, so several secondary stories were added. Unfortunately, the secondary plots were uninteresting and added nothing to the story. There is also way too many sections discussing Brigham's bike, or Brigham talking/looking/thinking about the moon. It's generic filler.
As for the main plot, the so-called twist isn't overly surprising. I liked the concept, just felt it wasn't executed well. Overall, a disappointing read.
November 23, 2018
Meh...
Book 1 was great. Book 2 was lame. Even the book cover doesn’t make sense. Why is Brigham sitting on a car in front of a motel. He doesn’t own a car, rides a bike and train all over the place and doesn’t stay at motels. Also, how many times can you use the expression, “held each other’s gaze”? Not just in this book but in several of your books. I didn’t mind it before, but it is overused and played out in this book.
What’s unbelievable is that Molly all of a sudden was good with Brigham defending a monster, but just a couple of weeks prior she couldn’t accept that she had defended a monster and left? Not buying it. Plus, you should’ve closed with Vince Dale throwing things and/or plotting revenge on Brigham. Firing Molly or with a bar complaint on Brigham; Rebecca walking away or something!!!
Anyway, still a fan, just not of this particular book.
Book 1 was great. Book 2 was lame. Even the book cover doesn’t make sense. Why is Brigham sitting on a car in front of a motel. He doesn’t own a car, rides a bike and train all over the place and doesn’t stay at motels. Also, how many times can you use the expression, “held each other’s gaze”? Not just in this book but in several of your books. I didn’t mind it before, but it is overused and played out in this book.
What’s unbelievable is that Molly all of a sudden was good with Brigham defending a monster, but just a couple of weeks prior she couldn’t accept that she had defended a monster and left? Not buying it. Plus, you should’ve closed with Vince Dale throwing things and/or plotting revenge on Brigham. Firing Molly or with a bar complaint on Brigham; Rebecca walking away or something!!!
Anyway, still a fan, just not of this particular book.
July 7, 2019
This second installment of Brigham Theodore wasn't as good as the first (Neon Lawyer) in my view. Brigham has made incredible progress in just 12 months, with his own successful firm, a nicer apartment and a stable relationship. But the author throws some odd curveballs in that don't really go anywhere. For example he recruits an associate who never gets mentioned again. His girlfriend moves to another firm without talking to him about it (and why do two separate people mention a red mark on a parking column that is seemingly of no relevance?!), and a new colleague flirts with him quite randomly. It's all just a bit disjointed. The ending comes completely out of the blue in literally the last couple of pages but not in a jaw dropping way. More of a cheap shock tactic that really spoilt the story for me. I'm quite disappointed.
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