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Marc Kadella Legal Mystery #6
Delayed Justice
FRAUD LEADS TO MURDER… AND THIS TIME, IT’S PERSONAL.
Celebrated criminal lawyer Marc Kadella knows the importance of personal connections in his line of work. In Dennis Carstens’ sixth Marc Kadella legal thriller, his old buddy Tony Carvelli, a private investigator, asks him to take on a drug case for his well-off friend’s delinquent kid and he agrees—even though he’s had it with drug cases. Marc enlists the help of PI Maddy Rivers, his longtime best friend and confidante, to dig up dirt on two cops suspected of planting evidence on the bust. With Carvelli’s connections (the guy knows everybody), Marc is able to infiltrate the St. Paul police force and expose gross incompetence. But when it comes to prodding Maddy about her new beau, Marc’s got bupkis.
Maddy has her reservations about her new relationship with Rob Judd. Sure, he’s a handsome and brilliant investment analyst in a wildly successful securities management firm. But he’s constantly distracted. It seems something about the firm’s not quite right—or so he finally lets on to Maddy. Its returns are consistently solid, maybe a little too solid—or so suspects Patrick McGarry, one of Rob’s co-workers. After voicing his suspicions to Rob, Patrick heads up north for a weekend hiking trip—and winds up dead. It’s only a matter of days before Rob is next. And Maddy’s found unconscious at the gruesome scene of the crime, clutching the murder weapon.
Convinced Maddy was framed, Marc decides to take on the case in spite of his close connections to the client. He finds he must delve deep into the complex money laundering schemes of Rob Judd’s employer—and its connections to a ruthless Mexican drug cartel and an expert hitman who’s fallen off the radar—to save Maddy from false imprisonment. Or worse.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2016
1562 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Carstens
32 books114 followersDennis Carstens was born in Worthington, MN, and has lived most of his life in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from a highly respected private law school, William Mitchell, in St. Paul. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired trial lawyer, Carstens brings these life experiences to his fiction for a dose of realism and accuracy missing from much of the legal thriller genre today.
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March 7, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2018)!💝
June 2, 2019
3 Stars
Delayed Justice is the sixth book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. This instalment has mystery, intrigue, drama, murder, money laundering, a ruthless Mexican drug cartel, a dangerous hit-man, a set up, hidden agendas, politics, the police, and FBI.
This story hits close to home for Marc Kadella when his friend and investigator, Maddy Rivers is found unconscious at the scene of a murder, with the murder weapon in her hands. Marc will need to dig deep to prove Maddy has been framed and uncover what really happened. There is more to the story than first appears.
An intriguing addition to the series.
Delayed Justice is the sixth book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. This instalment has mystery, intrigue, drama, murder, money laundering, a ruthless Mexican drug cartel, a dangerous hit-man, a set up, hidden agendas, politics, the police, and FBI.
This story hits close to home for Marc Kadella when his friend and investigator, Maddy Rivers is found unconscious at the scene of a murder, with the murder weapon in her hands. Marc will need to dig deep to prove Maddy has been framed and uncover what really happened. There is more to the story than first appears.
An intriguing addition to the series.
June 18, 2020
An investment company begins making just enough money to satisfy its investors, but not enough to trip any triggers that might give them unwelcome scrutiny. Meanwhile, our favorite PI Maddy Rivers begins dating one of their employees. They go to a company party on the Fourth of July together, but by the next morning, Maddy's boyfriend is found dead from 14 stab wounds and Maddy is found unconscious holding the knife that made the wounds. This is the story of how the trial went. Marc has some very real problems with this one. His worst problem is the lack of cooperation between agencies investigating the investment company. I thought the author did a great job of showing this big problem and all the other small ones that went along with it. The horror of Maddy's friends and how they become closer and work together is also well portrayed. We are left with only one problem once all this is resolved, and that is the problem of the cop that planted drugs in a teenager's car who has a grudge against Maddy.
July 22, 2023
An exceptional book!
The story is filled with numerous twists and turns, keeping readers captivated and almost dizzy with excitement. One aspect that I particularly appreciate is how the author, Dennis Carstens, avoids unnecessary and lengthy descriptions.
When a character is about to receive critical information, there is no superfluous detail about the preparations or the journey to the meeting. Instead, the narrative seamlessly transitions to the meeting itself in the very next line. There are no paragraphs or descriptions that serve no purpose other than to add pages, as is often the case with other writers.
In summary, this Dennis Carstens could easily be considered a worthy rival to John Grisham during his prime.
The story is filled with numerous twists and turns, keeping readers captivated and almost dizzy with excitement. One aspect that I particularly appreciate is how the author, Dennis Carstens, avoids unnecessary and lengthy descriptions.
When a character is about to receive critical information, there is no superfluous detail about the preparations or the journey to the meeting. Instead, the narrative seamlessly transitions to the meeting itself in the very next line. There are no paragraphs or descriptions that serve no purpose other than to add pages, as is often the case with other writers.
In summary, this Dennis Carstens could easily be considered a worthy rival to John Grisham during his prime.
January 18, 2020
I used to really like this series, but this book was very bad and I don't know if I want to continue with the series.
The book is centered on a lawyer, Marc Kadella, who has turned into an un-likable person. He has a very friendly close relationship with Vivian, a very wealthy woman who buys political favors to help herself and her friends. Marc bribes jail guards, and shows little respect for the laws he is supposed to defend.
This book went so far out of reality, was so convoluted, so unbelievable that it ruined the series for me. Additionally, the author included his toxic political beliefs into the story.
I'm thinking this is my last read certainly for a very long time.
The book is centered on a lawyer, Marc Kadella, who has turned into an un-likable person. He has a very friendly close relationship with Vivian, a very wealthy woman who buys political favors to help herself and her friends. Marc bribes jail guards, and shows little respect for the laws he is supposed to defend.
This book went so far out of reality, was so convoluted, so unbelievable that it ruined the series for me. Additionally, the author included his toxic political beliefs into the story.
I'm thinking this is my last read certainly for a very long time.
June 9, 2020
I have now read the first five installments of the Marc Kadella series and enjoyed each one. This novel covers a lot of territory including money laundering, drug cartels, gruesome murders, Russian mobsters, hit men, legal/courtroom drama, lawyers, cops, detectives, FBI, damsels in distress, and more. Maybe, as some reviewers have noted, there was a bit too much plotting, sub-plotting, and assorted characters, but I still found "Delayed Justice" an engaging story if confusing at times. Maddy's ultimate "savior" was a bit mysterious and somewhat incredible (-1 star), but strange twists are commonplace in crime stories. I am fond of Carstens' writing and looking forward to #6...
February 23, 2022
I'm giving this a neutral rating because I did not finish it. It's supposed to be a thriller and it started out on an interesting note with two businessmen from Minnesota making a one-day trip to Panama to meet with some drug dealers. But after that, the story went flat.
I've not read any of the previous books in this series. I didn't feel particularly lost, but maybe it would've helped me to connect with the characters if I had. Not sure. The story is heavy on stockbrokers, lawyers, private detectives, and a powerful, meddling old woman. At least, I think she was old.
Regardless, the story was too slow to come together for me and I lost interest.
DNF
I've not read any of the previous books in this series. I didn't feel particularly lost, but maybe it would've helped me to connect with the characters if I had. Not sure. The story is heavy on stockbrokers, lawyers, private detectives, and a powerful, meddling old woman. At least, I think she was old.
Regardless, the story was too slow to come together for me and I lost interest.
DNF
May 4, 2019
Prima verhaal: frictie tussen lokale en federale politie; wat geldhaaien doen en hoe deze te werk gaan; witwaspraktijken; drugkartels; pedofilie en volgens de auteur gaat dit zelfs huurmoordenaars te ver!
Kortom: een enorm spanningsveld en als bindende factor hoe een onschuldig persoon gemangeld wordt en in het Amerikaanse systeem bijna kansloos is. Of dat bij ons zo veel beter is, weet ik (gelukkig!) niet, maar het zet toch wel aan tot nadenken.
Ook hier in dit boek weer het wantrouwen richting "ONZE" overheid.
Kortom: een enorm spanningsveld en als bindende factor hoe een onschuldig persoon gemangeld wordt en in het Amerikaanse systeem bijna kansloos is. Of dat bij ons zo veel beter is, weet ik (gelukkig!) niet, maar het zet toch wel aan tot nadenken.
Ook hier in dit boek weer het wantrouwen richting "ONZE" overheid.
July 4, 2019
I found this book really inconsistent and abandoned it about 25% through the book. I almost quit after the first couple of chapters because there were 15-20 characters introduced and it was hard to keep everyone straight. Then, the book focused on the main characters and I found it quite compelling and hoped it would continue in that fashion. However, a bizarre and confusing murder takes place around chapter 15 that brought introduced more confusion and several more characters. That's when I decided to abandon it and move on to a different book.
May 14, 2019
Another good Marc Kadella book
I gave it a 5 because it was a good read but the editing could definitely have been better. Lots of missing words and questionable punctuation that made it a little choppy. It definitely needed a better proofreading. That said, if you like a legal procedural book with multiple plots and realistic criminal law procedural with some humor and romance, you’ll enjoy this book.
I gave it a 5 because it was a good read but the editing could definitely have been better. Lots of missing words and questionable punctuation that made it a little choppy. It definitely needed a better proofreading. That said, if you like a legal procedural book with multiple plots and realistic criminal law procedural with some humor and romance, you’ll enjoy this book.
October 26, 2022
Best legal thriller series I have read in years - I plan to read them all. The courtroom scenes are much more realistic than those found in many popular legal thrillers (based on my experience as a prosecutor for 7 years) & the main character seems to be "a real human person" who reminds me of the better defense attorneys I have known. Contains humor as well as drama. Enjoy!
Watch out - this one does not end the way you might expect!
Watch out - this one does not end the way you might expect!
October 13, 2018
Disappointed
This book was so improbable it was difficult to read. I'm a little surprised i made it to the end. It is filled with idiotic scenarios and cutesy actions. i couldn't wait for this one to be over. I have read other books by this author but i may be done art this point.
This book was so improbable it was difficult to read. I'm a little surprised i made it to the end. It is filled with idiotic scenarios and cutesy actions. i couldn't wait for this one to be over. I have read other books by this author but i may be done art this point.
January 30, 2019
Another Satisfying Read
Dennis Carstens does not disappoint. If you haven't come to admire Marc Kabella and his band of helpers, you should go back and find the first book and read them in order. This had a great plot with lots of twists and turns and agencies vying to control the narrative. Of course, a happy resolution for all. Add it to your reading list ... now.
Dennis Carstens does not disappoint. If you haven't come to admire Marc Kabella and his band of helpers, you should go back and find the first book and read them in order. This had a great plot with lots of twists and turns and agencies vying to control the narrative. Of course, a happy resolution for all. Add it to your reading list ... now.
November 12, 2020
Amazing writing
I love the entire series, I hope it continues. I can read these books in one day the writing is incredible. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with your readers. I don't want to give any part of the book away, once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Thank you facebook for showing an ad for this series and author.
I love the entire series, I hope it continues. I can read these books in one day the writing is incredible. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with your readers. I don't want to give any part of the book away, once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Thank you facebook for showing an ad for this series and author.
May 12, 2021
Another great episode. As the author says in his books, trials are boring. But not in these books. The author includes daily events in the lives of his characters and enough of the crimes to keep things interesting. His character's are well developed and interesting. If you like mysteries and police procedurals you'll like this series.
September 21, 2021
I am a huge fan of the Marc Kadella mysteries. Carstens' main characters are well-sculptured and all are interesting, dynamic and make the plots sizzle. This particular book brings the gorgeous Maddy's life in peril but Marc as her faithful lawyer and company seek justice in a tangle of vicious webs.
Highly recommend all of the books in this series. You won't be disappointed!
Highly recommend all of the books in this series. You won't be disappointed!
February 25, 2023
So far in this series each book has had a surprise ending. While this one had the ending i was hopping for, it was no surprise. Still and all very well worth the read.
One of the most beloved people in this series has been set up for murder. While we all know she is not guilty, she does wind up in jail, and our team of lawyers need to get her out.
One of the most beloved people in this series has been set up for murder. While we all know she is not guilty, she does wind up in jail, and our team of lawyers need to get her out.
August 25, 2025
Delayed Justice
A really good legal thriller with many different characters lives intersecting with unforeseen outcomes.
A group of close legal friends unwittingly come in contact with a cartel and their money laundering financial institution. When their PI friend is charged with murder they will go to extraordinary lengths to rescue her.
A really good legal thriller with many different characters lives intersecting with unforeseen outcomes.
A group of close legal friends unwittingly come in contact with a cartel and their money laundering financial institution. When their PI friend is charged with murder they will go to extraordinary lengths to rescue her.
January 28, 2018
Exceptional
There are many twists in this plot, changing the course of the story. The outcome was expected but the journey unexpected. One criticism is that it was difficult to get into with so many players and similar names.
There are many twists in this plot, changing the course of the story. The outcome was expected but the journey unexpected. One criticism is that it was difficult to get into with so many players and similar names.
October 1, 2018
Very good
I enjoyed the characters and the depth of their personalities. The plots were twisty, thoroughly engrossing. This is the kind of book you can't put down but don't want to finish. You want it to keep going. Will have to read the next one to make that happen.
I enjoyed the characters and the depth of their personalities. The plots were twisty, thoroughly engrossing. This is the kind of book you can't put down but don't want to finish. You want it to keep going. Will have to read the next one to make that happen.
October 2, 2018
Great Book
This was the first book I read by this author and if I could describe it in one word it would be awesome!
Great read! Give it a try.
It has murder, mayhem suspense and a surprising ending.
I highly recommend it.
This was the first book I read by this author and if I could describe it in one word it would be awesome!
Great read! Give it a try.
It has murder, mayhem suspense and a surprising ending.
I highly recommend it.
October 7, 2018
The ocean is just wet!
Your metaphors are a delight! Dylan shuld be hung like plastic man! Story was great, full of action and court room drama! Casting was good as well! I completely enjoyed this book! Class it as acery good read! Language was PG! Geography was also good!
Your metaphors are a delight! Dylan shuld be hung like plastic man! Story was great, full of action and court room drama! Casting was good as well! I completely enjoyed this book! Class it as acery good read! Language was PG! Geography was also good!
October 15, 2018
My first Marc Kadella read
I found this to be a little confusing at first with all the characters. I probably should have started with the first book in this series. Murders, assassinations, mobsters, FBI, and of course an innocent victim. A book worth reading.
I found this to be a little confusing at first with all the characters. I probably should have started with the first book in this series. Murders, assassinations, mobsters, FBI, and of course an innocent victim. A book worth reading.
October 19, 2018
A little everything for everyone
The story is told like an old man telling story, long, a little bit everything for everyone. Cop, PI, Fed, drug cartels, money laundering, Politics, loss the focus and interest at the end
The story is told like an old man telling story, long, a little bit everything for everyone. Cop, PI, Fed, drug cartels, money laundering, Politics, loss the focus and interest at the end
November 8, 2018
Time well spent
I really enjoyed this book. Carstens maintained the tension throughout. The characters are believable and so is the story. There are enough twists to keep you reading and remain curious about the ending. I look forward to reading the entire series.
I really enjoyed this book. Carstens maintained the tension throughout. The characters are believable and so is the story. There are enough twists to keep you reading and remain curious about the ending. I look forward to reading the entire series.
February 5, 2019
I fine read
Finally a story that progresses from start middle and ending without being a continuing saga many twists and turns keeping the final end pretty much hidden though out until the last when all turns out for the best for the main character
Finally a story that progresses from start middle and ending without being a continuing saga many twists and turns keeping the final end pretty much hidden though out until the last when all turns out for the best for the main character
June 21, 2019
Lots of twists and turns
It is satisfying for the bad guys to get their just desserts, but not in a top obvious way. Dennis has written a great novel and I will be reading more of them.
It is satisfying for the bad guys to get their just desserts, but not in a top obvious way. Dennis has written a great novel and I will be reading more of them.
January 31, 2021
As with the other four Dennis Carstens books that I’ve had the pleasure to read, Delayed Justice kept me entertained from the first page to the end of the book.
The author has a true gift of storytelling.
The author has a true gift of storytelling.
June 22, 2022
This story makes the Feds look like bumbling buffoons
In this gripping tale, Maddy is on trial for a murder that she didn't commit. Her friends work tirelessly to prove that she is innocent. Great story!
In this gripping tale, Maddy is on trial for a murder that she didn't commit. Her friends work tirelessly to prove that she is innocent. Great story!
May 16, 2023
violence, murder and gore
A hard core tale of espionage, cartels, State Police, the FBI, drug trafficking, international operatives and money. One unexpected turn after another throughout the book.
A hard core tale of espionage, cartels, State Police, the FBI, drug trafficking, international operatives and money. One unexpected turn after another throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews