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Prejudicial Error
Can you ever put the past behind you?
John Phillip Solomon, former chief trial deputy of the L.A. district attorney’s office finds a second home at Swanson’s Bar and Grille.
Since his resignation from the D.A’s office, he’d done his best with small-time criminal cases.
So, finding a place to drown his sorrows seemed appropriate.
Lead dancer, Sally Sutton, kept the Mustang Club ahead of its competition. Fully packed until the lights went out, the Mustang Club was popular amongst business men and general party-animals.
But ‘Mustang Sally’ hadn’t always lived her life in the limelight.
Coming from a small Nebraska farm, her career aspirations had taken her along several small-time roles, before she was noticed.
Sally was tight with some of the local police. Particularly Jim Rowinski, a SWAT team specialist who was gearing himself to becoming a homicide detective. Hot-headed and rash, he would do anything to get his way.
When Joe Richards, a fifteen-year veteran is shot dead outside the Mustang Club, in Sally’s presence, Juan Javahn Thomas, notorious for his gang-banging lifestyle, is arrested.
Homicide Lieutenant Tom Gallagher, Rowinski and Mary Delgado, the only female member of the arrest team, are present at the time of the arrest.
To Solomon’s surprise, Judge Burton Lawler and D.A. Simon Lasker appoint him as the public defender in the case of Richards’s murder. Worse still, he was to go up against the prosecutor, Howard Ainsworth, the man who had taken his place as chief deputy, his arch-nemesis!
In a bid to redeem himself, Solomon takes on the case. Ignoring all the insecurities that engulf him, he launches himself into the electrifying thrill of the courtroom.
Working with his ally, Jimmy Johnson and going up against his former lover, Mary, Solomon’s task is taken up a notch.
In the courtroom, as the trial unfolds, Solomon races against his opponent.
Determination driving him, the details that unfold point to Sally knowing more than she originally let on.
Bringing Sally back in under the heat of scrutiny, she breaks. It is all Solomon needs, yet the outcome is one no one was expecting…
Prejudicial Error is a legal thriller filled with suspense that will keep you gripped until the very end.
Bill Blum is an experienced attorney. Familiar with the ins and outs, and the pitfalls of criminal procedures, he presents a riveting, hard-hitting and authentic legal thriller, one that offers a fascinating insider’s look at the shifting political dynamics within the criminal justice system. Bill Blum has also written for a wide array of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, ABA Journal, The Nation and California Lawyer , hosted a radio talk show, and lectured widely. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family.
John Phillip Solomon, former chief trial deputy of the L.A. district attorney’s office finds a second home at Swanson’s Bar and Grille.
Since his resignation from the D.A’s office, he’d done his best with small-time criminal cases.
So, finding a place to drown his sorrows seemed appropriate.
Lead dancer, Sally Sutton, kept the Mustang Club ahead of its competition. Fully packed until the lights went out, the Mustang Club was popular amongst business men and general party-animals.
But ‘Mustang Sally’ hadn’t always lived her life in the limelight.
Coming from a small Nebraska farm, her career aspirations had taken her along several small-time roles, before she was noticed.
Sally was tight with some of the local police. Particularly Jim Rowinski, a SWAT team specialist who was gearing himself to becoming a homicide detective. Hot-headed and rash, he would do anything to get his way.
When Joe Richards, a fifteen-year veteran is shot dead outside the Mustang Club, in Sally’s presence, Juan Javahn Thomas, notorious for his gang-banging lifestyle, is arrested.
Homicide Lieutenant Tom Gallagher, Rowinski and Mary Delgado, the only female member of the arrest team, are present at the time of the arrest.
To Solomon’s surprise, Judge Burton Lawler and D.A. Simon Lasker appoint him as the public defender in the case of Richards’s murder. Worse still, he was to go up against the prosecutor, Howard Ainsworth, the man who had taken his place as chief deputy, his arch-nemesis!
In a bid to redeem himself, Solomon takes on the case. Ignoring all the insecurities that engulf him, he launches himself into the electrifying thrill of the courtroom.
Working with his ally, Jimmy Johnson and going up against his former lover, Mary, Solomon’s task is taken up a notch.
In the courtroom, as the trial unfolds, Solomon races against his opponent.
Determination driving him, the details that unfold point to Sally knowing more than she originally let on.
Bringing Sally back in under the heat of scrutiny, she breaks. It is all Solomon needs, yet the outcome is one no one was expecting…
Prejudicial Error is a legal thriller filled with suspense that will keep you gripped until the very end.
Bill Blum is an experienced attorney. Familiar with the ins and outs, and the pitfalls of criminal procedures, he presents a riveting, hard-hitting and authentic legal thriller, one that offers a fascinating insider’s look at the shifting political dynamics within the criminal justice system. Bill Blum has also written for a wide array of publications, including the Los Angeles Times, ABA Journal, The Nation and California Lawyer , hosted a radio talk show, and lectured widely. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1995
195 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 20, 2017
Just okay story.
Like reading legal thrillers and other books I read written by this author was good, but didn't care for this one. Solomon, after leaving district attorney's office lost himself in the bottle. This case was handed to him, trying to do his best but many people are against him to succeed. Corrupt police officers even lawyers he used to work with. Only loyal beating heart he has Earl Warren, his cat.
Like reading legal thrillers and other books I read written by this author was good, but didn't care for this one. Solomon, after leaving district attorney's office lost himself in the bottle. This case was handed to him, trying to do his best but many people are against him to succeed. Corrupt police officers even lawyers he used to work with. Only loyal beating heart he has Earl Warren, his cat.
January 9, 2017
This is a great book about the law,lawyers,police officers and prisoners alike. An attorney who was a big deal in the DA's office until an indiscretion, now taking liquid lunch at the corner pub and trolling for pathetic clients,is offered a chance to be the defense lawyer in a trial that will put him on the front page again. He quickly realizes that he is put there to lose and immediately attempts to back out of the case. At this point his old investigator,Stretch,gets tough with his friend,stating that he will be there working with him the whole way. The lawyer,John Solomon,meets his client and the old juices start to flow. As the case proceeds we find corruption has delved deeply in the justice department and into high corners of the judicial system. The plot is excellent,told well through the people involved,friends,girlfriends,the accused and the innocent. Great characters are well defined,people you feel like you know. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and hope the author continues to follow John Solomon. I received this book from Netgalley,the author Bill Blum,and publisher Endeavour Press,all who I gratefully thank and am enabled to give my honest review . Can't wait for the next story!!
June 19, 2022
Not as good as the last one by this author but still enjoyed it. I found this one a little hard to follow and didn’t like the main character too much. He sounded defeatist most of the time-no spark.
June 7, 2022
The basic plot: a former Chief Deputy DA for Los Angeles, John Solomon, loses his job, climbs into a bottle for a few years and is handed a death penalty case at the last minute. He is expected to lose so the current Chief Deputy DA, who is prosecuting the case, can cruise to victory and become the next DA. But John pulls out a victory at the last minute and an innocent man is freed. John Solomon as the lawyer and his investigator, Jimmy ‘Stretch’ Johnson, former LA Laker, are likable characters. The book could be a 5 star book. So why isn’t it? There were a number of niggling items that just bothered me. Among them: John says he was forced to resign for a sexual indiscretion, which turns out to be having had an intimate relationship with the female lead investigator of a major case he was prosecuting (said case is never explained). I realize this was written in 1995 and it is now 2022, but this indiscretion does not seem like it rises to the level of forced resignation, especially if you were the Chief Deputy DA. It might get him pulled in front of the CA Bar Association for conflict of interest issues, but resignation seems hollow and not terribly believable. Eventually, John resumes the relationship with the woman. At one point, while they are arguing, she yells at him that he ended the relationship because she was Black. Not only did this come completely out of left field, John doesn’t defend himself against it even though it is not true. Again, it rang hollow to me. Without giving anything away, late in the book the author throws in some arch conservative religious plot to explain one of the characters’ behavior. Again, it came completely out of nowhere and it did nothing to advance the plot. The Perry Mason ending was not quite as dramatic as it could have been and is a bit contrived. Yes, the book is a quick read and interesting and it will keep you entertained as long as you don’t think too much. Think of it as a breezy Summer read. It has a smattering of ‘The Verdict’ and ‘Presumed Innocent’ but does not come even close to Scott Turow or John Grisham in terms of legal fiction.
June 9, 2018
Very riveting and inspiring urban drama. What truly enthralled me was the California history lessons of the cities. Being from Compton California born and raised and also living in Hawthorn growing up and bring gang affiliated was like reading down memory lane. Alot of the story reminded of real court trials that's happened to my family members in Cali back in the 70s 80s and 90s except they all were convicted and imprisoned. I can say the only one character I truly didn't like was Mary. She tried to play the race card on and the woe is me it's hard out here for a black girl schnit on John. She's the real player, and it ain't it's not about the case. She's a hustler just like Sally, using what she got to get what she want. She's biracial, so is she callin out the black girls or Latino teen moms she could've been. Because the rate she's going she's going to be a barely third rate lawyer who can't get her respects properly without layin out favors for her rewards. Mary's values and morals are more screwed up than Howard's or Gallagher's. She's not going to do nothing good for her clients or community with her way of thinking the world of men owe her something. She's never going to be happy or successful on that ladder she climbing to the top, her struggles are just getting real.
December 2, 2018
Great book!
John Solomon, a once-great lawyer, has lost his job, his wife, his girlfriend, and is barely able to pay the rent. The only thing on the rise is his drinking.
Then he is appointed without advance notice to defend a death penalty case. John barely has time to quickly read through the case file before the trial begins. The prosecutor considers the case a slam dunk because he doesn't believe John is capable of coming up with a defense strategy. John is assigned an investigator to assist him, a former Lakers star.
The story takes many twists and turns as the defense team try to interview people and follow dead-end leads.
8
John Solomon, a once-great lawyer, has lost his job, his wife, his girlfriend, and is barely able to pay the rent. The only thing on the rise is his drinking.
Then he is appointed without advance notice to defend a death penalty case. John barely has time to quickly read through the case file before the trial begins. The prosecutor considers the case a slam dunk because he doesn't believe John is capable of coming up with a defense strategy. John is assigned an investigator to assist him, a former Lakers star.
The story takes many twists and turns as the defense team try to interview people and follow dead-end leads.
8
August 10, 2017
A fascinating and, at times, heart wrenching story.
Incredibly hard to put down! Plumbs the depths of self pity and but also manages to make the reader want to team up with the potential loser and help him onto a white charger!! Great courtroom scenes the characters are so well written that I wanted to yell at the judge on occasion! Great read!
Incredibly hard to put down! Plumbs the depths of self pity and but also manages to make the reader want to team up with the potential loser and help him onto a white charger!! Great courtroom scenes the characters are so well written that I wanted to yell at the judge on occasion! Great read!
May 21, 2017
Good solid legal fiction
I liked it because it kept me reading. Blue knows the system but I would have liked more dialogue and less description. Not sure if he has more crime books available. I may give it a search.
I liked it because it kept me reading. Blue knows the system but I would have liked more dialogue and less description. Not sure if he has more crime books available. I may give it a search.
July 19, 2017
Prejudicial error
Definitely a different story than the normal I usually enjoy and a totally unique and unexpected turnaround at the end. I could easily see looking at other offerings by Blum if this is typical of his work.
Definitely a different story than the normal I usually enjoy and a totally unique and unexpected turnaround at the end. I could easily see looking at other offerings by Blum if this is typical of his work.
August 22, 2017
Overruled
Legal thrillers are some of my favorites, and this one was no exception! There were some moments that required a little suspension of belief, but it mostly flowed well. Now I'm wondering if there's a sequel!
Legal thrillers are some of my favorites, and this one was no exception! There were some moments that required a little suspension of belief, but it mostly flowed well. Now I'm wondering if there's a sequel!
October 9, 2022
Had a good premise, but was too painful to read. Even had huge legal errors that he even pointed out to the reader. Gallagher testified, yet remained in the courtroom. Mary testified, yet wasn't allowed to remain in the courtroom.
Didn't flow well. Wasn't engaged.
Didn't flow well. Wasn't engaged.
March 17, 2017
Guilty as charged
The trial is over, the reader has won. An inexpensive book, well developed characters, good Murder mystery, enjoy, thanks Bill Blum.
The trial is over, the reader has won. An inexpensive book, well developed characters, good Murder mystery, enjoy, thanks Bill Blum.
May 5, 2017
Book kind of drags on
I had some trouble keeping characters straight. Kindle find helped. Story sometimes dragged on. Not a bad story line, just a little slow.
I had some trouble keeping characters straight. Kindle find helped. Story sometimes dragged on. Not a bad story line, just a little slow.
May 11, 2017
Pretty good legal book
If you enjoy books about the law such as John Grisham writes, this book will entertain you. Was slow going sometimes but overall pretty good.
If you enjoy books about the law such as John Grisham writes, this book will entertain you. Was slow going sometimes but overall pretty good.
June 30, 2017
Good read
This book moves right along as you feel yourself cheering for the underdog. Characters are well developed and the plot very intriguing.
This book moves right along as you feel yourself cheering for the underdog. Characters are well developed and the plot very intriguing.
February 5, 2019
Very goo d
Well written and Interesting characters ters. Looking to read more of his books. Main character and his friend are we
Lacklustre good.
Well written and Interesting characters ters. Looking to read more of his books. Main character and his friend are we
Lacklustre good.
September 21, 2020
Legal thriller/ok read
April 18, 2021
Good story. Very slow in parts. Semi-likeable main character. Decent dialog; excessive descriptions of needless parts.
March 20, 2017
Average
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2017
Good courtroom drama
A good courtroom thriller full of the stress encountered in the legal profession and the toll it can extract on ones mental psyche.
A good courtroom thriller full of the stress encountered in the legal profession and the toll it can extract on ones mental psyche.
March 2, 2017
Great read.
This was a great read, I'm a big fan of legal Thrillers, and this one kept me enthralled. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and his style of writing.
This was a great read, I'm a big fan of legal Thrillers, and this one kept me enthralled. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and his style of writing.
April 30, 2019
Wonderful Book
This is the first book I have read by this author. It book is a wonderful legal novel. I enjoy reading legal novels and I highly recommend it. I would suggest to not to start reading at bedtime because it is difficult to put down. I hope he has written other legal novel. I will check this out when I finish my review. I gave it 5 stars because that is what it deserves.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It book is a wonderful legal novel. I enjoy reading legal novels and I highly recommend it. I would suggest to not to start reading at bedtime because it is difficult to put down. I hope he has written other legal novel. I will check this out when I finish my review. I gave it 5 stars because that is what it deserves.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews