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Dan Grant Trilogy #1
From the Shadows
He hides in the shadows, watching, waiting, until the time is right . . .
Mary Kendricks, a smart, pretty, twenty-four-year-old teacher, has been brutally murdered and Robert Carter is accused of killing her.
When defence lawyer, Dan Grant inherits Carter's case only weeks before the trial starts, everyone expects him just to babysit it, but Dan's not that kind of lawyer. He'll follow the evidence - wherever it takes him.
But as Dan and his investigator Jayne Brett look into the case, they discover that there is more to it than meets the eye. In order to do their jobs they need to push the limits of the system, even if it means putting themselves in danger.
Together they will get to the truth - whatever the cost . . .
Mary Kendricks, a smart, pretty, twenty-four-year-old teacher, has been brutally murdered and Robert Carter is accused of killing her.
When defence lawyer, Dan Grant inherits Carter's case only weeks before the trial starts, everyone expects him just to babysit it, but Dan's not that kind of lawyer. He'll follow the evidence - wherever it takes him.
But as Dan and his investigator Jayne Brett look into the case, they discover that there is more to it than meets the eye. In order to do their jobs they need to push the limits of the system, even if it means putting themselves in danger.
Together they will get to the truth - whatever the cost . . .
Paperback
First published March 9, 2017
About the author
Neil White
39 books153 followersNeil White (b. 1965) is a British freelance criminal lawyer and a full-time crime writer.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 25, 2017
This is the first book in the Dan Grant series by author Neil White and promises to be as entertaining as his Joe and Sam Parker books which I have enjoyed previously.
Defense attorney Dan Grant is handed a trial case two weeks before it goes to court. It is the trial of Robert Carter accused of murdering Mary Kendricks, a beautiful young woman he was reportedly stalking. The case is supposedly a straight forward one and requires very little work but Dan is not convinced and begins an investigation that ruffles quite a few feathers and puts lives in jeopardy.
Neil White is a very talented author, his books are very well written and the plots are excellently paced. This one is no different and I enjoyed it from start to finish, strong characters, great plot and an excellent climax. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bonier Zaffre for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Defense attorney Dan Grant is handed a trial case two weeks before it goes to court. It is the trial of Robert Carter accused of murdering Mary Kendricks, a beautiful young woman he was reportedly stalking. The case is supposedly a straight forward one and requires very little work but Dan is not convinced and begins an investigation that ruffles quite a few feathers and puts lives in jeopardy.
Neil White is a very talented author, his books are very well written and the plots are excellently paced. This one is no different and I enjoyed it from start to finish, strong characters, great plot and an excellent climax. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bonier Zaffre for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2017
Well it feels like its been a long time coming, a new Neil White book, which makes me grumpy but you know, you can’t have everything, like a book a week from the authors you love reading, From the Shadows was worth hanging around for because it is, as usual, damn good crime fiction.
The start of a new series here, a kind of mish mash of courtroom drama and crime thriller that is often edge of the seat clinging by the fingernails good all that interspersed with tense and authentic courtroom scenes. Plus great characters. Easily a one sitting read, the plot is dynamic and multi-layered, the relationship between Dan and Jayne is edgy and fascinating and the mystery elements are cleverly woven and definitely twisted. I do love the unpredictable stuff.
Bit creepy too. I mean genuinely look over your shoulder wonder who’s behind you creepy. Possibly don’t read this last thing at night if you are in the house all alone. Reminder to self for the next book.
I’ve long been a fan of Mr White which will come as no surprise to anybody, From The Shadows just confirms everything I’ve always said and then some. With the start of the Dan Grant series he truly is playing to his strengths, the fact that he is a Criminal Prosecutor in his other life shows here with the realistic legal layer. If you thought UK law was rather dry and dull in comparison to the more shout out US stuff then think again. As Dan takes on the system it is ever compelling and truly absorbing, never unbelievable and just added so much to storytelling, highly readable drama.
With an ending that will have you holding your breath and a twisted, often surprising path to get you there From The Shadows is utterly gripping and highly inventive – top notch crime fiction at its appealing, page turning, captivating best. Loved it. More please. Dan and Jayne are characters to watch.
Highly Recommended.
The start of a new series here, a kind of mish mash of courtroom drama and crime thriller that is often edge of the seat clinging by the fingernails good all that interspersed with tense and authentic courtroom scenes. Plus great characters. Easily a one sitting read, the plot is dynamic and multi-layered, the relationship between Dan and Jayne is edgy and fascinating and the mystery elements are cleverly woven and definitely twisted. I do love the unpredictable stuff.
Bit creepy too. I mean genuinely look over your shoulder wonder who’s behind you creepy. Possibly don’t read this last thing at night if you are in the house all alone. Reminder to self for the next book.
I’ve long been a fan of Mr White which will come as no surprise to anybody, From The Shadows just confirms everything I’ve always said and then some. With the start of the Dan Grant series he truly is playing to his strengths, the fact that he is a Criminal Prosecutor in his other life shows here with the realistic legal layer. If you thought UK law was rather dry and dull in comparison to the more shout out US stuff then think again. As Dan takes on the system it is ever compelling and truly absorbing, never unbelievable and just added so much to storytelling, highly readable drama.
With an ending that will have you holding your breath and a twisted, often surprising path to get you there From The Shadows is utterly gripping and highly inventive – top notch crime fiction at its appealing, page turning, captivating best. Loved it. More please. Dan and Jayne are characters to watch.
Highly Recommended.
February 25, 2017
He follows them. Sneaks into their homes when they are out. Hides under their beds at night. Watches them sleep. He loves them.
Mary Kendricks, a young teacher, has been murdered.
Dan Grant, defense attorney, gets Robert Carter's case just a couple of weeks before his trial begins. Everyone 'knows' that Carter is guilty, and Grant is expected to do a walk through the system and let his client be found guilty with no defense from him.
But Grant is a far better attorney than that. He knows something is wrong and it's going to be left to him and his investigative assistant, Jayne Brett, to figure out what it is ... why witnesses won't talk to them... and when they do, they lie.
Together they will get to the truth, so matter where it leads them ... even into a fight for their own lives.
Neil White is an outstanding author. His characters are fully defined and his story-telling leads the reader into directions they never thought possible.
Dan Grant is an extremely likable character. He's strong, he's honest, he stands for those who can't defend themselves. He does his job because he loves it ... not for the money. Something his own father doesn't understand and leads to a bone of contention between the men.
Jayne Brett is most interesting. She killed her abusive boyfriend some years back and Grant was her attorney. She was found not guilty by a jury, but she still carries that guilt with her wherever she goes. Her boyfriend's family have promised revenge, so she has moved, changed her name, all with Grant's help.
This book is well-written...kept me intrigued and engaged from the very first page. The ending was somewhat breath-taking and I couldn't put the book down until the I turned the final page.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes a really good read, especially those interested in legal thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Bonnier Zaffre / Netgalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Mary Kendricks, a young teacher, has been murdered.
Dan Grant, defense attorney, gets Robert Carter's case just a couple of weeks before his trial begins. Everyone 'knows' that Carter is guilty, and Grant is expected to do a walk through the system and let his client be found guilty with no defense from him.
But Grant is a far better attorney than that. He knows something is wrong and it's going to be left to him and his investigative assistant, Jayne Brett, to figure out what it is ... why witnesses won't talk to them... and when they do, they lie.
Together they will get to the truth, so matter where it leads them ... even into a fight for their own lives.
Neil White is an outstanding author. His characters are fully defined and his story-telling leads the reader into directions they never thought possible.
Dan Grant is an extremely likable character. He's strong, he's honest, he stands for those who can't defend themselves. He does his job because he loves it ... not for the money. Something his own father doesn't understand and leads to a bone of contention between the men.
Jayne Brett is most interesting. She killed her abusive boyfriend some years back and Grant was her attorney. She was found not guilty by a jury, but she still carries that guilt with her wherever she goes. Her boyfriend's family have promised revenge, so she has moved, changed her name, all with Grant's help.
This book is well-written...kept me intrigued and engaged from the very first page. The ending was somewhat breath-taking and I couldn't put the book down until the I turned the final page.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes a really good read, especially those interested in legal thrillers.
Many thanks to the author / Bonnier Zaffre / Netgalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 15, 2017
I have always enjoyed previous Neil White books and it's always exciting to see a new series so I was looking forward to this latest release. However, if you would have asked me when I was at the 25% mark what I thought I would have given it a 3/5 at a push. Thankfully the book picked up pace and by the end started to tick all the boxes so eventually I ended up rating it a 4/5. Surprisingly though I actually dithered over the rating of this due to a number of things that seemed a little sluggish. The book is definitely a slow starter and to be totally truthful it took me until the halfway mark to actually like one of the main characters Dan who is a defence lawyer working a new case. Jayne Brett who is the other main character was a whole other ball game and she ticked every box as far as characters go.
The story line centres around a new Murder Case that lands on Dan's lap. Initially, I felt that it took some time to build up the case and for the reader to feel like you are the grip of things. Thankfully once past that sluggish start, everything picks up in pace and it seemed mush more like the usual type of books Neil White writes. Robert Carter is due to stand trial for Murder and Dan having only 2 weeks to prepare for the case decides to do his own sort of investigation yo allow him to get up to speed.
It soon becomes clear that this is not a simple cut and dried case of 'he did it, put him to trial'. Dan along with Jayne's help start to uncover a whole bunch of issue which throw the question out as to whether Carter is guilty or not. It made a change to see a lawyer in the driving seat as opposed to a copper. What makes an interesting thread to this story is Jayne and her past. She is one of Dan's ex clients who murdered somebody and it made her character even more intriguing. After the disappointingly slow start that last part of the book more than made up for it with danger literally knocking at Dan and Jayne's door. By the time I had finished I realised that I actually wanted to read more and was pleased that White decided to do a new series and one which I think will prove extremely popular,
The story line centres around a new Murder Case that lands on Dan's lap. Initially, I felt that it took some time to build up the case and for the reader to feel like you are the grip of things. Thankfully once past that sluggish start, everything picks up in pace and it seemed mush more like the usual type of books Neil White writes. Robert Carter is due to stand trial for Murder and Dan having only 2 weeks to prepare for the case decides to do his own sort of investigation yo allow him to get up to speed.
It soon becomes clear that this is not a simple cut and dried case of 'he did it, put him to trial'. Dan along with Jayne's help start to uncover a whole bunch of issue which throw the question out as to whether Carter is guilty or not. It made a change to see a lawyer in the driving seat as opposed to a copper. What makes an interesting thread to this story is Jayne and her past. She is one of Dan's ex clients who murdered somebody and it made her character even more intriguing. After the disappointingly slow start that last part of the book more than made up for it with danger literally knocking at Dan and Jayne's door. By the time I had finished I realised that I actually wanted to read more and was pleased that White decided to do a new series and one which I think will prove extremely popular,
September 6, 2017
I'm going to be in the minority here but I just could not get into this book. It started off slow and there were a couple of times I wanted to add it to the dnf shelf. But I kept chugging along because this book got some rave reviews. The story did pick up in the second half of the book but I was still bored and I found the characters uninteresting. Sadly, I won't be reading more from this series.
I received a copy of From The Shadows through NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Neil White for the opportunity.
I received a copy of From The Shadows through NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Neil White for the opportunity.
November 30, 2019
4.5 stars. This is the first book in the new Dan Grant series. Neil White really does write an excellent thriller, I've read quite a few of them and they are consistently good. In this one Dan gets a new case just two weeks before the trial. Man is accused of murder, it appears to be a slam dunk. But that is not the way Dan Grant operates. He goes in to bat for his client and, as you can guess, things are not as simple as they seem. A gripping page-turner, and coming from me (not a huge fan of legal thrillers although I DO enjoy a good one) that is high praise.
March 24, 2017
4,5 stars
That was a thrilling, quick-paced, intriguing and very addictive read.
Not knowing what to expect from a new for me author, I am pleasantly surprised how Neil White managed to draw me into the story. I used every free minute I could get during my day to read this book, and the last 10% LITERALLY made my heart race and I "ah!"-ed and "oh!"-ed non-stop.
If I have to rate separately a possibility of an author to keep me on the edge of my seat during the whole story as long as possible, it would be impressive 5 stars without any hesitation. (Maybe I should consider this new rating factor for my mystery novels.)
Daniel Grant, Dan, criminal lawyer is a very interesting character, and I'm looking forward to get to know him better and to read more of his difficult criminal cases. His figure is very authentic and realistic. Probably because the author knows the subject he writes about not only from his research, but because he himself is a prosecutor (in his free from writing time) since 1998.
The murder case that has been transferred to Dan from his old friend, who gave up it because of a conflict of interest is only 2 weeks away from the trail: A young beautiful woman was murdered in her apartment. No one has any doubt that the arrested suspect Robert Carter is a murderer. His bloodied fingerprint was found in Mary's bedroom and his DNA on her neck. But he claimed that they were just friends, he walked her home that evening, and went out for a cigarette. It was when he heard a loud scream. When he came back she was already dead.
The instincts though tells Dan that something isn't right with this case, and the deeper he digs the
more he feels that something is wrong with it. But he is running out of time.
And then events come thick and fast.
There is a great female character, Jayne, a former client of Dan, and now a private investigator, who assistants him in his cases. Jayne is fantastic. I normally don't care too much about female characters, but I have to admit, that I became her fan. It was the first book in the series and I don't know if the author plans to invest more in the relationship between Dan and Jayne that seems to have a potential to become a bit more, considering the romance side. From the mystery side though this relationship, if it'll be more than just a professional one, could be an obstacle in the further developing of the series plot. IMO. But I like getting surprised, besides I trust the author's skills to do the best out of it.
A gripping, thrilling, full of suspense and unexpected twins and turns courtroom-ACTION-drama with a breathtaking final. Great characters and a promising beginning for a new series.
Highly recommended!
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
That was a thrilling, quick-paced, intriguing and very addictive read.
Not knowing what to expect from a new for me author, I am pleasantly surprised how Neil White managed to draw me into the story. I used every free minute I could get during my day to read this book, and the last 10% LITERALLY made my heart race and I "ah!"-ed and "oh!"-ed non-stop.
If I have to rate separately a possibility of an author to keep me on the edge of my seat during the whole story as long as possible, it would be impressive 5 stars without any hesitation. (Maybe I should consider this new rating factor for my mystery novels.)
Daniel Grant, Dan, criminal lawyer is a very interesting character, and I'm looking forward to get to know him better and to read more of his difficult criminal cases. His figure is very authentic and realistic. Probably because the author knows the subject he writes about not only from his research, but because he himself is a prosecutor (in his free from writing time) since 1998.
The murder case that has been transferred to Dan from his old friend, who gave up it because of a conflict of interest is only 2 weeks away from the trail: A young beautiful woman was murdered in her apartment. No one has any doubt that the arrested suspect Robert Carter is a murderer. His bloodied fingerprint was found in Mary's bedroom and his DNA on her neck. But he claimed that they were just friends, he walked her home that evening, and went out for a cigarette. It was when he heard a loud scream. When he came back she was already dead.
The instincts though tells Dan that something isn't right with this case, and the deeper he digs the
more he feels that something is wrong with it. But he is running out of time.
And then events come thick and fast.
There is a great female character, Jayne, a former client of Dan, and now a private investigator, who assistants him in his cases. Jayne is fantastic. I normally don't care too much about female characters, but I have to admit, that I became her fan. It was the first book in the series and I don't know if the author plans to invest more in the relationship between Dan and Jayne that seems to have a potential to become a bit more, considering the romance side. From the mystery side though this relationship, if it'll be more than just a professional one, could be an obstacle in the further developing of the series plot. IMO. But I like getting surprised, besides I trust the author's skills to do the best out of it.
A gripping, thrilling, full of suspense and unexpected twins and turns courtroom-ACTION-drama with a breathtaking final. Great characters and a promising beginning for a new series.
Highly recommended!
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
September 7, 2017
Neil White is a new to me author, and one that is now on the to be read list. FROM THE SHADOWS is the first in the Dan Grant / defence lawyer series. It appears that there is also a 5 or so book series based around DC Laura McGanity, 3 books in the Joe & Sam Parker series and at least one standalone. Which begs the question why did it take so long for me to notice? Now I'm really kicking myself as if FROM THE SHADOWS, lawyer Dan Grant and his investigator Jayne Brett are anything to go by, I've got quite a few books to slot into the impossibly large reading queue in these parts.
Legal thrillers can sometimes be a little hit and miss for this reader, with the reason for a lawyer doing a bit of investigating on the part of their clients not always absolutely believable. The inclusion in this novel of Jayne Brett smooths a lot of that, as is the idea that Grant finds himself handling the case of accused murder Robert Carter at the very last minute. All of the setup items in the plot work well, providing context and motivation without the need for suspension of disbelief.
The two main characters, Dan Grant and Jayne Brett are well defined, flawed and capable of working closely together. The relationship is friendly, the reasons for their working partnership and brand of friendship are feasible, plus there's co-operation with just enough angst to make them believable. Grant might be the good bloke in the scenario but that's not overblown or sanctimonious, his difficult relationship with his disapproving father an ongoing thorn in his side. Brett on the other hand has a more dangerous spectre hanging over her head, with the family of her dead abusive boyfriend out for revenge. The inclusion of a strong supporting cast of different types of people gives the human factors of the plot much to work with - from Grant's business partner, through to the lawyer originally tasked with the defence of Robert Carter, and those close to the victim.
The plot's well done, with a good contrast between the requirements of defending the accused and a search for the truth come what may. Brett is a good investigator - dogged, determined and fearless without being overly reckless, she's able to work her way into conversation with many people, quietly looking for the reasons behind so much reluctance on the part of witnesses to get involved, or if they do, why they are telling so many lies. All the while there's an unknown person lurking and threatening. This aspect isn't overblown, it bubbles along in the background, adding to the tension, without feeling manipulative or staged.
A terrific thriller, FROM THE SHADOWS, is fast-paced and populated by extremely interesting characters embroiled in a clever story plot that twists, turns and sneaks around more than enough to keep the reader guessing until the end.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Legal thrillers can sometimes be a little hit and miss for this reader, with the reason for a lawyer doing a bit of investigating on the part of their clients not always absolutely believable. The inclusion in this novel of Jayne Brett smooths a lot of that, as is the idea that Grant finds himself handling the case of accused murder Robert Carter at the very last minute. All of the setup items in the plot work well, providing context and motivation without the need for suspension of disbelief.
The two main characters, Dan Grant and Jayne Brett are well defined, flawed and capable of working closely together. The relationship is friendly, the reasons for their working partnership and brand of friendship are feasible, plus there's co-operation with just enough angst to make them believable. Grant might be the good bloke in the scenario but that's not overblown or sanctimonious, his difficult relationship with his disapproving father an ongoing thorn in his side. Brett on the other hand has a more dangerous spectre hanging over her head, with the family of her dead abusive boyfriend out for revenge. The inclusion of a strong supporting cast of different types of people gives the human factors of the plot much to work with - from Grant's business partner, through to the lawyer originally tasked with the defence of Robert Carter, and those close to the victim.
The plot's well done, with a good contrast between the requirements of defending the accused and a search for the truth come what may. Brett is a good investigator - dogged, determined and fearless without being overly reckless, she's able to work her way into conversation with many people, quietly looking for the reasons behind so much reluctance on the part of witnesses to get involved, or if they do, why they are telling so many lies. All the while there's an unknown person lurking and threatening. This aspect isn't overblown, it bubbles along in the background, adding to the tension, without feeling manipulative or staged.
A terrific thriller, FROM THE SHADOWS, is fast-paced and populated by extremely interesting characters embroiled in a clever story plot that twists, turns and sneaks around more than enough to keep the reader guessing until the end.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
August 25, 2017
From The Shadows is a clever legal and psychological thriller set in the north of England, set against a backdrop of a former mill town slowly regenerating itself. Switching back and forth from present-day events at a murder trial to the recent past, the book follows solicitor Dan Grant as he is suddenly handed a murder case just two weeks before trial that appears on the surface to be a slam-dunk against his client.
Dan isn't so sure, however. The circumstances of his getting the case are enough to arouse his suspicions that everything isn't as it seems on the surface, and with the help of private investigator Jayne, he sets out to discover if his client really is as guilty as he appears.
I really liked both Dan and Jayne, and my romance-loving heart was a tiny bit disappointed that the chemistry between them wasn't explored, but then this isn't a romance. It's a thriller, and an excellently done one as I was still puzzled over what had actually happened right up until the big reveal. The story gave us just enough glimpses inside the mind of a disturbed stalker to keep everything thrilling, while following Dan and Jayne as they slowly piece clues together to reveal the truth.
The only issue I had with this book might be nitpicking, but the fact that not one single character was described as other than white seemed to me frankly unrealistic in today's multi-cultural England, and could have added a further dimension to the story with the inclusion of racist themes - Jayne as a black woman would have been really intriguing, for example.
I have to say that was something that occurred to me afterwards, though, and it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story at all. I'm happy to award From The Shadows 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Dan isn't so sure, however. The circumstances of his getting the case are enough to arouse his suspicions that everything isn't as it seems on the surface, and with the help of private investigator Jayne, he sets out to discover if his client really is as guilty as he appears.
I really liked both Dan and Jayne, and my romance-loving heart was a tiny bit disappointed that the chemistry between them wasn't explored, but then this isn't a romance. It's a thriller, and an excellently done one as I was still puzzled over what had actually happened right up until the big reveal. The story gave us just enough glimpses inside the mind of a disturbed stalker to keep everything thrilling, while following Dan and Jayne as they slowly piece clues together to reveal the truth.
The only issue I had with this book might be nitpicking, but the fact that not one single character was described as other than white seemed to me frankly unrealistic in today's multi-cultural England, and could have added a further dimension to the story with the inclusion of racist themes - Jayne as a black woman would have been really intriguing, for example.
I have to say that was something that occurred to me afterwards, though, and it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story at all. I'm happy to award From The Shadows 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
October 29, 2017
Neil White is a new to me author, and one that is now on the to be read list. FROM THE SHADOWS is the first in the Dan Grant / defence lawyer series. It appears that there is also a 5 or so book series based around DC Laura McGanity, 3 books in the Joe & Sam Parker series and at least one standalone. Which begs the question why did it take so long for me to notice? Now I'm really kicking myself as if FROM THE SHADOWS, lawyer Dan Grant and his investigator Jayne Brett are anything to go by, I've got quite a few books to slot into the impossibly large reading queue in these parts.
Legal thrillers can sometimes be a little hit and miss for this reader, with the reason for a lawyer doing a bit of investigating on the part of their clients not always absolutely believable. The inclusion in this novel of Jayne Brett smooths a lot of that, as is the idea that Grant finds himself handling the case of accused murder Robert Carter at the very last minute. All of the setup items in the plot work well, providing context and motivation without the need for suspension of disbelief.
The two main characters, Dan Grant and Jayne Brett are well defined, flawed and capable of working closely together. The relationship is friendly, the reasons for their working partnership and brand of friendship are feasible, plus there's co-operation with just enough angst to make them believable. Grant might be the good bloke in the scenario but that's not overblown or sanctimonious, his difficult relationship with his disapproving father an ongoing thorn in his side. Brett on the other hand has a more dangerous spectre hanging over her head, with the family of her dead abusive boyfriend out for revenge. The inclusion of a strong supporting cast of different types of people gives the human factors of the plot much to work with - from Grant's business partner, through to the lawyer originally tasked with the defence of Robert Carter, and those close to the victim.
The plot's well done, with a good contrast between the requirements of defending the accused and a search for the truth come what may. Brett is a good investigator - dogged, determined and fearless without being overly reckless, she's able to work her way into conversation with many people, quietly looking for the reasons behind so much reluctance on the part of witnesses to get involved, or if they do, why they are telling so many lies. All the while there's an unknown person lurking and threatening. This aspect isn't overblown, it bubbles along in the background, adding to the tension, without feeling manipulative or staged.
A terrific thriller, FROM THE SHADOWS, is fast-paced and populated by extremely interesting characters embroiled in a clever story plot that twists, turns and sneaks around more than enough to keep the reader guessing until the end.
Legal thrillers can sometimes be a little hit and miss for this reader, with the reason for a lawyer doing a bit of investigating on the part of their clients not always absolutely believable. The inclusion in this novel of Jayne Brett smooths a lot of that, as is the idea that Grant finds himself handling the case of accused murder Robert Carter at the very last minute. All of the setup items in the plot work well, providing context and motivation without the need for suspension of disbelief.
The two main characters, Dan Grant and Jayne Brett are well defined, flawed and capable of working closely together. The relationship is friendly, the reasons for their working partnership and brand of friendship are feasible, plus there's co-operation with just enough angst to make them believable. Grant might be the good bloke in the scenario but that's not overblown or sanctimonious, his difficult relationship with his disapproving father an ongoing thorn in his side. Brett on the other hand has a more dangerous spectre hanging over her head, with the family of her dead abusive boyfriend out for revenge. The inclusion of a strong supporting cast of different types of people gives the human factors of the plot much to work with - from Grant's business partner, through to the lawyer originally tasked with the defence of Robert Carter, and those close to the victim.
The plot's well done, with a good contrast between the requirements of defending the accused and a search for the truth come what may. Brett is a good investigator - dogged, determined and fearless without being overly reckless, she's able to work her way into conversation with many people, quietly looking for the reasons behind so much reluctance on the part of witnesses to get involved, or if they do, why they are telling so many lies. All the while there's an unknown person lurking and threatening. This aspect isn't overblown, it bubbles along in the background, adding to the tension, without feeling manipulative or staged.
A terrific thriller, FROM THE SHADOWS, is fast-paced and populated by extremely interesting characters embroiled in a clever story plot that twists, turns and sneaks around more than enough to keep the reader guessing until the end.
August 24, 2017
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy in return for my honest review.
This legal thriller is about the murder of Mary Kendricks and the man accused of murdering her. Dan Grant, the lawyer who inherits this case from another lawyer friend, recruits his investigator, Jayne, to help look into this crime since it's only 2 weeks until trial. What they uncover puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Welcome to book one in the Dan Grant legal thriller series! What a great start to the series. We get a good feel for the two main characters, Dan and Jayne. While I do wish that sometimes having a man and woman work together wouldn't automatically put them in a maybe romantic or sexual relationships, I did like both of these characters. The opening scene with Jayne made me snicker and we realize that she is a damaged soul trying to find some peace with herself .. and the only person she really trusts is Dan, who took her on after helping her in her own case in the past.
This is a well thought out book and you can see how the author brings his own experience as a criminal lawyer and prosecutor to his writing. As a legal assistant in my day job, I always find legal thrillers quite interesting and especially when they're well written and/or researched. This book is moderately paced and I did find a little lull as I felt some things were a tad bit repetitive, but you know what, that's law for you! The last 10-15% ramps up a bit and pulls the entire book together. Highly recommend for those who like legal thrillers in the vein of Law & Order. I look forward to continuing this series.
This legal thriller is about the murder of Mary Kendricks and the man accused of murdering her. Dan Grant, the lawyer who inherits this case from another lawyer friend, recruits his investigator, Jayne, to help look into this crime since it's only 2 weeks until trial. What they uncover puts all their lives in jeopardy.
Welcome to book one in the Dan Grant legal thriller series! What a great start to the series. We get a good feel for the two main characters, Dan and Jayne. While I do wish that sometimes having a man and woman work together wouldn't automatically put them in a maybe romantic or sexual relationships, I did like both of these characters. The opening scene with Jayne made me snicker and we realize that she is a damaged soul trying to find some peace with herself .. and the only person she really trusts is Dan, who took her on after helping her in her own case in the past.
This is a well thought out book and you can see how the author brings his own experience as a criminal lawyer and prosecutor to his writing. As a legal assistant in my day job, I always find legal thrillers quite interesting and especially when they're well written and/or researched. This book is moderately paced and I did find a little lull as I felt some things were a tad bit repetitive, but you know what, that's law for you! The last 10-15% ramps up a bit and pulls the entire book together. Highly recommend for those who like legal thrillers in the vein of Law & Order. I look forward to continuing this series.
November 30, 2017
I loved this book. It has everything that I could ask for, in a suspenseful mystery. This is my first book by author Neil White and he keeps me fascinated in the entire story.
Defense lawyer Dan Grant is given a case 2 weeks before it goes into trial of Robert Carter, stalking and murdering Mary Kendricks. The story appears straightforward but as Dan goes into the investigative depths, he finds many hidden plots and secrets.
Neil White is a great writer, who has written this book with a clear, well crafted plot, and his delivery is straight to the point.
Any thriller of any sorts be it action or legal, is supposed to pull the reader in from the first page itself and Neil White understands this concept. It is so evident in his writing. His main character, Dan Grant plays his part effortlessly making me his fan. And the entire credit goes to the author.
Entertaining read. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Defense lawyer Dan Grant is given a case 2 weeks before it goes into trial of Robert Carter, stalking and murdering Mary Kendricks. The story appears straightforward but as Dan goes into the investigative depths, he finds many hidden plots and secrets.
Neil White is a great writer, who has written this book with a clear, well crafted plot, and his delivery is straight to the point.
Any thriller of any sorts be it action or legal, is supposed to pull the reader in from the first page itself and Neil White understands this concept. It is so evident in his writing. His main character, Dan Grant plays his part effortlessly making me his fan. And the entire credit goes to the author.
Entertaining read. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
November 30, 2017
I loved this book. It has everything that I could ask for, in a suspenseful mystery. This is my first book by author Neil White and he keeps me fascinated in the entire story.
Defense lawyer Dan Grant is given a case 2 weeks before it goes into trial of Robert Carter, stalking and murdering Mary Kendricks. The story appears straightforward but as Dan goes into the investigative depths, he finds many hidden plots and secrets.
Neil White is a great writer, who has written this book with a clear, well crafted plot, and his delivery is straight to the point.
Any thriller of any sorts be it action or legal, is supposed to pull the reader in from the first page itself and Neil White understands this concept. It is so evident in his writing. His main character, Dan Grant plays his part effortlessly making me his fan. And the entire credit goes to the author.
Entertaining read. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Defense lawyer Dan Grant is given a case 2 weeks before it goes into trial of Robert Carter, stalking and murdering Mary Kendricks. The story appears straightforward but as Dan goes into the investigative depths, he finds many hidden plots and secrets.
Neil White is a great writer, who has written this book with a clear, well crafted plot, and his delivery is straight to the point.
Any thriller of any sorts be it action or legal, is supposed to pull the reader in from the first page itself and Neil White understands this concept. It is so evident in his writing. His main character, Dan Grant plays his part effortlessly making me his fan. And the entire credit goes to the author.
Entertaining read. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
March 17, 2017
A good start to a new series. Fast and furious.
Dan Grant is handed a trial case two weeks before it goes to court. It is the trial of Robert Carter accused of murdering Mary Kendricks, a beautiful young woman he was reportedly stalking. Dan is just expected to baby-sit the case as it seems open and shut plus the defendant has pleaded guilty.
He and his investigator, Jayne Brett, (an ex client), are not convinced it is that simple and they embark on an investigation that will stun the courts and you!
This book is a mix of legal drama and murder investigation; both of which made for compelling reading. Dan and Jayne are good characters, likeable and easy to understand. There is an undercurrent of romance between the two and a lot of ‘what if things were different’.
It started a bit slowly but that didn’t put me off as it was purely setting the scene for an explosive second half. Right the way through you swing from did he or didn’t do it, and then if he didn’t do it how would Dan prove it?
It gives you an insight into the ‘Justice System’, and it isn’t always about guilt or innocence but who is the better lawyer and can cast enough doubt.
A very good book, well written and keeps moving along nicely until the end when it shocks and stuns.
Most definitely a series to continue to follow.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Dan Grant is handed a trial case two weeks before it goes to court. It is the trial of Robert Carter accused of murdering Mary Kendricks, a beautiful young woman he was reportedly stalking. Dan is just expected to baby-sit the case as it seems open and shut plus the defendant has pleaded guilty.
He and his investigator, Jayne Brett, (an ex client), are not convinced it is that simple and they embark on an investigation that will stun the courts and you!
This book is a mix of legal drama and murder investigation; both of which made for compelling reading. Dan and Jayne are good characters, likeable and easy to understand. There is an undercurrent of romance between the two and a lot of ‘what if things were different’.
It started a bit slowly but that didn’t put me off as it was purely setting the scene for an explosive second half. Right the way through you swing from did he or didn’t do it, and then if he didn’t do it how would Dan prove it?
It gives you an insight into the ‘Justice System’, and it isn’t always about guilt or innocence but who is the better lawyer and can cast enough doubt.
A very good book, well written and keeps moving along nicely until the end when it shocks and stuns.
Most definitely a series to continue to follow.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
November 4, 2019
DNF just couldn’t get into this one at all 🙁 read 120 pages but was just not gripping enough for me , but will give the next in the series a go as I do like this author
February 5, 2019
Another good read from Neil White
December 16, 2017
Having read and enjoyed a number of Neil White’s books I am incredibly disappointed after finishing From the Shadows. What started off as a gripping story soon got boring and resulted in cliche after cliche and a rushed, poor ending.
I was excited to read a legal thriller set in the UK because the majority of them that I have read have been set in the US. Neil’s background makes him perfect for writing books like this, and the legal part of the story was spot on. The scenes within the courtroom, especially the last few chapters, were great however because the storyline itself was so weak, it prevented those scenes from having a bigger impact.
The problem for me was with the plot. It was very obvious early on who the killer in this story was. The red herrings were virtually non-existent and Neil didn’t do enough to ever make me doubt any of the other characters. As I read and neared the end of the story I expected some kind of crazy twist, something that would back up the 5 star reviews that I read before reading this book. I know the enjoyment people take from books is subjective but honestly how fans of legal thrillers and crime fiction can say they enjoyed this book is baffling. It’s just so poor. The pacing is slow, the characters cliched and everything just became boring and I just wanted the book to be over and the time that I had wasted reading it back. The story could have been so much better with a bigger storyline, make the murder of Mary something bigger. Use the setting of the small town more effectively and make the victim someone who could have been killed for multiple reasons, not obvious reasons.
I don’t normally finish books I’m not enjoying and that’s why my reviews of the books I don’t enjoy but that I do finish can be so scathing but what kept me reading here was the characters of Dan and Jayne and, knowing how good an author Neil usually is, I will happily read another book featuring them again because their history and their futures are intriguing to me and I enjoyed the time spent with them. I just hope next time they find themselves with a more gripping case and one that actually keeps this reader guessing rather than reading the whole book only to get the ending I saw coming from a few chapters in.
I was excited to read a legal thriller set in the UK because the majority of them that I have read have been set in the US. Neil’s background makes him perfect for writing books like this, and the legal part of the story was spot on. The scenes within the courtroom, especially the last few chapters, were great however because the storyline itself was so weak, it prevented those scenes from having a bigger impact.
The problem for me was with the plot. It was very obvious early on who the killer in this story was. The red herrings were virtually non-existent and Neil didn’t do enough to ever make me doubt any of the other characters. As I read and neared the end of the story I expected some kind of crazy twist, something that would back up the 5 star reviews that I read before reading this book. I know the enjoyment people take from books is subjective but honestly how fans of legal thrillers and crime fiction can say they enjoyed this book is baffling. It’s just so poor. The pacing is slow, the characters cliched and everything just became boring and I just wanted the book to be over and the time that I had wasted reading it back. The story could have been so much better with a bigger storyline, make the murder of Mary something bigger. Use the setting of the small town more effectively and make the victim someone who could have been killed for multiple reasons, not obvious reasons.
I don’t normally finish books I’m not enjoying and that’s why my reviews of the books I don’t enjoy but that I do finish can be so scathing but what kept me reading here was the characters of Dan and Jayne and, knowing how good an author Neil usually is, I will happily read another book featuring them again because their history and their futures are intriguing to me and I enjoyed the time spent with them. I just hope next time they find themselves with a more gripping case and one that actually keeps this reader guessing rather than reading the whole book only to get the ending I saw coming from a few chapters in.
May 31, 2017
Phwoar! I don’t know where to start but if I could shout from the rooftops how brilliant this book is, I would totally do it! This is an absolute corker!
Mary Kendricks has been murdered and Robert Carter is accused of killing her. Two weeks before the trial starts, defence lawyer Dan Grant inherits the case. He’s merely supposed to babysit it but he’s not that kind of lawyer. Dan and his investigator, Jane, soon discover things aren’t quite what they seem but will their search for the truth put them in danger?
From the Shadows is the first book in a new thriller series featuring defence lawyer Dan Grant. Dan isn’t like most other lawyers. He loves his job but he’s not doing it for the money. This is one lawyer who actually has a moral compass, no matter where it leads him. So when the case of Robert Carter just lands in his lap, he can’t help but dig deeper to find out why.
Boy, oh boy! Let me just say, I love courtroom drama so the mere thought of having something like that in my hands already made me drool like Homer Simpson in a donut shop. Throw in a murder, investigators, twists and turns and a bit of “will they, won’t they?” and I have to say, this is the best afternoon I’ve had in weeks!
What an amazingly constructed plot this is! Tense and gripping, it had me hooked from the start. With a host of unreliable witness statements, I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to figure out what was going on. Incredibly engrossing and addictive, it reminded me of the good old John Grisham days. Aw, nostalgia.
This was my first time reading anything by Neil White but it definitely won’t be my last and I can’t wait to read book 2 in the Dan Grant series! I loved this and highly recommend it!
Mary Kendricks has been murdered and Robert Carter is accused of killing her. Two weeks before the trial starts, defence lawyer Dan Grant inherits the case. He’s merely supposed to babysit it but he’s not that kind of lawyer. Dan and his investigator, Jane, soon discover things aren’t quite what they seem but will their search for the truth put them in danger?
From the Shadows is the first book in a new thriller series featuring defence lawyer Dan Grant. Dan isn’t like most other lawyers. He loves his job but he’s not doing it for the money. This is one lawyer who actually has a moral compass, no matter where it leads him. So when the case of Robert Carter just lands in his lap, he can’t help but dig deeper to find out why.
Boy, oh boy! Let me just say, I love courtroom drama so the mere thought of having something like that in my hands already made me drool like Homer Simpson in a donut shop. Throw in a murder, investigators, twists and turns and a bit of “will they, won’t they?” and I have to say, this is the best afternoon I’ve had in weeks!
What an amazingly constructed plot this is! Tense and gripping, it had me hooked from the start. With a host of unreliable witness statements, I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to figure out what was going on. Incredibly engrossing and addictive, it reminded me of the good old John Grisham days. Aw, nostalgia.
This was my first time reading anything by Neil White but it definitely won’t be my last and I can’t wait to read book 2 in the Dan Grant series! I loved this and highly recommend it!
August 11, 2017
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Here is book one in a new series from Neil White. This is my first book by him and it was a great crime fiction read! Murder, police investigation, and a lawyer that won't idly sit by like everyone wants him to, because they all believe his client is guilty of murder.
He is hiding in the shadows - watching you, waiting for his moment. He sneaks into your home when you're gone, hiding under the bed to watch you sleep at night until he decides to strike. Mary Kendricks is a smart, young teacher of just 24, and she has been brutally murdered. Robert Carter has been accused of killing her. Defense attorney, Dan Grant, has been given Carter's case only weeks before the trial date. Since everyone "knows" Carter is guilty, they simply expect Grant to just babysit him until the trial date. Grant is not one to sit by like this, he is determined to defend his client and will follow the evidence.
His investigator, Jayne Brett, helps him look into the case. They begin to uncover the truth and learn there is a lot more to this case than meets the eye. Will they have to go outside the system in order to find more evidence and defend his client?
This was a great thriller - some courtroom drama, murder, and police investigations thrown in together made for a fast paced read. You can tell that White has extensive knowledge on the topic, between research and being a prosecutor himself. The characters were great and the development was just enough for the reader to be drawn in for the first book in a series. I'm excited to learn more about Dan and Jayne in future novels!
Overall, if you want an action packed courtroom thriller, then this is the next book for you! A solid start to a new series.
I give this one a solid 4/5 stars!
Here is book one in a new series from Neil White. This is my first book by him and it was a great crime fiction read! Murder, police investigation, and a lawyer that won't idly sit by like everyone wants him to, because they all believe his client is guilty of murder.
He is hiding in the shadows - watching you, waiting for his moment. He sneaks into your home when you're gone, hiding under the bed to watch you sleep at night until he decides to strike. Mary Kendricks is a smart, young teacher of just 24, and she has been brutally murdered. Robert Carter has been accused of killing her. Defense attorney, Dan Grant, has been given Carter's case only weeks before the trial date. Since everyone "knows" Carter is guilty, they simply expect Grant to just babysit him until the trial date. Grant is not one to sit by like this, he is determined to defend his client and will follow the evidence.
His investigator, Jayne Brett, helps him look into the case. They begin to uncover the truth and learn there is a lot more to this case than meets the eye. Will they have to go outside the system in order to find more evidence and defend his client?
This was a great thriller - some courtroom drama, murder, and police investigations thrown in together made for a fast paced read. You can tell that White has extensive knowledge on the topic, between research and being a prosecutor himself. The characters were great and the development was just enough for the reader to be drawn in for the first book in a series. I'm excited to learn more about Dan and Jayne in future novels!
Overall, if you want an action packed courtroom thriller, then this is the next book for you! A solid start to a new series.
I give this one a solid 4/5 stars!
August 17, 2017
From the Shadows, by Neil White, is the first novel in a new series that follows defense attorney Dan Grant and his investigator/will they or won’t they love interest Jayne Brett. Part crime thriller and courtroom drama, White weaves a seriously addicting and dynamic plot with stellar characters.
When Dan and Jayne inherit a case defending a man accused of murdering a 24 year old school teacher weeks before trial, everyone around them expects them to ride the case to an obvious guilty verdict. However, Dan is not that type of lawyer. Going back to the evidence and re-interviewing the witnesses, Dan and Jayne find themselves following a path that becomes dangerous.
I really liked the original perspective of this one; it sort of reminded me a little bit of the television show Suits; smart dialogue, sassy characters, and intense plot lines. I loved the variation away from the typical police procedural and the fact that we were able to see an inside look into how an attorney prepares for trial. White, when he isn’t writing books, is a prosecutor and this very obviously shows throughout his narrative. Everything feels so realistic.
Overall, I feel like this was a brilliant start to a new series and will anxiously be awaiting the next novel. 4/5 stars.
When Dan and Jayne inherit a case defending a man accused of murdering a 24 year old school teacher weeks before trial, everyone around them expects them to ride the case to an obvious guilty verdict. However, Dan is not that type of lawyer. Going back to the evidence and re-interviewing the witnesses, Dan and Jayne find themselves following a path that becomes dangerous.
I really liked the original perspective of this one; it sort of reminded me a little bit of the television show Suits; smart dialogue, sassy characters, and intense plot lines. I loved the variation away from the typical police procedural and the fact that we were able to see an inside look into how an attorney prepares for trial. White, when he isn’t writing books, is a prosecutor and this very obviously shows throughout his narrative. Everything feels so realistic.
Overall, I feel like this was a brilliant start to a new series and will anxiously be awaiting the next novel. 4/5 stars.
January 18, 2026
Če v večini kriminalk spremljamo kriminaliste ali podobne like, ki razrešijo umor, pa nam Neil White v svojih knjigah prikaže še drug način. Že res, da kriminalisti najdejo morilca in se ta znajde na sodišču, a na sojenju se lahko zgodi marsikaj. Celo to, da sojenje šele razkrije morilca ali to, kot v avtorjevih delih stori kazenski branilec obtoženega morilca.
Že serija o bratih Joeju in Samu mi je bila všečna, tule pa gre za trilogijo o Danu Grantu, ki v delu Sence od kolegice prevzame primer umora. Ker je njegova naloga morebitnega morilca otresti grožnje dosmrtnega zapora, začne, skupaj z najeto preiskovalko, brskati po podrobnostih obtožbe. Predvsem o tem, kar ni bilo povedano. In.. odkrije marsikaj.
Ta zgodba je bila morda malo preveč predvidljiva. Do zdaj ima avtor tudi navado, da v vsakem delu beremo tudi utrinke iz temne strani nekoga, za kar nisem čisto prepričana ali ima smisel ali ne. Kakorkoli, knjiga se hitro bere. Zasukov je kar nekaj, dogajanje lepo teče. Konec pa ja, ni tako presenečenje morda, a bom zagotovo segla po nadaljevanju. Avtorjev stil mi je pač všeč. Pogled iz drugega zornega kota in drugačno preiskovanje pa prav tako.
Že serija o bratih Joeju in Samu mi je bila všečna, tule pa gre za trilogijo o Danu Grantu, ki v delu Sence od kolegice prevzame primer umora. Ker je njegova naloga morebitnega morilca otresti grožnje dosmrtnega zapora, začne, skupaj z najeto preiskovalko, brskati po podrobnostih obtožbe. Predvsem o tem, kar ni bilo povedano. In.. odkrije marsikaj.
Ta zgodba je bila morda malo preveč predvidljiva. Do zdaj ima avtor tudi navado, da v vsakem delu beremo tudi utrinke iz temne strani nekoga, za kar nisem čisto prepričana ali ima smisel ali ne. Kakorkoli, knjiga se hitro bere. Zasukov je kar nekaj, dogajanje lepo teče. Konec pa ja, ni tako presenečenje morda, a bom zagotovo segla po nadaljevanju. Avtorjev stil mi je pač všeč. Pogled iz drugega zornega kota in drugačno preiskovanje pa prav tako.
October 18, 2017
This was fast paced and gripping. Dan Grant a defence attorney is given a murder case 2 weeks before it goes to court and although it goes back and forth in time it is relatively easy to follow. Jayne his investigator is an interesting character with her own back story which adds to the tension. One flaw is White gives us Dan Grant's father as a character for Dan to have issues with and this seems to be over done within crime novels.
The action takes place in Highford a mill town in Lancashire reminiscent of Burnley which I caught glimpses of, none more so than the Empire theatre which like its Burnley namesake lies derelict and where a thrilling search and chase takes place. It just lacked a tree or two growing out of the roof.
The action takes place in Highford a mill town in Lancashire reminiscent of Burnley which I caught glimpses of, none more so than the Empire theatre which like its Burnley namesake lies derelict and where a thrilling search and chase takes place. It just lacked a tree or two growing out of the roof.
October 25, 2020
Rather disappointing as it became increasingly unlikely. However a good insight into the workings of prosecution and defence lawyers. I probably will not read any more by this author, whilst British he seems to favour an American style.
March 13, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this novel.
I enjoyed From the Shadows, there were great characters & a well-written story.
It felt a little slow at the beginning, but it definitely picked up & was worth the read. I'm excited for the next book in the series!
I enjoyed From the Shadows, there were great characters & a well-written story.
It felt a little slow at the beginning, but it definitely picked up & was worth the read. I'm excited for the next book in the series!
February 26, 2017
I have often found that authors with no real experience in crime don’t always write criminals with believable humanity and/or their law enforcement characters come off rigid and one dimensional but the rest of the book is good. Then you have those who spent their careers either as law enforcement, attorneys, etc who write good characters that could, and probably, are seemingly based on real people but the rest of the book shows they should’ve stuck to their day jobs; bad dialogue, plot holes, and sentence structure so bad you think they must’ve bribed teachers to pass them through school.
On rare occasions an author like Neil White comes along and creates the whole package. White’s experience as a criminal lawyer shines through in his character development of Dan Grant and Jayne Brett among others. It takes a criminal lawyer to be able to write a good version of one so I often wondered when reading this if there was anything of White himself in how he created Grant. Brett I found very interesting and complex especially from my view point as a woman who has been in an abusive relationship. I felt there was a lot of authenticity in how he described what she felt, how she was dealing with it and the long term impact it can have on her psycho-social development.
There weren’t any obvious plot issues as it kept my attention with intriguing action and a thrilling ending. This was such a fast paced novel I was glued to the pages needing to know how Grant and Brett were going to handle Carter’s case.
White’s writing reminded me a bit of John Grisham’s early days when he used to write those really good legal thrillers that were heavy on needing good characters to pull the story along. So if that’s your thing you really need to check this book out.
On rare occasions an author like Neil White comes along and creates the whole package. White’s experience as a criminal lawyer shines through in his character development of Dan Grant and Jayne Brett among others. It takes a criminal lawyer to be able to write a good version of one so I often wondered when reading this if there was anything of White himself in how he created Grant. Brett I found very interesting and complex especially from my view point as a woman who has been in an abusive relationship. I felt there was a lot of authenticity in how he described what she felt, how she was dealing with it and the long term impact it can have on her psycho-social development.
There weren’t any obvious plot issues as it kept my attention with intriguing action and a thrilling ending. This was such a fast paced novel I was glued to the pages needing to know how Grant and Brett were going to handle Carter’s case.
White’s writing reminded me a bit of John Grisham’s early days when he used to write those really good legal thrillers that were heavy on needing good characters to pull the story along. So if that’s your thing you really need to check this book out.
March 1, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of From The Shadows, a standalone thriller featuring lawyer Dan Grant and his investigator Jayne Brett.
2 weeks before his trial for the murder of Mary Kendricks Robert Carter's lawyer, Shelley Greenwood, resigns the case citing conflict of interest and passes it to Dan Grant. Shelley won't talk about the case, leaving Dan and Jayne to do their own investigating but everyone seems intimidated, including their client, so reaching the truth is difficult.
Chapter one starts with day one of the trial and then chapter two flashes back 14 days to Dan getting the case. Normally I'm not a big fan of different time lines, preferring a linear narrative but it works well in this novel as you get the immediacy of the trial and the intriguing sense that Dan and Jayne are planning something but no idea what and the counterbalance of the flashbacks which gradually fill in the detail.
From The Shadows is a great read, tense, exciting and intriguing, which held my interest throughout. I sometimes felt that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was coming next. The plotting is clever and the twists unexpected. The only letdown is how Dan and Jayne come by the final parts of the jigsaw. I felt it is a bit contrived and coincidental but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise engrossing read.
The characterisation is interesting. Dan Grant is a defence lawyer so he makes his living on acquittals and doesn't lose any sleep over it but he sees himself as a man of integrity. It's a fascinating dichotomy and I'm not sure I followed all his arguments/justifications but his actions suggest that winning matters. Jayne Brett is different. She is a not very successful self employed investigator so she's involved to earn enough money to feed herself. She seems to have a stronger moral compass but beggars can't be choosers.
I thoroughly enjoyed From The Shadows and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
2 weeks before his trial for the murder of Mary Kendricks Robert Carter's lawyer, Shelley Greenwood, resigns the case citing conflict of interest and passes it to Dan Grant. Shelley won't talk about the case, leaving Dan and Jayne to do their own investigating but everyone seems intimidated, including their client, so reaching the truth is difficult.
Chapter one starts with day one of the trial and then chapter two flashes back 14 days to Dan getting the case. Normally I'm not a big fan of different time lines, preferring a linear narrative but it works well in this novel as you get the immediacy of the trial and the intriguing sense that Dan and Jayne are planning something but no idea what and the counterbalance of the flashbacks which gradually fill in the detail.
From The Shadows is a great read, tense, exciting and intriguing, which held my interest throughout. I sometimes felt that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was coming next. The plotting is clever and the twists unexpected. The only letdown is how Dan and Jayne come by the final parts of the jigsaw. I felt it is a bit contrived and coincidental but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise engrossing read.
The characterisation is interesting. Dan Grant is a defence lawyer so he makes his living on acquittals and doesn't lose any sleep over it but he sees himself as a man of integrity. It's a fascinating dichotomy and I'm not sure I followed all his arguments/justifications but his actions suggest that winning matters. Jayne Brett is different. She is a not very successful self employed investigator so she's involved to earn enough money to feed herself. She seems to have a stronger moral compass but beggars can't be choosers.
I thoroughly enjoyed From The Shadows and have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
January 24, 2023
Interesting storyline written from the perspective of a defence lawyer but the action parts are slightly unbelievable.
July 21, 2017
What is this about?: Dan Grant inherits a case from a colleague, with a client that everyone is convinced is guilty. Along with investigator Jayne, he begins to investigate exactly how he ended up with the case, unravelling a complicated plot as a result.
What else is this about?: Some excellent characterisation of Dan and Jayne lets readers find out about their history together and on their own -- which as it's the first in the series is a good spot to start, to say the least!
Dan is a good lawyer and by that I mean not jaded... yet. He believes in the law, in what it offers people and he's determined to do right by every client -- even if he happens to inherit one from a colleague, with two weeks to go until the trial.
But, Dan does his due diligence and sets his investigator Jayne on the case. She is a former domestic violence client of his, once accused of killing her husband -- in self defence. Now, she finds herself working with Dan on his cases, but always with an way out ready.
I am busting to know how Jayne evolved into a PI after learning of her history, not to mention their history.
Jayne and Dan
Jayne is still putting herself back together after her experience with her abusive husband, and while she has a long way to go, she's realised she might want to try doing that with Dan. Dan is oblivious by all (her) accounts. Their relationship, through the book, seems to be on the cusp of something more, like it's just there, on the edge, with the slightest push needed.
That said, there's no rush at all. I am curious to see how White handles their characters as lawyer and PI as the series continues. And I am enjoying the idea of Jayne as the PI, the one Dan sends into potentially dangerous situations -- sounds like it has potential, yes?
Robert Carter's case
Robert Carter stands accused of murdering a well-liked teacher, and Dan and Jayne find him determined not to help himself. But that's not the only issue -- his former lawyer is hiding something, and won't share either, insisting it has nothing to do with the case. This of course piques Dan and Jayne's interest immensely to say the least.
From there, their case surges ahead, with Jayne investigating Robert and the victim. But what I enjoyed was that this case, in White's hands, is deceptive, with the author revealing the juicy bits and pieces as the story continues.
It takes some time to understand Robert Carter, with insight into his character coming late in the story. But by no means is he just there to be their client, and that makes the book all the better.
From the Shadows is a deceptive, quietly thrilling book, with less to do in the courtroom than you might think. I think I am more than ready for the further adventures of Dan, the lawyer, and Jayne the PI.
What else is this about?: Some excellent characterisation of Dan and Jayne lets readers find out about their history together and on their own -- which as it's the first in the series is a good spot to start, to say the least!
Dan is a good lawyer and by that I mean not jaded... yet. He believes in the law, in what it offers people and he's determined to do right by every client -- even if he happens to inherit one from a colleague, with two weeks to go until the trial.
But, Dan does his due diligence and sets his investigator Jayne on the case. She is a former domestic violence client of his, once accused of killing her husband -- in self defence. Now, she finds herself working with Dan on his cases, but always with an way out ready.
I am busting to know how Jayne evolved into a PI after learning of her history, not to mention their history.
Jayne and Dan
Jayne is still putting herself back together after her experience with her abusive husband, and while she has a long way to go, she's realised she might want to try doing that with Dan. Dan is oblivious by all (her) accounts. Their relationship, through the book, seems to be on the cusp of something more, like it's just there, on the edge, with the slightest push needed.
That said, there's no rush at all. I am curious to see how White handles their characters as lawyer and PI as the series continues. And I am enjoying the idea of Jayne as the PI, the one Dan sends into potentially dangerous situations -- sounds like it has potential, yes?
Robert Carter's case
Robert Carter stands accused of murdering a well-liked teacher, and Dan and Jayne find him determined not to help himself. But that's not the only issue -- his former lawyer is hiding something, and won't share either, insisting it has nothing to do with the case. This of course piques Dan and Jayne's interest immensely to say the least.
From there, their case surges ahead, with Jayne investigating Robert and the victim. But what I enjoyed was that this case, in White's hands, is deceptive, with the author revealing the juicy bits and pieces as the story continues.
It takes some time to understand Robert Carter, with insight into his character coming late in the story. But by no means is he just there to be their client, and that makes the book all the better.
From the Shadows is a deceptive, quietly thrilling book, with less to do in the courtroom than you might think. I think I am more than ready for the further adventures of Dan, the lawyer, and Jayne the PI.
September 2, 2017
From The Shadows mixes a gripping crime thriller with a compelling courtroom drama. The author was a criminal prosecutor and this insider knowledge gives a real authenticity to the courtroom and police station scenes. The story isn't told in a linear fashion but through flashbacks, as an intriguing moment in court then switches back to the recent past. Neil White hasn't taken the perhaps more obvious route of gradually showing us the events leading to the murder however, instead we see defence lawyer Dan Grant's investigation leading up to the court case, and what an investigation it is! Originally the case belonged to a rival law firm but just two weeks before the trial starts it is passed to Dan due to "a conflict of interest" and what should have been a simple job, with the work already done turns into something far more dangerous.
Dan engages the help of investigator Jayne Brett - a woman he defended in a previous case when she was on trial for the murder of her boyfriend. Questioning why the previous lawyer was prepared to give up a high profile case leads Dan to suspect something is very wrong. Is Robert Carter really guilty? If not, why is his excuse so suspect? And who is trying to stop Dan and Jayne investigating? I have to admit to finding the start a little slow and it took me a while to fall into this book as at first I wasn't sure about the switching narrative and initially felt it interrupted the flow of the novel a little. However, as the story progressed I really appreciated what Neil White has done here. This is a book of layers; first the anticipation of the court case - what will come to light during the proceedings, and will Carter be found guilty? Then there's the investigation, why does it seem that nobody is telling the whole truth, what is being concealed and why? And finally, the actual murder itself - what really happened to Mary Kendricks? There's a delicious creeping sense of unease to From The Shadows, this is nail biting, check under the bed before going to sleep stuff that builds to a tense ending as the layers finally come together with inventive plotting and some satisfying twists and turns.
This is the first in a new series of books that will feature Dan Grant and Jayne Brett and is an excellent introduction to the characters. I loved Dan's relationship with his father, perhaps not as different from each other as they might think. There's a real will-they-won't-they frisson between Dan and Jayne, their history stopping both of them taking that next step but the attraction between them is palpable at times, this is a pairing that I really looking forward to reading more from in the future. I have a terrible record for reading series out of sequence so am delighted to have read this one from the start and can't wait to discover what comes next.
Dan engages the help of investigator Jayne Brett - a woman he defended in a previous case when she was on trial for the murder of her boyfriend. Questioning why the previous lawyer was prepared to give up a high profile case leads Dan to suspect something is very wrong. Is Robert Carter really guilty? If not, why is his excuse so suspect? And who is trying to stop Dan and Jayne investigating? I have to admit to finding the start a little slow and it took me a while to fall into this book as at first I wasn't sure about the switching narrative and initially felt it interrupted the flow of the novel a little. However, as the story progressed I really appreciated what Neil White has done here. This is a book of layers; first the anticipation of the court case - what will come to light during the proceedings, and will Carter be found guilty? Then there's the investigation, why does it seem that nobody is telling the whole truth, what is being concealed and why? And finally, the actual murder itself - what really happened to Mary Kendricks? There's a delicious creeping sense of unease to From The Shadows, this is nail biting, check under the bed before going to sleep stuff that builds to a tense ending as the layers finally come together with inventive plotting and some satisfying twists and turns.
This is the first in a new series of books that will feature Dan Grant and Jayne Brett and is an excellent introduction to the characters. I loved Dan's relationship with his father, perhaps not as different from each other as they might think. There's a real will-they-won't-they frisson between Dan and Jayne, their history stopping both of them taking that next step but the attraction between them is palpable at times, this is a pairing that I really looking forward to reading more from in the future. I have a terrible record for reading series out of sequence so am delighted to have read this one from the start and can't wait to discover what comes next.
May 7, 2017
All hail the first in a new British legal thriller starring Dan Grant, and what a firecracker it is!
If someone would have said I’d have enjoyed reading anything about courtrooms I’d have said, “no, you’re alright thanks”. Except for the occasional Perry Mason episode it wouldn’t be my first choice of entertainment. So it’s a damned good job I was familiar with Neil White’s writing from reading his crime thriller “The Domino Killer” or I probably would have passed on this one, and THAT would have been a huge mistake!
I was mightily impressed by just how much the aspects of case preparation and court procedure intrigued me – the truth chasing, deciphering the witness testimony, the late additions of ‘forgetful’ interviewees, alongside lawyers’ etiquette and conduct both in and out of the court room.
Forget pages of endless paperwork and lengthy 'lawyer talk', the time just flew by as I was reading. From the Shadows excels when representing the demands placed on a defence lawyer with integrity and it genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat. What makes you suspect someone isn’t telling you the whole truth and everything but the truth? What if your appraisal of the evidence is off the mark and your case fell apart along with your client’s life? More importantly, what have you actually achieved if you succeed and the guilty go free? So many questions, so little time face Dan Grant, a lawyer with a moral compass directing him to places he may regret visiting.
Grant is the last hope for some and has earned a reputation for providing legal assistance with a conscience, both inside and outside the courtroom. Occasionally his work is shrouded in a mystery that is impossible to unravel, like this case involving a ‘creepy’ bloke accused of murdering a young woman in her bedroom was literally thrown to him like a hot potato after a rival law firm stated ‘conflict of interest’, plus there was only two weeks to the trial date.
With the help of his freelance assistant, a previous client he defended after she killed her abusive boyfriend in self-defence, they uncover witnesses who are too reluctant to talk to the police because of their personal ‘experience’ of them or for a gut feeling that Dan and his assistant cannot pin down, until it steps out From the Shadows.
Conflicting facts and maintaining chameleon-like social skills to adapt to people from all walks of life is emotionally and physically demanding, especially when the only thing you can believe is that your client is holding something back. But that doesn’t mean they are not entitled to have representation to convey their version of events before a jury. After all, what if ‘the whole truth’ hasn't been revealed yet?
This story shows anything can be waiting in the shadows. Tremendous work, Mr White – I loved it!
(My thanks to the publisher for offering me the opportunity to read a digital copy of this title for which it is my pleasure to provide an unbiased review.)
If someone would have said I’d have enjoyed reading anything about courtrooms I’d have said, “no, you’re alright thanks”. Except for the occasional Perry Mason episode it wouldn’t be my first choice of entertainment. So it’s a damned good job I was familiar with Neil White’s writing from reading his crime thriller “The Domino Killer” or I probably would have passed on this one, and THAT would have been a huge mistake!
I was mightily impressed by just how much the aspects of case preparation and court procedure intrigued me – the truth chasing, deciphering the witness testimony, the late additions of ‘forgetful’ interviewees, alongside lawyers’ etiquette and conduct both in and out of the court room.
Forget pages of endless paperwork and lengthy 'lawyer talk', the time just flew by as I was reading. From the Shadows excels when representing the demands placed on a defence lawyer with integrity and it genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat. What makes you suspect someone isn’t telling you the whole truth and everything but the truth? What if your appraisal of the evidence is off the mark and your case fell apart along with your client’s life? More importantly, what have you actually achieved if you succeed and the guilty go free? So many questions, so little time face Dan Grant, a lawyer with a moral compass directing him to places he may regret visiting.
Grant is the last hope for some and has earned a reputation for providing legal assistance with a conscience, both inside and outside the courtroom. Occasionally his work is shrouded in a mystery that is impossible to unravel, like this case involving a ‘creepy’ bloke accused of murdering a young woman in her bedroom was literally thrown to him like a hot potato after a rival law firm stated ‘conflict of interest’, plus there was only two weeks to the trial date.
With the help of his freelance assistant, a previous client he defended after she killed her abusive boyfriend in self-defence, they uncover witnesses who are too reluctant to talk to the police because of their personal ‘experience’ of them or for a gut feeling that Dan and his assistant cannot pin down, until it steps out From the Shadows.
Conflicting facts and maintaining chameleon-like social skills to adapt to people from all walks of life is emotionally and physically demanding, especially when the only thing you can believe is that your client is holding something back. But that doesn’t mean they are not entitled to have representation to convey their version of events before a jury. After all, what if ‘the whole truth’ hasn't been revealed yet?
This story shows anything can be waiting in the shadows. Tremendous work, Mr White – I loved it!
(My thanks to the publisher for offering me the opportunity to read a digital copy of this title for which it is my pleasure to provide an unbiased review.)
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