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A Gambler's Jury
What they’re doing to her client is a crime.
Attorney Dani Rollins is bullish in the courtroom—pushing judges and prosecutors to their limits in defense of the innocent. So when she meets Teddy Thorne, a mentally challenged teen accused of selling drugs, Dani knows she’s got this in the bag. She can easily settle the case with a couple of court appearances. But when prosecutors move for an adult felony conviction, Dani suspects Teddy’s being used as a pawn in a sinister game.
As the case moves forward, Dani is certain the judge and district attorney’s office have motivations beyond the crime—a fair trial isn’t in the cards. And when she takes on guardianship of Teddy, the case becomes personal as she fights her own demons and the government. Dani will stop at nothing to protect this innocent boy—there’s no other option. Because if she loses, both she and Teddy could lose far more than just the case…
Attorney Dani Rollins is bullish in the courtroom—pushing judges and prosecutors to their limits in defense of the innocent. So when she meets Teddy Thorne, a mentally challenged teen accused of selling drugs, Dani knows she’s got this in the bag. She can easily settle the case with a couple of court appearances. But when prosecutors move for an adult felony conviction, Dani suspects Teddy’s being used as a pawn in a sinister game.
As the case moves forward, Dani is certain the judge and district attorney’s office have motivations beyond the crime—a fair trial isn’t in the cards. And when she takes on guardianship of Teddy, the case becomes personal as she fights her own demons and the government. Dani will stop at nothing to protect this innocent boy—there’s no other option. Because if she loses, both she and Teddy could lose far more than just the case…
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
4772 people are currently reading
3314 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,091 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
August 30, 2019
In another of his stunning legal thrillers, Victor Methos ekes out a unique approach to the law with a case that will keep the reader curious throughout. Dani Rollins is a brash lawyer whose clients may be sitting as criminal defendants, but are never certain to face jail time. She fights the good—and dirty—fight each day, though sometimes cannot distinguish which side she wants to join when it comes to fraternizing with those who pay her salary. When Teddy Thorne and his family enter her office, Rollins is baffled. Thorne is seventeen and has an intellectual impairment, though is being charged with dealing over 8 kgs of cocaine. Oblivious to all of this, Thorne wants only to share his love of movies and early-morning cartoons. When Rollins agrees to take the case, she is baffled as to why the judge would automatically agree to negate juvenile court. As the case progresses, it soon appears obvious that something odd is taking place, as Thorne is abandoned by his family and the court seems ready to fast-track a trial and conviction. Balancing a shaky home life, Rollins soon realises that this case might be too much for her, as she is fighting against a well-built brick wall. With nothing to lose, save a night in jail for contempt, Dani Rollins is prepared to find out what ulterior motives are being used and how Teddy Thorne is being railroaded for someone else’s benefit. A well-paced piece that Methos uses to open the eyes of the reader at every turn. Recommended for those who love a good legal thriller, as well as readers who enjoy Victor Methos and his writing.
I stumbled onto Victor Methos a while back and find that I can never get enough of his books. Filled not only with great writing but poignant cases, Methos shows that his work as a lawyer is not lost. The themes that emerge are ones that the reader can enjoy or hate depending on their mood. Dani Rollins is a wonderful protagonist, as she takes no prisoners and is always on the defensive. Gritty and determined, Rollins is always looking for the loophole that will keep her client safe, even if that means sacrificing her own freedom from a judge’s contempt citation. She balances work with a home life that sees her trying to process a pending divorce, but never gives up on either. Her courtroom magic might be diluted by a corrupt legal system, but she forges onwards as best she can. Other characters create a wonderful addition to the storyline and they help to highlight the legal pitfalls of the system. There is much to say on the topic and Methos has chosen well with his cast of characters. The story is one some may call far-fetched and completely fabricated, but Methos assures readers in the author’s note that it is founded in reality. With a strong narrative and wonderful plots, Methos explores the law and all its faults. Sure to captivate many, Methos is one author not to dismiss when looking for superior legal thrillers.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great legal piece. I am addicted to all you have to share.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I stumbled onto Victor Methos a while back and find that I can never get enough of his books. Filled not only with great writing but poignant cases, Methos shows that his work as a lawyer is not lost. The themes that emerge are ones that the reader can enjoy or hate depending on their mood. Dani Rollins is a wonderful protagonist, as she takes no prisoners and is always on the defensive. Gritty and determined, Rollins is always looking for the loophole that will keep her client safe, even if that means sacrificing her own freedom from a judge’s contempt citation. She balances work with a home life that sees her trying to process a pending divorce, but never gives up on either. Her courtroom magic might be diluted by a corrupt legal system, but she forges onwards as best she can. Other characters create a wonderful addition to the storyline and they help to highlight the legal pitfalls of the system. There is much to say on the topic and Methos has chosen well with his cast of characters. The story is one some may call far-fetched and completely fabricated, but Methos assures readers in the author’s note that it is founded in reality. With a strong narrative and wonderful plots, Methos explores the law and all its faults. Sure to captivate many, Methos is one author not to dismiss when looking for superior legal thrillers.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great legal piece. I am addicted to all you have to share.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
March 13, 2018
Excellent novel.
Over the years read many books written by this author, everyone of them was outstanding. Like this one, you'll think about it for a long time. African-American seventeen years old and mental challenged boy is accused of selling drugs. Police, district attorney and even the judge is ready to convict him. Renegade, hot tempered lawyer isn't even given enough time to prepare for the trail. She lives at the edge, her hard drinking and smoking doesn't help her either. This is a must read book.
Over the years read many books written by this author, everyone of them was outstanding. Like this one, you'll think about it for a long time. African-American seventeen years old and mental challenged boy is accused of selling drugs. Police, district attorney and even the judge is ready to convict him. Renegade, hot tempered lawyer isn't even given enough time to prepare for the trail. She lives at the edge, her hard drinking and smoking doesn't help her either. This is a must read book.
May 9, 2023
Mr. Victor Methos is the most author that i’ve read for this year so far, as he does not disappoint with his fast-paced legal thrillers with very vibrant characters and this one is no difference.
Danielle is a private defense lawyer, who divorced the love of her life because of a stupid thing she did, and now after a year, she is living alone, drinking everyday, while her husband and his new wife-to-be girlfriend are living together with her teenage son.
Usually, she prefers to defend a guilty client, which most likely will result in a settlement and no trials involved, but when Teddy case came to her, she felt a different attachment to it. Teddy is a mentally disabled adopted 17 years old, who is charged with huge amount of narcotics distribution, and the evidence are stacked against him. What makes it even harder that the state is pushing to charge him as an adult not as a juvenile and weirdly focusing all their resources to this small case, and that intrigue her more to unfold this mystery.
While his other books were focused more on an entertaining courtroom drama, this one was focused more about personal struggles, government conspiracies and race issues with the least amount of court time.
The fast-paced short chapters was very engaging and the twists and the final reveal were not expected.
This is not my favorite book by the author, but it was definitely and differently entertaining and i cannot wait to pick up another book by him.
Danielle is a private defense lawyer, who divorced the love of her life because of a stupid thing she did, and now after a year, she is living alone, drinking everyday, while her husband and his new wife-to-be girlfriend are living together with her teenage son.
Usually, she prefers to defend a guilty client, which most likely will result in a settlement and no trials involved, but when Teddy case came to her, she felt a different attachment to it. Teddy is a mentally disabled adopted 17 years old, who is charged with huge amount of narcotics distribution, and the evidence are stacked against him. What makes it even harder that the state is pushing to charge him as an adult not as a juvenile and weirdly focusing all their resources to this small case, and that intrigue her more to unfold this mystery.
While his other books were focused more on an entertaining courtroom drama, this one was focused more about personal struggles, government conspiracies and race issues with the least amount of court time.
The fast-paced short chapters was very engaging and the twists and the final reveal were not expected.
This is not my favorite book by the author, but it was definitely and differently entertaining and i cannot wait to pick up another book by him.
June 21, 2023
3.5 Stars rounded up.
I'll be honest. I hated the beginning of A Gambler's Jury and I was highly tempted to not finish it. I couldn't stand Dani Rollins. But I kept thinking about how much I loved the other books Victor Methos has written, and kept reading.
Danielle is bullish in the courtroom—pushing judges and prosecutors to their limits. She's generally drunk or hungover when she appears in the courtroom. On the other hand, I loved Teddy Thorne, the mentally challenged boy accused of drug dealing.
By the end of the book, I'm happy to say I liked Dani better than I had in the beginning. Not my favorite book by Victor Methos, but still a good one.
*I read a review that stated A Gambler's Jury was a fast, fun read. Um ... no. If you're looking for a fun book to read, keep looking.
I'll be honest. I hated the beginning of A Gambler's Jury and I was highly tempted to not finish it. I couldn't stand Dani Rollins. But I kept thinking about how much I loved the other books Victor Methos has written, and kept reading.
Danielle is bullish in the courtroom—pushing judges and prosecutors to their limits. She's generally drunk or hungover when she appears in the courtroom. On the other hand, I loved Teddy Thorne, the mentally challenged boy accused of drug dealing.
By the end of the book, I'm happy to say I liked Dani better than I had in the beginning. Not my favorite book by Victor Methos, but still a good one.
*I read a review that stated A Gambler's Jury was a fast, fun read. Um ... no. If you're looking for a fun book to read, keep looking.
November 5, 2018
Well I think I have a new favourite legal thriller author. I thought The Shotgun Lawyer was good but A Gambler’s Jury was outstanding. Victor Methos has now written two of my most favourite books of the year. Those closing chapters brought out so much emotion in me as a reader that I felt I was reading about a real case (and Victor’s books are based on cases he has worked) and I have never wanted justice so much for somebody in a fictional book.
Dani Rollins was such a great character to read about. As lawyers go this is the one I would want in my corner. So she makes mistakes, ends up in a cell more than once and can be brash and impulsive however she cares and she has a heart. The easiest thing to do would have been for her to dump this case and move on with her life but the way she fought for Teddy was admirable and almost brought me to tears more than once because of how much I connected with these characters.
It’s often said that legal thrillers aren’t true to life but having read two of Victor’s novels now I would say that I did find them believable alongside that need for artistic license to tell a more dramatic story. Certainly here in A Gambler’s Jury where we see a young mentally disabled black teenager tried as an adult for a crime that doesn’t warrant that level of punishment. What follows was an at times sickening story in terms of how the prosecution behaved and all of the underlying reasons behind that. To think there’s people like this in power is a frightening thought but if there’s more people like Dani in the world then hopefully events like this will not happen as much in the future.
I loved the ending of this book and whilst it felt like the last we would see of Dani, I would love to see another story featuring her and to hear more about Teddy. Forget the Grisham comparisons (which considering Grisham has been phoning his stories in for the last decade they aren’t relevant anyway), Victor Methos is his own author and deserves to be looked upon as just that without any cheap and lazy comparisons to somebody else just because they write in the same genre. (I am aware I compared The Shotgun Lawyer to Michael Connelly but that was because I knew readers of The Lincoln Lawyer would love that book). If you like the sound of A Gambler’s Jury or any of Victor’s books please pick them up as they are well worth the read and are available on Kindle Unlimited.
Dani Rollins was such a great character to read about. As lawyers go this is the one I would want in my corner. So she makes mistakes, ends up in a cell more than once and can be brash and impulsive however she cares and she has a heart. The easiest thing to do would have been for her to dump this case and move on with her life but the way she fought for Teddy was admirable and almost brought me to tears more than once because of how much I connected with these characters.
It’s often said that legal thrillers aren’t true to life but having read two of Victor’s novels now I would say that I did find them believable alongside that need for artistic license to tell a more dramatic story. Certainly here in A Gambler’s Jury where we see a young mentally disabled black teenager tried as an adult for a crime that doesn’t warrant that level of punishment. What follows was an at times sickening story in terms of how the prosecution behaved and all of the underlying reasons behind that. To think there’s people like this in power is a frightening thought but if there’s more people like Dani in the world then hopefully events like this will not happen as much in the future.
I loved the ending of this book and whilst it felt like the last we would see of Dani, I would love to see another story featuring her and to hear more about Teddy. Forget the Grisham comparisons (which considering Grisham has been phoning his stories in for the last decade they aren’t relevant anyway), Victor Methos is his own author and deserves to be looked upon as just that without any cheap and lazy comparisons to somebody else just because they write in the same genre. (I am aware I compared The Shotgun Lawyer to Michael Connelly but that was because I knew readers of The Lincoln Lawyer would love that book). If you like the sound of A Gambler’s Jury or any of Victor’s books please pick them up as they are well worth the read and are available on Kindle Unlimited.
March 10, 2021
I couldn't get past the unlikable protagonist.
April 19, 2025
Wow, this book was phenomenal!! I love attorney Dani Rollins! Her character was relatable, likable, and just kick *ss awesome!! With compassion for the underdogs that I wish more people had. Teddy Thorne was a great character as well. I felt for him so much and just enjoyed his personality! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
July 10, 2019
4.25 stars.
January 28, 2018
***Release: February 28, 2018***
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer and author Victor Methos for a free advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gambler’s jury (def) - a jury with a case where any rational person would acquit, but they might convict because of race
Dani Rollins’ life is in shambles. And surely at the beginning of A Gambler’s Jury one does not have much confidence in her abilities. An alcoholic lawyer who often begins her days “biting the dog that bit her”, she shows up to court hungover and disheveled. She purposely takes cases where she knows the client is guilty because nine times out of ten they’ll take the plea. When she does appear in court she is a nothing less than a smart ass. A sharp tongue with no filter she takes on judges in open court.
Dani is certainly flawed but when she takes on the case of young Teddy Thorne, a mentally challenged boy accused of drug running, her compassion shows. What she believes at first to be a simple open and shut case soon becomes one dictated by political aspirations. Fearing that her innocent client’s life hangs in the balance Dani risks everything in this David vs. Goliath legal thriller.
Victor Methos is a former trial lawyer and prosecutor with over 50 novels under his belt. His appreciation for the plight of the little guy stands front and center in his work. As with all of his novels A Gambler’s Jury is based off of real life cases. Fast paced gritty noir, this novel deals with racially motivated convictions and juvenile incarceration.
For more info: https://www.theatlantic.com/education...
March 24, 2018
As usual Victor Methos never lets you down. This is the second book that I have read and I loved it. Initially I was a bit skeptical after reading the blurb about a mentally challenged boy wrongly accused of drug dealing and a lawyer who is forced to adopt him under strange circumstances, fighting to keep him out of jail. But as the story unfolds, it becomes a larger conspiracy involving the State and turns into a David v/s Goliath kind-of-a-fight, it becomes interesting and you don't want to put the book down.
I loved the character of Danni Rollins the almost drunk lawyer, who has a I-don't-give-a-damn attitude and Will, the rich private investigator who helps Danni in her investigations.
The author's note says that the story is drawn from the author's personal experience as a lawyer. For all ye legal thriller fans, one more author to watch out for.
I loved the character of Danni Rollins the almost drunk lawyer, who has a I-don't-give-a-damn attitude and Will, the rich private investigator who helps Danni in her investigations.
The author's note says that the story is drawn from the author's personal experience as a lawyer. For all ye legal thriller fans, one more author to watch out for.
February 1, 2020
Victor Methos is converting me into a court drama fan. Loved the story of this book and I loved Dani.
Such great characters, that each time I finished a book I felt lost.
Onto the next Victor adventure.
Such great characters, that each time I finished a book I felt lost.
Onto the next Victor adventure.
June 9, 2023
Sometimes I need to read a book by an author I know will deliver a great read, so I chose A Gambler's Jury by Victor Methos. If you love legal thrillers with a solid story, don't miss this one because you won't be disappointed. You might be scared about our justice system, but don't skip the author's note. The characters were interesting and real and the writing will have you speeding through the book.
September 23, 2019
Victor Methos is an author new to me but I truly enjoyed this book and plan to look into some of his other novels. The story was interesting and the character of Dani Rollins was a refreshing change and I was rooting for her all the way. Although I cringed inwardly at some of her outbursts, I was also wishing more people would stand up to persons of authority like she does. So hard to believe this story is based on actual events, a sad comment on the American judicial system. This was a fast-paced read with chapters of the perfect length. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2022
I found myself getting so mad while I listened to this one. I liked Dani despite her being a hot mess, maybe even because of it. I liked how fired up she got when she saw how wrong things were for Teddy, the crime he was in trouble for and how his family treated him. I hated how mean Dani had to be to Teddy while he was on the stand and know she didn't mean it.
I thought I was mad when Dani discovered the plot of why Teddy was getting railroaded. But the more that Dani learned, the worse it became, stunning me. I kept looking at my speaker, I couldn't have heard what I did, I just couldn't have.
I was so glad when Dani, in a fit of last minute thinking realized just who was behind the crime and how she brought that truth out into the open. She managed to not only save Teddy, but also smash down the political maneuvering behind the scenes.
I also really liked how Dani's personal life was in the end. I think she is in a better place and can start to live her life happy again.
I thought I was mad when Dani discovered the plot of why Teddy was getting railroaded. But the more that Dani learned, the worse it became, stunning me. I kept looking at my speaker, I couldn't have heard what I did, I just couldn't have.
I was so glad when Dani, in a fit of last minute thinking realized just who was behind the crime and how she brought that truth out into the open. She managed to not only save Teddy, but also smash down the political maneuvering behind the scenes.
I also really liked how Dani's personal life was in the end. I think she is in a better place and can start to live her life happy again.
March 2, 2023
Nečtu ráda ty antirasistické knihy. Ale tohle bylo něco úplně jiného. Od začátku jízda. Nevhodné pro měkkosrdcaté povahy. Nedalo se to vypnout (audio).
Už knihou Obhájce mě autor zaujal, Vrahova žena mi připadala trošku horší, ale tímto kouskem se mi Victor Methos dostává do škatulky oblíbených spisovatelů.
Thriller, kde není potřeba vražd ani fyzického násilí, ale přesto jsem zažívala skoro infarktové stavy. A to jsme v podstatě "jen" v soudní síni.
Doporučuji, vřele doporučuji!
Už knihou Obhájce mě autor zaujal, Vrahova žena mi připadala trošku horší, ale tímto kouskem se mi Victor Methos dostává do škatulky oblíbených spisovatelů.
Thriller, kde není potřeba vražd ani fyzického násilí, ale přesto jsem zažívala skoro infarktové stavy. A to jsme v podstatě "jen" v soudní síni.
Doporučuji, vřele doporučuji!
August 4, 2022
OMG, Loved it! Another gripping legal thriller from one of my favorite authors. Defense attorney, Dani Rollins is surprisingly not what I expected. Basically she's a hot mess. Not someone you'd expect to root for, until she takes on mentally challenged teen Teddy Thorne case.
Poor Teddy's situation is sad and heart breaking as the story moves forward. Made me teary more than once. As the case unfolds there are surprises and so many hidden agendas at every turn. Some likeable side characters here who thankfully were there for Dani when she needs them most. This was a fast paced story and I was frantic to find out how things would resolve when nothing seems to be going right. Fantastic ending, better than I'd hoped for.
Enjoyed the side note at the end from the author who mentions all his books are based on his case experience as a criminal attorney both as prosecutor and defense.
Poor Teddy's situation is sad and heart breaking as the story moves forward. Made me teary more than once. As the case unfolds there are surprises and so many hidden agendas at every turn. Some likeable side characters here who thankfully were there for Dani when she needs them most. This was a fast paced story and I was frantic to find out how things would resolve when nothing seems to be going right. Fantastic ending, better than I'd hoped for.
Enjoyed the side note at the end from the author who mentions all his books are based on his case experience as a criminal attorney both as prosecutor and defense.
September 6, 2021
Victor Methos is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. The main character always seems so flawed to the point of unlikeable, but they push so hard for what’s right, regardless of their own bias or circumstance, that you can’t help but love them by the end. This novel had me crying in multiple places. It had such heart and depth.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed all the criminal justice this book contains . It does make you think about some of the injustice the system has and shitty people that are suppose to be on the good side.
April 28, 2019
A very fast paced legal thriller with a lot of great gallows humor, satire and funny dialogue. I really enjoyed the salty and smart ass main character in the story. This book was nominated for the 2019 Edgar Award. It did not win but in my opinion it is better then the winner by Walter Mosley. The story has a very good plot, even though it is predictable and it does a little too much proselytizing about social justice, and the courtroom dialogues are fun and vibrant.
April 3, 2023
This was a very depressing book at times. At some points the case felt hopeless. I know it’s fiction but there are real cases like this and it just shows that the system can be fucked up and isn’t fair to everybody. Definitely 5 stars.
March 4, 2025
Another solid Methos book. The themes were a bit more ambitious in this one. Enjoyable. 4 stars.
August 18, 2020
A book against Pres. Trump and republicans!
I thought this would be a good book, but after getting into it, and it blaming Conservatives and Trump voters for the reason blacks are in jail and drugs are a crime, then you know exactly why this book was written! Some liberal writer wants black folks to forget the democrats created the KKK! He also wants us to forget Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson created the welfare program and called it the " nigga program" that would get the black vote for the next 100 years! That's a direct quote! Liberals need to get it through their heads that writing books against our current President and his voters will get you NOWHERE!
I thought this would be a good book, but after getting into it, and it blaming Conservatives and Trump voters for the reason blacks are in jail and drugs are a crime, then you know exactly why this book was written! Some liberal writer wants black folks to forget the democrats created the KKK! He also wants us to forget Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson created the welfare program and called it the " nigga program" that would get the black vote for the next 100 years! That's a direct quote! Liberals need to get it through their heads that writing books against our current President and his voters will get you NOWHERE!
September 13, 2021
If you’re a regular reader in the “courtroom / lawyer / legal case” genre, reading this book will be like jumping in a cool pool on a hot day. The leading lawyer is far from the stereotype lawyer in legal fiction and the case is original.
Definitely glad I grabbed this on a 2-for-1 audible sale.
An extra 0.25 stars (4.25 stars total) tacked on because the lawyer here did something that impressed me, a lawyer (specifically, how she leveraged voir dire) which has literally never happened! I usually struggle through legal thrillers because of the inaccuracy (or blatant violation civil rules of procedure) and here I was impressed!!
SUMMARY: Dani isn’t "pretty." She’s hungover and late to court, showing up with smudged mascara + wrinkled clothes from last night (and sneakers!)
She also mouths off in court, landing her in contempt.
Her life also isn’t "pretty" she’s still in love with her ex husband who is marrying someone else that seems deplorable and nasty (Dani cheated on him and he left her); Dani is also day drinking, a hot mess in general, and she can’t seem to move on… (verrrrry hung up on the ex).
And yet, and yet, Dani is kind and compassionate, often jumping in to help people that society tends to judge harshly and say, “well, they deserved it.”
The bulk of the story is about a case involves a 17-almost-18 yo kid with mental difficulties who is arrested for selling cocaine, even though anyone who interacts with him can see he's some kind of a victim, he literally doesn't have the mental faculty to be a "drug dealer."
Yet the case keeps progressing and soon Dani realizes there’s a political thing happening and its bigger than this case and this boy. Still, Dani is determined to help this kid, even when his parents turn their back on him and the city seems hell bent on making an example out of this poor kid and throwing him to the wolves...
I absolutely would read more "Dani books" if this was a series but sadly, it isn't!
Definitely glad I grabbed this on a 2-for-1 audible sale.
An extra 0.25 stars (4.25 stars total) tacked on because the lawyer here did something that impressed me, a lawyer (specifically, how she leveraged voir dire) which has literally never happened! I usually struggle through legal thrillers because of the inaccuracy (or blatant violation civil rules of procedure) and here I was impressed!!
SUMMARY: Dani isn’t "pretty." She’s hungover and late to court, showing up with smudged mascara + wrinkled clothes from last night (and sneakers!)
She also mouths off in court, landing her in contempt.
Her life also isn’t "pretty" she’s still in love with her ex husband who is marrying someone else that seems deplorable and nasty (Dani cheated on him and he left her); Dani is also day drinking, a hot mess in general, and she can’t seem to move on… (verrrrry hung up on the ex).
And yet, and yet, Dani is kind and compassionate, often jumping in to help people that society tends to judge harshly and say, “well, they deserved it.”
The bulk of the story is about a case involves a 17-almost-18 yo kid with mental difficulties who is arrested for selling cocaine, even though anyone who interacts with him can see he's some kind of a victim, he literally doesn't have the mental faculty to be a "drug dealer."
Yet the case keeps progressing and soon Dani realizes there’s a political thing happening and its bigger than this case and this boy. Still, Dani is determined to help this kid, even when his parents turn their back on him and the city seems hell bent on making an example out of this poor kid and throwing him to the wolves...
I absolutely would read more "Dani books" if this was a series but sadly, it isn't!
November 1, 2024
Victor Methos knows how to write a really good legal thriller. His books are always fast paced and always have a twist at the end. His books also scare me because his books are always based on actual cases and our justice system is so fucked up if you are not privileged or powerful.
Dani Rollins is a brash lawyer whose clients might criminals, but are never certain to face jail time. When Teddy Thorne and his family enter her office, Rollins she hears what happens and think it will be a simple plea and fine because he’s a juvenile. Teddy is black, seventeen and is on the spectrum. He is being charged with dealing over 8 kgs of cocaine. Oblivious to all of this, Thorne wants only to share his love of movies and early-morning cartoons. When she agrees to take the case, she is baffled as to why the judge would automatically agree to negate juvenile court and charge him as an adult As the case progresses, it soon appears obvious that something odd is taking place, as Thorne is abandoned by his family and the court seems ready to fast-track a trial and conviction.
Teddy’s next door neighbor and friend are about to leave and invite Teddy to go along, but he asked them to make a stop. The stop is to a major drug dealers house where he drops off the coke and is arrested. The three other guys are white and lawyer up quickly and offered deals to testify against him. He is clearly mentally impaired, but that does matter at all. He’s a pawn in this rigged faed of justice. When Dani finally figures out why everything is setup for him to go to jail for life she is stunned.
This book made me angry. There are thousands of Teddy’s in the world. I loved his relationship with Dani and how she took him in when his family threw him away. I highly recommend this book and the author.
Dani Rollins is a brash lawyer whose clients might criminals, but are never certain to face jail time. When Teddy Thorne and his family enter her office, Rollins she hears what happens and think it will be a simple plea and fine because he’s a juvenile. Teddy is black, seventeen and is on the spectrum. He is being charged with dealing over 8 kgs of cocaine. Oblivious to all of this, Thorne wants only to share his love of movies and early-morning cartoons. When she agrees to take the case, she is baffled as to why the judge would automatically agree to negate juvenile court and charge him as an adult As the case progresses, it soon appears obvious that something odd is taking place, as Thorne is abandoned by his family and the court seems ready to fast-track a trial and conviction.
Teddy’s next door neighbor and friend are about to leave and invite Teddy to go along, but he asked them to make a stop. The stop is to a major drug dealers house where he drops off the coke and is arrested. The three other guys are white and lawyer up quickly and offered deals to testify against him. He is clearly mentally impaired, but that does matter at all. He’s a pawn in this rigged faed of justice. When Dani finally figures out why everything is setup for him to go to jail for life she is stunned.
This book made me angry. There are thousands of Teddy’s in the world. I loved his relationship with Dani and how she took him in when his family threw him away. I highly recommend this book and the author.
May 24, 2018
They've been looking to change that law for a long time. Looking for the perfect case to do it with. So when they found a black kid with three white kids willing to testify against him, they jumped on it. Black kid with three white accusers don't stand a chance with a jury here. A gambler's jury. A nick name used by defense attorneys - a jury with a case where a any rational person would acquit, but they might convict because of race.
Defense Attorney Dani Rollins wears her emotions on her sleeves. She has a dysfunctional background that pretty much keeps her dysfunctional in her personal life. She is reeled in by her son who sees his mother as she really is. It is a sweet relationship. However, her ex is another story which shows her vulnerability and weakness. Her job as a defense attorney shows her strength in compassion.
A case against a challenged young black male that is literally dumped by his parents on to her door step. She takes the case reluctantly but as the oppression against this young man is brought on by the state and his parents, Rollins is in her prime. Mercy and justice. It is what she fights for and it is her story that should fire up mercy and justice for us readers.
A Special Thank You to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Defense Attorney Dani Rollins wears her emotions on her sleeves. She has a dysfunctional background that pretty much keeps her dysfunctional in her personal life. She is reeled in by her son who sees his mother as she really is. It is a sweet relationship. However, her ex is another story which shows her vulnerability and weakness. Her job as a defense attorney shows her strength in compassion.
A case against a challenged young black male that is literally dumped by his parents on to her door step. She takes the case reluctantly but as the oppression against this young man is brought on by the state and his parents, Rollins is in her prime. Mercy and justice. It is what she fights for and it is her story that should fire up mercy and justice for us readers.
A Special Thank You to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 7, 2019
I didn't warm to this in the opening pages but I'm glad I stuck with it. If there was ever a successor to Jodi Picoult, Methos is it. I found myself absolutely hooked and unable to put it down. Dani is undoubtedly an alcoholic but she's also an attorney who cares about her clients. When she winds up defending a mentally disabled teenager accused of drug dealing, she finds that she might have bitten off more than she can chew. Funny, tense, heart breaking and heart warming, this is a must read for fans of courtroom crime.
I didn't have much sympathy for or faith in Dani, in fact she actively annoyed me with her lack of professionalism and smart mouth. Her work ethic is to take the guilty ones because 9 times out of 10 they will plead guilty and save her a whole lot of time and effort. But when she is introduced to Teddy Thorne, a seriously mentally disabled black young man accused of drug dealing, her comfortable if unconventional life is turned upside down. She can see immediately that there is no way Teddy could have masterminded this, and can't see why the prosecution seems to be dead set on dealing with him as an adult rather than the minor that he is.
Methos looks at racially motivated bias in the justice system, at how political motivations impact on the most vulnerable individuals. Teddy is undoubtedly an underdog in society, he cannot defend himself because of his mental disabilities and he is a single black lad against three white witnesses. But Methos doesn't play it the easy way, he doesn't let his narrative get bogged down, instead continually keeping it moving and forcing you to look at things in a different way.
I didn't have much sympathy for or faith in Dani, in fact she actively annoyed me with her lack of professionalism and smart mouth. Her work ethic is to take the guilty ones because 9 times out of 10 they will plead guilty and save her a whole lot of time and effort. But when she is introduced to Teddy Thorne, a seriously mentally disabled black young man accused of drug dealing, her comfortable if unconventional life is turned upside down. She can see immediately that there is no way Teddy could have masterminded this, and can't see why the prosecution seems to be dead set on dealing with him as an adult rather than the minor that he is.
Methos looks at racially motivated bias in the justice system, at how political motivations impact on the most vulnerable individuals. Teddy is undoubtedly an underdog in society, he cannot defend himself because of his mental disabilities and he is a single black lad against three white witnesses. But Methos doesn't play it the easy way, he doesn't let his narrative get bogged down, instead continually keeping it moving and forcing you to look at things in a different way.
March 4, 2018
Book Review: A Gambler's Jury by Victor Methos
Prime members were introduced to the author's "The Neon Lawyer, Brigham Theodore 1" featured in Prime Reading's debut last year.
"Every legal novel I've written is based on a case I actually had." - V.M. His unique writing style and deep legal experience smoothly blend to cut incisively and informatively to the bone and portray realistic plots, sticky binds and a variety of colorful characters, if at times flawed.
In "A Gambler's Jury", the protagonist is an impetuous, stubborn, maudlin, love-starved Aeschylus figure and glorified closet alcoholic who drowns her sorrows every once too often in the juice. As the plot and characters develop, the reader will need to resolutely trudge through 57% of the book with one too many bar scenes before the significance of a "gambler's jury" is finally revealed.
At the 90% mark, the goose is cooked and the little guy loses once gain. Or so may one think.
You'll need an open mind as the leftist activist bend in the writer emerges with political talking points, identity politics and the moral equivalence of infidelity.
"Reality doesn't have to make sense." The author stretches the mantra to proffer a vast right wing conspiracy with the D.A., district court, legislators and the supreme court of a state colluding to black voter suppression. Creative, but definitely not in the author's legal resume. But then great authors often challenge hot button issues.
Still the fine writing adds up to a page-turning, pleasant reading experience. Four to five-star reads in all I've thus far read, along with "Neon Lawyer, and book 2, "Mercy", and Noah Byron in "An Invisible Client".
This review is based on an ARC (Advance Reading Copy), with many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Victor Methos for the privilege.
Prime members were introduced to the author's "The Neon Lawyer, Brigham Theodore 1" featured in Prime Reading's debut last year.
"Every legal novel I've written is based on a case I actually had." - V.M. His unique writing style and deep legal experience smoothly blend to cut incisively and informatively to the bone and portray realistic plots, sticky binds and a variety of colorful characters, if at times flawed.
In "A Gambler's Jury", the protagonist is an impetuous, stubborn, maudlin, love-starved Aeschylus figure and glorified closet alcoholic who drowns her sorrows every once too often in the juice. As the plot and characters develop, the reader will need to resolutely trudge through 57% of the book with one too many bar scenes before the significance of a "gambler's jury" is finally revealed.
At the 90% mark, the goose is cooked and the little guy loses once gain. Or so may one think.
You'll need an open mind as the leftist activist bend in the writer emerges with political talking points, identity politics and the moral equivalence of infidelity.
"Reality doesn't have to make sense." The author stretches the mantra to proffer a vast right wing conspiracy with the D.A., district court, legislators and the supreme court of a state colluding to black voter suppression. Creative, but definitely not in the author's legal resume. But then great authors often challenge hot button issues.
Still the fine writing adds up to a page-turning, pleasant reading experience. Four to five-star reads in all I've thus far read, along with "Neon Lawyer, and book 2, "Mercy", and Noah Byron in "An Invisible Client".
This review is based on an ARC (Advance Reading Copy), with many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Victor Methos for the privilege.
February 7, 2024
5 stars
This guy has become my favorite legal thriller author. The topics are so interesting and relevant, plus he always adds a little twist at the end. I will say, I knew what the ending would be pretty early on, but I enjoyed the ride to get there.
I personally identified with the main character (lawyer), because I’m an empathetic, caring person, but i also exhibit a lot of classically male personality traits. I also adored Teddy, the teenager on trial.
This book made me sad, angry, happy, all the emotions.
This guy has become my favorite legal thriller author. The topics are so interesting and relevant, plus he always adds a little twist at the end. I will say, I knew what the ending would be pretty early on, but I enjoyed the ride to get there.
I personally identified with the main character (lawyer), because I’m an empathetic, caring person, but i also exhibit a lot of classically male personality traits. I also adored Teddy, the teenager on trial.
This book made me sad, angry, happy, all the emotions.
July 7, 2019
Compared to the other three VM books I've read this one started much slower. It's about 100 pages longer and unnecessarily so I thought. A lot of pages are devoted to unlikable characters and unconnected side plots. A third of the way into the book and I wouldn't have described it as a courtroom drama and rated it at as a mediocre 3 stars. But don't let that deter you from reading this book. The author transforms it brilliantly into an addictive story you won't quickly forget. It gets quite emotional too.
Summary: A bit of a vague start but then it excels with a masterful and twisty in into a worthy 5 star.
Summary: A bit of a vague start but then it excels with a masterful and twisty in into a worthy 5 star.
February 15, 2024
It's been a while since I've read a great courtroom drama, and so this one hit the mark. I really enjoyed this book, and although some people have said how much they disliked the main character, being the defense attorney, I really loved her. So much sass and attitude. It made for a fun reading experience.
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