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Matt Royal Mystery #11
Vindication
Premier adult community with everything you could possibly want, need, or dream of doing in your retirement years is just a golf cart ride away—now the scene of a murder
In this John Grisham style mystery, Matt Royal, the retired lawyer-turned-beach-bum is called back into the courtroom to defend his girlfriend J. D. Duncan's Aunt Esther, who lives in the sprawling North Central Florida retirement community of The Villages. A best-selling author has been murdered after a book signing and Aunt Esther has been arrested. Matt has a history with the local sheriff—one which may not bode well for his client.
Matt reluctantly suits up for the courtroom and J.D. takes a leave from the police department to go undercover. A bizarre specter from the past haunts their investigation every step of the way. As they delve further into the case, the pieces of the puzzle refuse to fall into any kind of coherent pattern. Jock Algren arrives with his special skill set to expose the real murderer and free Aunt Esther, but to no avail. Not until the case goes to trial and the evidence is revealed does the truth emerge—and a strange kind of justice prevails.
In this John Grisham style mystery, Matt Royal, the retired lawyer-turned-beach-bum is called back into the courtroom to defend his girlfriend J. D. Duncan's Aunt Esther, who lives in the sprawling North Central Florida retirement community of The Villages. A best-selling author has been murdered after a book signing and Aunt Esther has been arrested. Matt has a history with the local sheriff—one which may not bode well for his client.
Matt reluctantly suits up for the courtroom and J.D. takes a leave from the police department to go undercover. A bizarre specter from the past haunts their investigation every step of the way. As they delve further into the case, the pieces of the puzzle refuse to fall into any kind of coherent pattern. Jock Algren arrives with his special skill set to expose the real murderer and free Aunt Esther, but to no avail. Not until the case goes to trial and the evidence is revealed does the truth emerge—and a strange kind of justice prevails.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2018
171 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
H. Terrell Griffin
18 books91 followersAward-winning novelist H. Terrell Griffin is a board-certified trial lawyer who practiced in Orlando for thirty-eight years. He and his wife, Jean, divide their time between Longboat Key, Florida, and Maitland, Florida. Griffin is also the author of Blood Island, Murder Key, and Longboat Blues. Blood Island was named an award-winning finalist in the 2008 National Best Books Awards, Fiction & Literature: Mystery/Suspense category.
Series:
* Matt Royal Mystery
Series:
* Matt Royal Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 21, 2018
Really good.
Entertaining, humorous story. Matt Royal and J.D. do excellent job, they're not in my age group but rest of the characters live in this beautiful village are in my age group. Love this series and can't wait for the next book and find out what is going to happen June 6th.
Always read the first couple of chapters twice, and keep it at the edge of my mind, when trying to figure out the guilty one. Read this book.
Entertaining, humorous story. Matt Royal and J.D. do excellent job, they're not in my age group but rest of the characters live in this beautiful village are in my age group. Love this series and can't wait for the next book and find out what is going to happen June 6th.
Always read the first couple of chapters twice, and keep it at the edge of my mind, when trying to figure out the guilty one. Read this book.
December 27, 2017
Matt Royal is a retired lawyer-turned-beach-bum is called back to the courtroom to defend his girlfriend, J. D. Duncan's aunt Ester, who lives in the retirement community of The Village, in North Central Florida. A best selling author has been murdered after a book signing and Ester has been arrested. Matt reluctantly suits up for the case while J. D. takes leave from the police department to go undercover.
I really liked the characters of Matt Royal and his law enforcement girlfriend J. D.. I liked that there was also some humor included in the story. There are a lot of red herrings and secrets from the past are unearthed. The author has a great style of writing. This is book eleven in this series but it can be read as a standalone. I will be looking for more books from this author . A great courtroom drama.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author H. Terrell Griffin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the characters of Matt Royal and his law enforcement girlfriend J. D.. I liked that there was also some humor included in the story. There are a lot of red herrings and secrets from the past are unearthed. The author has a great style of writing. This is book eleven in this series but it can be read as a standalone. I will be looking for more books from this author . A great courtroom drama.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author H. Terrell Griffin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2018
Matt Royal is a retired lawyer -turned beach bum. He finds himself called back into the legal system when his girlfriend's aunt is arrested for murder.
Aunt Esther lives in a retirement community in Florida. She is accused of murdering a sort - of friend who lives in the same area. She was shot in the back and dumped in a parking lot. The victim was a best-selling author and had just finished a book signing.
Things don't look good for Aunt Esther. The murder weapon is found in her house with her fingerprints all over the gun and bullets. She was heard saying that she was going to kill the victim the day before she was shot.
Matt has his hands full, as well as trying to find a way to beat these charges. The local sheriff and Matt have a history ... and not a good one. And there are people who aren't who people believe they are.
It is only when Esther goes to trial that the puzzle pieces begin to fall in some kind of order.
I really enjoy a good legal thriller ... especially when it is well-written and not a Perry Mason moment anywhere to be seen. Matt Royal is a great character, as is his girlfriend, J. D. who is also a law enforcement officer. I love how they interact with each other, as well as with their friends. One of them is Jock, who's a sniper for an unnamed company. Murder is serious, but there's always room for a little humor and the author writes it well.
This is book 11 in a series .... and it does well as a stand alone. I have read some of his earlier books and found all of them to be engaging, filled with twists and turns and surprising endings.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Aunt Esther lives in a retirement community in Florida. She is accused of murdering a sort - of friend who lives in the same area. She was shot in the back and dumped in a parking lot. The victim was a best-selling author and had just finished a book signing.
Things don't look good for Aunt Esther. The murder weapon is found in her house with her fingerprints all over the gun and bullets. She was heard saying that she was going to kill the victim the day before she was shot.
Matt has his hands full, as well as trying to find a way to beat these charges. The local sheriff and Matt have a history ... and not a good one. And there are people who aren't who people believe they are.
It is only when Esther goes to trial that the puzzle pieces begin to fall in some kind of order.
I really enjoy a good legal thriller ... especially when it is well-written and not a Perry Mason moment anywhere to be seen. Matt Royal is a great character, as is his girlfriend, J. D. who is also a law enforcement officer. I love how they interact with each other, as well as with their friends. One of them is Jock, who's a sniper for an unnamed company. Murder is serious, but there's always room for a little humor and the author writes it well.
This is book 11 in a series .... and it does well as a stand alone. I have read some of his earlier books and found all of them to be engaging, filled with twists and turns and surprising endings.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 17, 2018
Vindication (A Matt Royal Mystery) by H. Terrell Griffin Published January 2nd 2018 by Oceanview Publishing was a very interesting read.
Former attorney Matt Royal is enjoying his “retirement” on Longboat Key when he receives a telephone call from his girlfriend Jennifer Diane Duncan who is a detective and takes a few weeks off to help Matt resolve Aunt Esther’s situation. Nothing takes you out of retirement quicker then the person you love or there family needing help. Her aunt Esther Higgins has been arrested for the murder of writer Olivia Lathom. That is the first book by this author that I have read and it was a nice quick read. The prologue confused me because I was like what does a Miss Georgia pageant have to do with Aunt Esther’s book? This book is well written and brilliantly paced, it is a murder mystery until the last page. All the characters are likeable and the descriptions make me want to visit Florida more often. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. I give it 4 Royal Stars. Thank you Negalley, Oceanview and H Terrell Griffin for my arc of this book I enjoyed it.
Former attorney Matt Royal is enjoying his “retirement” on Longboat Key when he receives a telephone call from his girlfriend Jennifer Diane Duncan who is a detective and takes a few weeks off to help Matt resolve Aunt Esther’s situation. Nothing takes you out of retirement quicker then the person you love or there family needing help. Her aunt Esther Higgins has been arrested for the murder of writer Olivia Lathom. That is the first book by this author that I have read and it was a nice quick read. The prologue confused me because I was like what does a Miss Georgia pageant have to do with Aunt Esther’s book? This book is well written and brilliantly paced, it is a murder mystery until the last page. All the characters are likeable and the descriptions make me want to visit Florida more often. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. I give it 4 Royal Stars. Thank you Negalley, Oceanview and H Terrell Griffin for my arc of this book I enjoyed it.
January 3, 2018
Matt Royal... Lawyer turned beach bum turns back to lawyer when his girlfriends aunt is accused of murder. A legal thriller that twists and turns and makes for a great read. This book is the latest in a series that I have not previously read but will be looking out for more. It reads well as a stand alone boik.
Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read via Netgalley in return for an honest review
Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read via Netgalley in return for an honest review
January 9, 2018
4 stars
Former attorney Matt Royal is enjoying his “retirement” on Longboat Key when he receives a telephone call from his girlfriend Jennifer Diane “JD” Duncan who is a detective and takes a few weeks off to help Matt resolve Aunt Esther’s situation. Her aunt Esther Higgins has been arrested for the murder of writer Olivia Lathom.
Olivia Lathom was a member of a book/reading club that focused mainly on mysteries. Aunt Esther asked one of the women to review her novel, and the woman said it wasn’t very good. Imagine her surprise when the murdered woman steals the novel and it becomes an immediate bestseller! It seems no one knew the deceased woman very well. Her past is a mystery. She can’t be located on any database and her fingerprints are not in any system. Matt interviews many people and travels all over Florida and Georgia seeking answers to his quest. She claimed to be from a wealthy family from Georgia. When Matt tracks down the surviving family member Charles Lathom, he is surprised to learn that Olivia Lathom was the sister-in-law who was married to a younger brother called Danny. He died just one month after his marriage to Olivia under mysterious circumstances.
The woman who gave Olivia Esther’s novel is Ruth Bergstrom and she is very hostile and defends her deceased friend loudly and often. JD goes “under cover” to interview her in hopes that she’ll let something slip.
The police are being very nice as is the prosecutor. Matt wonders what is up. He is followed and threatened by hostile men.
As the trial date grows closer, JD and Matt continue to interview witnesses and talk to people. Some very interesting facts come out as they speak to scientific specialists and computer people. The trial begins.
The identity of the killer is not so much of a surprise, but Matt reaching that conclusion is a study in patience and determination.
This book is very well written and plotted. It is easy reading and moves along apace. The descriptions of South Florida were wonderful and honest. (The weather is awfully hot in August – yuk…) I like Matt, JD and Aunt Esther. The other characters in the book were – for the most part – likeable. The book was interesting in that it offered little asides in how an attorney prepares for trial and what they can and can’t say or do. It was very well done. I’ve read H. Terrell Griffin’s novels before, but it has been some time. I’d forgotten how much I like him as an author. Well done, Mr. Griffin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
Former attorney Matt Royal is enjoying his “retirement” on Longboat Key when he receives a telephone call from his girlfriend Jennifer Diane “JD” Duncan who is a detective and takes a few weeks off to help Matt resolve Aunt Esther’s situation. Her aunt Esther Higgins has been arrested for the murder of writer Olivia Lathom.
Olivia Lathom was a member of a book/reading club that focused mainly on mysteries. Aunt Esther asked one of the women to review her novel, and the woman said it wasn’t very good. Imagine her surprise when the murdered woman steals the novel and it becomes an immediate bestseller! It seems no one knew the deceased woman very well. Her past is a mystery. She can’t be located on any database and her fingerprints are not in any system. Matt interviews many people and travels all over Florida and Georgia seeking answers to his quest. She claimed to be from a wealthy family from Georgia. When Matt tracks down the surviving family member Charles Lathom, he is surprised to learn that Olivia Lathom was the sister-in-law who was married to a younger brother called Danny. He died just one month after his marriage to Olivia under mysterious circumstances.
The woman who gave Olivia Esther’s novel is Ruth Bergstrom and she is very hostile and defends her deceased friend loudly and often. JD goes “under cover” to interview her in hopes that she’ll let something slip.
The police are being very nice as is the prosecutor. Matt wonders what is up. He is followed and threatened by hostile men.
As the trial date grows closer, JD and Matt continue to interview witnesses and talk to people. Some very interesting facts come out as they speak to scientific specialists and computer people. The trial begins.
The identity of the killer is not so much of a surprise, but Matt reaching that conclusion is a study in patience and determination.
This book is very well written and plotted. It is easy reading and moves along apace. The descriptions of South Florida were wonderful and honest. (The weather is awfully hot in August – yuk…) I like Matt, JD and Aunt Esther. The other characters in the book were – for the most part – likeable. The book was interesting in that it offered little asides in how an attorney prepares for trial and what they can and can’t say or do. It was very well done. I’ve read H. Terrell Griffin’s novels before, but it has been some time. I’d forgotten how much I like him as an author. Well done, Mr. Griffin!
I want to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
January 6, 2018
Griffin is an author that leaves bread crumbs along a path for the reader to follow. Excellent crime drama with likable characters that travel through the pages in a smooth and entertaining format. This being the eleventh book in the Matt Royal series it has no problem being a stand alone. Matt is a retired lawyer who has found the spice of life as a beach bum. His girl friend J.D's aunt Esther has been arrested for murder and Matt is putting his shorts away to come to her rescue. Loved the way that Griffin left clues but kept the mystery moving till the very last page. All the evidence was gathered and justice was served in this case. "A copy of the book was provided by Oceanview Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. All comments here are my honest opinion." Would not hesitate reading any of the others in this series.
January 3, 2018
VINDICATION
I loved this book, as I have loved all of the Matt Royal stories. This was a very complex plot, a lot of drama and humor and the wonderful characters from Longboat Key.
I loved this book, as I have loved all of the Matt Royal stories. This was a very complex plot, a lot of drama and humor and the wonderful characters from Longboat Key.
February 22, 2018
Vindication was a perfectly adequate novel, but it was just that. Adequate. I felt the author was really trying to explain things to death, going in to way too much detail and not leaving much mystery or anything to really gauge our interests in where it was going. That being said, I come from a legal background at work so perhaps I just found it tedious everything being explained so thoroughly. I also found that I had guessed the ending pretty early on.
Thank you to netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
This novel was a very pleasant surprise! I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Vindication offers a great mix: vacation-type setting, crime, courtroom drama and just the right dose of humour.
Vindication offers a great mix: vacation-type setting, crime, courtroom drama and just the right dose of humour.
June 3, 2019
I purchased the book on Recommendation of a friend. I found it went quickly and was enjoyable. I haven't been to that part of Florida but have many friends down there. I enjoyed all the twists and turns.
Another thing that is not always mentioned about books is the ease of reading the printed page. The selection on the print and paper really did help with the reading experience.
I have already passed my copy to another friend and she is enjoying the book also.
Another thing that is not always mentioned about books is the ease of reading the printed page. The selection on the print and paper really did help with the reading experience.
I have already passed my copy to another friend and she is enjoying the book also.
January 9, 2019
Who exactly was Olivia, who Esther is accused of murdering? I read this light mystery as a standalone and I now understand why Griffin has a host of fans. Matt Royal, a retired attorney, is roped into the effort to clear Esther by his girlfriend, JD, who is Esther's niece. The story verges on cozy territory except that there's some very nice courtroom maneuvering and, well, then there's Jock. The regional atmospherics might make you chuckle. I didn't solve this one until the end, which is always a plus. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Very entertaining and I'll look for more in this series.
July 25, 2019
I don’t usually read murder mysteries but the setting caught my attention as I have visited The Villages and recognized many of the places in the book. The story was interesting and it took me a while to figure out the mystery.
March 12, 2019
Another great Matt Royal story. Entertaining and the trial portions are exciting.
January 10, 2018
Best one of the series to date.
I have waited for this book for so long, great story and characters. I didn’t want it to end. I hope there are more to come.
I have waited for this book for so long, great story and characters. I didn’t want it to end. I hope there are more to come.
September 30, 2017
“Vindication” is book eleven in H. Terrell Griffin’s Matt Royal Mystery series. It is not necessary to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one. This is the first book I have read in the series, and I did not realize there was a series until I finished the book and wanted to read more.
A woman’s body is face down on the concrete dance floor of Paddock Square. So it begins, and it does not end without many questions but few answers.
Curiously, the first two chapters seem to be almost accidently slipped in from another book, but do not skip them. Chapter three opens with “retired” lawyer Matt Royal’s first person narrative as he relaxes in Longboat Key, Florida.
In a story so relatable, that Griffin must have been spying on people I know, a member of a mystery book club has been arrested for murder. The club meets in a local bookstore, and the victim is an author visiting for a book signing. The accused suspect happens to be the aunt of Matt Royal’s long-time girlfriend and local police detective J.D. Duncan, so Royal is asked to “come out of retirement” and take the case. Along the way, Jock Algren, Matt’s friend and one of the best agents in America’s Intelligence community, who is visiting, unwinding, and relaxing in Longboat Key is asked to help out.
The story unfolds with Matt’s narrative alternating with the third person story line. Matt’s first person sections are filled with musing about the progress of the case and compelling insight into legal procedure and why he is doing what he is doing. The third person sections provide needed background and views of events from other perspectives. The pace is steady, and the alternating points of view give depth and add interest.
The characters drive this story, and these characters are intense, realistic, and hilarious. When Aunt Esther Higgins, retired schoolteacher, faces taking a guilty plea bargain or spending months in jail awaiting trial, she reassures Matt that she will be fine because:
“Years ago the school system that I worked for got in a jam and had to assign me to an all-boys junior high school to teach English …..You tell that prosecutor that if I could handle that for nine months, I can damn sure handle a jail cell for six months. No deals.”
Matt laments that the legal “process is mentally exhausting and not nearly as much fun as fishing.” He does relish the Florida weather, especially on “one of those days when everybody calls their relatives in the still chilly north to rag them a little about the gorgeous days that a Florida spring produces.” Moreover, where else would a suspect be called “a pusillanimous puissant” or a traffic-congested road labeled “Malfunction Junction”?
Despite the hilarity, a lot of investigation goes on, and dead-ends and false leads abound. Many secrets from the past rear their ugly heads but do not seem to lead anywhere. In true Perry Mason style, everything finally falls into place during the trial in unexpected ways and a peculiar justice finally prevails
I received a copy of “Vindication” from Oceanview Publishing, H. Terrell Griffin and NetGalley. This is an entertaining book to read, but be careful; you might just laugh right out loud as you read.
A woman’s body is face down on the concrete dance floor of Paddock Square. So it begins, and it does not end without many questions but few answers.
Curiously, the first two chapters seem to be almost accidently slipped in from another book, but do not skip them. Chapter three opens with “retired” lawyer Matt Royal’s first person narrative as he relaxes in Longboat Key, Florida.
In a story so relatable, that Griffin must have been spying on people I know, a member of a mystery book club has been arrested for murder. The club meets in a local bookstore, and the victim is an author visiting for a book signing. The accused suspect happens to be the aunt of Matt Royal’s long-time girlfriend and local police detective J.D. Duncan, so Royal is asked to “come out of retirement” and take the case. Along the way, Jock Algren, Matt’s friend and one of the best agents in America’s Intelligence community, who is visiting, unwinding, and relaxing in Longboat Key is asked to help out.
The story unfolds with Matt’s narrative alternating with the third person story line. Matt’s first person sections are filled with musing about the progress of the case and compelling insight into legal procedure and why he is doing what he is doing. The third person sections provide needed background and views of events from other perspectives. The pace is steady, and the alternating points of view give depth and add interest.
The characters drive this story, and these characters are intense, realistic, and hilarious. When Aunt Esther Higgins, retired schoolteacher, faces taking a guilty plea bargain or spending months in jail awaiting trial, she reassures Matt that she will be fine because:
“Years ago the school system that I worked for got in a jam and had to assign me to an all-boys junior high school to teach English …..You tell that prosecutor that if I could handle that for nine months, I can damn sure handle a jail cell for six months. No deals.”
Matt laments that the legal “process is mentally exhausting and not nearly as much fun as fishing.” He does relish the Florida weather, especially on “one of those days when everybody calls their relatives in the still chilly north to rag them a little about the gorgeous days that a Florida spring produces.” Moreover, where else would a suspect be called “a pusillanimous puissant” or a traffic-congested road labeled “Malfunction Junction”?
Despite the hilarity, a lot of investigation goes on, and dead-ends and false leads abound. Many secrets from the past rear their ugly heads but do not seem to lead anywhere. In true Perry Mason style, everything finally falls into place during the trial in unexpected ways and a peculiar justice finally prevails
I received a copy of “Vindication” from Oceanview Publishing, H. Terrell Griffin and NetGalley. This is an entertaining book to read, but be careful; you might just laugh right out loud as you read.
January 3, 2018
Good courtroom stuff. Average book. worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2020
Great series
I really dragged my feet on finishing this book because it’s the last book in the series. I feel as though I’ve known Matt, JD, Jock and Logan for many years, and now they’re moving out of my life. It makes me sad that Terry Griffin died and took my friends with him. RIP Terry. I will miss all of you.
I really dragged my feet on finishing this book because it’s the last book in the series. I feel as though I’ve known Matt, JD, Jock and Logan for many years, and now they’re moving out of my life. It makes me sad that Terry Griffin died and took my friends with him. RIP Terry. I will miss all of you.
July 15, 2017
‘Vindication’ had an intriguing premise, but when I started reading the book, I wasn’t completely sure if I’d like it. But when I finished the novel, I realized I loved it. So much so, I’m tempted to go back and read every one of the Matt Royal books.
First, what I liked.
My first impression was that the book is gorgeously written. The style is lyrical, with each word seamlessly flowing into the next. Apart from being incredibly easy on the eyes, this made it very easy for me to construct the scenes at reading pace.
The characters too are incredibly well-developed, but perhaps that is because this is the latest in a long series of books featuring most, if not all, of these characters.
I make it a habit to delve into a book without any substantial knowledge of what the book is about. This is a double-edged sword. It sometimes makes for breathlessly entertaining reading, but it can also lead to bitter disappointment if the book is poorly written.
I’m happy to report that this book falls into the former category.
This whodunit is developed in a sublime manner, with all sorts of clues to let the reader form his or her own theory as to who the killer might be.
At the 30% mark, it seemed fairly obvious to me who the killer was, and I must confess I thought it was lazy writing if I was able to deduce the killer’s identity so early in the book. But I read on, and I’m glad I did.
Initially, I was curious about how the author would establish the identity. But as the story progressed, I realized I could be wrong. That someone else might be the killer.
Turns out I was right and wrong at the same time. While my guess as to the killer’s identity is spot on, someone else, someone unexpected, is the master of puppets.
The legal side of the story (Matt Royal is, after all, a first-rate lawyer) is done in a very reader-friendly manner. There is no heavy-handed exposition peppered with incomprehensible legalese. On the rare occasion that calls for a legal term to be used, it is duly explained by the author so the readers are able to keep up with the story without any interruptions.
There are books that drag endlessly, and there are books that feel too short despite a sizeable story.
‘Vindication’ is the latter. At 320 pages, it never feels boring. It is not heavy in the middle. That’s a good thing.
Now, what I didn’t like.
One of the few things I didn’t really buy were the point of view chapters where JD was concerned, and Matt Royal’s separation anxiety.
The abrupt shift from first person to third is jarring, and many passages feel superfluous, as the author often treads upon areas which were already covered from the protagonist’s POV.
Then there’s Matt’s constant pining for JD whenever she is not around. For an accomplished and retired lawyer, it makes him sound incredibly juvenile and not keeping in with the character.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll conclude by saying ‘Vindication’ is a breezy legal thriller that I will definitely recommend as we get closer to the publication date.
First, what I liked.
My first impression was that the book is gorgeously written. The style is lyrical, with each word seamlessly flowing into the next. Apart from being incredibly easy on the eyes, this made it very easy for me to construct the scenes at reading pace.
The characters too are incredibly well-developed, but perhaps that is because this is the latest in a long series of books featuring most, if not all, of these characters.
I make it a habit to delve into a book without any substantial knowledge of what the book is about. This is a double-edged sword. It sometimes makes for breathlessly entertaining reading, but it can also lead to bitter disappointment if the book is poorly written.
I’m happy to report that this book falls into the former category.
This whodunit is developed in a sublime manner, with all sorts of clues to let the reader form his or her own theory as to who the killer might be.
At the 30% mark, it seemed fairly obvious to me who the killer was, and I must confess I thought it was lazy writing if I was able to deduce the killer’s identity so early in the book. But I read on, and I’m glad I did.
Initially, I was curious about how the author would establish the identity. But as the story progressed, I realized I could be wrong. That someone else might be the killer.
Turns out I was right and wrong at the same time. While my guess as to the killer’s identity is spot on, someone else, someone unexpected, is the master of puppets.
The legal side of the story (Matt Royal is, after all, a first-rate lawyer) is done in a very reader-friendly manner. There is no heavy-handed exposition peppered with incomprehensible legalese. On the rare occasion that calls for a legal term to be used, it is duly explained by the author so the readers are able to keep up with the story without any interruptions.
There are books that drag endlessly, and there are books that feel too short despite a sizeable story.
‘Vindication’ is the latter. At 320 pages, it never feels boring. It is not heavy in the middle. That’s a good thing.
Now, what I didn’t like.
One of the few things I didn’t really buy were the point of view chapters where JD was concerned, and Matt Royal’s separation anxiety.
The abrupt shift from first person to third is jarring, and many passages feel superfluous, as the author often treads upon areas which were already covered from the protagonist’s POV.
Then there’s Matt’s constant pining for JD whenever she is not around. For an accomplished and retired lawyer, it makes him sound incredibly juvenile and not keeping in with the character.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll conclude by saying ‘Vindication’ is a breezy legal thriller that I will definitely recommend as we get closer to the publication date.
August 7, 2017
An excellent read but not without its flaws
By my calculation, this is the 7th Matt Royal murder/mystery but it’s my first and won’t be my last. Let’s get my concerns out of the way first so I can concentrate on the main event. Certainly, during the first third of the story, the dialogue was a little wooden and didn’t flow. Unusual and unfamiliar words were occasionally thrown in as well which were out of place with the style of writing. Additionally, the sentences were often too short which gave a staccato and flat feel to the story. Most annoying though were the spelling mistakes and errors and the proof reader should be reprimanded. “Principal” is the word for a sum of money on which interest is paid Mr Griffin not “principle”. Goodness knows how many times the word was used and I only counted one instance when it was spelt correctly.
Whilst the errors offended my OCD proclivity, they did not detract from the great plot which twisted and turned. Matt Royal and his squeeze J D Duncan, who works uncover in this story, investigate the background to JD’s aunt’s, Esther, arrest for murder in The Villages – a large retirement development in Central Florida. Matt takes little persuasion to come out of retirement to defend Esther. It was good to read a book with the minimum of violence and the maximum of mystery and one which challenged the reader’s investigative powers. I thought I had it all sorted out quite a few times but a spanner was always thrown into the works.
The trial and the subsequent denouement was superbly done. The logical process of development of the facts in the courtroom was first class and captivated me throughout, showing an excellent grasp of trial procedure. Even though the outcome was never seriously in doubt there were a few curve balls thrown into the mix to maintain full interest right up until the real murderer was named.
I am very pleased to have found another writer to add to my list of favourites and I recommend this novel without hesitation,
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
By my calculation, this is the 7th Matt Royal murder/mystery but it’s my first and won’t be my last. Let’s get my concerns out of the way first so I can concentrate on the main event. Certainly, during the first third of the story, the dialogue was a little wooden and didn’t flow. Unusual and unfamiliar words were occasionally thrown in as well which were out of place with the style of writing. Additionally, the sentences were often too short which gave a staccato and flat feel to the story. Most annoying though were the spelling mistakes and errors and the proof reader should be reprimanded. “Principal” is the word for a sum of money on which interest is paid Mr Griffin not “principle”. Goodness knows how many times the word was used and I only counted one instance when it was spelt correctly.
Whilst the errors offended my OCD proclivity, they did not detract from the great plot which twisted and turned. Matt Royal and his squeeze J D Duncan, who works uncover in this story, investigate the background to JD’s aunt’s, Esther, arrest for murder in The Villages – a large retirement development in Central Florida. Matt takes little persuasion to come out of retirement to defend Esther. It was good to read a book with the minimum of violence and the maximum of mystery and one which challenged the reader’s investigative powers. I thought I had it all sorted out quite a few times but a spanner was always thrown into the works.
The trial and the subsequent denouement was superbly done. The logical process of development of the facts in the courtroom was first class and captivated me throughout, showing an excellent grasp of trial procedure. Even though the outcome was never seriously in doubt there were a few curve balls thrown into the mix to maintain full interest right up until the real murderer was named.
I am very pleased to have found another writer to add to my list of favourites and I recommend this novel without hesitation,
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
February 19, 2018
This is a very well-written mystery/legal novel. It is part of a series but it is my first encounter with Matt Royal, lawyer, now a retired beach bum in Longboat Key, Florida. Apart from fishing he hangs out with police deputy J.D. Duncan. The novel is written in a lyrical yet laid back style.
Most of the story occurs in a Central Florida retirement community called The Villages. One morning a body is found in the town square. It is the corpse of a best-selling female author who is in town for a book signing and talk about her novel. She is supposed to have left the previous evening but en route to the airport with a friend she receives notification that her flight has been cancelled. Much of the plot revolves around a local book club and the various personalities. J.D. Duncan's aunt Esther claims that the murdered author had stolen a novel she had written and passed it off as her own. This occurred via another member of the book club who had read Esther's draft and responded that it was not publishable. Esther sees the published novel and accuses the author's friend of having slipped her a copy.
This provides Esther with a motive and some additional evidence, i.e. the murder weapon being Esther's, point to Esther as the prime suspect. J.D. persuades Matt Royal to go to The Villages and represent her aunt. She then takes a leave of absence from her job and goes to The Villages masquerading as someone's niece to assist Matt in uncovering the real killer, assuming that Esther is innocent.
There are many twists and turns in the plot and a number of red herrings strewn around which suggest possible killers. But we do not reach a reasonable conclusion until the trial is underway. Just as it looks like Esther is going to go down for the murder, Matt Royal pulls a rabbit out of a hat, so to speak, and the real culprit is tagged.
An entertaining novel which motivates me to read more of this series. A copy of this book was provided by Oceanview Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. All comments here are my honest opinion.
Most of the story occurs in a Central Florida retirement community called The Villages. One morning a body is found in the town square. It is the corpse of a best-selling female author who is in town for a book signing and talk about her novel. She is supposed to have left the previous evening but en route to the airport with a friend she receives notification that her flight has been cancelled. Much of the plot revolves around a local book club and the various personalities. J.D. Duncan's aunt Esther claims that the murdered author had stolen a novel she had written and passed it off as her own. This occurred via another member of the book club who had read Esther's draft and responded that it was not publishable. Esther sees the published novel and accuses the author's friend of having slipped her a copy.
This provides Esther with a motive and some additional evidence, i.e. the murder weapon being Esther's, point to Esther as the prime suspect. J.D. persuades Matt Royal to go to The Villages and represent her aunt. She then takes a leave of absence from her job and goes to The Villages masquerading as someone's niece to assist Matt in uncovering the real killer, assuming that Esther is innocent.
There are many twists and turns in the plot and a number of red herrings strewn around which suggest possible killers. But we do not reach a reasonable conclusion until the trial is underway. Just as it looks like Esther is going to go down for the murder, Matt Royal pulls a rabbit out of a hat, so to speak, and the real culprit is tagged.
An entertaining novel which motivates me to read more of this series. A copy of this book was provided by Oceanview Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. All comments here are my honest opinion.
January 21, 2018
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Vindication is the latest in Griffin's series of Matt Royal novels. Royal is a retired lawyer enjoying life in Longboat Key, Florida with his detective girlfriend, JD. JD's aunt Esther, living in the Villages, a large retirement community in Florida, is accused of murdering a best-selling author. Esther had claimed that the author had stolen a novel she had written for her book club, was overheard threatening the life of the author, and owned the pistol used to kill the author, which was found with only her fingerprints.
Royal agrees to defend Esther. Much of the novel recounts Royal's efforts to defend Esther and JD's undercover investigation in the Villages. Griffin indicates the key to the mystery in the early chapters and the real interest in the plot is not the resolution of the murder mystery but the interaction of the cast of characters. Royal's friend, Jock, a field agent in US intelligence, provides the opportunity for both humor and tension when he and Royal confront two half-witted brothers who try to menace Matt and stymie Matt's investigation. In fact, Jock seems to be the most interesting of the characters in the novel and Griffin may have an opportunity to books focusing on Jock.
Griffin could use a better editor. There are numerous instances of descriptions and expressions being repeated within a few pages of each other.
Overall, Vindication is pleasant, unchallenging entertainment. Fans of the Matt Royal series will find this offering to be a comfortable entry in the series. However, newcomers may be disappointed in the lack of tension in the plot and the somewhat hurried courtroom denouement.
Vindication is the latest in Griffin's series of Matt Royal novels. Royal is a retired lawyer enjoying life in Longboat Key, Florida with his detective girlfriend, JD. JD's aunt Esther, living in the Villages, a large retirement community in Florida, is accused of murdering a best-selling author. Esther had claimed that the author had stolen a novel she had written for her book club, was overheard threatening the life of the author, and owned the pistol used to kill the author, which was found with only her fingerprints.
Royal agrees to defend Esther. Much of the novel recounts Royal's efforts to defend Esther and JD's undercover investigation in the Villages. Griffin indicates the key to the mystery in the early chapters and the real interest in the plot is not the resolution of the murder mystery but the interaction of the cast of characters. Royal's friend, Jock, a field agent in US intelligence, provides the opportunity for both humor and tension when he and Royal confront two half-witted brothers who try to menace Matt and stymie Matt's investigation. In fact, Jock seems to be the most interesting of the characters in the novel and Griffin may have an opportunity to books focusing on Jock.
Griffin could use a better editor. There are numerous instances of descriptions and expressions being repeated within a few pages of each other.
Overall, Vindication is pleasant, unchallenging entertainment. Fans of the Matt Royal series will find this offering to be a comfortable entry in the series. However, newcomers may be disappointed in the lack of tension in the plot and the somewhat hurried courtroom denouement.
November 29, 2018
Following MORTAL DILEMMA, retired attorney, part-time investigator and full-time beach bum Matt Royal returns to courtroom drama not seen since CHASING JUSTICE and the glory days of John Grisham’s legal masterpieces.
The Gulf of Mexico waters are calm for Sarasota’s tony enclave of Longboat Key, but Matt’s gal pal with benefits, Detective J.D. Duncan, has “a problem. Aunt Esther is in the Sumter County jail. She’s charged with murder.” Esther Higgins is a resident of The Villages, Florida’s largest active adult community, “often described as a Disney World for retirees.” Olivia Lathom’s body was found at The Villages’ Paddock Square. Lathom was a lackluster writer who surprised everyone with a blockbuster novel --- shortly after book club member Ruth Bergstrom sent Aunt Esther’s unpublished manuscript to Lathom.
J.D. goes undercover in The Villages posing as bookstore clerk Jade Conway, “taking a page from Jock’s book, doing what had to be done even if it violated the law.” A few years back, Matt had a legal encounter with the Sumter County sheriff, which doesn’t fair well for Aunt Esther, and now must conceal his indirect relationship with the sheriff’s prisoner. Bail rarely is permitted for those charged with homicide. Meanwhile, Matt tracks down Miss Georgia beauty contestants from the 1970s, and ties up more loose ends than a platter of spaghetti.
Despite imbecilic bad-guy characters that a novice paralegal could trounce, Matt’s judicature acumen draws from classic police procedurals and forensics investigation lore. His courtroom-choreographed gavotte thrills spectators and astounds the prosecuting attorney. “A fine way to end what we referred to as JAPDIP --- just another perfect day in paradise.”
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
The Gulf of Mexico waters are calm for Sarasota’s tony enclave of Longboat Key, but Matt’s gal pal with benefits, Detective J.D. Duncan, has “a problem. Aunt Esther is in the Sumter County jail. She’s charged with murder.” Esther Higgins is a resident of The Villages, Florida’s largest active adult community, “often described as a Disney World for retirees.” Olivia Lathom’s body was found at The Villages’ Paddock Square. Lathom was a lackluster writer who surprised everyone with a blockbuster novel --- shortly after book club member Ruth Bergstrom sent Aunt Esther’s unpublished manuscript to Lathom.
J.D. goes undercover in The Villages posing as bookstore clerk Jade Conway, “taking a page from Jock’s book, doing what had to be done even if it violated the law.” A few years back, Matt had a legal encounter with the Sumter County sheriff, which doesn’t fair well for Aunt Esther, and now must conceal his indirect relationship with the sheriff’s prisoner. Bail rarely is permitted for those charged with homicide. Meanwhile, Matt tracks down Miss Georgia beauty contestants from the 1970s, and ties up more loose ends than a platter of spaghetti.
Despite imbecilic bad-guy characters that a novice paralegal could trounce, Matt’s judicature acumen draws from classic police procedurals and forensics investigation lore. His courtroom-choreographed gavotte thrills spectators and astounds the prosecuting attorney. “A fine way to end what we referred to as JAPDIP --- just another perfect day in paradise.”
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
December 24, 2017
Well-respected attorney Matt Royal is drawn out of his retirement in paradise (AKA Longboat Key, Fla.) to defend his girlfriend's aunt Emily against a murder charge. The victim is a best-selling author whom Aunt Emily claims stole her book, and had threatened to kill. The murder (and action) takes place in The Villages, central Florida's mega-retirement community, where there is no shortage of interesting characters and potential suspects in this classic who-done-it.
The problem is that the police seem satisfied that Aunt Emily committed the murder, and are disinclined to investigate further. J.D. Duncan (Royal's girlfriend) takes a leave of absence from the police department to help Matt discover the truth. Matt's friends also step forward to help (not always in legal ways).
The eleventh in a series, this book stands well on its own. I had not read any other book in the series, yet felt completely at home with the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the rapport between Matt, his girlfriend J.D., and his friends. I also loved the authors fluid writing style and the uncovering of more leads, questions, and suspects bit by bit. It was very satisfying to watch the puzzle pieces fall into place! The trial section was so realistic and descriptive, I felt I was in the courtroom.
This is a great read! I definitely want to read more by this author. Vindication rates 4 stars from me only because I reserve 5 stars for books which I feel could become classics.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. The review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.
The problem is that the police seem satisfied that Aunt Emily committed the murder, and are disinclined to investigate further. J.D. Duncan (Royal's girlfriend) takes a leave of absence from the police department to help Matt discover the truth. Matt's friends also step forward to help (not always in legal ways).
The eleventh in a series, this book stands well on its own. I had not read any other book in the series, yet felt completely at home with the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the rapport between Matt, his girlfriend J.D., and his friends. I also loved the authors fluid writing style and the uncovering of more leads, questions, and suspects bit by bit. It was very satisfying to watch the puzzle pieces fall into place! The trial section was so realistic and descriptive, I felt I was in the courtroom.
This is a great read! I definitely want to read more by this author. Vindication rates 4 stars from me only because I reserve 5 stars for books which I feel could become classics.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. The review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.
January 6, 2018
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Matt, a former lawyer, is persuaded out of retirement to defend his girlfriend's aunt Esther on a murder charge. I gather that this is part of a series where Matt's services are regularly required. In this case Esther is accused of shooting a woman who she claims stole the manuscript of her novel, but whom she also claims never to have even met.
After a rather slow opening few chapters set in the past and focussing on a Miss Georgia pageant, things picked up once the focus switched to Matt and his girlfriend JD. There was a large chunk in the first person in Matt's voice, and then a sudden switch to the third person from JD's perspective, which was jarring. After that the narrative switched regularly between Matt, JD and Josh, with his useful government contacts. I liked Matt and his humorous, easy relationships with his friends. The novel was well-plotted, with the pageant story eventually being drawn into the main narrative, although only eventually - it kept me guessing. The last few chapters described the trial, which I always enjoy reading - these reminded me of a Perry Mason novel, although we did have more of an idea of what was going to happen. There were a few very heartfelt and moving sections about veterans and serving armed forces personnel, which somehow fitted with the otherwise light tone.
My only complaints would be a certain amount of repetition - we heard about the time of the year after the snowbirds had gone home at least three times - and an inability on the part of the editor to distinguish between principal and principle.
Recommended.
Matt, a former lawyer, is persuaded out of retirement to defend his girlfriend's aunt Esther on a murder charge. I gather that this is part of a series where Matt's services are regularly required. In this case Esther is accused of shooting a woman who she claims stole the manuscript of her novel, but whom she also claims never to have even met.
After a rather slow opening few chapters set in the past and focussing on a Miss Georgia pageant, things picked up once the focus switched to Matt and his girlfriend JD. There was a large chunk in the first person in Matt's voice, and then a sudden switch to the third person from JD's perspective, which was jarring. After that the narrative switched regularly between Matt, JD and Josh, with his useful government contacts. I liked Matt and his humorous, easy relationships with his friends. The novel was well-plotted, with the pageant story eventually being drawn into the main narrative, although only eventually - it kept me guessing. The last few chapters described the trial, which I always enjoy reading - these reminded me of a Perry Mason novel, although we did have more of an idea of what was going to happen. There were a few very heartfelt and moving sections about veterans and serving armed forces personnel, which somehow fitted with the otherwise light tone.
My only complaints would be a certain amount of repetition - we heard about the time of the year after the snowbirds had gone home at least three times - and an inability on the part of the editor to distinguish between principal and principle.
Recommended.
June 3, 2019
It took a while for this one to move to the top of my kindle stack but once there it was a fairly quick read. I became a fan of this series primarily because I live in this section of Florida, just over the bridge and up the street from Longboat Key where attorney Matt Royal has retired. Like me, he needed to escape the traffic and congestion and construction of the Orlando area. (Sadly not many places in Florida where this is not happening!) So, love his descriptions of our little slice of paradise. Also, since I have a number of clients in the Villages where this novel takes place the descriptions of that unique locale were a lot of fun.
Griffin has a great ability to create smooth, easy flowing fiction and while this plot is a bit convoluted and complex it is an interesting story. It can be somewhat obvious in places and a bit stereotypical but the fun in this one is that even though you may guess the killer, it is interesting who is actually pulling the strings and why. Coincidences happen with too frequent abundance. Royal "just happened" to go to school with a lawyer who lives just off I-75 in a small town in GA who happens to know all the background he needs on some folks who grew up there. Another "just happens" to know an attorney in Nashville who can provide all the background off the top of his head related to something happening 40 years before and can actually go to his file cabinet and pull out a program from the event. Yeah, right. but hey it is fiction.
Griffin has a great ability to create smooth, easy flowing fiction and while this plot is a bit convoluted and complex it is an interesting story. It can be somewhat obvious in places and a bit stereotypical but the fun in this one is that even though you may guess the killer, it is interesting who is actually pulling the strings and why. Coincidences happen with too frequent abundance. Royal "just happened" to go to school with a lawyer who lives just off I-75 in a small town in GA who happens to know all the background he needs on some folks who grew up there. Another "just happens" to know an attorney in Nashville who can provide all the background off the top of his head related to something happening 40 years before and can actually go to his file cabinet and pull out a program from the event. Yeah, right. but hey it is fiction.
June 29, 2017
Laid back retired Lawyer Matt Royal is asked by his policewoman girlfriend JD to defend her Aunt Esther against a murder charge. Esther has been accused of murdering Olivia, a friend of a friend, who has published a best selling novel which appears to have been plagiarised from a plot written by Esther. As a result of this circumstance Esther is the main suspect as far as the police are concerned when Olivia is found dead.
I found Matt to be a likeable interesting character, despite the fact that he cultivates and actively tries to lead a beach bum lifestyle, he is also very focused and driven when he steps back into the lawyer role. The description of his relationship with JD is very well done, one comment I liked is "I think when it comes to women we love, we men are essentially chickens"
It was interesting to read about Matt's mindset leading up to the trial, and the glimpses you get of how his legally trained mind builds up a defense for Esther.
This is the first time I have read a book from this series and by this author, but I will certainly delve into the other Matt Royal books. This one was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ocean View Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found Matt to be a likeable interesting character, despite the fact that he cultivates and actively tries to lead a beach bum lifestyle, he is also very focused and driven when he steps back into the lawyer role. The description of his relationship with JD is very well done, one comment I liked is "I think when it comes to women we love, we men are essentially chickens"
It was interesting to read about Matt's mindset leading up to the trial, and the glimpses you get of how his legally trained mind builds up a defense for Esther.
This is the first time I have read a book from this series and by this author, but I will certainly delve into the other Matt Royal books. This one was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ocean View Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2017
Vindication was a sneaky read…..it started almost like a cozy then morphed into a perplexing mystery and then a full-on courtroom drama. The cozy part was the laid-back setting – Longboat Key and the retirement community of the Villages in Florida. When an acclaimed author’s body is discovered in a nearby square, Aunt Esther is arrested for murder. Aunt Esther’s niece is JD, the long-time detective girlfriend of Matt Royal, a retired defense lawyer. He takes up the case and with help from friends and his own powers of deduction, he unearths clues that may lead to the real murderer. The last third of the book is the courtroom drama where Matt pieces the clues together in a way that will ferret out motive and means. Although this is a later title in an ongoing series, it was easy to follow and appreciate interactions between the characters. This title should be popular with those who have enjoyed the series and others who want to share in Matt’s ongoing adventures.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
September 18, 2018
Could be a 5
I gave it a 4 because I thought the author was a little officious with his vocabulary, particularly at the beginning of the book, and made the main character a little too much of a wise a%&. I haven't read any other books in this series bit I'm guessing that's just the personality he's developed in the series. It was a little off-putting to me. Having said all of that, the book was entertaining and the mystery and legal parts of the book were well developed. The book kept me from playing my computer games so that I could read. I haven't had a book hold my interest like that in a while. All in all, I do recommend this book to readers of the mystery and legal genres.
I gave it a 4 because I thought the author was a little officious with his vocabulary, particularly at the beginning of the book, and made the main character a little too much of a wise a%&. I haven't read any other books in this series bit I'm guessing that's just the personality he's developed in the series. It was a little off-putting to me. Having said all of that, the book was entertaining and the mystery and legal parts of the book were well developed. The book kept me from playing my computer games so that I could read. I haven't had a book hold my interest like that in a while. All in all, I do recommend this book to readers of the mystery and legal genres.
June 11, 2017
Matt Royal is retired but then when your girl friend's aunt is accused of murder you have to see what you can do to help her. Aunt Esther lives in the Villages in Florida where everyone has a party at a minutes' notice. She is accused of killing an author who she feels stole her book she wrote. Olivia Lathom has published the book as her own. Esther gave the book to a friend of Olivia's who lives in the Villages without her knowing. A gun Esther has was used to shoot the author so it is looking bad for Esther. The way Matt goes about his investigation is interesting in how he gets ready for the trial. Well worth the read.
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