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The Shotgun Lawyer
From the bestselling author of The Neon Lawyer comes a page-turning thriller about a scrappy lawyer and his fight for justice.
Personal injury attorney Peter Game has a reputation: cynical, untroubled by ethics, and willing to take any case, anytime, in his pursuit of the win. He dreams of a sweetheart score that’ll make his name and net him millions. Then comes the lightning rod: a school shooting just outside of Salt Lake City. His client: the devastated mother of one of the victims.
What she wants is understandable—just not simple: to sue the manufacturers of the automatic weapon used in the mass killing. Game’s opponent, brilliant lawyer Brennen Garvin, is the least of his problems: the entire legal system, influenced by decades of pressure from powerful gun lobbies, is stacked against him.
For Game, this is the case of a lifetime. He’s just not sure his trademark rules will work in his favor. And he’s not sure he wants them to. As Game’s lust for victory gives way to a hunger for justice, he could lose everything—or win back his soul.
Personal injury attorney Peter Game has a reputation: cynical, untroubled by ethics, and willing to take any case, anytime, in his pursuit of the win. He dreams of a sweetheart score that’ll make his name and net him millions. Then comes the lightning rod: a school shooting just outside of Salt Lake City. His client: the devastated mother of one of the victims.
What she wants is understandable—just not simple: to sue the manufacturers of the automatic weapon used in the mass killing. Game’s opponent, brilliant lawyer Brennen Garvin, is the least of his problems: the entire legal system, influenced by decades of pressure from powerful gun lobbies, is stacked against him.
For Game, this is the case of a lifetime. He’s just not sure his trademark rules will work in his favor. And he’s not sure he wants them to. As Game’s lust for victory gives way to a hunger for justice, he could lose everything—or win back his soul.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
3197 people are currently reading
1599 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,092 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 444 reviews
September 1, 2019
My love of the legal thrillers by Victor Methos continues with this novel, whose poignant topic left me transfixed throughout. Peter Game is a personal injury attorney in Salt Lake City with something to prove, at least to those who seek representation by a solo practitioner who will never settle for anything less than a payout. When he is approached by a woman seeking assistance with a legal matter, he is intrigued and wonders if he can help. However, this is like no case he has ever argued, as the woman’s son was gunned down at an elementary school and she seeks to sue the gun manufacturer. The law is clear and Congress has chimed in to ensure this case will die before it gets off the ground, something that Game discusses with the woman. That being said, she wants to make a difference for others and will not rest until some responsibility is laid at the hands of the company that released the gun onto the open market. Armed with gumption and a wonderfully unique clerk he found at the local law school, Peter Game is ready to fight for his client. The legal knots and mazes placed before him will not deter Game, who knows that he has nothing to lose. While he seeks to keep the scraps of his personal life together, the case gains momentum and national attention, which only adds pressure to the trial and forces Peter to wonder what will happen if he fails. It’s gun laws in the spotlight again, but this David versus Goliath trial is not being fought with slingshots. Rather, it’s an assault rifle against a pea shooter, and there’s no produce to arm the straw. Methos does a wonderful job with his delivery and keeps the reader guessing, as all things legal and political come to the forefront. Recommended to those who love a gritty legal thriller, as well as readers who have come to admire Victor Methos.
Originally discovered through a banner on Goodreads, I have come to find that Victor Methos might be my ‘diamond’ author find of the year. His novels are not only captivating, but their subject matter tells a story that is relevant today. Methos uses his legal experience to shine a light on some of the more technical aspects of the piece, but does not shy away from showing just how gritty things can get. Peter Game is similar to many of the other lawyers Methos uses, a man who refuses to back down when he feels he has an angle. That being said, reality is not lost on him, nor is the fact that many will dismiss him when given the opportunity. The legal matter eats away at Game throughout, as does the struggle of his personal life, which cannot take a break while he argues for better gun laws. Methos makes his protagonist both vulnerable and strong as steel within the pages of this novel, tying his passion for the law to an obvious inability to keep himself above water when it comes to his son. There are a few others who make the novel even better, with their unique backstories and quirks that only add to the enjoyment by the reader. These secondary characters offer insight and flavour the narrative in such a way that Methos is able to inject twists when needed to add depth to the already strong story. The plot was well-crafted and showed some central legal arguments from a new perspective. With his usual Utah setting, Methos matches the conservative values of a state with some less rigid thinking, surely an explosive mix. One can only hope that he has many more ideas, as I am fully committed to seeing where this master of the legal thriller will take his fans next.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, as you continue to impress me with your writing. Legal and courtroom thrillers coming from you are surely some of the best novels I have found to date this year.
Like/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/...
Originally discovered through a banner on Goodreads, I have come to find that Victor Methos might be my ‘diamond’ author find of the year. His novels are not only captivating, but their subject matter tells a story that is relevant today. Methos uses his legal experience to shine a light on some of the more technical aspects of the piece, but does not shy away from showing just how gritty things can get. Peter Game is similar to many of the other lawyers Methos uses, a man who refuses to back down when he feels he has an angle. That being said, reality is not lost on him, nor is the fact that many will dismiss him when given the opportunity. The legal matter eats away at Game throughout, as does the struggle of his personal life, which cannot take a break while he argues for better gun laws. Methos makes his protagonist both vulnerable and strong as steel within the pages of this novel, tying his passion for the law to an obvious inability to keep himself above water when it comes to his son. There are a few others who make the novel even better, with their unique backstories and quirks that only add to the enjoyment by the reader. These secondary characters offer insight and flavour the narrative in such a way that Methos is able to inject twists when needed to add depth to the already strong story. The plot was well-crafted and showed some central legal arguments from a new perspective. With his usual Utah setting, Methos matches the conservative values of a state with some less rigid thinking, surely an explosive mix. One can only hope that he has many more ideas, as I am fully committed to seeing where this master of the legal thriller will take his fans next.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, as you continue to impress me with your writing. Legal and courtroom thrillers coming from you are surely some of the best novels I have found to date this year.
Like/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/...
November 11, 2018
5 Stars. One of the best legal mysteries I've ever read!
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November 17, 2023
2.5-Stars ^ 3.0-Stars - I Liked It ... but more in the beginning and less at the end😐.
As a legal-procedural, this book started well, finished poorly, and was a disappointment overall.
I don't have much to say at the moment, but I will probably return with some more cogent comments in the near future.
The narration was excellent, thank you, Matt Damron.
As a legal-procedural, this book started well, finished poorly, and was a disappointment overall.
I don't have much to say at the moment, but I will probably return with some more cogent comments in the near future.
The narration was excellent, thank you, Matt Damron.
April 25, 2020
Excellent! Loved the humor and learned a lot of much appreciated info on US gun laws. ⚖
Will Damron carried the book as narrator - delivery was superb. 👏🏼
Will Damron carried the book as narrator - delivery was superb. 👏🏼
November 3, 2018
The Shotgun Lawyer was a fantastic read and is easily going to be one of my top reads of the year. I love a good legal thriller and this is one of the best that I’ve read. It deals with a sensitive subject in terms of a school shooting (and the anti-gun rhetoric may put of some US readers who love their guns) but I felt that it was handled well and thought that the argument put forward against the gun company was a fair and thought-provoking one.
Peter Game is one hell of a character and I couldn’t have liked him more. He was a lot of fun to read about and his underhand tactics were just brilliant. His personal life was as much of an interest to me as the main storyline and given how the story ended I would love to see Peter and some of these characters again. The lawyer aspect was extremely strong and the story moved at a fast pace and with short chapters I barely put this book down because it was that good. The scenes in the courtroom were my favourites and I was shocked at the lengths that the defence went to in order to try and shut Peter’s case down.
In terms of the ending I felt it was a little bit rushed and some things never really got the closure that I thought was needed but what I most enjoyed about the ending was that it wasn’t some heroic, over the top and unbelievable ending. It was true to life, packed full of emotion and left me thinking about the book even after finishing it. It’s a memorable story with memorable characters. There’s nothing about The Shotgun Lawyer that I didn’t enjoy and I highly recommend the book to legal thriller fans, especially those who are fans of Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller.
Peter Game is one hell of a character and I couldn’t have liked him more. He was a lot of fun to read about and his underhand tactics were just brilliant. His personal life was as much of an interest to me as the main storyline and given how the story ended I would love to see Peter and some of these characters again. The lawyer aspect was extremely strong and the story moved at a fast pace and with short chapters I barely put this book down because it was that good. The scenes in the courtroom were my favourites and I was shocked at the lengths that the defence went to in order to try and shut Peter’s case down.
In terms of the ending I felt it was a little bit rushed and some things never really got the closure that I thought was needed but what I most enjoyed about the ending was that it wasn’t some heroic, over the top and unbelievable ending. It was true to life, packed full of emotion and left me thinking about the book even after finishing it. It’s a memorable story with memorable characters. There’s nothing about The Shotgun Lawyer that I didn’t enjoy and I highly recommend the book to legal thriller fans, especially those who are fans of Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller.
October 26, 2018
Peter Game is your typical ambulance chasing attorney who is just getting by. He's not above pulling some outrageous shenanigans in front of the jury to win his cases. He could be riding high on a family member's coat tails and have his pick of working within the most prestigious legal firms in Salt Lake City, but you must admire him striking out on his own taking the cases that the big Personal Attorneys won't touch. The call lawyers like himself "Shotgun Lawyers" because, like the spread of buckshot, they take everything, hoping at least one hit its target and makes them some big money. Unfortunately for Peter that hasn't happened yet. I loved the way he operates, it's priceless!
He’s driving home from the office when he hears about a local mass shooting at an Elementary school. He quickly turns it off his life is full of bad news he doesn’t need anymore to way him down.
Peter is raising his 17-year-old son, Michael who is growing up and doing his own thing and he can't seem to wrap his head around this. His little buddy that he loved to hang out with is no longer wanting to hang out with his ole dad any longer. So, he attempts online dating and that’s like shaking Pandora’s box he never knows what’s going to pop out and so far, it’s nothing good.
He receives a call from a potential client and agrees to meet her at her home, he's not above going to their homes anything to get them to sign a representation agreement and get the case rolling he's under the impression that this is product reliability issue, boy, when he finds out who this client wants to sue his heart, skips several beats! Melissa Bell, who's young son Danny was killed in that mass shooting that he heard about on the radio. She wants to sue the Tanguich Guns which happens to be homegrown Utah Company that has been around for many decades. The gun lobbyist has made these types of lawsuits impossible to even contemplate let along win. He tries to let her know this in the kindest way possible that he's not the right person for his job. She said he was the only one who would even speak to her and she's desperate, she doesn't want to get rich, she wants to get the high-powered assault weapons off the street.
Peter leaves her home with a heavy heart, he feels her pain but he's at a loss as what he can do. He consults with his good friend Jake, who gives him a little bit of guidance and so he agrees to try to help Ms. Bell with her case. Has he made a colossal mistake?
He gets farther than he ever dreamed but it gets extremely nasty, he finds himself questioning his decision at times but with the help of several fellow attorneys and a brilliant yet, questionable law clerk he preserves.
This is a classic David and Goliath story, I loved it. This is a fantastic legal thriller, you’ll find yourself flying through the pages. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but he’s got a new fan in this reader.
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion and the opinions I expressed above are my own.
He’s driving home from the office when he hears about a local mass shooting at an Elementary school. He quickly turns it off his life is full of bad news he doesn’t need anymore to way him down.
Peter is raising his 17-year-old son, Michael who is growing up and doing his own thing and he can't seem to wrap his head around this. His little buddy that he loved to hang out with is no longer wanting to hang out with his ole dad any longer. So, he attempts online dating and that’s like shaking Pandora’s box he never knows what’s going to pop out and so far, it’s nothing good.
He receives a call from a potential client and agrees to meet her at her home, he's not above going to their homes anything to get them to sign a representation agreement and get the case rolling he's under the impression that this is product reliability issue, boy, when he finds out who this client wants to sue his heart, skips several beats! Melissa Bell, who's young son Danny was killed in that mass shooting that he heard about on the radio. She wants to sue the Tanguich Guns which happens to be homegrown Utah Company that has been around for many decades. The gun lobbyist has made these types of lawsuits impossible to even contemplate let along win. He tries to let her know this in the kindest way possible that he's not the right person for his job. She said he was the only one who would even speak to her and she's desperate, she doesn't want to get rich, she wants to get the high-powered assault weapons off the street.
Peter leaves her home with a heavy heart, he feels her pain but he's at a loss as what he can do. He consults with his good friend Jake, who gives him a little bit of guidance and so he agrees to try to help Ms. Bell with her case. Has he made a colossal mistake?
He gets farther than he ever dreamed but it gets extremely nasty, he finds himself questioning his decision at times but with the help of several fellow attorneys and a brilliant yet, questionable law clerk he preserves.
This is a classic David and Goliath story, I loved it. This is a fantastic legal thriller, you’ll find yourself flying through the pages. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but he’s got a new fan in this reader.
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion and the opinions I expressed above are my own.
November 1, 2019
Out of the three Methos books I have read, this is currently my favourite so far. I suspect it will only be the case for the more liberally minded, the gun right will find the underlying principles and political message of the book to be actively hated. It is undeniably politically aimed at trying to raise awareness of the desperate need to gun control in America and the cost in children's lives.
Once more, this focuses on the underdog. In this case the grief stricken mother of a dead child, killed in a pointless mass shooting by an unstable young adult with the next best thing to an automatic rifle. Faced with the money and the influence of the pro gun lobbists and gun companies, it seems an impossible task for one man and a grieving mother... particularly when the opposition is willing to play hard ball.
This is an engaging and heartfelt read that offers striking facts and an emotional depth that is powerful and moving. The characters are well displayed and evolved, all of them human and falliable in their own ways and there is a nice balance between personal and professional throughout. All in all, this is an important message and Methos fictionalises it well. It's interesting to note that the truly only negative review of this book is all about the liberal 'trash' propaganda and another uncertain review is attacking the author not the novel... that says quite a lot in and of itself.
Once more, this focuses on the underdog. In this case the grief stricken mother of a dead child, killed in a pointless mass shooting by an unstable young adult with the next best thing to an automatic rifle. Faced with the money and the influence of the pro gun lobbists and gun companies, it seems an impossible task for one man and a grieving mother... particularly when the opposition is willing to play hard ball.
This is an engaging and heartfelt read that offers striking facts and an emotional depth that is powerful and moving. The characters are well displayed and evolved, all of them human and falliable in their own ways and there is a nice balance between personal and professional throughout. All in all, this is an important message and Methos fictionalises it well. It's interesting to note that the truly only negative review of this book is all about the liberal 'trash' propaganda and another uncertain review is attacking the author not the novel... that says quite a lot in and of itself.
May 31, 2021
I'm fairly certain The Shotgun Lawyer is going to make the people who feel they have every right to own assault weapons quite angry. This book has a timely message - VERY timely, as it seems as though lately there has been a mass shooting in the USA every week. I loved the humanity of Peter "Game" James. Faced with the money and the influence of the NRA and gun companies, Peter fights what is probably an impossible task for one man, his ex-fiance, and a grieving mother. Craig, who becomes Peter's law clerk, is a hoot!
The Shotgun Lawyer has a lot of heart, with bits of humor thrown in. I enjoyed seeing how Peter grew from a bit of a sleazy, over-the-top attorney to a man who simply wants to right a wrong.
I recommend it!
The Shotgun Lawyer has a lot of heart, with bits of humor thrown in. I enjoyed seeing how Peter grew from a bit of a sleazy, over-the-top attorney to a man who simply wants to right a wrong.
I recommend it!
January 18, 2021
David vs. Goliath
Review of the Thomas & Mercer Kindle eBook edition published simultaneously with the Thomas & Mercer hardcover (Oct. 2018)
I've now read several of Victor Methos' lawyer novels and The Shotgun Lawyer has definitely been the standout. Methos is extremely prolific with 30 works to his credit listed on Goodreads in less than 10 years. The several that I've read definitely borrow standard genre tropes and although The Shotgun Lawyer is no different in that respect, with its scuffling ambulance chaser lawyer up against a corporate behemoth defending the gun lobby, it still comes through as more realistic with its compromise ending. The cast of characters allied with the title character were all quirky and well drawn. The shark-like villain lawyer was entertaining as well.
Review of the Thomas & Mercer Kindle eBook edition published simultaneously with the Thomas & Mercer hardcover (Oct. 2018)
I've now read several of Victor Methos' lawyer novels and The Shotgun Lawyer has definitely been the standout. Methos is extremely prolific with 30 works to his credit listed on Goodreads in less than 10 years. The several that I've read definitely borrow standard genre tropes and although The Shotgun Lawyer is no different in that respect, with its scuffling ambulance chaser lawyer up against a corporate behemoth defending the gun lobby, it still comes through as more realistic with its compromise ending. The cast of characters allied with the title character were all quirky and well drawn. The shark-like villain lawyer was entertaining as well.
April 8, 2019
What a darn good read this was. Easily 4.5 stars. A lawyer that takes on the big guys...the big bullies and a subject so deeply polarizing...guns! Loved it.
November 10, 2018
First Sentence: This was it.
Peter Game is an ambulance chaser, a personal injury lawyer who takes the cases no one else will in order to make a quick buck, but who dreams of the big score. Melissa Bell is the mother of a 7-year-old school shooting victim. In spite of the law, Bell wants Peter to sue the manufacturer of the gun used to kill her son, six other children, and a teacher. Standing against Peter are the opposing attorney, Brennen Garvin, the gun lobbies, and the entire legal system.
Those who follow the discussions on gun laws and the rights of those directly or indirectly harmed by guns may know--"The law was clear: gun manufacturers were in no way responsible for what people did with their guns." Yet Game begins with the assertion that cases against gun manufacturers can be won—"These gun guys, what they're scared of is publicity, not having to pay out money. … if a lawyer goes to them and signs an NDS and keeps everything quiet, they'd rather settle than have another case in the papers. Even if they win."
Methos walks one down the path of how things happen, including the way in which those who shouldn't be able to buy guns are able to obtain them. He explains the whole process of strawmen, or scarecrows—people who go into stores and buy quantities of guns for people who can't legally purchase them.
Stories which deal with the law are fascinating but can also be confusing for non-lawyers. Methos explains each of the terms and aspects in a way which can be easily understood without slowing down the pace of the story.
This is such a wonderfully current book. It is one some people won't like and possibly may not read. But others will read it and cheer for the characters and the subject. The gamesmanship, from both sides of the aisle, that goes on is rather astonishing and not something about which the average person would even consider or be aware. If one is called to serve on a jury, which is a fascinating experience, one may look at it with different eyes.
Methos clearly conveys the nerves a lawyer may experience the night before a jury case. At the same time, he offsets it well with the complications in Peter's life. The situation with Peter's son provides a good balance to the focus on the legal case.
There is a well-done scene of Peter hitting bottom, surging to a "Rocky" moment, and being knocked down again. Things such as that truly humanize the character.
"The Shotgun Lawyer" is a terrific read with an ending which is realistic. The next time one is considering reading legal suspense, consider walking past the usual names and try Methos instead. He doesn't disappoint.
THE SHOTGUN LAWYER (LegalSusp-Peter Game (née James)-Utah-Contemp - VG
Methos, Victor - Standalone
Thomas & Mercer – Oct 2018
Peter Game is an ambulance chaser, a personal injury lawyer who takes the cases no one else will in order to make a quick buck, but who dreams of the big score. Melissa Bell is the mother of a 7-year-old school shooting victim. In spite of the law, Bell wants Peter to sue the manufacturer of the gun used to kill her son, six other children, and a teacher. Standing against Peter are the opposing attorney, Brennen Garvin, the gun lobbies, and the entire legal system.
Those who follow the discussions on gun laws and the rights of those directly or indirectly harmed by guns may know--"The law was clear: gun manufacturers were in no way responsible for what people did with their guns." Yet Game begins with the assertion that cases against gun manufacturers can be won—"These gun guys, what they're scared of is publicity, not having to pay out money. … if a lawyer goes to them and signs an NDS and keeps everything quiet, they'd rather settle than have another case in the papers. Even if they win."
Methos walks one down the path of how things happen, including the way in which those who shouldn't be able to buy guns are able to obtain them. He explains the whole process of strawmen, or scarecrows—people who go into stores and buy quantities of guns for people who can't legally purchase them.
Stories which deal with the law are fascinating but can also be confusing for non-lawyers. Methos explains each of the terms and aspects in a way which can be easily understood without slowing down the pace of the story.
This is such a wonderfully current book. It is one some people won't like and possibly may not read. But others will read it and cheer for the characters and the subject. The gamesmanship, from both sides of the aisle, that goes on is rather astonishing and not something about which the average person would even consider or be aware. If one is called to serve on a jury, which is a fascinating experience, one may look at it with different eyes.
Methos clearly conveys the nerves a lawyer may experience the night before a jury case. At the same time, he offsets it well with the complications in Peter's life. The situation with Peter's son provides a good balance to the focus on the legal case.
There is a well-done scene of Peter hitting bottom, surging to a "Rocky" moment, and being knocked down again. Things such as that truly humanize the character.
"The Shotgun Lawyer" is a terrific read with an ending which is realistic. The next time one is considering reading legal suspense, consider walking past the usual names and try Methos instead. He doesn't disappoint.
THE SHOTGUN LAWYER (LegalSusp-Peter Game (née James)-Utah-Contemp - VG
Methos, Victor - Standalone
Thomas & Mercer – Oct 2018
August 17, 2020
I had been looking for a good legal thriller for a while and this fits perfectly!He also has a blog which I will subscribe to.
March 28, 2022
2.5 Agenda Stars rounded down for preaching to much-
Victor Methos is an adept and clever writer in my opinion. His talent to weave intriguing stories has always made me eager to read his books.
This story focused on an attorney, who as a sole practioner doesn't roll in the money because he doesn't work eighty hours a week with some jerk telling him to bill even more hours. Instead, he picks and choses what he wants but at the same time is limited to smaller cases with less potential for a big payday until the mother of a child, killed in a school shooting knocks on his door. Now, he must be clever enough to breach the near impregable wall that protects gun manufactures.
Notice, if you have a gun, you won't like the direction this story takes. Methos creates numerous scenarios to paint anyone who votes in support of the gun lobby of lesser intelligence and also manages to portray anyone, who doesn't agree with all that mainstream media pushes as being "a tin foil hat wearer".
Those who have been reading my reviews for a while will know that this is what I call an agenda book. A story that is built around changing the minds of those who may be fence sitters on a matter that tends to have most people feeling strongly for or against a belief or practice. In this story, guns but especially assault rifles are demonized as are those who believe that they are okay to sell to the public.
As with Methos's past writings, he presents his arguments well, just as a lawyer would. He scored some points along the way, however, I hate being preached to and this left me cold. If I wanted to hear these talking points, I'd go to a political rally before an election. I came to be entertained and I didn't really care for the presentation.
Victor Methos is an adept and clever writer in my opinion. His talent to weave intriguing stories has always made me eager to read his books.
This story focused on an attorney, who as a sole practioner doesn't roll in the money because he doesn't work eighty hours a week with some jerk telling him to bill even more hours. Instead, he picks and choses what he wants but at the same time is limited to smaller cases with less potential for a big payday until the mother of a child, killed in a school shooting knocks on his door. Now, he must be clever enough to breach the near impregable wall that protects gun manufactures.
Notice, if you have a gun, you won't like the direction this story takes. Methos creates numerous scenarios to paint anyone who votes in support of the gun lobby of lesser intelligence and also manages to portray anyone, who doesn't agree with all that mainstream media pushes as being "a tin foil hat wearer".
Those who have been reading my reviews for a while will know that this is what I call an agenda book. A story that is built around changing the minds of those who may be fence sitters on a matter that tends to have most people feeling strongly for or against a belief or practice. In this story, guns but especially assault rifles are demonized as are those who believe that they are okay to sell to the public.
As with Methos's past writings, he presents his arguments well, just as a lawyer would. He scored some points along the way, however, I hate being preached to and this left me cold. If I wanted to hear these talking points, I'd go to a political rally before an election. I came to be entertained and I didn't really care for the presentation.
November 18, 2023
Lawyer Choices
This was an interesting story about guns and gun laws. Great information. The characters are lively and likeable. The storyline has much to teach about things I hadn't thought that deeply into. All said, I loved reading this book.
This was an interesting story about guns and gun laws. Great information. The characters are lively and likeable. The storyline has much to teach about things I hadn't thought that deeply into. All said, I loved reading this book.
January 31, 2021
Audio, well narrated.
I like the author's books, legal thrillers with sometimes too much courtroom talk, but in general well paced. But this one - I pass. I am walking around doing chores and mutter (loudly) every few minutes: "How can you blame a gun manufacturer for a murder committed by one of their guns?"
Even if the money extorted from the company is given to groups against gun violence - it is still extortion. I agree that gun-laws need to be more strict, but this is not a fair way to go about it. DNF'd!
I like the author's books, legal thrillers with sometimes too much courtroom talk, but in general well paced. But this one - I pass. I am walking around doing chores and mutter (loudly) every few minutes: "How can you blame a gun manufacturer for a murder committed by one of their guns?"
Even if the money extorted from the company is given to groups against gun violence - it is still extortion. I agree that gun-laws need to be more strict, but this is not a fair way to go about it. DNF'd!
September 3, 2024
An excellent legal thriller. The case was more engaging than usual in this genre. Really hope he makes this a series. 5 stars.
October 23, 2018
GNab We have another excellent novel from Victor Methos. I enjoy the way we are steered through the intricacies of the legal shenanigans our legal eagle Peter Game gets up to, and the fact that Peter Game is just holding on by the seat of his pants, hoping for that retirement case to come along. Yet he still leads with his heart. A good, fast read though some of the good guys are anything but.
I received a free electronic copy of this legal novel from Netgalley, Victor Methos, and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Oct 23, 2018
Thomas & Mercer
I received a free electronic copy of this legal novel from Netgalley, Victor Methos, and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Oct 23, 2018
Thomas & Mercer
August 16, 2019
Great book
Because it was exciting and hard to put down. He really put depth into his characters and it was a really good read.
Because it was exciting and hard to put down. He really put depth into his characters and it was a really good read.
March 4, 2023
3.5 This was entertaining fast-paced legal thriller.
I have a soft spot for courtroom drama and i really enjoyed this one, however, there is something missing.
The characters are well written, the idea about it was really nice, the writing was incredible, however, the plot was lacking more suspense, and the few twists were not build up well and when they happened, it is not much shocking to my likings, although, it might be intentional for the sensitive case that they discussing, which a school mass shouting and fighting a gun manufacturer.
Overall, it was entertaining, informative and i am definitely picking up another book from this author.
I have a soft spot for courtroom drama and i really enjoyed this one, however, there is something missing.
The characters are well written, the idea about it was really nice, the writing was incredible, however, the plot was lacking more suspense, and the few twists were not build up well and when they happened, it is not much shocking to my likings, although, it might be intentional for the sensitive case that they discussing, which a school mass shouting and fighting a gun manufacturer.
Overall, it was entertaining, informative and i am definitely picking up another book from this author.
November 6, 2019
4.5 stars. Serious topic but this lawyer and his entourage are a hoot!
April 20, 2023
Shotgun Lawyers: Like the spread of buckshot, we take everything, hoping at least one hit it's target and makes us some big money.
'"You can never predict how far the ripples in a pond will go once you've tossed in the pebble."'
Once again, another Methos book read and very much enjoyed! I can never go wrong with picking up a lawyer book written by this guy. I loved the characters and the topic for this (though very sensitive and upsetting) raised some good points for both gun lovers and anti-gun people.
'Hope is a terrible thing. The longer you have it, the more it hurts when you lose it.'
'"Imagine doing surgery while another surgeon yells at you and tries to undo your surgery while you're doing it. That's what being a lawyer is like."'
'"You can never predict how far the ripples in a pond will go once you've tossed in the pebble."'
Once again, another Methos book read and very much enjoyed! I can never go wrong with picking up a lawyer book written by this guy. I loved the characters and the topic for this (though very sensitive and upsetting) raised some good points for both gun lovers and anti-gun people.
'Hope is a terrible thing. The longer you have it, the more it hurts when you lose it.'
'"Imagine doing surgery while another surgeon yells at you and tries to undo your surgery while you're doing it. That's what being a lawyer is like."'
February 10, 2019
The F2F mystery group that I attend selected The Shotgun Lawyer by Victor Methos to discuss at their upcoming meeting in March. I wanted to make sure I read it on time. So I started this legal thriller at my first opportunity, when I had free time between review commitments, in February. I purchased it on Amazon, and this is my review.
I saw a review from someone on Goodreads who raked this author over the coals. He read the bio included with the book which stated that he practiced law in Utah. That Goodreads reviewer said that he couldn't find a lawyer in Utah named Victor Methos. There's a simple explanation. Victor Methos is a pseudonym.
For much of the novel I felt like I needed to have a great deal of patience with Peter Game. I had expected him to be ethically challenged considering the type of law that he originally practiced, but he also made dangerous mistakes that showed a total lack of judgment. I came to the realization that he had no sense of his own value as a human being. Peter Game would only change when he became convinced that he was worthwhile. His school shooting case did provide him with an opportunity to achieve self-respect.
Characterization in The Shotgun Lawyer was nuanced and believable. I was blown away by the number of deeply honest and powerful scenes throughout this novel.
The Shotgun Lawyer is one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read. I expect it to be in my top ten reads at the end of 2019.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
I saw a review from someone on Goodreads who raked this author over the coals. He read the bio included with the book which stated that he practiced law in Utah. That Goodreads reviewer said that he couldn't find a lawyer in Utah named Victor Methos. There's a simple explanation. Victor Methos is a pseudonym.
For much of the novel I felt like I needed to have a great deal of patience with Peter Game. I had expected him to be ethically challenged considering the type of law that he originally practiced, but he also made dangerous mistakes that showed a total lack of judgment. I came to the realization that he had no sense of his own value as a human being. Peter Game would only change when he became convinced that he was worthwhile. His school shooting case did provide him with an opportunity to achieve self-respect.
Characterization in The Shotgun Lawyer was nuanced and believable. I was blown away by the number of deeply honest and powerful scenes throughout this novel.
The Shotgun Lawyer is one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read. I expect it to be in my top ten reads at the end of 2019.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
September 23, 2018
Known for his cynical, often unethical, reputation, personal injury attorney Peter Game will take any case. He’s a bit of a rogue whose sole interest is in making money. He’s out to make a name for himself, hoping for that one big case that will bring him fame . . . and then piles of money will come his way.
What comes his way is Melissa Bell, a grieving mother who lost her seven-year-old son, Danny, in a school shooting. She wants justice for her son; she wants to sue the manufacturer of the automatic weapon used to murder the children and their teachers.
Peter faces an uphill battle: a brilliant opposition lawyer with access to the company’s deep pockets and a legal system influenced by powerful gun lobbies. It may be the case of a lifetime . . . if Peter can find a way to make the rules work in his favor. But Peter soon finds himself more concerned with justice for Melissa and her young son . . . even though he may lose everything.
Interesting characters and a timely plot unite to deliver a strong, first-rate story. Unexpected twists play on the emotions and keep the tension mounting as the narrative unfolds. It’s an unputdownable, quick read, guaranteed to keep the reader rooting for justice until the final page is turned.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this Advance Reader’s eBook from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley
#TheShotgunLawyer #NetGalley
What comes his way is Melissa Bell, a grieving mother who lost her seven-year-old son, Danny, in a school shooting. She wants justice for her son; she wants to sue the manufacturer of the automatic weapon used to murder the children and their teachers.
Peter faces an uphill battle: a brilliant opposition lawyer with access to the company’s deep pockets and a legal system influenced by powerful gun lobbies. It may be the case of a lifetime . . . if Peter can find a way to make the rules work in his favor. But Peter soon finds himself more concerned with justice for Melissa and her young son . . . even though he may lose everything.
Interesting characters and a timely plot unite to deliver a strong, first-rate story. Unexpected twists play on the emotions and keep the tension mounting as the narrative unfolds. It’s an unputdownable, quick read, guaranteed to keep the reader rooting for justice until the final page is turned.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this Advance Reader’s eBook from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley
#TheShotgunLawyer #NetGalley
August 22, 2019
Can a gun manufacturer be held liable for a mass shooting attack? It seems an obvious no, yet the question makes for an interesting discussion and introduction to the legal issues involved. Much is explained about how military guns get into civilian circulation and how the NRA at this time has the courts on its side. The United States Supreme Court has basically said it is unconstitutional and immoral to make gun companies responsible for the actions of gun owners.
I couldn't warm up to the lawyer. Food, food, food. He is constantly gorging on burgers and burritos while it shoots on somebody's clothes. He continuously use juvenile below the belt language such as d**khead, a-hole, pr**k; even in calm conversation with his girlfriend. Every time court sessions begin the lawyers flip each other off. Too juvenile. Finally, are you a sinner? or a saint? Now you're the lifelong hustler who refuses to take pay?
I couldn't warm up to the lawyer. Food, food, food. He is constantly gorging on burgers and burritos while it shoots on somebody's clothes. He continuously use juvenile below the belt language such as d**khead, a-hole, pr**k; even in calm conversation with his girlfriend. Every time court sessions begin the lawyers flip each other off. Too juvenile. Finally, are you a sinner? or a saint? Now you're the lifelong hustler who refuses to take pay?
October 15, 2018
I was able to read this book via Net Galley.
The storyline of this book involves a mass shooting at an elementary school. The mother of one of the fallen children wants to sue the gun company that manufactured the weapon used to kill her son.
Interesting characters and a timely plot unite to deliver a strong, first-rate story. Unexpected twists play on the emotions and keep the tension mounting as the narrative unfolds. It’s an unputdownable, quick read, guaranteed to keep the reader rooting for justice until the final page is turned.
Highly recommended.
The storyline of this book involves a mass shooting at an elementary school. The mother of one of the fallen children wants to sue the gun company that manufactured the weapon used to kill her son.
Interesting characters and a timely plot unite to deliver a strong, first-rate story. Unexpected twists play on the emotions and keep the tension mounting as the narrative unfolds. It’s an unputdownable, quick read, guaranteed to keep the reader rooting for justice until the final page is turned.
Highly recommended.
January 11, 2020
Shallow Characters, Lame Plot, Gross Courtroom Inaccuracies
I wanted to like this book, but I ended up skimming the last quarter in boredom. The courtroom opening statement by the plaintiff was not at all believable, with litigation 101 faux pax abounding (for example - it would be an instant mistrial for an attorney to ask a jury to imagine the tort I question being perpetrated on them). I really can't be bothered to further elaborate. Reads this POS at your own risk.
I wanted to like this book, but I ended up skimming the last quarter in boredom. The courtroom opening statement by the plaintiff was not at all believable, with litigation 101 faux pax abounding (for example - it would be an instant mistrial for an attorney to ask a jury to imagine the tort I question being perpetrated on them). I really can't be bothered to further elaborate. Reads this POS at your own risk.
January 9, 2019
I always like books by this author. This story was different , as it was about a very controversial subject, guns. Very to the point and left the reader with a lot to think about. The power of gun lobbyist and companies is very real.
August 1, 2021
Such a good read! Believable characters, a heartbreaking case, suspense and enough twists and turns to keep me glued to the book til the very last page.
January 14, 2020
Personal Response:
I think Victor Methos does a very good job captivating many audiences. I think the name of this book, The Shotgun Lawyer , really is a perfect name for this book cover to cover. This is proven because of the main character, The Shotgun Lawyer, takes shots at big companies in lawsuits. The author does an amazing job of showing how different every person handles the greed of Corporations. My favorite part of the book is how the main character, Pete has such a different mindset on life because he goes against the “norm” and fights big companies. It also amazes me how many people are willing to let the big companies push them around. I like how this book is very fast-paced with a lot going on at any time.
Plot:
This book is about everyone spending their entire life accepting that corporations rule until some “nobody” Fights back. Pete has many difficulties fighting back because he does not have the resources or money of the big firms that the corporations use. The reason he can fight the corporate companies is that he can get donations from people through a go fund me. After the death of Melissa’s son during a school shooting, she hires Pete to do the impossible and sew the gun company for the sale of the military-grade weapons. Melissa struggles to understand how the gun company is not responsible according to the law. The first thing Pete does is finds a different way to approach the lawsuit after he realizes the gun company will not settle. Now with the gun company scared, they are trying to do anything to stop the lawsuit.
Characterization:
The book is told in the third person. The main characters are: Pete, Melissa, Craig, and Kelly. Their characters experience many hard decisions that most cannot relate to such as, trying to figure out whether to risk financial stability to do the “right thing.” They handle the pressure as best as they can and finds ways to cope with the harshness of their lives.
Melissa only has one goal to make the gun company hurt the way she does. The gun company is the antagonist because it is greedy and plays dirty. While Pete, The Shotgun Layer, is the protagonist because he fights against the Greedy gun company to help a grieving mother: Melissa.
Setting:
The Shotgun Lawyer takes place in Utah. The setting is not important to the storyline because lawsuits can be filed anywhere. There are references to places where Pete’s ex-wife lives. Pete rarely talks about the life he lived before the lawsuit. The tense is in the present; it is significant because the issues discussed are impacting people today.
Thematic Connection:
There are a lot of themes in The Shotgun Lawyer, but the main one is to do what is right even if it does not benefit someone financially. This is evident when Pete spends his life searching for the case that will make him rich but then realizes that is not what makes him happy.
Recommendation:
I would recommend The Shotgun Lawyer to tenth grade and beyond who are interested in realistic thrillers because the storyline is complex and may be hard for middle school to comprehend. Both males and females will enjoy this book even though the main character is male because the concepts are not gender-based. It also has a universal subject matter and relatable characters.
I think Victor Methos does a very good job captivating many audiences. I think the name of this book, The Shotgun Lawyer , really is a perfect name for this book cover to cover. This is proven because of the main character, The Shotgun Lawyer, takes shots at big companies in lawsuits. The author does an amazing job of showing how different every person handles the greed of Corporations. My favorite part of the book is how the main character, Pete has such a different mindset on life because he goes against the “norm” and fights big companies. It also amazes me how many people are willing to let the big companies push them around. I like how this book is very fast-paced with a lot going on at any time.
Plot:
This book is about everyone spending their entire life accepting that corporations rule until some “nobody” Fights back. Pete has many difficulties fighting back because he does not have the resources or money of the big firms that the corporations use. The reason he can fight the corporate companies is that he can get donations from people through a go fund me. After the death of Melissa’s son during a school shooting, she hires Pete to do the impossible and sew the gun company for the sale of the military-grade weapons. Melissa struggles to understand how the gun company is not responsible according to the law. The first thing Pete does is finds a different way to approach the lawsuit after he realizes the gun company will not settle. Now with the gun company scared, they are trying to do anything to stop the lawsuit.
Characterization:
The book is told in the third person. The main characters are: Pete, Melissa, Craig, and Kelly. Their characters experience many hard decisions that most cannot relate to such as, trying to figure out whether to risk financial stability to do the “right thing.” They handle the pressure as best as they can and finds ways to cope with the harshness of their lives.
Melissa only has one goal to make the gun company hurt the way she does. The gun company is the antagonist because it is greedy and plays dirty. While Pete, The Shotgun Layer, is the protagonist because he fights against the Greedy gun company to help a grieving mother: Melissa.
Setting:
The Shotgun Lawyer takes place in Utah. The setting is not important to the storyline because lawsuits can be filed anywhere. There are references to places where Pete’s ex-wife lives. Pete rarely talks about the life he lived before the lawsuit. The tense is in the present; it is significant because the issues discussed are impacting people today.
Thematic Connection:
There are a lot of themes in The Shotgun Lawyer, but the main one is to do what is right even if it does not benefit someone financially. This is evident when Pete spends his life searching for the case that will make him rich but then realizes that is not what makes him happy.
Recommendation:
I would recommend The Shotgun Lawyer to tenth grade and beyond who are interested in realistic thrillers because the storyline is complex and may be hard for middle school to comprehend. Both males and females will enjoy this book even though the main character is male because the concepts are not gender-based. It also has a universal subject matter and relatable characters.
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