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Rogue Divorce Lawyer: A Legal Thriller
[AUDIOBOOK AVAILABLE]
Depravity escalates to murder. “Great psychological thriller.” “Author truly gifted.” “Real life characters you can’t forget.”
[ Sexual Subject Matter ~ Some Necessarily Explicit ~ Mature Readers]
Based on a real "Me Too" case—for decades divorce lawyer Gary Stockton sexually harasses, abuses, and subjugates his "special" female clients. After his legal bills drain their money, the quid pro quo for his continued work becomes their bodies. To him, they are the perks of his practice. When Stockton's criminal depravity escalates to murder, this new craving leads to a shocking trial. A pillar of the community, this rogue divorce lawyer is unstoppable until a new client Eliana Thurston walks into his office—his lair.
Depravity escalates to murder. “Great psychological thriller.” “Author truly gifted.” “Real life characters you can’t forget.”
[ Sexual Subject Matter ~ Some Necessarily Explicit ~ Mature Readers]
Based on a real "Me Too" case—for decades divorce lawyer Gary Stockton sexually harasses, abuses, and subjugates his "special" female clients. After his legal bills drain their money, the quid pro quo for his continued work becomes their bodies. To him, they are the perks of his practice. When Stockton's criminal depravity escalates to murder, this new craving leads to a shocking trial. A pillar of the community, this rogue divorce lawyer is unstoppable until a new client Eliana Thurston walks into his office—his lair.
312 pages, ebook
First published January 23, 2018
37 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Dale E. Manolakas
14 books180 followersIt was author Ray Bradbury's friendship and encouragement that finally inspired Dale E. Manolakas to pursue writing as a career.
Bestselling legal thriller author Dale E. Manolakas earned her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles, and M.A., M.S., Ph.D. and J.D. degrees from the University of Southern California. She is a member of the California Bar, had the privilege of clerking for The Honorable Arthur L. Alarcón at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, was a litigator in two major Los Angeles law firms, senior appellate attorney at the California Court of Appeals, and an Administrative Law Judge. She is a also a member of both Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Authors Official Website https://dalemanolakas.com
YouTube Book Trailers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCac1...
Audiobooks and Books on ~ Kobo, Amazon, Google, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple, Audiobooks, ACX
HOLLYWOOD PLAYS FOR KEEPS
LETHAL LAWYERS
DEATH SETS SAIL
THE GUN TRIAL
HOLLYWOOD ON TRIAL
ROGUE DIVORCE LAWYER
Bestselling legal thriller author Dale E. Manolakas earned her B.A. from the University of California at Los Angeles, and M.A., M.S., Ph.D. and J.D. degrees from the University of Southern California. She is a member of the California Bar, had the privilege of clerking for The Honorable Arthur L. Alarcón at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, was a litigator in two major Los Angeles law firms, senior appellate attorney at the California Court of Appeals, and an Administrative Law Judge. She is a also a member of both Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Authors Official Website https://dalemanolakas.com
YouTube Book Trailers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCac1...
Audiobooks and Books on ~ Kobo, Amazon, Google, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple, Audiobooks, ACX
HOLLYWOOD PLAYS FOR KEEPS
LETHAL LAWYERS
DEATH SETS SAIL
THE GUN TRIAL
HOLLYWOOD ON TRIAL
ROGUE DIVORCE LAWYER
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 20, 2018
Exciting story.
Author created and wrote about rogue divorce lawyer, story was based on real case. Do hate these narcissists characters, they really don't care about anybody, other than their wants and needs. Use already humiliated women by their husbands, to satisfy their needs sexually and financially.
Author created and wrote about rogue divorce lawyer, story was based on real case. Do hate these narcissists characters, they really don't care about anybody, other than their wants and needs. Use already humiliated women by their husbands, to satisfy their needs sexually and financially.
February 22, 2018
Sexual Harassment, prevalent at this time, takes control of an attorney
This is an interesting legal story, as a lawyer takes his job as a divorce lawyer to women to unthinkable heights. A very good psychological thriller , as it shows that sexual harassment invades all employees of all jobs.
There is quite a large amount of sexual discussion throughout the story, a little too much for my liking, but the plot pulls you along with the poor women who are out of money and enticed by their lawyer to use their bodies as payment.
We learn how many ways this unscrupulous lawyer pads bills, billing double for some things and for other things he has never actually done!
A great read that makes you think of events happening today!
I received a copy of this story from the author and thank her as I am able to give you my thoughts!
This is an interesting legal story, as a lawyer takes his job as a divorce lawyer to women to unthinkable heights. A very good psychological thriller , as it shows that sexual harassment invades all employees of all jobs.
There is quite a large amount of sexual discussion throughout the story, a little too much for my liking, but the plot pulls you along with the poor women who are out of money and enticed by their lawyer to use their bodies as payment.
We learn how many ways this unscrupulous lawyer pads bills, billing double for some things and for other things he has never actually done!
A great read that makes you think of events happening today!
I received a copy of this story from the author and thank her as I am able to give you my thoughts!
March 18, 2018
Title: Rogue Divorce Lawyer
Author: Dale E. Manolakas
Publisher: Dale E. Manolakas
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Rogue Divorce Lawyer" by Dale E. Manolakas
My Thoughts....
What a read about a divorce lawyer who takes his job to some 'unthinkable heights.' We find that is story was actually based on a true real case...YES, this actually happened!
I found this read not only a mystery thriller but also a psychological thriller that shows how sexual harassment can invade all kinds of employees of all jobs I was somewhat surprised at how much a person was taken advantage of by a lawyer where they will use their bodies as payment for work that many times hadn't been done. What a read that this one turns out to be. Its the story of 'one divorce lawyer from the California area who abused his position and female clients for his own gratification.' "He tries flattery first, then when they run out of money he uses their fear and ignorance of the law to scare them into giving in to his depraved sex life." We also find he also set up a guy for murderer too, a borderline rapist and a coward!
This is definitely one of those reads that will keep you turning the pages until the end and then still leaving you shaking your head and saying Wow! This is one read that will make you think of just what is going on in TODAY's world!
Author: Dale E. Manolakas
Publisher: Dale E. Manolakas
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Rogue Divorce Lawyer" by Dale E. Manolakas
My Thoughts....
What a read about a divorce lawyer who takes his job to some 'unthinkable heights.' We find that is story was actually based on a true real case...YES, this actually happened!
I found this read not only a mystery thriller but also a psychological thriller that shows how sexual harassment can invade all kinds of employees of all jobs I was somewhat surprised at how much a person was taken advantage of by a lawyer where they will use their bodies as payment for work that many times hadn't been done. What a read that this one turns out to be. Its the story of 'one divorce lawyer from the California area who abused his position and female clients for his own gratification.' "He tries flattery first, then when they run out of money he uses their fear and ignorance of the law to scare them into giving in to his depraved sex life." We also find he also set up a guy for murderer too, a borderline rapist and a coward!
This is definitely one of those reads that will keep you turning the pages until the end and then still leaving you shaking your head and saying Wow! This is one read that will make you think of just what is going on in TODAY's world!
August 1, 2018
Rogue Defense Lawyer by Dale E. Manolakas will appeal to readers on three levels. Published in January 2018, this novel adds another element to discussions about sexual crimes against females. Who do victims go to for redress? Lawyers. But don’t go to this lawyer or any of the colleagues he met on a regular basis to discuss (brag about?) clients. Second, this is a novel based on true events. In the preface, an appellate court case number is cited in support of factual elements. The fictional element comes in when Manolakas details what may have been the thoughts and rationalizations of lawyer Gary Stockton. They follow logically from his actions but who can know what goes on in the mind of people? There may have been thoughts much darker than those portrayed in this work. Third, the title will appeal to any readers who have had unfortunate experiences with lawyers. Depending on the length of time spent on the planet, that is a large number of people.
The writing in this novel was so interesting I wanted to know more about the author. Her biography on her Amazon author page is outstanding. Getting past all the degrees and her legal experience, a senior appellate attorney at the California Court of Appeals and an Administrative Law Judge, she wrote with the encouragement of Ray Bradbury. Not to take away from her skills as a writer; I am sure he must have contributed something that resulted in such a captivating writing style. She has written four other novels which I will read. I find her to be the most interesting legal thriller since John Grisham. No one should be surprised that I give this novel five Amazon stars and highly recommend it for fans of legal thrillers.
As good as it is, readers may have questions after the novel’s conclusion. Gary Stockton sexually abused clients, falsified billings to the point that the actions were obviously crimes, not mistakes, and killed a few people along the way. Manolakas does not completely cover the last point. How was it determined that he killed people? One of the killings, an execution performed as a result of his knowledgeable inaction, is clear and documented but proof of others is missing. That does not take away from the novel; it is just a question I have.
A description of Gary Stockton includes all the worst stereotypes used to depict lawyers. Sleaze, ambulance chaser, and bottom feeder are popular labels that all fit Stockton. Manolakas describes how some lawyers, specifically Stockton, target vulnerable clients; targets already under emotional distress compounded by their economic situation, an inability to pay. It did not matter how much money the clients had, Stockton would drain the escrow accounts in which retainers were deposited. For me, a retainer of 25 000 USD is a large amount. Eliana Thurston is a central figure in this story and that is the amount she advanced to lawyer Stockton. (I presume names were changed in some cases). Manolakas focuses on Eliana’s account and describes other cases with similar backgrounds.
Eliana only had one thing going for her. Her sister, Angela, had a lawyer live-in boyfriend, Kurt Cobain Townsend. (Really? Maybe this is one of the changed names). Kurt was a lawyer in a highly prestigious firm that did not take cases such as Eliana’s. But surely Kurt could help, could give Eliana advice. Kurt was unwilling to do this, fearing the distraction would take away from his billable hours at his firm. Doesn’t it feel like Kurt, with a job at a high-flying prestigious firm, did similar things that Stockton did as far as creative billing is concerned? Stockton just carried it further to include murder. Eliana’s constant, almost nagging appeals to Angela produced constant, almost nagging appeals to Kurt and the story becomes a complex story of relationships forced and voluntary.
Eliana’s appeal to a respectable lawyer did not slow Gary down. He seems almost ignorant of threats to his central focus, one that is common to a sexual predator. Stockton kept trophies in his office of sexual encounters in the office and elsewhere. Clients had filled out questionnaires about their sexual history, information supposedly needed in support of abuse for a divorce proceeding. Stockton had a “stable” of unwilling sexual partners, women who acceded to his advances faced with the threat of his dropping their case. But Eliana was constant in her refusal to play. Her story of struggles to obtain justice or at least decent treatment as a human being is inspiring.
This is more than good. I highly recommend it. Most Manolakas novels, not the bundled novels, are available for a free read through Kindle Unlimited. The sale price is typically (not all) USD 4.99 for single novels.
The writing in this novel was so interesting I wanted to know more about the author. Her biography on her Amazon author page is outstanding. Getting past all the degrees and her legal experience, a senior appellate attorney at the California Court of Appeals and an Administrative Law Judge, she wrote with the encouragement of Ray Bradbury. Not to take away from her skills as a writer; I am sure he must have contributed something that resulted in such a captivating writing style. She has written four other novels which I will read. I find her to be the most interesting legal thriller since John Grisham. No one should be surprised that I give this novel five Amazon stars and highly recommend it for fans of legal thrillers.
As good as it is, readers may have questions after the novel’s conclusion. Gary Stockton sexually abused clients, falsified billings to the point that the actions were obviously crimes, not mistakes, and killed a few people along the way. Manolakas does not completely cover the last point. How was it determined that he killed people? One of the killings, an execution performed as a result of his knowledgeable inaction, is clear and documented but proof of others is missing. That does not take away from the novel; it is just a question I have.
A description of Gary Stockton includes all the worst stereotypes used to depict lawyers. Sleaze, ambulance chaser, and bottom feeder are popular labels that all fit Stockton. Manolakas describes how some lawyers, specifically Stockton, target vulnerable clients; targets already under emotional distress compounded by their economic situation, an inability to pay. It did not matter how much money the clients had, Stockton would drain the escrow accounts in which retainers were deposited. For me, a retainer of 25 000 USD is a large amount. Eliana Thurston is a central figure in this story and that is the amount she advanced to lawyer Stockton. (I presume names were changed in some cases). Manolakas focuses on Eliana’s account and describes other cases with similar backgrounds.
Eliana only had one thing going for her. Her sister, Angela, had a lawyer live-in boyfriend, Kurt Cobain Townsend. (Really? Maybe this is one of the changed names). Kurt was a lawyer in a highly prestigious firm that did not take cases such as Eliana’s. But surely Kurt could help, could give Eliana advice. Kurt was unwilling to do this, fearing the distraction would take away from his billable hours at his firm. Doesn’t it feel like Kurt, with a job at a high-flying prestigious firm, did similar things that Stockton did as far as creative billing is concerned? Stockton just carried it further to include murder. Eliana’s constant, almost nagging appeals to Angela produced constant, almost nagging appeals to Kurt and the story becomes a complex story of relationships forced and voluntary.
Eliana’s appeal to a respectable lawyer did not slow Gary down. He seems almost ignorant of threats to his central focus, one that is common to a sexual predator. Stockton kept trophies in his office of sexual encounters in the office and elsewhere. Clients had filled out questionnaires about their sexual history, information supposedly needed in support of abuse for a divorce proceeding. Stockton had a “stable” of unwilling sexual partners, women who acceded to his advances faced with the threat of his dropping their case. But Eliana was constant in her refusal to play. Her story of struggles to obtain justice or at least decent treatment as a human being is inspiring.
This is more than good. I highly recommend it. Most Manolakas novels, not the bundled novels, are available for a free read through Kindle Unlimited. The sale price is typically (not all) USD 4.99 for single novels.
March 9, 2018
This is NOT a lawyer joke!
WOW! I'm like a lot of folks, in that my few encounters with the judicial system have impressed me with how painfully unjust it can be. After reading this ARC - my thanks to the author - I'm stunned at the level of corruption and cronyism she portrays, but, by Hannah, this is one heck of a novel. That it's based on actual events simply blows my mind, but even if half of the sleaze and skullduggery is exaggerated, those events and the people who perpetrated them are frightening in their amorality. This is the story of one divorce lawyer in one California city who abused his position and his female clients for his own personal gratification. He's a sociopath, and his twisted justifications and excuses allow him to get away with it for decades, while his outward appearance as pillar-of-the-community and well-regarded attorney appeal to the complacency and play into the self-serving goals of his associates, his employees, and even his family. His eventual devolution into a social and professional pariah is far from a cut-and-dried process. The same hubris and self-serving manipulation he displays are also evident in many of his colleagues, and the suspense of his escalating crimes is as intense as the outrage provoked by the ineptitude and/or prejudices of those involved in bringing him down. This story is riveting, both a a crime thriller and as a study in culturally sanctioned amorality. The author's obvious familiarity with the inner workings of the justice system lend authority to her writing, and her meticulously detailed timeline and descriptions of events contribute to the mood of inevitable reckoning that runs through the book. Her terse epilogue offers closure to the case, but no reassurance that such evils can never again defile the halls of justice. It's my voluntary, independent, and personal opinion that Rogue Divorce Lawyer is a fine morality play for the 21st century, and a really fascinating read.
WOW! I'm like a lot of folks, in that my few encounters with the judicial system have impressed me with how painfully unjust it can be. After reading this ARC - my thanks to the author - I'm stunned at the level of corruption and cronyism she portrays, but, by Hannah, this is one heck of a novel. That it's based on actual events simply blows my mind, but even if half of the sleaze and skullduggery is exaggerated, those events and the people who perpetrated them are frightening in their amorality. This is the story of one divorce lawyer in one California city who abused his position and his female clients for his own personal gratification. He's a sociopath, and his twisted justifications and excuses allow him to get away with it for decades, while his outward appearance as pillar-of-the-community and well-regarded attorney appeal to the complacency and play into the self-serving goals of his associates, his employees, and even his family. His eventual devolution into a social and professional pariah is far from a cut-and-dried process. The same hubris and self-serving manipulation he displays are also evident in many of his colleagues, and the suspense of his escalating crimes is as intense as the outrage provoked by the ineptitude and/or prejudices of those involved in bringing him down. This story is riveting, both a a crime thriller and as a study in culturally sanctioned amorality. The author's obvious familiarity with the inner workings of the justice system lend authority to her writing, and her meticulously detailed timeline and descriptions of events contribute to the mood of inevitable reckoning that runs through the book. Her terse epilogue offers closure to the case, but no reassurance that such evils can never again defile the halls of justice. It's my voluntary, independent, and personal opinion that Rogue Divorce Lawyer is a fine morality play for the 21st century, and a really fascinating read.
August 5, 2021
This is a fascinating legal thriller that only the author could write. It is the story of an actual legal case that the author describes fictionally in lucid detail because of her extensive legal experience. The insidious dynamics and motivations of players in the legal profession--lawyers, prosecutors, judges--are all presented in engaging detail. In addition to being a legal thriller, it is a very insightful exploration of interpersonal relationships, dynamics of the impacts of childhood abuse and neglect, multiple impacts of ethnic conflicts and dynamics. The setting in the Inland Empire of San Bernardino, California, the "step-sibling" in the shadow of glamourous Los Angeles adds even more interesting dynamics to the story. The ending, while predictable, is not the focus; instead it is the details along the way. The author's masterful way with words make this a very worthwhile read, although not really light-hearted bedtime reading.
February 12, 2019
This is the first Dale Manolakas novel that I read. Totally believable with all the family complications you can possibly think of but that you can appreciate just the same. Two very different law firms involved with the same client after 1 sister complains to the other about the behaviour of her divorce lawyer. Her sister happens to live with a lawyer who works for a very prestigious firm & of course, she pressures her other half to meet with & help her sister. What follows & the amount of betrayal involved is intriguing. You may get angry with the legal proceedings like I did but you'll want to keep reading until it's finished. I'm reading another book by Dale in the same series & wish I had more time to read. I recommend this book.
September 9, 2018
The book could have benefited from spelling, punctuation and grammatical proofing. There were no likable or redeeming characters in the story; I truly hope the judicial profession and jurists are in no way similar to their representation. The book suffered from repetition, over-description and unnecessary plot lines. The story could have been told in half the pages. The premise, unfortunately, is very real and sexual predators fill our headlines too frequently. The "sex scenes" in this book left me feeling dirty and disgusted. This is not one of my favorite books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2018
This book is based on a real case. There is all kinds of things that go on in different jobs that most people don't know about. With the times the way they are now, this book is quite fitting. The writing is superb. It draws you into the story and makes you feel all the emotions going on ... both good and bad. An excellent story!!!! I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed this book. the review is my own opinion.
April 3, 2018
Sex, gore and greed....if that appeals to you....enjoy!
Truly a graphic and insightful look into what kind of people one can encounter in the real world.......I could not finish the book, it was too much sex, gore, greed and violence for me...I do not doubt the reality of some of the things all the people went through but it saddens me that anyone knows so much about this kind of thing to be able to write about it....I choose not to learn more about these kinds of things.
Truly a graphic and insightful look into what kind of people one can encounter in the real world.......I could not finish the book, it was too much sex, gore, greed and violence for me...I do not doubt the reality of some of the things all the people went through but it saddens me that anyone knows so much about this kind of thing to be able to write about it....I choose not to learn more about these kinds of things.
March 20, 2018
Not really sure how to sum this into a review... After reading this book, I was left in complete disbelief, complete aww... and my mind has tried to wrap itself around it all. This book is a thrill but one you do need to tried lightly into reading due to some of the nature of it. This for me was an upmost page turner!
February 9, 2018
A timely story, given the issues this book refers to, and an enthralling reading, this legal thriller will keep you reading until the very end.
A very good writing, compelling plot (and one based on true facts), and a great attention to details make this a recommended read.
A very good writing, compelling plot (and one based on true facts), and a great attention to details make this a recommended read.
November 3, 2018
A totally corrupt divorce lawyer......
What a sleazebag of a lawyer - I hope these only exist in the author’s imagination, though I suspect not. Gripping story, well told. Highly recommended to anyone enjoying legal thrillers.
What a sleazebag of a lawyer - I hope these only exist in the author’s imagination, though I suspect not. Gripping story, well told. Highly recommended to anyone enjoying legal thrillers.
June 28, 2018
More Truth Than Fiction
This book grabbed you and wouldn't let go. It was racy and at the same time... I couldn't put it down. Thanks for the change in writing style.
This book grabbed you and wouldn't let go. It was racy and at the same time... I couldn't put it down. Thanks for the change in writing style.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews