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Court of Lies: A Novel
From Gerry Spence, one of America's greatest trial attorneys and the New York Times bestselling author of How to Argue and Win Every Time, comes an explosive courtroom thriller of murder, passion, and the twists and treachery of law and justice.
Lillian Adams is going on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband before Judge John Murray, to whom she has been like a daughter since childhood. Despite this long, shared history, both the prosecutor and defense attorney agree that Murray should sit on the case, and Murray himself knows he must. For he believes that if he steps down and another judge is appointed, there will be little hope for Lillian. The prosecutor is a sadistic psychopath who will pervert the law to convict Lillian and do everything in his power to hurt Judge Murray. And Murray must save Lillian.
Gerry Spence takes listeners through shocking twists and suspenseful courtroom scenes that only the great maestro of the courtroom himself could create. Court of Lies goes beyond being a great legal thriller. It questions the very basis of our legal system and its ability to discover the truth and deliver justice.
Lillian Adams is going on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband before Judge John Murray, to whom she has been like a daughter since childhood. Despite this long, shared history, both the prosecutor and defense attorney agree that Murray should sit on the case, and Murray himself knows he must. For he believes that if he steps down and another judge is appointed, there will be little hope for Lillian. The prosecutor is a sadistic psychopath who will pervert the law to convict Lillian and do everything in his power to hurt Judge Murray. And Murray must save Lillian.
Gerry Spence takes listeners through shocking twists and suspenseful courtroom scenes that only the great maestro of the courtroom himself could create. Court of Lies goes beyond being a great legal thriller. It questions the very basis of our legal system and its ability to discover the truth and deliver justice.
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First published February 19, 2019
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About the author
Gerry Spence
35 books65 followersGerry Spence is a trial lawyer in the United States. In 2008, he announced he would retire, at age 79, at the end of the Geoffrey Fieger trial in Detroit, MI. Spence did not lose a criminal case in the over 50 years he practiced law. He started his career as a prosecutor and later became a successful defense attorney for the insurance industry. Years later, Spence said he "saw the light" and became committed to representing people, instead of corporations, insurance companies, banks, or "big business."
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 4, 2019
Court of Lies by Gerry Spence is a legal thriller and while I usually love that genre and Gerry Spence is known for them this is still my first attempt at one of his novels. With this first try there were of course things I loved and things I didn’t quite enjoy as much.
Court of Lies is centered around the trial of Lillian Adams who has been accused of murdering her wealthy husband. The judge of the trial, Judge John Murray, actually knows the defendant and thinks of her like a daughter. Despite the previous connection though the prosecutor and defense attorney agree to allow the judge to try the case.
Now, one thing I find with some legal thrillers is they seem to completely forget the “legal” and courtroom side that I actually do enjoy. Court of Lies however is a lot of courtroom drama during the book which I actually did like. Nothing like those twisted cross examinations and always get a chuckle at the back and forth there.
The story also has a lot of twisty back and forth between the characters outside of courst between the characters. However, as much as I wanted to really get immersed into this one personally I found it a little on the dry side and didn’t connect well to the characters leaving it one of those that was just kind of meh instead of intense reads. It definitely had moments that shined but in the end I found this one just an OK read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Court of Lies is centered around the trial of Lillian Adams who has been accused of murdering her wealthy husband. The judge of the trial, Judge John Murray, actually knows the defendant and thinks of her like a daughter. Despite the previous connection though the prosecutor and defense attorney agree to allow the judge to try the case.
Now, one thing I find with some legal thrillers is they seem to completely forget the “legal” and courtroom side that I actually do enjoy. Court of Lies however is a lot of courtroom drama during the book which I actually did like. Nothing like those twisted cross examinations and always get a chuckle at the back and forth there.
The story also has a lot of twisty back and forth between the characters outside of courst between the characters. However, as much as I wanted to really get immersed into this one personally I found it a little on the dry side and didn’t connect well to the characters leaving it one of those that was just kind of meh instead of intense reads. It definitely had moments that shined but in the end I found this one just an OK read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 2, 2019
4.5 stars, actually.
If you're a lover of courtroom mystery/thrillers as I am, don't miss this one. Although it's rare for me to "compare" one author's book with another's - I don't think it's fair to either writer - I must say that throughout most of this book it felt as if I were channeling John Grisham.
Most of the story happens in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the mid-1950s. Local Judge John Murray learns that Lillian Adams, who has been like a daughter to him and his wife of many years, Betsy, has been charged with the murder of her wealthy husband. Lillian, who has a history of disruptive behavior (and worse), had gunpowder residue on her hands and her late husband's blood on her clothing.
Despite the fact that he could recuse himself because of his prior association with Lillian, Murray insists on presiding at the trial. In large part, that's because the prosecutor, Haskins Sewell, is a long-time adversary who not only has his sights set on the judge's job, but is a man who will resort to shady courtroom tactics to get a win. In his heart of hearts, though, Murray hopes he can somehow turn the tide of jury favor toward a verdict of not guilty; but in his very honest head, he worries it won't be possible unless he employs some of the same underhanded tactics as the prosecutor. It helps a bit that another of the judge's friends is the defense attorney, who also wants to do everything he can to get Lillian off (and who, like the judge, detests the prosecutor).
At issue is a mysteriously appearing suicide note and suspicious blood trails, the boatload of money Lillian stands to inherit at her husband's death and Lillian's disturbed daughter Tina, who may well have had a motive (albeit misguided) to kill her stepfather. Throw all this in the mix with three legal professionals who hate each other, and you've got a whale of a well-written tale for which I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
If you're a lover of courtroom mystery/thrillers as I am, don't miss this one. Although it's rare for me to "compare" one author's book with another's - I don't think it's fair to either writer - I must say that throughout most of this book it felt as if I were channeling John Grisham.
Most of the story happens in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the mid-1950s. Local Judge John Murray learns that Lillian Adams, who has been like a daughter to him and his wife of many years, Betsy, has been charged with the murder of her wealthy husband. Lillian, who has a history of disruptive behavior (and worse), had gunpowder residue on her hands and her late husband's blood on her clothing.
Despite the fact that he could recuse himself because of his prior association with Lillian, Murray insists on presiding at the trial. In large part, that's because the prosecutor, Haskins Sewell, is a long-time adversary who not only has his sights set on the judge's job, but is a man who will resort to shady courtroom tactics to get a win. In his heart of hearts, though, Murray hopes he can somehow turn the tide of jury favor toward a verdict of not guilty; but in his very honest head, he worries it won't be possible unless he employs some of the same underhanded tactics as the prosecutor. It helps a bit that another of the judge's friends is the defense attorney, who also wants to do everything he can to get Lillian off (and who, like the judge, detests the prosecutor).
At issue is a mysteriously appearing suicide note and suspicious blood trails, the boatload of money Lillian stands to inherit at her husband's death and Lillian's disturbed daughter Tina, who may well have had a motive (albeit misguided) to kill her stepfather. Throw all this in the mix with three legal professionals who hate each other, and you've got a whale of a well-written tale for which I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
March 28, 2019
A legal drama unlike any I’ve read before! As someone who works in the legal field, I eagerly anticipate books dealing with the justice system and its myriad of complexities, and this book did not disappoint. Gerry Spence takes the reader behind the senes of the courtroom and delves into a broken justice system from the eyes of Judge John Murphy - an aging, but upstanding, above-reproach judge of a small town. I was struck by Spence’s characterization of the jury system early on in the book when Judge Murphy is contemplating his choices. He states:
Why couldn’t he leave Lillian’s fate to the jury? That was
another cruel fiction sold to the people - about the
collective wisdom of juries, and how they protected
people’s rights. The judge decided what evidence the
juries would hear. The judge decided what law would
govern the case. The judge decided how he’d display
his feelings toward the lawyers and the witnesses and
thereby influence the jurors. Claiming that a jury
actually decided the outcome of a case was like
arguing that schoolchildren ran the school.
I was struck by the words, as it is a feeling I have long harbored but never had the process of thought to state it so eloquently. The book is a fast-paced, page-turner that will keep you up all hours reading, but it is also a harsh indictment of the legal system.
The book is resplendent with riveting courtroom drama, fascinating and quirky characters, and reasonable doubt all around. You finish the book unconvinced of the truth but wondering if it even really matters. If you enjoy courtroom drama and a book that stays with you long after the last page has been turned, look no further. Brilliant 5 stars **
Why couldn’t he leave Lillian’s fate to the jury? That was
another cruel fiction sold to the people - about the
collective wisdom of juries, and how they protected
people’s rights. The judge decided what evidence the
juries would hear. The judge decided what law would
govern the case. The judge decided how he’d display
his feelings toward the lawyers and the witnesses and
thereby influence the jurors. Claiming that a jury
actually decided the outcome of a case was like
arguing that schoolchildren ran the school.
I was struck by the words, as it is a feeling I have long harbored but never had the process of thought to state it so eloquently. The book is a fast-paced, page-turner that will keep you up all hours reading, but it is also a harsh indictment of the legal system.
The book is resplendent with riveting courtroom drama, fascinating and quirky characters, and reasonable doubt all around. You finish the book unconvinced of the truth but wondering if it even really matters. If you enjoy courtroom drama and a book that stays with you long after the last page has been turned, look no further. Brilliant 5 stars **
March 24, 2019
What started out as a 5 star thrilling legal thriller diminished in the end due to the fact it didn’t end! The mysterious murder trial concluded, but the novel did not. It dragged on to another trial.....then to another murder trial. At the conclusion (FINALLY) of the novel, the reader is left not really knowing who was guilty of what to whom. The lower rating is due entirely because of the last 15 % of the book. The climax of the story segued into another story; the denouement is unsatisfying.
However, my disappointment at the ending is not to distract from the beautifully descriptive imagery, metaphoric usage , and word choice depicting the inner turmoil and conflicts. The writing is delightful. Furthermore, it is a thoroughly intriguing courtroom drama and chronicles (realistically?) the inner workings of the justice system (much to this naive reader’s horror). The drama outside of the courtroom pulsates with tension as well. The inner conflicts revealed in Judge Murray is deeply moving and authentic as is the conflict between those in the justice system ( prosecutor, judge, police, community).
The dissatisfying ending: perhaps that is exactly the point the author wants to convey.....just how dissatisfied we should be with our legal system. The ambiguity. The corruption. The unfettered power of the powers that be. The diabolical plots developed behind closed doors. The unjust games played in the courtroom under the guise of justice. I believe this was the author’s intent - to depict how unsatisfying a “positive “ verdict can be for Lady Justice. Her scales are terribly unbalanced. Truth and justice are not synonymous, as the author brilliantly portrayed in this spellbinding novel, the effects of which I will not soon forget.
However, my disappointment at the ending is not to distract from the beautifully descriptive imagery, metaphoric usage , and word choice depicting the inner turmoil and conflicts. The writing is delightful. Furthermore, it is a thoroughly intriguing courtroom drama and chronicles (realistically?) the inner workings of the justice system (much to this naive reader’s horror). The drama outside of the courtroom pulsates with tension as well. The inner conflicts revealed in Judge Murray is deeply moving and authentic as is the conflict between those in the justice system ( prosecutor, judge, police, community).
The dissatisfying ending: perhaps that is exactly the point the author wants to convey.....just how dissatisfied we should be with our legal system. The ambiguity. The corruption. The unfettered power of the powers that be. The diabolical plots developed behind closed doors. The unjust games played in the courtroom under the guise of justice. I believe this was the author’s intent - to depict how unsatisfying a “positive “ verdict can be for Lady Justice. Her scales are terribly unbalanced. Truth and justice are not synonymous, as the author brilliantly portrayed in this spellbinding novel, the effects of which I will not soon forget.
January 28, 2021
Court of Lies by Gerry Spence
In 1954 Jackson Hole, Wyoming we meet Judge Murray talking about his life and as the story progresses we meet the man who will become his law partner, the woman who will become his wife, a man that will be a thorn in his flesh for decades and a woman that is as close to him as a daughter. and a story that is narrated by a true storyteller but one that is not in a hurry to share the tale. I had moments when I questioned if it would be worth the time to read this book but have to say that it definitely was.
My emotions were definitely involved as I read about abuse, misuses of power, lies, hate, bigotry and more. I was warmed by the love and friendship and caring of some for others. I felt anger more than once and wanted to reach in and smack some of the characters. I guess the main thing I felt at the end of the book is that the law is not always all that it could and should be but that people can be good even when they sometimes choose not to stay within the law’s boundaries.
This is a book that will stay with me for awhile and one that I will ponder. I can relate to the older characters in the book and how they are looking at the world in a way that I perhaps might not have been able to a couple of decades ago.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read another book by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Tor-Forge for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
In 1954 Jackson Hole, Wyoming we meet Judge Murray talking about his life and as the story progresses we meet the man who will become his law partner, the woman who will become his wife, a man that will be a thorn in his flesh for decades and a woman that is as close to him as a daughter. and a story that is narrated by a true storyteller but one that is not in a hurry to share the tale. I had moments when I questioned if it would be worth the time to read this book but have to say that it definitely was.
My emotions were definitely involved as I read about abuse, misuses of power, lies, hate, bigotry and more. I was warmed by the love and friendship and caring of some for others. I felt anger more than once and wanted to reach in and smack some of the characters. I guess the main thing I felt at the end of the book is that the law is not always all that it could and should be but that people can be good even when they sometimes choose not to stay within the law’s boundaries.
This is a book that will stay with me for awhile and one that I will ponder. I can relate to the older characters in the book and how they are looking at the world in a way that I perhaps might not have been able to a couple of decades ago.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read another book by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Tor-Forge for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
March 7, 2019
Clever plot. Clever dialogue. Clever courtroom shenanigans. At the end I was left feeling not quite sure who was guilty and who was not. Maybe that was the point?
What’s this author’s penchant for names with the letter “H”?
By page 25 there were 11 “H” names mentioned. By the end I counted 36. Even the only two dogs in the story were named: Horatio and Honeypot. Just curious because it was so blatant you couldn’t fail to notice.
What’s this author’s penchant for names with the letter “H”?
By page 25 there were 11 “H” names mentioned. By the end I counted 36. Even the only two dogs in the story were named: Horatio and Honeypot. Just curious because it was so blatant you couldn’t fail to notice.
April 7, 2019
First Sentence: I've been around a long time.
Judge John Murphy is in a difficult position. Lillian Adams, who has been like a daughter to the Judge and his wife, is on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband. Under pressure to recuse himself, Judge Murphy knows prosecution attorney Haskins Sewell will do anything possible to bring about a guilty plea in order to further his own political career and remove Murphy from the bench. Murphy is in a fight for justice for Lillian, and to save his own position.
Gerry Spence knows the law. He has never lost a criminal case either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney, nor has he lost a civil case since 1969. With his first book of fiction, set in 1954, he is starting off very well, indeed, and it is not often we find a legal mystery from the perspective of the judge.
The author's voice can make such a difference in the telling of a story. It is no surprise that Spence has a storyteller's voice—"I'm a judge, and in the end we judges are killers like all the rest of the killers. Some poor devil waiting in a filthy concrete cell will start his march to the gas chamber when we sign the order. It's our duty to kill killers." He knows how to create a strong sense of place—"Winters get long in Jackson Hole. Too damn long. The people burn their woodstoves twenty-four hours a day, and the smoke settles down on the valley in a dark gray ground-hugging blanket."
As opposed to most books which would go through the police investigation, Spence takes one directly to the trial and the behavior of the defense attorney and the prosecutor. The first interaction between them truly establishes their characters. That's not to say that forensic evidence isn't involved in the story, but it becomes critical in the battle between the two attorneys. What makes Judge Murphy such a strong, interesting character is his self-doubt and insecurities.
From some authors, flashbacks can be irritating. Here, they prove a fascinating look at the characters. The judge's internal musings show a man who truly understands the weight of his office—"He tried not to see her [Lillian] as his child, but as just another defendant at the dock…".
One is accustomed to tension and suspense in a mystery. Although it is of a very different type, both attributes are just as present and just as effective as a car chase might be. In fact, it is taken a step further with a nice win for the judge and a rousing closing argument by the defense attorney reminding one of the importance of reasonable doubt. For anyone who has served on a jury, the scene in the jury room rings painfully true. In fact, the scene was so well done, one might have liked to see it extended.
"Court of Lies" is a very good, different legal mystery with a major twist, a surprising new character, and a powerful ending. Here's hoping for more novels from this legendary attorney.
COURT OF LIES (LegalMys- Judge John Murphy-Jackson Hole, Wyoming-Contemp/1954) – VG+
Spence, Gerry – 1st book
Forge – Feb 2019
Judge John Murphy is in a difficult position. Lillian Adams, who has been like a daughter to the Judge and his wife, is on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband. Under pressure to recuse himself, Judge Murphy knows prosecution attorney Haskins Sewell will do anything possible to bring about a guilty plea in order to further his own political career and remove Murphy from the bench. Murphy is in a fight for justice for Lillian, and to save his own position.
Gerry Spence knows the law. He has never lost a criminal case either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney, nor has he lost a civil case since 1969. With his first book of fiction, set in 1954, he is starting off very well, indeed, and it is not often we find a legal mystery from the perspective of the judge.
The author's voice can make such a difference in the telling of a story. It is no surprise that Spence has a storyteller's voice—"I'm a judge, and in the end we judges are killers like all the rest of the killers. Some poor devil waiting in a filthy concrete cell will start his march to the gas chamber when we sign the order. It's our duty to kill killers." He knows how to create a strong sense of place—"Winters get long in Jackson Hole. Too damn long. The people burn their woodstoves twenty-four hours a day, and the smoke settles down on the valley in a dark gray ground-hugging blanket."
As opposed to most books which would go through the police investigation, Spence takes one directly to the trial and the behavior of the defense attorney and the prosecutor. The first interaction between them truly establishes their characters. That's not to say that forensic evidence isn't involved in the story, but it becomes critical in the battle between the two attorneys. What makes Judge Murphy such a strong, interesting character is his self-doubt and insecurities.
From some authors, flashbacks can be irritating. Here, they prove a fascinating look at the characters. The judge's internal musings show a man who truly understands the weight of his office—"He tried not to see her [Lillian] as his child, but as just another defendant at the dock…".
One is accustomed to tension and suspense in a mystery. Although it is of a very different type, both attributes are just as present and just as effective as a car chase might be. In fact, it is taken a step further with a nice win for the judge and a rousing closing argument by the defense attorney reminding one of the importance of reasonable doubt. For anyone who has served on a jury, the scene in the jury room rings painfully true. In fact, the scene was so well done, one might have liked to see it extended.
"Court of Lies" is a very good, different legal mystery with a major twist, a surprising new character, and a powerful ending. Here's hoping for more novels from this legendary attorney.
COURT OF LIES (LegalMys- Judge John Murphy-Jackson Hole, Wyoming-Contemp/1954) – VG+
Spence, Gerry – 1st book
Forge – Feb 2019
October 17, 2018
"Court of LIes" is a courtroom drama book where most of the story takes place in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming courthouse. As a book, I found it fascinating to read about the back and forth between prosecution and defense attorneys, and the judge involved in the cases, John Murray, who is the point of view character in the book, shares his personal perspective as well.
Lillian Adams, a widow who is accused of murdering her rich husband, is on trial for her life. The prosecutor is notoriously dishonest, willing to twist the truth to win his cases. Lillian has defense attorney Coker, who is a fiesty lawyer who vigorously defends her. The principle conflict in the story is between Judge Murray and the Prosecutor, who conspires to impeach the judge and have him arrested if he does not rule in the prosecution's favor.
I enjoyed the tension of this courtroom drama. If you like the courtroom drama genre, this is a good book for you. Highly recommended. 5/5 stars. Read this and other reviews of upcoming books at bookgeist.blogspot.com.
Lillian Adams, a widow who is accused of murdering her rich husband, is on trial for her life. The prosecutor is notoriously dishonest, willing to twist the truth to win his cases. Lillian has defense attorney Coker, who is a fiesty lawyer who vigorously defends her. The principle conflict in the story is between Judge Murray and the Prosecutor, who conspires to impeach the judge and have him arrested if he does not rule in the prosecution's favor.
I enjoyed the tension of this courtroom drama. If you like the courtroom drama genre, this is a good book for you. Highly recommended. 5/5 stars. Read this and other reviews of upcoming books at bookgeist.blogspot.com.
December 10, 2018
For lovers of courtroom drama, go no further. The prosecution, the defense, and even the judge are bigger than life, and their personalities color every page. Then mix in the past of the victim and the defendant to create a fantastic read! I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2019
This story gives us a feel for what is like to suddenly be accused of impropriety and immoral, unethical behavior especially when viewed one has been recognized as a paragon of the community. The judge in this story is hearing the murder trial of a woman that he treated as the daughter he never had. The prosecutor casts dispersion on the judge to deflect the lack of the state to put on a definitive trial. The ripple effect is dire for several involved.
The author is well respected when the subject matter is about law. I read a few of his other books when the defendant attacked my credibility in a case. So, I was excited to learn he had written a fictional novel. As I progressed though the story I was waiting for "more" but it didn't show up for me. The surprises were plausible but didn't wow. There was nothing technically off, it just didn't hit the ball out of the park. I may be at fault, thinking he might be the next "Grisham", my expectations getting the better of me.
The characters were well drawn, yet I failed to connect or even root for anyone. I disliked the prosecutor (like we are supposed to) so, I wanted him to loose the trial. However, that didn't mean I was a fan of the defendant, frankly I felt little for her, even despite her rags to riches story.
Yawn. Next?
The author is well respected when the subject matter is about law. I read a few of his other books when the defendant attacked my credibility in a case. So, I was excited to learn he had written a fictional novel. As I progressed though the story I was waiting for "more" but it didn't show up for me. The surprises were plausible but didn't wow. There was nothing technically off, it just didn't hit the ball out of the park. I may be at fault, thinking he might be the next "Grisham", my expectations getting the better of me.
The characters were well drawn, yet I failed to connect or even root for anyone. I disliked the prosecutor (like we are supposed to) so, I wanted him to loose the trial. However, that didn't mean I was a fan of the defendant, frankly I felt little for her, even despite her rags to riches story.
Yawn. Next?
April 14, 2025
Oh my! The perfect story with the most ridiculous ending. So disappointing.
December 26, 2019
Mysterious, humorous, emotional, and thrilling, this is a five star novel, and the best story I've enjoyed in months.
February 6, 2019
Court of Lies is set in 1950's Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Judge John Murray has been the county's judge for decades in what was then a small town. He and his wife, Betsy, have no children of their own but have "adopted" Lillian Adams. Over the years, Lillian has had anger and other issues and Judge Murray has been able to help her in one way or another. But this time she is charged with the pre-meditated murder of her very wealthy husband and could face the death penalty if convicted. The prosecutor has his own ambitions on the judgeship and is known for his lack of candor at trial, though he puts on quite a show. The defense attorney zealously tries to defend Lillian but she may be trying to protect someone else.
Although the book started a bit slowly, it picked up quickly and I didn't want to put it down. The courtroom conflicts, the intra-family dynamics, the small town atmosphere and the search for justice make this a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge Publishers for an advance digital review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Although the book started a bit slowly, it picked up quickly and I didn't want to put it down. The courtroom conflicts, the intra-family dynamics, the small town atmosphere and the search for justice make this a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forge Publishers for an advance digital review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
October 25, 2018
Court of Lies by author Gerry Spence is an interesting story of courtroom drama, games, and negotiations during a case in Jackson Hole, WY circa 1956. Lillian Adams has been arrested for the murder of her husband. Lillian had helped to market and increase the success of her husbands business. Horace Adams III is found in his home office dead of a gunshot wound. Lillian is there, with blood and gunpowder residue on her hands. Did she shoot Horace or is the residue the result of her moving his body? Read the evidence and arguments as the trial goes forward.
Lillian has a reputation for being aggressive and impulsive. Maybe she is misunderstood, but the townspeople all have their own opinions because of her past history. Judge Murray has cared for Lillian as if she were his own daughter. The animosity between prosecutor Sewell and Judge Murray is very well known in the community. Read Court of Lies and the story of how Lillian's troubled past and the personal prejudices of Prosecutor Sewell test defense attorney Timothy Coker's best intentions in this trial.
I enjoy the books written by Gerry Spence. He possesses the art of a true storyteller!
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Lillian has a reputation for being aggressive and impulsive. Maybe she is misunderstood, but the townspeople all have their own opinions because of her past history. Judge Murray has cared for Lillian as if she were his own daughter. The animosity between prosecutor Sewell and Judge Murray is very well known in the community. Read Court of Lies and the story of how Lillian's troubled past and the personal prejudices of Prosecutor Sewell test defense attorney Timothy Coker's best intentions in this trial.
I enjoy the books written by Gerry Spence. He possesses the art of a true storyteller!
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
June 10, 2020
This is an excellent legal novel - I wouldn't call it a thriller or mystery since the solution to the underlying crime is eventually revealed with very little suspense. Nevertheless, Spence is a master of the courtroom in real life and he has thrown all his best stuff into this book. The courtroom scenes are about as good as I've ever read. Spence's disdain for the prosecution is evident and the prosecutor's dirty tricks and animus propel the story forward. Like other books in this genre, you soon realize how little of the US justice system is about uncovering the "truth"; everybody lies and games the system to achieve their ends. The result is a tense story filled with realistic dialogue and reasonably well drawn characters. The book's only weakness is the ending, say the last 10%, when the trial is over and some other shenaningans ensue which have less dramatic "oomph" than what preceded. Also, there is a kind of folksy style to some of the narration that didn't work for me. But those are minor quibbles, and I would certainly read another book by Mr. Spence (and have him represent me in a criminal trial!)
December 19, 2024
Such a tough place to be in, Judge John Murray has known Lillian Adams all her life. While she's had an eventful life so far, the Judge has intervened at times to keep her safe. He and his wife consider her the daughter they never had.
But does that really help Lillian as she's charged with the murder of her wealthy husband? John is the judge on the case and ethics demands that he recuse himself but, if he does, she will probably be convicted on her record and not the facts in the case. It's a balance. The prosecutor is out to get her, that's plain to see, he's a sadistic psychopath and will do anything to convict Lillian and hurt John. What a courtroom it is with the defense doing all they can against a prosecutor who will bend and produce doctored evidence, damning to the defense.
The more you think about what happens in a courtroom, the more this book lets you know the thoughts of the participants.
I had my doubts when I started this and was quickly won over. I think Gerry Spence is in my future.
But does that really help Lillian as she's charged with the murder of her wealthy husband? John is the judge on the case and ethics demands that he recuse himself but, if he does, she will probably be convicted on her record and not the facts in the case. It's a balance. The prosecutor is out to get her, that's plain to see, he's a sadistic psychopath and will do anything to convict Lillian and hurt John. What a courtroom it is with the defense doing all they can against a prosecutor who will bend and produce doctored evidence, damning to the defense.
The more you think about what happens in a courtroom, the more this book lets you know the thoughts of the participants.
I had my doubts when I started this and was quickly won over. I think Gerry Spence is in my future.
May 5, 2020
Here Gerry Spence gives us a great read. Not only has he written a gripping courtroom thriller but he uncovers so may flaws in the justice system and highlights unnecessary injustices that ruin the lives of so many. I really enjoyed this case. Lillian Adams is on trial and she has a know the judge since she was a child, yet he insists on remaining as the chief justice on the case as he fears what her fate could be in the lead prosecutor has his way. He is corrupt and malevolent and will do or say anything to win a case. Gerry Spence really knows know his stuff. I'd highly recommend Court of Lies. It'll keep you gripped right until the very end.
February 10, 2023
If you are interested in the tales of a courtroom this book is for you. I can say that this book was captivating. Of course, I do not want to give the story away but I know that justice was served and deserved. You have wide-eye moments, jaw-dropping moments, and moments where you will laugh. As you continue reading each chapter, stories twist in ways you wouldn't think. And the end of this book is what you would least expect.
March 29, 2019
I'm actually giving this book 4.5 🌟 stars, reserving a 5 🌟 rating for a classic, a book that will be forever considered as such and studied in future classroom settings. This doesn't rise to that level, but it's close. I strongly encourage persons who enjoy the thriller/suspense genres to read this book!
July 19, 2020
Talk about good vs evil. I felt like I was waiting waiting waiting for the bad guys to get their comeuppance. I was exhausted right along with the judge working through trial after trial. It was an unexpected ending. Not sure I loved it but I loved the entire book so it deserved a 4. Great read.
July 19, 2024
There’s so much happening in this book. And not in a - what a fun adventure - way. I thought the characters were complex and at least for the main courtroom workgroup, were given depth that was believable. I didn’t love how Tina was handled, and I struggle often with a textbook villain. But it deals with jury nullification which is also a favorite topic. So, middle of the road.
March 3, 2021
The narration was good. The characters were one dimensional especially the prosecutor. He was evil but there was no good explanation why he was so bad. The book went on too long. The author wanted to get his point across and it was very heavy handed.
April 15, 2019
What this book states about the state of justice in this country is something we should all consider.
April 23, 2019
This book was very defense oriented. It makes me think the author has it out for prosecutors. I struggled to give it 3 stars.
July 26, 2019
Interesting courtroom/trial story focused on a mean spirited and powerful prosecutor and a kind but severely conflicted judge.
January 24, 2022
This was an ok book. I figured it out a long time before it ended.
December 15, 2022
A small town in Wyoming, a judge(the only judge) loved by almost everyone in town, a cruel hearted very bright prosecutor who wants the judge’s elected position; add the murder of the town’s multimillionaire with charges being laid on the judge’s daughter, all of this makes for an excellent courtroom drama. The novel’s author is himself a famous courtroom lawyer whose true crime cases have been made into movies. If you enjoy courtroom drama you will like Court of Lies.
November 16, 2024
Courtroom drama centering on Judge John Murray and his struggles over the years to keep the overzealous District Attorney, Haskins Sewell, in check.
The Judge’s legal values come under fire when he does not recuse himself when a young woman who is like a daughter to him is accused of murder and Haskins pulls out every dirty and questionable trick to get her convicted.
The Judge’s legal values come under fire when he does not recuse himself when a young woman who is like a daughter to him is accused of murder and Haskins pulls out every dirty and questionable trick to get her convicted.
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