Missing Witness

David Brunelle Legal Thriller #9

by Stephen Penner

A man shot to death under a freeway overpass.
A suspect who flees into the night.
And a witness no one can find.

Homicide D.A. David Brunelle must figure out the connection between these three people in order to hold a murderer responsible. But how can he, when he has no idea who the witness really is or how to find her?

To prevail against a theatrical defense attorney, and win over a dubious judge, Brunelle enlists the help of his usual allies, plus a newbie prosecutor and a mysterious woman who seems to know everyone—except the missing witness.

It will take all of his abilities to put the pieces together in time to solve the puzzle and convict a killer.

Genres: Crime, Legal, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2018

About the author

Stephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.

Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Stars

Missing Witness is the ninth instalment in the David Brunelle Legal Thriller Series. And so the book binge began ... this series turned out to be a gripping and masterfully crafted collection of legal dramas set against the backdrop of Seattle’s criminal justice system. The series follows David Brunelle, a dedicated and sharp prosecutor, as he navigates the complexities of law, morality, and justice.
What makes this series stand out is the balance between intense courtroom drama with deeply human stories. David Brunelle is an intriguing character - intelligent, principled, and yet flawed in ways that make him even more relatable. Mr. Penner’s writing easily brings the legal world to life with authenticity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges prosecutors face, from gathering evidence to battling wily defense attorneys.
Each book in the series presents a unique and thought-provoking case, often delving into some morally ambiguous territory. The plots are tightly woven, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Mr. Penner’s ability to build the tension and suspense is noteworthy, as is his knack for creating vivid, multidimensional characters – both the heroes and villains.
So, whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, crime fiction, or simply enjoy a well-told story, then the David Brunelle series delivers on all fronts.
Happy Reading…

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

free ebook
i like this series

hes a d.a. and there was a murder in a parking lot. the man had a gun but never fired it . he had a name and partial phone number, they thought it was a fight over a girl, but it turned out to be about drugs

the man who shot him got caught and all he would say was self defense

the dr that did the autopsy was there, the lawyer thought it was his x girlfriend (he didnt know she moved and this woman took her place) he made a bad joke about 'what is a girl like you doing here' and the woman got really offended and reported him. he had to take classes. they assigned a very polite lawyer to be his co counsel

they had the trial
and he brought a girl he met to say who the name on the paper in his pocket was, she said it was about drugs (which he wasnt allowed to ask about) and that she recognized the man on trial.

they stopped it before the jury decided and he pled guilty so he got out sooner

at the end of the book someone comes back, but they dont say who, maybe his x girlfriend?

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave is so spicy and hilarious, recommends this series

I just love Dave’s partner in crime, Gwen Carlisle. They make a great team. They work so well together. Gwen keeps Dave on point. She’s his common sense. And even thought she joke on him, criticize him, she does it with friendship and love. She’s his peace, someone he can talk to naturally, she understands him. Dave is a very complex person with a complicated personality. It’s will take a very special woman, one with patience to live in Dave’ world. He’s truly difficult but he’s dedicated and loyal to his job. He lives, eats and sleeps his job. I loved the characters in this book. They are so hilarious and the bantering is super funny. M.E. Delacourt should be embarrassed for that stupid complaint. Author, I haven’t seen a verdict come from the jury yet. And I would love to see Dave lose a case, to see his reactions.

[James Georger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are hooked on the complex nature of the law, and courtroom proceedings, you may really enjoy this series. The author seems to focus on a gray area of the law and build a drama around that, such that the reader is in suspense throughout the book. Much attentention is devoted to arguments over motions, and seem very realistic and compelling. ( at least, to a non-lawyer). The characters are complex, and not heavily painted with the Good/Evil brush. After reading a few in this series, I think they are a welcome respite from the Perry Mason portrayals of the legal process.
Great bargain at the Kindle Unlimited price.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

This book, like all of the other books I have read by Stephen Penner, is full of unexpected twists. I have read his books, each one in less than a day. I have been late for work and left tasks incomplete in order to continue reading. Can't say that's a goid thing, but it speaks volumes for Mr. Penner's work!

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Brunelle is an antihero to me. He has few positive characteristics and few friends, and I wouldn't want him as a friend. This book talked and talked without much action. Finally, the end came about, and it was very unrealistic. Will I read another? Probably not. There just wasn't enough of a story there.

[Barbara S Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Writing reviews is not my forte, so this is short & to the point. Excellent author, characters are interesting in a variety of ways. Story lines keep you turning page after page. This is the ninth in the series, I've enjoyed them all. This one is my favorite ....so far ! On to the next book in the series 👍

[Glenn LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent legal murder mystery

The reader learns a lot about the work of a prosecutor and the legal system. With the novel nothing is certain, certainly not how a trial might end. Highly recommend

[Thomas R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest book in the David Brunelle series was pretty good, the mystery was not who committed the murder, the mystery was could Brunelle prove it was murder and not self defense. It was amazing how a chance encounter with a Mystery Woman saved his case. I look forward to the next book

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness

Love this series! The characters are real and flawed people. The story line engaging; stayed up late to finish. Then the little cliff hanger. Can't wait to read next book in this series.

[Elizabeth A. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUSTICE REVEALED


I enjoyed this well-written story. It does show that racism is not always a factor. Anyone can commit a crime no matter the race. A Caucasian an African American or Hispanic. Justice is served no matter.

[Verona Neufeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always something different.

Again, I like the different aspects of the law in Penner's books with David Brunelle. I think he should have waited to decide on a motive when he didn't have any evidence.

[BRUCE FAIRWEATHER · Rating 2 out of 5]

More Legal Hocus Pocus Than I could Digest. Perp should Have Got The Maximum

Probably a better read for a legal scholar. Read had a bit more legal give and take than I like. Of course I remember the pre Miranda days.

[Frazier Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Entertaining!

Well written, plausible characters and themes.
A realistic view of court room procedures, plus the personal maneuvers of main characters provide A memorable reading experience.
Refreshing...

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read once again its Wells defending his client as he plays his games with Brenelle

Very good book it is up and down read to see what’s going on and watch how Wells continues to try and use his antics to try to get his client off, does it work or will Brunelle prevail.

[June Giffen Mathieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

Penner has his lead attorney really working this time.
Brunelle has to go to great lengths to prove his client guilty. You'll have fun as he takes great care figuring it all out. Read this book!

[Alexes Hourigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked :-)❗ Great author, it's a must read.

[bonnie kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Witness

This was a great series. I hope it will not end here. This was series I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this series

[Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brunelle can be quite a jerk and missing witness was no exception pretty easy to follow

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't Mr. Penner's best novel but the story was interesting and the ending was realistic as were the court scenes.

[barbara pint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Enjoyed this book highly. Kept my interest from start to finish! Several twists and turns from start to finish. I recommend this book highly.

[Elaine Chestnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good retreat

Enjoyed running away for a while. Ended appropriately, leaving me ready for book 10. However, I hate having to leave a long review.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

brunelle is my man

Great lawyering on both sides but brunelle always wins. Love reading these books there is sometimes a surprise ending thanks

[Perry Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Another great book by Stephen Penner. We always hope the good guy wins and the bad guy loses so definitely a worth while read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real nail biter right up to the very end!

[Mary E Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!!!

David is brilliant....when all hope seems to evaporate he brings it back to life.n. Wonderful and entertaining...bad guys go to jail.

[Russ Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally cannot put this series down. Excellent!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooh. Now I really liked this one...

...despite there being no verdict again lol. The plea is changed mid-trial, the jury is dismissed, and the guy is sentenced. It happened in a previous entry, and here it happened again. Such is the regular pattern for David Brunelle legal thrillers, though, a fact I've learned from most of the previous books. Doesn't mean I have to like it. That's why I kinda chuckled when I read this quote from the book's judge near the end:

“Am I really going to have to bring this jury back tomorrow?”

My response?

"Of course not. These books rarely ever depict verdicts. That's just crazy talk."

At any rate, I meant what I said at the beginning though. This was a great read (as all of the Brunelle books have been). The case was damn intriguing, which is the one positive thing that's been consistent with all the books just as much as the lack of verdicts. How do you prosecute someone who claims self-defense for killing someone when the only potential witness who can refute such a claim is impossible to find? I don't envy lawyers who have to scramble with such stressful facts. I definitely find all the procedurals very fascinating, all the "behind the scenes" of what prosecutors have to do to sell a case. It's funny how "villainous" defense attorneys can seem in prosecutor-led books, much like how prosecutors can seem in a defense attorney's book. Ahh, isn't legal reading fun?

As per usual, the pacing is quick and engaging. I loved the new characters, adorable newbie prosecutor Meckle and spunky Allie. I hope to see more of Meckle, but Abbie, well...Brunelle botched things up pretty badly there. So definitely no more Abbie. But to be fair, she definitely was prematurely uptight about things just like Kat. I've had enough of whiny women catching Brunelle's eye. He needs someone more mature and collected. Speaking of Kat, though, I'm glad to finally get some closure as far as where she disappeared to. Good riddance to her. There were some truly tense, shocking moments in this entry, such as when Chen was shot. I didn't see that coming and I was legit upset, which was fortunate (for lack of a better word) because it shows that despite the lack of REALLY knowing all there is to know about Chen, I still care about the guy.

I do feel inclined to mention that this book is the perfect example of why it hurts to NOT develop the characters in these stories (even the supporting ones). This, along with the lack of verdict, is what took away the 5th star. This is the 9th book and I only just NOW learned that Chen even has children. I should have known about Chen's personal life long before this. But unfortunately, author Penner never gravitated towards fully fleshing out the characters in these stories. Even main star Brunelle himself is sort of lacking in this department, save for his legal smarts and his love life. But I'd love to know the why's of his life, namely his personal one. His family life. His tendency to bed woman after woman. What motivates him? What stops him from settling down? Why no wife? These are things that'd be cool to learn, but...until then, I'll just be content with his lawyering, which is always great.

Anyway, no more yammering from me. This was solid entry despite the lack of verdict, and I continue to look forward to more. An update on the verdict-less endings?

Books 1 thru 6 - Defendant deaths, mistrials, or dismissals. No verdicts.
Book 7 - Guilty verdict, but mentioned narratively
Books 8 & 9 - Jury dismissal. No verdict

Onward to book 10....