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Jace Forman #3
The Weight
Flamboyant plaintiff lawyer Cal Connors sues reporter Leah Rosen, seeking millions in damages for being maliciously defamed in an article she wrote for Texas Matters magazine entitled “Texas Justice Gone Wrong.” In the article, Rosen accuses Connors of perpetrating a multi-million dollar fraud on the Texas jury system, her salacious charges catching the eye of the local US Attorney and causing him to launch a full-scale investigation. During the investigation, revelations surface that Connors’ law partner and daughter Christine clandestinely entered into an illegal settlement with an insurance claims adjustor, who was forced to flee to the French Riviera where he was subsequently found dead of a suspicious drug overdose. Cornered and desperate, Connors and his daughter go on a scorched-earth offensive of gruesome murders, a lurid kidnapping and treacherous betrayals to save themselves and the financial empire they have illicitly built.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2017
43 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Hubert Crouch
5 books36 followersHubert Crouch, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and SMU Law School, is a veteran trial lawyer with years of hands-on experience in the courtroom. His best-selling debut novel, Cried For No One, introduced readers to Jace Foreman who returns in The Word. He and his wife split their time between their home in Nashville and their mountain retreat in Monteagle, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2018
Lawyers have been getting a bad literary rap since the time of William Shakespeare, who famously had a character say, “The first thing we’ll do, let’s kill all the lawyers. Since then, literature has seen a constant battle between the Atticus Finches and Perry Masons on the one hand and the Better Call Sauls on the other. Author Hubert Crouch, himself a practicing attorney, takes the battle between good and evil into the fictional courtroom in his legal thriller The Weight, a book that, while often entertaining, fizzles a bit towards the end.
The Weight is apparently the third novel that Crouch has written which features the same group of lawyers practicing in and around Ft. Worth, TX. The two primary antagonists here are Jace Forman, a litigator who generally represents the defense in civil cases and Cal Connors, a high-flying personal injury attorney whose settlements and verdicts usually run in the millions. Connors, however, has a bit of a dirty secret: he cheats, ranging from using an “expert” witness in various toxic chemical cases who lies about his findings to employing goons to intimidate opposing witnesses and counsel. When a small legal magazine publishes an expose on Cal, he sues them for libel, and they go to Jace to defend them. Eventually, the case turns into a criminal matter, with an overly ambitious U.S. attorney looking to bring Cal down on all sorts of charges.
The Weight is a generally well-written, fast paced read that alternates among the points of view of about a dozen different characters, including almost all the lawyers and investigators involved in the case. There are some definite black and white hats here, but there are also some ambivalent ones like the U.S. attorney, who would have been more entertaining if the book had devoted more time to him. Despite the large number of characters with key roles, The Weight is very easy to follow, and even those who, like me, hadn’t read Crouch’s earlier books will be able to pick up the continuing plot threads fairly easy. In point of fact, The Weight often reads like a soap opera, with the love lives of the various characters having an effect on unfolding events. In other ways, the book is more like a traditional thriller, with a couple of decidedly dangerous villains on the loose.
Although readers of The Weight will find sex, crime, and sensationalism aplenty, one thing the book is surprisingly short on is legal detail. Crouch goes into some of the finer points of the law, but he condenses the proceedings down tremendously, with only fairly brief excerpts from one single trial. In fact, the book reads as if it were condensed considerably from a longer work that went into the legal sparring in greater detail. The legal pyrotechnics aren’t the only thing that appear to be condensed in The Weight. Thriller fans will probably be disappointed that a key confrontation between one of the good guys and one of Cal’s hired goons is edited down to almost nothing so that readers only get the bare bones of what takes place. The legal insight that Crouch does provide in The Weight is usually good (I especially enjoyed Cal’s “preparation” for trial, which was a mix of shrewd tactics and mob thuggery). Fans of courtroom thrillers and thriller fans in general will probably come away from this book wanting more that the author provides.
I was also a bit disappointed in some legal shortcuts that the author takes, the primary one of which is his assumption that merely bribing an expert witness to get favorable testimony about the cause of a person’s illness is enough to secure a multimillion dollar verdict. In any case in which that level of damages is at stake, the defense, generally a major corporation backed by an insurance company, has its own stable of expert witnesses to call, who would probably have much better credentials and research at their disposal than Cal’s lone hired gun. In addition, the U.S. attorney only prosecutes federal crimes, not the murder of private citizens, with which Cal winds up being charged, so the trial described in the book would likely never take place.
The Weight reads like what it is, a credible effort by an author who is an attorney first and a writer second and who probably hopes that he can make a more exciting book by stacking the legal deck. I enjoyed the read, but this is certainly not a legal thriller in the league of Grisham or Turow. The Weight is no heavyweight, but it’s a decent welterweight.
The Weight is apparently the third novel that Crouch has written which features the same group of lawyers practicing in and around Ft. Worth, TX. The two primary antagonists here are Jace Forman, a litigator who generally represents the defense in civil cases and Cal Connors, a high-flying personal injury attorney whose settlements and verdicts usually run in the millions. Connors, however, has a bit of a dirty secret: he cheats, ranging from using an “expert” witness in various toxic chemical cases who lies about his findings to employing goons to intimidate opposing witnesses and counsel. When a small legal magazine publishes an expose on Cal, he sues them for libel, and they go to Jace to defend them. Eventually, the case turns into a criminal matter, with an overly ambitious U.S. attorney looking to bring Cal down on all sorts of charges.
The Weight is a generally well-written, fast paced read that alternates among the points of view of about a dozen different characters, including almost all the lawyers and investigators involved in the case. There are some definite black and white hats here, but there are also some ambivalent ones like the U.S. attorney, who would have been more entertaining if the book had devoted more time to him. Despite the large number of characters with key roles, The Weight is very easy to follow, and even those who, like me, hadn’t read Crouch’s earlier books will be able to pick up the continuing plot threads fairly easy. In point of fact, The Weight often reads like a soap opera, with the love lives of the various characters having an effect on unfolding events. In other ways, the book is more like a traditional thriller, with a couple of decidedly dangerous villains on the loose.
Although readers of The Weight will find sex, crime, and sensationalism aplenty, one thing the book is surprisingly short on is legal detail. Crouch goes into some of the finer points of the law, but he condenses the proceedings down tremendously, with only fairly brief excerpts from one single trial. In fact, the book reads as if it were condensed considerably from a longer work that went into the legal sparring in greater detail. The legal pyrotechnics aren’t the only thing that appear to be condensed in The Weight. Thriller fans will probably be disappointed that a key confrontation between one of the good guys and one of Cal’s hired goons is edited down to almost nothing so that readers only get the bare bones of what takes place. The legal insight that Crouch does provide in The Weight is usually good (I especially enjoyed Cal’s “preparation” for trial, which was a mix of shrewd tactics and mob thuggery). Fans of courtroom thrillers and thriller fans in general will probably come away from this book wanting more that the author provides.
I was also a bit disappointed in some legal shortcuts that the author takes, the primary one of which is his assumption that merely bribing an expert witness to get favorable testimony about the cause of a person’s illness is enough to secure a multimillion dollar verdict. In any case in which that level of damages is at stake, the defense, generally a major corporation backed by an insurance company, has its own stable of expert witnesses to call, who would probably have much better credentials and research at their disposal than Cal’s lone hired gun. In addition, the U.S. attorney only prosecutes federal crimes, not the murder of private citizens, with which Cal winds up being charged, so the trial described in the book would likely never take place.
The Weight reads like what it is, a credible effort by an author who is an attorney first and a writer second and who probably hopes that he can make a more exciting book by stacking the legal deck. I enjoyed the read, but this is certainly not a legal thriller in the league of Grisham or Turow. The Weight is no heavyweight, but it’s a decent welterweight.
July 6, 2018
‘Luck never plays a part in anything. We have to scrape and claw to make things happen in this world.’
Tennessee author Hubert Crouch is a lawyer, having graduated from Phillips Andover Academy, Vanderbilt University, and Southern Methodist University School of Law. Hubert both practiced trial law in Texas while teaching Free Speech and the First Amendment, Public Speaking and Legal Advocacy to undergraduates at Southern Methodist University, receiving the Rotunda Outstanding Professor Award.
Apropos of his background, Hubert writes legal thrillers – CRIED FOR NO ONE, THE WORD – his Jace Forman Series - and now THE WIEGHT. His Jace Forman seems to be prepared to take on the status of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Robert Penn Warren's Jack Burden, Ian Fleming's James Bond, but with enough distinctive elements to stand solidly on his – until someone does the obvious and options the rights for a film.
Hubert knows the inside of the courtroom well and is able to write about the atmosphere of a trial as well as anyone writing today. But he also has a keen take on personality traits and the adverse effects that can arise when people wearing blinders of fanatic beliefs join to make a dangerous force. The synopsis outlines the book well: ‘Flamboyant plaintiff lawyer Cal Connors sues reporter Leah Rosen, seeking millions in damages for being maliciously defamed in an article she wrote for Texas Matters magazine entitled “Texas Justice Gone Wrong.” In the article, Rosen accuses Connors of perpetrating a multi-million dollar fraud on the Texas jury system, her salacious charges catching the eye of the local US Attorney and causing him to launch a full-scale investigation. During the investigation, revelations surface that Connors’ law partner and daughter Christine clandestinely entered into an illegal settlement with an insurance claims adjustor, who was forced to flee to the French Riviera where he was subsequently found dead of a suspicious drug overdose. Cornered and desperate, Connors and his daughter go on a scorched-earth offensive of gruesome murders, a lurid kidnapping and treacherous betrayals to save themselves and the financial empire they have illicitly built.’
The manner in which he molds a mystery within those parameters is the epitome of tension in the courtroom as well as a profound respect for human rights. This is not only a powerful novel: it is also an important window onto the world as it can be imbalanced - and an opportunity for showing us how to right the scales. Very Highly Recommended.
Tennessee author Hubert Crouch is a lawyer, having graduated from Phillips Andover Academy, Vanderbilt University, and Southern Methodist University School of Law. Hubert both practiced trial law in Texas while teaching Free Speech and the First Amendment, Public Speaking and Legal Advocacy to undergraduates at Southern Methodist University, receiving the Rotunda Outstanding Professor Award.
Apropos of his background, Hubert writes legal thrillers – CRIED FOR NO ONE, THE WORD – his Jace Forman Series - and now THE WIEGHT. His Jace Forman seems to be prepared to take on the status of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Robert Penn Warren's Jack Burden, Ian Fleming's James Bond, but with enough distinctive elements to stand solidly on his – until someone does the obvious and options the rights for a film.
Hubert knows the inside of the courtroom well and is able to write about the atmosphere of a trial as well as anyone writing today. But he also has a keen take on personality traits and the adverse effects that can arise when people wearing blinders of fanatic beliefs join to make a dangerous force. The synopsis outlines the book well: ‘Flamboyant plaintiff lawyer Cal Connors sues reporter Leah Rosen, seeking millions in damages for being maliciously defamed in an article she wrote for Texas Matters magazine entitled “Texas Justice Gone Wrong.” In the article, Rosen accuses Connors of perpetrating a multi-million dollar fraud on the Texas jury system, her salacious charges catching the eye of the local US Attorney and causing him to launch a full-scale investigation. During the investigation, revelations surface that Connors’ law partner and daughter Christine clandestinely entered into an illegal settlement with an insurance claims adjustor, who was forced to flee to the French Riviera where he was subsequently found dead of a suspicious drug overdose. Cornered and desperate, Connors and his daughter go on a scorched-earth offensive of gruesome murders, a lurid kidnapping and treacherous betrayals to save themselves and the financial empire they have illicitly built.’
The manner in which he molds a mystery within those parameters is the epitome of tension in the courtroom as well as a profound respect for human rights. This is not only a powerful novel: it is also an important window onto the world as it can be imbalanced - and an opportunity for showing us how to right the scales. Very Highly Recommended.
August 23, 2017
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (7/17)
Hubert Crouch’s story, “The Weight” is a traditional legal thriller with a plot that revolves around a high-powered lawyer that will do anything to save his “so-called” stellar reputation and fortune.
Cal Connors, a shady Texas prosecutor, is out to ruin Texas Matters Magazine due to an article he feels does damage to his reputation. In the article, Leah Rosen, the author, provides detailed information on Connors attempt to have medical experts twist and rig data. Connors is on the war path to sue for millions, hoping that the action will deter the U.S. Attorney from snooping around. Rosen seeks the assistance of attorney Jace Forman to defend herself against the defamation suit. Jace has plenty of experience against corrupt businesses and is will to turn down Connors massive retainer to do what is right by defending Rosen.
Christine Connors, who works with her father, pretends she has no clue about her father's illegal activities. She is caught on surveillance tape entering the apartment of one of the men who gained profit from falsifying data. When that individual is found dead, by a suspected drug overdose, Christine is willing to throw her father under the bus to save her own skin.
Crouch does an excellent job of describing sinister characters who believe they are above everyone else when it comes to the law, and can buy their way out of everything. Connors and his daughter’s colorful description as snakes will have readers loving or hating them. It reminds me of news in the last year about athletes who get away with murder due to being celebrity individuals.
The author's background in the legal system and courts provide excellent fodder for drama, beating the system, and lawyers who go right for the jugular. Crouch provides the right amount of action–readers will find the story engaging, realistic and fast-paced.
“The Weight” by Hubert Crouch is Book 3 in his Jace Forman series. Readers who know little about how the legal system works will enjoy this action-packed story that will leave you in shock and present an eye opening experience.
Hubert Crouch’s story, “The Weight” is a traditional legal thriller with a plot that revolves around a high-powered lawyer that will do anything to save his “so-called” stellar reputation and fortune.
Cal Connors, a shady Texas prosecutor, is out to ruin Texas Matters Magazine due to an article he feels does damage to his reputation. In the article, Leah Rosen, the author, provides detailed information on Connors attempt to have medical experts twist and rig data. Connors is on the war path to sue for millions, hoping that the action will deter the U.S. Attorney from snooping around. Rosen seeks the assistance of attorney Jace Forman to defend herself against the defamation suit. Jace has plenty of experience against corrupt businesses and is will to turn down Connors massive retainer to do what is right by defending Rosen.
Christine Connors, who works with her father, pretends she has no clue about her father's illegal activities. She is caught on surveillance tape entering the apartment of one of the men who gained profit from falsifying data. When that individual is found dead, by a suspected drug overdose, Christine is willing to throw her father under the bus to save her own skin.
Crouch does an excellent job of describing sinister characters who believe they are above everyone else when it comes to the law, and can buy their way out of everything. Connors and his daughter’s colorful description as snakes will have readers loving or hating them. It reminds me of news in the last year about athletes who get away with murder due to being celebrity individuals.
The author's background in the legal system and courts provide excellent fodder for drama, beating the system, and lawyers who go right for the jugular. Crouch provides the right amount of action–readers will find the story engaging, realistic and fast-paced.
“The Weight” by Hubert Crouch is Book 3 in his Jace Forman series. Readers who know little about how the legal system works will enjoy this action-packed story that will leave you in shock and present an eye opening experience.
July 30, 2018
Wow what a book! This book is extremely well-written and thought out.
The book opens with a with a murder in a hotel whose rooms start at one thousand dollars a night. The killer avoids identification by the surveillance cameras. Where she manages to have him inhale an overdose of heroin and leaves without detection. From here our tale of legal maneuvering, cheating, , deceit and murder begins. This all takes place in or around Fort Worth Texas. When a reporter writes an expose on article exposing Cal’s shortcomings and methods of successes. What she finds is more than a little disturbing. It turns out that Cal has not only entered into illegal agreements, but he has also been bribing witnesses and experts in his cases in order to get the outcome that he desires. When the article finally comes out, the US attorney decides to take a closer look into that matter. Suddenly, Cal finds not only his reputation but his entire way of life under attack. Let’s hope he makes the right choice or will he do something about it, but just what will he do in order to protect it.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
The book opens with a with a murder in a hotel whose rooms start at one thousand dollars a night. The killer avoids identification by the surveillance cameras. Where she manages to have him inhale an overdose of heroin and leaves without detection. From here our tale of legal maneuvering, cheating, , deceit and murder begins. This all takes place in or around Fort Worth Texas. When a reporter writes an expose on article exposing Cal’s shortcomings and methods of successes. What she finds is more than a little disturbing. It turns out that Cal has not only entered into illegal agreements, but he has also been bribing witnesses and experts in his cases in order to get the outcome that he desires. When the article finally comes out, the US attorney decides to take a closer look into that matter. Suddenly, Cal finds not only his reputation but his entire way of life under attack. Let’s hope he makes the right choice or will he do something about it, but just what will he do in order to protect it.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
July 5, 2018
Real life experience influences this novel
I usually start my reviews with a brief sentence about what this book is about, but the Weight is so much more complicated. Basically, a reporter writes an expose that angers a crooked local attorney so he wants to retaliate. Only, he (and his daughter) really has done some awful things. It’s such a tangled web that the author has woven. The novel itself is long in length but the action of the storyline keeps it flowing nicely. There is no way a reader won’t get wrapped up in this as if he/she was there. You can tell that the author’s real life experience as an attorney influences his writing. It was very well written and seemingly technical. While this is the 3rd book the author has written, it is only the first one I’ve ever read and I’d love to read more.
I usually start my reviews with a brief sentence about what this book is about, but the Weight is so much more complicated. Basically, a reporter writes an expose that angers a crooked local attorney so he wants to retaliate. Only, he (and his daughter) really has done some awful things. It’s such a tangled web that the author has woven. The novel itself is long in length but the action of the storyline keeps it flowing nicely. There is no way a reader won’t get wrapped up in this as if he/she was there. You can tell that the author’s real life experience as an attorney influences his writing. It was very well written and seemingly technical. While this is the 3rd book the author has written, it is only the first one I’ve ever read and I’d love to read more.
August 4, 2018
Yes and No
Hmmm … I did read the three book series so it held my interest in that I wanted to see what happened next. But unfortunately, I had already figured out where it was leading it wasn’t that thrilling for me. This book had a lot of lawyers to keep track of. My recommendation is that it’s an okay series. Better than a lot of them, but just not up there with the best of them.
Hmmm … I did read the three book series so it held my interest in that I wanted to see what happened next. But unfortunately, I had already figured out where it was leading it wasn’t that thrilling for me. This book had a lot of lawyers to keep track of. My recommendation is that it’s an okay series. Better than a lot of them, but just not up there with the best of them.
July 18, 2018
Great dialogue; accurate depiction
No surprise this author has 40-years' trial law experience. Probably one of the most accurate tomes I've read. No BS. No super heroes. Nothing to stretch the imagination. And I liked that. The only aspect that led me to give this 4 stars is that the plot was confusing and slow to gather interest. Otherwise, I liked it.
No surprise this author has 40-years' trial law experience. Probably one of the most accurate tomes I've read. No BS. No super heroes. Nothing to stretch the imagination. And I liked that. The only aspect that led me to give this 4 stars is that the plot was confusing and slow to gather interest. Otherwise, I liked it.
July 18, 2019
Good plot, intrigue... That's all is good. But after finishing, the story didn't gave me all the answers. But still I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews