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Holland Taylor #5
First, Kill the Lawyers
P.I. Holland Taylor returns in David Housewright’s Edgar Award-winning series with First, Kill the Lawyers, where Taylor is hired to recover stolen files before they are leaked, ruining more than just the careers of five local lawyers. Five prominent attorneys in Minneapolis have had their computer systems hacked and very sensitive case files stolen. Those attorneys are then contacted by an association of local whistleblowers known as NIMN and are quietly alerted that they have received those documents from an anonymous source. If those files are released, then not only will those lawyers be ruined, but it might even destroy the integrity of the entire Minnesota legal system. This group of lawyers turns to Private Investigator Holland Taylor with a simple stop the disclosure any way you can.But while the directive is simple, the case is not. To find the missing files and the person responsible, Holland must first dive into the five cases covered in the files—divorce, bribery, class action, rape, and murder. While Taylor is untangling the associates and connections between the cases and families affected, things take another mysterious turn and the time before the files are released is running out. As the situation becomes more threatening, Holland Taylor is trapped in the middle of what is legal and what is ethical—between right, wrong, and deadly.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2019
149 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
David Housewright
63 books413 followersA past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 12, 2019
FIRST, KILL ALL THE LAWYERS is the fifth Holland Taylor mystery overall, and the second to be published after a 19-year interregnum forced on the author by a conflict with his original publisher. Given David Housewright's productivity over the years, as he moved on to the Rushmore McKenzie series and other projects, the conflict is an example of extreme publisher shortsightedness. FIRST, KILL ALL THE LAWYERS is a good book, often fun in its ability to allow the reader to escape into the story for a bit. However, something seems to be missing throughout that keeps this effort from being among Housewright's best.
The plot setup is clever, complicated and pleasing. Five law firms are being blackmailed by a hacker and Taylor, along with Freddie, his partner in the detective firm of Fredericks and Taylor, are asked to find the culprit. The first step is to find the connections between the seemingly disparate cases at the heart of the blackmail threats. Early on, a computer expert is introduced who provides a dynamic addition to the cast of characters in the book, but that expert is underused as the book plays out. Freddie, too, seems undeveloped, while there is a definite lack of connectedness to the main character. Holland Taylor is interesting, but often in a borderline superficial way. The personal tragedy that defined his earliest books seems far too distant and amorphous. That said, the plot drives the early stages of the book, not the characters.
The clever plot setup plays out logically, even methodically. The conclusion has some odd jolts, though. There is an inappropriate sexual liaison between two characters toward the end that is excused on what is at best a technicality (the age difference does matter, as does the status of one person as a victim who sought sanctuary with the other). A primary character dies, seemingly to provide some awkward pathos. Two murderers get off scot-free. The logical progression of most of the book is jarred in the concluding pages. That said, FIRST, KILL ALL THE LAWYERS is a worthwhile read, a fun way to enjoy an evening by the fireplace or to finish the day while traveling. The conclusion sets up a new stage for Holland Taylor and I look forward to finding out where he goes.
Lawyers, guns and cash
create a fine story. But
who are the bad guys?
The plot setup is clever, complicated and pleasing. Five law firms are being blackmailed by a hacker and Taylor, along with Freddie, his partner in the detective firm of Fredericks and Taylor, are asked to find the culprit. The first step is to find the connections between the seemingly disparate cases at the heart of the blackmail threats. Early on, a computer expert is introduced who provides a dynamic addition to the cast of characters in the book, but that expert is underused as the book plays out. Freddie, too, seems undeveloped, while there is a definite lack of connectedness to the main character. Holland Taylor is interesting, but often in a borderline superficial way. The personal tragedy that defined his earliest books seems far too distant and amorphous. That said, the plot drives the early stages of the book, not the characters.
The clever plot setup plays out logically, even methodically. The conclusion has some odd jolts, though. There is an inappropriate sexual liaison between two characters toward the end that is excused on what is at best a technicality (the age difference does matter, as does the status of one person as a victim who sought sanctuary with the other). A primary character dies, seemingly to provide some awkward pathos. Two murderers get off scot-free. The logical progression of most of the book is jarred in the concluding pages. That said, FIRST, KILL ALL THE LAWYERS is a worthwhile read, a fun way to enjoy an evening by the fireplace or to finish the day while traveling. The conclusion sets up a new stage for Holland Taylor and I look forward to finding out where he goes.
Lawyers, guns and cash
create a fine story. But
who are the bad guys?
January 8, 2020
I've read several of the author's Mac McKenzie novels, so I thought I'd try one from his other private eye series featuring Holland Taylor. Like McKenzie, Taylor narrates the novel, and their voices are exactly the same, as far as I can tell. This one was substantially more violent than the McKenzie novels I read, and it was decorated with what seemed to me gratuitous and unlikely oddities: an extremely wealthy family has a shrubbery maze on their compound on Lake Minnetonka, in which the evil patriarch likes to spend time alone, and which is wasted as a source of surprise or suspense. Taylor is involved in a number of shootouts and ambushes, and survives, apparently, just because. There are numerous lawyers involved in the plot, but contrary to the title, none of them is killed (although the famous Shakespeare quote, almost always misunderstood, is accurately explained). An OK entertainment, but so far I like the other series better.
May 7, 2019
I usually give my favorite authors a five star rating, unless the book is a disappointment, and this definitely was not a disappointment. I enjoy Housewrights style of telling a story, plus a bonus for me is they take place in the Twin Cities. I also enjoy the banter that goes on between Taylor and his PI partner, Freddie. I did have a hard time following the legal talk, but other than that it was a very complex, interesting story.
July 8, 2020
In his fifth Holland Taylor book, David Housewight has managed to turn his protagonist into a totally unlikable character who objectifies every woman he encounters. All he focuses on is the shape of their bodies and whether they are beautiful. Most of the beautiful women have blond hair which made me want to scream. The author allows this character to murder someone too without any consequences and then lie about it. Housewright has remade his character over the course of the last two books and that has ruined the series for me.
In this book, Taylor drinks a lot and it is almost always bourbon. He never even mentions his switch from Summit Ale which was the drink of choice in the first three books. Taylor also no longer listens to jazz. He does say that he lost interest in jazz over the years.
But I think what has actually occurred here is the emergence of Rushmore McKenzie, who drinks Summit Ale and lives and breathes jazz. Housewright is attempting to create a wider gap between his two protagonists since these series are now alternating being published. Holland Taylor should not have been resurrected after an eighteen year absence.
There is very little about this mystery that I can say anything positive about. The pace of the story is interrupted at least three times by lectures from minor characters. A mayor explains "the nature of politics in America" which is completely unnecessary as any American over the age of 18 knows all about that. A lawyer gives us "a quick tutorial on class action lawsuits." What could be more boring? Well, the author managed to top that with a techie character telling us all about how hackers work and how they cover their trail.
There is one chapter with really odd construction. The voice of this novel is first person narrative, yet there is a short section with dialog between two characters without the protagonist present for this conversation. How is this possible for a seasoned author with editors to make such an obvious error.
This plot is so complex and full of holes and the ending is completely wrong within the context of events. There are several dozen characters which contributes to the complexity of the plot.
All in all, this is one of the worst mysteries by an award winning mystery author that I have tried to read. And to add to my displeasure, Housewright has been one of my favorites since he started the Mackenzie series. I wish I had never heard of Holland Taylor.
In this book, Taylor drinks a lot and it is almost always bourbon. He never even mentions his switch from Summit Ale which was the drink of choice in the first three books. Taylor also no longer listens to jazz. He does say that he lost interest in jazz over the years.
But I think what has actually occurred here is the emergence of Rushmore McKenzie, who drinks Summit Ale and lives and breathes jazz. Housewright is attempting to create a wider gap between his two protagonists since these series are now alternating being published. Holland Taylor should not have been resurrected after an eighteen year absence.
There is very little about this mystery that I can say anything positive about. The pace of the story is interrupted at least three times by lectures from minor characters. A mayor explains "the nature of politics in America" which is completely unnecessary as any American over the age of 18 knows all about that. A lawyer gives us "a quick tutorial on class action lawsuits." What could be more boring? Well, the author managed to top that with a techie character telling us all about how hackers work and how they cover their trail.
There is one chapter with really odd construction. The voice of this novel is first person narrative, yet there is a short section with dialog between two characters without the protagonist present for this conversation. How is this possible for a seasoned author with editors to make such an obvious error.
This plot is so complex and full of holes and the ending is completely wrong within the context of events. There are several dozen characters which contributes to the complexity of the plot.
All in all, this is one of the worst mysteries by an award winning mystery author that I have tried to read. And to add to my displeasure, Housewright has been one of my favorites since he started the Mackenzie series. I wish I had never heard of Holland Taylor.
January 21, 2019
When five Minneapolis attorneys learn that their computer systems have been hacked, they pay a tidy sum to private investigators Holland Taylor and Sidney Fredericks (Freddie) to track down the perpetrators and retrieve the files. If confidential information about the clients' cases, which involve "murder, divorce, class action, [bribery], and rape" were to become public, it would compromise attorney-client privilege and damage the lawyers' reputations. Taylor and Freddie plan to find out who had the motive, means, and opportunity to carry out these cyberattacks.
Holland Taylor is a good-looking man who enjoys the company of his seductive lady friend, Professor Alex Campbell. Taylor, an ex-cop, is clever, insightful, and can handle a gun. Freddie, who was once a member of the United States Air Force, is highly intelligent, well-organized, courageous, and built like a Mack truck. As Taylor and Freddie get closer to the truth, bullets fly, and bodies start to pile up. "First Kill the Lawyers," by David Housewright, has some positive attributes. Freddie and Taylor have an appealing rapport, and their good-natured banter is wryly amusing. In addition, there is a touching storyline involving Taylor's neighbors, the lovely and generous Claire Wedemeyer and her twelve-year-old daughter, Amanda, both of whom Taylor has grown to like a great deal. Furthermore, the author brings his Minnesota settings to life, and he also raises provocative questions concerning confidentiality, morality, and the perils of vigilantism.
Unfortunately, the plot leaves much to be desired. It is confusing, cluttered, far-fetched, and gratuitously violent. Among Housewright’s thinly-drawn characters are a persistent private eye who stalks Taylor and Freddie; an unhappy teenager who will do almost anything to attract attention; a cross-dressing computer genius; and a fabulously wealthy recluse who wants to control everyone in his orbit. Still, in spite of these shortcomings, the author keeps us engrossed with a clever combination of humor, legal skullduggery, family dysfunction, and over-the-top mayhem.
Holland Taylor is a good-looking man who enjoys the company of his seductive lady friend, Professor Alex Campbell. Taylor, an ex-cop, is clever, insightful, and can handle a gun. Freddie, who was once a member of the United States Air Force, is highly intelligent, well-organized, courageous, and built like a Mack truck. As Taylor and Freddie get closer to the truth, bullets fly, and bodies start to pile up. "First Kill the Lawyers," by David Housewright, has some positive attributes. Freddie and Taylor have an appealing rapport, and their good-natured banter is wryly amusing. In addition, there is a touching storyline involving Taylor's neighbors, the lovely and generous Claire Wedemeyer and her twelve-year-old daughter, Amanda, both of whom Taylor has grown to like a great deal. Furthermore, the author brings his Minnesota settings to life, and he also raises provocative questions concerning confidentiality, morality, and the perils of vigilantism.
Unfortunately, the plot leaves much to be desired. It is confusing, cluttered, far-fetched, and gratuitously violent. Among Housewright’s thinly-drawn characters are a persistent private eye who stalks Taylor and Freddie; an unhappy teenager who will do almost anything to attract attention; a cross-dressing computer genius; and a fabulously wealthy recluse who wants to control everyone in his orbit. Still, in spite of these shortcomings, the author keeps us engrossed with a clever combination of humor, legal skullduggery, family dysfunction, and over-the-top mayhem.
March 19, 2019
Love a good mystery novel and this didn’t disappoint. The ending did leave a bit to be desired, but overall quick read and would recommend
September 7, 2019
This is barely a three-star novel. On the plus side, it didn’t take long to read. On the minus side, I was pretty happy to be done with it. There was nothing about the very complicated plot that was original or exciting. The villains were a nasty old reprobate with lots of money, who controlled a nasty family that hoped to inherit that money, and the nasty lawyers who committed ethical violations to protect the reprobate and his family. Hardly original stuff!
March 9, 2019
It was my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. My main issue was trying to keep track of all the characters. Toward the end I gave up and kept reading hoping I would figure out who was being discussed and why. Didn’t see the ending coming and can’t say I liked it. I will definitely read others by this author because I did like his writing style and the odd bit of humor he interjected!
June 13, 2019
Enjoy the Taylor stories. Also the MSP setting.
March 11, 2019
Hard to follow. If all of the rules explained between lawyer and client are true then something needs to change when a lawyer knows of a client committing murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
I love the Mac McKenzie books, not so much the Holland Taylor
March 31, 2020
Detective story is a 4. the sexism and every female character being drop dead gorgeous ruins it. Especially the thing with Hayley and Alex at the end. Unnecessary to the story
October 16, 2022
This was the first Housewright book I've read (and the last). The storyline had potential. The dialogue gave me second hand embarrassment. The strange use of legal terms thrown into random conversations was off putting. A police detective making a remark about "excited utterances"? Come on. Every female character was somehow physically attractive and turned into someone that Taylor wanted to/could conquer sexually. Even an 18 year old girl. Even when the character showed absolutely no interest in him. The objectification of every female character added nothing to the storyline and it was laughable that there was then mention of the Me Too movement. It also felt like Housewright was expressing a white savior complex when it came to Taylor's partner, Freddie. There were several typos towards the end of the book, including on pp. 223, 236, and 275, a major turn off. I finished the book to see the outcome of the story, which btw, was so strange. And the fact that Alex and Hayley's relationship, which started out as a safe space and felt almost motherlike (clothes shopping, haircuts, etc.), of course resulted in something sexual was arguably the worst part of the entire book, but I often skipped over the unnecessary (and cringey/uncomfortable) dialogue.
October 30, 2019
this is the series of the x cop , wife and daughter were killed in car accident. he lives in a apt with a rabbit. the girl across the hall comes to visit the rabbit every day.
i was glad when the bad guys got killed, i wasnt happy when his girlfriend cheated with the girl he was trying to help. she was in a wealthy family, ran away and was going to expose secrets. but the law firms that were hacked into hired him to find out who did it and not let their secrets out.
he managed to solve the case with some help of his partner and other friends. i cant wait for the next book to see if he leaves his girlfriend (i think he should!)
i was glad when the bad guys got killed, i wasnt happy when his girlfriend cheated with the girl he was trying to help. she was in a wealthy family, ran away and was going to expose secrets. but the law firms that were hacked into hired him to find out who did it and not let their secrets out.
he managed to solve the case with some help of his partner and other friends. i cant wait for the next book to see if he leaves his girlfriend (i think he should!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2019
The book is the fifth book in Holland Taylor series by one of my favorite authors, and the first one I have read. This is such an unusual and well-written legal mystery that tackles five cases. The attorneys involved in the cases don’t want them become public because they are unethical professionally and barely legal. The plot is complex, the characters are troubled, some being terribly greedy and compromised, and twists and turns in the book make one dizzy. While dealing with legal issues, the author also exposes the complexity and ambivalent nature of human relationships. You don’t expect the bitter-sweet ending coming. Five stars.
January 28, 2019
Housewright creates quite a structure. Four prominent lawyers have had their files hacked, and it's about cases that they won that they'd rather not discuss; i.e.,having gotten guilty men off scot free). Now they are either about to be blackmailed or have their careers damaged badly by the release of the case information. Holland Taylor and his partner are hired to find the hacker and suppress the material's release. And then people start to die. The very end doesn't quite ruin the book's structure, being serviceable, but it has at least one rather obvious element. Still, a good book.
March 6, 2019
Not one of Housewright's best. Good however. Too many characters.
Holland Taylor still seems depressed. Sometimes not a good person but not without reason. He finds reason to kill a murderer to prevent possible further murder. He also has a strange love (sex) life.
Less than satisfactory ending with tragedy for the victim and sorrow for relatives. And some of the villains escape justice even though some are related to the young victim
The last two books have less than satisfactory endidngs.
Holland Taylor still seems depressed. Sometimes not a good person but not without reason. He finds reason to kill a murderer to prevent possible further murder. He also has a strange love (sex) life.
Less than satisfactory ending with tragedy for the victim and sorrow for relatives. And some of the villains escape justice even though some are related to the young victim
The last two books have less than satisfactory endidngs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
Excellent; Continuing character: Holland Taylor; Taylor and his partner are hired by a group of lawyers who have all been hacked and had critical and confidential case documents stolen; as they investigate, it seems all the cases relate to a wealthy and corrupt family, and one of their own may be the culprit as Holland walks (and maybe crosses) a fine line regarding client privilege while the bodies pile up
May 13, 2024
I like the writing, it was interesting and quick read. The plot was complicated involving five law firms whose files were hacked and the threat to expose some of the unlawful complicated cases. Holland Taylor and his partner Freddie were hired to find the hackers at any cost. Though the numerous twists and turns there were nefarious characters, a wealthy ruthless family, murders and an unexpected ending that seened unrealistic.
December 8, 2025
The constant action, twists, and character development made the book one that was hard to put down. But for the same reasons, I found myself getting characters confused since it was a short read and not all the details stuck with me. Also found the ending to be a bit disappointing with a couple characters' resolution feeling rushed.
keep in mind, this was my first introduction into this detective series, which may impact some of the opinion
keep in mind, this was my first introduction into this detective series, which may impact some of the opinion
November 13, 2023
The last book (up to now) of the Holland Taylor series. Holland and Freddie are partners and they are given quite the case.
Lots of people in positions of power are less than honest and some, downright evil. (We can see that in our own real world.) Holland and Freddie ferret out some of them in their investigation. Not everything ends well.
Great read.
Lots of people in positions of power are less than honest and some, downright evil. (We can see that in our own real world.) Holland and Freddie ferret out some of them in their investigation. Not everything ends well.
Great read.
March 21, 2020
My main issue was trying to keep track of all the characters, plots and sub-plots.
I will definitely read others by this author because I did like his writing style and the Holland Taylor character.
Definitely a good read
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, which is the first Holland Taylor book I’ve read.
The plot fizzes along nicely and the lead character is likeable, which is always a good thing.
It reminded me of a modern day version of the Perry Mason remake I watched recently on TV.
The plot fizzes along nicely and the lead character is likeable, which is always a good thing.
It reminded me of a modern day version of the Perry Mason remake I watched recently on TV.
October 8, 2021
This plot had so many people I had a hard time keeping them straight. The ending could have been explained in more depth. He adds humor which I appreciate. This is a Holland Taylor book involving a rabbit, named Ogilvy.
June 12, 2023
A bit complicated with characters and laying the storyline … but, the last 100 pages caught me! This one, along with his other novels … makes one think of what is justice? I enjoy the Holland Taylor version of justice! I do like this author’s work … will reading all of his books eventually.
January 23, 2019
A decent thriller that at least makes me want to seek out more by the author in this series.
February 11, 2019
Good mystery, snappy dialogue, and a quick pace make this book a fun read.
February 21, 2019
This was a very entertaining read. The characters are interesting and very likeable. The story moved quickly. I really enjoyed it.
May 20, 2019
Good not great, dragged a little in the second half but i did enjoy the main character
June 13, 2019
Minnesota
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews