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Michael Gresham #9
The Fifth Justice: A legal thriller of a vanished federal court nominee and a manhunt
Sometimes a victim isn't a victim after all
The story of a young woman abused by human traffickers. Hedy suffers serious mental problems because of the trauma. She battles to regain her ability to think clearly and survive. She must re-learn how to recognize faces. She must re-learn how to speak. Hedy's story is the story of people all around us who've been hurt by other people to the point of giving up. It takes courage to recover and rebuild and then to fight back. Hedy finds healing inside herself, where unexpected helps--and a few hindrances--are waiting.
Sometimes a victim refuses to remain a victim.
Sometimes they even go on the hunt.
From USA TODAY best-selling author John Ellsworth. First edition published as Jane Doe 235
The story of a young woman abused by human traffickers. Hedy suffers serious mental problems because of the trauma. She battles to regain her ability to think clearly and survive. She must re-learn how to recognize faces. She must re-learn how to speak. Hedy's story is the story of people all around us who've been hurt by other people to the point of giving up. It takes courage to recover and rebuild and then to fight back. Hedy finds healing inside herself, where unexpected helps--and a few hindrances--are waiting.
Sometimes a victim refuses to remain a victim.
Sometimes they even go on the hunt.
From USA TODAY best-selling author John Ellsworth. First edition published as Jane Doe 235
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2018
About the author
John Ellsworth
111 books528 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 29, 2017
DNF @ 30%
I tried....I really tried...I was lost.....really lost...I failed...I really failed.
Moving on....sadly.
I tried....I really tried...I was lost.....really lost...I failed...I really failed.
Moving on....sadly.
March 28, 2017
I was not very impressed by this book. I initially thought it had an interesting premise, and I still think it could have made an interesting story if it was done right. The first place where the author lost me was the choice to switch to Cooper's perspective and reveal his plan to lie about being Jane Doe 235's husband. I thought the story would have been much more riveting and would have had more opportunity for suspense and plot twists if the author had stuck with Jane Doe's perspective and let the reader discover what was going on more slowly as she figured things out. Then there was Heidi's diary, which felt more like a plot device to bring details to light even more quickly than I'd expect from a riveting story. I also found "Naomi's" reactions to things, including the diary, very confusing and unnatural. I get that she's not all right in the head, which is the point, but it doesn't help that her level of confusion and memory loss was extremely inconsistent. Gunnar's presence in the story was also very confusing. I do understand who "Gunnar" is, but I wasn't very impressed with how he was woven in. Despite all this, I decided to give the story a chance to come around for as long as I could, but the moment I finally decided to give up on it was in Part II, which tells Andrew's story. When he begins relating Heidi's testimony to the judge, I just couldn't do it anymore. She talks to the judge like she's writing a novel. It came off to me as completely unrealistic, and half of the stuff she said wasn't even relevant to the case. At that point I perused the reviews further and determined that it probably wasn't going to get better. However, I did notice a lot of folks saying that the author's other books are much better, so if I come across a different one for him I'll probably give it a fair chance, given that this one seems to be a one-off for him.
June 28, 2017
Really Good
I couldn't put it down. It's confusing at times, but if you are paying attention and reading carefully you can keep up. Very nicely done. One of my pet peeves...... there are no grammar errors. What a pleasure! This author is going on my favorites list.
I couldn't put it down. It's confusing at times, but if you are paying attention and reading carefully you can keep up. Very nicely done. One of my pet peeves...... there are no grammar errors. What a pleasure! This author is going on my favorites list.
November 3, 2018
John Ellsworth was a well-respected practising lawyer dividing his life between Flagstaff and Chicago prior to deciding to write full time. So we expect and get great courtroom scenes from him.
However, this book spends little time in the courtroom; but it is heavy time defending a murder charge.
We have met Michael Gresham before. If you have read any of the earlier books in the series, you may recall his first wife was raped, gave birth to a son and subsequently died. Now Gresham is remarried to Verona from Russia, whom he loves greatly.
We are introduced to Andrew Constance who's wife has been nominated for a position on the District Court in Chicago, but the problem is she has been missing for two months and Andrew hasn't told anyone that she's missing.
Andrew also tells Gresham that his wife was raped and impregnated by the same person who raped and impregnated Dani, Michael's wife. That man is Reno Rivera. Earlier Michael had defended Rivera on a murder charge for which he was found not guilty. But his repayment to Gresham was to rape and impregnate his wife. The next time Michael was on the opposite side and Rivera was sent to prison. But then, Andrew Constance handled his appeal and got the guilty verdict vacated. Rivera's repayment to Andrew was to rape and impregnate his wife.
So the case became very personal to Michael Gresham.
But added to this, Chloe Constance has multiple personalities and they have few clues where to begin their search. However, Andrew Constance is convinced his wife is out to find and kill Rivera.
The story unfolds as we find Chloe the victim of a car accident, admitted to hospital not knowing who she is and having no memory of her life before or even during the accident. We follow her through this period and meet her other personalities - Maddy a loud mouth teenager and Justin Maybe, her protector.
Life for Chloe doesn't get better and really this is all I can tell you. Because any more would be a total spoiler. I know nothing about the complex subject of dissociative identity disorder but I trust Mr Elsworth to have researched this subject well.
As always, we expect and get page-turning thrillers from this author.
And I do encourage you to get your hands on this book when it is published. and if you haven't already read the earlier books in the series, to get them too.
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read by the author and I choose to write this review.
However, this book spends little time in the courtroom; but it is heavy time defending a murder charge.
We have met Michael Gresham before. If you have read any of the earlier books in the series, you may recall his first wife was raped, gave birth to a son and subsequently died. Now Gresham is remarried to Verona from Russia, whom he loves greatly.
We are introduced to Andrew Constance who's wife has been nominated for a position on the District Court in Chicago, but the problem is she has been missing for two months and Andrew hasn't told anyone that she's missing.
Andrew also tells Gresham that his wife was raped and impregnated by the same person who raped and impregnated Dani, Michael's wife. That man is Reno Rivera. Earlier Michael had defended Rivera on a murder charge for which he was found not guilty. But his repayment to Gresham was to rape and impregnate his wife. The next time Michael was on the opposite side and Rivera was sent to prison. But then, Andrew Constance handled his appeal and got the guilty verdict vacated. Rivera's repayment to Andrew was to rape and impregnate his wife.
So the case became very personal to Michael Gresham.
But added to this, Chloe Constance has multiple personalities and they have few clues where to begin their search. However, Andrew Constance is convinced his wife is out to find and kill Rivera.
The story unfolds as we find Chloe the victim of a car accident, admitted to hospital not knowing who she is and having no memory of her life before or even during the accident. We follow her through this period and meet her other personalities - Maddy a loud mouth teenager and Justin Maybe, her protector.
Life for Chloe doesn't get better and really this is all I can tell you. Because any more would be a total spoiler. I know nothing about the complex subject of dissociative identity disorder but I trust Mr Elsworth to have researched this subject well.
As always, we expect and get page-turning thrillers from this author.
And I do encourage you to get your hands on this book when it is published. and if you haven't already read the earlier books in the series, to get them too.
Note: I was given a copy of this book to read by the author and I choose to write this review.
March 14, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author and I must say, it enraptured me. It was an excellent, yet heartbreaking, story about the hell this woman, Jane Doe 235, has been trough and the ultimate effects it permanently has on her. This kept me up WAY past my bedtime and I enjoyed every last page. You know a book is good when you feel almost sad when you finish it...like you lost a friend. Whiuch us how this book left me feeling. It definitely keeps you guessing, needing to kjnow what happens next. I absolutely love the wasy the Author ended this book. It was absolutely perfect as far as I'm concerned. This book iimpressed me so much, I'm about to start another John Ellsworth book as soon as I wrap up this review. Happy reading...it's a journey you won't regret taking.
March 12, 2017
Psychological thriller : aptly named
I was going to squeeze this book in between a classic I'm reading and a short story, but once I started reading Jane Doe 235 I just couldn't put it down. I was constantly asking myself while reading, Did she or he just say that? Did I read that passage correctly? The twists and turns are constantly building. What a difficult book to write I bet. Really different from other John Ellsworth books and great to read. I wanted a little more closure at the end so I gave it four stars but it really drew me in from the beginning. A real escape read!
I was going to squeeze this book in between a classic I'm reading and a short story, but once I started reading Jane Doe 235 I just couldn't put it down. I was constantly asking myself while reading, Did she or he just say that? Did I read that passage correctly? The twists and turns are constantly building. What a difficult book to write I bet. Really different from other John Ellsworth books and great to read. I wanted a little more closure at the end so I gave it four stars but it really drew me in from the beginning. A real escape read!
April 5, 2020
I don’t know how he does it but Ellsworth is one fantastic storyteller. The things that he develops with the Chloe character are quite unbelievable. Where his mind goes to write in multiple personalities within the one character is, to me, totally amazing. The story moves at a fast pace throughout keeping you engaged, looking for what is about to happen next.
This is a very good read. 5
This is a very good read. 5
December 30, 2020
Too graphic for me. The ending was anticlimactic and very predictable. I wasn't impressed with Michael Gresham's defense. He did nothing that a good lawyer wouldn't have done. The story about Michael's wife was just plain weird. It was like Mr. Ellsworth added it to fill pages. I've read 20 books by Ellsworth and this one was the most disappointing one.
May 15, 2022
The last in the series
I read everyone in this series and loved them all. But I must admit that I am a little disappointed in the Fifth Justice. There are inconsistencies that a good editor should have caught. When did Jana's name change to Reno Rivera? The storyline is little over the top.
I read everyone in this series and loved them all. But I must admit that I am a little disappointed in the Fifth Justice. There are inconsistencies that a good editor should have caught. When did Jana's name change to Reno Rivera? The storyline is little over the top.
Read
April 2, 2025I started reading this book and was immediately confused. Michael and his family are back in Chicago with no explanation as to why and Reno returns to the story, but his name used to be Jana? why the change? Did he think his readers wouldn't catch the the name change? No consistency with this author at times. It's frustrating.
May 30, 2022
Very interesting storyline. Unexpected plot twists. Great characters.
October 1, 2024
mental health is always good to recognize, recommend
Author, what was the purpose of Verona storyline. I don’t understand her going to Russia to comfort her divorce niece but refused to go see her dying son. Now, make that make sense. Then she runs into some problems and gets detained and then all of a certain out of the blue, she just appears at Michael house. After weeks or month trying to get her back to the US, she shows up in a taxi talking about she’s hungry. Chapter 45 should be deleted, it’s irrelevant and so is Verona. I’m wondering is she a Russia spy. While I can appreciate the acknowledgment of mental health in this story, but I am so confused with the characters and not Chloe and her alternates. Ok, 1st of all, the man that raped Danny was named Jana Emerich, so did he change his name to Reno Rivera? And was Rodolfo, Rudy and Niles the same person? And can you please tell us how old Michael really is? His age fluctuates with each book.
Author, what was the purpose of Verona storyline. I don’t understand her going to Russia to comfort her divorce niece but refused to go see her dying son. Now, make that make sense. Then she runs into some problems and gets detained and then all of a certain out of the blue, she just appears at Michael house. After weeks or month trying to get her back to the US, she shows up in a taxi talking about she’s hungry. Chapter 45 should be deleted, it’s irrelevant and so is Verona. I’m wondering is she a Russia spy. While I can appreciate the acknowledgment of mental health in this story, but I am so confused with the characters and not Chloe and her alternates. Ok, 1st of all, the man that raped Danny was named Jana Emerich, so did he change his name to Reno Rivera? And was Rodolfo, Rudy and Niles the same person? And can you please tell us how old Michael really is? His age fluctuates with each book.
August 20, 2017
A page turner
This is an interesting novel through somewhat confusing at times, and there are a few loose ends that never got tied up for me. Like where did the VW come from and who ran Heidi off the road? And what happened to the police that were assigned to her case? It also seemed a little inconceivable that the Heidi's rape could have happened. That was never explained either. Perhaps I missed something in the reading, but I felt like there were some disjointed pieces of information , and if Gunner wasn't real, how did she really escape her first captors? Seems to me that some transitions in the story telling were never made smoothly. But, all in all, a fun read.
This is an interesting novel through somewhat confusing at times, and there are a few loose ends that never got tied up for me. Like where did the VW come from and who ran Heidi off the road? And what happened to the police that were assigned to her case? It also seemed a little inconceivable that the Heidi's rape could have happened. That was never explained either. Perhaps I missed something in the reading, but I felt like there were some disjointed pieces of information , and if Gunner wasn't real, how did she really escape her first captors? Seems to me that some transitions in the story telling were never made smoothly. But, all in all, a fun read.
January 14, 2021
Disappointing
Let me preface by stating that I am an Ellsworth fan, with the exception of the Gresham series. This book confirmed my earlier reaction.
I understand the themes the author is trying to address- human trafficking, multiple personality disorder. But I found the sections on Russia and Verona merely distracting, adding nothing other than showing what a tough guy Marcel is. In addition, the book needs a good proofreader between missing words and other grammatical issues.
I really struggled to get through this book only to find it ended up too neatly tied in a red ribbon.
I’ll stick with Thad Murphee.
Let me preface by stating that I am an Ellsworth fan, with the exception of the Gresham series. This book confirmed my earlier reaction.
I understand the themes the author is trying to address- human trafficking, multiple personality disorder. But I found the sections on Russia and Verona merely distracting, adding nothing other than showing what a tough guy Marcel is. In addition, the book needs a good proofreader between missing words and other grammatical issues.
I really struggled to get through this book only to find it ended up too neatly tied in a red ribbon.
I’ll stick with Thad Murphee.
February 20, 2017
I started the book thinking I would read for an hour and then start some work I needed to do. That work got delayed by a day.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story - additional facts kept popping up which made me have to once again reconsider what I thought was true. The plot is very different than any of his legal thrillers. Heidi, the main character is an attorney that has had some very bad things happen to her and her brain deals with these in some strange ways.
While I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review, I can say I do recommend the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story - additional facts kept popping up which made me have to once again reconsider what I thought was true. The plot is very different than any of his legal thrillers. Heidi, the main character is an attorney that has had some very bad things happen to her and her brain deals with these in some strange ways.
While I was given a copy of the book in return for an honest review, I can say I do recommend the book.
July 22, 2017
Confusing read...
Sorry John, but this one just did not do it for me like your Thaddeus Murfee series did. I found it to be very confusing to follow. Half the time I was not sure who she was talking to or if they were even there. Poor Heidi turned out to be a real loon. She claimed to be a criminal law attorney, but her best work seemed to be on her back!
Dianna,
Prescott, AZ
Sorry John, but this one just did not do it for me like your Thaddeus Murfee series did. I found it to be very confusing to follow. Half the time I was not sure who she was talking to or if they were even there. Poor Heidi turned out to be a real loon. She claimed to be a criminal law attorney, but her best work seemed to be on her back!
Dianna,
Prescott, AZ
October 19, 2018
A wild and unbelievable story
John Ellsworth has done it again, just when you think his writing can't get any better He jumps right in to a higher level. This story is fantastic and from the beginning a big surprise. I do not want to give it away as it is just out and many not have read it yet. All I can say is read,read you are going to love it and will be hooked at the beginning.
John Ellsworth has done it again, just when you think his writing can't get any better He jumps right in to a higher level. This story is fantastic and from the beginning a big surprise. I do not want to give it away as it is just out and many not have read it yet. All I can say is read,read you are going to love it and will be hooked at the beginning.
February 12, 2019
Michael Gresham series
I read nearly as fast as Mr. Ellsworth can write so I have waited until finishing the entire series to post my review. While I found a few errors or discrepancies between books and would encourage his editors to work a little harder I found his law dramas and investigative work on a level with any of my better known favorites. Michael Gresham is as personable as Micky Haller.
I read nearly as fast as Mr. Ellsworth can write so I have waited until finishing the entire series to post my review. While I found a few errors or discrepancies between books and would encourage his editors to work a little harder I found his law dramas and investigative work on a level with any of my better known favorites. Michael Gresham is as personable as Micky Haller.
April 17, 2019
"The title is incorrect, and I chalk this up to the connection between Amazon Kindle and Goodreads. The book I really read is titled "The Firth Justice", and is Michael Gresham book #9. It is the tale of a missing woman with multiple personalities, tied in with the usual family / international involvements of Gresham books. It has twists and turns beyond the usual as it dips into the multiple personality angle, and the epilogue is awesome!"
July 9, 2019
Outstanding
Outstanding, as usual for Ellsworth. Strong characters, twists galore,and a quite unbelievable ending. Although at times one wonders if U. S Supremes are operating on all cylinders. I would have preferred learning more about how the Constances managed their marriage after the trauma leading to court. Could have skipped the interlude in Russia which, in my view, added nothing to the core story. Still I was rivited throughout Jhls. .
Outstanding, as usual for Ellsworth. Strong characters, twists galore,and a quite unbelievable ending. Although at times one wonders if U. S Supremes are operating on all cylinders. I would have preferred learning more about how the Constances managed their marriage after the trauma leading to court. Could have skipped the interlude in Russia which, in my view, added nothing to the core story. Still I was rivited throughout Jhls. .
May 23, 2022
Difficult to Impossible to Unbelieveable
Whilw I don’t know much about multiple personality disorder, this novel went from difficult to impossible to unbelievable. Mr. Ellsworth got carried away with Constance and her “friends”. In addition, simply getting jobs for all the young girls, all illegal immigrants, is unrealistic. The sexual exploitation of Constance by Reno after he “rescues” her from the hospital is over the top. Sorry John, you lose on this one.
Whilw I don’t know much about multiple personality disorder, this novel went from difficult to impossible to unbelievable. Mr. Ellsworth got carried away with Constance and her “friends”. In addition, simply getting jobs for all the young girls, all illegal immigrants, is unrealistic. The sexual exploitation of Constance by Reno after he “rescues” her from the hospital is over the top. Sorry John, you lose on this one.
October 5, 2024
GREAT READ WITH A WONDERFUL MESSAGE
Ellsworth is a master of words description and pace. Loved this book. One thought: the plausibility of this plot involving a serious mental illness and the judicial nomination and promotion of the person so afflicted is dubious. Not because it could not be true but because of society’s prejudices regarding mental illness and the people so afflicted. But this book describes hope and progress on that front
Ellsworth is a master of words description and pace. Loved this book. One thought: the plausibility of this plot involving a serious mental illness and the judicial nomination and promotion of the person so afflicted is dubious. Not because it could not be true but because of society’s prejudices regarding mental illness and the people so afflicted. But this book describes hope and progress on that front
October 16, 2018
Great Book
This was book number ten in the Michael Gresham series.
I have read all of them and all were great 👍reads.
Give him a chance.
I don't care to tell things about the book as some reviewers do as it gives too much away.
Great Book and author.
I highly recommend this book and author.
This was book number ten in the Michael Gresham series.
I have read all of them and all were great 👍reads.
Give him a chance.
I don't care to tell things about the book as some reviewers do as it gives too much away.
Great Book and author.
I highly recommend this book and author.
October 24, 2018
Lots of twists in this legal thriller
The story is unique with a person having multiple personalities being tried for murder. However, I felt the story muddled and confused making the narrative difficult to read at times. Book is recommended with the understanding of its limitations.
The story is unique with a person having multiple personalities being tried for murder. However, I felt the story muddled and confused making the narrative difficult to read at times. Book is recommended with the understanding of its limitations.
November 5, 2018
Copycat of his own book
I actually only read five chapters. It is so much like another book I just couldn't go on. Maybe it got better. I think perhaps he is churning books out so fast he has lost his imagination. Very disappointed because I have devoured every book Ellsworth has ever written. Sorry sir.
I actually only read five chapters. It is so much like another book I just couldn't go on. Maybe it got better. I think perhaps he is churning books out so fast he has lost his imagination. Very disappointed because I have devoured every book Ellsworth has ever written. Sorry sir.
November 28, 2018
Well done!
I have read several of Mr. Gresham's books and I am always impressed but this one was difficult at times to read and I was tempted to set it aside when it came to the raw sexual content and the violence. I think though that this is happening now and I felt that I needed to finish the book. The "split personality" medical aspect was very interesting.
I have read several of Mr. Gresham's books and I am always impressed but this one was difficult at times to read and I was tempted to set it aside when it came to the raw sexual content and the violence. I think though that this is happening now and I felt that I needed to finish the book. The "split personality" medical aspect was very interesting.
January 6, 2019
Never disappoints
Not one michael gresham book has been a disappointment. They all leave off from the last time and start with the next storyline. I adore Michael , the kids, Danny's memory, Verona and especially Marcel. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Thank you so much,now when may O have another one????????? PLEASE!!!!!!
Not one michael gresham book has been a disappointment. They all leave off from the last time and start with the next storyline. I adore Michael , the kids, Danny's memory, Verona and especially Marcel. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Thank you so much,now when may O have another one????????? PLEASE!!!!!!
January 12, 2019
A different kind of legal
I enjoy this author quite a bit and this book lived up to all the drama and emotional distress one could hope for. I love Michael and especially Marcel-excellent partners. The subject matter is difficult but the story line was believable. However, Michael's wife in Russia seemed irrelevant and minimized. Overall, a good read.
I enjoy this author quite a bit and this book lived up to all the drama and emotional distress one could hope for. I love Michael and especially Marcel-excellent partners. The subject matter is difficult but the story line was believable. However, Michael's wife in Russia seemed irrelevant and minimized. Overall, a good read.
June 8, 2019
Ummm
This has to be one of my least favorite of his. Seemed very confused. Why the Verona story? Didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the book. Won't stop me from reading more of them just felt that this book could be skipped. Was no tie into older books and doesn't seem to lead anywhere.
This has to be one of my least favorite of his. Seemed very confused. Why the Verona story? Didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the book. Won't stop me from reading more of them just felt that this book could be skipped. Was no tie into older books and doesn't seem to lead anywhere.
March 15, 2021
Michael Gresham - A Legal Hero
Wow. What an 11 day ride this has been. John Ellsworth makes the court system come alive with a true perspective of the illegal deals that are made behind the scenes which harm our legal process. I enjoyed this series very much. On to the next protagonist. Looking forward to more great stories.
Wow. What an 11 day ride this has been. John Ellsworth makes the court system come alive with a true perspective of the illegal deals that are made behind the scenes which harm our legal process. I enjoyed this series very much. On to the next protagonist. Looking forward to more great stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews