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Alien ambassadors are dying.

The locals are in over their heads. Or are they turning a blind eye?

The Magistrates band together to learn about the law, each other, and even themselves. They still need outside help to solve the case. Who do they call?

And Barnabas stops by to refuel and spin a tale. More training for the Magistrates.

But duty takes them away. Another Ambassador is brutally murdered. Rivka takes her team to find the perp and end the violence.

Very little is as it seems.

Who are the good guys? Rivka is determined to set things right, no matter who is standing in her way.

What will the Magistrate uncover? What justice will she deliver?

You'll love following Rivka’s adventures where no one is above the law. Everyone lies, but why? You have been judged.

Get it today.

Judge, Jury, & Executioner is a stand-alone series in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. No previous books need to be read. Just lock in your seat-belt, grab your favorite drink and be ready for your socks to be blown off.

--- PLEASE NOTE ---

*** This book contains cursing. Perhaps   humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, perhaps this book isn't for you.


266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2018

314 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Craig Martelle

327 books7,878 followers
Visit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.

I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.

I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.

No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.

We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.

Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.

It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

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5 stars
523 (64%)
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218 (26%)
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64 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for 〰️Beth〰️.
815 reviews62 followers
July 31, 2021
A little choppy

The first third of the book was some character development with the other magistrates and didn’t seem to flow well into the next part of the plot regarding the serial killer.

On the plus side we learn more about Cerillians who were also part of the Bad Company series.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,013 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2018
A simple training exercise

Seeing Into how Rivka's mind works is fascinating. I love how she works through logically, building her case. The integration with her fellow magistrates is hilarious!

Then another mission... Sorry, another case, comes along to challenge Rivka and her small team. More blowing things up, killing bad guys, sentencing bad guys who didn't get killed, and learning more about inter-species relationships. In short, another awesome story!
Profile Image for Wanda binz.
817 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2018
Great, fantastic, fun story

This is a really fun fantastic story that flows so well that you are totally invested in it. Craig and Michael please continue to write
These great powerful stories let them be fodder for science guys to figure out how to actually make the things that you come up with.
138 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2018
Serial Killer

An excellent book with great characters, skillful writing, an engaging story, and plenty of action. I highly recommend it. Thank you Craig and Michael for another entertaining chapter in one of my favo(u)rite series.
Profile Image for Per Gunnar.
1,313 reviews74 followers
February 6, 2022
This series hovers around three stars from me which means that it is okay to read but not really great. This book got itself the same three star rating as the rest although that’s really barely thanks to it wasting about a third of the book on some side story which was really messy and, for the most part, boring. It’s portrayed as some kind of “training” involving a bunch of other Magistrates but it never really worked for me.

To add to the mess the author throws in the classical “we are a peaceful people so you cannot do this or that or carry arms etc… bla bla” that just screws with the investigations. This is something that always annoys me in science fiction novels. First because this pacifist rubbish is just annoying and boring but also because, to me, it is just so implausible. A species so naïve and idealistic (and usually inflexible and stubborn as well) would simply not survive in a universe filled with species not sharing their views and in this universe there are plenty of those.

The book blurb mentions Barnabas stopping buy which is really nothing more than typical overhyped marketing. Why mention Barnabas when he’s really not in the book for more than a few paragraphs? It just becomes a disappointment.

At around the one third mark Rivka is finally sent on the “real” mission and, to me, that’s really when the book starts. That’s when Rivka again returns to be the main protagonist and when she and her merry band of misfits starts to kick some ass.

From this point the book becomes fun to read again. I quite like Rivka and her friends. They all add their unique strengths and oddities and they are all, some of them in unique ways, kicking some serious ass, from her gun touting “body guard” to the “brainiac” alien hacking into everything he touches.

As with most books in this universe, that was originally created by Michael Anderle, there is a fair amount of bantering, trash talk and language that most certainly will offend the easily offended and, as always, I do like these parts.

Overall the book was saved by the last two thirds being quite good.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,494 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2022
I was really happy reading this book. It was soooo much better than I had dreaded, given the title and, in fact, was unputdownable!

I'm loving tge relationship the team have crafted with each other, especially Ankh accepting Jayne the way he did, and I'm very much looking forward to learning more about all the characters, as was hinted at in the author's notes - yes, I do read them, every time, because you never know what titbit might be put on there! Lol

Even though Rivka and her team had to hurry like crazy to catch the killer, there was plenty of plotting to satisfy even the most picky of readers, and I really loved the way the storyline explored the way that people think of themselves as Liberal when, deep in their hearts, they can be very much the racists!

I just checked my reader's list, to see what comes next, and it appears I'll be reading book one of Confessions of a Space Anthropologist: Rogue Operator so, if I remember rightly, this means the Giles books at last! Yay!

I've enjoyed his character appearing in various books, so look forwards to reading more of his story.

I'm spoilt rotten with all these amazing series!
Profile Image for Tracey Byrnes.
Author 3 books1 follower
September 21, 2018
I’ve never been so intrigued by a serial killer’s case!

Rivka and her team are back at it, this time on the case of a serial killer who’s murdering diplomats on Collum Gate. It’s an explosive situation - politically and literally.

This story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. Each turn of the page brought new twists and angles to absorb, different perspectives on people and their personalities, and often had nuggets of information that my greedy mind eagerly devoured in its never-ending desire to learn new things.

Well done, Craig. The time you spent researching and then weaving in the information is nothing short of masterful. Thanks also to the incredible team of people who help keep all the moving pieces in place. And last but not least, thanks to Michael Anderle for creating the KGU and letting you and the other authors dramatically increase its depth and scope.

Now, when is book 4 due out? ;)
Profile Image for Sandy Chapman.
240 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2018
Great read!

Craig Martell has brought this series to a new level, as good as the first books in this series were, this one is unbelievably better! Starting out, we are given a view of the former Rangers. Loved getting a deeper view as the author does a fantastic job of interweaving a deeper understanding of the characters with the creative plot twists.
As much as I have enjoyed this series, the Nomad series will always be my favorite. That's does not reflect on the plots of all his other series, it more of a personal taste. I am looking forward to the next book before I've even closed the digital cover of this book.
I will continue to buy anything with Craig Martell or Michael Anderle's name on cover, because it's a guarantee you will be taken on an exciting trip with lots of humor, action, and we'll developed characters. There's something unique in their ability to draw the reader in from the first page!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,867 reviews69 followers
Read
November 4, 2020
Serial Killer - a review by Rosemary Kenny


This time Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle have created a most fascinating and deadly case needing Magistrate of the Federation, Rivka Anoa's special powers of deduction, as she and her Team of fellow-agents, (newbie) Jay, Ankh, Lindy and Red, must find out quickly who is targeting Federation Ambassadors for assassination and bring swift and accurate justice to the terrorists and their masterminds.

Non-stop action, fast dialogue and a breathtaking storyline have been created by the dynamic authorial duo, of Michael Anderle and Craig Martelle, in Serial Killer, Book 3 in their A Space Opera Adventure Legal Thriller, (Judge, Jury & Executioner) series and as the story proceeds, we learn more about individual team members' backgrounds, which adds to the intensity and enjoyment you're sure to experience with this great book.
Highly recommended - get your copy today!
6,202 reviews41 followers
August 7, 2021
This is the third book in a series I am really enjoying. Rivka and her group tackle crimes. Rivka is legally the judge, jury and executioner (if necessary). Her task is never easy, though, and being shot at (by gun or by spaceship) is not an unusual occurrence.

In this case someone is killed ambassadors and there's going to be a major meeting so her group goes to try to stop more ambassadors from being killed. More ambassadors die and the people that should be cooperating with them on the planet aren't. Worse yet, there might be more than one person doing the killing.

So, all they have to do is work without planetary cooperation, find out exactly who is involved in the murders (and why) and get this done without being killed.

It's interesting to see how the level of cooperation among the team members is growing as the series goes on. They finally get to interact with their boss, too. A really neat series.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
September 25, 2018
Serial Killer: A Space opera Adventure

I call it the magistrate series. It's one of my favorites in the "Age of Expansion". This one is action packed and complicated. The magistrate is judge, just and, if warranted, executioner. They do decide punishment most times. The main magistrate in this series is a mite unusual. It's violent, frenzied and fun. As for the author notes: Michael, my son turns 50 this year! So I'm old enough to be your grandmother! Keep these coming. I love pulp fiction. You wrote my 2 favorite words, "read" and "reread". Do you realize how many college grads never read another book?! How do they live! My TV has spider webs...hahaha. Thanks for the characters, dialogue Craig. Love this series!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
September 19, 2018
The Queen's Barrister Weighs In

Rivka and team are on a merry go round with local authorities getting in their way as well as criminals. What to do? What to do? Who is guilty of a Federation crime and who is just stupid? Judgements are after all final. The team is jelling nicely. Pairings occur. They all watch each other's back. I like the action, humor, light romance, law and logic. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Sara McNally.
28 reviews
January 21, 2022
Fresh and engaging

I love a series where you can see all the characters grow, develop their own quirks . The humorous take on justice makes me want to meet them in person. I hope the author continues writing, books with the ups and downs of real life in the background of a fictional world offer more than just entertainment. It is a nice break from reality even with the touch of truth behind the humor.
Profile Image for Julie.
938 reviews
September 17, 2018
Love the magistrates justice

I really enjoy this series. The magistrate and her crew kick butt and track down the bad guys. They are now a tight team and family and really work well together. The storylines are great and I like the way the mix in characters from other series. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for patti bronecky.
13 reviews
December 18, 2018
Give us more, please?!

I love Ryvka and her crew. Good development of character relations, early on, fast paced stories, no time to get bored by excessive twaddle. Please keep up this branch of the family. Would like to see some more link back interaction, maybe a Bethany Ann case?
355 reviews
May 19, 2019
Another cool series

Is anything in the Kurtherian Gambit universe not AWESOME?
The authors Michael has wrangled together are the freaking BEST!!!!
Rivka and her crew are growing into another super group of hard fighting, hard loving hilarious heroes!!

Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
28 reviews
April 30, 2020
Much better

I was able to connect with these characters once they were developed. The plot twists are not overdramatic, but you cannot easily guess what’s going to happen next. That is a personal pet peeve. I compare Craig’s currently writing to his earlier stuff and he’s really developing as a writer
Profile Image for The One Tree.
210 reviews16 followers
September 20, 2020
Didn’t let me down...

No spoilers...

WOOT! That was awesome.

So there was some 💩 got blown up... and I’ve already told you more than I intended.

Sorry, I have no more time to rave over this book, you’ll just have to look at the stars I gave it and suck it up.

On to the next one, I have another book to read ppl. Yippee!
Profile Image for Shannon Risdon.
708 reviews
April 29, 2024
Keeps on coming..!

And the adventure and action train is still running full speed...and then some. Yet again our Magistrate end up in the deep end with new toys, more cases (aka missions) and a few familiar faces from the original K series....definitely a series you will want to binge read!!
Profile Image for Bobby Childers.
88 reviews
September 14, 2018
Sherlock Holmes in space..... Rivka

Rivka really shows her legal eagle chops. Not only is she as smart as Sherlock Holmes, she knows how to lead her crew into becoming a finely tuned family who looks out for each other and their cause.
Profile Image for George  Lawson.
515 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2018
Good story

Enjoyed this series so far and this one was probably the best. Lots of action and sleuthing. Rival's team is getting tougher and are making a bigger contribution. Looking forward to the next book.
937 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2018
Outstandingly good

This series gets better and better. Great action and great interaction between the characters.
Glad to see that politicians across the universe are still slimy gits.
Please don't make us wait to long for the next book.😉
245 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2018
Excellent as usual!

I really like this series so far. Ankh is like an alien Ted and it’s always interesting to try and tell if he is being serious or sarcastic. Confused about Jay. Is she staying with the team?
576 reviews
November 15, 2018
Enjoyable

A combination of Bad Company and Sherlock Holmes, action like no other and who done it as old detective series. The blend of the two is such that neither over power's the other unlike some stories.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,484 reviews12 followers
February 28, 2020
Lots of Enjoyment

Another great read as the team goes hunting for a killer, enjoying the team dynamic a lot better in this book and the science bits are always welcome to add realism into this legal adventure.
Looking forward to the next one
31 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2020
This book is part of the series within a series set in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle did a great job creating a world and characters you can believe in and get excited about. If you enjoy this series, try the main series, it will take you on a trip...!!!
10 reviews
January 20, 2021
Another great story. Well written, ties in with The Bad Company series and has an engaging story. I liked it enough to buy the 2 box sets up to volume 8 and I very rarely buy ebooks, if I'm paying I want a physical book.
777 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2021
The Case of the Serial Killer

This one has Rivka and the team are searching for a serial killer who is murdering Diplomats. The pace is quick and the situation is volatile. Time is running out. I liked this book.
336 reviews
September 15, 2021
Love all the characters

This plot line was a little different, a pretty straight up detective novel with strange people in it. The magistrates' outing was hilarious as everyone joined in on the fun. Very clever , and the logic made sense. A Joy to read!!!
581 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2022
A good book to read.


You are taken on a journey that has many twists and turns as they go along , they have to figure it out before things happen. The author did a good job with the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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