The Puppet Master

Brooks/Lotello Thriller

by Ronald S. Barak

Note: Also available in hardcover, trade paperback and audiobook format December 11, 2018.
 
What would YOU do if they took everything you had, your family, your home, your business, your dignity, even--perhaps--your sanity? Ronald S. Barak's latest, The Puppet Master, prequel to The Amendment Killer, and the second in the Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series is a gripping story of a political system gone awry--and those who feel compelled to fix it. "Have you ever killed anyone? I have. I'll do it again. If I need to." Three prominent political leaders in Washington, D.C., murdered in as many days.

Not a plausible story premise? What about the real world villain who recently mailed a series of pipe bombs to a number of prominent political figures? Ripped from the headlines? Barak gives new meaning to the word "timely." The Puppet Master isn't ripped from the headlines; written first, it forecast the headlines that followed!

The Puppet Master begins with a bang. Literally. Three of them. Not a page wasted. Capitol Hill panics. Who will be next? Others whisper that our political leaders are only getting what they deserve. Anxious to see who will be next. And why.

Crafty D.C. homicide detective Frank Lotello is tasked to find the killer. Cliff Norman, a local businessman with ample motive, is arrested. Politicians breathe a sigh of relief. However, when Lotello discovers a disturbing White House connection, he suspects Norman may not be what he appears to be. Things may not be what they appear to be.

Norman's trial commences in the courtroom of savvy D.C. trial court judge Cyrus Brooks. An angry nation rallies behind Norman. The jury debates whether Norman's actions may be legally justified by a rampant abuse of political trust, and threatens to unravel the very fabric of our dysfunctional government.

In an unprecedented and questionable manner that may destroy their respective careers, Lotello quietly approaches Brooks and they form a secret alliance to uncover the truth in this classic whodunnit mystery. Before it's too late.

Blurring fiction and reality, The Puppet Master will have you dangling from the first page to the very last.

Genres: Thriller

516 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2018

About the author

Ronald S. Barak, bestselling author, Olympic athlete, law school honors graduate, and experienced courtroom lawyer, is uniquely qualified to write his novels that appeal to all political and legal thriller fans.

Described by his readers as a cross between Agatha Christie, Lee Child, and John Lescroart, bestselling author Barak keeps his readers flipping the pages into the wee hours of the night. While he mostly lets his characters tell his stories, he manages to get his licks in too.

Barak derives great satisfaction from knowing that his books not only entertain but also stimulate others to think about how things might be, how people can actually resolve real-world problems. In particular, Barak tackles the country’s dysfunctional government representatives—not just back-seat driving criticism for the sake of being a back-seat driver, but truly framing practical remedies to the political abuse and corruption adversely affecting too many people’s lives today. Barak’s extensive legal background and insight allow him to cleverly pollinate his fiction and today’s sad state of political reality.

Barak resides in Pacific Palisades, California, where he is hard at work on his next novel.

Novels in the Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series include The Amendment Killer, The Puppet Master, and Payback. He is listed among the most respected thriller and mystery authors today: https://ronaldsbarak.com/not-exactly-....

To learn more about Barak, visit. https://ronaldsbarak.com/.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a prequel novel to his legal thriller series, Ronald S. Barak offers readers a high-impact piece that spans the entire police procedural and legal processes. When a prominent US senator is murdered, the D.C. community takes notice. Metro PD Detective Frank Lotello is assigned the case and begins a thorough investigation. Lotello, a recent widower, is still struggling with the loss of his wife and must redefine his job as he raises two children. After two other people with ties to America’s financial fortunes are slain, people begin to wonder if there is a spree killer on the loose. Even more baffling is the message left about the victims deserving to die as ‘Ryan’ did. When a man is seen uttering similar messages around the Capitol, he is taken into custody and eventually charged with the murder. However, things are not as cut and dry as they seem. U.S. District Judge Cyrus Brooks soon learns this, having been assigned the murder trial. When the Public Defender advocates a justifiable homicide defence, many look shocked, though the constitutionality soon becomes apparent. While awaiting the trial, Detective Lotello is contacted anonymously with information that may shed some light on the murders, something that could provide significant reasonable doubt. While dubious in its ethical nature, Lotello and Brooks converse, applying pressure to allow additional investigations. Could there be someone else behind the killings, using the accused as a patsy? Once the trial begins, Brooks takes control in the courtroom, allowing strong arguments on both sides before he tosses the case to the jury. It is here that things get even more interesting. Brooks, Lotello, and many others await the decision of the twelve, whose verdict could have high-reaching results. Barak does well to create a thriller whose slow development acts as a great marinade before delivering a impactful final twist. Recommended for those who love legal thrillers, particularly the reader who found Barak’s first novel (which follows this one chronologically) to their liking.

Ronald S. Barak crossed my radar a while back, when he introduced readers to his Frank Lotello/Cyrus Brooks duo. This legal thriller series, while still in its infancy, has some great plots, enveloped in great police work and supported by wonderful narration. Barak steps back from his previous publication to offer the reader a better look into the lives of his two protagonists. Lotello is a man who is still reeling from his wife’s death, something the reader can ascertain as he has numerous conversations with her throughout the case. Lotello balances work with raising a family on his own, though does not let either task hamper the other. With an acute sense of all aspects of a criminal investigation, Lotello is like a dog with a bone, chasing leads and following up on sketchy people of interest as he seeks to uncover the truth. His diligence may not always pay-off, but Lotello’s impact can be felt throughout the novel. Lotello is contrasted nicely by Judge Cyrus Brooks, a man whose legal training has led him to create a no-nonsense courtroom. Brooks knows the rules and sticks to them, usually, while also realizing that not all defendants (or their counsel) are created equally. A fan of explaining every step of the legal process to the jury, Brooks educates the reader alongside them, as the case progresses. His handle of the court will likely impress the reader as they meander through all the evidence on offer. The story here is quite well developed, advancing on many levels through chapters of different lengths. Some are simple phone conversations while others are thorough explorations of the courtroom developments, through banter between counsel and witnesses. Barak keeps the reader captivated throughout, as the evidence mounts and the jury is presented with much. By the time the case goes to the jury, the reader likely has their own impressions. Little is left to chance while being sequestered, with a wonderful exploration of deliberations before a final set of twists to end the case. I’ll surely re-read the follow-up novel to get the full impact of the series, happy to have found another author who knows how to write comprehensive legal/courtroom thrillers that leaves no stone unturned.

Kudos, Mr. Barak, for your stellar writing. I hope others find this series in the coming months. I must ask... why release the prequel after the series debut? This piece is so full of important information that is relevant what ended up being the debut. I am baffled!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent political thriller! I enjoyed this prequel to 'The Amendment Killer' as I was able to understand more of the characters. Author Ronald S.Barak uses his knowledge of the law to engage you in a criminal story among political elite! Three high powered politicians murdered within days of each other, so with the political world on edge Detective Frank Lotello investigates.When a man is charged, Judge Cyrus Brooks is to oversee the trial. Many rally around the the accused, as the courtroom ignites with Brooks and Lotello trying to get to the legal truth when some far-fetched defense is brought forth!
An engaging thriller that brings you into the political scene and the courtroom fight, leading to you wanting to find the truth yourself!!
I was lucky enough to enjoy an ARC of this story from author Ronald Barak, who I deeply thank for an exhilarating tale and I give you my thoughts hoping you will enjoy this masterful thriller!!

[Alina · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Puppet Master" is a political mystery novel set in the heart of American capital. This is the second book in the series but it is a prequel to "The Amendment Killer".

Washington DC's world got shaken when three leading politicians were suddenly murdered. Cliff Norman, the murder suspect was quickly identified and taken into custody. However, right before the suspect's trial, the numbers of events begin to happen, and the prime detective on the case, Frank Lotello, starts to question every lead that originally guided them to Norman.

Although I liked the idea of the book, the actual plot took too long to unveil. The novel does cover many political issues and how disrupting the legal system of justice is. I didn't feel there was much suspense in the book. There was a reference to an old Columbo show in the story, and actually, that's exactly what the novel has reminded me of, good, old Columbo episode.

Thank you Ronald Barak for a free copy of the book.

[Lynn Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Puppet Master By Ronald S Barak

A whodunit mystery…simply my favorites. I love to be going about my business following along a great detective and try to solve the crime before I let the detective in the book. Ha-ha I know I know that’s just silly but, really isn't because it shows you are into the book as if you were out in the field. Political anything has never been a strong suit for me and when I started to read I thought to myself I'm not going to get into this because of my views politically, because I have none. Yet I started and couldn’t put the book down. The story line just simply flawless and a page turner. As detective Frank done his job as most should in his field, to many out there are messed up in the crime of opportunity. Liked how I got the feel as the book read as real to me then fiction. As a political system gone wrong leave it to the good detectives to get it right, with the help of the good judges. Cant give to much away or it would give the book away period. A must read. Recommend to everyone whom wants to explore the political issues and the legal concept of justice. Received this ARC for free and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puppet Master (Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

*slight spoilers*
A political murder-mystery with a strong legal procedural core basis, worthy of John Grisham's The Firm and The Client etc, Ron S Barak's personal experience of court rooms and the justice system in action really shows in his prequel to The Amendment Killer, a Brooks/Lotello Thriller series gritty psychological drama novel, The Puppet Master.
After Senator Wells is brutally murdered, the killer  - who proceeds to kill twice more, before being caught - has already been apprehended and is on trial for his life, when Detective Frank Lotello is tasked with finding evidence to bring the lengthily described trial to a verdict. Working in tandem with Judge Cyrus Brooks, the duo must discover the truth before an innocent person pays an unredeemable penalty. Ronald S Barak's gritty political courtroom drama would make a great film/or tv series - think of the British drama House of Cards - and that's just the slow dramatic build-up to the trial itself.Is the killer the man in the dock?  What was the supposed motivation behind his crimes? Who is Cliff Norman - and what happened to his son?

Is the killer the man in the dock?  What was the supposed motivation behind his crimes? Who is Cliff Norman - and what happened to his son?Only reading The Puppet Master will satisfy you that the 'Guilty' verdict is the right one and that DC's Senators and politicos can sleep safely in their beds again!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. If everything is taken, what does one do. Totally intriguing to keep you lost in the book. It’s absolutely a story that everyone should be reading. I received a free copy and reviewed because it’s fascinating and I’m ready for the next book.

[Judie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Puppet Master - took so long to get anywhere. Didn't feel any tension, just futility as more and
more characters were sucked into this story.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the second book in the series but it is a prequel. I have not read The Amendment Killer [the first book in the series]. I had no trouble understanding the characters or their motivations. It is a standalone story [no cliffhanger ending].

Here's what I really liked - this is a poltical/legal thriller. Three prominent politicians are murdered. A man, who may have a grudge against the government over issues related to his son's death, is arrested. Problem is, the man may be mentally ill and provides no real assistance to his defense attorney. The set up of this book is compelling and really drew me in. The search for the truth of who committed these crimes by the detective [along with his problems of being a recent widower with young children] was interesting and full of twists and turns.

Here's what bothered me with this book -- and maybe it's the current political climate and all of the recent horrific hate crimes -- the judge, during the trial allowed the defense to argue that the politicians were justifiably killed because of the defendant's [or anyone else's] belief that they deserved it because of their political actions. I don't want to give anything away but the jury discussed how right or believable this type of action would be to commit. I, personally, - even in a fictional setting - do not believe it's appropriate to advocate that someone has a license to kill based upon a political belief or action. Perhaps this won't bother other readers, but in light of recent events, this really troubled me.

I listened to this book -- the narrator did a very good job. He did different voices for the various characters and kept a good pace.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puppet Master, Prequel - This author is wordy, but his stories are great. I had read The Amendment Killer and thoroughly enjoyed it especially since it's my genre of choice. The Puppet Master is just as interesting and truthfully, I can't recommend the reading order of these two novels.

The storylines run the gamut and steady have sticks thrown in between the spokes. The intrigue is neck deep and keeps the pace moving, the reader's mind is working and involved with the characters and plots. The characters run the gamut from good to immoral to insane. I do like that the killer is removing the bought whores that infest our government; although in real life that's not the way to handle removing the corruption. To borrow a phrase out of the story, this is like an onion, each layer peeled reveals more twists and turns or a larger stick.

Well written, but in need of minor editing, mainly concerning the lowercase usage of some titles and a couple of minor issues; I'm glad the author doesn't follow the new AP guidelines that other authors follow, which is incorrect in so many areas; he still writes "old-style?", in other words correctly so for those of us who use and remember the correct way to write, this will be an enjoyable read. I contacted the author to review his books and I'm glad to have found a suitable replacement for my favorite author Ludlum. 5*

The Amendment Killer - There's pages of advanced previews before the reader even gets to the table of contents, not something I care about reading. I was glad to see the Epigraphs, which I have always found these interesting. The author takes care to introduce history of The Constitution and The Amendments, which I'm not even sure is being taught in our schools anymore. Mr. Barak shares information, not only to make the story flow smoothly, on a variety of subjects that helps the uninformed reader understand what they are reading.

This is a well written, intriguing, fast paced, substantial book. It keeps the reader's attention until the end, making it hard to put the book down, even for another cup of coffee. This is my type of book, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable, mesmerizing and truthful. The characters run the gamut on characteristic traits, some more developed than others; and their actions and emotions involves the reader, provoking a gamut of responses to the story. The twisting plot never loses the reader's attention. If you remember the first time you saw Die Hard in the theater and how you verbally reacted throughout the movie, you understand what I'm trying to explain. Or for the younger crowd, The Shooter or The Accountant. The author's writing style and presentation makes him an author of future interest. If you like Grisham, De Mille, Baldacci and company, you'll like this author just as much as I do. I recommend this book and author highly. 5*

[Ian Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PUPPET MASTER by Ronald S. Barak

A compelling opening, a dogged detective, a cast of tightly drawn characters, a murder mystery and a political thriller that articulates the nation's frustration with our politicians makes, The Puppet Master, a fascinating page-turner.

The use of short chapters, in the beginning, some no more than half-a-page, draws the reader in to a contemporary story that mirrors today's headlines and digs into the personal stories of the damage to ordinary people caused by the actions of politicians.

The author dazzles with his courtroom procedural knowledge and the ebb and flow of opinions in the jury room. But the main character, Detective Frank Lotello, holds the multiple threads of the story together, never satisfied with simple explanations and always asking the why questions. He truly mirrors the reader's thoughts and even when it appears the story will have a simple, man against the machine ending, another bone is thrown into the soup, and then another and then another.

Although, hopefully, The Puppet Master is fictional, though an entertaining story of political intrigue, the author actually has a solution to the nation's dilemma for its political class (other than to shoot them all along with every attorney, as Shakespeare has suggested ) which is very American and could actually work!

I would recommend The Puppet Master by Ronald S. Barak, for those looking for an entertaining, well written and researched political thriller with many twists. And for those who have long summer days and nights to lose themselves in a fantasy that politicians will ever be accountable to the people they serve.

Disclaimer: “I received an eBook copy of this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it”.
Ian C. Dawkins Moore (author of Maili Beach, a noir novella)

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to give this book to ratings. A 4 for the actual book because it was so long and wordy, pus so many characters it got overwhelming and hopped around. Now having said that... I listened to the audio and the narrator was amazing. he voice acted the ook ( which I love and each character even the females had a clear, unique voice. You could even tell when there were thoughts being voiced as happens a lot in Lotellos and Brooks' parts. That is skilled. So I give a 5 adding in the narration.
This is book two and marked a prequel. I have not read book one and do suggest this one first since we meet Brooks and Lotello'
First, we meet Lotello, a newly widowed police officer with two kids, contemplating if he should stay on the force and keep his career or find something else so he can spend more time with his family. Mr. Barak found an unusual way to endear us to Lotello by his speaking so much to his deceased wife. It really touched my heart and made me really like him.
There is a wide array of characters, too many to mention and all have a depth to them.
Te book kinda has two parts the police procedural than the political part. After the person is found and put on trial then we get in depth of the trial and that is where we meet Brooks, the judge, and the DA and prosecuting attorney as well.
The story is engaging, thrilling and page turning and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store. but I will choose the audio.
If you like crime thrillers, police procedurals, political procedurals, and allover page-turning suspense this is for you. I highly recommend the audio.

[Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the middle with this book. The "People vs. Corruption" is the main theme. The tiredness of *The People" with corruption in the Goverment (politics, judicial, security, etc).

The author use factual with relish and intelligence is good. I read the previous book "PAYBACK" and love it, even with some problems. That book have all the potential. Sadly, this book...no.

The story is interesting, but...the judicial procedures are way over...to much. If I want to study about judicial procedures I took a class at the nearest College/University because, this one had one too many. I read the book and everytime the court procedures started the story goes down the drain. I was really "Bored to Death!"

Yes, the author is a lawyer and is using his knowledge in his book, hut...he could enjoy the procedures if the court but not all the readers are equal.

The primary characters Brooks, Lotello are good. The others a little weak and confusing (Ayres, Hollins) at least, Thomas was a straight shooter.

The characters just go in and out as needed, but not always clear the path to the end of the story. If only the story were like "Payback" and keep being informative but without the somber, boring and detailed procedures.

Even the jurors wasn't enough. I got a taste of the goods in "Payback" a story with a mix of judicial, murder and savviness...this book will got more stars.

The final decision...

I won't buy the next book, afraid the book will follow the same pattern as "The Puppet Master" with a lot of judicial procedures and then I",ll die.

I'll wait for more reviews and then.....

[Scott Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ronald S. Barak's "The Puppet Master" is a much more complex tale than its predecessor "The Amendment Killer." In this prequel, the key characters to the series are introduced.

In his first book, "The Amendment Killer," the story is relatively straight forward: A supreme court justice's granddaughter is kidnapped and held in exchange for his vote on a crucial amendment to the constitution. That plot centers around how to rescue the girl and the constitutional process.

"The Puppet Master" is not so straight forward. High profile murders of powerful government figures overlap with intense grassroots political turmoil. The plot focuses on how the protagonists--Judge Cyrus Brooks, Homicide Detective Frank Lotello, and Assistant Public Defender Leah Klein--can ensure that justice is served within a highly volatile political environment. We get a peek into their character and their values as they work, sometimes together, sometimes at cross purposes, toward the same goal.

One teeny bit of criticism of Barak. I learned some time ago, that if an author introduces a character or event early in the plot, it had better contribute to development of the story. Barak introduces a couple of characters (one in particular) with potential significance early on, that seemingly disappear; and not as part of the story--perhaps a victim of the editor's pen, but not caught by the proofreader's eye.

All in all, a spellbinding thriller. I look forward to others in the series.

[Gary Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! I'm on Ron Barak's mailing, having enjoyed several of his earlier books. So when he let us know that The Puppet Master was being released soon and would I like a free pre-publication review copy, I said yes! Here is my voluntary review.

And what a great read it's been. It's a gripping story that moves forward very nicely. Explanations of the legal system are interspersed as necessary so that those who are not familiar with how the American "justice" system works do not get lost. But this doesnt slow the pace. At no point, did I feel bogged down.

Was the accused guilty or not? The author skillfully presented both viewpoints. Both were plausible, which highlighted some of the challenges of trial by jury system. Seeing the machinations inside a jury at work was eye-opening. Having access to the thoughts of all the players (via right-sized chunks of italicized text) was even more informative -- and disturbing.

Happily each chapter is short, so the temptation to "read just one more chapter before I turn the light out" was very real.

Yes, people get killed in the story but the author has not indulged in graphic gore or voyeurism.

If you believe in the machinery of government... if you believe that court system is there to deliver justice... or if you dont, this is a thinking wo/man's book. So it's five stars from me!

[Stacey Ducker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked most was the plausibility of The Puppet Master. "Have you ever killed anyone?" Well, no, not me, but the idea of an angry, lost, person who takes 'justice' into his own hands because he believes a corrupt political system stole everything from him is not too far fetched which is why The Puppet Master was such an engaging read. It could happen, and it might not be too difficult sympathize with the accused...which is a bit scary.

After 3 murders of Washington's political elite, there are whispers of a vigilante serial killer targeting politicians. D.C. homicide detective Frank Lotello is tasked to find the killer. A local suspect is arrested. Politicians breathe a sigh of relief. However, when Lotello discovers a disturbing White House connection, he fears authorities may have the wrong man.

Trial commences in savvy judge Cyrus Brooks’s courtroom. An angry nation rallies behind the accused. The jury debates whether the defendant’s actions may be legally justified by rampant abuse of public trust. With considerable jeopardy to their respective careers, Brooks and Lotello join forces to unravel the truth before the jury unravels U.S. history.
history.

Barak writes a quick moving, riveting story which kept me turning the page while wondering, what would I do...?

[Adnil752 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Puppet Master" is even more exciting and suspenseful than it's predecessor, "The Ammendment Killer." Author, Ronald S. Barak, has definitely earned his place among the top writers of mystery, suspense, thrillers!

The exceptional tool that he uses to achieve his mastery is the "silent voice", the thoughts of his characters! We get to "hear" their thoughts firsthand. From fear to wit, doubts to wishes, the personal musings of the characters in "The Puppet Master" allow the reader to "flesh- out" the plot, providing "flavor" that I often find lacking in such novels. I found it very compelling to have access to the personal voices of the key players!

In the midst the mystery, thrills, and suspense, Mr. Barak also manages to serve up a helping of social dialectics which does not hamper the novel's pace. Thank you for the thoughtful and edifying jury deliberations.

As a mystery "The Puppet Master" is a great success, in the writer's ability to suprise the reader with the revelation of the guilty party! No spoiler here!

I found this to be an exceptionally entertaining novel and look forward to any future writings of Mr. Barak!

I received this novel for free and I have voluntarily written this review.

[Sheree K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who really pulls the strings?

January 21, 2019

Honestly, I almost didn't read this because I saw it had 143 chapters. I didn't think it would hold my interest. Boy was I wrong! This is definitely a page turner that kept me up too late because I didn't want to put it down. The story is told from several POV to keep it flowing. A Senator is found dead in her DC townhouse with very few clues. Then there's 2 more deaths in as many days. The police arrest Cliff Norman, an erratic suspect because he supposedly rants outside of a downtown office and "confesses." It's up to Detective Lotello to find the real killer before Norman convicted. Judge Brooks runs a tight courtroom and has a dry sense of humor. The story bogged down a bit in the courtroom scenes due to the Judge's instructions to the jury ; it was a bit much (and I've served on a jury for a murder trial). The last of the book had several twists that I didn't see coming. Very entertaining read. Highly recommend! BTW- some of the chapters were only 1 or 2 pages in length :)

I received a free copy from the author. This is my review freely given. Thanks Ronald!

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Detective Lotello as he persists in investigating the murder of three high-profile politicans – despite the confession of a bitter, broken man with a grudge. The story is told from alternating points of view in short chapters, giving you a sense of what each of the players is going through and their deliberations, yet without being too confusing to follow. Both Lotello and Judge Brooks are great characters – human and relatable.
The story is engaging and well-paced, while raising controversial questions regarding the potential for broader application of the justifiable homicide defense in the courts – when does it become reasonable to take the law into your own hands? Definitely thought-provoking stuff.
A well-written choice for fans of political thrillers and police procedurals.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary ARC of this book as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

[Cbyarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most unusual book by Ron Barak. And it’s a prequel to The Amendment Killer.

We are first introduced to Judge Cyrus Brooks, an honorable man. Then the first of several murders start.

Then comes Homicide Detective Frank Lotello, who is still grieving over his wife who was killed by a drunk driver. But he still talks to her in order to keep his sanity. He realizes that his priorities needed change because he now must care for his two children on a daily basis. Then his partner calls letting him know he’s back on an investigation.

Follow Lotello and his partner as they navigate the investigation before and during the trial of the suspected killer. The most pressing issue is…who is the Puppet Master? Is it the man on trial or is someone else the “real killer”?

It’s a true crime thriller you have to read to answer that question

[T. F. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! When a crime-solving team consists of a judge and a detective, the reader is treated to a story that is both a legal thriller and a crime thriller. Ronald Barak's The Puppet Master does both well, diving deep into the legal proceedings run by a judge who rules with an iron fist, Cyrus Brooks.

Lotello runs the criminal investigation into the murder of a U.S. senator. The investigation bleeds into the actual trial, as Lotello isn't convinced this case is as open and shut as it seems. The action on both fronts builds to a climax the reader won't soon forget.

I wasn't expecting such a close view of the trial process. From controversial pretrial motions to tense jury room debates, there is enough legal thriller red meat here to satisfy the most ravenous fan of legal thrillers. You don't want to miss this one!

[Chessy The Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

U.S. District Court Judge Cyrus Brooks is tasked with hearing one of the most controversial cases in his career. Several prominent political figures are murdered. Cliff Norman is charged, but is he really the killer? And, if so, is he justified in his actions? D.C. homicide detective Frank Lotello finds that things don’t add up. He and Brooks form an alliance to find the truth.

Barak’s prequel in the Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series, The Puppet Master is a hardnosed detective thriller. It looks at the law from the inside. From start to finish this action-packed ride will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In this novel, we see how the bond between Brooks and Lotello is formed. They make worthy opponents to anyone trying to skirt the law. I thoroughly enjoyed this as much as I did the first book in the series. Barak promises more, and I can’t wait!

5 out of 5 stars.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author. This book is a powerful and engaging political time bomb. I started reading it and was immediately immersed in a crime story like no other. The criminals are inventive and menacing. The police men have met their match in wits as they are at a loss for clues or leads. When a man is finally arrested and a trial begins the whole thing begins to unravel. Putting this book down was almost impossible and only because I fell asleep did I stop reading. I grabbed it quickly the next morning to finish. I have not read anything else by this author but I will certainly be checking out his other books.

[Jim B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Mr. Barak develops the characters that appear in TheAmendment Killer and some who will not make it that far. He even lets us read their minds to see what they are thinking. Mr. Barak’s experience as an attorney gives him the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes during trials and visits with attorneys.There is a bit of action, lots of intrigue, and introspection regarding financial and political events that could have been ripped out of headlines a few years ago. While this book can be read as a stand alone I recommend that you read The Amendment Killer after you read this book if you have not done so already. I anxiously await Payback.

[SueK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by Ronald Barak, and have enjoyed each of them a great deal. I’m not always fond of intrigue/thriller/suspense books, but The Puppet Master is timely, fast moving, and well done. Though there’s some wordiness involved here, I also appreciate the way Barak develops personal stories for the characters, giving you people to care about. Please don’t judge the book by the length of time it took me to read it - this is my busy time on the day job, and that always slows me down.

[Monsterella Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story held my attention like a jury in deliberation, I took in each segment then spent time analyzing what I had read in order to make sure each chapter received the attention it deserved. The characters are each strong and bold, well developed. There are many twists and turns along the way that keep the reader guessing through the very end. The political points brought to light are done in a way that really makes the reader think. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and hope you do as well.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of Ronald S. Barak's books so far! Totally captivating beginning to end. The court action, the behind the scenes Judge Brooks and Attorney meetings and Jury deliberation are riveting. Lotello's sleuthing and manipulation is astounding. The comparison between the book's political environment and what we see today is intriguing and thought provoking. I was given a copy of Ron Barak's The Puppet Master (Brooks/Lotello Thriller Series) and am pleased to give a fair and honest review.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of book that gives a person something to think about; and there's a lot of mystery and intrigue going on in this novel in the beginning. I wasn't a huge fan of Julie Abrams; though she is a character that I would have liked to have gotten to know a little bit more since she only had a small part in the book. It was hard to know who to believe at times. One thing I liked about this book was that the chapters were nice and short. I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronald S Barak uses his expertise in the law to create a stunning thriller. First there is the investigation to find the perpetrator of the crimes, then comes the trial segment. The jury is charged not only with finding a verdict of guilty or not guilty for the perp but also a verdict on the crooked politicians of Washington D.C. This is a novel with a contemporary theme and a book that must be read.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did receive a free prereleased copy of The Puppet Master to read and review. This place s certainly a book I would have purchased as I have enjoyed his previous book the The Amendment Killer. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. A lot of interesting characters which added to the intrigue of the plot. Many twists and turns which kept me turning the pages late into the night. Worse the read. Enjoy!!!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second Barak thriller. He’s becoming a favorite after only 2 novels. His stories are well thought out and incredibly topical for the current political climate. I love that he can write from several characters perspective and keep my interest without getting too complicated. He takes the reader into the courtroom and narrates from several different perspectives with much skill. He does the same with the jury deliberations. I felt like I was in the trial.
Many twists and surprises and a neat climax. Can’t wait for more Brooks/Lotello thrillers.