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Jake Wolfe #3

Killer Lawyer

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Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life as a government assassin. Trained by the CIA, Jake now wants a new life of peace and quiet, living on a boat and practicing law. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.

Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.

With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?

Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2018

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About the author

Mark Nolan

12 books549 followers
Subscribe to Mark's reader newsletter by visiting marknolan.com.

Mark Nolan is the author of the Jake Wolfe thriller series.

Book 1: Dead Lawyers Don't Lie
Book 2: Vigilante Assassin
Book 3, Killer Lawyer
Book 4: San Diego Dead
Book 5: Deadly Weapon
Book 6: Key West Dead
Book 7: Mission Target
Book 8: Sea of Death
Book 9: Lethal Fortune
And: an FBI thriller titled, The Girl Who Escaped.

Mark enjoys replying to emails from readers. You can reach him and subscribe to reader updates at marknolan.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,565 reviews219 followers
May 23, 2019
I enjoyed this latest offering from Mark Nolan and once again, I got to spend time with Jake and his dog Cody.

Jake received his law degree and is now a practicing lawyer. He believed he could now abandon his life as an assassin and focus on his law career. However, he would learn that leaving this life behind would not be easy, has trouble always comes knocking. Whether it was through missions for the CIA or from someone who may have a beef with him. In addition, he faces the prospect of his relationship with Sarah ending has she feared that his line of work placed both him and his loved ones in danger.

Meanwhile, a deranged killer, dubbed the Random Killer because of his MO, is on the loose. The killer came on Jake’s radar when he murdered his neighbour and friend and attempted to frame him. Jake has taken it upon himself to hunt him and bring him to justice.
His decision to track the Random Killer would place him in the killer’s crosshairs placing himself and those in danger.

Once again, Cody stole the show.  I just love that dog. Protective, loyal, intelligent and adorable. Jake is not bad himself 😉. I can see why Sarah struggled with her decision of whether to stay with him despite considering the fact danger follows him everywhere.

Fast-paced and action packed, Killer Lawyer, had me on the edge of seat. The villain was one scary dude. The fact that you had no idea when and where he would strike and who his next victim would be, added to the intensity of the story. This was not an easy book to put down. I had to know how Jake would deal with this latest threat. Unlike the previous installments, the action scenes were more realistic and did not appear over the top.

I loved how the author blended the emotional and suspenseful aspects of the story. A particular scene almost brought me to tears. I am happy things worked out.

I found the characters authentic and relatable.
I had fun reconnecting with characters from the previous installment and meeting new ones. I enjoyed the camaraderie Jake shared with his friends, but the relationship, which stood out, was the one he shared with Cody. These two were in tune with each other. They knew when the other faced danger and would die protecting each other.

Although I enjoyed this latest installment, I found the tying up of the story as it relates to the serial killer anticlimactic. I cannot go into details, because to do so would result in spoilers.

Conclusion/Recommendation
I would recommend this latest installment to fans of thrillers. This is one of those stories where the outcome is not what you expected. Overall, a great read and I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews499 followers
May 16, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read in the 'Jake Wolfe' series, fast-paced with intense adventure that takes hold of you from page 1 and drags you through amazing action as you hold your breath and pray for all to go Right!! Jake is a lawyer, but first a warrior, trained by the CIA and intent on keeping everyone safe at All times. Often he jumps quickly to assist a person he sees being treated wrong and his big heart wants to help those in any need. His partner, military dog Cody, is by his side through everything, aiding Jake in fights against criminals and his best friend during personal time.
In this case a random man has started shooting to kill people he sees just out as he drives by. Several people have already died when he murders a woman who is a good neighbor of Jake's, putting himself in Jake's lane which gets attention pretty quick! Meanwhile there is a girl, Sarah, who Jake likes very much, but as she recently saw him killing some people wanted by the government she is putting the brakes on their relationship!
Definitely a five Star story, I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and author Mark Nolan, and I thank them wholeheartedly for a great night of reading!!
Profile Image for Angela.
10.1k reviews134 followers
January 8, 2019
5 Stars

Killer Lawyer is the latest addition to the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. It is an incredibly clever, intense, gripping and suspenseful read. This has a complex, multi-layered storyline- with lots of action, drama, intrigue, humour, danger, tension, and mystery.
We once again team up with former marine Jake Wolfe and follow his lead, as all the excitement unfolds. Jake has earned his law degree, and has also been recruited to undertake dangerous, covert assignments on behalf of the government. His constant companion- trusty, highly intelligent, and loyal ex-war dog, Cody, live on a motor yacht own by a wealthy friend.
When a deranged killer starts killing random targets on the streets on San Francisco, Jake and Cody are determined to hunt him down and eliminate the threat. But what happens when the killer decides to target Jake, Cody and all the people they love most in the world? This book really is worth the read to find out all the exciting details for yourself.
It is a fast paced story with lots of twists and surprising developments. This is such an absorbing read, I ended up reading it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down, I really need to know how the whole story played out!
The story is told from multiple POV’s ( even Cody the dog gets a say), which gives a well-rounded perspective of the developments, and adds an extra dynamic to the whole story.
The characters are so great- they are completely developed, fully realised characters with their own quirks, flaws and unique personalities. I especially loved how incredibly detailed and developed Cody’s (the dog) personality was- it’s this attention to detail that really sets this book apart from others in the same genre!
The next book can’t come soon enough for me!

Thank you, Mr. Nolan!
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,285 reviews146 followers
January 21, 2019
The townsfolk are all on edge as there is a killer going around town popping people between the eyes. This killer has no MO I guess that is why he is being called the Random Killer.

The way I see a typical day for this guy is that he wakes up thinking this is a good day to die. So he heads out to town looks around at all the people wondering the streets. Maybe they are going to work, to school, to the mall, out to eat, to check the mailbox or maybe they are just out for a nice stroll on a beautiful day.

Random Killer checks them all out and asks himself who is going to die today? And just like that he pulls the trigger and bam another one has bit the dust.

The killings become personally for ex-marine/Lawyer/CIA/Undercover agent for the government Jake Wolfe when he and his trust worthy Caine friend/ex-marine/ex-war dog Cody finds his neighbor/friend dead on her house boat.

After learning that the killer has put a target on the heads of the people he loves and cares about the most Jake sets out to find him and make sure he pays for what he has done. Can Jake and Cody find this guy before he takes the life of one of his friends?

Killer Lawyer is filled with action and suspense on every page. It will take you on a thrilling ride that will have the old adrenaline pumping wanting more. Killer Lawyer is one of those books that likes to hold on to its secrets right up until the end and then slams you in the face with it. The action just keeps pouring out page to page beginning to end.

Killer Lawyer is the third book in the Jake Wolfe series and I have had the privilege of reading all three. I fell in love with all the characters in the first book Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie and loved them ever more in Vigilante Assassin. I can’t seem to get enough of Jake Wolfe and Cody. I can’t wait to see what Jake and Cody have in store for us in the next book.

I would highly recommend Killer Lawyer to anyone who likes to read a good mystery, suspense, thriller or a good murder mystery.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,546 reviews128 followers
May 19, 2019
A heart-pounding new installment in the Jake Wolfe series, Killer Lawyer will hold you captive. I'd be lying if I said Cody wasn't my favorite character. As Jake's loyal partner in justice, Cody will absolutely capture your heart, as Jake's all too eventful life pulls you in. A page-turner that proves you can take the marine out of the military but not out of the man, you won't want to miss out on this thriller that is more action than a summer blockbuster.
Profile Image for Todd Simpson.
881 reviews35 followers
December 28, 2018
Another memorable story in this fabulous series. Mark Nolan certainly knows how to write an exciting and tense Action Thriller. I quite enjoy a plot that I can’t guess what’s going to happen, and there are a couple of Wow moments in this story that I wasn’t expecting. This is the third book in the series and I’ve loved each one of them. Jack Wolfe is a great character.
Jake Wolfe may have become a qualified lawyer, but he didn’t seem to have it in him yet to settle down into a normal lifestyle. It didn’t help that he kept getting dragged into missions where he put his life on the line. Hence, he was also having trouble with his love life. When a random killer gets a bit close to home, Jake once again can’t help but throw his hat into the ring and join the investigation. Jake is lucky to have his war dog Cody to watch his back, and unlike his girlfriend Sarah, Cody doesn’t mind Jake going after the bad guys and putting himself in danger. Mind you, no one could blame Sarah after her life was previously put in jeopardy for being close to Jake. With such a disturbed killer on the streets no one will be safe until he’s either caught or killed. The Author has done a great job in creating this special book, and I would certainly recommend it. 5/5 Star Rating.

Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
May 28, 2019
Now our hero has qualified as a lawyer and wants to live on the right side of the law his past misdemeanors catch up with him and he has to pay back a favor which causes him a conflict of issue.

With his loyal dog beside him to protect, serve and be his extra pair of eyes and ears we are taken on a ride through corruption, murder and being hunted. Mark Nolan has created another exciting story line and cleverly creates new twists and turns to keep the novel fresh and enthralling.

How do you hunt down a serial killer and work out what his motive is without any clues or ideas. Using his knowledge and expert descriptive writing the author brings all the characters to life with believable traits and scenes.

Mark Nolan has created a brilliant duo and the real beauty of this script is the the total honesty and trust between Man and his dog. It is amazing when reading this book you will see traits of Cody in your canine and wonder if it is possible to train your dog to Cody standards.

Even though this is a serious thriller and a real page turner there is well written humorous parts between owner and dog. On top of caring for his loyal companion, Jake has a complicated love life and the only thing he wants to do his protect his loved ones.

Will Jake and Cody find the serial killer in time to save their own skins?.

If you like a thriller with lots of excitement, twist and turns as well as loyalty between human
and animal then this is the perfect book for you.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
May 21, 2019
Jake really wants to be a lawyer--he earned his degree but so far all he's done is pro bono work. The CIA uses him for clandestine operations because he is one of the best--his girl friend wants him to STOP. His dog Cody and he live on a boat owned by one of his friends. Cody was also trained by the military--Cody can be a loose cannon just like his Alpha (Jake).

This is a rough and tumble novel which kept me reading until very late at night! The serial killer --well I will just say he is a very sick individual--but when he starts going after Jake's friends ---

I truly love how the author uses Cody's thoughts--that is one smart dog--and some the stuff he pulls off to protect is Alpha is short of miraculous!!

I am looking forward to many more in this series as you will be after reading this one!
Profile Image for Cryssie Addis.
157 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2019
Mark Nolan, you had me at.....secret life and dog. Any mystery novel that has a secret life character immediately has my attention. Why exactly? I have no idea! I guess because....WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY HIDING? And well dogs..... DOG! Who doesn't love a story with a dog in it? Let's get serious here! ;)

Either way, this book was awesome! This book has a great story line with a smooth read. Jake and Cody are quite the team and the author writes their characters so flawlessly. You feel like you know these characters personally! I love books that make you feel emotionally and mentally attached to the characters. The plot kept me on edge (in the best way) and the ending shocked me! You will LOVE This book! My two-cents, great read for the long weekend coming up! ;)
Profile Image for Alli.
251 reviews
October 5, 2026
Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan definitely pulled me in! I’m a sucker for a good mystery/thriller with secrets, danger, and enough twists to keep me guessing, and this one gave me plenty to work with. I kept trying to figure out what was really going on and who could be trusted.

It was fast-paced, suspenseful, and had me wanting to read just one more chapter. I really enjoyed getting pulled into Jake Wolfe’s world, and now I’m curious to see what trouble he gets into next!
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,321 reviews74 followers
January 3, 2019
I highly recommend this series, they will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat until the end. In this book there is a serial killer killing random people but what will happen when he kills one of Jake's friends? This is where the story becomes about revenge and survival. I enjoyed watching the development of these characters especially Jake and I love his side kick dog. I had a hard time putting their story down, it is worth picking up just for the action thriller journey.
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews19 followers
May 23, 2019
This is what you want from a thriller! The main character is Jake Wolfe, recently qualified as a lawyer and starting off in his own small business, whilst still stuck with a debt to the government to fulfil. He used to be in the army and then did black work as an assassin for the CIA. He has a years’ worth of service to give and this is causing problems with his girlfriend. She witnessed him killing some men who attacked them and is trying to get her head around this side of him. He lives with his war dog, Cody, on a boat belonging to an absent friend.

The city is being stalked by a serial killer, who is choosing their targets at random. When a killing occurs to one of Jake’s close neighbours at the marina, he finds himself being framed as the killer. Only his previous contacts ensure he isn’t arrested immediately, but the local police aren’t convinced he isn’t involved. He and Cody try to track the scent of the real killer, but he manages to escape. This case is personal and the serial killer is now in his sights. He gets himself put onto the official case, back as a Marshall, a role he has previously worked in.

Jake uses his new Marshall role to goad the serial killer and this brings all those he loves into the killer’s sights. The killer is still looking for his random targets, but now he has Jake’s friends and family to add to the pot. Jake works with some of his friends to find clues to the killer’s identity and start to close in on him. He also gets called off to fulfil a mission for the government. He has to think more about his future, the work he does, if his girlfriend Sarah will ever be comfortable around him again and if he can keep all those he loves safe. He wants to leave his previous life as a government assassin behind and get his law business up and running. So far, all he has done is pro bono work for a friend.

This is a thrill of a read and the storyline is fast paced and full of action. Jake and his dog Cody both suffer from PTSD and Cody did not take to his retraining for a role outside of the army. Sarah works as a vet and has lots of experience to help with Cody and wants Jake to leave him with her while he is hunting. But Cody is a huge help tracking the killer and has been made quite famous to the city’s residents, hanging out of Jake’s window. The hidden identity of the killer, throws a loop into the chase, but read to find that twist out!

I really enjoyed this book. I have read one other book by this author and this was even better. You have Jake and Cody, who are an excellent team and who would die to protect the other, as the main characters. They are detailed, believable and likeable characters and they just make the whole storyline move along nicely. You get snippets of Jake’s past and what sort of jobs he has been involved with in the past. How Cody came to be his dog is also explained. I can wholly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller! I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,649 reviews63 followers
January 8, 2019
Killer Lawyer Jake - Wolfe Bk 3 - Written by Mark Nolan
Life gets in the way sometimes and leaping before you think puts those you love in the line of fire!!!

Attorney by day, assassin by night. Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life. Trained by the CIA, he now wants peace and quiet, practicing law and living on a boat with his war dog. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again. Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step, Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything. With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim? Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

What did I like? I most certainly agree that this book is a FIVE STAR RATED book. The details and level of knowledge the author imparts are tremendous. The work with Cody and the explanations, along with the interaction is brilliant.

What will you like? First and foremost is the characters, the interaction between the men and companionship, comradery continued into every day after serving shows the loyalty that develops when you are put into the positions during military service, be it war or peace. Taking it a step further with the bond between the war dog and his handler is amazing and more! There are no words that can describe the bond that develops between them and continues even more so in the dog's mind even after they return home. Not many people understand either situation and this books calls it forward in a very unique way. The fact that crap happens in life and there are crazy people out there everywhere is terrible but when it happens to you out of the blue you have to deal with it the best you can. Jake goes a step further because of the closeness of the event. I think that ending of this book was over the top, I loved it. I want to see more of Jake and Cody and this will be phenomenal. I received this book from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.

Profile Image for Carly Wilson.
618 reviews40 followers
May 15, 2019
‘Killer Lawyer’ is the third book in the ‘Jake Wolfe’ series by Mark Nolan, and it was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and became completely immersed in the plot from the onset. It was fast-paced, thrilling and a complete page-turner.

The book centre’s around ex-marine turned lawyer/ government assassin Jake Wolfe, who partakes in numerous secret government missions, with his trusty well- trained and highly intelligent dog Cody.

After the drama of previous missions, Jake is trying to lay low and lead a somewhat normal life. His girlfriend Sarah after witnessing the danger of Jake in action is pulling away from him, and he tries to settle living on one of his friends boats. But when a serial killer strikes, randomly gunning down victims including one of Wolfe’s neighbours Marion, he is unable to stop himself from hunting down the culprit.

But what happens when you become a suspect in the process of the chase? Will the killer actually get away with murder?

Nolan is a new author to me, and I absolutely loved his writing style. The story is told from varying character perspectives, enabling you to get into the mindset of not only the killer, but even Cody. It is the perfect way to allow you to understand the complexity of each character and really drew me in as a reader.

I loved how intune Jake and Cody are, it is a true mans best friend relationship, and they work well as a team. You understand Jake’s girlfriend Sarah’s fears over the danger that Jake puts himself in, but you always want them to be happy and together for their happily ever after.

I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but I found that it didn’t matter in terms of this story and that you can easily read it as a stand-alone. The book has something for everyone; romance, suspense, shocking plot twists and drama. It was an absolutely pleasure to read such an entertaining and gripping book, and I’d recommend to all thriller lovers.

I am so unbelievably excited for the next book!
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
680 reviews16 followers
September 20, 2021
Killer Lawyer is the third book in the Jake Wolfe six book novel series. These books just keep getting better and better. In Killer Lawyer, we find Jake and his war dog Cody tracking a serial killer that has been nicknamed The Reaper who is killing people at random. The Reaper is taking his kill orders from voices that only he can hear and he kills his chosen targets with a single shot to the head with a 32 caliber pistol. The Reaper makes a serious error when he kills an elderly lady neighbor of Jake’s, a lady that Jake and Cody love. Jake promises the woman’s daughter, Becky, that he will bring her mother’s killer to justice. In the end, he keeps his word and takes the Reaper down. Read this roller coaster ill ride to find out how he and Cody do that.

Killer Lawyer begins with Jake receiving a call from the head of the POETs ordering him to terminate three terrorist threatening to blow up the Golden Gate Bridge by placing a remote control charge on one of the supporting columns. As faith would have it, Jake was aboard his boat and anchored within rifle range. Jake’s girlfriend was aboard and saw Jake making the shot through a cabin window. Sarah is having second thoughts about their relationship because his actions keep putting her and everyone she cares about in danger. It becomes rough sailing for Jake and Sarah from that point on. In the end, Sarah gives Jakes an ultimatum. He has to choose between working for the government as an assassin and surrender his U.S. Martials badge or give her up. Jake is falling in love with Sarah and wants a serious relationship with her, but he’s also a marine vet with a strong drive to protect women, children and America, so the choice is not an easy one for Jake. Can he even make such a choice? Read Killer Lawyer to find out. If you’re anything like me, you will find yourself headed to Amazon Books to buy the remaining three volumes in the six-volume series. I’m starting Book 4, San Diego Dead now!
Profile Image for Stanley McShane.
Author 10 books59 followers
January 15, 2019
Jake Wolfe is a highly trained ex-Marine who worked with the CIA in special ops. He lives with Cody, his adopted K-9 ex-war dog, on the Far Niente. He is seeing Sarah, the veterinarian, but he continues to get "the call," which usually involve ... distractions.

My third book in the series, I fell in love with Cody the first book of the series. This time a serial killer hits way too close to home when his sweet senior neighbor is the next victim of a serial killer. The murders are so random that law enforcement is having a problem getting a handle on it. Many of Jake's friends are his ex-military buddies, including best buddy police detective Terrell. He has a network of law enforcement, some of whom are not so enthused with his tactics. Jake is bad-ass, but he is also naturally protective.

The multi-plotted and complex storyline dispenses a multitude of fascinating details about his bay area location, tidbits of science, and technology. The loyalty and love between those who served, particularly in combat situations, and a canine and his handler are endearing and engaging. The POV switches occasionally and puts you in the head of the antagonist, who drips evil and must be stopped.

There is non-stop action, from benign scene to violent, and blood pressure-raising chapters full of tension and intrigue that continue to edge toward a brilliant and satisfying conclusion. You could read book 3 as a standalone, but then you'd miss the fun in 1 and 2. I'm looking forward to his commitment to Sarah and Cody...are there puppies in the future?

I received an ebook download from the author for an honest review and totally appreciated the opportunity to read another in the series. Looking forward to book 4! Recommended to any who love non-stop action and suspense in your thriller. I did not receive any remuneration for my opinion. 4.5/5 stars
Profile Image for Heather.
1,559 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2019

Rating: 5 stars!

Killer Lawyer is Book 3 in Mark Nolan’s Jake Wolfe series, which I highly recommend reading in the appropriate order. They follow the crazy life of Jake and his war dog, sidekick/partner, Cody, and as there are many recurring characters and storylines, I think the most enjoyment from this book will come with starting at the beginning of the series.

Here’s what you need to know going in: Jake is really a good guy with a hero complex. He’s served his country and they’re not letting go of him. He can’t catch a break, at all. As much as Jake would like to live a quiet life, being a lawyer and helping those in need, it won’t happen because he won’t let it happen. Whereas many people learn how to say no, Jake can be guilted or pressured into doing things he’d prefer not to, because of his need to serve. And Jake’s need to people-please affects everyone around him. He is impulsive and jumps into situations with the best of intentions, he really does. And, I think in the previous books I was a little annoyed because he did this but I feel like I understand Jake more by book three. I get it. He just really wants to take care of everyone. He wants the world to be a good place and he just can’t stop from trying to fix everything.

I think this book was my favorite of the series, because the action hero stuff was not over the top as it was in previous books. Don’t get me wrong, Jake lives the life of an action-packed movie hero, but it felt a little less dramatic than the previous ones. Or maybe a little more realistic and less like it was made for the big screen. Regardless, once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Well, until one point. Something happened that made me pause and put the book aside. I was nervous and did not want to read further, only because I thought the author was going to break my heart. He didn’t, thankfully, since I forced myself to pick it back up.

The author writes a fantastic story, with well-developed characters. It’s easy to love Jake and Cody, and their story pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. This book was able to hold my attention and let me shut out everything around me. I can’t wait to read the next instalment! If you enjoy action thrillers, I’d highly recommend reading this series.

**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
352 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2019
When I first started reading this book there was a scene where the main character, Jake, committed an act I considered immature and tasteless which made me think "oh no, not another one of those books". I continued reading because the book had sounded interesting so I wanted to give it a fair chance and to my surprise author Mark Nolan soon made me change my mind about his book. The act that so had me starting to rethink my choice of reading material was done as a diversion and it worked successfully.

I came to greatly like Jake Wolfe. He is a caring, kind, protective man who would be a terrific friend for anyone to have. He and his dog, Cody, are very devoted to each other. He just wants his city to be a safe place in which everyone can live and raise their families, and if he can help achieve that he will do so in any manner possible.

Mr. Nolan makes you come to care about his characters. He doesn't seem to write anything into this story that does not serve a purpose either to further develop the characters or to move the story forward to its conclusion. There is plenty of action to help make this an exciting page turning book .I became so engrossed in the story I practically had to be dragged away when other things needed my attention. I also liked the fact that Law Enforcement and Military personnel were able to put together cohesive sentences and still manage to convey the gravity of a situation and urgency with little to no profanity.

I am very grateful for the gift of the copy that allowed me the opportunity to read this book and discover a new author I enjoy reading. I look forward to getting my hands on the previous Jake Wolfe books and reading those as well as any future ones Mark Nolan chooses to write.
217 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2026
3 Stars

This unfortunately was not for me. I will preface this by saying that this type of action/mystery is not normally what I go for, so I was already going into this book with that against it. I really found it difficult to get into; something about the narrative just felt a little stilted, with a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. I thought there were instances of not enough description, and then randomly there would be details added that didn't seem to have any reason for being there.
Jake was a decent character; however, I struggled to connect with him because of the nature of the narrative. It felt that there was not enough of Jake's emotional world for me to sink my teeth into, and when the story went in that direction, it just wasn't enough for me.I understand that looking for lots of emotional depth in this genre is a bit much, and it's one of the reasons I tend to avoid it, because lots of action becomes a little tiresome for me. Also, it felt like Jake didn’t really have any flaws, seeming to always know the answers and rushing in to save the day. I really like my characters' faults and foibles, as again it feels easier to connect with them.
I will say that Sarah was pretty cool, and I'll admit Cody was just adorable (that ending, brilliant). I felt that these two characters did a lot of emotional heavy lifting. I thought Jake and Sarah's relationship was pretty sweet, but their intimate moments just didn't land for me.
I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a mystery to read, with plenty of action and a pretty badass main character. While it wasn't for me, it does manage to be entertaining and is a quick read.
Profile Image for Tara Johnson.
810 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2026
Killer Lawyer is Book 3 in the Jake Wolfe Series. It is a thriller / mystery / action that explores themes of justice, danger, loyalty, corruption, and the struggle to escape a violent past. It blends legal drama with covert operations, serial killer suspense, and the deep bond between a man and his dog. The story follows Jake Wolfe, now a lawyer trying to live a quieter life, who is pulled back into chaos when a serial killer begins shooting random victims and murders Jake’s friend, framing him for the crime. As fear grips the city, Jake and his exceptionally intelligent ex war dog Cody hunt for the killer while being hunted themselves. The investigation twists through covert missions, personal threats, emotional stakes, and a shocking reversal that forces Jake to confront both his past and his limits. Jake is brave, impulsive, loyal, and driven by a need to protect others, even at great personal cost. Cody stands out with sharp instincts, fierce loyalty, and a fully realized personality that adds heart and tension to the story. Supporting characters bring conflict, warmth, and realism, especially through Jake’s strained relationship with Sarah and the camaraderie of his friends. Killer Lawyer is a gripping, fast paced thriller filled with tension, action, and emotional depth. The random killer plot keeps the stakes high, Cody steals scenes with his intelligence and devotion, and Jake’s internal conflict adds richness to the nonstop suspense. It’s an absorbing read that’s hard to put down.
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,232 reviews25 followers
October 9, 2026
Jack is a war veteran so I can imagine he wants peace and quiet and I’ll be honest being a boat sounds like a brilliant idea 😉he’s also got the best company , Cody , our canine honey 🫶🐾

There’s a serial killer dubbed the “ Random Killer”
creating fear and havoc in they city and to add to the drama Jack is being accused of murder 🫪🤷‍♀️ time is of the essence here , Jake has to clear his name and find the killer before someone else falls victim 🫢🫣my nerves are shattered here 😱

Jake and Cody share a special bond and sometimes I think Jake is better with his canine than humans because he’s got this ability to run his mouth and rub you up the wrong way but don’t judge him to harshly because he does have a gentler side that comes through , he helps those who cannot help themselves and to me that speaks volumes of his character 🥰so he’s a rough diamond 😉


There were twists and turns and at times I thought I figured it but nope I was off 🫢and that’s why I’m a librarian and not an investigator 😉

Jake and Sarah … well Jake likes Sarah but she’s pulled back a little to process a few things and while I feel for Jake I also see her point of view 🤷‍♀️not an easy decision.

All in all it was a good read and you could see some serious research went into this . What I do appreciate is the “Dear Reader “ at the end of the book because it answers a few questions and also separates truth from fact . I learnt quite a bit from this , so thank you for that 😉

Looking forward to spending more time with Jake and Cody 😉
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
January 3, 2019
Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
By: Mark Nolan
5 out of 5 stars

The story Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan is the next amazing book in a series that is thrilling and page-turning. It took me on a ride that hooked me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. I loved reading about the character of Jake Wolfe. He is a man who is tough and intelligent. He believes in consequences for those who commit wrongs. He is also someone who will help those in need. This story has Jake searching for a serial killer who is spreading fear by shooting random victims. Jake is a man that is protective of those he cares about and has a strong sense of justice. When hunting this killer, he uses his skills and contacts. Jake is very resourceful and determined. Will Jake be able to stop the killer before anyone that he cares about or even himself becomes the next victim? Read this story to find out. The other character that I enjoyed reading about is Jake’s very intelligent war dog, Cody. These two are a team and have a bond so strong that either of them would give their life for the other. This story has intriguing interactions/dialogue between the characters. The way that the story is written I felt like I was right there with Jake and Cody. If you love your stories with plenty of action and adventure this is the book for you. It is a story I would highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 3 books42 followers
May 16, 2019
As the third installment in the Jake Wolfe series, I highly suggest reading the first two before diving in. You get a feel for the background of Jake and his dog, Cody, as well as many other characters and situations that have brought them to this story line. Jake isn't one to obey rules -- I guess that's why I find him intriguing. He is former military (which is notorious for rules and regulations!) and now works covert government jobs that still require staying (somewhat) within boundaries. But he definitely knows how to bend the rules to the edge! This time around, Jake is on the trail of a serial killer, deemed the "Random Killer" because their kills are well, random! Like the first two books, we get to take a look at the situation from Cody's point of view, too. It's a unique and fun aspect to the book that I haven't read in others. Jake is a loudmouth and bit boisterous. Cody helps balance him out by being more lovable and softer around the edges. Deep down, I'm pretty sure that Jake has his own soft spots -- one being how he's generous with giving the money from a prior case to the homeless. The subplots were a little scattered at times; but I still found this book to be one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm looking forward to see how Jake's relationships with certain characters play out because they seem completely abnormal for what a person with his personality would put up with.  I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Michelle .
346 reviews30 followers
June 24, 2019
"He and Cody rode the elevator down, went to the parked Jeep, and got inside. Jake turned on some music, "Long December" by Counting Crows. Listening to the lyrics, he though of people he cared about who'd gone into hospitals and died there."


Jake Wolfe is back for Book 3 in this series. Life has changed for Jake. From a photojournalist, to investigator, and now a lawyer. The war veteran is trying to lead a quiet life on his boat, with dog, Cody. The CIA requires just a little more from him. Working for the good guys will come with a hefty price.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the dog. He just adds to Jake’s life in a way that no one else can. You can’t help but love Jake and Cody’s connection. Cody’s vet Sarah? The one Jake took to in the last book, is she still part of their lives?

This story brings us to a serial killer that has managed to draw Jake into his tangled mess. Creating a situation that Jake, and those he loves, may not be able to survive. Putting his investigative skills back into use as a U.S. Marshal may save his life, but will it get him out of this mess? With Cody by his side, Jake is on the hunt for the man nicknamed the “Random Killer.”

Jake is out to help as many people as he can. The character feels genuine. He’s not in it for the glory, he’s in it to genuinely make the world a better place. He’s one of the good guys, and everyone he comes in contact with is better for it, except the criminals. I can see this series continuing for many more books.

Will Jake and Cody find the “Random Killer” before he finds them? Will Sarah decide if Jake is the man for her? Cody has his own little side story going on. You’ll have to read this book to find out! I absolutely love this series!

Thank you Mark Nolan

Profile Image for Leila.
581 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2019
First and foremost, I have one request. Can we have a book all about Cody? I mean, I love that dog. Seriously. He’s the best part of the entire story – especially when he talks back and keeps Jake in line.

With that ask out of the way; this is book 3 in the Jake Wolfe series. This is the third book I have read in the series and by this author.

I. Love. Them.

Jake Wolfe is an experience military veteran (with a military trained dog) with a background in law as well as… enforcement… with the CIA. (Quite the colorful background if you will.) All of his experience and work makes him quite the character and Jack of all Trades when it comes to enforcing… criminals?

Jake doesn’t tend to play by the rules but he gets his assignments done.

In book three, there is a serial killer on the lose who Jake ends up calling out; putting those he cares about in danger.

One of the aspects that I really like about this story was all of the cover up. I have been watching some shows that show government cover ups and this story line fed right in to it. It really makes you sit back and wonder what is truth; what is cover up; what the government wants you to believe versus what really happened in a situation.

I am a big fan of the Jake Wolfe series and highly, highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good thriller and suspense read.
632 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2026
Now I love this series and always anticipate the next book. I’m always looking forward to Jake and Cody’s adventures, though there’s a lacking of Sarah this time around. It's still a read the sucks the reader in.
Jake’s newest task hits closer to home. His neighbor has been killed and he’s taking it personal. She meant something to him and he’s out for blood so to say. As always he does his best to play by the book, but anyone who has read any of these books, and Killer Lawyer being no exception, it’s easier said than done.
With the help of the SFPD and US Marshalls the goal is to bring the Reaper down. Of course Jake pisses some people off along the way, especially the Reaper as well. And the Reaper follows the voices in his heads agenda Jake and Cody are the exception, because they are going to mess with his work and tasks.
So now it’s a race against time, who finds who first. Jake knows he’s being hunt but what the hunter doesn’t know is Jake is better at hunting than he will ever be.
Despite everything else I hope he and Sarah can work out their differences now that a lot more is on the line, it’s just a matter of when she’s going to inform him.
Do we have faith that Jake will come out on top or has he met his demise? It’s up to you to jump in and find out!
Happy reading!
Profile Image for Jana.
883 reviews
January 27, 2019
Killer Lawyer is the third book in Mark Nolan’s Jake Wolfe series and what a story it is! I have to say that the writing gets better and better with each book! The writer is a master of intense action thrillers and you are guaranteed a head spinning rollercoaster ride! You could read the story as a standalone but you would miss out of having met Jake and Cody and Sarah (Jake’s girlfriend who is a veterinarian) and seen how they began!
In Killer Lawyer our ex-marine lawyer turned Jake Wolfe with his war dog Cody are thrown into find out who is the serial killer who seems to be killing random people … These two get involved when one of Jake’s friends is killed so we are getting a story of revenge and survival and outsmarting of the killer! I loved complex story line and the interaction between the characters, the companionship and comradery among the men, the bond between Jake and Cody, the longing for peace and quiet and at the same time the need to step in and right the wrongs! AND add to this the alternating point of views, oh my, to be in the head of that evil killer … chills along your spine!
I am looking forward to hopefully another story in the series, I am curious to see how Jake and Sarah’s relationship will grow and what Cody’s future will hold…
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,874 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2018
Jake Wolfe is a lawyer. At least that is what it says on his business cards. He doesn't have any paying clients but he wouldn't have time for them anyway. Actually he is one of those rogue operators authors write about who get called on by various Alphabet agencies that make sure they can disavow any knowledge if the mission goes south. What really makes Jake stand out from the others, is his dog, Cody. Jake was a military dog trainer and Cody saw lots of combat as a military dog. Back in the States, Cody didn't deprogram very well and his handler, a friend of Jake's, could not overcome his PTSD. That is how Jake ended up with Cody, and together they receive dangerous assignments. Jake's girlfriend, Sarah, is a veterinarian, who doesn't appreciate them putting themselves in harms way. This id\s book 3 in the series and they have been fantastic, so you will definitely want to read the other two, if you haven't already! In this book the main plot line is a doped up psycho who kills people at random. Tough to nail down someone, who kills that way and Jake has his hands full this time. Very clever process!
Profile Image for Julie.
282 reviews
January 25, 2019
Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan is a five star novel. This is the third book in the Jake Wolfe series and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Even though most series are best read in order, this one is ok to be read as a stand alone. The way the author is able to reel in the reader is fantastic. I could not put this book down. Jake is a lawyer, but really doesn’t have many clients. He got his degree online and barely passed the bar exam. He likes to have this professional coverup because he is secretly a contracted killer for the US government. Being a former marine, he is trained to kill and to be stealthy. With his trusted we dog, Cody, next to him, he is unstoppable. Sarah, his sort of girlfriend, might get in the way though because all she wants is for him to be safe and with her knowledge of what he does, she knows that’s not possible. When Jake’s friend is killed by the Random Killer, he knows he needs to avenge her death and will do anything to make that happen. Follow Jake on his journey through the depths of hell to try to keep those he loves safe from harm yet catch this serial killer.
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,819 reviews126 followers
February 1, 2019
Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan ​is a very complex and very cleverly written gripping and suspenseful tale and the next in this wonderful series. This story is told in multiple POV’s which gives us more of an insight to the characters and a multi layered dimension. The story is action packed and fast paced with the usual twist and turns that lead you astray. The story is intense and will have your heart racing one minute and have you laughing the next. The danger and the intrigue, the mystery and drama will have the pages falling one after the other as you race towards the finish line.

Jake Wolfe is a former marine, a lawyer, covert operative and a nice guy who always rubs people the wrong way without even trying but if you are ever in a bind him and his buddy, ex war dog, Cody are the ones you want covering your back. The race is on to stop a serial killer whose kills have no rhyme or reason. If not stopped no one is safe.   Marks plots are complex yet simplistic in their threads in the web he has cleverly woven together. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
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