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Marc Kadella Legal Mystery #9
Exquisite Justice
MIX THE "GOOD" REVEREND WITH THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
and all hell could break loose.
and all hell could break loose.
Minneapolis defense attorney Marc Kadella was hoping for a bit of peace after a failed homicide attempt in the form of a hit-and-run. But it’s hard to keep the peace in the midst of a string of police brutality accusations leading to civil unrest. In his ninth courtroom drama and legal thriller, Kadella finds himself trapped in a web of racism and corruption—thanks to a drug ring orchestrated by a villain so manipulative even hard-nosed investigator Tony Carvelli’s stumped.
After a twenty-year stint in an Illinois Penitentiary, drug-dealing murderer and rehabilitated gangbanger Damone Watson’s cleaned up. Not only has he found Jesus in his new digs in the Twin Cities, he’s also become a peacemaking darling of local Minneapolis media in the midst of a police brutality crisis. But not everybody buys his come-to-Jesus act—favored mayoral candidate Jalen Bryant and beloved black minister Lionel Ferguson included. And their motives aren’t exactly virtuous.
Meanwhile, Marc Kadella’s twiddling his thumbs in court—bored, even—while his new love and longtime confidante Maddy Rivers is on a divorce stakeout. She’s agreed to tail the much younger husband of beloved old friend Vivian Donahue’s troubled, drug-addicted niece, Nicolette. Seems the husband has, indeed, been having an affair with another older divorcee, but all goes awry when Nicolette shows up in the middle of Maddy’s surveillance to calmly blow both the husband and the lover away. And then offs herself. Enter fan-favorite Tony Carvelli to investigate the husband who, surprise surprise, isn’t at all who he seemed.
As tension in the cities continues to escalate—with media pieces aimed at the MPD fanning the flames—star defender Marc Kadella, gorgeous yet scrappy PI Maddy, the ever lovely Vivienne, and hard-nosed investigator Tony Carvelli all find their work loads intricately entangled in ways they never could have imagined. Because the body count’s about to rise—and Marc’s about to sign up to defend a cop accused of shooting an unarmed black man. Fed up with drug rings, gangs, police violence, and the connections between them, the mob-fueled Twin Cities are going to explode.
For those who like their legal thrillers with a dash of conservative commentary. Fans of John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, and of course the most beloved lawyer sleuth of all time, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason, will gobble up this one.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2019
868 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Carstens
32 books114 followersDennis Carstens was born in Worthington, MN, and has lived most of his life in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from a highly respected private law school, William Mitchell, in St. Paul. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired trial lawyer, Carstens brings these life experiences to his fiction for a dose of realism and accuracy missing from much of the legal thriller genre today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 9, 2020
This was on my Kindle and I don't remember how I got it, but it was probably part of a free offer, most likely as First Reads. I had not read any other books in the series.
I almost DNF'd it after chapter 5 and again after chapter 7, but finished it because it fit in an SRC challenge that I didn't have another suggestion for.
What was wrong with it:
1) Writing style: Each chapter introduced a new character and they were all given the same amount of description, so I couldn't tell who was important. In the second chapter Marc Kadella visits someone in prison. I knew Marc was a key character because his name is in the series. I assumed that the conversation with the prisoner would have some significance later in the book, but it never came up again. Similarly, in chapter four newspaper reporter Philo Anderson meets two colleagues in a bar. All three are described - who they work for, how old they are, what their career goals are. But only Philo stays in the story. By the time the plot actually starts after a lot of unrelated vignettes I was totally overwhelmed with names and couldn't figure out who was who or where they were previously described.
2) Misogyny: One of the main characters refers to his lover as "the white bitch". And then the third person narration says "The white bitch he was referring to was his city council concubine." Concubine? In twenty-first century United States? No. She is not a kept woman - she has a job of her own and is having sex with this character. I could have accepted the derogatory term in the dialogue as indicating that the character is sexist and nasty, but not the explanation of what he meant.
One of the main characters is a female P.I. Almost every time she appears in the book there is a physical description and sexual innuendo. There is a scene where she thinking about how happy she is that she can still pass as a prostitute. Another character who is helping to solve the case is a high-class call girl. Other female characters, including FBI agents, are named but not described. It's only the sexual ones that have more than walk-on roles.
3) The plot is basically a screed against Black Lives Matter. The police are upset because black people are protesting. Once the plot actually gets going, the legal case is to defend an officer who shot the leader of the marches. The bad guys are actually drug dealers who are pretending to be civil rights leaders. So of course if they are exposed, then the movement will collapse.
4) Miscellaneous points in the ending
I haven't read any other books by this author and I will run away from them if any more come up in free offers.
I almost DNF'd it after chapter 5 and again after chapter 7, but finished it because it fit in an SRC challenge that I didn't have another suggestion for.
What was wrong with it:
1) Writing style: Each chapter introduced a new character and they were all given the same amount of description, so I couldn't tell who was important. In the second chapter Marc Kadella visits someone in prison. I knew Marc was a key character because his name is in the series. I assumed that the conversation with the prisoner would have some significance later in the book, but it never came up again. Similarly, in chapter four newspaper reporter Philo Anderson meets two colleagues in a bar. All three are described - who they work for, how old they are, what their career goals are. But only Philo stays in the story. By the time the plot actually starts after a lot of unrelated vignettes I was totally overwhelmed with names and couldn't figure out who was who or where they were previously described.
2) Misogyny: One of the main characters refers to his lover as "the white bitch". And then the third person narration says "The white bitch he was referring to was his city council concubine." Concubine? In twenty-first century United States? No. She is not a kept woman - she has a job of her own and is having sex with this character. I could have accepted the derogatory term in the dialogue as indicating that the character is sexist and nasty, but not the explanation of what he meant.
One of the main characters is a female P.I. Almost every time she appears in the book there is a physical description and sexual innuendo. There is a scene where she thinking about how happy she is that she can still pass as a prostitute. Another character who is helping to solve the case is a high-class call girl. Other female characters, including FBI agents, are named but not described. It's only the sexual ones that have more than walk-on roles.
3) The plot is basically a screed against Black Lives Matter. The police are upset because black people are protesting. Once the plot actually gets going, the legal case is to defend an officer who shot the leader of the marches. The bad guys are actually drug dealers who are pretending to be civil rights leaders. So of course if they are exposed, then the movement will collapse.
4) Miscellaneous points in the ending
I haven't read any other books by this author and I will run away from them if any more come up in free offers.
May 10, 2020
There are two "legal crime" authors that are way above any of the others. One, of course, is the well-known and highly regarded John Grisham, the other perhaps lesser-known, but equally deserved of the title of the top man in this erudite company is Dennis Carstens.
This is not my favourite genre, so I don't claim to be an expert but the fact that, although I prefer other story types, Dennis keeps pulling me back in is a tribute to his writing and narrative.
Without being able to give any spoilers, all I can say is that his books are enthralling from page 1 to page "end". His characterisations are superb and his writing is detailed enough for me to be able to have my own picture of each of his characters in my head, even the new ones he introduces in each book. Many "independent" authors forget to do that and I have ended some books without even really understanding the main character - not Dennis.
I will say here and now, my favourite is Tony Carvelli rather than the named lawyer hero, but I am sure each reader will have his or her own idea about that.
Yes- I can usually spot at least one of Mr Carsten's "deceiving" characters, but he certainly fooled me this time right at the end of the book.
It is only right to point out the negatives, I am not that fond of the way Maddy is universally lauded, one example being how it affects Gondack, the way it is done actually makes the lead prosecutor (and pretty much every other woman in the series) look a bit of a fool, so maybe tamp down on that a little.
Although I can see the comedic value, it is taken way over the top.
The way that particular area is treated in this book almost made it (for me) a 4-star rather than 5-star but the ending rescued it and it would have been churlish of me to allow that small point to remove a whole star.
This is not my favourite genre, so I don't claim to be an expert but the fact that, although I prefer other story types, Dennis keeps pulling me back in is a tribute to his writing and narrative.
Without being able to give any spoilers, all I can say is that his books are enthralling from page 1 to page "end". His characterisations are superb and his writing is detailed enough for me to be able to have my own picture of each of his characters in my head, even the new ones he introduces in each book. Many "independent" authors forget to do that and I have ended some books without even really understanding the main character - not Dennis.
I will say here and now, my favourite is Tony Carvelli rather than the named lawyer hero, but I am sure each reader will have his or her own idea about that.
Yes- I can usually spot at least one of Mr Carsten's "deceiving" characters, but he certainly fooled me this time right at the end of the book.
It is only right to point out the negatives, I am not that fond of the way Maddy is universally lauded, one example being how it affects Gondack, the way it is done actually makes the lead prosecutor (and pretty much every other woman in the series) look a bit of a fool, so maybe tamp down on that a little.
Although I can see the comedic value, it is taken way over the top.
The way that particular area is treated in this book almost made it (for me) a 4-star rather than 5-star but the ending rescued it and it would have been churlish of me to allow that small point to remove a whole star.
January 26, 2019
Had Hoped for Another 5 Star Read...
...however, this was not the smooth, impressive read ALL the other books in this series have been. I don't know if Mr. Carstens hired a new editor, or neglected editing completely, but the typos, errors and apparent lack of proofreading made this one an often challenging and frustrating read.
Don't get me wrong, the story itself, the character development, the plot were exceptional as always, hence the four stars. A definite must-read for Carstens fans, just be prepared for sloppy, and sometimes non-existent proofreading. Hopefully, this will not be carried forward in future Marc Kadella books.
I remain, as always, looking forward to the next book in the series.
...however, this was not the smooth, impressive read ALL the other books in this series have been. I don't know if Mr. Carstens hired a new editor, or neglected editing completely, but the typos, errors and apparent lack of proofreading made this one an often challenging and frustrating read.
Don't get me wrong, the story itself, the character development, the plot were exceptional as always, hence the four stars. A definite must-read for Carstens fans, just be prepared for sloppy, and sometimes non-existent proofreading. Hopefully, this will not be carried forward in future Marc Kadella books.
I remain, as always, looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 26, 2020
All of Mr. Carsten's Justice books take place in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. This one is a very timely book. With all that is going on these days, the only thing missing from this plot is COVID-19 and the lock down of our country. There's a plethora of drugs, hookers, money laundering, murder, deceit and treachery in the plot. If you have read the other books in the series, you will be happy to know that the cast of characters is mostly the same with some new faces added in. Once again, the highlight of the book is a murder trial in which the main character is a free-lance defense attorney. The plot is explosive. An on-duty white cop, assigned to protest duty, is accused of deliberately gunning down a black pastor of a church who is one of the leaders of the protest. The ending that ties all the things together is equally explosive. Considering what is happening with Minneapolis disbanding their police and taking into account the things that happen in this book (and worse), I feel very sorry for the police in St. Paul. Actually, I am glad that I am old and probably will not live to see the mess my country becomes in the near future, as prefaced by this book.
August 18, 2019
Sad to see it end
Mr Carstens wrote a fabulous legal series involving a disjointed, yet cohesive group of key characters. I would love to meet and be friends with, the real life equivalent of Vivian Donahue. Mr. Carstens touched on so many current issues with which our country must contend. I absolutely loved the presidential comparisons of a philandering expresident and his wanna be president wife! I highly recommend the Marc Kadella series. Take time to meet Marc, Maddy, Tony, Vivian, Connie, Carolyn, Margaret and the rest of the supporting cast. My only regret is there are no more books to read.
Mr Carstens wrote a fabulous legal series involving a disjointed, yet cohesive group of key characters. I would love to meet and be friends with, the real life equivalent of Vivian Donahue. Mr. Carstens touched on so many current issues with which our country must contend. I absolutely loved the presidential comparisons of a philandering expresident and his wanna be president wife! I highly recommend the Marc Kadella series. Take time to meet Marc, Maddy, Tony, Vivian, Connie, Carolyn, Margaret and the rest of the supporting cast. My only regret is there are no more books to read.
August 9, 2025
Another gripping thriller from Dennis Carstens
Dennis Carstens delivers yet again with a suspenseful, twist-filled story that keeps you turning the pages. The plot is sharp and engaging, and the tension never lets up. However, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming. With nearly 99 names to keep track of, it sometimes feels like a “NameDump”—making it hard to remember who’s who, especially if you're reading the book in short bursts. Still, if you’re up for a challenge and love intricate legal thrillers, this one’s worth diving into.
Dennis Carstens delivers yet again with a suspenseful, twist-filled story that keeps you turning the pages. The plot is sharp and engaging, and the tension never lets up. However, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming. With nearly 99 names to keep track of, it sometimes feels like a “NameDump”—making it hard to remember who’s who, especially if you're reading the book in short bursts. Still, if you’re up for a challenge and love intricate legal thrillers, this one’s worth diving into.
October 29, 2019
EXQUISITE JUSTICE
A Marc Kadella Legal Mystery
Dennis Carstens
Review by Roy Murry, Author
'EXQUISITE' is a multi-facet novel that keeps the reader’s attention. The plot and characters were impressive; however, it would have been wiser of me to read the first book in the Marc Kadella series. I would have known the main characters better.
The plot kept me wanting to get to the end, knowing by the fifth chapter, Marc was going to get his man and solve his legal case. The twist and turns were evident to a mystery buff like me, but the ending surprised me.
I think I will read the first book in the series to get a better idea of the characters, especially Marc Kadella.
A Marc Kadella Legal Mystery
Dennis Carstens
Review by Roy Murry, Author
'EXQUISITE' is a multi-facet novel that keeps the reader’s attention. The plot and characters were impressive; however, it would have been wiser of me to read the first book in the Marc Kadella series. I would have known the main characters better.
The plot kept me wanting to get to the end, knowing by the fifth chapter, Marc was going to get his man and solve his legal case. The twist and turns were evident to a mystery buff like me, but the ending surprised me.
I think I will read the first book in the series to get a better idea of the characters, especially Marc Kadella.
October 31, 2023
And justice was served.
Cannot get enough of these stories involving Marc and his group of co-workers. What I like about these novels is there is always a sub plot running alongside. Then everything comes together in a great ending and this one is no exception. An ending I never saw coming!! I
Brilliantly told with the interweaving of the legal and court procedures and what is going on behind the scenes as well as the personal lives.
Next book please.
Cannot get enough of these stories involving Marc and his group of co-workers. What I like about these novels is there is always a sub plot running alongside. Then everything comes together in a great ending and this one is no exception. An ending I never saw coming!! I
Brilliantly told with the interweaving of the legal and court procedures and what is going on behind the scenes as well as the personal lives.
Next book please.
February 14, 2019
I just finished this last book of his series and have read all of them.
This one follows the excellent work that Dennis Carstens does in his books.
It was interesting to following this story since there were many activities going on. The ending was one that was unexpected.
I am glad that Marc and Maddie are getting together.
Good job
This one follows the excellent work that Dennis Carstens does in his books.
It was interesting to following this story since there were many activities going on. The ending was one that was unexpected.
I am glad that Marc and Maddie are getting together.
Good job
May 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this book.
First Marc Kadella mystery I’ve read . Really enjoyed it . Good cast of characters. Kept me guessing on one of the bad guys. Book covered some of the problems in our “real time “ society. Looking forward to reading more in this series. Wished I had known about it before #9.
First Marc Kadella mystery I’ve read . Really enjoyed it . Good cast of characters. Kept me guessing on one of the bad guys. Book covered some of the problems in our “real time “ society. Looking forward to reading more in this series. Wished I had known about it before #9.
February 18, 2022
I really like these books as light reads that give me a chance to just rest my brain. This latest edition annoyed me a bit. The lightly disguised political commentary and the new Marc + Maddy romance are just annoying. There used to be a lot more trial strategy and mystery work but that seems to have disappeared in the service of the author taking shots at political ideas he don't like.
August 1, 2023
Carstens Tells Great Stories
Dennis Carstens and his great attorney, Marc Kadella, have grown through the years into an impeccable duo. The plots just keep getting better as the reader learns more about the series' characters. If courtroom drama is in your list of favorite genres, you shouldn't miss this one.
Dennis Carstens and his great attorney, Marc Kadella, have grown through the years into an impeccable duo. The plots just keep getting better as the reader learns more about the series' characters. If courtroom drama is in your list of favorite genres, you shouldn't miss this one.
June 10, 2024
Another winner for Carstens
The Marc Kadela series reads like an action adventure in every book. They are just that good! This series deserves to be on tv or streaming somewhere. I love how Carstens has you thinking you know everything about a case, only to get a twist in the end. Love this series!!
The Marc Kadela series reads like an action adventure in every book. They are just that good! This series deserves to be on tv or streaming somewhere. I love how Carstens has you thinking you know everything about a case, only to get a twist in the end. Love this series!!
February 2, 2019
Excellent as expected!
I am a huge fan of Mark Kadella. Had to ,pace myself so I wouldn't finish too soon. Just a twist at the end. You never know what Dennis will come up with.
The beginning was very slow. Hard to get through.
Anxiously waiting for the next event!!!
I am a huge fan of Mark Kadella. Had to ,pace myself so I wouldn't finish too soon. Just a twist at the end. You never know what Dennis will come up with.
The beginning was very slow. Hard to get through.
Anxiously waiting for the next event!!!
February 4, 2019
Fantastic reading!
I think Dennis Carstens has written the best series that I'd have read. These books rank right job there with Lee Childs and James Patterson! Can't wait till the next book comes out!!
I think Dennis Carstens has written the best series that I'd have read. These books rank right job there with Lee Childs and James Patterson! Can't wait till the next book comes out!!
February 16, 2019
Brill read the books just get better a more great characters getting involved .Really enjoyed the fast pace of the book couldn't put it down .Wasn't that surprised about the ending thought he would turn up somewhere.
don't want to spoil so haven't mentioned names would make a great tv series can't wait for the next edition .
don't want to spoil so haven't mentioned names would make a great tv series can't wait for the next edition .
March 7, 2019
I loved all of Dennis Carstens books two of them made me cry
I wish he would write of more of Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries
I would like to know if Maddy and Marc got married and Anthony and Vivian was still seeing each other. I loved all the characters in these books
I wish he would write of more of Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries
I would like to know if Maddy and Marc got married and Anthony and Vivian was still seeing each other. I loved all the characters in these books
March 16, 2019
Great read!!!
I really like this author’s books. I have read several I the series and get a kick out of all the characters. The plots are always so riveting! I’m glad I found this author to add to my favorites list! You’ll especially like Maddy, Marc, and Carvelli.
I really like this author’s books. I have read several I the series and get a kick out of all the characters. The plots are always so riveting! I’m glad I found this author to add to my favorites list! You’ll especially like Maddy, Marc, and Carvelli.
May 14, 2019
Winner!
I love Marc Kadella. Dennis Carstens knows how to keep things interesting and real. I missed the installment where Marc and Maddy get together but I'll go catch up without regret even tho I already know the ending! Excellent, excellent writing.
I love Marc Kadella. Dennis Carstens knows how to keep things interesting and real. I missed the installment where Marc and Maddy get together but I'll go catch up without regret even tho I already know the ending! Excellent, excellent writing.
August 5, 2019
Another big hit.
I have now completed the entire Marc Kadella series. I thoroughly enjoyed every single one. Highly recommended if you enjoy serials with well developed characters that you want to root for.
I have now completed the entire Marc Kadella series. I thoroughly enjoyed every single one. Highly recommended if you enjoy serials with well developed characters that you want to root for.
September 19, 2019
Excellent
I have read every Mac Kadella book, excellently written. I highly recommend reading if you enjoy courtroom drama, even if you normally don't you just might like Mac, I know I did.
I have read every Mac Kadella book, excellently written. I highly recommend reading if you enjoy courtroom drama, even if you normally don't you just might like Mac, I know I did.
October 11, 2019
Enjoyed reading “Exquisite Justice.” It was suspenseful and kept my interest throughout. The characters were good and the author kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. I recommend this book as a good read.
March 18, 2021
Another Good Read
Sat down to read and found I needed to devote more than a few minutes at a time to read to keep track. Liked that more of the main characters had a bigger presence in this book in the series and that in the end the justice was exacted on the bad guys.
Sat down to read and found I needed to devote more than a few minutes at a time to read to keep track. Liked that more of the main characters had a bigger presence in this book in the series and that in the end the justice was exacted on the bad guys.
August 17, 2022
Not the best one of the series for me. The legal story was good but I didn’t care for the terrorist/political part. A lot of characters to keep straight. I’m a bit picky in that I like a legal thriller to be more about the legal than the thriller.
October 12, 2023
great book
You can trust me, many people who find Jesus actually do find Jesus. This was a great book and I loved the surprises. Worth the read to find out and compelling along the way. Highly recommend this book and all of the Marc kadella legal mysteries
You can trust me, many people who find Jesus actually do find Jesus. This was a great book and I loved the surprises. Worth the read to find out and compelling along the way. Highly recommend this book and all of the Marc kadella legal mysteries
April 24, 2024
Wow!
I admit I never saw the final ending coming. I figured out the leak and I figured out the Somali connections but I totally didn't see the rest. I couldn't put this down. It seems the more Dennis Carstens writes, the better the novels become!
I admit I never saw the final ending coming. I figured out the leak and I figured out the Somali connections but I totally didn't see the rest. I couldn't put this down. It seems the more Dennis Carstens writes, the better the novels become!
January 25, 2019
Great Reading!!!
Another great book in this series. Great characters, great story line. I was kept glued to it, very hard to put down. Looking forward to the next book!!! Thanks 🐕
Another great book in this series. Great characters, great story line. I was kept glued to it, very hard to put down. Looking forward to the next book!!! Thanks 🐕
February 8, 2019
waking up and having my first thought be Rob's trial starts today, I know the book has gotten to me. I have read all 9 of the Mark Kadella series and enjoy each one as much as the first.
February 18, 2019
Larry's take
Another great adventure with Marc and the gang. I would like to see a little more court room drama though. A page turned to be sure with a lot of twists and turns.
Another great adventure with Marc and the gang. I would like to see a little more court room drama though. A page turned to be sure with a lot of twists and turns.
March 21, 2019
Another great Marc Kadella legal thriller!
This is well written with two very surprising twists at the end. A must read for anyone that enjoys legal thrillers!
This is well written with two very surprising twists at the end. A must read for anyone that enjoys legal thrillers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews