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Daniel Pike #1
The Last Chance Lawyer
Getting his client off death row could save his career… or make him the next victim.
Daniel Pike would rather fight for justice than follow the rules. His unique ability to "connect the dots," to observe what others do not, has made him the most notorious criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg. But when his courtroom career goes up in smoke, he fears his lifelong purpose is a lost cause. A mysterious job offer from a secretive boss gives him a second chance but lands him an impossible case with multiple lives at stake…
To protect a young orphan from a horrifying fate, Pike must save the girl's guardian from a charge of first-degree murder. Dan uses every trick he knows in a high-stakes trial filled with unexpected revelations and breathtaking surprises as he uncovers a trail of deceit from Florida to El Salvador. When blood-soaked threats arrive, Dan realizes that winning the case might be a death sentence for him—and everyone he hoped to protect.
Can Pike protect the girl and get the charges dropped before his race for the truth proves fatal?
The Last Chance Lawyer is a gripping legal thriller. If you like courtroom suspense, page-turning plot twists, and rebel attorneys, then you’ll love William Bernhardt’s riveting drama.
Daniel Pike would rather fight for justice than follow the rules. His unique ability to "connect the dots," to observe what others do not, has made him the most notorious criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg. But when his courtroom career goes up in smoke, he fears his lifelong purpose is a lost cause. A mysterious job offer from a secretive boss gives him a second chance but lands him an impossible case with multiple lives at stake…
To protect a young orphan from a horrifying fate, Pike must save the girl's guardian from a charge of first-degree murder. Dan uses every trick he knows in a high-stakes trial filled with unexpected revelations and breathtaking surprises as he uncovers a trail of deceit from Florida to El Salvador. When blood-soaked threats arrive, Dan realizes that winning the case might be a death sentence for him—and everyone he hoped to protect.
Can Pike protect the girl and get the charges dropped before his race for the truth proves fatal?
The Last Chance Lawyer is a gripping legal thriller. If you like courtroom suspense, page-turning plot twists, and rebel attorneys, then you’ll love William Bernhardt’s riveting drama.
482 pages, ebook
First published February 22, 2019
3210 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
William Bernhardt
99 books515 followersWilliam Bernhardt is the author of over sixty books, including the bestselling Daniel Pike and Ben Kincaid legal thrillers, the historical novels Challengers of the Dust and Nemesis, three books of poetry, and the ten Red Sneaker books on fiction writing.
In addition, Bernhardt founded the Red Sneaker Writers Center to mentor aspiring writers. The Center hosts an annual writers conference (WriterCon), small-group seminars, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-weekly podcast. More than three dozen of Bernhardt’s students have subsequently published with major houses. He is also the owner of Balkan Press, which publishes poetry and fiction as well as the literary journal Conclave.
Bernhardt has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (University of Pennsylvania) and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (Oklahoma State), which is given "in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large." He has been nominated for the Oklahoma Book Award eighteen times in three different categories, and has won the award twice. Library Journal called him “the master of the courtroom drama.” The Vancouver Sun called him “the American equivalent of P.G. Wodehouse and John Mortimer.”
In addition to his novels and poetry, he has written plays, a musical (book and score), humor, children stories, biography, and puzzles. He has edited two anthologies (Legal Briefs and Natural Suspect) as fundraisers for The Nature Conservancy and the Children’s Legal Defense Fund. OSU named him “Oklahoma’s Renaissance Man.”
In his spare time, he has enjoyed surfing, digging for dinosaurs, trekking through the Himalayas, paragliding, scuba diving, caving, zip-lining over the canopy of the Costa Rican rain forest, and jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. In 2013, he became a Jeopardy! champion winning over $20,000.
When Bernhardt delivered the keynote address at the San Francisco Writers Conference, chairman Michael Larsen noted that in addition to penning novels, Bernhardt can “write a sonnet, play a sonata, plant a garden, try a lawsuit, teach a class, cook a gourmet meal, beat you at Scrabble, and work the New York Times crossword in under five minutes.”
In addition, Bernhardt founded the Red Sneaker Writers Center to mentor aspiring writers. The Center hosts an annual writers conference (WriterCon), small-group seminars, a monthly newsletter, and a bi-weekly podcast. More than three dozen of Bernhardt’s students have subsequently published with major houses. He is also the owner of Balkan Press, which publishes poetry and fiction as well as the literary journal Conclave.
Bernhardt has received the Southern Writers Guild’s Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (University of Pennsylvania) and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (Oklahoma State), which is given "in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large." He has been nominated for the Oklahoma Book Award eighteen times in three different categories, and has won the award twice. Library Journal called him “the master of the courtroom drama.” The Vancouver Sun called him “the American equivalent of P.G. Wodehouse and John Mortimer.”
In addition to his novels and poetry, he has written plays, a musical (book and score), humor, children stories, biography, and puzzles. He has edited two anthologies (Legal Briefs and Natural Suspect) as fundraisers for The Nature Conservancy and the Children’s Legal Defense Fund. OSU named him “Oklahoma’s Renaissance Man.”
In his spare time, he has enjoyed surfing, digging for dinosaurs, trekking through the Himalayas, paragliding, scuba diving, caving, zip-lining over the canopy of the Costa Rican rain forest, and jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet. In 2013, he became a Jeopardy! champion winning over $20,000.
When Bernhardt delivered the keynote address at the San Francisco Writers Conference, chairman Michael Larsen noted that in addition to penning novels, Bernhardt can “write a sonnet, play a sonata, plant a garden, try a lawsuit, teach a class, cook a gourmet meal, beat you at Scrabble, and work the New York Times crossword in under five minutes.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
August 18, 2021
Wow! This was a FANTASTIC read. My first foray into the writing of William Bernhardt was, to me, a grand slam!!
We are introduced to St Petersburg, FL defense lawyer, Daniel Pike, pragmatic about using the law up-to-the-margins to get his clients found “Not Guilty” and enjoying the lone wolf life and money that working at a top law firm allows him…. that is, until something happens to turn his life on a dime.
By “chance”, an encounter leads Daniel in a new direction, one that definitely makes his head spin and makes him rethink how he can truly save a life by depending on the help of others. Daniel dives into what turns out to be a life-or-death gangland murder case. The murder is just the center of the spider’s web of intrigue and thrills. Each strand of spider silk is dangerous and difficult. Drugs, immigration, politics, sex trafficking – all are sticky trails that need to be followed and solved.
The storyline is tense, the characters captivating, and the tempo is fast.
I rate this book 5 stars and recommend this book to everyone.
We are introduced to St Petersburg, FL defense lawyer, Daniel Pike, pragmatic about using the law up-to-the-margins to get his clients found “Not Guilty” and enjoying the lone wolf life and money that working at a top law firm allows him…. that is, until something happens to turn his life on a dime.
By “chance”, an encounter leads Daniel in a new direction, one that definitely makes his head spin and makes him rethink how he can truly save a life by depending on the help of others. Daniel dives into what turns out to be a life-or-death gangland murder case. The murder is just the center of the spider’s web of intrigue and thrills. Each strand of spider silk is dangerous and difficult. Drugs, immigration, politics, sex trafficking – all are sticky trails that need to be followed and solved.
The storyline is tense, the characters captivating, and the tempo is fast.
I rate this book 5 stars and recommend this book to everyone.
April 26, 2019
The legal thrillers penned by William Bernhardt never cease to grab the reader’s attention. This debut novel in a new series has all the elements of a powerful courtroom drama mixed with the social issues of the day, sure to fire up all who take the time to read it. Daniel Pike is a lawyer who puts justice before all, meaning that he is invested in any client who is able to pay. After some courtroom antics sees a sketchy client waltz through a loophole, Pike is pleased and the payout is forthcoming. His law firm does not hold as loose a set of morals and he is tossed out on his ear. However, he is not unemployed for long, when a mysterious message is sent for him to meet at a nondescript location. Less a law firm than a relaxing place for the inner child to enjoy themselves, Pike is surprised when he is offered a position with the ‘Last-Chance Law Firm’, which specializes in helping those who are at the end of their legal rope. Pike tosses caution out the window and agrees to sign on the dotted line, more curious than anything. His first (and only) case is to help a young girl whose immigration status is a little grey, though deporting her back to her country of origin could mean certain disaster. A guardian is set to take her in and Pike must get the wheels rolling on the adoption. However, no sooner is the ink dry on the application to adopt, the guardian is fingered for a killing during a gangland massacre on the tough Florida streets. Feigning ignorance, Pike must presume his new client is innocent, even while the murder weapon appears in her backyard. Knowing a young girl’s safety rests on getting his client off for the murder, Pike uses all his resources to help a woman who awaits certain death if she is convicted. If ever there was a last-chance situation for two clients, this would be it. When the case is expedited and heads to trial, Daniel Pike kicks it into high gear and faces the greatest adversity he has ever encountered, but he cannot let his own fears serve as a hurdle. He must present the best defence he can. A stellar debut by William Bernhardt, full of legal intrigue and passionate advocacy for the immigration issues in America today. Recommended to those who love all things courtroom related and with a passion for the underdog.
I have long loved the legal and courtroom thrillers that William Bernhardt has penned, which are full of humour and intensity. While he has taken some time off to work on his teaching of new writers, it is always a pleasure to see when he is able to work on his own craft and provide his fans with something to read. Daniel Pike is a wonderful protagonist and someone who will certain continue to grow on series fans, provided that Bernhardt offers up more of the same. One who loves to work on his own timetable, Pike forges ahead with justice as his impetus, no caring who is paying his fees, as long as he feels a wrong needs advocating. He is not a ‘kick you in the shins’ type, but will not stand back and let the justice system dictate the rules. Witty and domineering in the courtroom, Pike takes no prisoners as he tries to get to the bottom of every witness’ narrative to shape the larger story. The rest of the last-chance lawyers prove to be an interesting collection of legal minds, with their own quirks that will surely push this series forward for as long as Bernhardt desires. The characters mesh together effectively and play off one another with ease. Their passion for the law is apparent, even if it is sometimes buried under layers of chicanery. The secondary characters help to make this a wonderful legal thriller, full of just the right conflict and pressure to find justice amongst all the testimony. There is also a a strong push by Bernhardt to highlight some of the issues with the current immigration situation, reactivated by the current US Administration. One would have to be daft not to see the social commentary found within the pages of this book, though it does not overshadow the wonderful writing that Bernhardt is known to use when telling a story. The narrative is crisp and the dialogue on point, allowing the reader to relax and enjoy, while remaining astute to all that is going on. I cannot wait to see what else Bernhardt has in store for readers with this series. What a treat awaits those who liked this debut!
Kudos, Mr. Bernhardt, for another wonderful novel. I can see much potential here and await news on the next novel.
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/...
I have long loved the legal and courtroom thrillers that William Bernhardt has penned, which are full of humour and intensity. While he has taken some time off to work on his teaching of new writers, it is always a pleasure to see when he is able to work on his own craft and provide his fans with something to read. Daniel Pike is a wonderful protagonist and someone who will certain continue to grow on series fans, provided that Bernhardt offers up more of the same. One who loves to work on his own timetable, Pike forges ahead with justice as his impetus, no caring who is paying his fees, as long as he feels a wrong needs advocating. He is not a ‘kick you in the shins’ type, but will not stand back and let the justice system dictate the rules. Witty and domineering in the courtroom, Pike takes no prisoners as he tries to get to the bottom of every witness’ narrative to shape the larger story. The rest of the last-chance lawyers prove to be an interesting collection of legal minds, with their own quirks that will surely push this series forward for as long as Bernhardt desires. The characters mesh together effectively and play off one another with ease. Their passion for the law is apparent, even if it is sometimes buried under layers of chicanery. The secondary characters help to make this a wonderful legal thriller, full of just the right conflict and pressure to find justice amongst all the testimony. There is also a a strong push by Bernhardt to highlight some of the issues with the current immigration situation, reactivated by the current US Administration. One would have to be daft not to see the social commentary found within the pages of this book, though it does not overshadow the wonderful writing that Bernhardt is known to use when telling a story. The narrative is crisp and the dialogue on point, allowing the reader to relax and enjoy, while remaining astute to all that is going on. I cannot wait to see what else Bernhardt has in store for readers with this series. What a treat awaits those who liked this debut!
Kudos, Mr. Bernhardt, for another wonderful novel. I can see much potential here and await news on the next novel.
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/...
March 27, 2020
Now that I’ve finished the book, I think I’ll have to drop it to two stars. I stand by my opinion that the dialogue is clumsy and unnatural. The narrator didn’t help. I was very choppy regardless of what speed I set it to playback.
I was also put off by the political commentary and not because I disagree but because it was unnecessary. The story in itself was enough. I’m betting the majority of the readers can get there own their own. So maybe tone down the mansplaining or author-splaining of whatever it’s called when the author doesn’t think the reader is smart enough to draw the intended conclusions. It’s a huge pet peeve.
Some notes at 50%... I love a good legal thriller and so far this one has kept my attention, but there are a two things that are bothering me.
First, the dialogue. Much of the time it’s overly formal, which is fine for the courtroom. But when people are talking to people they know well, there is usually more of a tendency to use contractions and a more casual sentence structures. I’m getting the impression that the characters are all overly stiff and I don’t think that was the author’s intent.
Second, is the unnecessary political commentary. Let me be clear, I am not saying that I disagree with the politics of this book. The thing I have a problem with is the over-explaining. The story can speak for itself. Letting the reader come to those conclusions on their own is much more powerful. It almost feels like an insult to my intelligence. Does the author think The readers can’t make these obvious connections of their own? It really rubs me the wrong way.
I was also put off by the political commentary and not because I disagree but because it was unnecessary. The story in itself was enough. I’m betting the majority of the readers can get there own their own. So maybe tone down the mansplaining or author-splaining of whatever it’s called when the author doesn’t think the reader is smart enough to draw the intended conclusions. It’s a huge pet peeve.
Some notes at 50%... I love a good legal thriller and so far this one has kept my attention, but there are a two things that are bothering me.
First, the dialogue. Much of the time it’s overly formal, which is fine for the courtroom. But when people are talking to people they know well, there is usually more of a tendency to use contractions and a more casual sentence structures. I’m getting the impression that the characters are all overly stiff and I don’t think that was the author’s intent.
Second, is the unnecessary political commentary. Let me be clear, I am not saying that I disagree with the politics of this book. The thing I have a problem with is the over-explaining. The story can speak for itself. Letting the reader come to those conclusions on their own is much more powerful. It almost feels like an insult to my intelligence. Does the author think The readers can’t make these obvious connections of their own? It really rubs me the wrong way.
August 22, 2021
The message of Last Chance Lawyer is definitely timely.
Ever since reading the Ben Kincaid series, I've enjoyed the bits of humor Mr. Bernhardt adds to his books and this one was no exception. That was a good thing since parts of the plot were on the heartwrenching side. It was very enjoyable watching Daniel Pike become more human than he was in the beginning, and without losing his magician ways! I loved every member of his team, as well. Four stars instead of five, as I found the dialog to be a wee bit clunky here and there. Also, I was confused by the use of "he" instead of a name, which tended to break the rhythm of the story for me. However! I'm totally looking forward to reading more about these Last Chance Lawyers!!
(FYI: If you lean to the right politically, you may not love this book.)
Ever since reading the Ben Kincaid series, I've enjoyed the bits of humor Mr. Bernhardt adds to his books and this one was no exception. That was a good thing since parts of the plot were on the heartwrenching side. It was very enjoyable watching Daniel Pike become more human than he was in the beginning, and without losing his magician ways! I loved every member of his team, as well. Four stars instead of five, as I found the dialog to be a wee bit clunky here and there. Also, I was confused by the use of "he" instead of a name, which tended to break the rhythm of the story for me. However! I'm totally looking forward to reading more about these Last Chance Lawyers!!
(FYI: If you lean to the right politically, you may not love this book.)
July 26, 2020
Definitely the worst book by William Bernhardt I've read...and hopefully the worst he's ever written. If you've never read anything by him before, please don't choose this one.
November 25, 2020
If I want to hear about politics I will turn on CNN. The authors comments about an administrations policies, just ruins the entire book even though I agree with most of them. If you are going to make these interjections make them accurate. Even the most liberal among us know that Trump didn't build the cages at detention facilities, Obama did.
Use of the Charlie Angel's secret boss was unimaginative and implausible. No attorney would work for an unknow boss because of the legal ramifications this relations could present. Character development was lacking in this book so I, as a reader could never quite like any character enough to care about what happened next. I probably will not read book #2 if it ever is published.
Use of the Charlie Angel's secret boss was unimaginative and implausible. No attorney would work for an unknow boss because of the legal ramifications this relations could present. Character development was lacking in this book so I, as a reader could never quite like any character enough to care about what happened next. I probably will not read book #2 if it ever is published.
June 18, 2019
Good story...bad politics
Bernhard is a good story teller, but the story is ruined by his introduction of politics into the story...a politics that I do not endorse and do not want a part of my dollars spent and time spent reading. I will not purchase another of his books.
Bernhard is a good story teller, but the story is ruined by his introduction of politics into the story...a politics that I do not endorse and do not want a part of my dollars spent and time spent reading. I will not purchase another of his books.
June 20, 2021
Set in Saint Petersburg, Florida, this legal thriller, the first in a new series by William Bernhardt, offers a hard-hitting critique of immigration reform under Trump's presidency (although Trump is never mentioned by name). Specifically, it tackles removal of protected status of immigrants from El Salvador. Daniel Pike, a criminal lawyer fired from his well-established law firm because of the unsavory nature of the clients he gets off, is offered a new opportunity to work for a rather unusual operation focused on last chance cases. His first case with this firm involves a young girl from El Salvador who is slated for deportation unless the adoption by a relative in the United States can be expedited. What seems like a relatively straight forward case becomes complicated when the woman poised to adopt the young girl lands in jail on murder charges. Pike must get the woman off or the child will be returned to a distant relative in El Salvador who runs a sex trade operation.
While there is plenty of action, both in the courtroom and outside of it that will hold the reader's attention, the author unfortunately is rather heavy-handed in delivering his message about the need for immigration reform and the young lives destroyed by the policy changes introduced during the previous administration. This heavy-handedness leads to unrealistic plot twists and stilted dialogue between characters that can be grating on the nerves, even for a reader like myself who agrees with the author's political perspective.
Still, there are some intriguing dynamics about this series that may tempt me to try another one, such as who is the mysterious Mr. Kay, who created this non-traditional law firm? And why does he hide his identity from his employees? Not to mention the eccentric and entertaining cast of characters who populate the firm.
While there is plenty of action, both in the courtroom and outside of it that will hold the reader's attention, the author unfortunately is rather heavy-handed in delivering his message about the need for immigration reform and the young lives destroyed by the policy changes introduced during the previous administration. This heavy-handedness leads to unrealistic plot twists and stilted dialogue between characters that can be grating on the nerves, even for a reader like myself who agrees with the author's political perspective.
Still, there are some intriguing dynamics about this series that may tempt me to try another one, such as who is the mysterious Mr. Kay, who created this non-traditional law firm? And why does he hide his identity from his employees? Not to mention the eccentric and entertaining cast of characters who populate the firm.
November 10, 2020
Nicely plotted, clearly narrated by author. Pronoun changes (mid sentence - consistent throughout series — sloppy editing or ??) do distract from reading enjoyment. Without these 4 stars.
June 10, 2023
3.5 stars
I think The Last Chance Lawyer has too many improbable circumstances and subplots. Daniel Pike’s character is the first thing I felt “off”. He was introduced as a high flyer hotshot that suddenly got shot down but the real him is someone who is really fighting for real justice especially the underdog. Well, I did not see anything supporting his passion for justice except people saying that to him. And I couldn’t care less. Actually I don’t mind about that as much as a lack of legal battle.
As a legal thriller this book really lacks a good courtroom drama, the fight between the prosecutor and the defendant was so average and predictable. All in all, I’m not impressed but considered a decent read.
I think The Last Chance Lawyer has too many improbable circumstances and subplots. Daniel Pike’s character is the first thing I felt “off”. He was introduced as a high flyer hotshot that suddenly got shot down but the real him is someone who is really fighting for real justice especially the underdog. Well, I did not see anything supporting his passion for justice except people saying that to him. And I couldn’t care less. Actually I don’t mind about that as much as a lack of legal battle.
As a legal thriller this book really lacks a good courtroom drama, the fight between the prosecutor and the defendant was so average and predictable. All in all, I’m not impressed but considered a decent read.
June 26, 2021
Good character wasted
Started strong and went downhill fast. Took a likeable character and deep sixed this reader’s interest with overbearing progressive politics. Apparently the author hasn’t realized that all the social ills he rails against were created by his ilk. Sorry, no more Dan Pike for this reader!
Started strong and went downhill fast. Took a likeable character and deep sixed this reader’s interest with overbearing progressive politics. Apparently the author hasn’t realized that all the social ills he rails against were created by his ilk. Sorry, no more Dan Pike for this reader!
May 30, 2021
Good story but all over the place
The storyline was good and kept me to the end of the book. I was turned off by his political views, I don't think they were needed although he tried to excuse them. I don't even know which way he was going with the Hispanic or Latinx ,(what the hell is that?) he was all over the place. His research skills might be good in the legal field but Central America's history well, he is lacking. Contras was Nicaragua's guerilla group and not El Salvador, I guess his editor didn't catch that either. The end was kind of lame, can you say,A Few Good Men?
The storyline was good and kept me to the end of the book. I was turned off by his political views, I don't think they were needed although he tried to excuse them. I don't even know which way he was going with the Hispanic or Latinx ,(what the hell is that?) he was all over the place. His research skills might be good in the legal field but Central America's history well, he is lacking. Contras was Nicaragua's guerilla group and not El Salvador, I guess his editor didn't catch that either. The end was kind of lame, can you say,A Few Good Men?
April 13, 2021
Characterization - awful. Tough guy lawyer who doesn't care about anything but himself turns into a ball of mush in 2 chapters. The judge (roll eyeballs). Author uses the novel as a soapbox to talk about immigration (although I agree with his opinion, I don't like the preachy dialogue). An absolute ridiculous plot. Another one that makes me wonder how these books get published. And out of 1,239 reviews, 56% gave this book 5 stars. I don't get it.
Book description:
Daniel Pike would rather fight for justice than follow the rules. His unique ability to "connect the dots," to observe what others do not, has made him the most notorious criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg. But when his courtroom career goes up in smoke, he fears his lifelong purpose is a lost cause. A mysterious job offer from a secretive boss gives him a second chance but lands him an impossible case with multiple lives at stake…
To protect a young orphan from a horrifying fate, Pike must save the girl's guardian from a charge of first-degree murder. Dan uses every trick he knows in a high-stakes trial filled with unexpected revelations and breathtaking surprises as he uncovers a trail of deceit from Florida to El Salvador. When blood-soaked threats arrive, Dan realizes that winning the case might be a death sentence for him—and everyone he hoped to protect.
Can Pike protect the girl and get the charges dropped before his race for the truth proves fatal?
Book description:
Daniel Pike would rather fight for justice than follow the rules. His unique ability to "connect the dots," to observe what others do not, has made him the most notorious criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg. But when his courtroom career goes up in smoke, he fears his lifelong purpose is a lost cause. A mysterious job offer from a secretive boss gives him a second chance but lands him an impossible case with multiple lives at stake…
To protect a young orphan from a horrifying fate, Pike must save the girl's guardian from a charge of first-degree murder. Dan uses every trick he knows in a high-stakes trial filled with unexpected revelations and breathtaking surprises as he uncovers a trail of deceit from Florida to El Salvador. When blood-soaked threats arrive, Dan realizes that winning the case might be a death sentence for him—and everyone he hoped to protect.
Can Pike protect the girl and get the charges dropped before his race for the truth proves fatal?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2019
New legal thriller by William Berhsrdt
I've been a long time fan of this author having read all of the Ben Kincaid series. I saw this book and was hesitant to purchase out as I've enjoyed the other series so much. I realized I liked out because of the author shoo i bought this. I'm very glad I did. The characters were all likable and the new premise is excellent. I'm looking forward to more Last Chance Lawyers.
I've been a long time fan of this author having read all of the Ben Kincaid series. I saw this book and was hesitant to purchase out as I've enjoyed the other series so much. I realized I liked out because of the author shoo i bought this. I'm very glad I did. The characters were all likable and the new premise is excellent. I'm looking forward to more Last Chance Lawyers.
November 15, 2020
Obviously Written by a Democrat
The storyline was good, I just cannot for the life of me appreciate when authors and even actors use their work as a political stage. We read either to learn or for entertainment. I’ve read most of the Ben Kincaid series and wanted to see if I liked this one. Well if politics had been left out it would have been much better.
The storyline was good, I just cannot for the life of me appreciate when authors and even actors use their work as a political stage. We read either to learn or for entertainment. I’ve read most of the Ben Kincaid series and wanted to see if I liked this one. Well if politics had been left out it would have been much better.
March 20, 2021
Mostly fantasy
Work needs editing! The MC is portrayed as invincible and super lawyer! Very little is logical. The court room description is more comical than factual! Avoid this work!
Work needs editing! The MC is portrayed as invincible and super lawyer! Very little is logical. The court room description is more comical than factual! Avoid this work!
June 25, 2021
Couldn't get past the ego
I have never given one star but to this drivel I must. Picture a main character set back in the 1930's and let him lose. Bernhard writes well enough but needs to grow up.
I have never given one star but to this drivel I must. Picture a main character set back in the 1930's and let him lose. Bernhard writes well enough but needs to grow up.
May 11, 2019
As always, Bernhardt delivers a page-turning story, complete with with quirky and engaging characters and plenty of courtroom drama. I’m looking forward to the next in the Daniel Pike series.
September 27, 2019
Boring and plot not believable for setting.
Too political and not reptesentive of the region where the novel takes place. Also not realistic and lacks a plot that is viable.
Too political and not reptesentive of the region where the novel takes place. Also not realistic and lacks a plot that is viable.
March 1, 2022
This is a case of love the book - HATE the audiobook. The story is a 4.5 stars but I rounded down because the audiobook (which would get 2 stars on its own) is HORRENDOUS. Choose the book over the audiobook. I was looking for a good legal thriller and this one is quite good - some great twisty courtroom scenes, tricks by attorneys, all the good stuff one would expect in a legal thriller. No spoilers so I won't discuss the plot. Politics does come into this a little bit but that didn't bother me. I enjoyed the characters and the situation so I am glad this is a book series. More legal thrillers along this vein are exactly what I am looking for.
Side note on the audiobook. I have to vent a little more. The weird, hesitant delivery of the dialogue is distractingly bad and it makes several characters sound like they are mentally handicapped.
Despite the audiobook, I highly recommend this as I really enjoyed the story. Thumbs up!
Side note on the audiobook. I have to vent a little more. The weird, hesitant delivery of the dialogue is distractingly bad and it makes several characters sound like they are mentally handicapped.
Despite the audiobook, I highly recommend this as I really enjoyed the story. Thumbs up!
September 10, 2021
MC does an abrupt 180 in character in the first several chapters. Unbelievable set up with the anonymous owner of the firm. And then MC goes all Perry Mason at the "big reveal." As if a judge would/should allow that.
March 25, 2023
This was my first William Bernhardt book and I enjoyed it. Of course now I see that he's written several books in this series and my library doesn't have any more of them. This book is similar to the Lincoln Lawyer series but I do still like Daniel Pike.
November 20, 2020
Bernhardt’s protagonist defense attorney Daniel Pike is an intriguing character well versed in legal proceedings. Pike joins the unlikely team of Last Chance Lawyers tasked with defending clients that would normally be without representation; who otherwise would stand no chance in the legal system. The story takes twists and turns ending in an unforeseen conclusion. Bernhardt is an exceptional story teller, and this is a thoroughly entertaining read.
April 24, 2022
Not his best, but will read the next one in the series. 3.5 stars ⭐️
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book not only for the story line, but also a frontline look at various social issues and left leaning commentary (no names mentioned). The audio version is read by the Author, this is usually a red flag for me, but I think the Bernhardt did a great job (though he could use some work on his Hispanic accents 😉.
September 28, 2025
Very engaging and well paced intro to this group of attorneys doing good work, directed by the mysterious “K”, like a Charlie’s Angels setup. Plot involves a child whose parents are killed and she is in danger of deportation as the prior administrations asylum policy is no longer in place. Main attorney has a gift for remarkable associations and reading of people that allow him to solve the crimes that endanger his clients. Fun combo in detective work and court procedural.
June 8, 2019
The Last Chance Lawyer by William Bernhardt
To start with William Bernhardt has been one of my favorite authors since i discovered the Ben Kinkade series a long time ago.
That being said....
The Last Chance Lawyer is the story of a slick criminal defense attorney who is recruited by a mysterious law firm made up of 3 other employees and a mysterious employer who speaks ala Charlies Angels to his team but is never seen. In this book the team unites to fight for the freedom of a young girl who happens to be a illegal immigrant, her caregiver gets entangled and accused of a gangland murder with evidence and eye witnesses mounting the lawyers work to keep the caregiver out of jail and the young girl in the country and able to be adopted.
If you like legal dramas then this book is one you may be into, aside from the constant bashing of the current administration which lets face it has become the sad normal in fiction today, the story flows perfectly as with most of the Ben Kinkade novels. Daniel Pike is a very likable character who sees his job as preserving the justice system by keeping it honest. His team is written well the story and its conclusion will keep you reading until the very end.
I would prefer my fiction to be just that Fiction, to many big name authors have taken to writing fiction novels and tossing in attacks upon the current president.
There are sayings used throughout the story that are really dated. Buck Up Buckaroo for instance its been a long time since someone tossed that cowboy gem out there.
There is a point in the story where there is some sexual tension between Dan and his co worker Maria, its pointed out she also was sleeping with the guy Dan replaced. it has no effect on the story and really no need to be mentioned are we calling Maria a slut?
The biggest issue I'm having with the series (Book 1)is its very similar to some of the Justice series with Kinkade like a one hit wonder reworking the same song.
In closing i will not be buying book 2, not only because of the constant attacks, but the similarities in this and the previous series just leaves me feeling i could be reading new authors and new stories instead of just rehashed stories with a new coat of paint.
i give The last Chance Lawyer 4 out of 5 stars because the things that effected my enjoyment were menial at best and the story and author deserves the rating.
Canadian Reader Reviews on Blogger
https://canadainreaderreviews.blogspo...
To start with William Bernhardt has been one of my favorite authors since i discovered the Ben Kinkade series a long time ago.
That being said....
The Last Chance Lawyer is the story of a slick criminal defense attorney who is recruited by a mysterious law firm made up of 3 other employees and a mysterious employer who speaks ala Charlies Angels to his team but is never seen. In this book the team unites to fight for the freedom of a young girl who happens to be a illegal immigrant, her caregiver gets entangled and accused of a gangland murder with evidence and eye witnesses mounting the lawyers work to keep the caregiver out of jail and the young girl in the country and able to be adopted.
If you like legal dramas then this book is one you may be into, aside from the constant bashing of the current administration which lets face it has become the sad normal in fiction today, the story flows perfectly as with most of the Ben Kinkade novels. Daniel Pike is a very likable character who sees his job as preserving the justice system by keeping it honest. His team is written well the story and its conclusion will keep you reading until the very end.
I would prefer my fiction to be just that Fiction, to many big name authors have taken to writing fiction novels and tossing in attacks upon the current president.
There are sayings used throughout the story that are really dated. Buck Up Buckaroo for instance its been a long time since someone tossed that cowboy gem out there.
There is a point in the story where there is some sexual tension between Dan and his co worker Maria, its pointed out she also was sleeping with the guy Dan replaced. it has no effect on the story and really no need to be mentioned are we calling Maria a slut?
The biggest issue I'm having with the series (Book 1)is its very similar to some of the Justice series with Kinkade like a one hit wonder reworking the same song.
In closing i will not be buying book 2, not only because of the constant attacks, but the similarities in this and the previous series just leaves me feeling i could be reading new authors and new stories instead of just rehashed stories with a new coat of paint.
i give The last Chance Lawyer 4 out of 5 stars because the things that effected my enjoyment were menial at best and the story and author deserves the rating.
Canadian Reader Reviews on Blogger
https://canadainreaderreviews.blogspo...
May 30, 2021
Fun read
However it was not at all a believable story. It was more fantasy and not even the least realistic story
However it was not at all a believable story. It was more fantasy and not even the least realistic story
July 6, 2020
I don't like to write spoilers but it will be difficult with this one, do you may not want to read further.
I loved Chapter 1, a lawyer with a difference here I thought, a hard man who doesn't care for anyone but himself.
The next few chapters I liked him not so much ... just another criminal lawyer.
BUT ... somewhere in the last third of the book, I started to like him again, not in the way I hoped he would be back in Chapter 1, but it is quite a clever plot and it turned me back into - I want to finish this book. However, the characterisation of everyone except Daniel is quite poor and I do like to picture the characters in my mind as I read through. Some, like Emilio, I could make my own character, others like Maria, not so much.
I still can't give it more than three stars but it is probably nearer 3.5. Will I buy Book 2? .. Maybe, but there are quite a few better court procedurals out there. Let's say, it is on my list but it is getting to be a long list of books to read in the future.
I loved Chapter 1, a lawyer with a difference here I thought, a hard man who doesn't care for anyone but himself.
The next few chapters I liked him not so much ... just another criminal lawyer.
BUT ... somewhere in the last third of the book, I started to like him again, not in the way I hoped he would be back in Chapter 1, but it is quite a clever plot and it turned me back into - I want to finish this book. However, the characterisation of everyone except Daniel is quite poor and I do like to picture the characters in my mind as I read through. Some, like Emilio, I could make my own character, others like Maria, not so much.
I still can't give it more than three stars but it is probably nearer 3.5. Will I buy Book 2? .. Maybe, but there are quite a few better court procedurals out there. Let's say, it is on my list but it is getting to be a long list of books to read in the future.
January 10, 2021
Fairly early in this book Bernhardt makes a crack about the Perry Mason series, citing how unrealistic it was that Mason won his cases by revealing the real killer in court, often during cross-examination. Then (spoiler alert)Bernhardt proceeded to do the same thing.
When it comes to realism in plotting Bernhardt is much closer to Erle Stanley Gardner than to Scott Turow.
I’ve read and enjoyed almost all of the Ben Kinkaid series. I realized their improbable plots and unlikely dialog weren’t to be taken seriously and I found the books entertaining, mostly because I liked the characters
This one, I sensed, was meant to be taken seriously, what with its often heavy-handed editorializing about US immigration policy. But (1) the plot line was far fetched, starting with the Charley’s Angels bit and the mysterious Mr K, and (2) I didn’t find this new cast of characters very engaging.
Maybe subsequent books in this series will be better, but for now I’m not inclined to continue.
When it comes to realism in plotting Bernhardt is much closer to Erle Stanley Gardner than to Scott Turow.
I’ve read and enjoyed almost all of the Ben Kinkaid series. I realized their improbable plots and unlikely dialog weren’t to be taken seriously and I found the books entertaining, mostly because I liked the characters
This one, I sensed, was meant to be taken seriously, what with its often heavy-handed editorializing about US immigration policy. But (1) the plot line was far fetched, starting with the Charley’s Angels bit and the mysterious Mr K, and (2) I didn’t find this new cast of characters very engaging.
Maybe subsequent books in this series will be better, but for now I’m not inclined to continue.
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