What do you think?


Sisters In Law #1
Sisters In Law: Frat Party
Once a decorated soldier, now a hero in the courtroom, Christine Sussman doesn't back down from a fight. But can one lawyer secure victory when the whole system seems rigged against her client?
That's exactly what Christine will find out when she agrees to represent a young woman who was assaulted at a college party and then forced to relive the event over and over again, thanks to a media firestorm. The accused and their protectors will do anything to stay out of prison—and that includes bending the law in their favor.
Is Christine willing to bend it right back to secure a win for her client?
That's exactly what Christine will find out when she agrees to represent a young woman who was assaulted at a college party and then forced to relive the event over and over again, thanks to a media firestorm. The accused and their protectors will do anything to stay out of prison—and that includes bending the law in their favor.
Is Christine willing to bend it right back to secure a win for her client?
258 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2015
About the author
John Ellsworth
118 books533 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 13, 2023
The premise of that book was really interesting but the execution just felt flat to me. Certain aspects of the plot were so unrealistic that I felt myself cringing. Shame because it could have been a really good story.
May 31, 2015
This is a novel that was long overdue. I fell in love with this character in the Thaddeus Murfee series. Christine Sussman is an ex-Marine, who has seen active duty and has since retired from the force. She became a paralegal working alongside Thaddeus in his practice and became his right arm. While working as a paralegal, she decided to go back to law school to get her degree.
In Chris’ first installment of a great series to come, she’s married to a wonderful man named Sonny. She has two children, Jamie and Janny. Jamie’s IQ is off the charts and I suppose he gets his smarts from his mom. He’s extremely resourceful and knows exactly what he wants and he’s only in middle school.
Chris got to try out her legal chops with a high-profiled sexual assault case. Her client, Bussie, was in college studying to be a doctor, when one of her roommates became ill and couldn’t go to the Toga party happening at one of the frat houses. Bussie wasn’t into partying, but she was all too eager to help out her friends. She gets dressed in the Toga gear and heads on out. While there, several of the frat brothers were dancing and drinking it up and offered her a cup of beer. Bussie, not being a drinker, much less a social one, drank up and the next thing she remembers was being on a couch, nude, with a blanket over her. She was in pain, but didn’t think much of it at the time.
It wasn’t until Bussie receives a text from her best friend showing Bussie posed nude in sexual situations plastered all over the Internet when she soon realized that something terribly went wrong at the frat house. Unbeknownst to the alleged frat brothers who did this to her, they picked the wrong unsuspecting wanna-be med student to mess with. Bussie’s father is a prosecutor for the Chicago courts. When it is revealed to him what has happened to his daughter, all hell literally breaks loose, and this is when Christine Sussman’s legal training comes into play.
In Chris’ first installment of a great series to come, she’s married to a wonderful man named Sonny. She has two children, Jamie and Janny. Jamie’s IQ is off the charts and I suppose he gets his smarts from his mom. He’s extremely resourceful and knows exactly what he wants and he’s only in middle school.
Chris got to try out her legal chops with a high-profiled sexual assault case. Her client, Bussie, was in college studying to be a doctor, when one of her roommates became ill and couldn’t go to the Toga party happening at one of the frat houses. Bussie wasn’t into partying, but she was all too eager to help out her friends. She gets dressed in the Toga gear and heads on out. While there, several of the frat brothers were dancing and drinking it up and offered her a cup of beer. Bussie, not being a drinker, much less a social one, drank up and the next thing she remembers was being on a couch, nude, with a blanket over her. She was in pain, but didn’t think much of it at the time.
It wasn’t until Bussie receives a text from her best friend showing Bussie posed nude in sexual situations plastered all over the Internet when she soon realized that something terribly went wrong at the frat house. Unbeknownst to the alleged frat brothers who did this to her, they picked the wrong unsuspecting wanna-be med student to mess with. Bussie’s father is a prosecutor for the Chicago courts. When it is revealed to him what has happened to his daughter, all hell literally breaks loose, and this is when Christine Sussman’s legal training comes into play.
May 22, 2015
Good story.
Plot is from today's headlines, or it could be yesterday's and tomorrow's too. College and fraternities. Christine is strong woman, having money in this case helps her and she knows how to use it. Hope Alaska plot will be in the next book. You'll enjoy reading this book.
Plot is from today's headlines, or it could be yesterday's and tomorrow's too. College and fraternities. Christine is strong woman, having money in this case helps her and she knows how to use it. Hope Alaska plot will be in the next book. You'll enjoy reading this book.
January 23, 2020
Not worth the time
The writing was clear and precise and addressed a serious problem long overlooked, ignored or covered up. 2 stars
The plot, sub plots and compilation of them was almost ludicrous as was the persona of the female protagonist. A female author would never create such an unbelievable character.
The writing was clear and precise and addressed a serious problem long overlooked, ignored or covered up. 2 stars
The plot, sub plots and compilation of them was almost ludicrous as was the persona of the female protagonist. A female author would never create such an unbelievable character.
November 7, 2020
Both over the top and in some ways emotionally muted
This series is a spin-off of the Thaddeus Murfee series and features an ex-military attorney who is all woman while being mom, lawyer and avenging angel in one fell swoop.
She suffers a devastating loss yet pushes through her own pain and heartbreak to win justice for her clients.
This series is a spin-off of the Thaddeus Murfee series and features an ex-military attorney who is all woman while being mom, lawyer and avenging angel in one fell swoop.
She suffers a devastating loss yet pushes through her own pain and heartbreak to win justice for her clients.
September 28, 2017
Seemed loaded with cliches and not really a realistic portrayal of the law.
July 6, 2021
If you appreciate a strong woman who kicks butt and takes no prisoners you will like this story. Former Army NCO Christine Susmann takes the tough cases because she doesn’t need the money. She is hired by the Chicago DA as a special prosecutor to go after 5 college frat boys who not only date raped a unsuspecting female student but took photos of their victim and spread them on the internet. She finally has to take justice in her own hands to protect her family. The story is well written and is a page turner right up to the conclusion.
September 11, 2026
Christine, a wife, mother, former Sargent in the US Army and a successful lawyer. Bussie, a college student studying to be a doctor, is talked into attending a fraternity party with a friend. One of the fraternity brothers gives her a beer and that’s the last thing she remembers when she wakes up in the morning, naked on a couch. When she goes to class, her best friend shows her photos of what happened when she was knocked out. The photos are on the internet and she knows her future is destroyed.
Christine takes on the date rape case and discovers that 5 fraternity boys were the offenders and that one of then has hired a hitman to kill her. She is determined to secure justice for herself and Bussie.
This legal novel is a fast and intense.
Thank you BookFunnel
Christine takes on the date rape case and discovers that 5 fraternity boys were the offenders and that one of then has hired a hitman to kill her. She is determined to secure justice for herself and Bussie.
This legal novel is a fast and intense.
Thank you BookFunnel
April 16, 2018
"A Tense, Aggressively Thrilling, Legal Novel"
In this outstanding novel, Lawyer Christine Susmann can fight hard for her clients in and outside of the courtroom. Previously she had served in Iraq and sad memories being held in Russia. She can battle in the courtroom with confidence. She takes on the case of a young woman who had been sexually abused at a university frat party. The perpetrators will do anything to stay out of jail. Christine just may have to take the fight outside of the courtroom. Justice can also be achieved outside the law. This story is extremely well written and very exciting. You'll not want to put it down. Highly recommend.
In this outstanding novel, Lawyer Christine Susmann can fight hard for her clients in and outside of the courtroom. Previously she had served in Iraq and sad memories being held in Russia. She can battle in the courtroom with confidence. She takes on the case of a young woman who had been sexually abused at a university frat party. The perpetrators will do anything to stay out of jail. Christine just may have to take the fight outside of the courtroom. Justice can also be achieved outside the law. This story is extremely well written and very exciting. You'll not want to put it down. Highly recommend.
March 31, 2019
This is the First book I read about Christine as an attorney and it was excellent. The story was very timely using the Date Rape situation in Private College Campus, the attitude of the Rich people who committed crimes. It was interesting seeing Christine as the head of her own Law firm and her home life with her Handicapped son, daughter and Blue Collar husband. Tragedy strikes Christine along with temptation to cheat on her husband. The storylines were wrapped up very neatly and I look forward to the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
Pageturner
There just is never much one can say that would cause you to not like about a John Ellsworth book. This one particularly is a definite page turner. I love Christine. I love her assurance and confidence and ability to out maneuver those who are so sure they have their vengeance by the tail.
Read it. You will want to run the gamut of John's books. I have been through them twice.
There just is never much one can say that would cause you to not like about a John Ellsworth book. This one particularly is a definite page turner. I love Christine. I love her assurance and confidence and ability to out maneuver those who are so sure they have their vengeance by the tail.
Read it. You will want to run the gamut of John's books. I have been through them twice.
May 1, 2020
Wow! How did I miss John Ellsworth?
I've read many "legal thrillers", but there is so much more to this story. The characters are well drawn, the dialog strong and believable. There are several sub plots, which kept my attention. I appreciated learning more about the law, and courtroom procedure. I was happy to see there is a second book in this series, and many other series, as well. I'll definitely follow this author.
I've read many "legal thrillers", but there is so much more to this story. The characters are well drawn, the dialog strong and believable. There are several sub plots, which kept my attention. I appreciated learning more about the law, and courtroom procedure. I was happy to see there is a second book in this series, and many other series, as well. I'll definitely follow this author.
April 21, 2019
The way this book began, I didn't think I was going to read it, so I put it aside and read others. Because John Ellsworth wrote it, I came back to it and it turned into another of his excellent books. The subject matter in the beginning is difficult to get through, but once you do, the book is well worth reading. I rate it 5 stars.
May 21, 2020
Another great thriller by John Ellsworth!
I enjoyed reading a thriller with Christine Susmann as the main character. It was interesting to see her character grow and read more in-depth about her character. I also read the Thaddeus Murfee thrillers and Christine's character is in them.
I enjoyed reading a thriller with Christine Susmann as the main character. It was interesting to see her character grow and read more in-depth about her character. I also read the Thaddeus Murfee thrillers and Christine's character is in them.
June 24, 2017
Awesome book. Could not put it down till the end. Please Keep them coming.
Great book. I love the way John Ellsworth writes. I would love to see more books about Chris and Thad together.
Great book. I love the way John Ellsworth writes. I would love to see more books about Chris and Thad together.
June 1, 2018
Good read
Loved this book. Gave 4 Stars only because it tended to jump back and forth a lot which I found distracting. Otherwise, it was very good. The end was powerful. Loved the character who was a strong, powerful, confident woman.
Loved this book. Gave 4 Stars only because it tended to jump back and forth a lot which I found distracting. Otherwise, it was very good. The end was powerful. Loved the character who was a strong, powerful, confident woman.
August 4, 2018
Entertaining
This is the start of a new series. I found this book entertaining. I look forward to reading the next in the series. It has several unexpected twists. I really like the main character.
This is the start of a new series. I found this book entertaining. I look forward to reading the next in the series. It has several unexpected twists. I really like the main character.
May 5, 2019
Another ellseworth win
It’s after 2 am and I finished Sisters in law. Another awesome novel. It connected dots from previous novels and characters old and new. Can’t wait until I’m reading the next one. Dr. C
It’s after 2 am and I finished Sisters in law. Another awesome novel. It connected dots from previous novels and characters old and new. Can’t wait until I’m reading the next one. Dr. C
May 8, 2019
Loved this book
What an amazing story ,Loved All the good guys had a terrible time putting it down .This a new author for me but I will read more of his work. Read this you'll not be sorry
What an amazing story ,Loved All the good guys had a terrible time putting it down .This a new author for me but I will read more of his work. Read this you'll not be sorry
April 13, 2020
Pretty good story, I believe there was an error of this crime taking place November 16th and 17th and calling it Thanksgiving weekend. That’s too early a date for Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving is always the 4th Thursday of November.
July 22, 2020
A great thriller!
I love reading any book by this writer! Women are strong and are not stupid! I enjoy his cracks on liberals! The attorney part of the books.. the in court parts are so intriguing. If only attorneys were this good!
I love reading any book by this writer! Women are strong and are not stupid! I enjoy his cracks on liberals! The attorney part of the books.. the in court parts are so intriguing. If only attorneys were this good!
December 18, 2020
Don't miss this book
Once you begin reading it will be difficult to put it down. Find a comfortable place and lose yourself in the life of Christine..... Lawyer, Mom, defender of the right and prosecutor of the bad.
Once you begin reading it will be difficult to put it down. Find a comfortable place and lose yourself in the life of Christine..... Lawyer, Mom, defender of the right and prosecutor of the bad.
November 29, 2021
Great Book!
Kept my interest all the way through! It didnt have a lot of dirty language and no sex scenes and didnt need them to be a very goos story! I will look for more from this author!
Kept my interest all the way through! It didnt have a lot of dirty language and no sex scenes and didnt need them to be a very goos story! I will look for more from this author!
December 5, 2021
Brilliant lawyer
The story was good. Well written and interesting. The court cases were good and dramatic. However, some where near the end, I got lost. Even went back to reread. Maybe it continues in the next book.
The story was good. Well written and interesting. The court cases were good and dramatic. However, some where near the end, I got lost. Even went back to reread. Maybe it continues in the next book.
March 26, 2022
made no sense
Book jumped around, was hard to follow. I didn’t understand why she supposedly loved her husband yet she was immediately attracted to the new hire, then dated him so quickly after her husband was murdered. The whole book was disappointing.
Book jumped around, was hard to follow. I didn’t understand why she supposedly loved her husband yet she was immediately attracted to the new hire, then dated him so quickly after her husband was murdered. The whole book was disappointing.
August 15, 2022
great read
Very entertaining with lot of surprises and twists. Great characters and good to connect with Christine again after following her with Thaddeus Murfee. John never disappoints
Very entertaining with lot of surprises and twists. Great characters and good to connect with Christine again after following her with Thaddeus Murfee. John never disappoints
January 31, 2025
Great read
Love a tough female protagonist! Sussman is all that and more! And her investigator is a great partner. I wish every rape victim had a prosecutor so determined to get justice. Will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
Love a tough female protagonist! Sussman is all that and more! And her investigator is a great partner. I wish every rape victim had a prosecutor so determined to get justice. Will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
October 24, 2017
Great Book
First couple of chapters I had my doubts. Then there was a turn around. Great book. Very well written. Addresses problems of a modern day society. Bravo!
First couple of chapters I had my doubts. Then there was a turn around. Great book. Very well written. Addresses problems of a modern day society. Bravo!
November 24, 2017
Wow
This book brought excitement throughout the whole story. I really enjoyed the story of Christine and her family, history and work.
This book brought excitement throughout the whole story. I really enjoyed the story of Christine and her family, history and work.
September 14, 2018
Couldn't out of down
Great story line easy to follow. This is the first book i have read by Ellsworth. Starting the second of this series next. Then moving into the rest
Great story line easy to follow. This is the first book i have read by Ellsworth. Starting the second of this series next. Then moving into the rest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews














