Trial by Blood

Daniel Pike #3

by William Bernhardt

A billion-dollar inheritance. A relative’s suspicious reappearance. Can Dan dig up the secrets of the past before he’s buried six feet under?Attorney Daniel Pike’s flashy courtroom antics have earned him plenty of enemies--but also freed many innocent people. When he learns that the same crooked cop who got his father locked up for life is testifying in a contested-identity suit, Daniel takes the case. But it won’t be easy to prove his client is the long-lost heir to an immense estate since the young man can’t remember the last fourteen years…

His civil litigation becomes a criminal trial when another heir is violently murdered and the mysterious amnesiac looks like the prime suspect. Battling vanishing evidence, political interference, and a brutal attack on his life, the savvy lawyer knows he’ll need to put on his best performance yet.

Can Dan clear his client’s name and inheritance? Or will they both pay with their lives?

Trial by Blood is the third book in the nail-biting Daniel Pike legal thriller series. If you like sinister conspiracies, brash attorneys, and dark-alley danger, then you’ll love William Bernhardt’s page-turning novel.

Buy Trial by Blood and take a crack at injustice today!

Genres: Fiction, Legal, Legal Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Audiobook

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2019

About the author

William 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.”

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his latest novel in the Last Chance Lawyers series, William Bernhardt pulls the reader in with an interesting situation that has two legal trials taking place simultaneously. Fourteen years ago, young Ossie Coleman disappeared after his mother’s violent death. When an eighteen year-old stumbles into town, claiming to be Ossie, he has quite the story to tell. He speaks of being held at a cabin in the woods by a ruthless man and only barely escaped. This creates quite the controversy, as the Colemans will soon be splitting the sizeable wealth of the family’s patriarch. With Ossie’s return, he is to inherit 25% of it all. Family members begin doubting the claims that this man is Ossie and the case goes to civil court. Daniel Pike is assigned the case from his mysterious boss, Mr. K, and tries to build a case to support the claim. When St. Petersburg PD are called to a local theatre, they find Harrison Coleman—Ossie’s uncle—has been murdered in a most gruesome way. To add to it, it would appear the elder Coleman has written ‘Ossie’ on the mirror when covered in condensation. Pike’s legal expertise is now going to be stretched as he tries to fight two legal battles. With evidence and doubt piling up, many within Pike’s firm hope that he will see the light and abandon the case. However, Daniel Pike is not one to shy away from a challenge and is sure that his client is being set-up, whomever he might be. When someone tries to ‘persuade’ Pike outside his boathouse, he is left clinging to life, but undeterred. Someone is pulling strings behind the scenes and trying to ensure that Pike loses everything. Entering the criminal trial with nothing to lose, Pike seeks to persuade a jury that his client is innocent, still wondering if the young man next to him is Ossie Coleman and whether his story of being a prisoner holds up. Bernhardt does a masterful job weaving together this story that will have the reader guessing and wondering until the final chapter. Recommended for those who love a good legal thriller, as well as the reader who has a long affinity for the work of William Bernhardt.

I discovered WIlliam Bernhardt many years ago and have been obsessed with this writing ever since. He can not only tell a story, but pulls on the courtroom to push the drama even further, allowing the reader to feel fully involved. Daniel Pike continues to grow in this series and has shown that his less than stellar backstory has not created too many issues in his present. His affable nature is contrasted greatly by his determination to fight for his client, no matter the obstacle. As can be seen throughout the novel, even a beating that leaves him clinging to life will not stop Pike in finding the truth and keeping his enemies at bay. Other characters, both those returning and new faces, keep the story moving along well. While I was uncertain how well the Last Chance Lawyers would work, the different personalities have meshed well and keep me wanting to know more. The story was strong, focussing on the Ossie Coleman character, and leaving the reader to wonder what happened and how that fits in with the current goings-on. The courtroom battles and legal maneuvers are wonderfully paced and keep the reader wanting to know a little more. I cannot help but find myself fully ensconced in the series and am eager to see what happens next, particularly with that stunning cliffhanger at the end!

Kudos, Mr. Bernhardt, for a great novel and an up-beat series with legal themes throughout.

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/...

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I really enjoy the premise of this series and I've become quite fond of every one of the characters that make up the "Last Chance Lawyers"! As I've said previously, I always love it when this author throws in bits of humor and this book was no exception. I think the food that Pike fixes for the team always sounds heavenly and this time a recipe was included at the end of the book, which made me happy!

Oh, that judge! I really hope that such a totally inept judge does not exist anywhere in this world!!

There was more violence in Trial by Blood than in the previous books in the series. This one had one of my pet peeves: when the MC gets the crap beat out of him and bounces back in a very short amount of time. I hope there is less violence for poor Pike in the next book...

I'm still in shock over the ending!!!😳

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely plotted, clearly narrated by author.

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the series about Daniel Pike. He work for the mysterious, Mr K. With three other partners, they run the Last Chance Law firm. Mr. K videos in, they never see his face, do not know who he is, he just assigns the case he wants them to take.

This one, Ossie Coleman, has been missing for 14 years. All of a sudden, he shows up, can only remember what his name is and that he was kept by a man named, Joe. Ossie doesn't know until know he his grandfather is rich and, if indeed, he is who he says, he stands to inherit millions!

Daniel is handling the case trying to proof Ossie is indeed the heir, but now, Ossie has been arrested for murder of the one of the relatives. Now Daniel must represent him, not only to proof who he is, but that he did not commit this murder.

Again, the courtroom drama is always there!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Have read all the Ben Kincaid books by this author but somehow missed the first two in this series! It didn’t matter...enough background was presented that I didn’t feel like I missed anything (but I’ve already put them on hold so I will catch up soon)! I listened to the audio book which was narrated by the author so that was pretty cool! The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me were the courtroom scenes with the bumbling new young judge. While it may have added some comic relief (and I didn’t need comic relief during the intense courtroom scenes), it absolutely was unrealistic and a major distraction. I loved the cliff-hanger and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the definition of what a legal thriller should be. From full, rich courtroom action to horrendous acts of violence, the reader is enticed, challenged, and rewarded in each chapter. There is no pause to take a breath through the entire story. We feel every emotional and physical assault upon protagonist Dan Pike throughout his struggle to free an innocent teenager from a possible death sentence. There are more twists and turns in this story than a modern thrill ride. And every single one makes sense and fits together to produce an amazing read. This is why I read thrillers, and William Bernhardt always delivers.

[Donna Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a page turner. Dan is back with his team working to find the true killer in a family of a young man Ossie, who came to their attention through mr. K. Ossie has no memory of the last 14 years but is aware that he may inherit billions of dollars if he can prove his true identity. Ossie has been held in captivity for these past 14 years and has been arrested for the brutal murder of his captor. Now dan and his team are working to solve this mystery.

[Douglas Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I didn't understand and that didn't make sense to me was why didn't Dan get security after he was brutally attacked when in the prior book, which takes place only a short time before this book, he got security when he was attacked???
Also, this is the second time in a row that the defendant takes the stand at trial when, as acknowledged by WB, it almost never happens in real criminal trials.
In spite of this, I enjoyed the book and have started the next one.

[Diane C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

I thoroughly enjoy the character of Dan Pike, one of the "Last Chance Lawyers". Dan had little to go on in defending his new client, a potential heir to a fortune, for a gruesome murder. Dan's reliance on instincts about people doesn't help in a court of law but does help him get to the truth. And as soon as he dispenses with that case, another surprise occurs. I'm on to the next book in the series!

[Tricia Gardella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moves right along

I especially enjoyed Trial of Blood with everything our hero Dan Pike had to endure but was able to rise above—even if sometimes a little bit too quickly. It seemed Bernhardt’s imagination was highly engaged in this one. Here’s where I’ll admit I was not a big fan of Dan hooking up with the mayor after getting her acquitted in Book 2. But now I see that Book 4 looks like she will be quite involved. So I am willing to wait and see.

[Virginia Hemelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3rd in Last Chance Lawyer series. Better than the 2nd book but does not live up to the potential of the first book. Stays pretty light despite the gruesome story line. I find minimal character development in the main recurring people. Not sure how many more I’ll read, as the plot of the mastermind behind all misdoings involving the characters is getting thin.

[Evelyn Hartnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Fast paced. I could not put it down. BUT I have a hard time reading books which graphically depicts children being harmed. Great writer and could be written without the gore.

[Michael Gierlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bounce back effort after the disappointing (to me) second book in the series. Some quibbles here and there for sure, but overall a great story with some twists I did not anticipate. On to book 4!!

[William M. Stone III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not like the ending

I hate books that end in such a way that you need to buy the next book . sorry I am not a series person. It was a very good legal novel - that is the reason for 4 stars lost one because of the ending.

[Andrea M Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

I usually stick with my Kindle unlimited books but somehow i was attracted to the first book in the series... $0.99. I can't possibly say how happy i am that i bought the series. Each book gets better and better.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. The courtroom scenes were funny with the judge that was picked. The story was good and as usual the lawyers were top notch. Must continue the series to find out what happens

[Cheryl Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of his better ones. I had a hard time staying awake while reading it.

[Mark James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Daniel Pike read. Riveting from the first page. A very well crafted legal thriller.

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I thourouly enjoyed the read. n amazing plot and follow up. I would recommend it to anyone I know. Thanks

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too little actual time too much other stuff.

[Charles Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ozzie

Great book keeps your interest. One of those books you hate to put down. Sometimes it gets a little boring on Dans Father. Too many repeated stories.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. Not as good as the first 2. Frustrating ending. Also, I think there was a legal mistake; a witness was allowed to watch the trial.

[Theresa A. Masten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

Intriguing story with lots of twists. Glad for the verdict in the trial, and happy for the boy, whoever he is...

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

So DNA works for crime solving but doesn't work for determining family relationships? Hard to take this author seriously.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series!

[Cybercrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

E-Pub edition

I'm enjoying this new series. All the characters are interesting, the plot moves along, and except for the occasional 'babysitter move' by Pike it goes along well.

[Greg Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Putting aside the author's Liberal, "woke," politics - which he pushes at every opportunity - it was still a good book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

was good, fast paced, kept me engaged. characters were OK, some of the story lines were a bit wonky in my book but overall a good read.

[Kim Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never saw that coming

Right when you think you are figuring out the plot, it hits you that you are wrong! Way to go again Bernhardt!!

[Russ Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent! Bravo!!