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David Adams #2
An Unequal Defense
A client with delusions of a deadly conspiracy draws attorney David Adams into a darkness where only the paranoid know how to get out alive.
Former up-and-coming hotshot attorney David Adams left his glamorous corporate law firm to fight for the disenfranchised. With a caseload of petty offenses, a meager office in a crumbling building, and little in the way of compensation, David needs a real case.
When he agrees to represent Rebel, David recognizes this will be the biggest challenge of his young legal career. The mentally unstable homeless man has been accused of murder, and the evidence of his guilt seems overwhelming. But it’s the victim who shakes David’s world: a county prosecutor who just happens to be an old law school friend. Rebel’s murky defense: a paranoid insistence on a CIA plot to silence the derelict.
Aided only by a “legal team” of misfit street friends and a fellow counselor lured into this dark web, David will risk everything to defend his client…who may not be nearly as crazy as he seems.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
1652 people are currently reading
2224 people want to read
About the author
Chad Zunker
16 books833 followersCHAD ZUNKER is the author of the David Adams legal thriller, An Equal Justice, as well as The Tracker, Shadow Shepherd, and Hunt the Lion in his Sam Callahan series. Chad has worked for some of the country’s most powerful law firms and serves at Community First! Village, a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. He lives in Austin with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters, and is hard at work on his next novel. For more information visit www.chadzunker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
February 8, 2021
Attorney David Adams had been working for the homeless and people like them since he left the large, top-notch law firm a year earlier. He’d made some friends among those homeless people, and they often helped him out. When Rebel, a delusional young man who was also homeless, was accused of murdering a county prosecutor in an alleyway, David was drawn to the young man. But the victim was one of David’s good friends. So why was David going to represent Rebel against all advice, as well as everything he believed?
As David and his rag-tag group of helpers unearthed secrets, he could see there was much more to what was initially a murder late at night. But could he prove Rebel’s innocence before it was too late? He was no longer safe in the jail; David’s friends were also targets. David needed to find the answers, immediately.
An Unequal Defense is the 2nd in the David Adams series by Chad Zunker and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, the power and might of the rich stamping out the poor amid a conspiracy of monumental proportions, kept me turning the pages, needing to find out what was happening next. David Adams in an excellent character; compassionate, caring, determined, broke! Highly recommended.
As David and his rag-tag group of helpers unearthed secrets, he could see there was much more to what was initially a murder late at night. But could he prove Rebel’s innocence before it was too late? He was no longer safe in the jail; David’s friends were also targets. David needed to find the answers, immediately.
An Unequal Defense is the 2nd in the David Adams series by Chad Zunker and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, the power and might of the rich stamping out the poor amid a conspiracy of monumental proportions, kept me turning the pages, needing to find out what was happening next. David Adams in an excellent character; compassionate, caring, determined, broke! Highly recommended.
February 20, 2020
What a delightful read to run across. It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a conspiracy thriller and boy have I missed them. I had almost forgotten how fun they can be and how sucked in I can get as pages furiously fly by as I get caught up in all the twists and turns. This is my first novel to read by Chad Zunker.
An Unequal Defense features a protagonist that I was very happy to root for. After he and his partner leave their previous firm to start a new one that focuses less on money and more on what truly matters, David finds that getting started and finding paying clients is more difficult than he’d like it to be. So when someone approaches him to defend a homeless man named Rebel who has been arrested for murdering an assistant district attorney, he hesitates a little. While his heart keeps prompting him to represent Rebel, odd things are occurring that just don’t add up keeping him invested until finally he is all-in on the case.
One of the main worries when I don’t start at the beginning of a series is whether or not I will understand everything that is going on, or will I feel like I have missed out on something. So, after I was a little ways into the book and realized it was the 2nd one in the series I was a little shocked that I hadn’t been able to tell. The background story occurred so fluidly within the context of the narrative that it felt natural. While, yes, the author did have that moment toward the beginning where they catch you up, it didn’t really feel like it was due to a different book.
While I liked the characters and the pacing of the story definitely had a thriller pace to it, what I missed was having a little more moments of character background and growth – not on the main character, but on supporting characters, such as Dana or Kate. While Dana is definitely important to David and they are definitely friends I never felt I completely understood why she was siding with him or had his back. At times it felt like the supporting characters were just there as a tool to provide certain information or move the plot to the next point. They are, of course, but as a reader I don’t necessarily want to know that.
With all that said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and loved how quickly I became absorbed in it, but also came to really appreciate the positive message the book brings forth too. Overall, a nice read.
Rating: 4 stars
An Unequal Defense features a protagonist that I was very happy to root for. After he and his partner leave their previous firm to start a new one that focuses less on money and more on what truly matters, David finds that getting started and finding paying clients is more difficult than he’d like it to be. So when someone approaches him to defend a homeless man named Rebel who has been arrested for murdering an assistant district attorney, he hesitates a little. While his heart keeps prompting him to represent Rebel, odd things are occurring that just don’t add up keeping him invested until finally he is all-in on the case.
One of the main worries when I don’t start at the beginning of a series is whether or not I will understand everything that is going on, or will I feel like I have missed out on something. So, after I was a little ways into the book and realized it was the 2nd one in the series I was a little shocked that I hadn’t been able to tell. The background story occurred so fluidly within the context of the narrative that it felt natural. While, yes, the author did have that moment toward the beginning where they catch you up, it didn’t really feel like it was due to a different book.
While I liked the characters and the pacing of the story definitely had a thriller pace to it, what I missed was having a little more moments of character background and growth – not on the main character, but on supporting characters, such as Dana or Kate. While Dana is definitely important to David and they are definitely friends I never felt I completely understood why she was siding with him or had his back. At times it felt like the supporting characters were just there as a tool to provide certain information or move the plot to the next point. They are, of course, but as a reader I don’t necessarily want to know that.
With all that said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and loved how quickly I became absorbed in it, but also came to really appreciate the positive message the book brings forth too. Overall, a nice read.
Rating: 4 stars
May 28, 2020
An Absolutely Fascinating Story Of The Holes In The Legal System When Your Clients Are Homeless and Lost
Once a STAR lawyer at a top firm, David Adams now has a shingle with his mentor, taking cases of street folk who have no one at their back and little to pay. Quite different from the money that used to be thrown his way by high profile clients, but David would not have it any other way! At least these clients are honest and thankful for his courtroom efforts. But Doc has just brought a case to him, explaining that Benny believed in this man, and he owes Benny so much. But this big guy sleeping in an alley, wearing the hat and jacket of a killer, killed his friend, Assistant DA Luke Murphy....Or Did He...
An outstanding investigation continues, David receiving help from the group of street people who have become friends. I could not put this book down for more than a few moments before getting involved in it again! With some great courtroom scenes and assist from some strange people, David believes that Rebel did NOT murder Anyone...And is out to prove it to the world.
I have enjoyed every book by this author since his first, ( which I could not believe was his First!), but this book outshines them all!!! 5 STARS all the way, a story of the legal system so many will enjoy!!!
Once a STAR lawyer at a top firm, David Adams now has a shingle with his mentor, taking cases of street folk who have no one at their back and little to pay. Quite different from the money that used to be thrown his way by high profile clients, but David would not have it any other way! At least these clients are honest and thankful for his courtroom efforts. But Doc has just brought a case to him, explaining that Benny believed in this man, and he owes Benny so much. But this big guy sleeping in an alley, wearing the hat and jacket of a killer, killed his friend, Assistant DA Luke Murphy....Or Did He...
An outstanding investigation continues, David receiving help from the group of street people who have become friends. I could not put this book down for more than a few moments before getting involved in it again! With some great courtroom scenes and assist from some strange people, David believes that Rebel did NOT murder Anyone...And is out to prove it to the world.
I have enjoyed every book by this author since his first, ( which I could not believe was his First!), but this book outshines them all!!! 5 STARS all the way, a story of the legal system so many will enjoy!!!
September 13, 2020
I loved this book every bit as much as I loved the first book in the series! I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. The characters were wonderful and the story definitely had a thriller pace to it. I found myself wondering how far up the chain the conspiracy went. Who could be trusted??
The author introduced great support characters in this book, as well, although David's "team" of street friends assisting him was great! I was happy to see the ones that had been carried forward from the first book. I hope I get to see more of Rebel in the future. The ending of the book had an outcome that was perfect for the story! (Nope. I'm not telling you what it was.)
I can't wait for the release of the next book in the series but, for now, I plan on starting the Sam Callahan series. 😊
I have so much respect for this author and the wonderful Community First! Village, which he and others brought into fruition over a 10 year period. It's a fifty-one-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Austin, Texas. (Sorry. I sound like a salesperson, hahaha.😂)
The author introduced great support characters in this book, as well, although David's "team" of street friends assisting him was great! I was happy to see the ones that had been carried forward from the first book. I hope I get to see more of Rebel in the future. The ending of the book had an outcome that was perfect for the story! (Nope. I'm not telling you what it was.)
I can't wait for the release of the next book in the series but, for now, I plan on starting the Sam Callahan series. 😊
I have so much respect for this author and the wonderful Community First! Village, which he and others brought into fruition over a 10 year period. It's a fifty-one-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Austin, Texas. (Sorry. I sound like a salesperson, hahaha.😂)
April 23, 2020
Great character evolvement from the first book to this book (the second in the series). I like how Zunker can entertain you with a gripping legal story while shedding some light on homelessness. Great for fans of James Grippando or Joseph Finder. Many thanks to the author for this early copy for review.
January 29, 2021
I cannot get enough of this series - David Adams went from being a top attorney for one of the most prestigious law firms to quitting and going to work representing street people. This case touched me in many ways, and as a social worker I felt particularly passionate and inspired by the selflessness of David as he defends a homeless, schizophrenic client (named Rebel) who is accused (ironically) of murdering one of David's best friend's from law school. To top it off, Rebel has no alibi and no recollection of what he was doing during the time of the crime. David has his work cut out for him, and it is fascinating following along with him as he tediously leaves no stone unturned.
The plot is phenomenal and kept me guessing until the bitter end.
Cannot wait till book #3 'Runaway Justice' is released in February!!
The plot is phenomenal and kept me guessing until the bitter end.
Cannot wait till book #3 'Runaway Justice' is released in February!!
June 5, 2020
An Unequal Defense is a well-written, fast paced legal thriller. Though it is the second in a series, it works very well as a stand-alone. I loved that the book had a hero that was not a big firm lawyer or a DA like most legal thriller heroes, but a guy with his own struggling law firm who primarily helps the less fortunate. In this case, he defends a homeless man known as “Rebel” who is accused of murdering an Assistant DA. It’s a clever construct: what if the mentally ill client on the street is not actually paranoid, but people actually are out to get him?
I really liked both the characters and the plot. While conspiracy theory thrillers always require a certain suspension of disbelief, this one really works and seems realistic and plausible. It also really delivered with a worthy ending.
After enjoying this book I went to the author’s website to see what the next book in the series would be. There I read the story about his many years of trying to make it as a writer, and the happy ending that gave us this series. It was really inspiring to those of us who have writerly aspirations and made me even happier to have found this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Chad Zunker and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this great new legal thriller series in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked both the characters and the plot. While conspiracy theory thrillers always require a certain suspension of disbelief, this one really works and seems realistic and plausible. It also really delivered with a worthy ending.
After enjoying this book I went to the author’s website to see what the next book in the series would be. There I read the story about his many years of trying to make it as a writer, and the happy ending that gave us this series. It was really inspiring to those of us who have writerly aspirations and made me even happier to have found this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, Chad Zunker and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this great new legal thriller series in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2020
David Adams was once the star lawyer at a firm out of college. However, one year ago, a life changing event caused him to reevaluate his priorities. Now he works at a new law firm, just him and his friend as they work to defend those who literally have nothing, and try to bring hope to the homeless community in Texas. Things have been going well. That is until a case with a man who appears to believe he is in the center of a CIA cover story, is accused of shooting David's university friend, a county prosecutor. With no help from anyone but a group of unlikely allies, David must get to the bottom of the case if he has any hope of bringing the real truth of the matter to light.
Chad Zunker delivers a thrilling page turner, and easily crafts a compelling story that is unable to be put down. He leads you deep into heart of one of the overlooked communities in America and encourages you to think about those who have been treated as the rejects of society.
Personal Thoughts -
What a Great story! I loved every moment of this riveting tale. Chad is able to depict such realistic and unique characters, encourage you to reevaluate your thoughts and opinions about a community that many look down on. David is a great protagonist and story that surrounds this case is truly one that makes you question everything that you read. Unreliable witness, Hidden motives, Political intrigue, this story has it all.
I will say that while this is labeled as a 'Legal Thriller' there is very little of it that takes place in a courtroom, which would normally be disappointing for me except for the fact that the rest of the plot and characters is able to hold the story aloft. I also really admire that working with the homeless community is an actual passion for the author, as it comes across so genuinely in his book.
Final thoughts -
Chad Zunker has blown me away with this book. I loved every moment that I was in it and literally finished the book in one day of reading it! I also really respect and appreciate the core message that is at the heart of Chad's work, and it encouraged me to reconsider my outlook to those who are less fortunate then myself. Chad you have gained a new fan!
Thank you for NetGalley for allow me read an advanced copy of this book!
Chad Zunker delivers a thrilling page turner, and easily crafts a compelling story that is unable to be put down. He leads you deep into heart of one of the overlooked communities in America and encourages you to think about those who have been treated as the rejects of society.
Personal Thoughts -
What a Great story! I loved every moment of this riveting tale. Chad is able to depict such realistic and unique characters, encourage you to reevaluate your thoughts and opinions about a community that many look down on. David is a great protagonist and story that surrounds this case is truly one that makes you question everything that you read. Unreliable witness, Hidden motives, Political intrigue, this story has it all.
I will say that while this is labeled as a 'Legal Thriller' there is very little of it that takes place in a courtroom, which would normally be disappointing for me except for the fact that the rest of the plot and characters is able to hold the story aloft. I also really admire that working with the homeless community is an actual passion for the author, as it comes across so genuinely in his book.
Final thoughts -
Chad Zunker has blown me away with this book. I loved every moment that I was in it and literally finished the book in one day of reading it! I also really respect and appreciate the core message that is at the heart of Chad's work, and it encouraged me to reconsider my outlook to those who are less fortunate then myself. Chad you have gained a new fan!
Thank you for NetGalley for allow me read an advanced copy of this book!
February 8, 2020
A homeless man wakes up from a spell in an alley to find himself in clothes he doesn’t recognize. Then he finds a gun in the pocket of the jacket. Soon after, he’s accused of killing a county prosecutor named Luke Murphy, in an alley. Doc, David’s paralegal, believes Rebel is innocent and asks David to represent Rebel.
David has been working for a Hunter & Kellerman, a top law firm in Austin before leaving to start his own law firm Gray & Adams, LLP with his mentor, Thomas Gray.
David has long since moved from representing wealthy clients, billion-dollar tech companies who were billed astronomical by the hour, to representing the homeless homeless and people who couldn’t afford a decent meal.
When David finally meets Roger North, the homeless man who goes by the street name Rebel, Rebel claims he’s innocent and that’s he’s being framed either by the CIA or by Russian agents. Or is he?
At first, David has mixed feelings about representing Rebel considering he might be a bit delusional. David, however, reconsiders following an encounter with another potential witness.
An interesting read and I would recommend.
Thank you to Chad Zunker, NetGalley, and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
David has been working for a Hunter & Kellerman, a top law firm in Austin before leaving to start his own law firm Gray & Adams, LLP with his mentor, Thomas Gray.
David has long since moved from representing wealthy clients, billion-dollar tech companies who were billed astronomical by the hour, to representing the homeless homeless and people who couldn’t afford a decent meal.
When David finally meets Roger North, the homeless man who goes by the street name Rebel, Rebel claims he’s innocent and that’s he’s being framed either by the CIA or by Russian agents. Or is he?
At first, David has mixed feelings about representing Rebel considering he might be a bit delusional. David, however, reconsiders following an encounter with another potential witness.
An interesting read and I would recommend.
Thank you to Chad Zunker, NetGalley, and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2020
David Adams is a character you will absolutely cheer for. And AN UNEQUAL DEFENSE has some unforgettable characters--with great, big beating hearts to them. This one sucks you in fast and doesn't let go...
August 25, 2024
Having once lived in Austin, Texas, I was pleasantly surprised when this legal thriller was set in this city. On that front, the book does not disappoint; it has a strong sense of place. One can tell that the author lives in the city, as he provides great descriptions of local landmarks and one gets a feel for the city’s “Keep Austin weird” vibe. Another plus for this book is that it largely has a believable basic plot. However, these pluses are undermined by the book’s very one-dimensional characters. The female characters are all damsels in distress who require rescuing by our main character, Dave, a young local lawyer, only two years out of law school. And of course, Dave does not disappoint, riding in like a knight in shining armor to save the day, with the help of his unlikely team of investigators — the homeless men whom he has befriended and who also have a connection to his current a client, a homeless man framed for murder. Here too, the entire team is male, as if men are the only ones who experience homelessness and/or have any skills to contribute. Perhaps, the lack of strong female characters would have been tolerable, had any of the male characters been more than heroes at the ready for the various damsels in distress.
June 30, 2020
Great sequel in the series. I enjoyed this one more than the first as this story has David Adams diving into his new life in his own private practice law firm. No more big law firm drama, but no more big paychecks. David struggles to make it, but despite all of the odds is convicted to defend a homeless man on murder charges.
This series is great. It has enough action/suspense combined with a compelling characters. I definitely recommend readers check this out - it's on Kindle Unlimited with the Audible included.
This series is great. It has enough action/suspense combined with a compelling characters. I definitely recommend readers check this out - it's on Kindle Unlimited with the Audible included.
March 25, 2022
I really like this book. It was fast moving. The author reminds my of John Grisham but it doesn’t get all bogged down in legal black hole. I gave this book 5 stars
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 29, 2023
Uninspired. I enjoyed the characters, however, this story felt flimsy.
November 18, 2024
4 stars
The second book in this series was not full of cliches. Yay!
It still took a while to get going, but I'm going to chalk that up to Chad Zunker's writing style.
I don't remember any red herrings. These first two books were more like peeling an onion. The first few layers aren't very exciting, but it's hard to put down once the lachrymator compounds hit your eyes. (I looked up "lachrymator compounds" to complete the metaphor. ;)
I'm looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
The second book in this series was not full of cliches. Yay!
It still took a while to get going, but I'm going to chalk that up to Chad Zunker's writing style.
I don't remember any red herrings. These first two books were more like peeling an onion. The first few layers aren't very exciting, but it's hard to put down once the lachrymator compounds hit your eyes. (I looked up "lachrymator compounds" to complete the metaphor. ;)
I'm looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
February 28, 2021
An Unequal Defense is Book 2 of the David Adams Series of crime thrillers. David Adams is an attorney with a heart who takes care of the oppressed and downtrodden. These are the cases that no high-priced lawyers want to take.
When a mentally unstable man comes to David for help, he doesn’t turn him away. What David finds in this case is too hard to believe and puts his client’s life in danger. He refuses to give up until he gets the person responsible and set his client free.
The author has done a commendable job of creating interesting characters and a gripping story line that keeps the reader hooked through the twists and turns until the satisfying ending. This was an enjoyable and quick read and I highly recommend.
When a mentally unstable man comes to David for help, he doesn’t turn him away. What David finds in this case is too hard to believe and puts his client’s life in danger. He refuses to give up until he gets the person responsible and set his client free.
The author has done a commendable job of creating interesting characters and a gripping story line that keeps the reader hooked through the twists and turns until the satisfying ending. This was an enjoyable and quick read and I highly recommend.
July 1, 2022
This is the second in Zunker's David Adams series. It takes place in Austin and both books focus on Austin's homeless. They are well written and give an insight into homeless people. Zunker works with the homeless in Austin so the book has a genuine feel and there is a law/Grisham feel to it.
April 8, 2023
so good!
I'm really enjoying Zunker's novels. Suspense and action paired with great characters and plot. Plus three novels are set in my favorite city-Austin.
I'm really enjoying Zunker's novels. Suspense and action paired with great characters and plot. Plus three novels are set in my favorite city-Austin.
May 4, 2020
An Unequal Defense (David Adams #2) by Chad Zunker
4 stars
M/F Thriller
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but didn't ever feel that I was missing anything.
David once worked at a lucrative law firm. But, after seeing it for what it was to him, he decided to branch out on his own and try to represent people who may not be able to afford the best. What he didn't anticipate was how difficult it would be to bring in any clients who were able to pay for the legal services they needed.
When David's law school friend is murdered, the last thing David expects is to take the case and defend the accused. However, with the first meeting, while David decides whether or not he really will take the case, Rebel speaks to a different part of David.
David and his band of misfits do their best to solve the mystery. Rebel is trusting David and David has to see the evidence for what it is.
I really enjoyed this story. While I wouldn't say this is exactly a legal thriller, it did keep you guessing and it was very fast paced.
4 stars
M/F Thriller
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but didn't ever feel that I was missing anything.
David once worked at a lucrative law firm. But, after seeing it for what it was to him, he decided to branch out on his own and try to represent people who may not be able to afford the best. What he didn't anticipate was how difficult it would be to bring in any clients who were able to pay for the legal services they needed.
When David's law school friend is murdered, the last thing David expects is to take the case and defend the accused. However, with the first meeting, while David decides whether or not he really will take the case, Rebel speaks to a different part of David.
David and his band of misfits do their best to solve the mystery. Rebel is trusting David and David has to see the evidence for what it is.
I really enjoyed this story. While I wouldn't say this is exactly a legal thriller, it did keep you guessing and it was very fast paced.
January 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ Another page turner in the David Adam series. A good story overall, but found it hard to keep up with the characters/details in some parts.
May 19, 2020
A man awakens disoriented and confused. He’s wearing clothes he doesn’t recognize. He’s holding a gun he’s never seen before. And in front of him is the body of a man he swears he didn’t kill. Will anyone believe him? Find out in Chad Zunker’s latest novel, An Unequal Defense.
Attorney David Adams used to have a job at one of the hottest law firms in Austin and a swanky pad of his own. These days, however, he’s sleeping on an old sofa in a dingy law office and taking showers at the gym around the corner, defending clients who can’t pay.
One night, a homeless man named Doc disturbs his slumber and implores him to go talk to a man named Rebel who has been accused of murder. When he discovers that the victim is one of his old law school buddies, he doesn’t want to touch the case. All David can think about is the fact that the deceased was just starting out and has left behind his young family.
Against his better judgment, David goes to see Rebel in jail, and what he finds doesn’t fill him with hope. Rebel may be Hollywood handsome, but he’s also homeless, mentally unstable, thinks the CIA is out to get him, and suffers from blackouts. If David does take on the case, how can he possibly build a winning defense against all that? But with assistance from a fellow counselor and a ragtag group of street people ready to help, there just might be a snowball’s chance in Texas of pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat. If successful, it would be a feat that would make Houdini envious.
In An Unequal Defense, Zunker’s second legal thriller featuring the enigmatic David Adams, we are taken down the dark streets of Austin and into a world where homeless people exist in the shadows, a world few of us know much about. There are several things to admire here, from Zunker’s deft characterizations to his masterful plotting and taut pacing. It is no wonder that we’ve previously called this author the heir apparent to John Grisham. He writes so well we can’t stop turning pages and simply have to find out what happens to characters we come to actually care about and believe in.
In a recent Instagram video, Zunker says he models his protagonist after Atticus Finch, which is easy to see. Adams is willing to sacrifice everything in order to save the disenfranchised, even to his own detriment. That kind of altruism is refreshing, particularly now, and it gives us the kind of old-fashioned hero we are happy to cheer for, one we might picture a young Jimmy Stewart portray on the silver screen.
Zunker’s handling of the homeless population in this story is both honest and sympathetic, and therefore elicits our own compassion for their plight. Throughout the novel, he invites us to actually see them, not as vagrants but as people, and this book accomplishes what all great fiction does: it inspires us to want to make a difference ourselves, to amend the way we view mental illness, and to improve the way our system cares for the homeless in any way we can.
When we read An Equal Justice, we knew both Zunker and Adams were something special. That’s why it came as no surprise when that book was nominated for this year’s Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. But the second installment in the series, An Unequal Defense, is just as powerful, and Zunker proves that he’s honing his writing chops with each new chapter in Adams’ story. If you are looking for a novel that will lift you up even as it entertains you, this is the book you need to read now.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
Attorney David Adams used to have a job at one of the hottest law firms in Austin and a swanky pad of his own. These days, however, he’s sleeping on an old sofa in a dingy law office and taking showers at the gym around the corner, defending clients who can’t pay.
One night, a homeless man named Doc disturbs his slumber and implores him to go talk to a man named Rebel who has been accused of murder. When he discovers that the victim is one of his old law school buddies, he doesn’t want to touch the case. All David can think about is the fact that the deceased was just starting out and has left behind his young family.
Against his better judgment, David goes to see Rebel in jail, and what he finds doesn’t fill him with hope. Rebel may be Hollywood handsome, but he’s also homeless, mentally unstable, thinks the CIA is out to get him, and suffers from blackouts. If David does take on the case, how can he possibly build a winning defense against all that? But with assistance from a fellow counselor and a ragtag group of street people ready to help, there just might be a snowball’s chance in Texas of pulling a rabbit out of the proverbial hat. If successful, it would be a feat that would make Houdini envious.
In An Unequal Defense, Zunker’s second legal thriller featuring the enigmatic David Adams, we are taken down the dark streets of Austin and into a world where homeless people exist in the shadows, a world few of us know much about. There are several things to admire here, from Zunker’s deft characterizations to his masterful plotting and taut pacing. It is no wonder that we’ve previously called this author the heir apparent to John Grisham. He writes so well we can’t stop turning pages and simply have to find out what happens to characters we come to actually care about and believe in.
In a recent Instagram video, Zunker says he models his protagonist after Atticus Finch, which is easy to see. Adams is willing to sacrifice everything in order to save the disenfranchised, even to his own detriment. That kind of altruism is refreshing, particularly now, and it gives us the kind of old-fashioned hero we are happy to cheer for, one we might picture a young Jimmy Stewart portray on the silver screen.
Zunker’s handling of the homeless population in this story is both honest and sympathetic, and therefore elicits our own compassion for their plight. Throughout the novel, he invites us to actually see them, not as vagrants but as people, and this book accomplishes what all great fiction does: it inspires us to want to make a difference ourselves, to amend the way we view mental illness, and to improve the way our system cares for the homeless in any way we can.
When we read An Equal Justice, we knew both Zunker and Adams were something special. That’s why it came as no surprise when that book was nominated for this year’s Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. But the second installment in the series, An Unequal Defense, is just as powerful, and Zunker proves that he’s honing his writing chops with each new chapter in Adams’ story. If you are looking for a novel that will lift you up even as it entertains you, this is the book you need to read now.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
February 24, 2020
This is the second book in this series. After reading the first one I saw this on Net Galley and knew I wanted to read it. Thank you! This is about David, a lawyer who had everything going for him at a big law firm when he meets Benny, a homeless man. He left the firm and opened an office to help the homeless. In this book, Rebel is accused of killing a good friend of David’ and he does not want to take the case. But he knows Rebel is innocent. There is corruption in the highest part of the city government. David is helped by a mysterious man. Who is he? He also has a friend in the DA’s office who wants to do the right thing.
I really enjoyed the writing and David’s commitment to help the disenfranchised. The book showed the homeless without being preachy. This book is worth a read.
I really enjoyed the writing and David’s commitment to help the disenfranchised. The book showed the homeless without being preachy. This book is worth a read.
October 28, 2021
Pretty much a repeat of the first book.
An easy legal thriller, not too many characters to get muddled up with.
As with the first, the plot was a little basic, however an enjoyable read non the less.
An easy legal thriller, not too many characters to get muddled up with.
As with the first, the plot was a little basic, however an enjoyable read non the less.
March 14, 2023
Listened to this one. Was similar to watching a crime show. Wasn’t great but had some good turns.
May 25, 2020
The easy way to know when you are reading a good book is when you become immersed in the story from the first chapter and watch the pages fly by. So it was with “An Unequal Justice” by Chad Zunker.
From the beginning chapter in which a homeless man, asleep in an alley awakens to gunshot , finds himself with a gun in his hand and sees a dead body sprawled next to him, to the exciting , breathless climax, I was captured and held by the fast - paced novel. I read half of it the first day and finished it the next.
Form that beginning, the reader is introduced to David Adams,who is struggling to get his practice off the ground and into making enough money to pay the rent on his shabby store-front office. After a bad morning he wonders if leaving the big, high-profile law firm where he had a promising career, and a good income for the emotionally more satisfying career of representing deadbeats in court. Adams returns to his office following a court appearance representing a repeat public drunkenness court deadbeat. . To begin with, the judge fied him $200 for lateness, despite Adams’ plea that his car would not start and he had to run all the way to court. Adams arrives back at his office with a payday of less than zero.
But there is a well- dressed client waiting for him. The client ,an advocate for homeless vets, asks Adams , who has helped the cause of the homeless before, when he was a5 the big law firm, to visit a homeless vet called Rebel in the lockup. Rebel is charged with the Shooting murder of an assistant DA in an alley the previous night. Rebel, it ruins out has violent episodes , blackouts and delusions of being hunted by the CIA. Another pro bono case , but Adams goes and visits Rebel in jail and is convinced of his innocence.
This could have been another court room drama long on social justice commentary and short on drama, but the author never lets things slow down. Deftly plotted, the reader sees David Adams drawn deeper into finding out just what happened in that alley. He also finds there is more going on and maybe Rebel is the fall guy for a bigger conspiracy.
Summing up: a good story with an interesting main character and good minor ones give the reader a lot to enjoy. All without gratuitous sex, swearing posturing.
“An Unequal Defense” earned five stars from me and I recommend it to every reader.
From the beginning chapter in which a homeless man, asleep in an alley awakens to gunshot , finds himself with a gun in his hand and sees a dead body sprawled next to him, to the exciting , breathless climax, I was captured and held by the fast - paced novel. I read half of it the first day and finished it the next.
Form that beginning, the reader is introduced to David Adams,who is struggling to get his practice off the ground and into making enough money to pay the rent on his shabby store-front office. After a bad morning he wonders if leaving the big, high-profile law firm where he had a promising career, and a good income for the emotionally more satisfying career of representing deadbeats in court. Adams returns to his office following a court appearance representing a repeat public drunkenness court deadbeat. . To begin with, the judge fied him $200 for lateness, despite Adams’ plea that his car would not start and he had to run all the way to court. Adams arrives back at his office with a payday of less than zero.
But there is a well- dressed client waiting for him. The client ,an advocate for homeless vets, asks Adams , who has helped the cause of the homeless before, when he was a5 the big law firm, to visit a homeless vet called Rebel in the lockup. Rebel is charged with the Shooting murder of an assistant DA in an alley the previous night. Rebel, it ruins out has violent episodes , blackouts and delusions of being hunted by the CIA. Another pro bono case , but Adams goes and visits Rebel in jail and is convinced of his innocence.
This could have been another court room drama long on social justice commentary and short on drama, but the author never lets things slow down. Deftly plotted, the reader sees David Adams drawn deeper into finding out just what happened in that alley. He also finds there is more going on and maybe Rebel is the fall guy for a bigger conspiracy.
Summing up: a good story with an interesting main character and good minor ones give the reader a lot to enjoy. All without gratuitous sex, swearing posturing.
“An Unequal Defense” earned five stars from me and I recommend it to every reader.
May 24, 2020
David Adams is a great protagonist, almost immediately empathetic. Up to a year ago, the fledgling attorney was a rising star in an aggressive legal firm strongly focused on billable hours and the almighty buck.
He and a partner Thomas Gray (his mentor) left to start their own office, one that would take on cases of the disenfranchised--hoping to make a difference to the community.
One of David's friends, an assistant DA, is shot to death in an alley but he's asked to defend Rebel, the homeless man in custody. It looks like an open and shut case with the homeless man maintaining he didn't do it, while blathering about the CIA.
This was more investigation than legal thriller, but the well-paced mystery-thriller is a fairly simple read. While the plot might be complex, there are red herrings sufficient to drive interest and gradually expands from unreliable witness to political conspiracy. Who can you trust? The author introduces great support characters, including Dana Mitchem and Kate at the appropriate point in time, and while plunking in possible new dodgy motives, adds tension to the ever-widening plot. There might have been greater fleshing of Dana in the first, as well as Thomas and Doc, but I missed it here.
Easy to follow, short chapters, genuine dialogue. David comes off as sincere, you'll root for him as well as Rebel. There is a surprise in the conclusion that left the reader with a knowing chuckle and ended a fast read pleasantly. The second book in the series and the first I've read of this author.
I received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Fun, fast-paced legal, espionage thriller that'll interest you in proceeding to Book 3. An Unequal Defense is out now. The timing is perfect! 3.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
He and a partner Thomas Gray (his mentor) left to start their own office, one that would take on cases of the disenfranchised--hoping to make a difference to the community.
One of David's friends, an assistant DA, is shot to death in an alley but he's asked to defend Rebel, the homeless man in custody. It looks like an open and shut case with the homeless man maintaining he didn't do it, while blathering about the CIA.
This was more investigation than legal thriller, but the well-paced mystery-thriller is a fairly simple read. While the plot might be complex, there are red herrings sufficient to drive interest and gradually expands from unreliable witness to political conspiracy. Who can you trust? The author introduces great support characters, including Dana Mitchem and Kate at the appropriate point in time, and while plunking in possible new dodgy motives, adds tension to the ever-widening plot. There might have been greater fleshing of Dana in the first, as well as Thomas and Doc, but I missed it here.
Easy to follow, short chapters, genuine dialogue. David comes off as sincere, you'll root for him as well as Rebel. There is a surprise in the conclusion that left the reader with a knowing chuckle and ended a fast read pleasantly. The second book in the series and the first I've read of this author.
I received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Fun, fast-paced legal, espionage thriller that'll interest you in proceeding to Book 3. An Unequal Defense is out now. The timing is perfect! 3.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
June 14, 2020
Check out our AN UNEQUAL DEFENSE post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller
I didn't read the first book in the series but didn't ever feel that I was missing anything.
David once worked at a lucrative law firm. But after seeing it for what it was to him, he decided to branch out on his own and try to represent people who may not be able to afford the best. What he didn't anticipate was how difficult it would be to bring in any clients who were able to pay for the legal services they needed.
When David's law school friend is murdered, the last thing David expects is to take the case and defend the accused. However, with the first meeting, while David decides whether or not he really will take the case, Rebel speaks to a different part of David.
David and his band of misfits do their best to solve the mystery. Rebel is trusting David and David has to see the evidence for what it is.
I really enjoyed this story. While I wouldn't say this is exactly a legal thriller, it did keep you guessing and it was very fast paced.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars rounding down
A quick, enjoyable, read. An Unequal Defense kept me interested and wanting to know what happens next. It was to the point and didn't add a lot of fluff. Chad gives the readers just enough background on the characters, that you wouldn't have to read the series in order to know what was going on. While I enjoyed the book, I wasn't as connected to the characters in this one, as I was in the first book, An Equal Justice. With that being said, I would still recommend An Unequal Defense and the David Adams series and can't wait for the third book to come out!
****
An Unequal Defense is the second book in the David Adams series. It picks up almost a year since David left his corporate law firm and started his own firm with Thomas Gray. They are almost broke after clients being unable to pay, so when Doc comes to David asking to help out a friend in a murder case, David is hesitant. Roger North, known as Rebel on the streets, is an interesting character. Rebel is being charged with the murder of Luke Murphy, a prosecutor, and David's friend. Rebel was found at the scene of the crime, with the murder weapon, but he claims to be innocent. Rebel believes that the CIA and Russians are involved and they set him up. David has a lot of mixed feelings on representing Rebel and thinks he might just be crazy, but ultimately decides to take the case. At first, his client looks guilty, but as he digs deeper, he starts to question if Rebel is right, and someone really did frame him.
A quick, enjoyable, read. An Unequal Defense kept me interested and wanting to know what happens next. It was to the point and didn't add a lot of fluff. Chad gives the readers just enough background on the characters, that you wouldn't have to read the series in order to know what was going on. While I enjoyed the book, I wasn't as connected to the characters in this one, as I was in the first book, An Equal Justice. With that being said, I would still recommend An Unequal Defense and the David Adams series and can't wait for the third book to come out!
****
An Unequal Defense is the second book in the David Adams series. It picks up almost a year since David left his corporate law firm and started his own firm with Thomas Gray. They are almost broke after clients being unable to pay, so when Doc comes to David asking to help out a friend in a murder case, David is hesitant. Roger North, known as Rebel on the streets, is an interesting character. Rebel is being charged with the murder of Luke Murphy, a prosecutor, and David's friend. Rebel was found at the scene of the crime, with the murder weapon, but he claims to be innocent. Rebel believes that the CIA and Russians are involved and they set him up. David has a lot of mixed feelings on representing Rebel and thinks he might just be crazy, but ultimately decides to take the case. At first, his client looks guilty, but as he digs deeper, he starts to question if Rebel is right, and someone really did frame him.
November 18, 2022
Tightly Wrapped
I like the David Adams character quite a bit. He's a guy that fought hard for what he wanted. Then when a huge dose of reality shifted his true desires, he found himself fighting even harder for what he now sees as important. He's not very egocentric, he's able to empathize with others, and he's brilliant.
David also surrounds himself with good people, as much as a lawyer can. His partner is moral, dependable, and gifted. The men of what was once known as "The Camp" are good men who live hard lives on the street but have higher integrity than many people in extravagant houses. It's all an interesting perspective on life.
This story is well done, with exquisite timing, and incredible twists. I only wish David wasn't quite so willing to step into "less than legal" areas with the mindset that the end justifies the means. It creates an atmosphere in which I have to suspend belief even more than usual in a thriller. Sure, nearly all the anti-hero lawyer reads these days have moments of truth when the good guy steps into a gray area or two. But our hero, David, seems to find himself a bit too often in a situation where the area couldn't even be considered murky. It's just plain against the law.
Regardless of my personal quirk in this regard, fans of suspense stories and legal thrillers will find this a great series. While it's possible to read and enjoy this story on its own, I recommend starting with the first book in the series to truly understand the backstory of these characters.
I like the David Adams character quite a bit. He's a guy that fought hard for what he wanted. Then when a huge dose of reality shifted his true desires, he found himself fighting even harder for what he now sees as important. He's not very egocentric, he's able to empathize with others, and he's brilliant.
David also surrounds himself with good people, as much as a lawyer can. His partner is moral, dependable, and gifted. The men of what was once known as "The Camp" are good men who live hard lives on the street but have higher integrity than many people in extravagant houses. It's all an interesting perspective on life.
This story is well done, with exquisite timing, and incredible twists. I only wish David wasn't quite so willing to step into "less than legal" areas with the mindset that the end justifies the means. It creates an atmosphere in which I have to suspend belief even more than usual in a thriller. Sure, nearly all the anti-hero lawyer reads these days have moments of truth when the good guy steps into a gray area or two. But our hero, David, seems to find himself a bit too often in a situation where the area couldn't even be considered murky. It's just plain against the law.
Regardless of my personal quirk in this regard, fans of suspense stories and legal thrillers will find this a great series. While it's possible to read and enjoy this story on its own, I recommend starting with the first book in the series to truly understand the backstory of these characters.
June 7, 2020
Fast, Thrilling Murder Mystery! Wow!
Crisp storytelling and short action-packed chapters make this murder suspense zip right by. Hold on!
The second of the David Adam's series (I liked Book 1), this short novel is a fun read with lots of surprises and twists as the plot develops. This series is about an honest lawyer with a good heart. You won't be traumatized by foul language, extreme violence, or explicit sex. Instead, the story plays out well, as good people caught in the middle of bad circumstances try to help each other to survive, while everything else around them seems to be crashing down on top of them. Ugh!
Although David is a talented but struggling young lawyer and the main character, this is not a legal procedural, but instead about a homeless veteran accused of murder, while not knowing whether he really did it. Yikes!
Set in Austin, Texas, the storyline portrays common people working together to help one of their own. The drama and suspense won't traumatize, while creating an engaging story. This is a great escape read that you won't to escape from after reading. The focused story has few distractions, keeping the plot's momentum going.
Although this book makes a good standalone read, Books 1 and 2 could easily be read out of order. Audible's supporting narration was a great value for a reasonable price, making the storytelling experience even more enjoyable.
I want to read more by this author.
Crisp storytelling and short action-packed chapters make this murder suspense zip right by. Hold on!
The second of the David Adam's series (I liked Book 1), this short novel is a fun read with lots of surprises and twists as the plot develops. This series is about an honest lawyer with a good heart. You won't be traumatized by foul language, extreme violence, or explicit sex. Instead, the story plays out well, as good people caught in the middle of bad circumstances try to help each other to survive, while everything else around them seems to be crashing down on top of them. Ugh!
Although David is a talented but struggling young lawyer and the main character, this is not a legal procedural, but instead about a homeless veteran accused of murder, while not knowing whether he really did it. Yikes!
Set in Austin, Texas, the storyline portrays common people working together to help one of their own. The drama and suspense won't traumatize, while creating an engaging story. This is a great escape read that you won't to escape from after reading. The focused story has few distractions, keeping the plot's momentum going.
Although this book makes a good standalone read, Books 1 and 2 could easily be read out of order. Audible's supporting narration was a great value for a reasonable price, making the storytelling experience even more enjoyable.
I want to read more by this author.
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