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This attorney’s darkest regret just knocked on her front door…

Cass Leary thought she was done defending shady mobsters. But when the boss calls in a favor, she realizes her debt has yet to be paid. And if she wants to keep her family safe, she must find a way to let a known hitman walk free…

As the ones she loves question her decision, Cass must mount an incredible defense to acquit her ruthless client. With the pressure on, the ace attorney discovers that while Ghost Man has definitely killed, this time the cold-blooded mobster might actually be innocent…

Can Cass secure the right verdict without becoming the next victim?

Devil’s Bargain is the third standalone book in a fast-paced series of legal thrillers. If you like powerful courtroom dramas, character-driven plots, and resourceful heroines, then you’ll love Robin James’s unforgettable saga.

472 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2019

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465 people want to read

About the author

Robin James

24 books426 followers
Robin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.

Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.

Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter

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5 stars
3,659 (63%)
4 stars
1,723 (29%)
3 stars
351 (6%)
2 stars
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24 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,172 reviews341 followers
April 27, 2019
Title: ➳ Devil's Bargain
Series ➳Cass Leary Legal Thriller 3#
Author: ➳ Robin James
Publication: ➳ May 1st 2019

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ღ Devil's bargain is based on debt that Cass owe to Thorne brothers

➳Cass didn’t choose this particular case. More like it was chosen for her. See Cass used the Thorne’s service to find her sister when she 1st moved back to Michigan now she must repay that debt
Cass Leary thought she was done defending shady mobsters. Or so she though

➳ More than A year ago, Cass Leary left a job at the Thorne Law Group in Chicago. They hired her just out of law school. She thought it was her dream job at the time. Her ticket out of Delphi, Michigan & a way to escape her past. But the dream turned into a nightmare.

➳Thorne family ran one of the most lucrative exporting businesses in the country. But even that was a front for some of their shadier endeavors as one of the most influential families in the Irish mob. While Liam ran the law firm, his brother Killian ran the main business.

➳ Cass still had nightmares about the last time she seen Liam Thorne. So, you can only imagine her surprise when Liam show up at her office & he asks her to take on a new client

➳The man that Cass is to defend seem so familiar, she can’t put her finger on it but she knows him somehow…. Either way he scary her shiteless, & for good reason He’s been charged with first degree murder

What I really enjoy about this book was in book 1 & 2 you might have saw glimpses or heard of Liam & Killian.. We get to see more of them in this book … You might think OH....MY....FREAKING....GOSH did I really want to see them like that ? I believe yes… You get to see who really is the Devil in this book

♥●•I loved the book. The twists in this story just added to the plot. I am looking forward to reading more from this author

➳ I love a good organized crime tale...this one hit the mark

➳The books in this series can be read as stand-alone books , but Cuz of the back story about Cass family & also Thorne family I suggest reading in order

Reading order

1. Burden of Truth
2. Silent Witness
3. Devil's Bargain

➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕


➦ 💕 I received an EXCLUSIVE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **


💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
Profile Image for Kate.
2,277 reviews356 followers
June 19, 2020
It seems I have developed a liking for legal thriller, huh, who knew?

Cass Leary’s past has caught up with her, her former bosses the Thorne Group (Irish mob) what her to represent their contract killer however this is a murder he didn’t commit. Cass has no choice really especially if she wants to protect her family.

I liked the moral/ethical aspect of the plot here, the defendant was a killer but not for this crime therefore if the MO here is to what he does, should he hang (not literally) for the crime, a collar is a collar right? It all comes down to juror number seven.

There are two possible love interests, Eric Wray but he is married so that would be a no go even if the wife is in a coma. And Killian Thorne my favourite, let’s just ignore the thing about the Irish mob although he is trying to go legit and he is so very over protective and alpha. But those two are on different tracks, fingers crossed they get it together.

That ending, where the impossible happened and where Cass had to do what was necessary. Fabulous!

I really enjoy these books, especially the characters and the cases that Cass work on. The system isn’t perfect and sometimes it fails but I get an insight to how a lot of things happen however I do not always speak lawyer. What I also find to be off putting is when names are blatantly gotten wrong. It ruins the moment and irritates me to no end.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,108 reviews50 followers
December 23, 2023
4.5 stars. WOW! Did this story surprise me. Wasn't sure at first this book was going to be as good as the first two. Already realized a potential witness early on in the story. Reluctantly defending a mob hitman? Didn't see how Cass was gonna pull this one off. And to add to Cass's pressure and stress is
her ever present family drama. This ended up bring another great legal thriller, plenty of suspense and nail biting courtroom drama. Fantastic ending I certainly didn't see coming. And as always, the author leaves you with enough of the carrot to want to take another bite. Thrilled there are several more books in this series. On to book 4.
Profile Image for Jacob Peled.
521 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2020
Great book. The only drawback is that it seems to be a stand alone book ( and it certainly can) , but there are too many things that are reminders of the previous one. so I would recommend reading the first 2 books .
Also there were long descriptions regarding her family problem, that have nothing to do with the main story. You can easily skip those if you would like, without losing anything with the main one.
Profile Image for Kenny Kemper.
97 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2024
I have become a fan of this series. I did not want to put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. Lots of trial scenes which I enjoy and lots of mystery involved and many twists and turns that’s I didn’t see coming. There were even a couple times that I caught myself saying out loud, “whaaaaaat????” I can’t wait to get the next book.
Profile Image for Phillip III.
Author 50 books179 followers
February 8, 2022
I am 3 books into the Cass Leary series now. Let me tell you something, Robin James is awesome. Awesome.

Here's what Ms. James did. In the first and second book, she throws you these morsels of information about Cass Leary's past. We learn she inadvertently became a lawyer out of college at a firm that primarily represented the Irish Mob.

We also get tidbits about the partners at this Mob Firm. The Thorne brothers. Liam and Killian. AND we also get the idea that Killian and Cass had a . . . thing.

So when Cass had a meeting with the FBI, Liam became upset. He wanted Cass dead. (This we get from the previous books. A sentence here. A sentence there. Slowly, ever so slowly, painting a picture). Killian gets it worked out with his brother that Cass can live, if she goes back to her small, backwoods town, and never breaths a word about the firm's dealings to anyone.

That was the plan. The deal.

What Cass failed to realize is, in Liam's eyes - he did her a favor. And since he did her a favor, she owes him. Forever.

When he comes to her and demands she represent a known assassin who has been arrested for murdering a Federal U.S. Attorney . . . Cass can't say no. Liam also ads, she has to win the case - or it could cost her more than a courtroom loss.

Worried about the safety of her family, Cass agrees . . . as she starts digging into the facts of the case, she discovers truths. Pitted against the wall, Cass has to do her best to set free a man who may be responsible for the murder of 24 other people. Not exactly a win - win situation!

Loving Robin James and the Cass Leary series!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the legal thriller, ADVERSE IMPACT

Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
555 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2019
A Series You Don’t Want To Miss

This is the 3rd book in Robin James’s Cass Leary series and did not disappoint; I love legal thrillers and the author knows procedure and always gives that extra something.
The characters & stories are so well developed that not only do you feel you feel like you know them, you are invested and along for the ride. Some serials get boring but Cass Leary & her penchant for finding trouble keeps things jumping.
The only complaint or negative I found was an editing error where in the first book her older brother Joe was described a year and a day older than Cass and in a subsequent book he was described as being 2 years older. A small mistake just one I noticed.
The books can be read as stand -alones but you’ll enjoy them more read in series order
Profile Image for R.E. E. Derouin.
Author 9 books8 followers
May 28, 2022
Devil’s Bargain by Robin James 5/26/2022 Kindle

Attorney Cass Leary is called on to repay an old debt to her prior Chicago employer. They want her to defend a hired hit man accused of killing a popular government lawyer. While Cass tries to get out of the commitment, their methods of perusal leave her no options. There is no doubt her client is a despicable killer, but there are hints he may be framed in this instance. This distinction seems to be of little importance to most, including the judge.

Once again I especially enjoyed the court room sections of this story. The family background is less important in this episode, but travails remain consistent. My sole complaint is Ms. Leary’s love live and sometimes poor decisions.

Yes, I recommend the series and will continue with it.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,940 reviews62 followers
April 18, 2019
A devil’s bargain is struck😍

Robin James has yet again delivered another heart stopping legal thriller with this story❣️

Cass left Chicago unexpectedly more than a year ago and in that time she’s hoped that her past won’t follow her....unfortunately, the past has just come knocking. Killian’s brother Liam entices Cass to take on the defence of a man accused of murdering a man in legal enforcement.

Unfortunately, Cass has more going on in her life than just planning for a criminal defence and has everything stacked against her in a fight for justice!

Another amazing story and love how Robin ties all the loose ends together so nicely💕 Can’t wait for the next book in this fantastic series, definitely should not be missed❣️
Profile Image for Angela.
8,323 reviews121 followers
November 2, 2025
4.5 Stars

Devil's Bargain is the third book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series by Robin James. This is a gripping and emotionally charged legal thriller series that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. Cass Leary is a fiercely intelligent and tenacious attorney who navigates the murky waters of justice with a mix of grit, vulnerability, and unyielding determination.
The cases in the series are diverse and meticulously detailed, ranging from domestic disputes to high-stakes criminal trials. Robin James’ background as a legal practitioner shines through in the authenticity of the courtroom scenes and the nuanced exploration of ethical dilemmas. Each book is a page-turner, filled with unexpected twists, moral gray areas, and moments of genuine suspense.
Happy Reading…
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,347 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2020
Cass Leary is back in this third of the series. This time, her ex-boss is back trying to interfere in her life and career. Liam wants her to defend someone he knows, know as The Ghost, he was arrested for the murder of a well known attorney that was investigating Liams company,

Cass doesn’t want to take the case, but when Liam threatens her family, she knows she doesn’t have a choice. But, this case might get to close to home to Cass, bringing Killian back into her life. She has never stopped loving him.

Loved this one, as usual put everything on hold until I finished this one. Another 5 star.
33 reviews
July 27, 2021
Annoying unnecessary drama......

OK, this is my 3rd book on this series and I'm currently at 67%. I enjoyed the other 2 but this one has me frustrated. I'm trying so hard to finish this but the author goes from interesting court scenes to childish romance fascination. Its like a 12 year old wrote the scenes. When Cass is with Killian she goes from "I shouldn't be with him but he makes me feel good. He's cute when he's jealous but he's not good for me". EVERY time they are together its like that. Oh and then the author remembers this is a courtroom legal book. Really?! I'll return with an update IF I can finish this mess.
24 reviews
November 12, 2022
Well-done!

Devil's Bargain is a follow up to Book 2 in the Cass Leary series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I'd recommend beginning with Book 1 simply for the details. This book has tighter writing, a well-developed plot with unexpected twists and turns, all complemented by quite believable characters. The personalities of Cass, Killian, Joe and the rest of the cast grow and deepen, and we get a satisfying look into their daily lives. It's easy to feel as if the reader is actually present in the story. So far, this is my favorite of the Cass Leary books, with Ms. James hitting her stride here. I highly recommend Devil's Bargain.
411 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2019
I enjoyed this 3rd installment of the Cass Leary series, I thought the title was perfect. Cass made a Deal with the Devil and in the process lost part of her soul. The author really understands the law and also how people in Small Towns stick together. She also understands The FBI and there process, especially when it comes to dealing with the mob. I thought the author captured how much power a Judge has over a case, how the lawyers have to figure out what is going to work and what the judge will not allow. The ending was awesome and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Darcy Mae.
57 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2020
I enjoyed this. This was a bit better than the last book in the series due to less editing errors. I’m new to legal thrillers and haven’t read a ton of series’s actually, so this is cool. This third book was a really quick read that also grabbed me right away. I already love the characters and it centered around an interesting premise. All of the books in this series immediately immerse you in the case being focused on and this one didn’t disappoint in any way. I’m going to read the entire 5 book series, so watch out. More boring reviews to come.
921 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2021
Wow! Explosive indeed!

This is an amazing, well written and masterfully constructed criminal thriller! Cass Leary is a kickass attorney and she knows it! She ends up representing a known mob killer on an alleged murder charge of a U.S. attorney, and well how things just get interesting from there! Once she figures out who this man really is, then she knows if she does her job and he walks free, then her life may be in danger. Her decisions change her life. I will not give away anything. I just think if you do not read it then you are missing out!
623 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2023
Hopeful this means the end of her association with her Chicago past. In general I like the books - happy this one has less of her family falling apart. But the court case seemed sloppy - I saw on first meeting that maybe she should talk to the paralegal, also the case changed and Cass was winging the whole thing there was no evidence. Then the ending - Cass was in the bathroom in the early morning and she could hear creaks from the stairs but not her companion that night being pistol whipped and zip tied
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Clifton Rankin.
144 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2024
It was time for some fun reading, so I picked up book three of Robin James’ Cass Leary Series, “Devil’s Bargain,” and escaped into the world of former mob lawyer, Cassiopia Leary. Under duress, Cass takes the case of a mob hit man, who, although he has killed many, is innocent of the crime for which he is being tried. The story involves challenging moral choices, family struggles, love questions, and a prosecution case that seemingly does not add up. Great story with a surprising ending. (324 pages)
Profile Image for Billy Bell.
473 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2024
Really liking how these Cass Leary books tie into each other. They feel less like a "one-and-done" type of story as such. This one delves a bit more into Cass' seedy past and deviates a bit from the theme of the first two books. I have to be honest in saying that I'm getting a little bit tired of her family's drama taking the story over from the actual courtroom stuff, but it got back on track around halfway through this one. It got a little convoluted near the end, but stayed in its lane.

Good stuff and looking forward to reading the 4th one.
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
621 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2025
I am so enjoying this series. They are fast and definitely page turners. This one has lots of court drama with twists and turns. Cass has now been asked to repay her debt with the Thornes. It’s Liam who has come to her to take over the defense of a known contract killer by threatening her family. But it’s Killian who is protecting her. I love Cass but she has such family drama. I was a little disappointed that her relationship with Killian isn’t going anywhere even though it seemed like he was trying to get the family business legitimate.
2,274 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2025
Cass Leary has a great team at her little law office. She is always trying to keep her family members together and functioning. She has escaped her past in Chicago, but the Thorne brothers will not leave her alone. One she loves; the other is a terrible human being. I kept trying to figure out who was going to kill the murderer after she got him acquitted for the one crime he didn’t commit. It turned out that she had to do it herself, after he attached her. I doubt I would be able to wield a straight razor very effectively.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
585 reviews
April 25, 2019
Book 3 in the Cass Leary series is just as suspenseful as the first two! There were times I held my breath; sitting on the edge of my seat. The courtroom scenes are incredible and the interview in the jailhouse was mesmerizing and terrifying at the same time. Theodore Richards is one scary dude. The Thorne brothers are quite a pair as well. I cannot wait until the next book of Cass Leary’s.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
209 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2020
Wow! D@mn good book!

I couldn't put this book down! The author makes you feel as if you know the chat personally! This book was so mesmerizing. It made you feel you were right there where the characters were, whether it was in the courtroom or at her house. I can't say enough about Cass! What a tough, feminine bad@$$ lawyer. She can certainly hold her own. I liked having more insight into Killian. Hope he appears again.
Profile Image for EvaLynn Merrill.
149 reviews
March 8, 2020
After reading the first three books I think there is a lack of imagination. These books are all exactly the same. Vas’s is supposed to be a great lawyer but she doesn’t really win on her talent. The players are redundant. I do really like Jeannie, but so far I haven’t really seen anything that makes Cassiopeia a super good lawyer but she thinks she is.
This is compared to the many other writers I read. Like Robert Dugoni...no comparison at all
189 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2021
Exciting read!

This series is one of the best I've ever read. It's exciting with many twists and turns. It grabs you at the beginning and saves the last exciting tidbit for the last page. The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows smoothly. The editing is clean. I am downloading book number four as soon as I complete this review. I highly recommend this series for anyone that loves an exciting murder mystery and courtroom drama.
580 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2022
3.5 stars. I think this is the best of the three books so far. Cas‘ family was somewhat less in evidence, and that makes me realize that for me, the weakest part of these stories is Cas’ needy, dysfunctional family..those misogynistic brothers of hers disgust me. I’m sorry to see the end of Killian, but at least we won’t have to put up with Cas endlessly perseverating, “He’s the greatest.” “I can’t be with him.” “He’s the greatest.” “I can’t be with him.”
Profile Image for Victoria Woodwaski.
202 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2023
I really enjoyed the third installment in the Cass Leary series. I KNOW it’s wrong but a small part of me really wanted Cass and Killian to work out. I understand why they said goodbye. I understand why it’s not good for them to be together. But I really couldn’t help but love them together. And there was such vindication when Cass was able to kill Ghost Man in self defense. The whole book was amazing. Highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
297 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2024
Another great read in this series. Once again, Cass Leary takes on a difficult, seemingly unwinnable, case. A mob assassin is accused of a murder in Detroit. The head of the old law firm where she once worked in Chicago seeks her out to handle the case, using threats against her family as the impetus. As if that's not enough, the public outrage against her and her client adds pressure to the situation. The courtroom drama is intense, and the ending even more so. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews

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