Runaway Justice

David Adams #3

by Chad Zunker

Attorney David Adams is the last hope for an adolescent runaway being targeted by an assassin and sought by the FBI in a breath-catching novel by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of An Unequal Defense . Having abandoned corporate law, David Adams is now the voice of justice for the city of Austin’s vulnerable outcasts. His new client is Parker Barnes, a trembling twelve-year-old runaway and foster-care poster boy arrested for petty theft. Dealt a rough hand in life, he reminds David of his own childhood. This should be a simple, if heartbreakingly familiar, case. Until the FBI muscles in. Parker is also a suspect in the murder of a federal witness. No matter how desperate Parker’s denial, David fears there’s so much more to the kid’s hard-luck story than he’s letting on. Especially when a hit man sends the boy running to the only safe place he the streets. With both the feds and a killer on Parker’s trail, the hunt is on. Teaming up with a pro bono investigator and utilizing his reliable band of street-savvy friends, David must find Parker first if he’s to save the boy from an undeserved fate. And maybe even save himself.

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

233 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

CHAD 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.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve year old Parker Barnes had had a rough life since his parents had died. Three out of the four foster homes saw him being abused, and when the woman of the fourth home got cancer, he was moved on again. Finally he'd had enough, preferring to be on the streets taking care of himself - but worse was to come...

David Adams was a lawyer for the homeless and most vulnerable, and when he was called to the nearby youth justice system and met Parker, he immediately saw himself in the child. David was determined to help him, especially when the FBI arrived, saying they wanted to talk to Parker about the death of a federal witness. Parker was terrified, David was protective while his associate, Jess, worked the computers. And what she found was frightening. Would Parker be safe from those who were after him? With the FBI and a killer chasing him, it was time to run again, this time far away from Austin, Texas.

Runaway Justice is the 3rd in the David Adams series by Chad Zunker and I enjoyed it very much. This is the last one - at this stage (I'm hoping for more!) - and I will be sad if the series has ended. I'll keep an eye out and my fingers crossed! David is an excellent character, compassionate and caring, and what he's done for the homeless in Austin is inspirational - along with the author himself, and his work with the vulnerable. Highly recommended.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Fabulous Book!! I have thoroughly enjoyed this author's writing since reading his very first book, then Immediately looking him up!! It was That Good! David Rivers is an attorney, he had a tough life and was involved in some hardship growing up...But was able to fight tooth and nail to get through school, becoming an attorney...His first job was in a high-priced, well-known firm...But the life it entails took almost everything from the young lawyer...Now he represents the homeless, the helpless, those lost in his community...And does it well, with pride in his clients...
He receives a call from one of them to help a 12 year old boy, just arrested for shoplifting...The boy is so small and alone, David's heart goes out to him right away...Then the FBI are there, wanting to speak with him...WHAT?! This young fella has been through so much, and it appears he witnessed a man being murdered...A Federal witness...Expected to testify at a big trial...The boy, Parker, is street smart, does Not believe anybody about Anything...And the Killer wants him dead...The chase is on, The FBI, David and his pals, and the Killer and Crew...All trying to find a twelve year old kid...Only one can win...
A simply wonderful story of love, fear and freedom...Can a small boy make it alone...Or will the streets he loves lay him bare for all to see..I won an ARC from the author, and am so glad I did!! I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. Out 2/23/2021...Be Ready To GRAB It!!

[Tracy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling ride in the world of attorney David Adams. 'Runaway Justice' (David Adams, #3) takes David on a legal adventure like he probably never thought he would experience in his career. He is determined to protect a runaway young boy from an unknown entity determined to end his life because of something he happened to witness. The plot takes a lot a nail-biting twists and turns along the way as David, his street friends, and a few others try to help him find and protect the scared runaway.
The ending is exactly how I thought (and hoped) it would be, and I am excited to find out how the series will progress as a result of this exciting and life-changing conclusion for David.

Mr. Zunker writes from his personal life experiences which definitely adds authenticity and intrigue to all of his books - not to mention the added bonus of learning interesting legal facts.

Christopher Ryan Grant is the perfect narrator and does an excellent job voicing all the characters (young/old, male/female, black/white, etcetera). He brings an individuality to each with genuine believability and excitement, making the listening experience an overall delight.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A street lawyer in Austin comes to the age of a young teenage boy who witnesses a murder. The crooks and the FBI are after the lad. The kid runs away from the home is in when the crooks find him. Now, everyone is looking for him.

Not bad. Really two mysteries in the book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series, still fun but this one is not legal thriller with courtroom drama. Anyway, I did enjoy reading the book.

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Justice is the third book of Chad Zunker's David Adams series. I absolutely loved the first two books about a young lawyer and his quest to help the poor and vulnerable people of Austin, and the third book didn't disappoint.. The book is fast-paced, well-written, intense and suspenseful. It reminds me a lot of John Grisham's early work such as the Firm and the Client. Chad Zunker is a master at developing likable and strong characters. Just after a few pages in you really feel for the protagonist and the people around him, you can't put the book down. I hope there will be more books about David Adams and if you like legal thrillers then I really recommend this series. It's out on February 23, 2021., don't miss out!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to enjoy this book and share my honest opinion.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's running through the woods. There's a man behind him with a gun. He's scared, he's hurting, he knows the man will kill him .... Parker is only 12 years old and has no where to go, no one who can help him.

Attorney David Adams gets a call. His practice is mostly the city's most vulnerable .. the homeless. A 12-year-old boy has been picked up for petty theft. When David meets Parker, he's taken by how much he reminds him of himself when he was a child. Parker's parent's have died. He was placed in several foster homes, all who have not treated him with care. When his last foster father drank to access and then got brutal, Parker decided it was time to leave.

The focus is on a runaway boy, mature beyond his twelve years, now escaping from abusive stepparents, the foster-care system, and an underworld murder he witnessed.

The plot is well executed, the characters are outstanding. The suspense starts on the first page and maintains its high level throughout. The action is non-stop and several heart-stopping moments kept me glued to the pages. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I do recommend reading in order. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series!! David Adams is a young lawyer who has made it his quest to help the poor and vulnerable people of Austin. I very much liked the new character, Jess, but I LOVED Parker! The suspense in Runaway Justice would have turned my hair white if it wasn't already! I appreciate how reading these books makes me look at the homeless differently.

This isn't my first time writing this but I have the utmost respect for Chad Zunker. I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book of the series, and like the others an easy read with a fairly easy plot.

This one differed in that it had a feel good factor ending, would love to get a fourth to find out what happens to David and Parker!

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will hold your breath with this one.

After reader reads any of the David Adams series, I would be truly surprised if that person could ever leave home without a few dollars tucked away in a pocket specifically to help a homeless person in case one appears. I am happy to say that Chad reinforces my own value system with his writing. Open your mind and your ears. It will do your heart good. Kudos Chad.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s series! I loved every book! I hear people say they don’t like reading series because they are never as good as the first book. Well, not the case with this series! It will have you up all night reading and when your not reading, you will be thinking about them!
I’m not a fan of cursing which the author uses mild language but never uses the “f” word nor does he take the Lords name in vain which makes it better. I get the bad guys are rough and that makes it more realistic.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to wrap up the David Adams series. I have really enjoyed Chad Zunker’s writing and hope to read his other books! 😊

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Justice (David Adams #3) by Chad Zunker
4.5 stars
Mystery
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

I have not read the previous book in this series but never felt that I was missing information.

David is an attorney who fights for the little guy. He loves what he does, but it sometimes is hard to pay the bills. When he gets a strange call to go down to juvenile detention and help a boy he’s never met, David hops in his car and goes to see what he can do. What he doesn’t know if his life is about to change forever.

Jess is not at all upset about the community service she has to do. Working with a defense attorney as their investigator is just up her alley. She’s an amazingly strong woman who gets the job done.

Parker is just trying to survive in to his adult hood. When he witnesses something he knows he shouldn’t, he doesn’t have anyone he can turn to. Parker knows the only person he can count on is himself.

Racing against the clock and bad guys, everyone is trying to figure out why Parker is running, who wants him dead and what it has to do with, because the pieces just aren’t fitting well together. This will keep you on your toes and keep you engaged. While it’s not a complex story, it is one that is fun and exciting to read. I truly enjoyed these characters and how they came together.

[J. F. "Thriller Ghost Writer" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Runaway Justice (David Adams #3) by Chad Zunker
(Published by Thomas & Mercer, February 23, 2021)

4.25 Stars.

Book 3. Parker Barnes, orphan, runaway.

Somewhere in Austin, Texas. Since the untimely death three years earlier of his last parent, his dad, the twelve-year-old's been through the horrors of a lifetime. He's been in and out of four foster homes, three of them complete nightmares. He'd ran away from the foster care system and has been out on the streets fending for himself, determined to never go back to any "damn foster home".

The plucky youth follows the street crowd and figures out where Austin feeds its poor and homeless. A few of them even start looking out for him. As bad as it is, Parker is coping. Parker is going to survive.

Until that night, when out in the park he hears an explosion and witnesses a man shot. He cowers down and quickly scampers away in the darkness. Then he hears a second explosion and feels his backpack jerk him sideways as he falls forward.

He's been shot!

Book 1. David Adams, attorney-at-law.

The Stanford grad has it made. He's on the fast track, a rising superstar at Hunter & Kellerman, the most prestigious law firm in Austin, Texas. Nicknamed "trailer trash" initially at his new firm, the extravagant salary, high-rise condo, luxury SUV and all the trappings of success vindicate the ordeals of an impoverished childhood.

But the mysterious death of a fellow associate shortly after his appointment raises question. Things come to a head at H&K as a criminal conspiracy unravels.

Saved by a homeless man in an attempt on his own life, David gets involved with the homeless community. He visits "The Camp", a group of caring men in a homeless settlement - and it forever changes his world. He remembers and still feels the lingering stigma of utter penury. He own sister and her family still subsist in a doublewide hardly making ends meet.

At length, he gives up his office at the high-powered law firm and settles in private practice - as a street lawyer.

Book 3. Scared, alone and helpless, Parker Barnes is hunted by a gunman.

It turns out that the man he witnessed slain was under the protection of the WITSEC, commonly known as the witness protection program.

The FBI, the legal system, and Texas Child Protection Services want him in custody. 

And David Adams, street lawyer, is his only hope...

"The single greatest cause of homelessness is the profound, catastrophic loss of family..."

Oscar Wilde once opined that "..art imitates life..", and what a shining example indeed!

Action-packed, at par with some of the best thrillers of late, the David Adams novels carry a message of advocacy especially meaningful in these times.

In the real world, Author Chad Zunker is an attorney whose involvement with the homeless, as he says, "forever changed his world".

"He has worked for some of America's most powerful law firms and has genuine relationships with homeless individuals and runaway street kids in his work with non-profits Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and the Community First Village in Austin, Texas, supporting the homeless and those coming out of chronic homelessness", according to his write-up. 

Well-written, extraordinarily relevant, inspiring! Some themes in the novel do border on the melodramatic, but overall, a real pleasure to read.

Review based on an ARC from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.

[Jathan Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frightened adolescent. A determined killer. The Feds determined to make someone pay. When an altruistic attorney intervenes, will he be able to save the day once more? Find out in Chad Zunker’s riveting third David Adams thriller, Runaway Justice.

If you read Zunker’s two previous novels in this series, An Equal Justice and An Unequal Defense, you already know that David Adams isn’t the typical caricature of what a lawyer is. He’s definitely not some snake in the grass with only his own interests at heart. Far from it! Instead, he’s the Atticus Finch type of lawyer who is resolved to help the underdogs of Austin get justice.

In this case, it’s a 12-year-old runaway named Parker Barnes who needs his help. The FBI suspects him in the murder of a federal witness, although Parker denies everything. And when a hit man sends the boy back to the streets, Adams realizes there’s more to the kid’s story than he initially let on. But first he must find the boy before he can save him, and doing so will take the help of a pro bono investigator and a band of street-savvy friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Runaway Justice. I felt an instant kinship to David Adams, although I have only encountered him three times in my life—albeit that was for three to four hours at a time—however, it was enough to forge a bond with someone who wants to make a difference. David’s heart sees people for who they are regardless of their situation, and desires to help them.

This is the case with Parker Barnes, a young child who leaves his foster home in the dead of night only to witness an unspeakable crime while sleeping in a park in the early morning hours. With no one to turn to, Parker realizes he needs to keep away from the police. However, he also needs to eat. So he teams up with an another man living on the streets to steal purses. Once caught, Parker’s new friend calls Adams to help.

David does so, but soon realizes this is not the simple case he initially thought. Never one to abandon a client, he does all he can to not only right a wrong, but also to offer a chance at redemption to all those who come in contact with him.

Reminiscent of John Grisham’s The Client and John Gilstrap’s Nathan’s Run, Runaway Justice is a legal thriller with heart. Tautly plotted and fraught with suspense, this is a book that is as relentless as it is uplifting. Remember the name Chad Zunker. He will change the way you think about lawyer whodunnits!

As originally published at JathanandHeather.com.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out our full post for RUNAWAY JUSTICE on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
Mystery

I have not read the first book in this series but never felt that I was missing information.

David is an attorney who fights for the little guy. He loves what he does, but it sometimes is hard to pay the bills. When he gets a strange call to go down to juvenile detention and help a boy he’s never met, David hops in his car and goes to see what he can do. What he doesn’t know is his life is about to change forever.

Jess is not at all upset about the community service she has to do. Working with a defense attorney as their investigator is just up her alley. She’s an amazingly strong woman who gets the job done.

Parker is just trying to survive into his adulthood. When he witnesses something he knows he shouldn’t, he doesn’t have anyone he can turn to. Parker knows the only person he can count on is himself.

Racing against the clock and bad guys, everyone is trying to figure out why Parker is running, who wants him dead, and what it has to do with, because the pieces just aren’t fitting well together. This will keep you on your toes and keep you engaged. While it’s not a complex story, it is one that is fun and exciting to read. I truly enjoyed these characters and how they came together.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your normal lawyer type story that you would expect. Here, David meets with a client who is 12 years old and has been arrested for stealing. David is able to get Parker, his client released and has him placed in a home for wayward boys. Upon arrival, the FBI shows up and wants to talk to Parker regarding the killing of a federal witness. David puts them off and the next day, upon Parker having contact with an unknown man, he runs away from the home.

David upon being notified and as luck would have it, has received an private investigator who has been sent by the court to provide 40 hours services Pro-Bono. David and Jess, the P.I., began their search for Parker. The FBI is also searching for Parker and have put a tail on David. The individual leading the FBI team has received news which causes him to set aside his search and concentrate on finding his son who has been abducted.

As the story progresses, David and Jess have made a discovery of the person who wants to have Parker killed and also had the Federal witness murdered. This individual also wanted to kill Parker as well. As an aside, it seemed like this person had a great deal of information which could only come from the FBI.

Parker has managed to avoid the people chasing him and winds up stealing a car and driving towards the border. David starts heading to where Parker's phone identified a location. The chase was on and the question was who would get there first.

To find out why the witness was killer, who was the boss doing the direction, and what happens when the groups all converge on Parker's location, you must read this book to discover. You won't be disappointed.

[ReBecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic David Adams book by Chad Zunker! Fast-paced, well-written, intense, suspenseful, and kept me interested from start to finish. I can not say enough good things about Runaway Justice. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to see what happens next in the series. I would definitely recommend any book by Chad Zunker to others, you won't be disappointed!

****

Parker Barnes is a twelve-year-old boy who just recently ran away from his last foster home and is currently living on the streets in Austin. He has lived a rough life after both parents died at a young age and has jumped from foster home to foster home ever since. He is arrested after trying to steal a lady's purse and is currently sitting in the Juvenile Justice Center. David is called upon to help Parker out and after meeting him, David wants to do all that he can to help Parker. David ends up getting Parker a spot at Hand-Up Home with the hopes of finding a more permanent solution quickly.
What seems to be an open and shut case, quickly turns upside down. The FBI arrives at Hand-Up Home and is demanding to speak with Parker. Unknown to David, Parker was a witness to a murder of a federal witness and the FBI needs details. To make matters worse, the hitman finds out Parker's location and is threatening to kill Parker if he doesn't keep quiet. With nowhere to turn and not knowing who to trust, Parker goes on the run again. Soon the Feds, the hitman, and David are on the hunt for Parker. David teams up with a pro bono investigator and his street-savvy friends to find Parker first and save him before it's too late.

[Suhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My First ever ARC from @netgalley and trust me this book kept me hooked. So, let's dive into the review.

Chad Zunker @chadzunkerauthor is the author of the David Adams legal thriller An Equal Justice, which was nominated for the 2020 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. He also penned its sequel, An Unequal Defense, and The Tracker, Shadow Shepherd, and Hunt the Lion in the Sam Callahan series. 

Runaway justice is a book about a juvenile, an orphan who was tortured at adoption homes. So, he decided to put an end to his struggles and ends up in a much bigger mishap. He was involved or rather say, falsely accused of the murder of a legal victim of FBI. Not only this, the actual criminal has set goons behind him. So surrounded by danger on all sides , he fleed. David, his attorney who also had a soft corner for him, decides to free the boy and grant him the freedom and love he deserved. And to do this, he needs to find the 'real culprit'. The book deals with the investigations and whole process of finding the criminal. Now, i miss watching CID on Sony . The book reminded me of that.

Everything about the book is just perfect. The story telling and twists were exactly on point. Not more not less. The language was easy and characters, Oh , how much i love them. The characters were well developed. Just the adequate amount of twists and suspense, which makes the book an interesting read. Brownie points for the cover. I loved this book🌸✨I highly recommend me. It was a five star read for me🥀

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third David Adams thriller!

‘Runaway Justice’ is the third David Adams case in this excellent legal thriller series. It can also be read as a stand-alone.

The tale is woven around 12-year-old Parker Barnes, who due to tragic circumstances, is left as an orphan. So, with no living parents and no other family members, Parker is left with the dire consequences of the inequalities of the system. He feels that he has no choice but to run away and fend for himself and so starts living rough on the streets. The setting is in Austin, Texas.

Parker soon adapts and learns where other rough sleepers go. Unfortunately, Parker witnesses a gory shooting and just escapes with his life. However, things go from bad to worse. And the FBI are close on his heels.

Luckily, Parker comes across David Adams an attorney, who feels compelled to take Parker under his wing. Nonetheless, Parker is spooked by further events, so is on the run again and finds himself in grave danger. The hunt proves to be extremely fast-paced and is a brilliant page-turner.

I found all the characters were believable and they were very well layered throughout the book. I loved the working relationship between David and Jess, a private investigator. She is certainly a very feisty lady and is clever at acquiring information. Will their relationship go any further? Well . . . I’ll lookout for the next book in this series!

Galadriel.

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.

[Amy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the second David Adams story by Chad Zunker! This tale of a young attorney with a huge heart did not disappoint. In Runaway Justice, Parker, a young homeless boy witnesses a murder, and David Adams takes him on as a client. The story moves quickly with chases throughout Austin, Texas, and even down to Laredo. The story is fun to read, and the ending is quite satisfying. Zunker gives us the right number of characters (bringing in some of the homeless folks we read about previously), so we don't get confused, and a plot that's easy to follow.

I enjoyed this book because it takes place in my hometown of Austin, and it was thrilling to be able to mentally place David and Parker as they made their way through my community! I read the book in record time, as the story was quite compelling. I liked that, because the story is fairly straightforward, I didn't have to go back and reread parts in order for the ending to make sense. The chapters are short and manageable, so the book would be great to read on a vacation. I did find 12 year old Parker's driving on I35 a tad unbelievable and might have modified that portion of the book.

Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.

[Mindo'ermatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable Series Addition---Fast, Exciting Thriller!

David Adam's, lawyer to the homeless and desperate returns in another engaging "David-and-Goliath" story of good fighting back against the evil and corruption of the powerful.

This time, David's efforts focus on a runaway boy, mature beyond his twelve years, now escaping from abusive stepparents, the foster-care system, and an underworld murder he witnessed in Austin.

Enjoyed again David's motley crew of skillful vagabonds, able and willing to assist David in serving the downtrodden and homeless community and those in desperate need.

Enjoyable drama without the trauma, but tightly written in a book hard to put down. The author's skillfully storytelling comes with suspense and strong personalities. Intense dialogues explode with emotions and conflicting motives, while things always go from bad to worse in this fast-paced escape read you'll want to finish quickly.

Also enjoyed Audible's narration that boosted my reading enjoyment with believable dramatic voice enhancements.

I hope this series continues with socially appropriate storylines unlikely to offend. Kudos to author Chad Zunker for another entertaining read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by this author. While I'm sure it could be read as a stand alone I felt like something was missing for me.
It was well written. The plot was good. The scenery was great. I just could not connect with any characters.
That was ok though. I have read some very good books and didn't like any of the characters. This book was a bit slow for me to get into. There is nothing I can put my finger on other than maybe it was because I didn't read the first two books. It was a good story. A good story like. It has most of what I truly love in a thriller. Just something is missing. But it was enjoyable in many ways.
It had lots of ups and downs. Twists and turns. Young characters and older ones. Law and lawless.
I think it was good and I want to read the first two books now.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #ChadZunker, #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC. These are my own true thoughts about this book.
3.5/5 stars and I do recommend you read it for yourself. I'm not giving it 3.5 stars because I didn't like it. It's well written and good. There is just something missing in it for me.

[Pam Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the David Adams series since the first book. David is a good man who, as a skilled lawyer, has committed himself to helping the people who most need him...the street people of Austin.
In this book David becomes involved with a scared 12 year old runaway who witnessed a murder and is now being hunted by both the killers and the FBI. (The victim was an FBI witness in an important case and the Feds aren’t happy, for sure.) With the help of Jess, a tough woman investigator, David risks his life to find and protect the boy who is finding it hard to trust everyone around him.
I really like the way this author writes and especially his characters (I have previously read all of his Sam Callahan series) and eagerly await the next addition to the David Adams series. I am hoping the new characters, Jess, Parker and FBI agent Zegers will appear in future stories.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and I have given an honest review that is a true representation of my opinion.

[Adam Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I was getting strong John Grisham vibes of "The Client" with some aspects of his other novels. However, as I continued reading, I realised this was not the case. What started for me to appear to be a copy of someone else's work proving me wrong.

The summary of this novel is a homeless boy witnesses a murder of a federal witness and becomes the prime suspect. It is up to a sympathetic lawyer to represent him and prove the authorities wrong.

As we started sayin, at first I wasn't keen reading a copy of a novel I'd read previously, but I got past this mental block very quickly as the story progress d and more characters were added to the story, the pace picked up racing to the finale that was a surprise in how it comes about.

If you like legal thrillers, this is a very good book, and I would recommend to you.

This ARC copy was provided free of charge from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Trudy Zufelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and liked the action and mystery.

Life in foster care hasn't been good to twelve-year-old Parker Barnes. He flees the abuse of his last foster home and lives on the street with other homeless runaways. After he is caught stealing, Stanford educated attorney David Adams picks up his case and tries help him by getting him into Hand-Up-Home instead of juvenile detention.

When the FBI pays David a visit and demands to speak to Parker, it becomes a case more complicated than a stolen purse. Parker flees the home in fear while David tries to uncover why the FBI thinks wants him in connection of a murder. Parker's night in a park and witness of a murder makes him the target of a hitman. It's up to David to track him down before the hitman kills him. With the FBI involved, the task becomes even more dangerous.

Plenty of action keeps the pacing on track for a decent mystery thriller

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the Bunch... So Far!
I really like the David Adams character. He's a great balance of intelligence, drive, and heart. He's smart but lets his heart rule him sometimes, making him personable and entertaining. He's an overcomer, having worked hard to wrestle free from the struggles of a childhood no one should suffer through. Perhaps my favorite thing about him is that he's able to reevaluate his motives and desires, enabling him to push the "reset" button on his life when his goals and actions are not aligned.

This tightly written thriller has everything I look for in an audiobook. The characters are richly developed, the pacing is superb, and the storyline is rocket-fueled perfection. Narration by Christopher Ryan Grant provides the final spark needed for this story to completely engage the listener. I'm ready for more of David Adams and his band of outcast brothers. This series just gets better with each new addition.

[Kay M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I will read more David Adams books as I've fallen in love with the young lawyer who helps the homeless in court and outside of court also. He is in court with Parker, a 12 year old runaway from an abusive foster father. Parker is in jail because the FBI wants to speak to him knowing he was present when a witness in one of their big cases was killed. They even suspect the boy may have committed the murder. Also looking for the boy is the real murderer who wants Parker dead so he can't identify the man.

David continues to help the boy who runs several times because he trusts no one. Eventually he begins to trust David but fears that the bad men will hurt David and so he runs again. For a relatively short story the characters and the place are well drawn and I appreciate the good writing.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker is a 12 yr old boy who has witnessed a murder. The killers want to kill him, he could give dangerous evidence. Parker runs. The FBI find his backpack and that ties him to the murder, as a suspect. David, a lawyer who lives amongst and acts for the homeless, acts as Parker’s attorney. Jess is pro bono sent to David for somewhat unclear reasons that don’t matter to the story. But the FBI want Parker, the crooks want him, and David runs the gauntlet for a, but Parker runs again – right until the end of the book, in a bid to cross to Mexico were he thinks he’s be safe. The story is spun out with very nasty baddies and very good goodies, and a couple either way, but the writing is clear and fast paced well plotted with lots of hi tech. Nice and short, not a wasted word4 strs for getting gripped but literature it is not.

[Loy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book in the David Adams series by Chad Zunker. David left his high paying corporate job to open a small law office with a partner. He works in family law and the outcasts. He is called to help Parker Barnes a 12 year who is arrested for purse snatching. It turns out Parker is running from some bad people for what he witnessed. The FBI is on the case, but information keeps leaking
David uses his circle of friends and an investigator to help him with the case. I really enjoyed the story and the writing is particularly good.
I like the way Mr. Zunker writes and how he portrays the disenfranchised. The book was fast paced with lots of action. I recommend the series and happy have an advance copy from Net Galley for an honest review