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Judge, Jury, & Executioner #7
The Art of Smuggling
Why would anyone steal art? Who can you sell it to?
The High Chancellor puts Rivka on the trail of serial art thieves. Dismantle the ring. Recover the art. Put the thieves behind bars, thieves who stay one step ahead.
Insiders? Or maybe outsiders with inside knowledge? No suspects. No clues. Rivka has to use all the resources at her command – her gift, her people, her ship, and tools that no one else has access to. Rivka has to chase the criminals across the galaxy to exotic planets with their own challenges when it comes to solving the crime. The big question is can Rivka find the criminals before they disappear forever? It’s not rocket science. It’s a whole new challenge; it’s the art of smuggling.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
Get it today.
Judge, Jury, & Executioner is within the Kurtherian Gambit Universe, but you don’t need to read those to enjoy these. Start with You Have Been Judged and enjoy the stories of Rivka and her team. Just lock in your seat-belt, grab your favorite drink, and be ready for your socks to be blown off.
- GenresScience Fiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2019
196 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
326 books7,878 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 21, 2019
Loved this Magistrate story
So full of excitement, adventure, and danger. Love the personality of the ship's AI. Love how Ankh is becoming more human in his sayings. Love the addition of the new crew members. Especially loved the exploding head, lol.....
So full of excitement, adventure, and danger. Love the personality of the ship's AI. Love how Ankh is becoming more human in his sayings. Love the addition of the new crew members. Especially loved the exploding head, lol.....
May 23, 2020
Must read!!
No one does space law better than Craig Martelle. You get the problem, the nitty gritty of the problem and then you get Magistrate Rivka, who goes all out to find and deal with the perpetrator/s. Lots of fast paced action, death and space jumping that pulls the reader in, right to the very end.
If you haven’t checked out any other books in the Kurtherian Universe by Craig Martelle, I suggest you do!They are all as equally good and you won’t be disappointed.
No one does space law better than Craig Martelle. You get the problem, the nitty gritty of the problem and then you get Magistrate Rivka, who goes all out to find and deal with the perpetrator/s. Lots of fast paced action, death and space jumping that pulls the reader in, right to the very end.
If you haven’t checked out any other books in the Kurtherian Universe by Craig Martelle, I suggest you do!They are all as equally good and you won’t be disappointed.
November 13, 2019
The Art of Smuggling: (Judge, Jury, & Executioner Book 7) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Well who would have believed it? Queen Bitch Bethany Anne's Magistrate and barrister, Rivka acting as an art assessor across the Federation's colonies, in hot pursuit of a team of art thieves - one of whom is an 'inside trader' or traitor, in Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle's 7th exciting novel in the Judge, Jury and Executioner series, based in the Kurtherian Universe, the curiously named The Art of Smuggling: A Space Opera Adventure Legal Thriller.
Accompanied by her Team and their various animal companions and frequently entertained by ship's AI Ankh, with his many weird and wonderful quips and epithets, Rivka has to overcome many challenges, as she hotly pursues the art smugglers who know she's coming and are quick off the mark, to keep one step ahead of the Law she'll enforce without fear or favour!
A standalone novel that is the superb culmination of the series so far, The Art of Smuggling has links to the Bad Company series and similarly has plenty of action, engaging, well-developed characters, snark and sometimes conflicting attitudes and much more, all combined in an interesting and different storyline which keeps the pace going at almost break-neck speed, to a satisfying and thrilling conclusion that could blow your socks off, or make your hair curl.
Try it for yourself by grabbing a copy today - if you're not already a fan of Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle you soon will be - guaranteed!
I purchased this book through the Kindle Unlimited programme and am pleased to recommend it highly to fans of space-opera, strong female lead characters, team-based interaction and a 'proper' finish (ie not a cliffhanger to make you have to buy the next in series) - what's not to like!?!!
Well who would have believed it? Queen Bitch Bethany Anne's Magistrate and barrister, Rivka acting as an art assessor across the Federation's colonies, in hot pursuit of a team of art thieves - one of whom is an 'inside trader' or traitor, in Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle's 7th exciting novel in the Judge, Jury and Executioner series, based in the Kurtherian Universe, the curiously named The Art of Smuggling: A Space Opera Adventure Legal Thriller.
Accompanied by her Team and their various animal companions and frequently entertained by ship's AI Ankh, with his many weird and wonderful quips and epithets, Rivka has to overcome many challenges, as she hotly pursues the art smugglers who know she's coming and are quick off the mark, to keep one step ahead of the Law she'll enforce without fear or favour!
A standalone novel that is the superb culmination of the series so far, The Art of Smuggling has links to the Bad Company series and similarly has plenty of action, engaging, well-developed characters, snark and sometimes conflicting attitudes and much more, all combined in an interesting and different storyline which keeps the pace going at almost break-neck speed, to a satisfying and thrilling conclusion that could blow your socks off, or make your hair curl.
Try it for yourself by grabbing a copy today - if you're not already a fan of Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle you soon will be - guaranteed!
I purchased this book through the Kindle Unlimited programme and am pleased to recommend it highly to fans of space-opera, strong female lead characters, team-based interaction and a 'proper' finish (ie not a cliffhanger to make you have to buy the next in series) - what's not to like!?!!
November 10, 2019
He did it again!
Love this series. It's my favorite to, Mr Martelle. I enjoy the characters and they ARE characters! Good plots. I worked as a property and claims adjuster. As far as property claims go the stated value, whether Actual cash value (depreciation applies) or replacement value...is paid in the event of a total loss. As far as art heists go, the theft of many priceless art works from the Isabella Gardner museum in Boston was the most disastrous. None of the art has ever been found and it's been decades! Lucki!y, I got to your the museum before the heist. Anyway, I love this series and it's somewhat unique concept of law and punishment.
Love this series. It's my favorite to, Mr Martelle. I enjoy the characters and they ARE characters! Good plots. I worked as a property and claims adjuster. As far as property claims go the stated value, whether Actual cash value (depreciation applies) or replacement value...is paid in the event of a total loss. As far as art heists go, the theft of many priceless art works from the Isabella Gardner museum in Boston was the most disastrous. None of the art has ever been found and it's been decades! Lucki!y, I got to your the museum before the heist. Anyway, I love this series and it's somewhat unique concept of law and punishment.
October 17, 2019
The rich robbing the rich?
Another fantastic tale about Rivka and her friends. I’m not sure how many different races and mannerisms can be included, but it’s like a whirlwind tour of the universe! The inventiveness for each race’s idiosyncrasies is amazing, and I delight in reading about them all.
So many mysteries and unanswered questions for Rivka. We see the characters evolving and it’s fascinating. They are being challenged and taken out of comfort zones.
Bring on book 8!
Another fantastic tale about Rivka and her friends. I’m not sure how many different races and mannerisms can be included, but it’s like a whirlwind tour of the universe! The inventiveness for each race’s idiosyncrasies is amazing, and I delight in reading about them all.
So many mysteries and unanswered questions for Rivka. We see the characters evolving and it’s fascinating. They are being challenged and taken out of comfort zones.
Bring on book 8!
November 6, 2019
Rivka at her Best!
I am enjoying this series every chance I get. This new installment has Rivja & the gang assessing prices on artwork; then trying to understand how the insurance company paid what it did. This investigation brings great insights; & new family members too!
Rivka, The Queen's Barrister, is one of my favorite characters! Hope there will be more to read about "The Magistrate".
I am enjoying this series every chance I get. This new installment has Rivja & the gang assessing prices on artwork; then trying to understand how the insurance company paid what it did. This investigation brings great insights; & new family members too!
Rivka, The Queen's Barrister, is one of my favorite characters! Hope there will be more to read about "The Magistrate".
October 16, 2019
Another great story.
Trivia and company find themselves investigating a smuggling ring. They get the running and bleeding done early, and then follow the clues all over the Universe. Longer than most books in this series, every bit of it was fascinating.I can barely wait for the next one.
Trivia and company find themselves investigating a smuggling ring. They get the running and bleeding done early, and then follow the clues all over the Universe. Longer than most books in this series, every bit of it was fascinating.I can barely wait for the next one.
October 16, 2019
Worth reading...
Despite this being quite a long series it still manages to entertain. The main characters continue to grow, forever bouncing from n’ere-do-well to n’ere-do-well. The cases (missions) they find themselves on, inevitably require biblical amounts of applied restructuring - be that of person or property. All of which comprises a greatly entertaining opera.
Despite this being quite a long series it still manages to entertain. The main characters continue to grow, forever bouncing from n’ere-do-well to n’ere-do-well. The cases (missions) they find themselves on, inevitably require biblical amounts of applied restructuring - be that of person or property. All of which comprises a greatly entertaining opera.
October 17, 2019
Love It
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more with Rivka and her Team. I especially like when Ankh is part of the story, I think he is a cool character that gives me a good chuckle with his no nonsense personality. Jay also seems to be coming into her own, she has grown so much since her first appearance.
Keep them coming, please.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more with Rivka and her Team. I especially like when Ankh is part of the story, I think he is a cool character that gives me a good chuckle with his no nonsense personality. Jay also seems to be coming into her own, she has grown so much since her first appearance.
Keep them coming, please.
October 17, 2019
Another really great story
I have no idea why I started this series, probably because I like author(s) but no matter. I know why I read this one.
Rivka and her story are addicting, like the worst drug. I've been hooked since book 1. The Magistrate and her story are like her crew and her fleet - growing bigger and better every new story.
Bring on the next book and hurry!
I have no idea why I started this series, probably because I like author(s) but no matter. I know why I read this one.
Rivka and her story are addicting, like the worst drug. I've been hooked since book 1. The Magistrate and her story are like her crew and her fleet - growing bigger and better every new story.
Bring on the next book and hurry!
October 19, 2019
Rivka swimming in the shadow
The way Craig pictured Rivka and team in dealing with art robbery is uncomfortably close to reality, especially here in Bali, Indonesia. The president tried to squeeze "the shadow economy" into light using tax amnesty, but the shadow flow still as healthy as usual. Oh well....
The way Craig pictured Rivka and team in dealing with art robbery is uncomfortably close to reality, especially here in Bali, Indonesia. The president tried to squeeze "the shadow economy" into light using tax amnesty, but the shadow flow still as healthy as usual. Oh well....
October 19, 2019
Rivka Rules... Or How to pickup aliens and other critters
And another peaceful case. Rivka is tasked with solving a series of Art thefts and stopping the perpetrators. An inside job but who’s the insider? Search without destroying too much. Another great read.
And another peaceful case. Rivka is tasked with solving a series of Art thefts and stopping the perpetrators. An inside job but who’s the insider? Search without destroying too much. Another great read.
September 14, 2023
Fantastic Series
This series continues to get better and better.
We get a new character joining the group and we see Jay to continue to grow and gets more settled into what she wants to do.
This series continues to get better and better.
We get a new character joining the group and we see Jay to continue to grow and gets more settled into what she wants to do.
October 21, 2019
Love Rivka!
Another great book in the series. Rivka and her growing team continue to entertain and their missions (cases :-) are interesting and enjoyable. Wombat, cat and alien dog, the antics of the pets alone keep my ongoing interest!
Another great book in the series. Rivka and her growing team continue to entertain and their missions (cases :-) are interesting and enjoyable. Wombat, cat and alien dog, the antics of the pets alone keep my ongoing interest!
October 24, 2019
A fantastic addition to a great series!
Another excellent book, in fact the best yet, in my favorite spin off series in the KU!
Thanks Craig and please hurry and write the next one.
Another excellent book, in fact the best yet, in my favorite spin off series in the KU!
Thanks Craig and please hurry and write the next one.
October 25, 2019
Love this series
The storylines are so good that they keep your interest though out the book. The characters are a blast and there is a lot of humor and action in all the books. I am really looking forward to the next book to see how their next case goes.
The storylines are so good that they keep your interest though out the book. The characters are a blast and there is a lot of humor and action in all the books. I am really looking forward to the next book to see how their next case goes.
October 26, 2019
Great series
I really enjoy this series of books. I like the way the author brings new beings to life with their own personalities that seem to mesh flawlessly with our main characters. Looking forward to the next.
I really enjoy this series of books. I like the way the author brings new beings to life with their own personalities that seem to mesh flawlessly with our main characters. Looking forward to the next.
October 29, 2019
A mighty fine read.
Another great romp with Magistrate Rivka. Art work that could be in museums today and adjustments to the crew all combine to another mighty fine read. As usual, highly recommended.
Another great romp with Magistrate Rivka. Art work that could be in museums today and adjustments to the crew all combine to another mighty fine read. As usual, highly recommended.
November 4, 2019
Fine story
As always Craig spins a good tale. Rivka and her motley crew go after thieves and smugglers and an anything but simple case. Lots of twists and turns but Rivka figures it out in the end plus they gain a dog and another crew member.
As always Craig spins a good tale. Rivka and her motley crew go after thieves and smugglers and an anything but simple case. Lots of twists and turns but Rivka figures it out in the end plus they gain a dog and another crew member.
November 5, 2019
Book 7 - deserves 7 stars
Each rivka tale just keeps getting better - except for (spoiler) the exploding head bit right as I was about to eat dinner. Prob could have done without that.
Each rivka tale just keeps getting better - except for (spoiler) the exploding head bit right as I was about to eat dinner. Prob could have done without that.
November 6, 2019
Another great one!!
What can I say another great story! Love all the new characters, species and pets! I've have been reading KGU since the beginning, Rivka and Red and two of my favorites!!
What can I say another great story! Love all the new characters, species and pets! I've have been reading KGU since the beginning, Rivka and Red and two of my favorites!!
October 17, 2019
Enjoyed
I always enjoy books in this series. It’s always a pleasure to see then installment hit the shelves. I usually stop what I’m reading to read it.
I always enjoy books in this series. It’s always a pleasure to see then installment hit the shelves. I usually stop what I’m reading to read it.
October 21, 2019
Art Crime is nasty
Our gang is of on a new case and it full of twist and turns and they chase done art thief in the federation.
Our gang is of on a new case and it full of twist and turns and they chase done art thief in the federation.
October 22, 2019
Very highly recommended!
This series never fails to keep you interested, with a awesome, ever expanding cast of eclectic characters, and some of the best humor around.
This series never fails to keep you interested, with a awesome, ever expanding cast of eclectic characters, and some of the best humor around.
October 23, 2019
A favorite series.
Rivka and crew are the best at what they do. Bringing action, intrigue, and humor to each story. Please keep them coming.
Rivka and crew are the best at what they do. Bringing action, intrigue, and humor to each story. Please keep them coming.
October 26, 2019
Series keeps getting better
These books are great - love the characters, character development, plotlines, etc. Looking forward to future stories in the series.
These books are great - love the characters, character development, plotlines, etc. Looking forward to future stories in the series.
November 9, 2019
Great read
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Who is stealing priceless art. They go to all the locations where the art was stolen. What they find will surprise you.
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Who is stealing priceless art. They go to all the locations where the art was stolen. What they find will surprise you.
June 13, 2022
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed Rivka's story here and, just like Craig said in his Author's Notes, this series has become, if not my absolute favourite, then a joint first place favourite with anything involving BA, Michael, and the twins!
It was so interesting to read about the world of High Art, Insurance, and how the rich feel about their money. I would imagine that the thoughts about this, written so well in this book, aren't far short of reality, especially when you are talking about money!
But, most of all, I was happy to read of the new team members in Stew, and Spike!
This means - and I really hope that Craig will stick with what he said - there will be more J, J, & Ex books in this series - even if I AM reading them two years along from their beginners!
But, with the ending of this particular story, I checked my reading list and, after I've had a few hour's sleep, after sitting up all night reading - because I couldn't force myself to stop - I'll be going back to the main BA series, to read book 28 - or, if you prefer, book 7, of TKE: The Valkyrie Returns!
I'm now roughly 2/3rds of the way through my Kurtherian Universe and, although I'm dreading reaching the end of it all, I still have a few weeks of reading to go, as yet!
But I console myself, with the fact that I've been buying every other book, and series, by the authors of TKU, so I KNOW I've got many more months of reading these good people's works ahead of me, yet!
And, by the time I finish all of them?
Well, at the rate they're all writing right now, there'll be even more books to read! 👍📚📖😁
It was so interesting to read about the world of High Art, Insurance, and how the rich feel about their money. I would imagine that the thoughts about this, written so well in this book, aren't far short of reality, especially when you are talking about money!
But, most of all, I was happy to read of the new team members in Stew, and Spike!
This means - and I really hope that Craig will stick with what he said - there will be more J, J, & Ex books in this series - even if I AM reading them two years along from their beginners!
But, with the ending of this particular story, I checked my reading list and, after I've had a few hour's sleep, after sitting up all night reading - because I couldn't force myself to stop - I'll be going back to the main BA series, to read book 28 - or, if you prefer, book 7, of TKE: The Valkyrie Returns!
I'm now roughly 2/3rds of the way through my Kurtherian Universe and, although I'm dreading reaching the end of it all, I still have a few weeks of reading to go, as yet!
But I console myself, with the fact that I've been buying every other book, and series, by the authors of TKU, so I KNOW I've got many more months of reading these good people's works ahead of me, yet!
And, by the time I finish all of them?
Well, at the rate they're all writing right now, there'll be even more books to read! 👍📚📖😁
September 1, 2021
Apparently smuggling artwork is something that continues no matter how much time has passed. Rivka and her group are instructed to find out just what is going on, get the artwork back if they can and bring the person or persons responsible for the thefts to justice.
The seriousness is shown when the Wyatt Earp is chasing a ship that probably belongs to the thieves/smugglers and that crew decides to blow up the ship rather than be caught. Obviously something major is going on.
The actual thefts themselves seem to have been carried out in a nearly impossible way. There's also the usual being-shot-at experience for Rivka and her crew and there's an insurance adjuster they have to deal with.
Part of the book deals with what is going on with Jay and what happens to her on one of the planets. It's really neat and I look forward ot how she will be in future stories.
There's also yet another animal added to their group, Ankh has to run away from something and what happens to the person behind all the thefts is quite unexpected. Another really good book in this series.
The seriousness is shown when the Wyatt Earp is chasing a ship that probably belongs to the thieves/smugglers and that crew decides to blow up the ship rather than be caught. Obviously something major is going on.
The actual thefts themselves seem to have been carried out in a nearly impossible way. There's also the usual being-shot-at experience for Rivka and her crew and there's an insurance adjuster they have to deal with.
Part of the book deals with what is going on with Jay and what happens to her on one of the planets. It's really neat and I look forward ot how she will be in future stories.
There's also yet another animal added to their group, Ankh has to run away from something and what happens to the person behind all the thefts is quite unexpected. Another really good book in this series.
May 13, 2020
Good read
Martell has really grown as a writer. He’s learned how to prep you, with a character growth, without giving it away immediately. You’re always looking through the writing to see where he’s going. And sometimes, he can really fool you. I appreciate being just confused enough that I can’t predict what’s going on. He could do a little better using pronouns at times to describe scenes and scenarios. It can be very confusing with limited pronoun use.
Martell has really grown as a writer. He’s learned how to prep you, with a character growth, without giving it away immediately. You’re always looking through the writing to see where he’s going. And sometimes, he can really fool you. I appreciate being just confused enough that I can’t predict what’s going on. He could do a little better using pronouns at times to describe scenes and scenarios. It can be very confusing with limited pronoun use.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews