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Nate Shepherd #2
True Intent
When a billionaire dies, an innocent woman is blamed. One lawyer must fight a wealthy family for justice.
It seems straightforward to attorney Nate Shepherd – a middle-aged billionaire dies while celebrating at a wedding reception. The grief-stricken family lashes out, though, blaming the billionaire’s date for his death. When the family brings all of its power to bear, the wheels of local justice threaten to overwhelm the woman.
As Nate Shepherd steps in to defend her, he tries to deflect the misplaced anger that’s directed at the woman for the tragedy. But as the investigation progresses, a tangled history unravels, including unexpected ties to Nate’s own life. And with each secret that is uncovered, the stakes rise until Nate finds himself fighting for the woman’s freedom in a trial for her life.
Can Nate Shepherd protect an innocent client from a family trying to buy its own brand of justice?
True Intent is the second book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, iron-willed characters, and slippery moral quandaries, then you’ll love Michael Stagg’s fierce court-room drama.
Buy True Intent and step into the courtroom today!
It seems straightforward to attorney Nate Shepherd – a middle-aged billionaire dies while celebrating at a wedding reception. The grief-stricken family lashes out, though, blaming the billionaire’s date for his death. When the family brings all of its power to bear, the wheels of local justice threaten to overwhelm the woman.
As Nate Shepherd steps in to defend her, he tries to deflect the misplaced anger that’s directed at the woman for the tragedy. But as the investigation progresses, a tangled history unravels, including unexpected ties to Nate’s own life. And with each secret that is uncovered, the stakes rise until Nate finds himself fighting for the woman’s freedom in a trial for her life.
Can Nate Shepherd protect an innocent client from a family trying to buy its own brand of justice?
True Intent is the second book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, iron-willed characters, and slippery moral quandaries, then you’ll love Michael Stagg’s fierce court-room drama.
Buy True Intent and step into the courtroom today!
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2020
3895 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stagg
11 books324 followersMichael Stagg has been a trial lawyer for more than twenty-five years. He has tried cases to juries and he's won and he's lost and he's argued about it in the court of appeals after. He still practices law so he's writing the Nate Shepherd series under a pen name.
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
November 16, 2022
I love this series!
Nate Shepherd's character is a well-developed hero! That doesn't mean he's Superman, though, because he's also very human. The back and forth exchanges between prosecution and defense were completely believable - and the ending unpredictable. True Intent is definitely a worthy follow-up to the first book and I plan on reading every book in this series!
Nate Shepherd's character is a well-developed hero! That doesn't mean he's Superman, though, because he's also very human. The back and forth exchanges between prosecution and defense were completely believable - and the ending unpredictable. True Intent is definitely a worthy follow-up to the first book and I plan on reading every book in this series!
January 12, 2021
Ok
The book moved along pretty well but it was pretty predictable. I enjoyed his first book better but I will probably read the 3rd one.
The book moved along pretty well but it was pretty predictable. I enjoyed his first book better but I will probably read the 3rd one.
November 4, 2023
Nate Shepherd is back on this second installment of this eponymous serie. This time he gets involved in the case of a single professional woman who is charged with murdering a very rich, old and widowed man – a billionaire due to big forest operations. He has children who might want him dead but his date for the evening of his death might have had problems with his forestry interests.
Still a good effort, altough the ending is kinda confusing, and I think that even if you read it carefully it’s still it’s open ended.
Still a good effort, altough the ending is kinda confusing, and I think that even if you read it carefully it’s still it’s open ended.
August 11, 2020
I read the first 2 books in the series. Good points? Decent story. Decent courtroom action. Bad points? Very frustrating that the author didn't bother to hire an editor. So many typos in both books. Very distracting.
May 10, 2021
Defense lawyer Nate Shephard defends an attractive Woodland Biologist accused of murdering her much older CEO boyfriend by dancing him to death. If that sounds absurd, read this very entertaining legal thriller. Takes awhile to get to the verdict but it's well worth it.
October 16, 2020
Another page Turner!
True Intent delivers! Matt Shepard is quickly becoming my favorite fictional lawyer. He is down to earth enough to be relatable, but interesting enough to be exciting. The build up is can't-put-it-down and the climax doesn't let you down. These books are so well written and make for a great read.
True Intent delivers! Matt Shepard is quickly becoming my favorite fictional lawyer. He is down to earth enough to be relatable, but interesting enough to be exciting. The build up is can't-put-it-down and the climax doesn't let you down. These books are so well written and make for a great read.
January 24, 2026
The second book in the Nate Shepherd series is another 5-star recommendation. Like most legal thrillers, there's a crime, an accused, and a lawyer who battles the state prosecutor to try to get their client acquitted. This series has all of that. But what sets it apart from many other legal thrillers I've read is the ongoing relationships between the lawyer and his extended family. It's often integral to the story, or at the very least offers a welcome respite from the legal side. Excellent book.
November 16, 2022
Nate Shepherd attended his longtime friend Matt's sister's wedding in Carrefour, Ohio. Liselle had been dating the groom's uncle, billionaire Richard Phillips for about a month when Richard invited her to be his guest at the wedding. When he met Liselle at the reception, Nate didn't realize that he would become her attorney in the coming days—defending her for charges of first-degree murder.
Michael Stagg is the pseudonym of a lawyer who began writing legal thrillers before writing full-time. He crafts a well-written legal thriller. I love trees but was not aware of emerald ash borer devastation. That element, as part of Liselle's characterization, enhanced the storyline. The link to Nate's life revealed more of his past and elevated intrigue in the attorney/client relationship. The courtroom drama was taut. I guessed the verdict, and still, the craft of the ending took me by surprise. Edge of my seat, surprised!
Let there be no doubt I'll continue reading this series! I hope you do too!
Michael Stagg is the pseudonym of a lawyer who began writing legal thrillers before writing full-time. He crafts a well-written legal thriller. I love trees but was not aware of emerald ash borer devastation. That element, as part of Liselle's characterization, enhanced the storyline. The link to Nate's life revealed more of his past and elevated intrigue in the attorney/client relationship. The courtroom drama was taut. I guessed the verdict, and still, the craft of the ending took me by surprise. Edge of my seat, surprised!
Let there be no doubt I'll continue reading this series! I hope you do too!
February 16, 2022
Good but also THIN and wordy
This is a good series so far for fast reads. I’m going to continue reading it for one more at least. The first one was much better this one was a bit of a stretch on all accounts. The characters, their jobs, the court case, and how it all intertwines is all a little too thin and far-fetched. The author could get a bit wordy where he didn’t need to be which made it drag on a bit in places.
This is a good series so far for fast reads. I’m going to continue reading it for one more at least. The first one was much better this one was a bit of a stretch on all accounts. The characters, their jobs, the court case, and how it all intertwines is all a little too thin and far-fetched. The author could get a bit wordy where he didn’t need to be which made it drag on a bit in places.
January 19, 2021
Held my interest but weak premise
This book was about a case involving murder. It was written well enough to keep me reading. Character development was excellent. But the case itself was not convincing. Still, I could not put the book down.
This book was about a case involving murder. It was written well enough to keep me reading. Character development was excellent. But the case itself was not convincing. Still, I could not put the book down.
July 4, 2023
Good prose, good characterization, good world building, good story, and a theme. Twists and turns and the emerald ash borer.
Yeah, coming for my beautiful shade trees in east Texas. I just don't know when.
There were a few too many melancholy trips down memory lane. I'm sad enough as it is.
Yeah, coming for my beautiful shade trees in east Texas. I just don't know when.
There were a few too many melancholy trips down memory lane. I'm sad enough as it is.
November 5, 2020
Great story. I love Nate and his family. I love the cases he gets and how he works. The courtroom drama is excellent. I’m hooked
September 30, 2022
1.75 stars. I didn't like the defendant at all, and let's just say I read/listened to almost all of this book at 1.7x or 1.4x... if that tells you anything about how much I wanted it over
June 23, 2022
Fully enjoyed this story! Had a very surprise ending for me!!💕
October 12, 2022
A reasonable ok read. Trial details between lawyers and witnesses held my interest. The character story line was weak. Truly I did not care if Liselle was guilty or innocent. At the end, I still was not sure. It was not an absorbing story. Enjoyed his first book in series much more.
June 8, 2022
easy - fun read
I started this series based on a Goodreads review from someone I know. Her description is perfect. This series is a legal procedural with interesting characters. It’s a great read when you don’t want to think too hard.
I started this series based on a Goodreads review from someone I know. Her description is perfect. This series is a legal procedural with interesting characters. It’s a great read when you don’t want to think too hard.
May 29, 2022
Entertaining and predictable
A very entertaining but also very predictable plot . The series is good for a light reading. Some good secondary characters
A very entertaining but also very predictable plot . The series is good for a light reading. Some good secondary characters
May 2, 2023
"True Intent" by Michael Stagg is an extraordinary literary masterpiece that takes readers on a captivating and thought-provoking journey. The irresistible narrative established by Stagg's remarkable ability to tell a story and acute attention to particulars captivates you right from the outset and keeps its clench firmly on your imagination until the last full stop.
As a literary creation that exquisitely combines an aura of enigma, perplexity and profound psychological exploration; the book entitled "True Intent" intimately explores the intricate layers of human cognition as it leaves readers pondering over each character's hidden motives. The intricacy with which Stagg deftly forges multifarious and nuanced characters imbues the narrative with an alluring dimension, propelling you to the precipice of anticipation as each layer unfurls.
What sets "True Intent" apart is Stagg's remarkable talent for creating vivid and atmospheric settings. The author's mastery in describing scenes takes readers on a journey from the frigid pavements of an insignificant town into the spooky passageways of an abandoned estate. This skillful writing style enables audiences to be fully engaged within this world where clandestine mysteries reside at every bend and turn.
Furthermore, Stagg's meticulous research shines through in the seamless integration of historical events and cultural references. This not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also deepens the overall reading experience, making "True Intent" an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant journey.
As a reader, I was thoroughly engrossed in the intricate web of plot twists and turns, eagerly piecing together the puzzle that Stagg so brilliantly constructs. The pacing is expertly managed, maintaining a perfect balance between suspense and revelations, which left me yearning for more with each passing chapter.
In conclusion, "True Intent" is an absolute must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction. The initial work of Michael Stagg serves as a testament to his remarkable capabilities in the art of narration, forever etching an unforgettable imprint on the domain of literature. I eagerly anticipate his future works and encourage all book enthusiasts to embark on this thrilling adventure.
As a literary creation that exquisitely combines an aura of enigma, perplexity and profound psychological exploration; the book entitled "True Intent" intimately explores the intricate layers of human cognition as it leaves readers pondering over each character's hidden motives. The intricacy with which Stagg deftly forges multifarious and nuanced characters imbues the narrative with an alluring dimension, propelling you to the precipice of anticipation as each layer unfurls.
What sets "True Intent" apart is Stagg's remarkable talent for creating vivid and atmospheric settings. The author's mastery in describing scenes takes readers on a journey from the frigid pavements of an insignificant town into the spooky passageways of an abandoned estate. This skillful writing style enables audiences to be fully engaged within this world where clandestine mysteries reside at every bend and turn.
Furthermore, Stagg's meticulous research shines through in the seamless integration of historical events and cultural references. This not only adds authenticity to the narrative but also deepens the overall reading experience, making "True Intent" an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant journey.
As a reader, I was thoroughly engrossed in the intricate web of plot twists and turns, eagerly piecing together the puzzle that Stagg so brilliantly constructs. The pacing is expertly managed, maintaining a perfect balance between suspense and revelations, which left me yearning for more with each passing chapter.
In conclusion, "True Intent" is an absolute must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction. The initial work of Michael Stagg serves as a testament to his remarkable capabilities in the art of narration, forever etching an unforgettable imprint on the domain of literature. I eagerly anticipate his future works and encourage all book enthusiasts to embark on this thrilling adventure.
August 9, 2021
*sigh* Well. Dammit. Just when I was feeling hopeful of getting into a new legal series, I go and read a subpar book like this one. I mean, I suppose it's still possible that I'll continue on with it, but given how this particularly entry has me feeling significantly LESS enthused about it, it may not happen for awhile. If at all. I liked Nate Shephard in the first book. This book? Not so much. In fact, he legit sorta pissed me off here, and not in a good way that made him more endearing. But more on that later.
Anyway, True Intent. Some rich old guy dies at a wedding reception, and the number one suspect is his date, a significantly younger and beautiful woman named Liselle. His children think it's her. The cops think it's her. The prosecuting attorneys think it's her. But not Nate Shephard. Nate thinks the case is flimsy and inconclusive, and given that he's gotten to know Liselle on a more personal level due to her interest in his late wife's work, he feels compelled to defend her in court. But apparently, only in court. Not in real life. Not even when she helped, you know, SAVE HIS NEPHEW'S FRICKIN' LIFE. Before Liselle was even arrested, before things went haywire, she played a pretty significant role to help Nate with saving his nephew from blood loss (something confirmed by the treating doctor). But good ol' Nate neither thanks her for the intervention nor acknowledges it in ANY sort of capacity. For the entire. Frickin'. Book. Nate showed NOTHING that might suggest he's not a completely insensitive moron, even BEFORE she was accused of murder. Even in the damn hospital, he never once, not ONCE bothered to say, "Yeah man, it was that woman who was with me, she helped save my nephew." That was the moment when I started to dislike Nate Shephard. Feel free to see my highlighted notes to prove it.
It's a simple enough premise, though often predictable. I just didn't know which predictable direction it would take. I figured it would either be the children framing Liselle, or Liselle herself being truly guilty but slipping up somewhere and getting caught. If it was the children, it woulda come out in some big-time courtroom event, some slip-up of confession at the last moment. I admit, that's where I was leaning a good majority of the book. If it was the latter, then that'd mean Liselle would fool everyone with her lies, including her own attorney, until she gets off from the charge and it all comes into the light in some sort of fashion. Turns out, it was the latter. Woman done killed the man. Liselle was guilty all along and now, with Nate's help, got away with it. Bummer I guess? Now oftentimes, these sorts of reveals aren't too disappointing. But in this book's case, it was very much disappointing, since I was hoping that NEITHER of those two predictions would be true, simply because of how OBVIOUS they'd be. But alas, since one of those predictions came true, it left me unsatisfied. And given that Nate lost tons of cool points in this book, it made it THAT much more difficult to like it.
So anyway, it was just soooo lackluster, this entry. It's possible it will spring back into what I like if I keep going, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm not really feeling the urge to continue. We'll see.
Anyway, True Intent. Some rich old guy dies at a wedding reception, and the number one suspect is his date, a significantly younger and beautiful woman named Liselle. His children think it's her. The cops think it's her. The prosecuting attorneys think it's her. But not Nate Shephard. Nate thinks the case is flimsy and inconclusive, and given that he's gotten to know Liselle on a more personal level due to her interest in his late wife's work, he feels compelled to defend her in court. But apparently, only in court. Not in real life. Not even when she helped, you know, SAVE HIS NEPHEW'S FRICKIN' LIFE. Before Liselle was even arrested, before things went haywire, she played a pretty significant role to help Nate with saving his nephew from blood loss (something confirmed by the treating doctor). But good ol' Nate neither thanks her for the intervention nor acknowledges it in ANY sort of capacity. For the entire. Frickin'. Book. Nate showed NOTHING that might suggest he's not a completely insensitive moron, even BEFORE she was accused of murder. Even in the damn hospital, he never once, not ONCE bothered to say, "Yeah man, it was that woman who was with me, she helped save my nephew." That was the moment when I started to dislike Nate Shephard. Feel free to see my highlighted notes to prove it.
It's a simple enough premise, though often predictable. I just didn't know which predictable direction it would take. I figured it would either be the children framing Liselle, or Liselle herself being truly guilty but slipping up somewhere and getting caught. If it was the children, it woulda come out in some big-time courtroom event, some slip-up of confession at the last moment. I admit, that's where I was leaning a good majority of the book. If it was the latter, then that'd mean Liselle would fool everyone with her lies, including her own attorney, until she gets off from the charge and it all comes into the light in some sort of fashion. Turns out, it was the latter. Woman done killed the man. Liselle was guilty all along and now, with Nate's help, got away with it. Bummer I guess? Now oftentimes, these sorts of reveals aren't too disappointing. But in this book's case, it was very much disappointing, since I was hoping that NEITHER of those two predictions would be true, simply because of how OBVIOUS they'd be. But alas, since one of those predictions came true, it left me unsatisfied. And given that Nate lost tons of cool points in this book, it made it THAT much more difficult to like it.
So anyway, it was just soooo lackluster, this entry. It's possible it will spring back into what I like if I keep going, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm not really feeling the urge to continue. We'll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
This is an interesting series that presents a pleasing break from the by now cliche stories of the single lawyer with a tortured love life and his band of super-heroic cohorts, fighting for their client against seemingly insurmountable odds, with a gut wrenching and bullet laden resolution.
Parts of these stories seem almost slice of life, very low-key ordinary events in an ordinary person's life in an anonymous town. I enjoyed this and found it very relatable. The premise and resolution of the first book grabbed me a bit more than they did in this one, which to be honest, had a bit of a cliche ending. No spoilers, but I'll say that every single defense lawyer series contains at least one episode like this, which removes any chance of surprise or twist.
So, I'd give both this and the first book a solid four stars except for one very, and I mean very, painful aspect. Any questioning of witnesses always begins with a simple question, to which the respondent will reply with I did/I did not/she did/she did not/I am/it is/it is not, followed by a second question with substance. People simply do not talk like that and it is incredibly tiring to listen to. It may be accurate in a court proceeding, but in a novel it feels like a cheat to merely up the word count. I'm not the only reviewer to mention this and I do wish this author would listen to his readers.
Parts of these stories seem almost slice of life, very low-key ordinary events in an ordinary person's life in an anonymous town. I enjoyed this and found it very relatable. The premise and resolution of the first book grabbed me a bit more than they did in this one, which to be honest, had a bit of a cliche ending. No spoilers, but I'll say that every single defense lawyer series contains at least one episode like this, which removes any chance of surprise or twist.
So, I'd give both this and the first book a solid four stars except for one very, and I mean very, painful aspect. Any questioning of witnesses always begins with a simple question, to which the respondent will reply with I did/I did not/she did/she did not/I am/it is/it is not, followed by a second question with substance. People simply do not talk like that and it is incredibly tiring to listen to. It may be accurate in a court proceeding, but in a novel it feels like a cheat to merely up the word count. I'm not the only reviewer to mention this and I do wish this author would listen to his readers.
December 10, 2025
True Intent by Michael Stagg is a legal thriller where attorney Nate Shepherd defends a woman wrongly blamed for a billionaire's death at a wedding, uncovering family secrets and facing a powerful family's attempts to buy justice, forcing him to confront his own past as the case escalates into a life-or-death trial. It's the second book in the Nate Shepherd series, known for courtroom drama, sharp dialogue, and complex characters.
The Incident: A wealthy billionaire dies at a reception, and his powerful family immediately blames his date for the tragedy.
The Defense: Nate Shepherd takes the case, aiming to protect the innocent woman from the family's influence and misplaced anger.
Rising Stakes: As Nate investigates, he finds unexpected links to his own life, and the case becomes a fierce battle for freedom in court, with secrets unraveling at every turn.
The Core Conflict: Nate must fight not only the family's power but also his own buried demons, threatening to derail the defense and his life.
Genre & Style:
A gripping courtroom drama and legal thriller.
Features captivating characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and intricate plot twists.
Part of a series, but can be enjoyed on its own.
The Incident: A wealthy billionaire dies at a reception, and his powerful family immediately blames his date for the tragedy.
The Defense: Nate Shepherd takes the case, aiming to protect the innocent woman from the family's influence and misplaced anger.
Rising Stakes: As Nate investigates, he finds unexpected links to his own life, and the case becomes a fierce battle for freedom in court, with secrets unraveling at every turn.
The Core Conflict: Nate must fight not only the family's power but also his own buried demons, threatening to derail the defense and his life.
Genre & Style:
A gripping courtroom drama and legal thriller.
Features captivating characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and intricate plot twists.
Part of a series, but can be enjoyed on its own.
May 26, 2025
the plot thickens, recommend
Omg, thank author for writing a compelling, captivating and riveting book and by enlightening readers about contraindications awareness when diagnosed with high blood pressure. I appreciate the twisted plot and I identified the culprit from the beginning but I thought I got it wrong after you threw in a few monkey wrenches. I hate no one will ever know the truth. I’m so glad author didn’t pair Nate with Liselle. She was clouding Nate mind by using Sarah persona. By Nate being the kind of stand up guy that he is, I wonder how he truly feels about being betrayed. I really appreciate this book bc it touched on a personal struggle for me, HBP, which I suffered with. I learned a lot. I started googling while I was reading and what was discussed in this book was true about HBP. I never heard of St. John wort or tyramine until this book. I never knew the effects St. John Wort and tyramine can have on HBP. I didn’t know they were a real thing. And most importantly, this book educated me to always be aware of what I eat or drink from others. To always be inquisitive about what goes into my body bc the interactions can be deadly.
Omg, thank author for writing a compelling, captivating and riveting book and by enlightening readers about contraindications awareness when diagnosed with high blood pressure. I appreciate the twisted plot and I identified the culprit from the beginning but I thought I got it wrong after you threw in a few monkey wrenches. I hate no one will ever know the truth. I’m so glad author didn’t pair Nate with Liselle. She was clouding Nate mind by using Sarah persona. By Nate being the kind of stand up guy that he is, I wonder how he truly feels about being betrayed. I really appreciate this book bc it touched on a personal struggle for me, HBP, which I suffered with. I learned a lot. I started googling while I was reading and what was discussed in this book was true about HBP. I never heard of St. John wort or tyramine until this book. I never knew the effects St. John Wort and tyramine can have on HBP. I didn’t know they were a real thing. And most importantly, this book educated me to always be aware of what I eat or drink from others. To always be inquisitive about what goes into my body bc the interactions can be deadly.
July 9, 2022
So good!
When you find a great series you want to just keep reading. Sadly, Michael is a fairly new author and a third book is coming. I wish he had already written at least 10. His work rather reminds me of Michael Crichton. Not necessarily in style but how realistic the characters are, the great storylines, and always looking forward to the next book.
I don't recall reading a book where the trial portion is so believable. His interaction with the judge and prosecutor seems realistically professional. I also enjoy that there is no courtroom "aha" moment when the truth comes out. The resolution comes organically as we read. I wouldn't say it is "on the edge of your seat" reading but as you read you feel as if you are Nate, learning as you go but boy at the end - WOW. I also enjoy the family aspect which also seems realistic. It is just something that fleshes out the characters and provides subtle humor, as do his friends.
I hope Michael is able to keep going with his high quality writing for many books to come!
When you find a great series you want to just keep reading. Sadly, Michael is a fairly new author and a third book is coming. I wish he had already written at least 10. His work rather reminds me of Michael Crichton. Not necessarily in style but how realistic the characters are, the great storylines, and always looking forward to the next book.
I don't recall reading a book where the trial portion is so believable. His interaction with the judge and prosecutor seems realistically professional. I also enjoy that there is no courtroom "aha" moment when the truth comes out. The resolution comes organically as we read. I wouldn't say it is "on the edge of your seat" reading but as you read you feel as if you are Nate, learning as you go but boy at the end - WOW. I also enjoy the family aspect which also seems realistic. It is just something that fleshes out the characters and provides subtle humor, as do his friends.
I hope Michael is able to keep going with his high quality writing for many books to come!
December 4, 2025
Is it possible to dance somebody to death?
That's the prosecution's theory in this, the second novel in the Nate Shepherd series. A young hot supermodel looking gal shows up as a plus-one for a fifty-something billionaire CEO at the wedding of the latter's relative. And while dancing the night away, he keels over and dies of a heart attack. But the local prosecutor, egged on by the billionaire's relatives charge his date with first-degree murder.
Huh?
Well, it turns out that our defendant gave billionaire boyfriend lots of home meade herbal tea with 15 times as much St. Johns Wort a such tea would normally have, and as it turns out, St. Johns Wort inhibits the blood pressure meds her date had to take. So Nate's job is to oppose and defeat this odd murder-1 theory.
But it's not quite as simple as it seems...
A likable protagonist defense counsel, a perplexing environmentally passionate defendant, and a whole lot of terrific courtroom scenesm and an ending I didn't see coming....
That's the prosecution's theory in this, the second novel in the Nate Shepherd series. A young hot supermodel looking gal shows up as a plus-one for a fifty-something billionaire CEO at the wedding of the latter's relative. And while dancing the night away, he keels over and dies of a heart attack. But the local prosecutor, egged on by the billionaire's relatives charge his date with first-degree murder.
Huh?
Well, it turns out that our defendant gave billionaire boyfriend lots of home meade herbal tea with 15 times as much St. Johns Wort a such tea would normally have, and as it turns out, St. Johns Wort inhibits the blood pressure meds her date had to take. So Nate's job is to oppose and defeat this odd murder-1 theory.
But it's not quite as simple as it seems...
A likable protagonist defense counsel, a perplexing environmentally passionate defendant, and a whole lot of terrific courtroom scenesm and an ending I didn't see coming....
June 14, 2022
A great read--with one exception.
The characters were fun, the plot was good, the crime was interesting, and the trial was absorbing.
But, the trial had a fatal flaw...witnesses did not say "yes" or "no". They said "I did" or "I did not". Constantly. To every question. In fact, in many of the scenes, the characters answered in that way.
I know you are probably thinking that should not spoil a book--and you are right, it should not. And, in fact, it did not. I still enjoyed this one immensely. But it did annoy me. And being annoyed while you read for enjoyment is not a goal worth pursuing.
Incidentally, while I complain about the one aspect of the book I did not like, I should mention that this is my second book in this series. The first used the same, silly answering technique and I still bought this one. So call me stupid--or call me a person who will be annoyed a little for a very, very good book.
The characters were fun, the plot was good, the crime was interesting, and the trial was absorbing.
But, the trial had a fatal flaw...witnesses did not say "yes" or "no". They said "I did" or "I did not". Constantly. To every question. In fact, in many of the scenes, the characters answered in that way.
I know you are probably thinking that should not spoil a book--and you are right, it should not. And, in fact, it did not. I still enjoyed this one immensely. But it did annoy me. And being annoyed while you read for enjoyment is not a goal worth pursuing.
Incidentally, while I complain about the one aspect of the book I did not like, I should mention that this is my second book in this series. The first used the same, silly answering technique and I still bought this one. So call me stupid--or call me a person who will be annoyed a little for a very, very good book.
April 17, 2023
This is the second book of the Nate Shepherd series. And this is the complete opposite of the first book. This book could have been better in so many ways. A wealthy man dies while dancing at a wedding and his family blames his date for his murder.
The starting of the book was pretty smooth with Nate's past meeting a new present. But once the murder trial starts everything goes a different way. The plot is thin and the story is not as good as the first book. Here, there is no evidence for anything and the court-room drama was not appealing. If the detective would have dug deeper and actually found some evidence (spoiler ahead) then the actual murderer would not have been set free. Final verdict, it was not a good read, the ending was not satisfying, but I decided to give this series a chance by reading the third book next, because the first book was splendid.
The starting of the book was pretty smooth with Nate's past meeting a new present. But once the murder trial starts everything goes a different way. The plot is thin and the story is not as good as the first book. Here, there is no evidence for anything and the court-room drama was not appealing. If the detective would have dug deeper and actually found some evidence (spoiler ahead) then the actual murderer would not have been set free. Final verdict, it was not a good read, the ending was not satisfying, but I decided to give this series a chance by reading the third book next, because the first book was splendid.
December 23, 2021
This is the 2nd in the series and equally as enjoyable as the first.
Nate is now representing Liselle Vila, that had come to down with her date, a billionaire to attend
a wedding. During the wedding reception, her date, Richard Phillips, collaspes to the floor and dies. The first ruling is that Richard had an irregular heart beat and died of it.
Now after the autopsy is done, they have decided that they will charge Liselle with murder. They believe that she gave him an over the counter drug that interfered with his heart medication.
Nate must prove that Liselle is innocent and the evidence is piling up against her.
I really enjoy this series and going to start the next one!!
Nate is now representing Liselle Vila, that had come to down with her date, a billionaire to attend
a wedding. During the wedding reception, her date, Richard Phillips, collaspes to the floor and dies. The first ruling is that Richard had an irregular heart beat and died of it.
Now after the autopsy is done, they have decided that they will charge Liselle with murder. They believe that she gave him an over the counter drug that interfered with his heart medication.
Nate must prove that Liselle is innocent and the evidence is piling up against her.
I really enjoy this series and going to start the next one!!
July 30, 2022
As a criminal defense attorney, I appreciate Mr. Stagg's portrayal of the life of a criminal jury trial. The premise of this trial was questionable, and that's the only reason I rated it a 4 star review. The characters are well drawn, the courtroom scenes fairly accurate, and Nate Shepherd's scruples present a positive view of a criminal defense attorney. The story line moves in a linear fashion, and the main protagonist, Liselle Vila is a complex and compelling character. At the end, you are left with an enigmatic conclusion that keeps one thinking about the story after the last page is read. This is my second read in the series, and I look forward to the next volume.
February 16, 2023
As an attorney with forty years plus in I read very few legal fiction books because most are just not good. This author's strength is his trial examination and cross examination. That and the judge's rulings are very accurate and good. the one issue I had with this one was the medical hypothesis.
Simply being low on a high blood pressure medication is generally not going to send one into an arrythmia that results in cardiac death. Eating cheese, drinking red wine and eating prosciutto is equally not going to cause the cardiac death. The science was wrong. The legal process and examination was right. so Half good
Simply being low on a high blood pressure medication is generally not going to send one into an arrythmia that results in cardiac death. Eating cheese, drinking red wine and eating prosciutto is equally not going to cause the cardiac death. The science was wrong. The legal process and examination was right. so Half good
October 28, 2024
True Intent
An excellent book but an erroneous detail that would have sunk an otherwise effective defense. The actual emerald ash borer disaster did not begin with a cargo shipment to a Detroit port. There are no international ports in Detroit. The EAB came into Western Wayne County through the Metropolitan Airport which is 20 miles outside of Detroit. The larva was in the woodwork of some furniture from China and spread across Wayne County.
An anti Detroit regional planning agency created an irrational plan that did not handle the problem. The truth would of the AEB would have made a better story.
pb
An excellent book but an erroneous detail that would have sunk an otherwise effective defense. The actual emerald ash borer disaster did not begin with a cargo shipment to a Detroit port. There are no international ports in Detroit. The EAB came into Western Wayne County through the Metropolitan Airport which is 20 miles outside of Detroit. The larva was in the woodwork of some furniture from China and spread across Wayne County.
An anti Detroit regional planning agency created an irrational plan that did not handle the problem. The truth would of the AEB would have made a better story.
pb
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