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Star of Justice #1

Long Road to Justice

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He’s lived a lie for sixteen years.

With his mother murdered and his father convicted, Texas State Trooper David Harper reinvented himself. Now, truth is rising to the surface.

The conviction is overturned and David has to come clean with everyone—especially CJ, his wife of five months. It’s time for truth. It’s time to deal with this gnawing need for revenge…his mother deserves justice.

David and CJ stir the pot. A den of snakes comes out striking and another murder is committed. His father is next on the list. David races against the clock to catch a killer intent on silencing the only family he has left.

Long Road to Justice is a clean-read police procedural sure to satisfy every mystery lover with its serpentine twists and turns on the road to justice.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2020

842 people are currently reading
404 people want to read

About the author

Bruce Hammack

49 books422 followers
Drawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.

When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.

Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.

He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...

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5 stars
959 (50%)
4 stars
558 (29%)
3 stars
283 (14%)
2 stars
69 (3%)
1 star
39 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Vannetta Chapman.
Author 128 books1,448 followers
June 5, 2020
This was a fun, well-written story about a corrupt town and what lengths the Texas Rangers go to in order to put the proper people behind bars. I loved it! Filled with quirky characters as well as main characters that it's easy to cheer for.

With this story, Hammack's experience working in the prison system shines through. I'm looking forward to his next release.

Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Diane.
984 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2025
First in a series. Clean read. Man caught up in phony arrest by a corrupt system.
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews17 followers
June 18, 2020
This is book one of the Star of Justice series and sees Texas State Trooper David Harper suddenly having to face his past. A past he thought was put away, when he changed his name years ago. Harper reinvented himself after the death of his mother, a death that his father was convicted of and sent to prison for. Some sixteen years later, his father’s conviction has been overturned and he is left trying to figure out how to tell his wife CJ and all their friends, about who he truly is, something he hasn’t had to face since he was a teenager. Changes in DNA testing has proven his father had nothing to do with his wife’s death and now Harper wants to get justice for both his father and his mother!

He finds it difficult to tell is wife of only five months that he has been keeping such a big secret for so many years and before he can finally get up the courage to tell her, a personal tragedy hits them both. Relying on some great friends and family, they begin to mend and work on his father’s case. There is a massive conspiracy being investigated by numerous groups of law enforcement and they all tie in with the reluctance of some to see his father being released. Harper and CJ must work some magic to stop the killer who wants to silence the only family member that Harper has left. All while having their family home built and busy workloads to contend with.

A fantastic read and a storyline with many twists on the long road to justice. A sense of injustice, brought about by greed and all mixed in with the corruption of a few who thought they could make money by perverting the usual processes of their jobs, to line their own pockets. It seems they didn’t care about any sense of injustice nor about keeping an innocent man incarcerated. I loved how CJ managed to get everyone together in helping Harper to act more rationally, but also her part in his father’s safe release. Great read and I would love to read more from this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
1,780 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2024
This was a well written story. The author demonstrated great skill in using the characters to pull all the threads together to make a complex and intriguing mystery come to life. Something that seemed like a diversion is actually a significant portion of the story. More than once this is true. If you love following mysteries, particularly those which bring human emotions into the plot as a relevant part of the story, you will love this one.

Certainly a great story for all mystery lovers.
88 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
Exciting

There is excitement on every page. It keeps me going from page one until the end of the book. I think I'll read more by this author.
31 reviews
May 9, 2020
I have just finished reading Long Road to Justice by Bruce Hammack. I greatly enjoyed the book. It is well-written with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. It is a good, clean mystery story that any mystery-loving fan can enjoy, regardless of age. I look forward to following this series and checking out other books by Mr. Hammack.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion regarding it.
53 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2023
Very clever. I ended up laughing out loud and that NEVER happens with me. It has been a very long time since I enjoyed a book this much. Well Done!
Profile Image for Daisey.
634 reviews
December 17, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Clean. More complex than a lot of books out there.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,658 reviews1,227 followers
December 11, 2023
Current Day
Riverview, Texas

Main characters:
David Harper: State trooper
C.J. Harper, aka Catherine Jo: Campus police lieutenant
Robert Quisenheimer: David’s father in prison for murdering David’s mother
Bea and Billy Paul Stargate: David and CJ’s closest neighbors and friends
Biff Stewart: David's best friend in high school, practical joker
Charlene Rhodes-Shipley: David's high school sweetheart, gone corrupt
Luther Martinson: A fascinating older gentleman who help David through a tough time

“The rage left when you went to the cross. At that moment, you started the process of forgiveness.”
David lowered his chin. “Process? I feel great. Why do you say I’ve only started the process of forgiveness?”
The pastor shrugged. “Rage can leave quickly, but anger and offense take much longer. You have an extra burden. You’re a policeman working on the case. You’ll be tested. You have a long way to go."


********** ********** ********** **********

So, Bruce Hammack is a new-to-me author and I’m pretty much blown away. I don’t know why or when I bought this book, but I’m so glad I did. When I finished it I immediately looked on Audible, Libby and ChristianAudio.com. Nothing. These book sellers/lenders need to get Bruce Hammack on their radar! I could not put this book down.

Apparently I’m on a police/law enforcement drama theme… didn’t mean to, it just turned out those were the ones I picked when I flipped through my volumes of Kindle books. Until I get the next book in this Star of Justice series I’ll probably go with another genre.

Anyway, this book is primarily about a newlywed Christian couple who go through a few traumas right off the bat. But the way they’re handled is pretty amazing. There’s sadness, but Christian friends, family and co-workers rally around them to support. That was fine writing and lovely to read.

Backtracking here. They are both in law enforcement. David is a state trooper sergeant, an assistant to the Texas Rangers. CJ is an assistant chief of police in a university police department.

When David hears some news about his father his first thought is serious retribution. Yes, even Christians can be brought to a mental state that is out of control. But again, Christian family and his very loving wife head right into prayer… and God gets things done in a mighty way.

That’s in just the first few chapters. The rest of the book is good vs evil, good law enforcement vs corruption and graft.

I've placed this book in my wow-factor category and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good police drama. If they could only make movies or TV shows this good.
1,445 reviews27 followers
December 21, 2023
The Star of Justice Series:
An interesting series from one of my newly found favorite authors. A strong clear writing style and knowledgeable on the Rules of English and about Law Enforcement makes Mr. Hammack a must read author. No silly drama, no vulgar language and no explicit sex are important in the books I read, just give me the story. Source: My library or BookSirens.

Long Road to Justice, #1 - Rather immersing from the gitgo with all the various and interesting story lines and a cast of good characters, along with a twist or three. Source: My library. 5*

A Murder Redeemed, #2 - Picks up a month after LRTJ ends. A lot of this story is real life in Texas. The MM do steal keys several ways, including come into your home and getting them any time. Not only are cars taken, anything from lawnmowers to dishes to food to clothing, including underwear. There is a network and anyone is a victim. Notice the strange amounts of deranged crowing roosters, psycho barking dogs, maybe a braying mule, looping continuously? That is part of the signals used to warn each other and cover what they are doing in and around a home or business. Don't think the contents of your box at the bank is safe from these criminals. I am one of their victims, including the all out destruction of two homes. This story is a good read. Source: My library. 5*

A Grave Secret, #3 - Picks up during Spring Break. Some good twists and I loved the ending. Source: My library. 5*

Justice On A Midnight Clear, #4 - Picks up in November. Interesting but a little unbelievable with the reactions after the fire, but the story had to end successful somehow. Still a good read. Source: BookSirens. 4*
1,730 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2022
This story starts with David and CJ being married and CJ is a deputy chief at ACU. The story tells how David reunites with his father who he ignored because his father was convicted of David's mother's murder. David's father has been ordered set free because of how the trial was handled. It seemed that the sheriff had failed to produce evidence to the defense that would have caused him to be release.

As it was getting near time for his releae, the Dudge, DA and Sheriff were planning to make sure that David's father. Bob, did not survive. Follow the story as the plot is uncovered and how when the time comes, the corrupt officials plan is thwarted. See how this ultimately brings David and Bob together and also how another person that was saved with CJ's and Dvid's assistance.

The story provides information that will help you in later books.
Profile Image for Ajoyful1.
107 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2020
So happy to read my first Bruce Hammack book!

I love clean reads. Love them. Good writers don't need gratuitous profanity, gore and sex scenes to grab a reader with a great story. I almost never read books written by men because of just that. Those pop up fast in the samples and I can delete without wasting my money. I took a chance on Hammack's book. So glad I did. The story was clean and fun, a great mystery with action and memorable characters. Took off from page one and didn't land till the last sentence. Was a little corny, but it only made me smile or even laugh out loud. I'll be reading more of this author's books. Loved his bio too! If you want clean books of substance and not gooey romance and titillation, this is one for you.
12 reviews
December 10, 2021
Long road to justice

This would have been a fun book if there had been less Christianity in it. All the praying and the praising didn't strike me as realistic. When I saw that it was described as a "clean" book, I was encouraged to order it... I'm not fond of descriptions of throbbing and thrusting body parts the same way I'm not fond of overly religious texts. The author is a good storyteller all in all, but he may have been hampered by length requirements. I felt there Should have been more story to the story... More fleshing out of characters and more explanation of behaviors.




Profile Image for Christine.
422 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2023
This book had been sitting in my Kindle library for over a year. I should have read it right away and not have waited so long to read it. The book well written and organized. There are unique and memorable characters. The story is engaging and unpredictable with an amusing end. This is light and entertaining reading; it's a full length novel, so it took a few days to read. The action takes place in Texas. Locations: [Texas: Lake Jackson, Brazoria County, Waco, Clemens Unit Prison Farm, Freeport, Houston, Angleton]
3,938 reviews21 followers
March 16, 2024
David Harper has a secret that he hasn't told his wife of five months. David changed his name when his father was convicted of murdering his mother. Sixteen years later, the conviction was overturned by a higher court. Hower, the county crooks have a good thing going and they don't want to let him free.

This began slowly but soon moved into high gear. This is a satisfying read. However, it isn't as gripping as the first book in the Fen Maguire Series (MURDER ON THE BRAZOS).

Star of Justice – Total of 4
** 1. Long Road to Justice (2020)
2. A Murder Redeemed (2021)
Profile Image for Christy.
1,274 reviews68 followers
March 25, 2025
I loved Long Road to Justice! It has a plot that will keep you turning the pages as David, his wife CJ, and several others attempt to reveal corrupt elected officials in the justice department. These are the same ones who wrongfully accused his father of murdering his mother using evidence that convinced David his dad really was guilty. Hammack weaves the theme of forgiveness throughout the story. I actually read this the same week my own pastor preached on forgiveness including forgiving yourself. I loved the characters and can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
January 17, 2022
There are really a lot of twists and turns in this novel. Secrets abound but are eventually found out.

With the help of his friends and his wife they have to save his father's life once he is released from prison from a crime he did not commit. He did not murder his wife!! With the help of his nutty joke loving friend they devise a way to do just that. AND they manage to find all the culprits involved with a host of other people!
Profile Image for Jefrois.
481 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2022
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BOOK STARTS OUT WITH A NEEDLESSLY KEPT deep, dark, desperate Secret.

Followed by a very highly, certainly, 100% PREDICTABLE, cheap trick, bllsht death.

I already hate this book. It’s just too full of too much bllsht and no story. Cheap tricks. What’s next? The dog dies?

SPARE ME!!!

THIS P OS BORED ME SO I STARTED SKIPPING ENTIRE CHAPTERS and then I just quit reading and dumped the book. Returned it, un read.

In my opinion, this book stunk.
.

.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
602 reviews17 followers
May 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, just as I have enjoyed all of Bruce Hammack's books so far. The plot gets quite convoluted but also clever. It's satisfying when the criminals who think they'll get away with anything find themselves caught in a net of their own making. In this case, a whole network from Judge to court Clerk is corrupt but their corruption catches them out. The family and friends of an innocent man, sent to jail 16 years turn the tables for an ending that was worth waiting for.
26 reviews
October 28, 2021
Refreshingly Exciting!

When i chose this book, i kinda wondered what a clean book was, and hoped it wouldn't be a romance, as I prefer crime, police, detective type mysteries.

Pleasantly surprised, it is still a story with crime and corruption, but not as gritty as others. Lots of twists and turns, and 'down home' wisdom here.

I REALLY enjoyed it!
256 reviews
November 7, 2021
Cheerful and humorous

An innocent man was setup for the murder of his wife. The author tells story of the last few hectic days before he was exonerated. All characters appear at the right time and the right place. When they open mouth, their talks were nonstop. When they act, their actions were heroic. Life is easy and full of laugh.
476 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2022
Verified Clean Read

Mr. Hammack is a man of his word, he delivered an excellent clean read crime fiction. The story mystery story was very well woven and included some very supportive life examples onhow to deal with revenge and contemplating suicidal thoughts. A little extra education with morals. Thanks for an entertaining novel and series
261 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
Long ride to justice

A shame of the past, change name and move on with your life.. Try to leave the past in the past. But the past needs to addressed, and a wrong rectified. A son searching for the real truth, not what has been presented. And his road to redemption, to search for that truth of who really killed his mom, even if it was his father, he needs to know.
135 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2022
What a great mystery

I do love a good clean mystery. Long Road To Justice has it all. So many elements to this story. The level of corruption in the Brazoria County, the lengths CJ, David, and friends and associates go to to assure justice is incredible. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,370 reviews14 followers
September 23, 2022
What a warped storyline. I expect a lot from this author and I always get it in every book. So this is the second series that I have read by him and I am very impressed. I really like the characters and I like the development of the storyline. So if the first book started out with such a bang I can’t wait to see what the next book is gonna be like!
142 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2023
Another winner!

The author serves up a fast-moving, twisty story that kept me turning pages well after my bedtime under the guise of "just one more chapter". The characters and settings are believable and well developed, which allows the reader to get sucked right into the storyline. I will continue to follow this author.
110 reviews
September 25, 2021
Bruce Hammack does it again

I have read all of the Steve Smiley mysteries and loved them . Now I am reading the Star of Justice series. CJ Harper and her husband David make a great couple fighting injustice and crime. I could not put the book down. Best story yet.
3 reviews
January 2, 2022
The only reason.it didn't get five star it was not long enogh,

A.great read from becoming to end could not put it down
Anyone who likes A good crime thriller will love this.

Flogga,
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
January 13, 2022
awesome

I have never read any of Bruce’s work before. I really enjoyed this one. It’s well written,humorous, and full of suspense. I really like the characters especially Biff and his wife. I know you’re going to love this book.
52 reviews
January 31, 2022
Gold-a source of evil

Easy to follow storyline with some plot twists. Would have enjoyed more details on the characters. Kept my interest as the road led to justice.
A good read. Worth the time spent .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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