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Jack Patterson #1
When Men Betray
Why would Woody Cole, a peaceful, caring man, shoot a US Senator in cold blood on live television? That's the mystery facing attorney Jack Patterson as he returns to Little Rock, Arkansas, a town he swore he would never step foot in again. When Men Betray is the first book of fiction from author, lecturer, and political insider Webb Hubbell. A departure from his previous book, Friends in High Places, an account of his rise and fall in Little Rock, Hubbell crafts a deft narrative of mystery and political intrigue. Set in a fictionalized version of his home town of Little Rock, Arkansas, readers will be immersed into the steamy world behind the southern BBQ and antebellum facade-a seedy underbelly of secrets and betrayals. Clever readers may recognize the colorful personalities and locales of the Arkansas political scene. Jack is supported by a motley but able crew; loyal assistant Maggie, college-aged daughter Beth, feisty lawyer Micki, and his bodyguard Clovis. Together, Jack and his rag-tag team are in a race against time to discover Woody's hidden motive. All he has is a series of strange clues, hired thugs gunning for him, and the one man who knows everything isn't talking. Alliances are tested, buried tensions surface, and painful memories are relived as he tries to clear the name of his old college friend. Jack Patterson will find that even the oldest friendships can be quickly destroyed when men betray
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2014
About the author
Webb Hubbell
12 books58 followersWebb Hubbell, former Associate Attorney General of the United States, is an author and lecturer. His novels, When Men Betray, Ginger Snaps, A Game Of Inches, The Eighteenth Green, The East End, and Light of Day, and his memoir, Friends in High Places are published by Beaufort Books. When Men Betray won one of the IndieFab awards for best novel in 2014. Ginger Snaps Won the IPPY Awards Gold Medal for best suspense/thriller. He also writes a daily blog of personal meditations at thehubbellpew.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 12, 2014
I received an advanced copy of this book at BookCon14 this year, and I'm glad I did. Webb Hubbell has created an engaging legal/political thriller. I enjoyed the fact that the book occurs in Little Rock--finally another location aside from NYC, Florida, New England, or California! I was able to derive a feel for the area and the Down South culture.
The plot was intriguing. I'm not too familiar with the legal thriller sub genre, and as such I felt Hubbell did a nice job of providing a foundation of contextual understanding for the field: the terminology, the personalities usually involved with such narratives, the work involved in conducting a trial that an "outsider" isn't generally aware of, the rhythm and flow of the storyline. I felt almost like I was reading a modern, youthful version of a Matlock episode. That comparison is not meant derogatorily--the story was written so a typical laymen not involved in the law field could grasp the concepts and investigatory work. In my opinion, I find the Matlockian approach more understandable than the tv-CSI approach, which is too fast-paced and specific to keep up with. However, despite not having experience with the court system, I wonder how realistic the courtroom dealings were that played out. Understanding this is a work of fiction, I was hesitant to believe real-life scenarios would occur and play out in the fashion they did in this book.
The character development could have been stronger but the characters were believable. Dialogue was a little canned, but that's a difficult item to overcome. I like Patterson, Clovis, and Micki the most. And Bea's cooking sounds way too enticing.
There wasn't a whole lot of action, violence, explosions, and the like. There didn't seem to be depth in any area of the book, whether it was character development or courtroom narratives, for example. Part of that is based on the first-person narration, so the depth factor makes sense to a large degree. I was left wanting more. But if Mr. Hubbell continues to write and publish, I'm confident his storytelling will continue improving on the several fronts it came up slightly short.
I would recommend this read for anyone who wants a methodical, rhythmic legal thriller, wanting to go understand how this niche in the genre can be made appealing to a mass audience. Nice job, Mr. Hubbell!
The plot was intriguing. I'm not too familiar with the legal thriller sub genre, and as such I felt Hubbell did a nice job of providing a foundation of contextual understanding for the field: the terminology, the personalities usually involved with such narratives, the work involved in conducting a trial that an "outsider" isn't generally aware of, the rhythm and flow of the storyline. I felt almost like I was reading a modern, youthful version of a Matlock episode. That comparison is not meant derogatorily--the story was written so a typical laymen not involved in the law field could grasp the concepts and investigatory work. In my opinion, I find the Matlockian approach more understandable than the tv-CSI approach, which is too fast-paced and specific to keep up with. However, despite not having experience with the court system, I wonder how realistic the courtroom dealings were that played out. Understanding this is a work of fiction, I was hesitant to believe real-life scenarios would occur and play out in the fashion they did in this book.
The character development could have been stronger but the characters were believable. Dialogue was a little canned, but that's a difficult item to overcome. I like Patterson, Clovis, and Micki the most. And Bea's cooking sounds way too enticing.
There wasn't a whole lot of action, violence, explosions, and the like. There didn't seem to be depth in any area of the book, whether it was character development or courtroom narratives, for example. Part of that is based on the first-person narration, so the depth factor makes sense to a large degree. I was left wanting more. But if Mr. Hubbell continues to write and publish, I'm confident his storytelling will continue improving on the several fronts it came up slightly short.
I would recommend this read for anyone who wants a methodical, rhythmic legal thriller, wanting to go understand how this niche in the genre can be made appealing to a mass audience. Nice job, Mr. Hubbell!
May 29, 2014
"Couldn't put it down" was the comment by several people who read this new book and a tribute to the author's skill in so tightly plotting his first novel. It's a legal thriller in the mold of John Grisham, with the added interest of an insider's view of Little Rock. State capitals have their own versions of political intrigue, and Little Rock also has a racial history worthy of examination. The characters are memorable, and I look forward to sequels. My editorial pickiness regarding production values is the only thing preventing the fifth star. Disclosure: The author is a relative.
April 4, 2015
The author has experience in this field ad that comes through in his writing. This book has everything a good political thriller should, superb character development and suspense building which makes it hard to put down until you’ve finished the book. His knowledge of the legal system and how the cronyism work on in a small southern town is evident. It’s a book about friendship, loyalty and fulfilling your duty to a friend even if you have to go back to the last place on earth you want to be.
Hubbell's legal thriller is a welcome change from the trite, clichéd, dull novels that many authors in this genre are releasing yearly to fulfill a contractual obligation. I look forward to his next novel.
** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are mine**.
Hubbell's legal thriller is a welcome change from the trite, clichéd, dull novels that many authors in this genre are releasing yearly to fulfill a contractual obligation. I look forward to his next novel.
** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are mine**.
June 3, 2014
I was beyond thrilled to read a book set in my hometown of Little Rock (and recognized many locations and people whose names were changed). The descriptions of food were especially nice. A fast-paced courtroom thriller - I’m sure that many, many people will rave about it and it will be made into a movie.
That being said, as another reviewer stated it was “tightly plotted”… and also edited within an inch of its life. It read more like a screenplay, all the spark and life had been removed, and the characters were flat clichés. I would probably be harsher if it wasn’t written by a local author.
That being said, as another reviewer stated it was “tightly plotted”… and also edited within an inch of its life. It read more like a screenplay, all the spark and life had been removed, and the characters were flat clichés. I would probably be harsher if it wasn’t written by a local author.
August 13, 2016
Two things initially interested me to check out this book: The author who I recalled was involved in the “Whitewater” controversy and later convicted of fraud; and the cover blurb by Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist and also convicted of fraud and conspiracy.
When I read the opening chapter I was hooked and barely put it down. A quick, enjoyable read with a hero committed to see justice served.
When I read the opening chapter I was hooked and barely put it down. A quick, enjoyable read with a hero committed to see justice served.
July 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this murder mystery set in Little Rock Arkansas. I thought it was very good for his first novel and would recommend it for a fun easy read. Looking forward to reading his new book. Sorry that none of the libraries in St. Louis had this book. I bought it from Amazon.
January 21, 2015
Good book with a good plot. My Arkansas friends will enjoy the book from this Little Rock native and enjoy the local backdrop.
May 9, 2018
I read this book shortly after it came out, not really knowing what to expect, and quickly became a fan. Often these kinds of books have wooden dialog and shallow characterizations, that leave you rolling your eyes, but you carry on because you're interested in what will happen next. When Men Betray is altogether different. It is suspenseful, intelligent, and well-written, with believable characters, and an utterly unpredictable plot. There is substance, legal understanding, even cynicism in the book's design, all of which combine to make a thoroughly engrossing experience. You can read When Men Betray for entertainment, but you will come away with a deeper understanding of the system and how it works. Kudos to Webb Hubbell for an outstanding first novel.
July 22, 2019
I initially purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend - one of those “obligatory reads cuz my friend told me to” purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and story line. A large part of the story takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I grew up and where friends and family still live. That added to my personal enjoyment of the book because you just don’t find many books set in Little Rock. It also made me appreciate Mr. Hubbell’s story-telling skills as he worked local history and locales into his plot. His location, characters and plot line blended into a believable and exciting story that I could not put down. I immediately purchased his next book upon finishing this one.
August 14, 2019
This book reminds me of an early John Grisham. It is filled with many twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. This is the first work of fiction by my old school mate, Webb Hubbell. I found it to be a very credible first effort. He has just published a new book, which I also look forward to reading.
December 22, 2019
A solid page-turner.
My 90-yr old mother, a real book-worm who devours a book every couple of days, raved about this one and suggested I read it. Spot-on recommendation. Up there with Grisham and Methos in legal tales.
My 90-yr old mother, a real book-worm who devours a book every couple of days, raved about this one and suggested I read it. Spot-on recommendation. Up there with Grisham and Methos in legal tales.
January 22, 2020
Webb Hubbell has a way with words and I was surprised and delighted by his style of keeping the reader connected as he goes back and forth to weave an interesting tale with a surprise ending wrapped up nicely. Great start for a series!
January 21, 2025
When Men Betray
I love a suspenseful thriller, and this one definitely hit the mark, one of the best that I have read in a while. I can’t wait to get to the second one in the series.
I love a suspenseful thriller, and this one definitely hit the mark, one of the best that I have read in a while. I can’t wait to get to the second one in the series.
November 29, 2018
3.5!
Great, fast, couldn’t put it down fun read.
Now back to Pearl Buck
Great, fast, couldn’t put it down fun read.
Now back to Pearl Buck
February 29, 2024
Good book
So many twists and turns and keeps you guessing to all the way to the end. Full of suspense and didn't want to put it down
So many twists and turns and keeps you guessing to all the way to the end. Full of suspense and didn't want to put it down
January 28, 2017
Good first attempt at mystery/intrigue fiction. Looking forward to future books.
June 17, 2015
I received this book through Good Reads First Read and this was an amazing book! I could not put this book down at all. Just when I thought I knew what was going on the author throws a curve and floors you. This is a must read.
August 21, 2015
Enjoyed every bit as much as a Grisham thriller. Kept turning pages to see what happened. Liked the good guys and not the bad. Had the chance to meet the author at a library event and loved being able to try to pick up on the points that he highlighted in his talk.
December 5, 2022
Antitrust and crime
An antitrust lawyer going to save his childhood friend. A matter of Crime which Jack Patterson not specialized at, but he need to take the case for his childhood friend and his mother.
An antitrust lawyer going to save his childhood friend. A matter of Crime which Jack Patterson not specialized at, but he need to take the case for his childhood friend and his mother.
December 18, 2022
Reads like Grisham!
This story starts out nice and slow, as you meet the characters. Then all hell breaks loose and the plot gets hot very fast! This is a legal thriller that will keep you fully engaged!
This story starts out nice and slow, as you meet the characters. Then all hell breaks loose and the plot gets hot very fast! This is a legal thriller that will keep you fully engaged!
January 15, 2023
👌
This book had a lot of potential and it did have its moments where i thought it was something that was going to meet my expectations. But then in the next chapter it would lose my attention.
This book had a lot of potential and it did have its moments where i thought it was something that was going to meet my expectations. But then in the next chapter it would lose my attention.
February 27, 2023
Love, intrigue and betrayal
Extremely well written! Strong character development! Intricate and filled with gems of surprise that will keep you reading! I’ll be reading more of this author!
Extremely well written! Strong character development! Intricate and filled with gems of surprise that will keep you reading! I’ll be reading more of this author!
July 15, 2014
Could not put it down! Great read.
July 7, 2014
When Men Betray is a courtroom drama/mystery that you will not be able to put down! I loved the main character Jack Patterson and look forward to the next one.
August 28, 2014
Great read-hope to see more books of his .
October 4, 2014
Good legal suspense
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews