Tribes

Scott Fenney #4

by Mark Gimenez

An FBI agent shoots and kills a black boy during a gang raid gone bad. The politically ambitious Dallas district attorney indicts the agent for manslaughter and turns the case into a cause. The agent begs Federal District Judge A. Scott Fenney to defend her, but that would require he resign his lifetime appointment to the federal bench. He can't. But he must.

Genres: Legal

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2020

About the author

Mark Gimenez grew up in Galveston County, Texas, and attended Texas State University and Notre Dame Law School. He practiced law and was a partner in a large Dallas firm. He is the author of ten novels—The Color of Law, The Abduction, The Perk, The Common Lawyer, Accused, The Governor's Wife, Con Law, The Case Against William, The Absence of Guilt, and End of Days (Con Law II)—as well as a children's novel, Parts & Labor: The Adventures of Max Dugan. His books have received critical acclaim around the world. They have been bestsellers in the UK, Ireland, Australia, India, and South Africa and have been translated into fifteen foreign languages. The Perk won a spot in Books to Die For: The World's Greatest Mystery Writers on the World's Greatest Mystery Novels, edited by John Connolly and Declan Burke.

Reviews

[Carol Feldman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a novel; it’s a RANT by the author

After purging on all four of this author’s Fenney series, I was easily aware that this author was not good with character development, but generally fair with plot development. This book failed at both, and became a platform for the authors opinions.
By chapter 4 or so, I realized the boy was a shield. The author ranted about vaginas for an eternity, about the Black Lives Matter movement throughout, and the Hispanic gang/immigration issues as if he knew the answers. I felt like the author had the goals of the DA in the form of male supremacy. This book was just a platform for the author’s rant.

[Ed · Rating 1 out of 5]

So Disappointing

To wait so long for the next Scott Fenney book and then to get this piece of drivel. Major disappointment! It was bad on so many levels. The politics it was promoting. Blacks are evil. Whites aren't racists. It was preachy - pages worth. I've read all of Gimenez's books. Unlikely to ever read another. I encourage you to save your time and money and pass on this diatribe.

[Elizabeth Waldmann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read all of the Gimenez books and enjoyed them. Not this one. I suppose I’m not in his ‘tribe’. Way too preachy and wrong on so many accounts.

[Veronica Strackbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

What a great book. It is spot on to the turmoil happening in our country today. It addresses the hate and anger. It shows a way to a better unity for a country. It shows the path to the destruction of our way of life. Read it, listen to it learn from it. Our country is at a great crossroads and this story can help guide us through this time. All Americans---no matter color, race, or religion--- could learn a lot about what we are living today.

[Chance Copeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so

This one was harder to get through. I’ve liked all of his books so far, but this one I found to be too political. There were periods where entire monologues were dedicated to divulging the character’s various political opinions. These could extend a few pages, and I found myself wanting to skip them and move on to content.

The story was good, but I didn’t like the ending and some of the characters were ridiculous (namely the DA and the judge that seemed to disparage his own people with his political views). I’m not sure I’d recommend this book and I don’t think it compares to previous books in the series. I hope the next returns to its original roots as a legal thriller and leaves behind the political soliloquies.

[LizM · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read, it's sexist, racist and misogynistic. Mark Gimenez seems to have gone on some weird crusade to prove that critical race theory doesn't exist and everything ever is black people's fault. It's such a huge departure from his other books (that I've really enjoyed) with characters making huge, long monologues, unnecessary sexual references (the word vagina gets a lot of weird usage) and a totally ridiculous ending that you could see coming from a mile off. Also the ending seems to imply in his next book, he's going to turn A Scott Fenney into some Jack Reacher-type vigilante. Utter shite. Avoid.

[Clintsy Bell Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely.

When I was notified that a new A. Scott Fenney book was available, I jumped on it. Mr. Gimenez must have very strong feelings regarding the current climate in America, because this story is on point with current events. I was captivated by the new characters and the strong beliefs on all sides. Spoiler Alert! I didn't really like the ending, but it was expected. The upside is that there is another story possible.

[Cindy Clayton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed all of your books, but this one was awful. Your political stance is clear and ridiculous. Would be nice if you actually understood what defunding police and sanctuary cities really mean instead of repeating trump's b.s. The D.A. was a ridiculous character and the cursing in the courtroom was so inauthentic. The ending was atrocious. Not sure if I will even bother reading your next book , I want to enjoy a book, not be completely disgusted by it.

[David Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

A thoroughly disappointing effort from one of my favourite authors. "Diatribes" would be a more accurate title. I hope Mark feels better after getting this off his chest but I didn't after persevering to the bitter end. One, long political statement.

[John Bauman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was terrible. I forced myself to finish it because I liked the first three books, but holy cow, terrible writing, terrible story, terrible flow, awful all around. This reads like he did a bunch of drugs and let Alex jones insert a dozen rants into the narrative that completely cripple the storytelling. Horrible. And what… Scott is coming back as the punisher? Let me guess his daughters are his side kicks and they say whereas at the end of each chapter. Great character in Scott Finney but this almost ruined the whole series.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tribes Book 4

I did not enjoy this book as much as the previous books
1, 2, and 3 were wonderful. I got so excited when I learned
No. 4 was out . The book spent more time in on present day crisis here in America that in the storyline. I think the point
Of racism could of been made in the book without taking
Away from the family . And then to have read almost the
While book just to see another loved one for and the baby
Killed to was just a little much. Yet the DA who is evil go
Free , just a little much.

So with saying all of this
I give it a 3.

[Rayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed his earlier books, beyond this series, but the last 2 of the Scott Fennes have been a disappointment for entertainment value: too detailed of legal procedures (#3 explaining all the court proceedings; judge said, lawyer said, argued Constitution ....), and too political(#4 - anarchy and playing the media for political gain is perhaps too close to home) but all the silly vagina talk became redundant . I am sorry to leave this author but two strikes .....

[John G Mayfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

College Thesis or Novel

I love Mark Gimenez and have read and enjoyed all his prior books.

This one…not so much. Felt like I was watching a college debate on social (in)justice. I can turn on the tv to experience that.

I think there was a story plot somewhere but it was weak, at best. And, borderline vulgar with no point.

I’ll give Mark the benefit of doubt and consider this a one-off of his usual excellent writing.

[Ann Rotatori · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed his earlier works but I really disliked this book. The characters are completely unbelievable. The final chapters were a lecture in personal opinion, not ‘in character’ for a novel. I would have quit reading it if not for book club. A true disappointment that will likely steer me away from his other novels.

[Perry Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have given all of Mark Giminez's books a 5.....im looking forwardto fenney 5 !....but this book was odd in that the plot was obvious and I had guessed the twists and turns a number of times....there was also a lot of far right politics in it....it was a good holiday read...but his weakest book by far

[Elsie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribes, another great book by Mark Gimenrz

I highly recommend new book by Mark Gimenez, Tribes. All of his books have given me many hours of reading pleasure. Warning, once you begin reading it is impossible to stop

[Sandi Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read For Understanding Current Events and Saving America

Well written and captivating story of unrest in America and the stakes, if we fail to see and come to battle the real agenda of the progressive/Marxist/tribal movement that is trying to destroy our great country.

[candee t smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have loved all Mark Giminez’s books until this one. It was a rant and very political. I will probably not buy another of his books as I had to make myself finish this one. He needs to stick to the law/crime fiction and skip the over politicized positions.

[Annmcalp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not this one

I have loved all of Mark Giminez’s books, and waited for the new one to come out. This one was a series of monologues, it was predictable, and worst it was pedagogical and boring.This was not a work of fiction and entertainment, it was an extended opinion.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for these times

After reading Con Law &Con Law II, this book carries on the deep analysis of what could be the future for America?? Well thought out plot that keeps the pages turning...

[Jennifer Neckermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but depressing.

I have enjoyed Mr. Gimenez's books, and they are always timely to current events however this one just too sad and hate filled. I read as an escape, but now i have to find something upbeat to erase this book from my memory.

[Michael Tuvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

ALL LIVES MATTER

A good story spoiled by too much rhetoric about racism and politics. Fictional stories are not the place to make political statements.

[Bob Reim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary

I have read all of his books and don’t consider it among the best. Too much narrative, particularly from the trial judge and the DA. Daughters are a great relief.

[Sue Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Judge's speech before his final ruling was amazing. Should be shared and read by all. What a world we could live in if everyone took his words to heart.

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best Mark Gimenez book ive read. To be honest haven't enjoyed his last few. Struggled with this one wanted more law but hence not much.

NOT WORTH A RE READ

[Michael Harnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

White FBI agent shots. 12 yr old black kid in a raid of a Latino gang house. The book is extremely preachy, the characters are unbelievable and unrealistic. This must be Mark Gimenez’s worst book.

[M.Hammill · Rating 1 out of 5]

used to be a fan

So implausible.So unbelievable.Last of his books I will spend money on.Did not reach half way
Pity to lose an author whose books gave me such enjoyment

[Forgetfulone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so so so disappointed in this book! I usually LOVE Mark Gimenez and put him on level with John Grisham, but he let me down so much. This book is part sex, part politics, and part diatribe. There is only a scant amount of drama and the story is so predictable. And way too many uses of "whereas" in this book. The first few times, it was cute. Not anymore.

A. Scott Fenney is a Federal Judge who leaves his judgeship to represent his former lover who is accused of manslaughter in the death of an 11 year old boy during a raid on a notorious gang that had 12 young black girls held captive to be sold as sex slaves. The former lover, Cat, from his previous book, is an FBI agent who went above and beyond the call of duty to go into the home and attack from the rear while the other agents were out front taking cover behind their disabled SUVs where a dozen agents were already dead. Catarena killed two dogs and every human in the home including the young boy.

SPOILER ALERT: So many inconsistencies and unforgiveables in this book! Throwing F bombs in the courtroom. Not acceptable in ANY court of law. A local DA who is in "love" with a man she has never actually met, so much so that she sends him "vagina" texts and tries to seduce him numerous times despite the fact that he isn't interested. And what judge would leave his lifetime secure post to defend the woman who is about to be the mother of his child? Can you say CONFLICT OF INTEREST? But he also defended his ex-wife, who we find out in this novel is now dead in Mexico.

STILL SPOILING: Did anyone at all find it believable that the DA would host a concert and throw F bombs on TV? That she would incite riots on purpose? That she would tip off The Tribe of Death gang that the FBI is about to conduct a raid? That she would allow 12 young girls to be sacrificed to start her race war? She couldn't have known Cat would go in the back way and save the day. And who believes that the gang leader would mug for a camera allowing all of the gang's activities to be recorded then let the girl recording it get away. Then other gang members kill her AFTER she is in witness protection and relocated to France. That sounds right. (not)

STILL MORE SPOILING: It was completely obvious that Jesse was being used as a human shield long before the characters figured it out. Also, is it realistic to think that the top guy in the gang would go from Houston to Dallas and actually give a speech before killing Cat and her unborn child? Wouldn't Cat and Scott still have been taking precautions to keep her safe since everyone in the city was blaming her for killing a young black boy? And would a medical examiner actually commit perjury willingly for any reason?

LAST OF THE SPOILERS: What parents talk to their 13 year old girls about multiple orgasms? Oh. That's right. None. And allow them to use swear words generously. And the judges diatribe at the end of the trial was pure propoganda on how to fix America. I may agree with some of the concepts, but I just find it difficult to believe that a judge would deliver a verdict that long and that personal and that irrelevant to the actual case which was clearly whether or not she was acting in a manner reasonable to her expected job duties to be immune to prosecution under the Supremacy Clause. Her case technically had nothing to do with race.

Okay. I'm done complaining now. I was hoping Scott would get married and live happily ever after and the girls would have a mother, but it was not to be. I don't really want to read any more about A. Scott Fenney.

[Tracy Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I love this series of books. I seriously hope this is not the last in the series. In this latest installment, the author takes on racial justice/injustice of the current day with "tribal" disputes in modern day Dallas following the death of an "innocent" black boy at the hands of a "white" (Latina) FBI agent. A. Scott Fenney decides to step down from the bench to represent Agent Pena, the accused agent, who is also carrying his child. The black female DA is inciting riots based on the gangland shooting and massacre. The story of Nelson Mandela and South Africa and Black Lives Matter and George Floyd has a bit of a different spin than some might think. Not necessarily either side of the aisle, but some parts that make you think. Another great book.

[Sharyn Hutchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important book with a critical message

I’ve read all of Gimenez's books and enjoyed every one. This one I can’t really say I enjoyed because it is a book based on the volatile situation in America now, but it’s message should be read by everyone. There are long dry passages involving the Constitution and soliloquies by various people. The book would be more readable if those had been broken up somehow. But the information is not just important, but critical for our very survival. I’m a big fan of F Scott, Boo, and Pajamae (I wish I knew how to pronounce her name) and certainly of the author. Read it.