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Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #14
The Contract Lawyer
A lawyer with a contract on his life, the contract lawyer.
Thaddeus Murfee is an attorney in San Diego, when he learns from the FBI there is a contract on his life. The FBI can help him discover who wants him dead only so far. The rest is up to him. So Thaddeus gathers his legal team, consisting of investigators Turquoise Murfee and Marcel Rainford. They begin reviewing law cases Thaddeus has handled where threats were made against him. They review law cases where Thaddeus has left someone dead or imprisoned.
The killers make an attempt on his life, then another. Thaddeus moves his operations to an area where he can detect intruders for miles in any direction. He makes contact with an ancient Navajo sheepherder from years before when he was on the run from the mob. Now he's on the run again and must rely on the old man’s wisdom and sweat lodge visions.
Can Thaddeus discover--and destroy--the killing machine before it finds and terminates him? Or will his family perish one by one?
Get ready for a late night!
Thaddeus Murfee is an attorney in San Diego, when he learns from the FBI there is a contract on his life. The FBI can help him discover who wants him dead only so far. The rest is up to him. So Thaddeus gathers his legal team, consisting of investigators Turquoise Murfee and Marcel Rainford. They begin reviewing law cases Thaddeus has handled where threats were made against him. They review law cases where Thaddeus has left someone dead or imprisoned.
The killers make an attempt on his life, then another. Thaddeus moves his operations to an area where he can detect intruders for miles in any direction. He makes contact with an ancient Navajo sheepherder from years before when he was on the run from the mob. Now he's on the run again and must rely on the old man’s wisdom and sweat lodge visions.
Can Thaddeus discover--and destroy--the killing machine before it finds and terminates him? Or will his family perish one by one?
Get ready for a late night!
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2020
1381 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
141 books515 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 30, 2021
Not The Best Of Thaddeus...
These Thaddeus Murder books are usually interesting stories with some fun legal wrangling. This time his nephew is kidnapped and Thaddeus goes against a Cartel in Columbia to get him back. A little too far-fetched for me, although I did read the whole thing. Ok at for a quick story to keep your interest for a while.
These Thaddeus Murder books are usually interesting stories with some fun legal wrangling. This time his nephew is kidnapped and Thaddeus goes against a Cartel in Columbia to get him back. A little too far-fetched for me, although I did read the whole thing. Ok at for a quick story to keep your interest for a while.
December 28, 2020
I have not read all of John Ellsworth's Thaddeus Murfee novels. But I greatly enjoyed the ones I have read. His latest, The Contract Lawyer, was no exception. It is well plotted and the characters are well developed. Thaddeus and his wife Christine practice law together in San Diego. Thaddeus has a sister Nancy who works for a defence industry tech company in this area. The novel begins with Nancy being blackmailed into procuring designs of new software and hardware for crooks who have kidnapped her son known as Sonny Boy. But the FBI is aware of the situation and move to apprehend Nancy as she completes her tenth transfer of info to the blackmailers.
Thaddeus is called and secures bail for her. An FBI supervisor alerts him that there are indications that the firm has links to a Columbian cartel that is engaged in white slavery. They suspect that Sonny Boy is being held at a cartel location in Columbia known as The Monkey's Paw. The FBI is unwilling to intervene.
Thaddeus and his investigator mount a plan to locate the Monkey's Paw, raid it and rescue all the kids being held there. They assemble a group of mercenaries who are known to them from various incidents in the past, equip them with weapons and related equipment and plan a rescue mission. Thaddeus and his buddy fly into Bogota, rendezvous with the team. They force a confession out of one of the cartel's henchmen and get a rough location for the target. Under the cover of darkness they mount an assault and rescue the kids including Sonny Boy. But Thaddeus' problems are just beginning. In an attempt to save the life of the lady who partnered with him during the assault he lashes her to a motorcycle and tries to sneak his way back through broken roads. He is found and shot, ends up in a ditch by the side of the road, badly wounded.
He is rescued by a colleague of a doctor named Antonella who takes him to Antonella's estate where she does some treatment of locals with medical problems. Thaddeus has a concussion and is unconscious. It takes months for her to nurse him back to physical health. But he has no memory of his name, who he is, where he is from and why he is there in Columbia. He and Christine each had satellite phones to contact one another when in trouble. But Christine is unable to reach him. Eventually Antonella procures a phone charger and recharges the phone. She connects with Christine. Christine and Thaddeus speak but he has no memory of her. She dispatches a plane to bring him back. When he is home he recognizes no one. He is reunited with his sister whose case is coming to trial. What can they do? Neither Thaddeus nor Christine have any confidence that Thaddeus can defend Nancy. Then Christine's sister is badly injured in an auto accident and Christine has to dash away to her bedside.
Can Thaddeus save his sister or will she end up executed because the charge is treason.
A fascinating novel which stretches credulity in a few places but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thaddeus is called and secures bail for her. An FBI supervisor alerts him that there are indications that the firm has links to a Columbian cartel that is engaged in white slavery. They suspect that Sonny Boy is being held at a cartel location in Columbia known as The Monkey's Paw. The FBI is unwilling to intervene.
Thaddeus and his investigator mount a plan to locate the Monkey's Paw, raid it and rescue all the kids being held there. They assemble a group of mercenaries who are known to them from various incidents in the past, equip them with weapons and related equipment and plan a rescue mission. Thaddeus and his buddy fly into Bogota, rendezvous with the team. They force a confession out of one of the cartel's henchmen and get a rough location for the target. Under the cover of darkness they mount an assault and rescue the kids including Sonny Boy. But Thaddeus' problems are just beginning. In an attempt to save the life of the lady who partnered with him during the assault he lashes her to a motorcycle and tries to sneak his way back through broken roads. He is found and shot, ends up in a ditch by the side of the road, badly wounded.
He is rescued by a colleague of a doctor named Antonella who takes him to Antonella's estate where she does some treatment of locals with medical problems. Thaddeus has a concussion and is unconscious. It takes months for her to nurse him back to physical health. But he has no memory of his name, who he is, where he is from and why he is there in Columbia. He and Christine each had satellite phones to contact one another when in trouble. But Christine is unable to reach him. Eventually Antonella procures a phone charger and recharges the phone. She connects with Christine. Christine and Thaddeus speak but he has no memory of her. She dispatches a plane to bring him back. When he is home he recognizes no one. He is reunited with his sister whose case is coming to trial. What can they do? Neither Thaddeus nor Christine have any confidence that Thaddeus can defend Nancy. Then Christine's sister is badly injured in an auto accident and Christine has to dash away to her bedside.
Can Thaddeus save his sister or will she end up executed because the charge is treason.
A fascinating novel which stretches credulity in a few places but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 31, 2021
I'm not claiming I missed a whole night's sleep reading The Contract Lawyer, but I woke up at 1:00 am and couldn't put it down until I finished. I'd tried to go to bed after starting it, but it woke me up, demanding I find out what happened.
Every book in the Thaddeus Murfee series is great, but this one outdid itself. Action, adventure, intrigue, ripped from the headlines but it's going to be a timeless classic. I love a book that's so well written it seems like the story is unfolding right before you. There are twists and turns that make you gasp, and of course, keep reading through the night.
If you could pick your brother, and I had no choice about mine, you couldn't do better than Thaddeus and the lengths he went through to retrieve his nephew from kidnappers, to protect his sister from legal jeopardy, and his commitment to the team who helps him.
Horrible things happen, but the book will make you feel a little better about the world. People can solve problems. If only we could clone Thaddeus!
Every book in the Thaddeus Murfee series is great, but this one outdid itself. Action, adventure, intrigue, ripped from the headlines but it's going to be a timeless classic. I love a book that's so well written it seems like the story is unfolding right before you. There are twists and turns that make you gasp, and of course, keep reading through the night.
If you could pick your brother, and I had no choice about mine, you couldn't do better than Thaddeus and the lengths he went through to retrieve his nephew from kidnappers, to protect his sister from legal jeopardy, and his commitment to the team who helps him.
Horrible things happen, but the book will make you feel a little better about the world. People can solve problems. If only we could clone Thaddeus!
September 1, 2024
I’m just so happy Thaddeus is BACK!!!
Again, a good book but the editing could’ve been better. A few misplaced names and the courtroom scene was a little confusing or maybe some little white lies. I liked Anna but she was too careless and not cautious enough and her emotions got the best of her when she opened the door. Even though I admire the good doctor, Antonella, she was too naive and trusting. She was always letting strangers enter her home exposing Thaddeus. And I somewhat blame Antonella for Muir Keystone end because I feel she could’ve helped him. Thad was so gracious to bless the people who helped him in Columbia, but I wonder did he blessed the front line paid soldiers who put their lives on the lines for his family and did he blessed the family of the deceased. Just wondering 🤔. I knew Thad decision between the 2 women when he stepped back. Both women made sacrifices for him. But I’m just happy Thad is good.
Again, a good book but the editing could’ve been better. A few misplaced names and the courtroom scene was a little confusing or maybe some little white lies. I liked Anna but she was too careless and not cautious enough and her emotions got the best of her when she opened the door. Even though I admire the good doctor, Antonella, she was too naive and trusting. She was always letting strangers enter her home exposing Thaddeus. And I somewhat blame Antonella for Muir Keystone end because I feel she could’ve helped him. Thad was so gracious to bless the people who helped him in Columbia, but I wonder did he blessed the front line paid soldiers who put their lives on the lines for his family and did he blessed the family of the deceased. Just wondering 🤔. I knew Thad decision between the 2 women when he stepped back. Both women made sacrifices for him. But I’m just happy Thad is good.
December 26, 2020
Thaddeus has a nephew who is kidnapped by child traffickers and used to blackmail his sister. The only logical thing for him to do is recruit a private army and head to Columbia to rescue him, right? Probably not but if you can just go with the premise, this is a really good story.
The characters are well developed and believable and the plot moves well. I was engrossed by the story and found the backstory about Thaddeus’ injury and rehabilitation to be very realistic and believable.
I have become a big fan of Mr. Ellsworth’s writing and was pleased he sent me an ARC to evaluate and review. I definitely recommend this book and author.
The characters are well developed and believable and the plot moves well. I was engrossed by the story and found the backstory about Thaddeus’ injury and rehabilitation to be very realistic and believable.
I have become a big fan of Mr. Ellsworth’s writing and was pleased he sent me an ARC to evaluate and review. I definitely recommend this book and author.
January 11, 2021
Best yet!
Have read any of the Thaddeus Murfee books and loved each one. "The Contract Lawyer", though, is among Ellsworh's best. The plotline was unexpected; the vulnerabilities related to Thaddeus were exposed with living care; and the resolve of those who cared deeply about their Thaddeus was clear. I love how Vijay Singh was the name of one of the characters! And so enjoy how San Diego, La Jolla and surrounding communities are portrayed in each of the books in this series. Cannot wait until the next book!
Have read any of the Thaddeus Murfee books and loved each one. "The Contract Lawyer", though, is among Ellsworh's best. The plotline was unexpected; the vulnerabilities related to Thaddeus were exposed with living care; and the resolve of those who cared deeply about their Thaddeus was clear. I love how Vijay Singh was the name of one of the characters! And so enjoy how San Diego, La Jolla and surrounding communities are portrayed in each of the books in this series. Cannot wait until the next book!
April 17, 2021
Contract Lawyer
About halfway through this book, I had to look at the reviews. Thinking to myself, is it just me, or is this crazy writing??? Ok, a few other folks agreed with my assessment. If an author is going to incorporate medical conditions; they really need to do some research. The other issue was the crazy inconsistencies; two authors(?) . Man, it got kind of crazy trying to follow . I read it to the end; obviously kept me engaged. With that said however, not best work here.
About halfway through this book, I had to look at the reviews. Thinking to myself, is it just me, or is this crazy writing??? Ok, a few other folks agreed with my assessment. If an author is going to incorporate medical conditions; they really need to do some research. The other issue was the crazy inconsistencies; two authors(?) . Man, it got kind of crazy trying to follow . I read it to the end; obviously kept me engaged. With that said however, not best work here.
June 17, 2021
Another enjoyable read
When his sister, Nancy, is arrested on 10 counts of treason, Thaddeus also discovered his 4 year old Nephew has been kidnapped. Before he can begin to work on his sisters case he sets out to find and bring home Simon. The subsequent adventures in safely rescuing dozens of stolen children leaves members of his team dead and Thaddeus badly injured and hiding out from the cartel held bent on revenge for the millions in lost revenue he caused them. Can he find his way back to his family and safety?
When his sister, Nancy, is arrested on 10 counts of treason, Thaddeus also discovered his 4 year old Nephew has been kidnapped. Before he can begin to work on his sisters case he sets out to find and bring home Simon. The subsequent adventures in safely rescuing dozens of stolen children leaves members of his team dead and Thaddeus badly injured and hiding out from the cartel held bent on revenge for the millions in lost revenue he caused them. Can he find his way back to his family and safety?
July 31, 2021
Heart- Stopping
Nancy Bergholzer son is kidnapped which eventually leads her to treason. Her son is taken to Columbia as part of human trafficking of American children. You follow her brother Thaddeus, and his
team in trying to bring the little boy home. So much action that is often heart-stopping. Impossible to put down as you need to know will her son be ok, plus what happens to the mother on her charges of treason. Who lives, who dies, what happens to her brother Thaddeus? So many questions that need answers. A must read for everyone. Highly recommended.
Nancy Bergholzer son is kidnapped which eventually leads her to treason. Her son is taken to Columbia as part of human trafficking of American children. You follow her brother Thaddeus, and his
team in trying to bring the little boy home. So much action that is often heart-stopping. Impossible to put down as you need to know will her son be ok, plus what happens to the mother on her charges of treason. Who lives, who dies, what happens to her brother Thaddeus? So many questions that need answers. A must read for everyone. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2020
John Ellsworth has done it again! We Thaddeus Murfee fans could hardly wait to read this latest book in the series! This story took Thaddeus in sort of a different direction (south to Mexico, to be exact) where he risked his life to infiltrate the Mexican cartel and break up a child smuggling ring. We almost lost him this time. Ellsworth extracts our attention and holds it until the story is finished. Already, I am looking forward to the next installment.
#CantGetEnoughThaddeusMurfee
#CantGetEnoughThaddeusMurfee
December 28, 2020
If you love court novels with lawyers you love like family, you'll love John Ellsworth 's Thaddeus Murfee! This is # 14 of the tales of this young, uber-wealthy lawyer with a houseful of kids!
Every book takes Thaddeus down another rabbit hole and we get to watch him use his brains, his influence, his money and his incredible team of family and friends.
This time, the team heads to Bogota, to take on the cartel. Don't miss it!
Every book takes Thaddeus down another rabbit hole and we get to watch him use his brains, his influence, his money and his incredible team of family and friends.
This time, the team heads to Bogota, to take on the cartel. Don't miss it!
January 7, 2021
This is my first exposure to this author and it didn’t disappoint. His well-developed characters and easy writing style make it an easy and pleasurable read. I found the premise of the plot to be somewhat unrealistic but thought that memory loss and recovery process to be eminently believable. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 22, 2021
Frankly, I don't know which book I read. The cover says "Book Fourteen" but has the same title. It is NOT about a Contract Lawyer. This book was about Thaddeus Murfee rescuing his nephew after the nephew's mother, Thaddeus's sister, was arrested for treason. This book left a lot to be desired, including good writing. I've read several of Mr. Ellsworth's works. It seems they are either like this one or four stars.
March 27, 2021
I like these stories. They are short and an easy read. Thaddeus is a lawyer with money. He wins cases because he's good. He ends up in Bogatam, South America to try and find his sister's four-year-old son who was kidnapped in order to get his mother to steal classified very secret documents. Can Thaddeus find the boy and get him out of the compound safely? Will he survive getting shot? Will his memory come back and can he ever be a lawyer again. Lots of action. It's a good series.
September 2, 2023
Wow...what an adventure.
Living in a perfect world one day and then everything gone the next day. You lose yourself both mentally and physically. How do you fight your way back? Slowly but surely you do. One day at a time. One memory at a time. Can you actually pick up where you left. Defend your sister in a treason case? Reunite with your children? Your wife? Your business associates? A crazy tale of character, strength, patience and endurance pays off.
Living in a perfect world one day and then everything gone the next day. You lose yourself both mentally and physically. How do you fight your way back? Slowly but surely you do. One day at a time. One memory at a time. Can you actually pick up where you left. Defend your sister in a treason case? Reunite with your children? Your wife? Your business associates? A crazy tale of character, strength, patience and endurance pays off.
February 28, 2024
Really like the author and the issue of traumatic brain issues was the meat of this story. However, the author wrapped up the end of the book quicker than a formula 1 car at Le Mans. I had trouble following the largess distributed at the end of the book. Was that Thaddeus’s good deeds spread wide or did I miss something? Worth reading but his love life is like a roller coaster( he needs a “ brake”) and the end of the story could have been more tied together.
October 10, 2025
The Contract Lawyer : Thaddeus Murfee bk #14
This captivating book provides an immersive reading experience that keeps readers thoroughly engaged from the first page to the final chapter. The narrative is compelling and well-crafted, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking an entertaining literary journey. I enthusiastically suggest this book to fellow readers who enjoy gripping storytelling that maintains suspense and interest throughout the entire novel.
This captivating book provides an immersive reading experience that keeps readers thoroughly engaged from the first page to the final chapter. The narrative is compelling and well-crafted, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking an entertaining literary journey. I enthusiastically suggest this book to fellow readers who enjoy gripping storytelling that maintains suspense and interest throughout the entire novel.
December 31, 2020
Excellent
This book did not disappoint. It was amazing !! There is so much action with crazy twists and turns. John Ellsworth books are incredible and this might be my favorite Thaddeus book yet. Wow!!! I’m sure I’ll read this one again. I absolutely loved it. Thanks again for another superb book.
This book did not disappoint. It was amazing !! There is so much action with crazy twists and turns. John Ellsworth books are incredible and this might be my favorite Thaddeus book yet. Wow!!! I’m sure I’ll read this one again. I absolutely loved it. Thanks again for another superb book.
December 31, 2020
What a load of crap. A US lawyer chasing down a drug lord/cartel in Colombia. Really? Leave that kind of stuff to John Milton or Jack Reacher. Might be more plausible. Then the memory loss and the convenient sudden recall. Oh, give me a break. The second stinker in a row from John Ellsworth. Strike three and he’ll be permanently off my radar.
January 6, 2021
Thank you John
Wow, a roller coaster ride riveted with such emotion. I began the Contract Lawyer yesterday and just finished it . It was the best of the Thaddeus Murfree novels. I loved it. It had everything you expect in a novel. Intrigue, love,emotional swings, loss,Hope, to name a few. I highly recommend all of John Ellsworth’s novels!!!
Dr. C. 🎊🎉🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷💞💞💞💞
Wow, a roller coaster ride riveted with such emotion. I began the Contract Lawyer yesterday and just finished it . It was the best of the Thaddeus Murfree novels. I loved it. It had everything you expect in a novel. Intrigue, love,emotional swings, loss,Hope, to name a few. I highly recommend all of John Ellsworth’s novels!!!
Dr. C. 🎊🎉🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷💞💞💞💞
January 6, 2021
A different story from Ellsworth. Thaddeus almost doesn’t make it in this one, very interesting read. He keeps the action coming with twists and turns along the way. Found it quite intriguing. I happen to be a lover of all of Ellsworth’s writing with the exception of one, Flag Staff Station. This one is no exception.5
January 20, 2021
Another hit!
Ellsworth just keeps hitting the mark with every book in this series! I very much enjoyed it and know all too well the plotline of this book has probably happened more than once in the real world! Hopefully if the democrats actually come into power here, we will still be allowed to read great books!
Ellsworth just keeps hitting the mark with every book in this series! I very much enjoyed it and know all too well the plotline of this book has probably happened more than once in the real world! Hopefully if the democrats actually come into power here, we will still be allowed to read great books!
May 18, 2021
not as good as his other books. Jumped into new situations that were interesting, but left
you hanging . Did not seem to sum up the previous ideas , so was not easy to go with the flow.
The court room drama was interesting, but again not a good as previous books. Will read another
one to see if it is a better for me.
you hanging . Did not seem to sum up the previous ideas , so was not easy to go with the flow.
The court room drama was interesting, but again not a good as previous books. Will read another
one to see if it is a better for me.
July 25, 2021
This was less a legal thriller and more like an action novel, having courtroom scenes only at the very end of the book. Perhaps because it was a kidnapping case instead of a murder, this reader felt the seriousness of the situation was lacking in the author's prose. It was, however, an enjoyable read.
December 28, 2020
A very enjoyable read with an excellent storyline and a large cast of well developed realistic characters. The book was a real page turner with plenty of action and several twists. A highly recommended read by a very talented author. Bring on the next Thaddeus Murfee legal thriller.
December 30, 2020
Absolutely a page turner
A very interesting book of legal, espionage, drug cartels and good versus bad. Thaddeus Murder is so believable. The author keeps you wanting to turn page after page and not stop reading.
I have read everything that this author has written and can't wait to read what's next from him. Thank you John Ellsworth.
A very interesting book of legal, espionage, drug cartels and good versus bad. Thaddeus Murder is so believable. The author keeps you wanting to turn page after page and not stop reading.
I have read everything that this author has written and can't wait to read what's next from him. Thank you John Ellsworth.
January 10, 2021
Once more Ellsworth writes a great story
The story line of this book will hold the reader captivated from page one to the end of the book. If you like crime thrillers, you will not be disappointed
The story line of this book will hold the reader captivated from page one to the end of the book. If you like crime thrillers, you will not be disappointed
May 18, 2021
Loved it...engrossing story line!
Always enjoy a John Ellsworth mystery/thriller. Can't wait to read the next one.
Love Thaddeus Murfee and how he rewards those that help him, anonymously of course.
Always enjoy a John Ellsworth mystery/thriller. Can't wait to read the next one.
Love Thaddeus Murfee and how he rewards those that help him, anonymously of course.
August 4, 2021
Not his best
I have read a lot of books by John Ellsworth. This seemed like a different author was writing it. The language was stilted. If this had been the first book by him that I had read, it is likely that I would have not read more.
I have read a lot of books by John Ellsworth. This seemed like a different author was writing it. The language was stilted. If this had been the first book by him that I had read, it is likely that I would have not read more.
August 7, 2021
My summary by Jerry Pierce
The contract lawyer
Absolutely fabulous book from beginning to end. Can't say enough that it had every t hing a great Novel should have thriller romance and suspense.
The contract lawyer
Absolutely fabulous book from beginning to end. Can't say enough that it had every t hing a great Novel should have thriller romance and suspense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews