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Marc Kadella Legal Mystery #11
Maddy's Justice
SHE’S OUT TO KICK BUTT — THE BAD GUYS MIGHT NEED RESCUING.In his most complex—and harrowing—case yet, Minneapolis criminal defense attorney Marc Kadella has inadvertently poked a whole den of bears—a psychopathic billionaire who’s trafficking in kidnapped teenagers, and—worse yet—the lawyers who’re abetting him.
When Marc’s associate, Connie Mickelson, asks for his help with a case, the lovable curmudgeon signs up to defend a high-profile law firm in what appears to be merely a moderately distasteful sexual harassment lawsuit involving the firm’s main rainmaker.
But as Marc’s kickass investigator and lady love, Maddy Rivers, and P.I. Tony Carvelli peel back the layers of misdeeds by the accused, they find this well-established, politically-connected law firm is up to its neck in the criminal operations of a monster known only as “Chicago”.
The operation begins in Mexico with a cartel that’s kidnapping teenagers on their way to a better life in America. But tragically, some of them fall into the grasp of “Chicago”, and are taken to his private island, where they’re subjected to an unimaginably brutal fate reminiscent of The Hunger Games—only with no winners.
Recognizing a worthy opponent, “Chicago” has Maddy kidnapped and finds himself in the dilemma of a man who has captured a wolf with his bare hands—sooner or later he’ll have to let it go—thus providing a gripping, action-packed, and very satisfying conclusion.
Happily, there’s also a generous store of curmudgeonly banter between Marc and his sharp-tongued legal associate, and a special treat for those romantics who’re rooting for Marc and Maddy.
This is not only the next Must Read for fans of the nitty-gritty, nuts-and-bolts expertise of legal eagles John Grisham and Richard North Patterson, and, of course, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason—but also for fans of kickass female sleuths. Maddy is something else!
When Marc’s associate, Connie Mickelson, asks for his help with a case, the lovable curmudgeon signs up to defend a high-profile law firm in what appears to be merely a moderately distasteful sexual harassment lawsuit involving the firm’s main rainmaker.
But as Marc’s kickass investigator and lady love, Maddy Rivers, and P.I. Tony Carvelli peel back the layers of misdeeds by the accused, they find this well-established, politically-connected law firm is up to its neck in the criminal operations of a monster known only as “Chicago”.
The operation begins in Mexico with a cartel that’s kidnapping teenagers on their way to a better life in America. But tragically, some of them fall into the grasp of “Chicago”, and are taken to his private island, where they’re subjected to an unimaginably brutal fate reminiscent of The Hunger Games—only with no winners.
Recognizing a worthy opponent, “Chicago” has Maddy kidnapped and finds himself in the dilemma of a man who has captured a wolf with his bare hands—sooner or later he’ll have to let it go—thus providing a gripping, action-packed, and very satisfying conclusion.
Happily, there’s also a generous store of curmudgeonly banter between Marc and his sharp-tongued legal associate, and a special treat for those romantics who’re rooting for Marc and Maddy.
This is not only the next Must Read for fans of the nitty-gritty, nuts-and-bolts expertise of legal eagles John Grisham and Richard North Patterson, and, of course, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason—but also for fans of kickass female sleuths. Maddy is something else!
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2020
About the author
Dennis Carstens
32 books120 followersDennis Carstens was born in Worthington, MN, and has lived most of his life in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from a highly respected private law school, William Mitchell, in St. Paul. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired trial lawyer, Carstens brings these life experiences to his fiction for a dose of realism and accuracy missing from much of the legal thriller genre today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 24, 2020
Mr. Carstens has written a number of books in this series and he is a highly-rated author, but I doubt if I will ever read another of his books.
Maddy , of “Maddy’s Justice”, is a private detective employed by Mark Kadella’s law firm. She is, of course, stunningly beautiful, intelligent , and lethal when violence is called for. She is also smart mouthed. For all of her reputed skills, I disliked the character. To me there was nothing interesting and appealing about her. The case she and Marc are involved in which a large, extremely wealthy and extremely dissolute law firm is accused of fostering a. Kind eye to harassment of the female employees, especially from one particular attorney. He happens to be the biggest “ rainmaker” of the firm, bringing in many millions of dollars a year in legal fees.
There is also a sub plot of female, sex trafficking and drug running going on, which is tied to the firm. It is, or could be, the meat of the book, but never comes to center stage until late in the story.
This should have made for an exciting drama, but the drama, to me, was a long time developing. The legal maneuvering took up a lot of the book, and whatever dialog there was among the staff on Marc and Maddy’s legal team slid into the wise- cracking bedroom, barroom humor close to the frat boy party variety .Very boring, very quickly. Besides, the book had quite a few important female characters, interchangeable and confusingly in - distinguishable.
The climax , long in coming, was moderately exciting, and quite unbelievable. There are many more interesting legal dramas available. Remove all the cute, “ aren’t we all so smart and sexy young professionals” chatter, and there might be decent novella in this mess.
Not recommended. I read the book as a Kindle Unlimited offering, so at least I did not spend any money on it.
Cautions: Murders, sexual trafficking , crude language, drug usage.
Maddy , of “Maddy’s Justice”, is a private detective employed by Mark Kadella’s law firm. She is, of course, stunningly beautiful, intelligent , and lethal when violence is called for. She is also smart mouthed. For all of her reputed skills, I disliked the character. To me there was nothing interesting and appealing about her. The case she and Marc are involved in which a large, extremely wealthy and extremely dissolute law firm is accused of fostering a. Kind eye to harassment of the female employees, especially from one particular attorney. He happens to be the biggest “ rainmaker” of the firm, bringing in many millions of dollars a year in legal fees.
There is also a sub plot of female, sex trafficking and drug running going on, which is tied to the firm. It is, or could be, the meat of the book, but never comes to center stage until late in the story.
This should have made for an exciting drama, but the drama, to me, was a long time developing. The legal maneuvering took up a lot of the book, and whatever dialog there was among the staff on Marc and Maddy’s legal team slid into the wise- cracking bedroom, barroom humor close to the frat boy party variety .Very boring, very quickly. Besides, the book had quite a few important female characters, interchangeable and confusingly in - distinguishable.
The climax , long in coming, was moderately exciting, and quite unbelievable. There are many more interesting legal dramas available. Remove all the cute, “ aren’t we all so smart and sexy young professionals” chatter, and there might be decent novella in this mess.
Not recommended. I read the book as a Kindle Unlimited offering, so at least I did not spend any money on it.
Cautions: Murders, sexual trafficking , crude language, drug usage.
May 30, 2021
In this story Marc and Connie are hired to handle a sexual harassment case for another law firm. This is not the normal type of case for Marc, but he accepts it anyway. Helping him are Maddy and Tony. As Maddy and Tony look into the case and provide Marc with information they both are asked to help Paxton, a friend of Maddy with another case that is in Chicago. While helping Paxton both Tony and Maddy are attacked by an unknown party. Tony is spared because of the attackers being interrupted before they could finish the job. Maddy was not fortunate because she was kidnapped. Tony immediately made arrangements to find Maddy, but he did not disclose this event to Marc. Tony was eventually able to discover the location where Maddy was being held.
During Marc's pursuit of information on the sexual harassment case, he uncovered facts that the firm he was hired by were doing activities that were illegal. To discover what Marc found, how his case ended, who the individual responsible for Maddy's kidnapping was, then you must read this book.
During Marc's pursuit of information on the sexual harassment case, he uncovered facts that the firm he was hired by were doing activities that were illegal. To discover what Marc found, how his case ended, who the individual responsible for Maddy's kidnapping was, then you must read this book.
December 31, 2020
When a partner in a wealthy Minneapolis law firm is sued for sexual harassment, the firm hires Connie Mickelson and Marc Kadella to represent it. Marc sets his expert investigators, Tony Carvelli and Madeline Rivers, to work exploring the facts behind the lawsuit. Tony and Maddy soon find hints that the firm's problems run deep. As they get closer to the truth, some dangerous people strike back in an attempt to end the investigation. But Tony and Maddy can be pretty dangerous themselves.
Most of the action in this eleventh installment in the series takes place outside the courtroom, as Marc and his team work hard to both represent their clients well and take down some serious criminals. The ebook has lots of problems with punctuation, but these do little to impede the fast-moving plot.
Most of the action in this eleventh installment in the series takes place outside the courtroom, as Marc and his team work hard to both represent their clients well and take down some serious criminals. The ebook has lots of problems with punctuation, but these do little to impede the fast-moving plot.
November 14, 2025
An excellent book . A full six stars from me.
This is the 11th Dennis Carstens novel I’ve read, and once again it earns my highest rating. If you’re a fan of John Grisham, this one is an absolute must-read. The cynical monologues and the sharp, witty exchanges are at times so well-crafted that they even made me laugh out loud. The book strongly reminded me of the works of Brian Haig, the true master of the legal-thriller genre, whose wonderful novels I still miss (unfortunately, his last one came out back in 2010).
This story offers an intriguing angle: an attorney who suddenly discovers that his client is entangled in a crime far bigger than the one he’s been hired to defend him against.
There is only one flaw: an overwhelming number of characters. Anyone who doesn’t read the book continuously may find themselves losing track of who’s who in this twist-filled, surprising plot.
This is the 11th Dennis Carstens novel I’ve read, and once again it earns my highest rating. If you’re a fan of John Grisham, this one is an absolute must-read. The cynical monologues and the sharp, witty exchanges are at times so well-crafted that they even made me laugh out loud. The book strongly reminded me of the works of Brian Haig, the true master of the legal-thriller genre, whose wonderful novels I still miss (unfortunately, his last one came out back in 2010).
This story offers an intriguing angle: an attorney who suddenly discovers that his client is entangled in a crime far bigger than the one he’s been hired to defend him against.
There is only one flaw: an overwhelming number of characters. Anyone who doesn’t read the book continuously may find themselves losing track of who’s who in this twist-filled, surprising plot.
December 20, 2020
WOW! The Most Dangerous Game in a modern setting. Corruption on steroids, exploitation most foul, legal points about the illegality, and Maddy puts herself in the middle to expose and and it all.
Disclaimer: I have never cared for most lawyers, having been bilked by two of them for tens of thousands, one of them an alleged close friend. But the lawyers Marc Kadella winds up defending this time, they're beyond the pale. They make Giuliani look good. And somewhat ethical.
Don't let the long length fool you, there's something happening on every page, you know, the ones you turn real fast to see what's happening next.
I love the series, and this book is no exception. Fun, familiar characters, a crackerjack plot, all of it as well written as usual, this book is a winner!
Disclaimer: I have never cared for most lawyers, having been bilked by two of them for tens of thousands, one of them an alleged close friend. But the lawyers Marc Kadella winds up defending this time, they're beyond the pale. They make Giuliani look good. And somewhat ethical.
Don't let the long length fool you, there's something happening on every page, you know, the ones you turn real fast to see what's happening next.
I love the series, and this book is no exception. Fun, familiar characters, a crackerjack plot, all of it as well written as usual, this book is a winner!
June 8, 2021
Quirky Law
Not sure why I bought this book - possibly the cover was an attraction, and the fact that it was a “legal thriller”. Anyway, I had the Ebola for a little while and after completing another novel, thought that I would give it a go.
Laid back, irreverent lawyers, some really nasty characters, lots of lying, cheating, threats and murder all pulled together for a good story. I grew to like the good guys, and was pleased to see the baddies receive their rewards. 80% finished and checked Amazon for previous books in the series. Now I have completed book 10, and need to read 1 - 9, and subsequent novels.
I have found another author whose work I enjoy reading. ThanksDennis!
Not sure why I bought this book - possibly the cover was an attraction, and the fact that it was a “legal thriller”. Anyway, I had the Ebola for a little while and after completing another novel, thought that I would give it a go.
Laid back, irreverent lawyers, some really nasty characters, lots of lying, cheating, threats and murder all pulled together for a good story. I grew to like the good guys, and was pleased to see the baddies receive their rewards. 80% finished and checked Amazon for previous books in the series. Now I have completed book 10, and need to read 1 - 9, and subsequent novels.
I have found another author whose work I enjoy reading. ThanksDennis!
February 19, 2022
Interesting Read.
This was my first time reading a book from from this Author, and I loved it. Now I got to go back and read from book on in the series. This book was full of awesome moments that I kept on scrolling. The plot is so expansive and not even one dull moment. All the characters were awesome, I especially loved Maddy and her banter. My reason for 4 stars is that some times the conversations went on and on and I couldn't keep up, nevertheless I enjoyed it a lot and I definitely recommend it.
This was my first time reading a book from from this Author, and I loved it. Now I got to go back and read from book on in the series. This book was full of awesome moments that I kept on scrolling. The plot is so expansive and not even one dull moment. All the characters were awesome, I especially loved Maddy and her banter. My reason for 4 stars is that some times the conversations went on and on and I couldn't keep up, nevertheless I enjoyed it a lot and I definitely recommend it.
May 3, 2021
Very good story. Detailed, if not complex but very well written. The worst kind of people with an obscene amount of money. What goes on at that island will make you cringe. Marc, Maddy and all their group break down the whole business piece by piece.
Kinda reminds you of a real story that broke over the last couple of years and is being investigated.
Alot of great characters. Well worth the read.
Kinda reminds you of a real story that broke over the last couple of years and is being investigated.
Alot of great characters. Well worth the read.
November 3, 2023
And another cracking read.
You do not take on Maddy lightly as shown in this novel. When she gets a bee in her bonnet, you best be on her side!
A story that has so much going on with so many players, it is a job to keep track of them all. But having said that, it is well worth it and you have to keep reading to the end.
The humour and tension is there, as always, and it just becomes another brilliant book from this author.
You do not take on Maddy lightly as shown in this novel. When she gets a bee in her bonnet, you best be on her side!
A story that has so much going on with so many players, it is a job to keep track of them all. But having said that, it is well worth it and you have to keep reading to the end.
The humour and tension is there, as always, and it just becomes another brilliant book from this author.
October 21, 2020
Another great read!
Awesome book! Hard to put down! Another great Marc Kadella legal thriller. This book has it all, humor, murder, intrigue, and unlike legal thrillers by JG, Carstens is able to tie all the loose ends together leaving the reader satisfied after among emotional roller coaster ride!
Awesome book! Hard to put down! Another great Marc Kadella legal thriller. This book has it all, humor, murder, intrigue, and unlike legal thrillers by JG, Carstens is able to tie all the loose ends together leaving the reader satisfied after among emotional roller coaster ride!
November 11, 2020
Finished the series
Dennis Carstens delivers with interesting characters who become real; almost "old friends". Using current headlines, Mr. Carstens uses them to weave credible storylines. One of the storylines in Maddy's Justice is very dark and disturbing. Sadly, probably anchored in reality. You won't be disappointed. I recommend you read the series in order.
Dennis Carstens delivers with interesting characters who become real; almost "old friends". Using current headlines, Mr. Carstens uses them to weave credible storylines. One of the storylines in Maddy's Justice is very dark and disturbing. Sadly, probably anchored in reality. You won't be disappointed. I recommend you read the series in order.
December 21, 2020
Maddy's Justice
I love the Marc Kadella series! The dialogue is clever and very entertaining. However, be warned, these books cover some very controversial subjects and can be heart-rending. This book was no different, involving money laundering, drugs, and the child sex slave trade.
I love the Marc Kadella series! The dialogue is clever and very entertaining. However, be warned, these books cover some very controversial subjects and can be heart-rending. This book was no different, involving money laundering, drugs, and the child sex slave trade.
January 1, 2021
Intriguing
This book is a finely written mystery with crimes of murders, money laundering, sex slave auctions; all unraveled from the filing of a sexual harassment suit in civil court. Legal procedures are followed and discussed to give the reader a better understanding of what is happening.
This book is a finely written mystery with crimes of murders, money laundering, sex slave auctions; all unraveled from the filing of a sexual harassment suit in civil court. Legal procedures are followed and discussed to give the reader a better understanding of what is happening.
November 10, 2020
Sex, Drugs, and Money
Marc Kadella reluctantly agrees to act as outside counsel for a white shoe law firm defending a sexual harassment case. Due diligence turns up several dangerous surprises. Great series. Start with the first book to fully enjoy this series.
Marc Kadella reluctantly agrees to act as outside counsel for a white shoe law firm defending a sexual harassment case. Due diligence turns up several dangerous surprises. Great series. Start with the first book to fully enjoy this series.
December 30, 2020
Loved this book!!!
I have read several of Carstens' Kadella books & they are all extraordinary. The characters feel like family & are definitely people (if real) that I could hang out with. The stories & plot lines are edge-of-your seat page turners. We'll done again Mr. Carstens! Going to my Kindle library now to see if I have another Kardella book I haven't read. :)
I have read several of Carstens' Kadella books & they are all extraordinary. The characters feel like family & are definitely people (if real) that I could hang out with. The stories & plot lines are edge-of-your seat page turners. We'll done again Mr. Carstens! Going to my Kindle library now to see if I have another Kardella book I haven't read. :)
January 7, 2021
Couldn't put it down!
Dennis Carstens never disappoints,! Gripping storyline, well-defined characters, and twists and turns when you least expect them! Looking forward to the next one!
Dennis Carstens never disappoints,! Gripping storyline, well-defined characters, and twists and turns when you least expect them! Looking forward to the next one!
January 9, 2021
All the Marc Kadella stories I have read have been great. They all give you an insight into the US court procedures & what happens behind the scenes. However all the outcomes go to the same endings, a win for Marc. Hope to read more.
December 25, 2021
Dennis Carstens never disappoints
If you have read many of the Mark Kadella books you definitely see the 'formula' he uses. While being very
entertaining, they get a bit predictable. I hope Mr. Carstrn doesn't stop writing about these interesting cast members.
If you have read many of the Mark Kadella books you definitely see the 'formula' he uses. While being very
entertaining, they get a bit predictable. I hope Mr. Carstrn doesn't stop writing about these interesting cast members.
July 16, 2022
Dificilmente algo me incomoda mais do que ler sobre violência contra crianças, por isso este livro realmente me perturbou bastante. Claro que, como em toda narrativa de detetive, algum criminoso é sempre punido. Eu realmente não sei se a justiça foi feita, mas gostei do final.
August 20, 2023
Good Book!
Wow! What a Good Book.I really enjoyed reading it..I live in Minnesota and recognized a lot of the places in the Book.The Characters we’re all believable and interesting.I will be going back and reading more Marc Kadella Books!
Wow! What a Good Book.I really enjoyed reading it..I live in Minnesota and recognized a lot of the places in the Book.The Characters we’re all believable and interesting.I will be going back and reading more Marc Kadella Books!
October 26, 2023
awesome again
Great and compelling story. I love maddy and tony and really all of the characters. I’ve read them al so far and I’m looking for more. I think there’s 3 more new books and I have not been disappointed yet. Great job writing and sharing your legal knowledge
Great and compelling story. I love maddy and tony and really all of the characters. I’ve read them al so far and I’m looking for more. I think there’s 3 more new books and I have not been disappointed yet. Great job writing and sharing your legal knowledge
May 23, 2024
Always Excellent
I'm hooked on this series and the continued drama with Marc, Maddy, Tony and Paxton. This series is addicting. Dennis Carstens baits the hook then drags the reader in.
I'm hooked on this series and the continued drama with Marc, Maddy, Tony and Paxton. This series is addicting. Dennis Carstens baits the hook then drags the reader in.
April 29, 2025
Book 11 in the series
Mark, Maddy, and their friends become involved in defending a large law firm against a lawsuit for sexual harassment. Some of the partners are doing very bad things that Maddy finds out about. A great story.
Mark, Maddy, and their friends become involved in defending a large law firm against a lawsuit for sexual harassment. Some of the partners are doing very bad things that Maddy finds out about. A great story.
October 3, 2025
Well Written, I couldn't put it down!
I read it in one sitting. It's one of those Books you don't want to end. Dennis Caraters is a wonderful Arthur. I can't wait to read more from him.
I read it in one sitting. It's one of those Books you don't want to end. Dennis Caraters is a wonderful Arthur. I can't wait to read more from him.
February 18, 2026
Love this series, but this was a bit disappointing. Not really much of a legal mystery, more a detective story centred around Maddy and Carvelli. Decent enough read, but not what I was expecting or looking for.
October 21, 2020
Great read
Loved it! Loved how the owner.if the island was kept a mystery till the end of the book. Hope there is more coming
Loved it! Loved how the owner.if the island was kept a mystery till the end of the book. Hope there is more coming
October 23, 2020
Fabulous
I love this series! I feel in love with all the characters, especially Tony and Maddy! I'm looking forward to the next book!
I love this series! I feel in love with all the characters, especially Tony and Maddy! I'm looking forward to the next book!
October 23, 2020
Ah, Marc and Maddy....
Once again I find myself reading in the middle of the afternoon but who cares? I love these guys
More please!
Once again I find myself reading in the middle of the afternoon but who cares? I love these guys
More please!
October 28, 2020
Welcome back
Loved this book. Love the series. Love the characters and storyline. Excited for the next episode in all their lives.
Loved this book. Love the series. Love the characters and storyline. Excited for the next episode in all their lives.
November 1, 2020
Have read every one of the Kadella books and this one doesn't disappoint either! I love the banter and each character comes to life. A well written and informative series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews