Inherit the Shoes

Jersey Girl #1

by E.J. Copperman

Lawyer Sandy Moss gets mixed up in a celebrity murder case in LA, in the first in a brand-new cosy legal mystery series.

New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss is tired of petty criminals, and a new job at a glitzy Los Angeles law firm seems the perfect career move. Putting 3,000 miles between her and her ex-boyfriend is just an added bonus.

But on Sandy's first morning as a family attorney, she inadvertently kills her new career stone dead when she offends her boss during a meeting with the firm's top celebrity client, charismatic TV star Patrick McNabb. But that's not as dead as Patrick's soon-to-be ex-wife, Patsy, is that evening, when she's discovered shot by an arrow, her husband standing over her.

Did Patrick really kill his wife in a dispute over a pair of shoes? All signs point to yes. But Patrick is determined to clear his name, using all the legal skills he's learned from playing a lawyer on TV, and to Sandy's deep dismay, she's the only person he'll allow to help . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Humor, Legal

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

Librarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author Jeff Cohen

E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.

E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.

Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.

Reviews

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love cozy mysteries for the brain candy that they are and I really enjoyed The Question of the Missing Head and all the other Asperger's Mysteries by the same author so I thought I would give this one a try. I liked this "legal" twist on the cozy genre. E.J. Copperman embraces all the silly and improbable aspects of a cozy but does so with plenty of tongue in cheek humor. The plot holes are deep and wide but this was just what I needed after a few "not to my taste" books.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attorney Sandy Moss gets involved in a celebrity murder case in Los Angeles. This is the first book in a new series, and I was intrigued by the idea of a cozy legal mystery series. I have read other books by this author that I liked, and I wasn't disappointed by this one. It has a good mixture of legal aspects, humor, mystery, and tidbits about LA and the movies. I was entertained by this book from beginning to end and it was just the right kind of book I was looking for to make me smile.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Lacey Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandy Moss is tired of prosecuting criminals in New Jersey and decided to relocate to California. The characters are well developed and the mystery was okay. I will say it took a while for me to connect with the story and Sarah.
#InherittheShoes #NetGalley

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ever-reliable Copperman kicks off a new series when Sandy Moss leaves her job as an assistant DA in New Jersey to take a job in a glitzy family law practice in Los Angeles. Her first day at work, she has good news and bad news: She endears herself to a celebrity TV star client who's getting a divorce, and she antagonizes the firm's managing partner. Then the TV star Patrick is found standing over his wife's body with blood on his hands and immediately charged with murder. He wants Sandy as his sole defense lawyer. Fortunately, Sandy's star struck bff Angie arrives from New Jersey for a visit and stays to help, and Sandy's assigned a handsome paralegal-law student to assist her. The case is going against Patrick, and Sandy realizes why. That's the prosecution's big mistake--beware a Jersey Girl when she gets mad!

[Sue Publicover · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

There were so many flaws in this book: weak character development, errors in legal and investigation processes, and awkward dialogue. Cozy mysteries aren’t known for their believability but I’ve read many that were far better quality. I almost gave up about a third of the way in, but I’ve read other Copperman books and thought I’d stick it out.

Sandy Moss, the Jersey prosecutor who relocates to
LA as a family law attorney in a prestigious firm, suddenly becomes the lead (and only) defense attorney for a high-profile celebrity accused of murder. First mistake: Client who pays a big retainer isn’t assigned a defense team? What is he paying for?

And one of the firm’s partners testifies against his own client? Nope.

The relationship between Sandy and a co-worker is rushed and unbelievable. And Evan is not likable. At all.

The author made so many investigation mistakes. Police didn’t think to determine the trajectory of the arrow to determine where the shooter was? Of course, they would.

Plenty of courtroom mistakes, too. For one thing, the trial doesn’t begin the same day as jury selection.

There are so many cozy mysteries worthy of your time. “Inherit the Shoes” is not one of them.

[Bookenchanted · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has been sitting on my list for years. The title and cover first caught my eye, and I finally got around to reading/listening to it.

I always enjoy a legal mystery, and this one was no exception. The case itself was original enough and well thought out. The plot twist with Evan was fairly predictable, and the resolution didn’t come as a huge surprise, but it was still satisfying to follow along.

Patrick was easily the standout — funny, charming, and very lovable. His presence added a lot of warmth and humor to the story.

I’m also glad I stayed on theme with the Hollywood/movie backdrop, because that side of the story was entertaining and gave the mystery an extra layer of fun.

Overall, a light, enjoyable read with some good characters and plenty of humor, even if it wasn’t particularly twisty or unforgettable.

[Chaitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hilarious from start to finish. I loved Patrick and I loved Sandy, so I’d like to see both of them again.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

[Toni (T.C.) LoTempio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this ten stars if i could. Easily the best book Copperman has ever written, and I've read 'em all. Dont miss this one!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fun fun! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Inherit the Shoes: EJ Copperman
🥱 👎👎 0 Stars

From Amazon: "New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss is tired of petty criminals, and a new job at a glitzy Los Angeles law firm seems the perfect career move. Putting 3,000 miles between her and her ex-boyfriend is just an added bonus.

But on Sandy's first morning as a family attorney, she inadvertently kills her new career stone dead when she offends her boss during a meeting with the firm's top celebrity client, charismatic TV star Patrick McNabb. But that's not as dead as Patrick's soon-to-be ex-wife, Patsy, is that evening, when she's discovered shot by an arrow, her husband standing over her.

Did Patrick really kill his wife in a dispute over a pair of shoes? All signs point to yes. But Patrick is determined to clear his name, using all the legal skills he's learned from playing a lawyer on TV, and to Sandy's deep dismay, she's the only person he'll allow to help . . ."

I normally enjoy Copperman's books; but this one bored me right from the start... I found the narrative to be a bunch of prattle and the main character to be shallow, like the proverbial "Valley Girl". In fact as soon as I started reading that's the voice I heard.

I was so very annoyed with all the chatter, that I couldn't get through it

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I simply couldn’t get involved in this book. Though it is a genre I usually like, I didn’t connect with this novel.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

[Say · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried … just couldn’t connect with or care about anyone … they all annoyed me, ha! Will go back to the Samuel Hoenig series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delicious, funny, perfect book. Copperman, a seasoned series veteran (Haunted Guest House, Asberger’s, Mysterious Detective, Agent to the Paws, and, as Jeff Cohen, Aaron Tucker and Double Feature) brings all his writing expertise to the table in Inherit the Shoes. Lawyer Sandy Moss has just moved to California from New Jersey to start over. On her first day at her new law firm she’s told to sit still and be quiet (she’s new to defense, she’s come from the prosecutor’s side of the table), and, instead of being quiet, she speaks up.

Her firm is negotiating the divorce of a well known TV star and his wife, a singer whose star has fallen. Their separation is acrimonious and much of it seems to center on “Jimmy’s Shoes.” When Sandy steps up with a kind of common sense remark toward the end of the proceedings, her new boss is furious, but the client, Patrick McNabb, says she has passion and wants her as his attorney. When he’s arrested shortly after for murdering his soon to be ex – with a bow and arrow no less – Sandy gets a crash course on running a murder case with only the help of an aspiring law student who seems to want to put the moves on her.

This kind of caper mystery needs a light but steady hand. Writers like Donald E. Westlake, Lawrence Block (in his burglar incarnation), and more recently, Catriona McPherson, are all similarly gifted. Copperman has such a sure hand, such a comfortable and believable writing voice, and such a wry sense of humor that his books are a pure pleasure to read.

The story of Sandy’s hurried lesson in defending a client who ignores what she tells him and who charms most he comes into contact with is hard to put down. When attempts on Patrick’s life and threats to Sandy herself accelerate, the story takes on a real urgency. Laid on top of the humor that permeates every page, this is a knock out combination.

It’s also full of Copperman/Cohen’s love of the movies. The “Jimmy’s shoes” the pair were fighting over belonged to Jimmy Cagney – he wore them in Yankee Doodle Dandy. While Sandy pooh poohs the value of this kind of item, there are of course many collectors and plenty of movie lovers who would beg to differ. But her matter of factness is a nice contrast to Patrick’s over the top passion.

Sandy is the kind of character you root for from page one forward. It’s fun to see how she figures things out (she was way ahead of me) and fun to see how this fictional trial unfolds. Her new to California status is also entertaining. This story was witty and clever, with twists and turns coming just at the right beat of the story’s progress. I haven’t enjoyed a book more in quite awhile, and I can’t recommend it more highly.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inherit the Shoes by E. J. Copperman is the first book of the Jersey Girl mystery series set in contemporary Los Angeles. Sandy Moss is tired of the violent criminals and drug dealers she prosecutes. She accepts a new position at a glitzy LA law firm specializing in family law. For the first time, she'll be working for the defense. On her first day, her first meeting with clients seeking a divorce settlement, she speaks her mind, instantly trashing her career at the firm. But the husband insists she be kept on the case, refusing to work with anyone else, threatening to take his business to another firm.

In retail "The customer is always right"; evidently also in high-dollar law firms. The client is a television star. He plays a lawyer on screen, assumes he "knows the law". Of course, he doesn't. When he becomes the prime suspect in his wife's murder, he still insists Sandy must be his attorney. Which she sometimes regrets, because he is an uncooperative client - for example, heads to Mexico to interview a witness, totally violating his bail agreement. But he's kind and (overly) generous; she hangs in there. Gradually her opinion about his guilt/innocence shifts.

Sandy's best friend Angie keeps in touch; often chatting well into the wee hours. As she works with a sympathetic young colleague, Sandy remembers Angie's frequent goading to start dating. When the going gets rough on the murder case, Angie arrives to support her best friend in person. She's a hoot.

Having grown up in Southern California, I really enjoyed Sandy's remarks on subtle differences between California and New Jersey culture. Very slight, very trivial, very true. For example, she learns Californians don't "take Interstate 5", we "take the 5" (or "the 405", or "the 91"). When the TV star tells Sandy how difficult it was for him to adjust to SoCal from England ("another country, not just another state"), she wisecracks New Jersey is a different country from California.

I enjoyed the courtroom antics. Both sides played clever tricks. Sandy's success was primarily due to using rebuttal witnesses, a witness category I don't remember reading about in other legal thrillers.

This Hoopla Bonus Borrow was an entertaining introduction to a new-to-me author and cosy mystery/legal series. I look forward to Sandy's next adventure in Judgment at Santa Monica.

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very soon apparent that Copperman is no novice – the slick introduction that had me rooting for gutsy Sandy within a handful of pages, and the perfect pacing indicated a writer with experience and talent. I enjoyed the initial twist that got Sandy emboiled in the business of trying to defend a client who is deluded into thinking he can get himself out of the unholy mess he finds himself in, because he’s an actor.

Inevitably, while strong characterisation and a well described backdrop are always important, the vital ingredient in a well-told murder mystery is the plotting. It has to be nicely twisty, with several enjoyable surprises along the way, and the final denouement giving one final revelation that neatly ties up the case, leaving the reader satisfied with the ending. That’s the ideal, anyway. Often enough, I’ll happily settle with a cast of intriguing characters, or interesting setting and give the author a pass on the rather ordinary, straightforward murder mystery. However I didn’t have to rein in any expectations regarding Inherit the Shoes – there were all sorts of surprises along the way. And one, in particular, still gives me a buzz of pleasure whenever I think about it.

In the middle of a rather harrowing court case where Sandy has been thrown in at the deep end, she is also struggling to find her feet as a new arrival to the area. I enjoyed her sense of disorientation as she tries to grapple with a different road network and far more traffic, making even the drive to work more of a challenge. All in all, I came away from this story with a real sense of enjoyment at a really well-crafted murder mystery peopled with strong and memorable characters. This classy start to a very promising series is highly recommended for fans of the genre, who like their murder mysteries with plenty of entertaining twists. While I obtained an arc of Inherit the Shoes from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

[Linda Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandy Moss left her soul-sucking job as a New Jersey prosecutor to start a new life at a Los Angeles law firm specializing in family law. Her first day on the job does not bode well for this new career. Sandy is told to sit in on a divorce negotiation but to not say anything. However, at a critical point in the meeting, Sandy blurts out an opinion. The senior partner in the room is ready to fire her but his client, TV star Patrick McNabb, thinks she is "brilliant". Although Sandy hasn't studied family law since law school, Patrick insists that she represent him. Unfortunately, the next development in the case does pertain to Sandy's background. Patrick is arrested and charged with killing his estranged wife with an arrow. Sandy has never actually been the defense attorney in a murder case, but her background is closer to this type of law than anyone else in the firm. She suggests that Patrick hire a top-notch lawyer with proven experience, but he is adamant that Sandy must defend him. Unfortunately, Patrick's experience acting as an attorney convinces him that he can investigate and solve the murder himself. Sandy is also dealing with back-stabbing from her new law firm. Plus someone is trying to kill her and/or Patrick. The plot thickens. This story would make an excellent TV series or movie or made for TV movie. It is a fast and funny tale.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered this book because I honestly enjoy everything written by E. J. Copperman, or Jeff Cohen. Having followed this author so many years and different book series, I was enthused and intrigued by the description offered for this premise of a New Jersey girl coming to a new job/world.

Sandra (Sandy) Moss made an impulsive life change. She left her life in New Jersey as an assistant Prosecutor to a new career in Los Angeles, CA as an attorney for Family Law. Having second thoughts and not quite fitting in her new home (never enough room for books,) her first experience hits like a pair of shoes in the face!

In fact, there is a chance that a famous pair of shoes are the cause of a...well, let me stop there and let you find out.

If you like legal mysteries, humor, television, and celebrities, you will love this new book! There is plenty of each within this tale of many agendas playing against each other. The humor? Well, that is the clever hook that keeps you turning the pages so quickly.

Treat yourself to a gift. It's a fun book that has interesting twists and turns within the legal and celebrity world. Enjoy!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jersey girl and lawyer, Sandy Moss, has relocated to Los Angeles, where she intends to reboot her life. First, by leaving an ex-boyfriend behind and, secondly, by moving from a career as a prosecutor to a law firm specializing in family law. But suddenly and without warning, Sandy finds herself defending the firm’s biggest client charged with murder.

Inherit the Shoes is E.J. Copperman at his finest. Sandy is an appealing character. She’s smart, empathetic, and just a bit unsure of herself and her decisions. The plot is clever, with some courtroom drama, and plenty of action as well. Angela, Sandy’s good friend from New Jersey, is a hoot and adds yet another layer to the already multiple layers that Mr Copperman has created. The mystery is well-conceived, the humor is just right, and it produces a slightly madcap romp that makes for a fun read. This feels like the beginning of a new series and I certainly hope it is!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighthearted legal comedy with the same sense of humor that the author is known for. Criminal attorney Sandy (not Sandra) Moss has moved from New Jersey to Los Angeles. She has had it with criminal law and looks forward to a quiet and uneventful family law practice. When she sits in on a divorce case, she suddenly becomes lead on a murder case…the divorce is now murder. Patrick Allan Dunwoody, aka TV star lawyer Patrick McNabb, has been found near his wife’s body. He says he is innocent, sure he threatened to kill her during their divorce meeting, but he didn’t mean it. He was just enraged about the shoes, the Jimmy shoes. Did he kill his almost ex-wife? He wants Sandy to defend him and they say defending a lawyer is difficult, but defending a man who “plays” a lawyer is even worse. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Holly Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel about a celebrity court case FULL of juicy drama and entertainment? Sign me up. I literally read Inherit the Shoes in less than two days because I just could not put it down. I am all about a good book that combines the law and a little bit of drama, and this was it. Immediately I was hooked and essentially wondering what all the other characters were wondering too: who killed Patsy? Was it her TV star soon-to-be ex-husband, Patrick?

I loved that this book had so many unexpected plot twists that I never expected. Not one page was I ever bored, because something surprising or shocking was always happening. Not going to lie, I was already intrigued by page one because I couldn't wait to find out what the title was all about. I was not disappointed to find out that the shoes were most definitely significant in so many ways. Inherit the Shoes gets FIVE big stars from me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series by E.J. Copperman who is an author that I have read and enjoyed in the past. I like the humor that he writes into his stories and couldn't wait to read this book. I was not disappointed. Sandy Moss is a lawyer that has recently moved to Los Angeles from New Jersey and is changing her focus from criminal law to family law. Unfortunately for her one of her new firm's biggest clients is accused of murder and he wants her to defend him. This is a legal mystery with plenty of humor with some celebrities and movie trivia thrown in. I loved the characters, especially Angela, Sandy's best friend from New Jersey who shows up when she thinks that Sandy is in danger. This was a fun story and I hope that there will be many more stories for these characters.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

In what is an otherwise entertaining book, the story is ruined by the testimony of an eyewitness - 90% into the book - to a murder, an eyewitness overlooked for no discernible reason by police and Jersey Girl/attorney Sandy Moss. A famous movie star is found over the dead body of his wife, who has been killed by an arrow allegedly shot from a bow. Sandy, who left New Jersey to practice family law in Los Angeles, is recruited to represent the movie star. There is a lot of humor in the book. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue sparkles. The story moves at a crisp pace, as we follow the investigation through Sandy's eyes. The trial scenes are ok and deliver some unexpected moments. Overall, the writing is very good and I just wish the ending had been better thought out.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy Moss THINKS a move to LA and a switch to family law is going to be just ducky. Hah! Almost immediately, she finds herself caught up in a murder case when her firm's big client Pat McNabb is arrested for killing his wife Patsy (with an arrow, no less). Sandy isn't eager to serve as his defense attorney but he likes her and the firm wants to keep his business. Unfortunately, whoever killed Patsy now is after Sandy and McNabb, leading to some slightly madcap challenges and threats. The characters are good- Sandy's smart and funny- and the plot zips along. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read with a wry sense of humor and a nice start to a new series (I hope).

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it a 3.5 stars. It was pleasant but not awesome. Sandy is a lawyer starting over in L. A. at a civil law firm after 8 years as a prosecutor. After ticking off her boss on her first fast on the job, and acquiring a high profile client who is later accused of killing his soon to be ex-wife, Sandy, finds herself defending him in a murder trial. Between trying to corral/control an out of control and impulsive actor client who believes he is an investigator, betrayals within her own camp, and trying to keep her head above water, Sandy has her work cut out for her.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inherit the Shoes is a cozy mystery with a lawyer sleuth. New Jersey native and former prosecutor Sandy Moss ends up in LA working a small practice in family law. Now she's dealing with celebrity divorces, starting with TV star Patrick McNabb and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Patsy. That is until Patsy turns up murdered and Patrick of course is the prime suspect. Sandy's old instincts come forward in helping to clear his name. He even wants her to defend him. It's very entertaining and humorous but also provides a mystery to solve, which was written and done well.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in this series even if I read other books by this author and always loved them.
It's a gripping and highly entertaining story, I had a lot of fun in reading it.
Excellent character and plot development, a fast paced and tightly knitted plot.
The mystery kept me guessing and it's full of twists/turns.
I can't wait another book in this series, this one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun and entertaining mystery.
New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss has moved to Los Angeles to practice family law at a glitzy firm.
Her first day on the job goes off the rails- though she does impress actor Patrick McNabb, who happens to play a lawyer on tv.
When Patrick is accused of murder, he hires Sandy to defend him. But he wants to help with all aspects of the case. Except this isn't tv.... What follows is a very fun adventure.

[Julie Tappero · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up
First book I've read by this author. It's a murder mystery, filled with humor. I liked the character, Sandy, a Jersey lawyer moved to LA for a change. Though she's a family law attorney, she ends up defending a TV star accused of murdering his wife. The book was fun, good but not great. I especially liked her character and the copy, Det. Trench. Would like to see more between them as the series goes on.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may not be LA Law but it is equally entertaining.

I did time in Los Angeles at a law firm and know this is not how they operate.

I give E. J. some leeway as his intent is to entertain within the context of current day Los Angeles, TV series productions, and the legal system.

These are likable characters and a very convoluted plot.

Perfect for a holiday read.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.