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Under Oath #1
Girl, Under Oath
Taking the case could free an innocent woman… or a guilty one.
Doctor Jenny Ipswich’s perfect life crashes down the day her husband dies. It shatters when his dying request is to pay half of his two-million-dollar life-insurance policy to some woman named Elise.
Shocked to learn the secret affair resulted in a second wife and a child in Paris, Jenny comes face-to-face with the other woman when Elise shows up demanding half of everything she’s worked hard for—over Jenny’s dead body. As the wives square off, Jenny stands trial for their husband’s suspicious death.
Criminal attorney Michael Gresham, is on the case, but when Elise suddenly vanishes, disturbing texts, emails, and a horrifying discovery come to light. When dangerous attraction and sudden obsession collide, Michael must entrap a killer to protect those he loves from a case that’s turned personal.
Don’t miss the slow-burn suspense from USA Today Bestselling author John Ellsworth. If you enjoy jaw-dropping plot twists, engaging legal drama, and battles of wits and wills, this gripping thriller is a read all night page-turner.
Doctor Jenny Ipswich’s perfect life crashes down the day her husband dies. It shatters when his dying request is to pay half of his two-million-dollar life-insurance policy to some woman named Elise.
Shocked to learn the secret affair resulted in a second wife and a child in Paris, Jenny comes face-to-face with the other woman when Elise shows up demanding half of everything she’s worked hard for—over Jenny’s dead body. As the wives square off, Jenny stands trial for their husband’s suspicious death.
Criminal attorney Michael Gresham, is on the case, but when Elise suddenly vanishes, disturbing texts, emails, and a horrifying discovery come to light. When dangerous attraction and sudden obsession collide, Michael must entrap a killer to protect those he loves from a case that’s turned personal.
Don’t miss the slow-burn suspense from USA Today Bestselling author John Ellsworth. If you enjoy jaw-dropping plot twists, engaging legal drama, and battles of wits and wills, this gripping thriller is a read all night page-turner.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
1847 people are currently reading
281 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 126 reviews
March 13, 2021
This was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. Was so glad to be done with it. Can’t figure out all the 5 star ratings. Story line was okay in itself but very unbelievable and the amateurism of the writing blew me away!! Author couldn’t maintain the timeline so how could the reader.
January 21, 2025
His worst book
I have read several of his books and w/o a doubt this is the worst. The actions of the main character violated just about every ethical rule governing lawyers. And repeatedly violated Illinois law. How? By recording his client’s statements. Ill has a two party law on recordings. Both parties must consent. When an author has his characters both unethical and participating in criminal acts (breaking and entering) it makes the public think that this is what all lawyers do. I say this as a trial lawyer of over 50 years practice. I may or may not read another of his books. Likely not.
I have read several of his books and w/o a doubt this is the worst. The actions of the main character violated just about every ethical rule governing lawyers. And repeatedly violated Illinois law. How? By recording his client’s statements. Ill has a two party law on recordings. Both parties must consent. When an author has his characters both unethical and participating in criminal acts (breaking and entering) it makes the public think that this is what all lawyers do. I say this as a trial lawyer of over 50 years practice. I may or may not read another of his books. Likely not.
April 26, 2021
Two and a half stars. Started off strong, then delved into a confusing pile of nonsense. If you like feeling gaslighted, you might like this book more than me.
January 26, 2022
I read this book in one sitting. A doctor is accused of murdering her husband and she seeks representation by a well known attorney. It is revealed that her husband had another wife and child in France. Before his death, the husband asked his doctor wife to give half of his insurance proceeds to his wife and child in France. The doctor claims to have known nothing about the other woman. It all goes downhill from there and the tension builds from there. Although the doctor wife is found "not guilty" of the murder charge, the attorney becomes aware that his client is not the person he thought she was.
July 31, 2023
great
Very hard to read however very twisted and made me feel like michael at the end. Once again john does it again. He is my fav of all time.
Very hard to read however very twisted and made me feel like michael at the end. Once again john does it again. He is my fav of all time.
September 11, 2024
The stars are for the interesting premise, but this book was so clunky to read, especially the dialogue. I just couldn't picture people talking like that.
May 9, 2021
Nope- usually love The Gresham series. I couldn’t finish this one-
Did not enjoy the style of this novel. Certainly not up to Michael’s standards- I expect he may have a few words…but as always, looking forward to his next adventure!
Did not enjoy the style of this novel. Certainly not up to Michael’s standards- I expect he may have a few words…but as always, looking forward to his next adventure!
May 7, 2021
Ridiculous premise
The most ridiculous premise I’ve seen. I couldn’t get halfway thru it. I don’t believe such a situation would ever happen and it was so repetitive- half dialogue could have been cut. In the beginning it seemed interesting but went south fast. He should go back to what he normally writes. I wouldn’t recommend thi book to anyone.
The most ridiculous premise I’ve seen. I couldn’t get halfway thru it. I don’t believe such a situation would ever happen and it was so repetitive- half dialogue could have been cut. In the beginning it seemed interesting but went south fast. He should go back to what he normally writes. I wouldn’t recommend thi book to anyone.
May 2, 2021
F
I disliked everything about this book. It was free, so no loss. You get what you pay for. The characters were totally unengaging
I disliked everything about this book. It was free, so no loss. You get what you pay for. The characters were totally unengaging
April 23, 2021
Worst book ever
Such a disappointment that it did nor even rise to the mediocre level of his past books but the whole book was not believable and the language used in the dialogue was ridiculous. Save your time
Such a disappointment that it did nor even rise to the mediocre level of his past books but the whole book was not believable and the language used in the dialogue was ridiculous. Save your time
March 7, 2021
This is the first Michael Gresham book I have read and I loved it! The first person style made me feel like Michael was telling his story just to me. He sure bit off almost more than he could chew with this client. At first when Jennifer Ipswich's dying husband tells her to give half his insurance money to someone named Elise I was understandably sympathetic to her but that didn't last long. She is one of the most devious characters I have ever seen. I never knew where this book was going next and I sure didn't see the ending coming. I am definitely going back to read more Michael Gresham books. Thanks to the author for giving me a chance to read this one.
April 15, 2021
Sloppy with unbelievable (not in a good way) plot points
I understand trying out different perspectives for this type of novel made for a different writing experience for the author. That wasn’t the problem. Rather there were just too many places where Gresham. A supposedly too lawyer let his client and himself get brutalized by his opposing counsel, act completely unprofessionally ( confronting his client with a picture GE stole from her -really?) and then having both Verona snd Michael continue to think they can talk to a completely deranged character with never a thought for calling for help. Just a few examples of many instances that strained credulity. Not one of his better works.
I understand trying out different perspectives for this type of novel made for a different writing experience for the author. That wasn’t the problem. Rather there were just too many places where Gresham. A supposedly too lawyer let his client and himself get brutalized by his opposing counsel, act completely unprofessionally ( confronting his client with a picture GE stole from her -really?) and then having both Verona snd Michael continue to think they can talk to a completely deranged character with never a thought for calling for help. Just a few examples of many instances that strained credulity. Not one of his better works.
April 15, 2021
This is not a typical read. The author uses a first person narrative for several characters, and he jumps from one to another in short chapters. This is an usual style and I found it confusing. The story itself is very complex , dealing with psychotic episodes , which resulted in additional confusion. Parts of the plot stretched believability. There was extreme violence as well, which seemed unnecessary.
All this for a one star reading, which I very rarely give.
All this for a one star reading, which I very rarely give.
April 15, 2021
Possibly the most poorly written book I’ve ever read.
April 6, 2021
Disappointed
Enjoyed author’s previous books. Felt this novel was unnecessarily long and at best very confusing. It could be that the author tried to write a novel that tried to be something that made sense only to himself. Not really recommended!
Enjoyed author’s previous books. Felt this novel was unnecessarily long and at best very confusing. It could be that the author tried to write a novel that tried to be something that made sense only to himself. Not really recommended!
April 2, 2021
This book had a great story line but was hard to read at times. I often felt like I was missing something and had to go back to see if I skipped pages or something. It often seemed as if there were multiple people writing, the style would randomly change and become rather immature.
March 8, 2021
A kick ass thriller!
I am not an attorney, but how can any of this happen as it went down in this book? Yes, as pure fiction, it was great! But, if the law is factually demonstrated here, then it's flawed, in my opinion. How is it that several times Elise claimed knowing of Joe's American family, but then be called a victim of this bigamist? There are things that make no sense to me about the law displayed in this situation, but the actual book was a great thrill!
I am not an attorney, but how can any of this happen as it went down in this book? Yes, as pure fiction, it was great! But, if the law is factually demonstrated here, then it's flawed, in my opinion. How is it that several times Elise claimed knowing of Joe's American family, but then be called a victim of this bigamist? There are things that make no sense to me about the law displayed in this situation, but the actual book was a great thrill!
March 15, 2021
My goodness, I read this book in 2 days. I’m forgiving some of the ‘gaps’ in the story, like where are Jennifer’s children when all this is happening? About three fourths of the way I thought the book was going to be a script for a Lifetime movie and then came the ending ! I’ve not read a Michael Gresham story before and will find another one to read. I enjoyed him being the ‘hero’
March 18, 2021
Murder mayhem
Seemed a bit far fetched. The writing was choppy. Did not flow well. Some things do not appear possible. How can a foot from a dark woman with a freshly done matching tattoo be thought of as belonging to Elise? Jennifer travels back and forth to Paris. What is happening with Jennifer’s children?
Seemed a bit far fetched. The writing was choppy. Did not flow well. Some things do not appear possible. How can a foot from a dark woman with a freshly done matching tattoo be thought of as belonging to Elise? Jennifer travels back and forth to Paris. What is happening with Jennifer’s children?
March 6, 2021
Very Underwhelming!!
This book is certainly not up to the previous Ellsworth standards. The plot was ridiculous, and totally unbelievable. Dare I read the next book?? Very disappointing
This book is certainly not up to the previous Ellsworth standards. The plot was ridiculous, and totally unbelievable. Dare I read the next book?? Very disappointing
March 9, 2021
This doesn't feel like a John Ellsworth story.
Being a huge fan of this author this book didn't measure up. The story was very redundant and skipped around lot so it was very hard to follow. Could only make it through 36% of the book before giving up.
Being a huge fan of this author this book didn't measure up. The story was very redundant and skipped around lot so it was very hard to follow. Could only make it through 36% of the book before giving up.
March 19, 2021
At first, I liked this book, trying to figure it out, but then the story went downhill and weird. The ending made no sense and left a lot of unanswered questions for me. Glad I didn't pay for the book.
March 19, 2021
I was not as impressed with it as others have been. I was actually bored with it at times.
I always try to figure out the crime ahead of the conclusion, normally unsuccessful, but this time I had it figured out half way through. Sorry John.
I always try to figure out the crime ahead of the conclusion, normally unsuccessful, but this time I had it figured out half way through. Sorry John.
March 14, 2021
It was ok for most of it, but got a little low on the believability scale at the end.
July 9, 2021
Doctor Jenny Ipswich’s perfect life crashes the day her husband dies and he asks her to pay half of his two-million-dollar life-insurance policy to some woman named Elise. Shocked to learn the secret affair resulted in a second wife and a child in Paris, Jenny comes face-to-face with the other woman when Elise shows up demanding half of everything she’s worked hard for. As the wives square off, Jenny stands trial for their husband’s suspicious death. Criminal attorney, Michael Gresham, is on the case, but when Elise suddenly vanishes, disturbing texts, emails, and a horrifying discovery come to light. Michael must entrap a killer to protect those he loves from a case that’s turned personal. This book was fast-paced and easy to keep reading, but a bit outlandish in the storyline; some of it being a bit unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
Awesome
This book is a knockout, when you start to read it is impossible to want to put it down, you always want to know what the next chapter is coming with. John I realised that bringing back Michael was a good thing and also a challenge. After not hearing about him for so long you get hungry to know what is going on, but you always know how to make a twist for us to understand what is next. I sometimes form a conclusion in my head, but not this one, I was thinking that both ladies had a split personality. But all in all you manage to pull it off again. Thank you for bringing back Michael and for refreshing our minds that all that glitters isn't always gold. Thanks again and I wish that you will continue to inspire us your readers and fans.
This book is a knockout, when you start to read it is impossible to want to put it down, you always want to know what the next chapter is coming with. John I realised that bringing back Michael was a good thing and also a challenge. After not hearing about him for so long you get hungry to know what is going on, but you always know how to make a twist for us to understand what is next. I sometimes form a conclusion in my head, but not this one, I was thinking that both ladies had a split personality. But all in all you manage to pull it off again. Thank you for bringing back Michael and for refreshing our minds that all that glitters isn't always gold. Thanks again and I wish that you will continue to inspire us your readers and fans.
May 20, 2021
A book that I enjoyed less and less the more I think about it.
I have read nearly all of the Michael Gresham and Thaddeus Murphy books, and that alone is an endorsement, as there are plenty of other novels that I could read if I didn't like these series.
This one disappoints me, because it doesn't add up to me. It passes the suspense and plot twist tests, but there are at least two major plot elements, which I will not detail here, to avoid spoilers. One has to do with a trial that I do not find believable, and another with a character that we learn is villainous fairly late in the story. I salute the effort to produce more plot twists than I see in most Ellsworth novels, but I just don't find the path taken by the plot as credible.
I have read nearly all of the Michael Gresham and Thaddeus Murphy books, and that alone is an endorsement, as there are plenty of other novels that I could read if I didn't like these series.
This one disappoints me, because it doesn't add up to me. It passes the suspense and plot twist tests, but there are at least two major plot elements, which I will not detail here, to avoid spoilers. One has to do with a trial that I do not find believable, and another with a character that we learn is villainous fairly late in the story. I salute the effort to produce more plot twists than I see in most Ellsworth novels, but I just don't find the path taken by the plot as credible.
February 3, 2023
John has really stepped out of his comfort zone with this one. Totally different from all of his other novels, but I truly loved it!!!
It was a bit hard to follow all of the characters, especially Jennifer. She was all over the place. But once the story progressed it made sense. I had to figure out her DSM-V but once I got it, it truly made sense. Her psychosis and bipolar episodes together can make even the sane feel insane and extremely exhausted.
Michael and Marcel did a fantastic job of tracking down all of the steps that Jennifer did and later on and later on including Elise. That one stunned me. I was certain that Korral killed Elise, not the other way around.
Great job, John!!! I really hope that you will continue on this trek for future books.
Is there another Thaddeus book in the future? I'm totally hooked on him and on Michael!!!
It was a bit hard to follow all of the characters, especially Jennifer. She was all over the place. But once the story progressed it made sense. I had to figure out her DSM-V but once I got it, it truly made sense. Her psychosis and bipolar episodes together can make even the sane feel insane and extremely exhausted.
Michael and Marcel did a fantastic job of tracking down all of the steps that Jennifer did and later on and later on including Elise. That one stunned me. I was certain that Korral killed Elise, not the other way around.
Great job, John!!! I really hope that you will continue on this trek for future books.
Is there another Thaddeus book in the future? I'm totally hooked on him and on Michael!!!
October 2, 2024
Didn't meet my expectations but recommend
I love this author penmanship, but these Michael Gresham books are kind of hard to read. I'm embarrassed to say I am so lost sometimes. It's so hard for me to follow the storyline. I have to keep flipped back to try to make connections. I'm not one for comparing author work, but I really enjoyed reading Thaddeus Murfee seri0es better. Thaddeus storylines floated smoothly. It wasn’t confusing. You could follow the story without getting thrown off balance. It made sense. Don't get me wrong, I love Gresham's character, and Marcel's character is amazing. I enjoyed this series, but I think I leave it here. I won't read anymore, Michael Gresham, for right now. Thanks, author, for sharing your great stories with the world.
I love this author penmanship, but these Michael Gresham books are kind of hard to read. I'm embarrassed to say I am so lost sometimes. It's so hard for me to follow the storyline. I have to keep flipped back to try to make connections. I'm not one for comparing author work, but I really enjoyed reading Thaddeus Murfee seri0es better. Thaddeus storylines floated smoothly. It wasn’t confusing. You could follow the story without getting thrown off balance. It made sense. Don't get me wrong, I love Gresham's character, and Marcel's character is amazing. I enjoyed this series, but I think I leave it here. I won't read anymore, Michael Gresham, for right now. Thanks, author, for sharing your great stories with the world.
March 2, 2021
I have read a number of Ellsworth books and in my opinion this may be his best one. The characters are very well developed and believable, if not always very likable. The story is very well told and the plot is extremely intricate. There are numerous twists and turns as the plot develops and I found myself having to read another chapter to satisfy my curiosity about what would happen next. This is a book you just don’t want to put down once you start. John Ellsworth provided me a copy of this book as an ARC and I was pleased to read and review it. This is an entertaining read and I definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews