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Ruby Bozarth #2
The Jailhouse Lawyer
A young lawyer takes on the judge who is destroying her hometown—and ends up in jail herself. James Patterson does John Grisham.
In picture-perfect Erva, Alabama, the most serious crimes are misdemeanors. Speeding tickets. Shoplifting. Contempt of court.
Then why is the jail so crowded? And why are so few prisoners released? There’s only one place to learn the truth behind these incriminating secrets.
Sometimes the best education a lawyer can get is a short stretch of hard time.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2021
3072 people are currently reading
12322 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,282 reviews
March 9, 2022
Misleading; this is 2 short books, not 1
I bought this thinking it was one book. Turns out it’s 2 books in one. Both have female leads, both (I guess) could be considered “jailhouse lawyers”, but I don’t like feeling I was misled. On the whole, the books are okay, nothing special, and had I known it was broken into 2 books, I wouldn’t have purchased it. I should know better, really, since James Patterson has consistently been disappointing me for at least the past 5 years. Now I’ll only buy Alex Cross books and stop hoping for a miracle. I feel that the writer who once wrote great books is gone and in his place is someone who just wants to write as many books as possible. He’s said himself he wants to be the most prolific writer ever, but I fear he’s choosing quantity over quality.
I bought this thinking it was one book. Turns out it’s 2 books in one. Both have female leads, both (I guess) could be considered “jailhouse lawyers”, but I don’t like feeling I was misled. On the whole, the books are okay, nothing special, and had I known it was broken into 2 books, I wouldn’t have purchased it. I should know better, really, since James Patterson has consistently been disappointing me for at least the past 5 years. Now I’ll only buy Alex Cross books and stop hoping for a miracle. I feel that the writer who once wrote great books is gone and in his place is someone who just wants to write as many books as possible. He’s said himself he wants to be the most prolific writer ever, but I fear he’s choosing quantity over quality.
July 23, 2024
Coauthors James Patterson and Nancy Allen provide two suspenseful and exciting legal novels in the The Jailhouse Lawyer. Both books are original, emotional, and highly intense. I personally love learning as much as possible about the legal system - preparing for trial, courtroom procedures, ethics, etcetera. The first book introduces us to a single very successful lawyer who had a high paying job with one of the best law firms until the head partner abruptly sends out a memo to all staff - but specifically directed at her - that they will be significantly changing their health care insurance coverage. This will drastically affect her ability to continue obtaining high-quality healthcare - surgeries, meds, recovery - for her young son's life threatening heart condition. When she confronts her boss he tells her the decision is final.
After quitting on the spot, she cannot believe her luck when she quickly lands the recently vacated public defender's position in her hometown of Erva, Alabama. Thrilled, shocked, and more than a little curious as to why the health insurance and pay are way above average for a public defender. The she finds out why...
Within hours of starting her fist day of employment she is contending with egregious actions by her circuit-court judge. He is getting away with desolating her hometown because he is backed by a county of worshipping minions - all of whom follow his every unethical and abusive command.
However, it all comes to a boiling point when the judge imprisons her for daring to challenge his illegal law practices. This only serves to enrage and impassion her determination in assuring he is stopped and brought to justice After all: "Sometimes the best education a lawyer can get is a short stretch of hard time". Truth.
The second book was also an exceptionally suspenseful and riveting plot, with incredibly well developed characters. The storyline revolves a lawyer home to help her aging parents get their finances in order as well as assist with the care of her father who now has dementia. While there she ends up taking on the case of a 23-year-old young woman with a second grade education who is accused of murdering her guardians. An incredible plot with highs, lows and one fantastic, shocking (I should have seen coming) and authentic endings. Of the two this is my favorite.
This was a lot of fun. Especially appreciated learning some fascinating real life legal intricacies.
After quitting on the spot, she cannot believe her luck when she quickly lands the recently vacated public defender's position in her hometown of Erva, Alabama. Thrilled, shocked, and more than a little curious as to why the health insurance and pay are way above average for a public defender. The she finds out why...
Within hours of starting her fist day of employment she is contending with egregious actions by her circuit-court judge. He is getting away with desolating her hometown because he is backed by a county of worshipping minions - all of whom follow his every unethical and abusive command.
However, it all comes to a boiling point when the judge imprisons her for daring to challenge his illegal law practices. This only serves to enrage and impassion her determination in assuring he is stopped and brought to justice After all: "Sometimes the best education a lawyer can get is a short stretch of hard time". Truth.
The second book was also an exceptionally suspenseful and riveting plot, with incredibly well developed characters. The storyline revolves a lawyer home to help her aging parents get their finances in order as well as assist with the care of her father who now has dementia. While there she ends up taking on the case of a 23-year-old young woman with a second grade education who is accused of murdering her guardians. An incredible plot with highs, lows and one fantastic, shocking (I should have seen coming) and authentic endings. Of the two this is my favorite.
This was a lot of fun. Especially appreciated learning some fascinating real life legal intricacies.
April 6, 2022
James Patterson and Nancy Allen collaborate again on a pair of legal thrillers that are sure to keep the reader on their toes throughout. The stories stir up a great deal of emotion and intrigue in equal measure as they explore the legal world from new perspectives. The first story has a small town lawyer accept the job of county public defender, only to realise that the sitting judge has an agenda of his own. Many citizens are under his thumb and no one has the wherewithal to stand up to the man in the gavel. No one except Martha Foster. The second story turns the attention to Leah Randall, who leaves her Chicago firm to return home to Arkansas. While her primary goal is to assist her sick father, Leah is soon pulled into the middle of a criminal case with a suspect who has everything to lose. Exploring many facets of the law, Leah will have to work hard to ensure a young woman is not railroaded in a state where the jury is public opinion! A wonderful set of stories by Patterson and Allen that solidifies the power of their collaborative efforts.
The Jailhouse Lawyer
After leaving her job and looking for something more fulfilling, Martha Foster brings her son to Erva, Alabama. They are ready to take on the world and set up some roots, especially after Martha is offered the position of Public Defender for the county. While Martha tries to get her bearings, she learns that Judge Pickens is not only revered, but also might be feared around town. Still, Martha has a job to do and is prepared to accomplish it.
As she begins her work, Martha soon realises that Judge Pickens has a reputation for legal firmness around the county, holding many to a higher standard. This standard includes locking them away for small offences and using a ‘chair’ to ensure people follow the law, his law. While Martha can respect the bench, she cannot stomach anything that Judge Pickens has been doing. Now, she’s forced to stand her ground, which may mean upsetting the scales of justice and landing her in some hot water.
With little holding her back, Martha takes on Judge Pickens, hoping that she will be the one person who can stare him down. Pickens is ready for this and tosses everything he an in her direction, hoping to break her. That being said, Martha Foster is not one to bend to the will of others without a fight. Will this fight be more than Martha and her sick son, Andy, can withstand?
Power of Attorney
While Leah Randall has had a great deal of success defending insurance companies, she cannot stomach the slimy nature of the work and quits. This is fuelled not only by her conscience, but an odd message from her mother that she is needed back home in Arkansas. Leah learns that her father, a prominent attorney in the small town of Bassville, is sick and headed downhill fast.
When Leah returns to her hometown, it is as if nothing has changed. She is welcomed home with open arms, but eyebrows raised, as she gets reacquainted with everyone she left behind. While her focus is to help her father, Leah is soon pulled in to assist on a tricky criminal case. Amber Lynn Travis, a missing young woman, has recently resurfaced. First thought to be the only survivor in a house fire that was likely arson, Amber is soon at the centre of the investigation, the likely murderer of her cousin and his wife. While Leah is shocked to hear this, she is even more baffled at the simple nature that Amber portrays, which is substantiated by the fact that she has only a second-grade education.
With the court ruling that Amber must stand trial for the murders, Leah prepares a defence as best she can, stymied by the limited resources at her disposal. Amber wants the proceeds of her cousin’s will, which she vocalists repeatedly, though it is a contract that Leah discovers which proves more disturbing, especially since the elder Randall oversaw its creation.
While Leah can rely on no one else and Amber looks even guiltier the more evidence is presented, she will stop at nothing to ensure her client has the best possible defence. What Leah cannot know is just how much Amber knew or realised throughout her servitude at the hands of a cruel cousin for a number of years. As always, justice might be blind, but the courtroom has a way of twisting the truth.
Nancy Allen brings a strong legal background to these stories, which are vastly different, yet both well balanced. She complements the Patterson style of delivery and helps develop a great legal thriller (two, actually), for the reader to enjoy. Pulling on lesser discussed tactics, Patterson and Allen deliver something the reader can easily enjoy and use to whet their appetite for more legal thrillers. With a strong narrative in both pieces, Patterson and Allen capture the legal themes well and keep the reader hooked until they discover the crux of the story’s argument.
These two stories explore completely different legal elements, but use a strong female protagonist to do so. Both Martha and Leah have completely different backstories, though it is the development that each presents throughout the process that is sure to impress the reader. While these are likely one-off stories, Patterson and Allen have done enough to create some strong roots and have me wanting to know more about both women, whose gritty determination will not allow the pressures of the courtroom leave them weak in the knees. Wonderful characters in both pieces had me cringing and cheering at various points.
While James Patterson is not known for his legal thrillers, he has teamed up with some great individuals over his career to pen some formidable pieces. Working with Nancy Allen a second time here has proven to be a masterful choice on his part, as both these stories read as some of the better thrillers I have read in a long while. Paced well, with a narrative that pushes forward easily, the stories offer much for the curious reader. Using the underdog technique, both stories tap into the darker side of the law and how the ‘little guy/girl’ can sometimes be left to suffer because they are a single voice. Fans of courtroom thrillers will likely enjoy these, as there is a definitely uniqueness to them, which I usually find in some other authors, whose fame matches Patterson’s. Pleasantly surprised, I will surely keep my eyes peeled for more by this collaborative duo!
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Allen, for a great set of stories. Please do consider working together again, as you have a knack for great storytelling.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Jailhouse Lawyer
After leaving her job and looking for something more fulfilling, Martha Foster brings her son to Erva, Alabama. They are ready to take on the world and set up some roots, especially after Martha is offered the position of Public Defender for the county. While Martha tries to get her bearings, she learns that Judge Pickens is not only revered, but also might be feared around town. Still, Martha has a job to do and is prepared to accomplish it.
As she begins her work, Martha soon realises that Judge Pickens has a reputation for legal firmness around the county, holding many to a higher standard. This standard includes locking them away for small offences and using a ‘chair’ to ensure people follow the law, his law. While Martha can respect the bench, she cannot stomach anything that Judge Pickens has been doing. Now, she’s forced to stand her ground, which may mean upsetting the scales of justice and landing her in some hot water.
With little holding her back, Martha takes on Judge Pickens, hoping that she will be the one person who can stare him down. Pickens is ready for this and tosses everything he an in her direction, hoping to break her. That being said, Martha Foster is not one to bend to the will of others without a fight. Will this fight be more than Martha and her sick son, Andy, can withstand?
Power of Attorney
While Leah Randall has had a great deal of success defending insurance companies, she cannot stomach the slimy nature of the work and quits. This is fuelled not only by her conscience, but an odd message from her mother that she is needed back home in Arkansas. Leah learns that her father, a prominent attorney in the small town of Bassville, is sick and headed downhill fast.
When Leah returns to her hometown, it is as if nothing has changed. She is welcomed home with open arms, but eyebrows raised, as she gets reacquainted with everyone she left behind. While her focus is to help her father, Leah is soon pulled in to assist on a tricky criminal case. Amber Lynn Travis, a missing young woman, has recently resurfaced. First thought to be the only survivor in a house fire that was likely arson, Amber is soon at the centre of the investigation, the likely murderer of her cousin and his wife. While Leah is shocked to hear this, she is even more baffled at the simple nature that Amber portrays, which is substantiated by the fact that she has only a second-grade education.
With the court ruling that Amber must stand trial for the murders, Leah prepares a defence as best she can, stymied by the limited resources at her disposal. Amber wants the proceeds of her cousin’s will, which she vocalists repeatedly, though it is a contract that Leah discovers which proves more disturbing, especially since the elder Randall oversaw its creation.
While Leah can rely on no one else and Amber looks even guiltier the more evidence is presented, she will stop at nothing to ensure her client has the best possible defence. What Leah cannot know is just how much Amber knew or realised throughout her servitude at the hands of a cruel cousin for a number of years. As always, justice might be blind, but the courtroom has a way of twisting the truth.
Nancy Allen brings a strong legal background to these stories, which are vastly different, yet both well balanced. She complements the Patterson style of delivery and helps develop a great legal thriller (two, actually), for the reader to enjoy. Pulling on lesser discussed tactics, Patterson and Allen deliver something the reader can easily enjoy and use to whet their appetite for more legal thrillers. With a strong narrative in both pieces, Patterson and Allen capture the legal themes well and keep the reader hooked until they discover the crux of the story’s argument.
These two stories explore completely different legal elements, but use a strong female protagonist to do so. Both Martha and Leah have completely different backstories, though it is the development that each presents throughout the process that is sure to impress the reader. While these are likely one-off stories, Patterson and Allen have done enough to create some strong roots and have me wanting to know more about both women, whose gritty determination will not allow the pressures of the courtroom leave them weak in the knees. Wonderful characters in both pieces had me cringing and cheering at various points.
While James Patterson is not known for his legal thrillers, he has teamed up with some great individuals over his career to pen some formidable pieces. Working with Nancy Allen a second time here has proven to be a masterful choice on his part, as both these stories read as some of the better thrillers I have read in a long while. Paced well, with a narrative that pushes forward easily, the stories offer much for the curious reader. Using the underdog technique, both stories tap into the darker side of the law and how the ‘little guy/girl’ can sometimes be left to suffer because they are a single voice. Fans of courtroom thrillers will likely enjoy these, as there is a definitely uniqueness to them, which I usually find in some other authors, whose fame matches Patterson’s. Pleasantly surprised, I will surely keep my eyes peeled for more by this collaborative duo!
Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Allen, for a great set of stories. Please do consider working together again, as you have a knack for great storytelling.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 28, 2025
I am a big fan of James Patterson, and I have read many, many, many of his thrillers because there are many, many, many of them. I have also really enjoyed his nonfiction books including: Against Medical Advice, James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading, The House of Kennedy, Tiger Tiger: His Life as It's Never Been Told Before, E.R. Nurses and All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row.
Unfortunately, several thrillers that he has coauthored have fallen flat for me, including The Jailhouse Lawyer. I listened to it on audiobook and really struggled with the female protagonist, a jailhouse lawyer, because she came across as whiney and not confident. I want strong, badass, phenomenal female characters who demonstrate ingenuity, intelligence, grit, determination, and perseverance.
This one didn't deliver, and it ended up in the DNF pile. Other coauthored thrillers by Patterson that ended up falling short include Private Rome, Cajun Justice, and The 19th Christmas.
I will definitely continue to read Patterson. I have The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy sitting on my coffee table waiting for me to pick it up.
Unfortunately, several thrillers that he has coauthored have fallen flat for me, including The Jailhouse Lawyer. I listened to it on audiobook and really struggled with the female protagonist, a jailhouse lawyer, because she came across as whiney and not confident. I want strong, badass, phenomenal female characters who demonstrate ingenuity, intelligence, grit, determination, and perseverance.
This one didn't deliver, and it ended up in the DNF pile. Other coauthored thrillers by Patterson that ended up falling short include Private Rome, Cajun Justice, and The 19th Christmas.
I will definitely continue to read Patterson. I have The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy sitting on my coffee table waiting for me to pick it up.
September 26, 2021
Two novels - The Jailhouse Lawyer and Power of Attorney are packed within the cover of this book. And both are stupendously powerful stories.....
Martha Foster is the single mother of 5 year old Andy, who suffers from a congenital heart disease. So when she takes up a cushy job as Public Defender, with nice perks, in Erva, Alabama, all seems good. But on shifting there, Martha finds the entire town is being controlled by Judge Pickens and some really weird stuff are going on. Now it's up to her to change all that....
Leah Randall escaped small town Bassville, Arkansas to study and then practice law in Chicago. But when her father is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she has to come back and sort out his caseload. Recently, a double murder has shaken the town and the girl accused of it becomes Leah's client. But a far deeper conspiracy is afoot, more than Leah realises.....
Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/review-t...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
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#jamespatterson #nancyallen #jailhouselawyer #thriller #bookreview #thrillers #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookworm #bookreviewing
Martha Foster is the single mother of 5 year old Andy, who suffers from a congenital heart disease. So when she takes up a cushy job as Public Defender, with nice perks, in Erva, Alabama, all seems good. But on shifting there, Martha finds the entire town is being controlled by Judge Pickens and some really weird stuff are going on. Now it's up to her to change all that....
Leah Randall escaped small town Bassville, Arkansas to study and then practice law in Chicago. But when her father is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she has to come back and sort out his caseload. Recently, a double murder has shaken the town and the girl accused of it becomes Leah's client. But a far deeper conspiracy is afoot, more than Leah realises.....
Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/review-t...
Do Read 📖, Like 👍🏼, Comment 💭, or Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#jamespatterson #nancyallen #jailhouselawyer #thriller #bookreview #thrillers #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookworm #bookreviewing
October 17, 2021
I read about half of the first story, The Jailhouse Lawyer. Found it so implausible, bordering on ludicrous, I skimmed to the end. So many other good books to read, sorry I wasted my time on this.
October 8, 2021
Disclosure: I read this as a library book, so any complaints are not caused by financial investment in the book
2.5, rounded to 3 (generously)
First of all, despite the cover and all online descriptions, this is actually two (short), unrelated novels, not just one long form novel.
That’s kind of odd, but my main issue is that the two books are just very average. And the main characters are just not very likable.
2.5, rounded to 3 (generously)
First of all, despite the cover and all online descriptions, this is actually two (short), unrelated novels, not just one long form novel.
That’s kind of odd, but my main issue is that the two books are just very average. And the main characters are just not very likable.
October 1, 2021
James Patterson this book was a dud.
Nancy Allen this book was a dud.
Nancy Allen this book was a dud.
October 19, 2021
WOW When I saw how thick this book was when I picked it up at the library after waiting approximately 4 weeks for it, my first thought was-- I will never finish this. But once I started reading it, I was blown away and ended up finishing the one story the first night and the second story the next night. A captivating read which I could not put down.
December 30, 2021
Well... then there was a 3.5-star dark and confronting read! Graphic Warnings abound!
I thought I was reading one book 'Jailhouse Lawyer', but then I discovered this entirely unconnected second book in the first. It is, however, a far more engaging read than the title novel.
Leah Randall is a very new (three years in) attorney who has been practising as an associate in a Chicago law firm until this story. Following messages from her mother (whom she speaks to once a year) about her father's health, she quits her brand-new career to go to her hometown of Bassville, Arkansas.
Suspend belief when she goes from seeking power of attorney over her father's affairs to representing the town outcast in a murder trial. I am well aware that horrific events occur to innocent children, but the reality of this case (e.g. heading to court within weeks, a one lawyer defence, specialist doctors being available overnight, etc.) makes it a little hard to swallow. Warnings to anyone who has issues with abuse of any kind - it is the premise for the entire read.
Shock value, yes, believability - no. That said, it is a very quick read.
I thought I was reading one book 'Jailhouse Lawyer', but then I discovered this entirely unconnected second book in the first. It is, however, a far more engaging read than the title novel.
Leah Randall is a very new (three years in) attorney who has been practising as an associate in a Chicago law firm until this story. Following messages from her mother (whom she speaks to once a year) about her father's health, she quits her brand-new career to go to her hometown of Bassville, Arkansas.
Suspend belief when she goes from seeking power of attorney over her father's affairs to representing the town outcast in a murder trial. I am well aware that horrific events occur to innocent children, but the reality of this case (e.g. heading to court within weeks, a one lawyer defence, specialist doctors being available overnight, etc.) makes it a little hard to swallow. Warnings to anyone who has issues with abuse of any kind - it is the premise for the entire read.
Shock value, yes, believability - no. That said, it is a very quick read.
October 27, 2021
A good book! I don't understand why Mr Patterson would put it with "The Jailhouse Lawyer"?
December 30, 2021
I still have no idea who Ruby Bozarth is?
A two-book novel with "The Jailhouse Lawyer" being the first and "Power of Attorney" the second. I did find the latter to be a slightly better read.
The common thread between the two books seems to be the setting - that of small-town, small-minded 'Hicksville', USA. This one is set in Erva, Alabama.
Not a fan of the writing, story or characters. But then I deserve the punishment for persisting with the Patterson collaborations.
A two-book novel with "The Jailhouse Lawyer" being the first and "Power of Attorney" the second. I did find the latter to be a slightly better read.
The common thread between the two books seems to be the setting - that of small-town, small-minded 'Hicksville', USA. This one is set in Erva, Alabama.
Not a fan of the writing, story or characters. But then I deserve the punishment for persisting with the Patterson collaborations.
October 3, 2021
The woman protagonist (lawyer) is smart mouthed with a bad attitude and a BIG chip on her shoulder. She obviously is the prototype of her co-author. Sorry. Not my kind of book.
September 17, 2021
Woah! So very hard to put down this book with 2 excellent law thrillers inside. Read the first book of 280 pages in one night because I just couldn’t stop.
Great for John Grisham fans waiting for his next book.
Great for John Grisham fans waiting for his next book.
November 25, 2021
2 very different and enjoyable legal thrillers from James Patterson. A nice change for him and one I would definitely recommend.
May 18, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Little, Brown and Company in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
My jaw dropped so many times that I lost count within the first few pages of the book. I felt like I was on an intense episode of a Law and Order and SVU crossover event. A lawyer who is fighting to save her hometown from being corrupt and with their local jailhouse full and nowhere to put these inmates, it's up to Foster to end up in jail herself and really learn what it takes to survive and beat the system she is set to destroy. The writing style and language use so so brilliantly used that it brought the story to life and you are anticipating the ending on what will happen in the long haul.
We will consider adding this title to our Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
My jaw dropped so many times that I lost count within the first few pages of the book. I felt like I was on an intense episode of a Law and Order and SVU crossover event. A lawyer who is fighting to save her hometown from being corrupt and with their local jailhouse full and nowhere to put these inmates, it's up to Foster to end up in jail herself and really learn what it takes to survive and beat the system she is set to destroy. The writing style and language use so so brilliantly used that it brought the story to life and you are anticipating the ending on what will happen in the long haul.
We will consider adding this title to our Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
September 27, 2021
I was mislead. There are two books under one cover and only one can count for my total books in 2021. The Jailhouse Lawyer was a good short story. I thought it was going to be the entire book. I did not take the time to read the second story. I choose to read another book that will count toward my goal book number of 2021. Deceitful
December 7, 2021
Very different from Patterson's other books. This book was about a lawyer who takes on one heck of a case. The characters are fleshed out and you can imagine the different things that happen to the attorney and to the girl who gets away from an abusive home. TRIGGER WARNING the end of the book has some really tough issues.
October 5, 2021
With no advance notice, this turned out to be two short stories, and neither of them was very good. Not a highlight book by Patterson.
November 5, 2021
4 stars
A new series - a good series - one I will follow.
In Paterson's to-the-point short chapter style we meet a young female attorney - single mother - just recently changing jobs. She is the new Public Defender in Erva Alabama. However Lawyer Martha Foster soon finds out that this town belongs to Judge Pickens - right down to getting permission to see her own clients. Talk about corrupt! Martha Foster is out to correct the problem and take Judge Pickens down!
Another easy to read, spot on, captivating, entertaining series by James Patterson. This series is co-authored by Nancy Allen, who has her own history of mystery crime thrillers.
A new series - a good series - one I will follow.
In Paterson's to-the-point short chapter style we meet a young female attorney - single mother - just recently changing jobs. She is the new Public Defender in Erva Alabama. However Lawyer Martha Foster soon finds out that this town belongs to Judge Pickens - right down to getting permission to see her own clients. Talk about corrupt! Martha Foster is out to correct the problem and take Judge Pickens down!
Another easy to read, spot on, captivating, entertaining series by James Patterson. This series is co-authored by Nancy Allen, who has her own history of mystery crime thrillers.
September 28, 2021
The Jailhouse Lawyer is an excellent novel, probably one of Patterson's best books. It is written in his style but would also appeal to John Grisham's fans. I could not stop reading both stories in this book. The second story, Power of Attorney, is equally exciting and held my interest until the final chapter.
October 14, 2021
Highly unlikely plot! Book was incredibly irritating to read! Another example of poor plot line in JP novel
October 16, 2021
I was very surprised to find this was two stories under one cover. Both did not disappoint. I tended to like the second story better but I did enjoy the first story. The first story's ending was just a little to pat for me. It seems like there would have been more fall-out from the big finish. But I still enjoy it!
Now on to the next book!
Now on to the next book!
October 13, 2021
For a marketing reason, this book was included with another story in "The Jailhouse Lawyer." I don't understand why--this was clearly a separate novel with different characters and settings.
While I enjoyed this, the plot is extremely dark and convinced me to never take a vacation in the South. Apparently the place is swimming in psychopaths.
Corporate lawyer Leah Randall has to come home when her father develops early onset dementia. She takes over her father's cases which includes handling a will for a woman who's family members have just been murdered. When Amber is accused of killing her cousins and burning the bodies, Leah has to become a detective to solve the case all while battling the knuckle dragging, mouth breathing locals.
It makes for a good story but the plot points get dark. Very, very dark. Anyone who is triggered by child abuse, sexual abuse or torture should steer clear of this book.
While I enjoyed this, the plot is extremely dark and convinced me to never take a vacation in the South. Apparently the place is swimming in psychopaths.
Corporate lawyer Leah Randall has to come home when her father develops early onset dementia. She takes over her father's cases which includes handling a will for a woman who's family members have just been murdered. When Amber is accused of killing her cousins and burning the bodies, Leah has to become a detective to solve the case all while battling the knuckle dragging, mouth breathing locals.
It makes for a good story but the plot points get dark. Very, very dark. Anyone who is triggered by child abuse, sexual abuse or torture should steer clear of this book.
October 14, 2021
This book is actually two separate stories - The Jailhouse Lawyer and Power of Attorney. Both have strong, intelligent women as the main characters. Each are practicing law in small, oppressive towns in which some members of law enforcement and the courts have their own agenda. I like the characters and the plots, but both stories have some very disturbing elements. I enjoy so many books by James Patterson and also the co-author, Nancy Allen, but these stories were a little too intense for me.
November 3, 2024
Well, I have to say that this has me scratching my head in confusion!
After reading the book description in Goodreads & Amazon, I was led to believe this was 1 book called Jailhouse Lawyer.
I was wrong! The 1st 1/2 of the book was Jailhouse Lawyer which took place in Erva Alabama. The 2nd 1/2 of the book was called Power of Attorney that took place in Bassville, Arkansas.
Both involved female Defense attorneys in very small towns. Both were very good books and both reminded me of John Grisham books.
Just be aware you will be reading 2 books instead of 1.
After reading the book description in Goodreads & Amazon, I was led to believe this was 1 book called Jailhouse Lawyer.
I was wrong! The 1st 1/2 of the book was Jailhouse Lawyer which took place in Erva Alabama. The 2nd 1/2 of the book was called Power of Attorney that took place in Bassville, Arkansas.
Both involved female Defense attorneys in very small towns. Both were very good books and both reminded me of John Grisham books.
Just be aware you will be reading 2 books instead of 1.
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October 2, 2021Wow. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The plots in the two novels are difficult to predict.
I highly recommend this selection.
I highly recommend this selection.
February 27, 2022
As a long-time fan of James Patterson's books ever since I first discovered his books as a teenager, I always make it my goal to at least check out the new ones that are published. This one had been on my list for a few months now. Writing with Nancy Allen, was a new name for me as I hadn't heard of any other JP books with her as a co-author. Upon opening the book, my first impression was as I looked at the page numbers that this was quite a long James Patterson book standing at approx. 780 pages. As I got reading Jailhouse Lawyer, we were thrust into the world of new Public Defender Martha Foster who takes a job in a small town in Alabama. We learn that the previous PD committed suicide by hanging. When Martha arrives though, things are very strange and it looks like this town has its own set of court rules and operates with Judge Pickens at the helm. It's his way or no way at all. Martha was a bit of a bulldog at law school and won't take any crap from anyone and so she butts heads with the Judge. What happens though when strange things start happening and Martha finds herself and her son Andy who is sick and only five years old in danger as the judge starts gaslighting her when she steps away from their rules. Can Martha bring the Judge down a notch or will she face his wrath and suffer the same fates as the previous public defenders? Either run out of town or dead? Just as this book was getting good, it ended and I discovered that there was a second story called Power of Attorney. I started to read that thinking it was maybe a sequel to Jailhouse Lawyer - maybe Martha down the track but it turned out to be another story completely. I have to admit I wasn't keen on this one as it seemed hodge-podge and all over the place as the first main character turns up from the "dead" and then lawyer Leah is back in her hometown after her dad ends up with Alzheimer's and she helps take over from him. The second story is darker than the first and contains strong sexual abuse, trafficking, etc but I found it didn't keep my interest like the first story. So, readers, if you do pick up this book - beware that it is two unrelated stories of different lawyers from different walks of life, in different situations. I did enjoy it, but not a favorite of mine.
October 14, 2021
4.291032 stars
This is the best Patterson book I have read in a while - I have a hunch Nancy Allen had a lot to do with that!
It wasn't made clear on the book flaps but this is actually two stories, not one long one. Just so you know going in...
This is the best Patterson book I have read in a while - I have a hunch Nancy Allen had a lot to do with that!
It wasn't made clear on the book flaps but this is actually two stories, not one long one. Just so you know going in...
October 26, 2021
Both stories in this book were very entertaining. However, first story The Jailhouse Lawyer was better.
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