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Grudge Tiger: A Novel
A novel inspired by true events.
The Warrens aren't your average family—they live at a zoo. When their Bengal tiger, Ms. Benni, mauls an "aspiring model," the young man's multi-milliondollar lawsuit threatens to cripple their lifetime passion—caring for their beloved animals. The family's prospects to win at the jury trial look bleak, in spite of the fact that the young man deliberately walked into Ms. Benni's cage. When all appears lost for the family, their lawyer stumbles upon a creative defense.
If she can fly to London within the judge's shortened time frame and get the tiger expert's testimony on video and prove to the jury that Ms. Benni is a grudge tiger with a reason for her vengeance, they have one shot at winning. If she fails, the Warrens lose everything.
The Warrens aren't your average family—they live at a zoo. When their Bengal tiger, Ms. Benni, mauls an "aspiring model," the young man's multi-milliondollar lawsuit threatens to cripple their lifetime passion—caring for their beloved animals. The family's prospects to win at the jury trial look bleak, in spite of the fact that the young man deliberately walked into Ms. Benni's cage. When all appears lost for the family, their lawyer stumbles upon a creative defense.
If she can fly to London within the judge's shortened time frame and get the tiger expert's testimony on video and prove to the jury that Ms. Benni is a grudge tiger with a reason for her vengeance, they have one shot at winning. If she fails, the Warrens lose everything.
275 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 28, 2021
Review: GRUDGE TIGER by Judith Helms
Reviewed by Susan Coryell
Widow, Carolyn Warren, owns a small family zoo in Heartsville, Illinois, aided by her daughters, Marietta, 22 and Kenny, 17. The charming business is appreciated by the community and many outside visitors. Handsome Dean Alcott, who has been in love with Marietta for a decade, in a fit of pique after Marietta dismisses him romantically, throws his phone, which lands inside the cage of Ms. Benni, a Bengal tiger. Foolishly, Dean uses a stolen code number to open the tiger cage and is immediately attacked and severely wounded. Alerted by his screams, Charlie, a zoo worker, drags Dean to safety. Kenny has been recording the event by video on her phone—something she does whenever Dean delivers feed to the zoo. She and her friend Becca enjoy viewing the muscular hunk. Now Dean is suing for $3.5 million, a real concern for the Warren family whose zoo insurance tops out at $500,000.
Enter Jackie Bauer, thirties-something crack lawyer, who will oppose locally well-known attorney, Hank Perdue in court. The case becomes more worrisome when Hank convinces Dean to claim his injuries, scars and other possible effects of the tiger attack have truncated a lucrative modeling career he was focused on. Even though everyone knows Dean is too unmotivated and disinterested in any such future, Jackie fears a jury could be convinced, robbing the Warrens not only of their zoo and Ms. Benni, but also their very livelihood.
Determined to save the Warrens and their zoo, Jackie embarks on a wild and unusual defense: Ms. Benni is one of the rare tigers of the species considered a “grudge” or revenge tiger—one who remembers for a long time something perceived as a slight—one who then strikes the perpetrator in retaliation. Because Kenny has also video-taped Dean kicking Ms. Benni in the face through her cage some two weeks before he was attacked, this defense seems strong. Jackie goes on an international search for evidence that such tigers exist.
The trial at the end is a real page-turner.
This fast-paced novel captures the reader’s curiosity while dispensing riveting information about zoos, the environment, tigers and, of course, that rare and fascinating oddity, the grudge tiger. The results of the trial are sure to surprise even the savviest reader. Employing just the right combination of legalese, back story, plot twists and character revelation, author Helms weaves a tale of intrigue, empathy and drama. I highly recommend this uniquely detailed and flawlessly written novel.
I offered a fair review after reading an ARC of this novel.
Reviewed by Susan Coryell
Widow, Carolyn Warren, owns a small family zoo in Heartsville, Illinois, aided by her daughters, Marietta, 22 and Kenny, 17. The charming business is appreciated by the community and many outside visitors. Handsome Dean Alcott, who has been in love with Marietta for a decade, in a fit of pique after Marietta dismisses him romantically, throws his phone, which lands inside the cage of Ms. Benni, a Bengal tiger. Foolishly, Dean uses a stolen code number to open the tiger cage and is immediately attacked and severely wounded. Alerted by his screams, Charlie, a zoo worker, drags Dean to safety. Kenny has been recording the event by video on her phone—something she does whenever Dean delivers feed to the zoo. She and her friend Becca enjoy viewing the muscular hunk. Now Dean is suing for $3.5 million, a real concern for the Warren family whose zoo insurance tops out at $500,000.
Enter Jackie Bauer, thirties-something crack lawyer, who will oppose locally well-known attorney, Hank Perdue in court. The case becomes more worrisome when Hank convinces Dean to claim his injuries, scars and other possible effects of the tiger attack have truncated a lucrative modeling career he was focused on. Even though everyone knows Dean is too unmotivated and disinterested in any such future, Jackie fears a jury could be convinced, robbing the Warrens not only of their zoo and Ms. Benni, but also their very livelihood.
Determined to save the Warrens and their zoo, Jackie embarks on a wild and unusual defense: Ms. Benni is one of the rare tigers of the species considered a “grudge” or revenge tiger—one who remembers for a long time something perceived as a slight—one who then strikes the perpetrator in retaliation. Because Kenny has also video-taped Dean kicking Ms. Benni in the face through her cage some two weeks before he was attacked, this defense seems strong. Jackie goes on an international search for evidence that such tigers exist.
The trial at the end is a real page-turner.
This fast-paced novel captures the reader’s curiosity while dispensing riveting information about zoos, the environment, tigers and, of course, that rare and fascinating oddity, the grudge tiger. The results of the trial are sure to surprise even the savviest reader. Employing just the right combination of legalese, back story, plot twists and character revelation, author Helms weaves a tale of intrigue, empathy and drama. I highly recommend this uniquely detailed and flawlessly written novel.
I offered a fair review after reading an ARC of this novel.
July 26, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Grudge Tiger
Author: Judith Fournie Helms
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is an enjoyable legal drama revolving around a guy who walks into a tiger cage! I bet John Grisham never thought of that! Solid pacing, interesting characters, chirpy writing style. I didn´t think WOW! But I did enjoy it.” Female reader, aged 55
“An interesting read for anybody who wants to know a little about tigers and enjoys a courtroom drama. Now that´s a strange mix! There´s plenty of suspense and the ending was cleverly plotted.” Male reader, aged 38
“A good twist at the end which I enjoyed. Character development was excellent; for me the plot was a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed it anyway. Overall, a suspense-filled story which readers of courtroom dramas will enjoy.” Female reader, aged 70
“A good story; different anyway. There are much better legal dramas out there, but this passed the time. Congrats to the author for putting in the work and producing a book.” Male reader, aged 27
To Sum It Up:
‘A suspense-filled courtroom drama packed with twists and turns.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Grudge Tiger
Author: Judith Fournie Helms
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is an enjoyable legal drama revolving around a guy who walks into a tiger cage! I bet John Grisham never thought of that! Solid pacing, interesting characters, chirpy writing style. I didn´t think WOW! But I did enjoy it.” Female reader, aged 55
“An interesting read for anybody who wants to know a little about tigers and enjoys a courtroom drama. Now that´s a strange mix! There´s plenty of suspense and the ending was cleverly plotted.” Male reader, aged 38
“A good twist at the end which I enjoyed. Character development was excellent; for me the plot was a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed it anyway. Overall, a suspense-filled story which readers of courtroom dramas will enjoy.” Female reader, aged 70
“A good story; different anyway. There are much better legal dramas out there, but this passed the time. Congrats to the author for putting in the work and producing a book.” Male reader, aged 27
To Sum It Up:
‘A suspense-filled courtroom drama packed with twists and turns.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 2, 2022
Helms had penned a legal thriller involving an Adonis-character, a private zoo, and a grudge tiger. This unusual story packs a lot of suspense in a tight space.
The Warren family run a private zoo showing off a variety of wild animals. Ms. Benni is their star, a Bengal tiger who carries grudges against anyone who has harmed or attempted to harm her. One day. Dean, an "aspiring model," comes on to the older Warren girl and all but dares her to tell him the truth about why she won't date him. She does, not sparing his feelings. In a fury, he storms off, throws his cell into the tiger enclosure, and then decides to retrieve the phone. No more that a few paces into the enclosure, Ms. Benni attacks him, mauling his arm and leg.
From there, events compound with lawsuits against the zoo and the Warren family. Blessed with a fantastic lawyer, the family fights the civil suit.
Courtroom action reads real. The hunt for tiger experts pits the younger girl against the Internet. Readers will enjoy both the courtroom energy and lessons in tiger behavior. A well-written book that captivates.
The Warren family run a private zoo showing off a variety of wild animals. Ms. Benni is their star, a Bengal tiger who carries grudges against anyone who has harmed or attempted to harm her. One day. Dean, an "aspiring model," comes on to the older Warren girl and all but dares her to tell him the truth about why she won't date him. She does, not sparing his feelings. In a fury, he storms off, throws his cell into the tiger enclosure, and then decides to retrieve the phone. No more that a few paces into the enclosure, Ms. Benni attacks him, mauling his arm and leg.
From there, events compound with lawsuits against the zoo and the Warren family. Blessed with a fantastic lawyer, the family fights the civil suit.
Courtroom action reads real. The hunt for tiger experts pits the younger girl against the Internet. Readers will enjoy both the courtroom energy and lessons in tiger behavior. A well-written book that captivates.
Read
January 9, 2026Grudge Tiger by Judith Fournie Helms is a gripping and original novel that blends courtroom drama, ethical complexity, and emotional storytelling into a truly compelling read. Inspired by true events, the story immediately draws readers into the high stakes world of the Warren family, whose lifelong dedication to caring for exotic animals is suddenly threatened by a devastating lawsuit. The premise is both unique and thought provoking, raising questions about responsibility, justice, and the misunderstood nature of wild animals.
What makes Grudge Tiger stand out is its creative and daring narrative approach. The concept of exploring animal behavior particularly the idea of a “grudge tiger” adds depth and originality to the legal drama. Helms skillfully balances tension, compassion, and insight, allowing readers to see the situation from multiple perspectives. The result is an emotionally charged story that keeps readers invested while challenging assumptions, making the novel both entertaining and memorable.
What makes Grudge Tiger stand out is its creative and daring narrative approach. The concept of exploring animal behavior particularly the idea of a “grudge tiger” adds depth and originality to the legal drama. Helms skillfully balances tension, compassion, and insight, allowing readers to see the situation from multiple perspectives. The result is an emotionally charged story that keeps readers invested while challenging assumptions, making the novel both entertaining and memorable.
June 19, 2021
A compelling and well-written story of a bright and creative defense attorney who is called upon to defend a family zoo owner after a young man is mauled by a Bengal tiger. While his life is changed forever, so too are the lives of the zoo owner and her daughters after they are sued for millions of dollars, a sum far in excess of their insurance limits. Through trial preparation and trial, the author shares in great descriptive detail the perspective of all of the characters, including the defense attorney, the over-reaching plaintiff’s counsel, the widowed zoo owner who is barely hanging on financially, her teenage daughter who is struggling with other issues, her flight attendant daughter who has to come to grips with what she said to the victim immediately before his injury, and the handsome and charismatic victim. There are many unexpected turns and twists that will keep the reader captivated from front to finish.
Shaun McParland Baldwin
Litigation attorney
June 9, 2021
Grudge Tiger by Judith Fournie Helms is captivating from the very start. I was immediately drawn into the story and had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed the character development as it was not all thrown in at the beginning but instead as I got into the story and I also got to know each character more and more. I also enjoyed that I was able to follow the legal drama as it unfolded, and was not lost in legal detail but still felt like I was right in the middle.
I was very pleased that the book was not overly predictable and kept me very engaged. I was left with a new appreciation of tigers, litigation and humanity.
I was very pleased that the book was not overly predictable and kept me very engaged. I was left with a new appreciation of tigers, litigation and humanity.
June 23, 2021
Helms draws you into this exciting story from the first paragraph, and keeps you wanting to read long after bedtime! The Warren family includes a real menagerie, a family zoo that stars a gorgeous Bengal tiger, "Ms. Benni." When Ms. Benni attacks a young man in her enclosure, the resulting lawsuit threatens to close down the operation down. Based on her long experience as a trial lawyer, Helms weaves a story of the family's attorney's ingenuity, skill and solid research, along with enough twists to keep the reader guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews