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Sam Johnstone #3
False Evidence
After a fall-out with his business partner and a breakup with his girlfriend, lawyer Sam Johnstone thinks a long vacation might be just what the doctor ordered.
Before he can quit town Sam gets a call from Lucy Beretta, the wife of the missing local college president. With a shocking accusation against an acquaintance and a plea for protection, Lucy derails Sam's plans for a quiet escape.
But when her alleged attacker turns up dead, Lucy is charged with his murder—and Sam is appointed to represent her. As he struggles to prepare his defense, Sam discovers that Lucy is lying—about a lot of things. The facts are not in her favor, and to make matters worse, Lucy is also a suspect in her husband’s disappearance.
If Sam is successful, a guilty woman may go free—and if he’s not, he will have failed at his job. Facing a client who can’t seem to tell the truth, an aggressive prosecutor eager for a conviction, and an ethical dilemma of epic proportions, Sam faces his most challenging case yet.
Before he can quit town Sam gets a call from Lucy Beretta, the wife of the missing local college president. With a shocking accusation against an acquaintance and a plea for protection, Lucy derails Sam's plans for a quiet escape.
But when her alleged attacker turns up dead, Lucy is charged with his murder—and Sam is appointed to represent her. As he struggles to prepare his defense, Sam discovers that Lucy is lying—about a lot of things. The facts are not in her favor, and to make matters worse, Lucy is also a suspect in her husband’s disappearance.
If Sam is successful, a guilty woman may go free—and if he’s not, he will have failed at his job. Facing a client who can’t seem to tell the truth, an aggressive prosecutor eager for a conviction, and an ethical dilemma of epic proportions, Sam faces his most challenging case yet.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2021
5109 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
James Chandler
14 books150 followersNote: There other authors with this name.
James^^Chandler
James Chandler spent his formative years in the western United States. When he wasn't catching fish or footballs, he was roaming centerfield and trying to hit the breaking pitch. After a mediocre college baseball career, he exchanged jersey No. 7 for camouflage issued by the United States Army, which he wore around the globe and with great pride for twenty years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel of Air Defense Artillery. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University and a Master's degree from Marshall University. He earned his Juris Doctor by attending night school at the George Mason University School of Law while assigned to the Pentagon, and practiced law in Wyoming for twelve years before his appointment to the bench. When he isn't working or writing, he'll likely have a fly rod, shotgun or rifle in hand. He and his wife are blessed with two wonderful adult daughters and one grandson. He is a recipient of the Western Horizon Award. He loves to hear from readers and can be reached at james@james-chandler.com.
James^^Chandler
James Chandler spent his formative years in the western United States. When he wasn't catching fish or footballs, he was roaming centerfield and trying to hit the breaking pitch. After a mediocre college baseball career, he exchanged jersey No. 7 for camouflage issued by the United States Army, which he wore around the globe and with great pride for twenty years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel of Air Defense Artillery. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University and a Master's degree from Marshall University. He earned his Juris Doctor by attending night school at the George Mason University School of Law while assigned to the Pentagon, and practiced law in Wyoming for twelve years before his appointment to the bench. When he isn't working or writing, he'll likely have a fly rod, shotgun or rifle in hand. He and his wife are blessed with two wonderful adult daughters and one grandson. He is a recipient of the Western Horizon Award. He loves to hear from readers and can be reached at james@james-chandler.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 1, 2021
I gave this book only two stars because of the complete lack of believability! The female lead was a complete caricature of a "femme fatale", our hero Sam acted like a teenage boy every time this woman showed up and batted her eyes.....just really infantile and completely over the top. Most of the other characters were almost as overdone, especially the males. Thin plotline, weak overall story and kooky characters.
I'm a bit disappointed as I have enjoyed the other books in this series this one was just way too hard to believe. The lead has a lot to offer in terms of breadth and depth as do many of the other recurring characters don't just mail it in Mr. Chandler.
I'm a bit disappointed as I have enjoyed the other books in this series this one was just way too hard to believe. The lead has a lot to offer in terms of breadth and depth as do many of the other recurring characters don't just mail it in Mr. Chandler.
December 10, 2021
Usually series get worse as they go on. This is the exception. Surprisingly, Chandler let go of the whole whodunnit aspect which I thought was going to make this a boring read. Yet, I enjoyed it more than the previous books. Looking forward to Capital Justice!
Ps. I found a funny editing mistake (Minor spoilers ahead) that momentarily brought Richards back to life: "Richards retrieved scissors and carefully cut away the clothing, handing each piece to the assistant, who placed it in a plastic bag, noting the date and time. Richards was then covered with a thin white sheet." Love it when characters give themselves autopsies.
Ps. I found a funny editing mistake (Minor spoilers ahead) that momentarily brought Richards back to life: "Richards retrieved scissors and carefully cut away the clothing, handing each piece to the assistant, who placed it in a plastic bag, noting the date and time. Richards was then covered with a thin white sheet." Love it when characters give themselves autopsies.
October 20, 2021
Having read all the previous in the Sam Johnstone Book series, I'd been anxiously waiting for the next volume. It is helpful to read these in order to understand characters and background. There is some sexual content and profanity. Legal cases intrigue me and this is the story of a lawyer's ethical delima. There are really several plots intertwined.
Sam has set up a solo practice in Custer, WY. One case is the disappearance of local college President, Vincent Beretta. Subplot he's having an affair with the secretary, Mona. Legal plot is primarily about his wife, Lucy Beretta. She's a cunning stereotype gold digger. She has accused a local big-time drug dealer, Tanner Richards, of assaulting her, after a girls night out drinking. She has retained Sam to obtain a no-contact order. Subplot - Lucy may be having her own illicit affair. Lucy is a gorgeous, conniving, unlikable character. She shoots and kills Tanner in "self defense ". Sam is tasked with defending her by Judge Walton P. Bridger. The judicial politics are very much at play in this headlining case. The legal aspects are not just about guilt or innocence, but reasonable doubt and jury perception of the defendant.
Sam is still suffering PTSD and battling alcoholism. He's not the most likable character either. There's a quote in the book that I feel applies to the reader "Non-alcoholics could never understand". If you don't have a friend or relative with this addiction, you won't relate to Sam and he will annoy you.
Detective Ashley Miller and J.D. Corporal Mike Jensen are investigating the cases and there is good police procedural in building the facts for prosecution.
The court proceedings are thought provoking and absolutely fascinated me. This is the best yet in this series and I can't wait for the next installment.
Sam has set up a solo practice in Custer, WY. One case is the disappearance of local college President, Vincent Beretta. Subplot he's having an affair with the secretary, Mona. Legal plot is primarily about his wife, Lucy Beretta. She's a cunning stereotype gold digger. She has accused a local big-time drug dealer, Tanner Richards, of assaulting her, after a girls night out drinking. She has retained Sam to obtain a no-contact order. Subplot - Lucy may be having her own illicit affair. Lucy is a gorgeous, conniving, unlikable character. She shoots and kills Tanner in "self defense ". Sam is tasked with defending her by Judge Walton P. Bridger. The judicial politics are very much at play in this headlining case. The legal aspects are not just about guilt or innocence, but reasonable doubt and jury perception of the defendant.
Sam is still suffering PTSD and battling alcoholism. He's not the most likable character either. There's a quote in the book that I feel applies to the reader "Non-alcoholics could never understand". If you don't have a friend or relative with this addiction, you won't relate to Sam and he will annoy you.
Detective Ashley Miller and J.D. Corporal Mike Jensen are investigating the cases and there is good police procedural in building the facts for prosecution.
The court proceedings are thought provoking and absolutely fascinated me. This is the best yet in this series and I can't wait for the next installment.
October 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this legal thriller with loads of twists and turns. Story was interesting with believable characters and interesting scenarios!
February 22, 2025
**Yeah. That's enough for me.**
For my review of the last book, I proclaimed that I haven't been fully won over yet to this series. I also said I haven't given up either, and that I'll give it one or two more entries to help me decide one way or the other. And now, having read the one more entry that is this book, I can now (sadly) declare that I am not won over at all and likely never will be. I have every intention of parting ways from this series after this lazy (ish) review.
Fact of the matter is, I don't really have the gusto or energy to spend any more time thinking about this entry, series, and author anymore. Despite me making a comeback to this series after a premature jumping of ship after book #1, it seems like what my major dislikes have always been are here to stay. I don't see myself ignoring them for the remainder of this series, and likely even any other works by James Chandler.
Just like I said before for the last two entries, I just cannot STAND this author's writing style. It hasn't grown on me and frankly, I don't want it to. I'm so over the tackily slapped together presentation and clunky pace. Transitioning between scenes is STILL being achieved by disruptive and overdone time-jumps that too often disconnect me. The rather annoying character of Lucy and the less likable version of Sam Johnstone were the final nails to the coffin. I just couldn't enjoy it.
Not even the little handfuls of fun moments were enough to sway me beyond a 2-star rating for this thing. I'm just too difficult to please when an author writes in a way I find disagreeable. It's nothing against the author, I guess. They've all got their styles just as much as I've got my tastes. I shall now officially say goodbye to this series like I did initially after the first book. I'm glad I gave it a true chance, but now that I have, I'm ready to move on.
Ta-ta.
For my review of the last book, I proclaimed that I haven't been fully won over yet to this series. I also said I haven't given up either, and that I'll give it one or two more entries to help me decide one way or the other. And now, having read the one more entry that is this book, I can now (sadly) declare that I am not won over at all and likely never will be. I have every intention of parting ways from this series after this lazy (ish) review.
Fact of the matter is, I don't really have the gusto or energy to spend any more time thinking about this entry, series, and author anymore. Despite me making a comeback to this series after a premature jumping of ship after book #1, it seems like what my major dislikes have always been are here to stay. I don't see myself ignoring them for the remainder of this series, and likely even any other works by James Chandler.
Just like I said before for the last two entries, I just cannot STAND this author's writing style. It hasn't grown on me and frankly, I don't want it to. I'm so over the tackily slapped together presentation and clunky pace. Transitioning between scenes is STILL being achieved by disruptive and overdone time-jumps that too often disconnect me. The rather annoying character of Lucy and the less likable version of Sam Johnstone were the final nails to the coffin. I just couldn't enjoy it.
Not even the little handfuls of fun moments were enough to sway me beyond a 2-star rating for this thing. I'm just too difficult to please when an author writes in a way I find disagreeable. It's nothing against the author, I guess. They've all got their styles just as much as I've got my tastes. I shall now officially say goodbye to this series like I did initially after the first book. I'm glad I gave it a true chance, but now that I have, I'm ready to move on.
Ta-ta.
January 15, 2023
Book 3 - False Evidence - I really hated this defendant. Couldn't stand her. I cringed every time she flirted with anyone. Came across as a total idiot who, I'm so happy to say, got what she deserved in the end. Yeah - spoiler. Defendants don't always have to be likable, right?
This one wasn't, and she had Sam dancing around ethical lines and dealing with unethical people. Another page-turner, I had to stay up late to find out what happened. Sure - lost sleep over this one, but I had to keep reading just one - more - chapter, and until book 4, chapters were 30-40-50 pages. So if I wanted to read the next chapter, I might as well stay up and read the whole book, right?
Right. So. That's exactly what I did.
Sam knew his client wasn't the most ethical person in the world, i.e. she was always the consummate actress, but he had legal ways of ensuring he didn't cross lines with her. Fortunately, he also had ways of ensuring other members of the legal profession could figure it out.
This book had me worried throughout. I was pushing for Sam - messed up though he was - the defendant was a conniving little wench.
SERIES REVIEW:
Pretty sure this is the first time I'm giving 5-star reviews for each book in a series. Books 1-4 were all read in the span of a little over a week via Kindle Unlimited. (Dec 19-Dec 27)
I first saw this book on a Kindle screen saver. I made a mental note to look it up when I finished whatever 10-20-30 books I had on my current list. I finally pulled it into KU last week and started it on a lunch hour at work. Mid-week, I finished it. Then, in the next 3-4 days, I devoured books 2, 3, and 4. Now I'm just waiting on Book 5 to be published.
Damn - Chandler's writing is excellent! I love a good mystery, but you can't keep me away from a tense courtroom drama.
Sam Johnstone is the main character in all five books. He's a veteran whose service ended after an explosion that took out a handful of the men serving under him. He wasn't without injury as he lost part of one leg. He's messed up. No other way to word it. He's hurt - physically, emotionally, you name it. He has PTSD and isn't doing anything to make it better beyond self-medication, alcohol being his vice of choice.
Through the GI Bill, he gets into law school and then works at a firm in DC - thanks to connections - but loses his job because he's too volatile and can't stay sober. A friend hires him for a job out in Wyoming as a last-chance effort to keep him employed.
Chandler, a veteran and lawyer himself does a spectacular job of tying the reader to the prosecution, the defense, the judicial, as well as the jurors throughout the trial. His characters are gritty, morally grey, messy, and wonderful. They're imperfect, and they're flawed, and that makes for a fascinating tale that will cause you to lose sleep so you can read just one - more - chapter! (So glad I read these over the holidays, so staying up until 3 am to finish a book didn't affect my work life!)
Series side notes:
* I love Sam's journey. It's slow and messy and awesome. He also doesn't always win!
* The defendants - aren't always guilty, aren't always not guilty. They're definitely not all likable.
* Sometimes, I wanted to scream at Sam - for a variety of reasons. You'll see.
* I love how some of the relationships between lawyers, police / investigators, judges, etc, developed throughout the series.
* It wasn't that much of a character, more a simple setting, but I really want to travel to Wyoming!
Book 1 - Misjudged
Book 2 - One and Done
Book 3 - False Evidence
Book 4 - Capital Witness
Book 5 - Truthful Witness (Comes out Aug 29, 2023) Yeah. I have to wait. (so rude!)
Please tell me there are going to be more books in this series!
In the meantime, since I have to wait until almost Labor Day 2023 for Book 5, I've started checking out other authors by Severn River Publishing. Their authors are all military - either veterans or families of veterans / active-duty military. I've already snagged Unsympathetic Victims by Laura Snider.
This one wasn't, and she had Sam dancing around ethical lines and dealing with unethical people. Another page-turner, I had to stay up late to find out what happened. Sure - lost sleep over this one, but I had to keep reading just one - more - chapter, and until book 4, chapters were 30-40-50 pages. So if I wanted to read the next chapter, I might as well stay up and read the whole book, right?
Right. So. That's exactly what I did.
Sam knew his client wasn't the most ethical person in the world, i.e. she was always the consummate actress, but he had legal ways of ensuring he didn't cross lines with her. Fortunately, he also had ways of ensuring other members of the legal profession could figure it out.
This book had me worried throughout. I was pushing for Sam - messed up though he was - the defendant was a conniving little wench.
SERIES REVIEW:
Pretty sure this is the first time I'm giving 5-star reviews for each book in a series. Books 1-4 were all read in the span of a little over a week via Kindle Unlimited. (Dec 19-Dec 27)
I first saw this book on a Kindle screen saver. I made a mental note to look it up when I finished whatever 10-20-30 books I had on my current list. I finally pulled it into KU last week and started it on a lunch hour at work. Mid-week, I finished it. Then, in the next 3-4 days, I devoured books 2, 3, and 4. Now I'm just waiting on Book 5 to be published.
Damn - Chandler's writing is excellent! I love a good mystery, but you can't keep me away from a tense courtroom drama.
Sam Johnstone is the main character in all five books. He's a veteran whose service ended after an explosion that took out a handful of the men serving under him. He wasn't without injury as he lost part of one leg. He's messed up. No other way to word it. He's hurt - physically, emotionally, you name it. He has PTSD and isn't doing anything to make it better beyond self-medication, alcohol being his vice of choice.
Through the GI Bill, he gets into law school and then works at a firm in DC - thanks to connections - but loses his job because he's too volatile and can't stay sober. A friend hires him for a job out in Wyoming as a last-chance effort to keep him employed.
Chandler, a veteran and lawyer himself does a spectacular job of tying the reader to the prosecution, the defense, the judicial, as well as the jurors throughout the trial. His characters are gritty, morally grey, messy, and wonderful. They're imperfect, and they're flawed, and that makes for a fascinating tale that will cause you to lose sleep so you can read just one - more - chapter! (So glad I read these over the holidays, so staying up until 3 am to finish a book didn't affect my work life!)
Series side notes:
* I love Sam's journey. It's slow and messy and awesome. He also doesn't always win!
* The defendants - aren't always guilty, aren't always not guilty. They're definitely not all likable.
* Sometimes, I wanted to scream at Sam - for a variety of reasons. You'll see.
* I love how some of the relationships between lawyers, police / investigators, judges, etc, developed throughout the series.
* It wasn't that much of a character, more a simple setting, but I really want to travel to Wyoming!
Book 1 - Misjudged
Book 2 - One and Done
Book 3 - False Evidence
Book 4 - Capital Witness
Book 5 - Truthful Witness (Comes out Aug 29, 2023) Yeah. I have to wait. (so rude!)
Please tell me there are going to be more books in this series!
In the meantime, since I have to wait until almost Labor Day 2023 for Book 5, I've started checking out other authors by Severn River Publishing. Their authors are all military - either veterans or families of veterans / active-duty military. I've already snagged Unsympathetic Victims by Laura Snider.
August 23, 2023
Just fair!
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series by James Chandler, I was pretty disappointed in False Evidence, making it a book I would not recommend. My primary reason, by far, for this opinion is that Chandler created a lead female character that, to me, was totally unbelievable, as well as a cast of other characters which were mostly one dimensional. Even the series main character, lawyer Sam Johnstone, whom I liked a lot in the first two books in the series, suffered at times from “diminished credibility”. In addition, I felt that Chandler too often provided an excessive amount of “legalize”, which tended to slow down the flow of the plot of this legal thriller.
My disappointment in False Evidence, however, won’t keep me from reading the fourth books in the Sam Johnstone legal thriller series.
While I enjoyed the first two books in this series by James Chandler, I was pretty disappointed in False Evidence, making it a book I would not recommend. My primary reason, by far, for this opinion is that Chandler created a lead female character that, to me, was totally unbelievable, as well as a cast of other characters which were mostly one dimensional. Even the series main character, lawyer Sam Johnstone, whom I liked a lot in the first two books in the series, suffered at times from “diminished credibility”. In addition, I felt that Chandler too often provided an excessive amount of “legalize”, which tended to slow down the flow of the plot of this legal thriller.
My disappointment in False Evidence, however, won’t keep me from reading the fourth books in the Sam Johnstone legal thriller series.
January 18, 2025
An unusual story arc, while juvenile almost out of a comic book of incredible set-ups, makes the whole legal case interesting, not because of anything else but in the author's efforts to keep the villain out of the cell!
October 15, 2021
This is the third book in the Sam Johnstone series. Each book can be read as a standalone. This is a good courtroom drama. The courtroom scenes are interesting and the final outcome satisfying. This series is character driven as we watch Sam struggle with coming to terms with his time in the military. I did find his behavior annoying at times in this book, particularly his attraction to Lucy. Even though he has had his struggles to find his way in the previous books too, he just came across weaker in this one. Ultimately this is a good series with a main character you do want to root for even when you’re annoyed with him.
September 18, 2021
These Sam Johnstone books have me hooked, and False Evidence really dug into my psyche. There are aspects of Sam that I identify with to a very scary degree on a personal level. The start and end of this book really got to me in a way that I haven’t experienced in several decades, but needless to say, it brought back some very old memories that made me identify even more with Sam.
Story wise, Mr. Chandler did a great job setting up the story and the mystery surrounding all the events so that you start guessing at the who and why from the get-go. And then he pulled back the curtain a bit and exposed enough to give you an ah ha moment – I’m beginning to believe this is one of his signature moves.
The courtroom drama is excellent as usual. If you enjoy legal thrillers grab False Evidence especially if you’ve read Misjudged and One and Done grab this and settle in for the duration of the story. If you haven’t read the previous books, what are you waiting for? They are just as awesome as False Evidence. I received and Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
Story wise, Mr. Chandler did a great job setting up the story and the mystery surrounding all the events so that you start guessing at the who and why from the get-go. And then he pulled back the curtain a bit and exposed enough to give you an ah ha moment – I’m beginning to believe this is one of his signature moves.
The courtroom drama is excellent as usual. If you enjoy legal thrillers grab False Evidence especially if you’ve read Misjudged and One and Done grab this and settle in for the duration of the story. If you haven’t read the previous books, what are you waiting for? They are just as awesome as False Evidence. I received and Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
July 15, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up
October 13, 2021
I have read each of the Sam Johnstone books, and for me, they just keep getting better and better. Mr. Chandler has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He is an excellent storyteller, and I became so engrossed in the book that I gave up precious sleep to keep reading until I finished. Lucy, the client that Sam defends on a murder charge, is a well-written character that you just love to hate. There were so many times that I just wanted to punch her! I kept talking to Sam in my head, telling him to stay strong whenever he was around Lucy, because he seemed to almost melt into a puddle every time he came within a foot of her. I absolutely loved the ending of this book also. I received an advanced copy from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 17, 2021
I haven't read the previous books in this series, however, it did not impair my understanding of the story. False Evidence has a sound and well put together plot where the main characters Sam and Lucy could not be more opposite. She is a consummate liar and he is totally hinged on the truth, she wants money and feeds on the manipulation power she has, he suffers because he cannot tell what he believes is the truth. There is also the back play in the judge's chamber and between the lawyers which proves to be most interesting. And the most unbelievable part is that all her lies come crumbling down because of her greed and need for control, and that made me laugh. This story was a very pleasant surprise and most intriguing, and entertaining.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 22, 2024
what would the legal thriller be without author James Chandler
Bravo to a great book. I can’t put this author books down once I start reading them. They keep me up at night reading. Sam is a good honest man and lawyer. He believes in the justice system and he wants to play by the rules. I didn’t agree with his decision concerning Lucy case. She should’ve been held accountable. Lucy was a piece of work. She was such a bad person and actor. I don’t understand how she managed to dupe people into doing what she wanted. I felt sad for Vincent and all the other victims. They all deserved justice. I was happy for Mona but I was wondering what took her so long to seek out Sam with the letter. But it all ended well. I be so happy when Sam can forgive himself so his life can be a little more normal. He deserves to live a happy and normal life.
Bravo to a great book. I can’t put this author books down once I start reading them. They keep me up at night reading. Sam is a good honest man and lawyer. He believes in the justice system and he wants to play by the rules. I didn’t agree with his decision concerning Lucy case. She should’ve been held accountable. Lucy was a piece of work. She was such a bad person and actor. I don’t understand how she managed to dupe people into doing what she wanted. I felt sad for Vincent and all the other victims. They all deserved justice. I was happy for Mona but I was wondering what took her so long to seek out Sam with the letter. But it all ended well. I be so happy when Sam can forgive himself so his life can be a little more normal. He deserves to live a happy and normal life.
December 14, 2021
I have read the 3 books on Sam Johnstone.
the pages are full of mystery and surprises. The experts' testimonies in some of the cases get rather long and boring. Otherwise, the stories are good reads and I can't put them down until finished. I am now looking for Book #4 "Capital Justice" which is not available yet.
I want to find out if the Norquist man is getting ready to confess all.
Poor Sam, with his constant nightmares and lookbacks. I hope the vets today that are suffering from this malady are getting enough help to overcome some of this disease.
They are the heroes of the moment.
this series acquaints the reader with the seriousness of the affliction.
Can't wait for "Capital Justice."
the pages are full of mystery and surprises. The experts' testimonies in some of the cases get rather long and boring. Otherwise, the stories are good reads and I can't put them down until finished. I am now looking for Book #4 "Capital Justice" which is not available yet.
I want to find out if the Norquist man is getting ready to confess all.
Poor Sam, with his constant nightmares and lookbacks. I hope the vets today that are suffering from this malady are getting enough help to overcome some of this disease.
They are the heroes of the moment.
this series acquaints the reader with the seriousness of the affliction.
Can't wait for "Capital Justice."
May 23, 2023
Annoying
A book you get halfway through and realize you really don't care but have invested enough time so you just want to get it over with. In fact, it was almost painful to read. The defendant is a beautiful, lying murderer who you automatically hate. Sam us one dimensional with no redeeming qualities. He actually somewhat falls for this woman just because of her looks. I don't get the good reviews this book got. In addition to the other criticisms I mentioned it was predictable. And what's with the Judge and his activities mentioned that had no bearing on the story at all. Was it supposed to indicate he was involved? Again, as with the whole book - annoying!! Obviously I am done with this series and author.
A book you get halfway through and realize you really don't care but have invested enough time so you just want to get it over with. In fact, it was almost painful to read. The defendant is a beautiful, lying murderer who you automatically hate. Sam us one dimensional with no redeeming qualities. He actually somewhat falls for this woman just because of her looks. I don't get the good reviews this book got. In addition to the other criticisms I mentioned it was predictable. And what's with the Judge and his activities mentioned that had no bearing on the story at all. Was it supposed to indicate he was involved? Again, as with the whole book - annoying!! Obviously I am done with this series and author.
April 3, 2025
After clawing my way through a difficult book for a couple of weeks, it was time for something fun. James Chandler’s “False Evidence: A Legal Thriller,” fit the bill. Sam Johnstone, who is a veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan and battles PTSD and alcoholism; catches a court case with a client who is less than truthful accused of killing her lover. The author treats the reader to Sam’s ethical struggle as he attempts to “do the right thing,” yet fulfill, his responsibility to his client I think this is Chandler’s best book yet in this series. Why do I like Chandler? Sentences like this: “She cried like a raccoon eating a garbage can jalapeno,” and “Sam, your problem is that you are a moral man in an amoral business (law).” (364 pages)
December 12, 2021
A real page turner
I barely put this book down to eat or sleep. With lots of twists and turns that keep you wondering. This is the third book in a series about Sam Johnstone, an attorney and a disabled vet, both physically and mentally. I have read the previous books, and I recommend them all. That said, this a stand-alone book. The author gives you lots of information upfront and you think you know what’s happened and what’s going to happen but then lots of things change and you find out more and you can’t wait to find out how it ends. I can almost guarantee you won’t like Lucy.
I barely put this book down to eat or sleep. With lots of twists and turns that keep you wondering. This is the third book in a series about Sam Johnstone, an attorney and a disabled vet, both physically and mentally. I have read the previous books, and I recommend them all. That said, this a stand-alone book. The author gives you lots of information upfront and you think you know what’s happened and what’s going to happen but then lots of things change and you find out more and you can’t wait to find out how it ends. I can almost guarantee you won’t like Lucy.
October 1, 2021
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish reading this book! Sam is appointed to represent a woman accused of murder, but she is far less than truthful. Mr. Chandler’s storytelling is quite skilled, delivering a complex plot with well-developed characters. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
November 11, 2021
A complex man in the middle of a complex murder trail
This is the third book in a series about a army vet, now a lawyer and the cases he handles. Sam Johnstone is an alcoholic with PTSD. This can cause him difficulties professionally and personally. Each book centers on Sam's current client and their trail. I have been binge reading the series and can not wait to Finnish this review so I can start book four.
This is the third book in a series about a army vet, now a lawyer and the cases he handles. Sam Johnstone is an alcoholic with PTSD. This can cause him difficulties professionally and personally. Each book centers on Sam's current client and their trail. I have been binge reading the series and can not wait to Finnish this review so I can start book four.
May 18, 2022
Page Turner
Even though you know what has happened in this book, you want to find out if Lucy gets what is coming to her in court. Sam is a great lawyer, goes above and beyond to help his clients. It’s sad to see Sam suffer from PTSD so much and the reader wants him to find happiness and to stop drinking in excess. Enjoyable characters and storyline in this series. I look forward to reading book 4!
Even though you know what has happened in this book, you want to find out if Lucy gets what is coming to her in court. Sam is a great lawyer, goes above and beyond to help his clients. It’s sad to see Sam suffer from PTSD so much and the reader wants him to find happiness and to stop drinking in excess. Enjoyable characters and storyline in this series. I look forward to reading book 4!
October 9, 2025
Morality. Immorality. Amorality
Sam, the Veteran with PTSD and prosthesis, defends a murderess who behaves as if poster girl for borderline personality disorder. Characters from previous books offer continuity to small town disruptions in Wyoming. False evidence places Sam in a legal tail spin. Good to see Sam say yes to sobriety when his client threatens emotional blackmail. I have ordered book 4.
Sam, the Veteran with PTSD and prosthesis, defends a murderess who behaves as if poster girl for borderline personality disorder. Characters from previous books offer continuity to small town disruptions in Wyoming. False evidence places Sam in a legal tail spin. Good to see Sam say yes to sobriety when his client threatens emotional blackmail. I have ordered book 4.
October 12, 2021
Sam is faced with defending the wife of a missing college professor. Is he happy about this...no. It is an uphill battle to defend someone who won't even tell her own attorney the truth. How will it all end? In a refreshing story with great dialogue and characters. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 19, 2021
It was a good read and partly worth the wait for it to come out. The story/plot was a good one, but the client was a real PIA. Not sure if I'm interested enough to wait for the 4th book next year. I understand the concept to establish Sam's mental and physical liabilities, but I'm getting tired of it myself. I do like the law and courtroom portions the best; that's the only thing now that might keep me interested.
December 12, 2021
Gripping
The justice system. How it works and the defendants, the jury how it all ties together. The attorney is theme to do a job. It's bad for the innocent who needs the not guilty verdict but for the guilty who get off what a shame and for what the attorneys have to live with. Great book. Keeps you guessing.
The justice system. How it works and the defendants, the jury how it all ties together. The attorney is theme to do a job. It's bad for the innocent who needs the not guilty verdict but for the guilty who get off what a shame and for what the attorneys have to live with. Great book. Keeps you guessing.
January 13, 2022
Love this series
Not gonna lie, it took me a while to like Sam Johnstone. I really like the author's story telling style, I just couldn't fall in like with Sam. I appreciate that this series is not laced with profanity and gratuitous sex. I really enjoy the courtroom scenes and the play between law enforcement and the legal players. Can't wait for book 4.
Not gonna lie, it took me a while to like Sam Johnstone. I really like the author's story telling style, I just couldn't fall in like with Sam. I appreciate that this series is not laced with profanity and gratuitous sex. I really enjoy the courtroom scenes and the play between law enforcement and the legal players. Can't wait for book 4.
February 14, 2022
Book three in series. Long court room scenes very dry to get through. "Villain" Lucy Berretta a little too over the top with her machinations to beating the charges. Quick read at 360 some odd Kindle pages. I liked books one and two far more in this series. Wonder if a book four may come out ? A must read books one and two, Thee not so much. check it out.
March 5, 2022
Really enjoying this author and this series.
It’s obvious the author has military and a legal background. Great plots with twists and turns and a believable main character that I want to know more about. I’m ready to start the next book in this series and hope the author writes more!
It’s obvious the author has military and a legal background. Great plots with twists and turns and a believable main character that I want to know more about. I’m ready to start the next book in this series and hope the author writes more!
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March 25, 2022The storyline is the star
The main character is already established and the courtroom has to be the main location of the action. The explanation of legal points is just the right depth. The interaction of the characters fits well with the storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series.
The main character is already established and the courtroom has to be the main location of the action. The explanation of legal points is just the right depth. The interaction of the characters fits well with the storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 10, 2022
Great read!
As a lawyer who practices in Wyoming (and elsewhere), this is a fascinating read. The author moves the story with alacrity, paints a graphic picture, and compels the reader with the presentation. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The law is explained in ways that do not bore but provide yet another character for the author. Loved it.
As a lawyer who practices in Wyoming (and elsewhere), this is a fascinating read. The author moves the story with alacrity, paints a graphic picture, and compels the reader with the presentation. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The law is explained in ways that do not bore but provide yet another character for the author. Loved it.
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